Spontaneous Behavior Research Articles

Imaging plate scanners calibration and the attenuation behavior of imaging plate signals

Abstract Based on previously reported work, we propose a new method for calibrating image plate (IP) scanners, offering greater flexibility and convenience, which can be extended to the calibration tasks of various scanner models. This method was applied to calibrate the sensitivity of a GE Typhoon FLA 7000 scanner. Additionally, we performed a calibration of the spontaneous signal attenuation behavior for BAS-MS, BAS-SR, and BAS-TR type IPs under the 20±1 °C environmental conditions, and observed significant signal carrier diffusion behavior in BAS-MS IP. The calibration results lay a foundation for further research on the interaction between ultra-short, ultra-intense lasers and matter.

Fractionated brain X-irradiation profoundly reduces hippocampal immature neuron numbers without affecting spontaneous behavior in mice

Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is used to improve tumor control in patients with primary brain tumors, or brain metastasis from various primary tumors to improve tumor control. However, WBRT can lead to cognitive decline in patients. We assessed whether fractionated WBRT (fWBRT) affects spontaneous behavior of mice in automated home cages and cognition (spatial memory) using the Barnes maze.Male C57Bl/6j mice received bi-lateral fWBRT at a dosage of 4 Gy/day on 5 consecutive days. In line with previous reports, immunohistochemical analysis of doublecortin positive cells in the dentate gyrus showed a profound reduction in immature neurons 4 weeks after fWBRT. Surprisingly, spontaneous behavior as measured in automated home cages was not affected. Moreover, learning and memory measured with Barnes maze, was also not affected 4–6 weeks after fWBRT. At 10–11 weeks after fWBRT a significant difference in escape latency during the learning phase, but not in the probe test of the Barnes maze was observed.In conclusion, although we confirmed the serious adverse effect of fWBRT on neurogenesis 4 weeks after fWBRT, we did not find similar profound effects on spontaneous behavior in the automated home cage nor on learning abilities as measured by the Barnes maze. The relationship between the neurobiological effects of fWBRT and cognition seems more complex than often assumed and the choice of animal model, cognitive tasks, neurobiological parameters, and experimental set-up might be important factors in these types of experiments.

Insight into low-grade natural Linze palygorskite for composite particles preparation towards efficient wastewater treatment

Natural clay possesses advantages such as low cost and high adsorption capacity, rendering it a promising adsorbent for wastewater treatment. In this work, low-grade Linze palygorskite (LZ), comprising 20.5% palygorskite, was utilized as a representative material to synthesize polyvinylformal-LZ (PVFM-LZ) composite particles through cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with formaldehyde. The raw material ratio of LZ and PVA was maintained at a high level of 20:1. Meanwhile, high-purity montmorillonite (Mt) and palygorskite (Pal) were employed as raw materials to prepare PVFM-Mt and PVFM-Pal using the same method, enabling comparative analysis with PVFM-LZ. PVFM-LZ exhibited a notable adsorption capacity of 101.92 mg·g−1 for methylene blue, which was comparable to that of PVFM-Mt and PVFM-Pal. What’s more, owing to the tightly cross-linked network structure formed by PVFM, PVFM-LZ demonstrated minimal loss (2.53%) and swelling (8.0%) rates in water, facilitating easy separation and promoting recyclability. Even after six cycles, its adsorption efficiency remained above 85%. The structure, physicochemical properties and adsorption performance of the three composite particles were meticulously examined before and after adsorption. Kinetic, thermodynamic and isotherm adsorption models revealed that PVFM-LZ exhibited spontaneous surface-controlled monolayer adsorption behavior. The possible adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and intermolecular forces. This work may provide an experience for the adsorption application of low-grade natural clay in composite engineering.

Intranasal oxytocin suppresses seizure-like behaviors in a mouse model of NGLY1 deficiency

NGLY1 deficiency is a genetic disease caused by biallelic mutations of the Ngly1 gene. Although epileptic seizure is one of the most severe symptoms in patients with NGLY1 deficiency, preclinical studies have not been conducted due to the lack of animal models for epileptic seizures in NGLY1 deficiency. Here, we observed the behaviors of male and female Ngly1−/− mice by video monitoring and found that these mice exhibit spontaneous seizure-like behaviors. Gene expression analyses and enzyme immunoassay revealed significant decreases in oxytocin, a well-known neuropeptide, in the hypothalamus of Ngly1−/− mice. Seizure-like behaviors in Ngly1−/− mice were transiently suppressed by a single intranasal administration of oxytocin. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of oxytocin for epileptic seizure in patients with NGLY1 deficiency and contribute to the clarification of the disease mechanism.

Investigation on the binding behaviors of two dihydrochalcones to bovine serum albumin and their anti-glycation activities

The interactions of two dihydrochalcones (naringin dihydrochalcone (NGDC) and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and their anti-glycation effects were studied utilizing multiple spectral methods and molecular simulation technique. The findings proved that NGDC/NHDC could use a static quenching mechanism to reduce the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA, and the interaction between NGDC/NHDC and BSA was a spontaneous behavior with the binding constant ranging from 104 to 105M−1. Furthermore, NGDC and NHDC mainly interacted with the site I (subdomain IIA) of BSA via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, endorsed by molecular docking study. A conjoint analysis of circular dichroism, three-dimensional fluorescence, dynamic light scattering, and UV-vis absorption spectra confirmed that NGDC/NHDC could induce some alterations in the spatial conformation and microenvironment of BSA. Additionally, NGDC and NHDC inhibited the non-enzymatic glycation of BSA by decreasing the contents of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), trapping methylglyoxal/glyoxal and maintaining the stability of the natural conformation of the protein. Overall, these findings were highly beneficial in disclosing the interaction mechanisms between dihydrochalcones and BSA and providing valuable information for the application of dihydrochalcones as functional food ingredients.

Organization of spontaneous spatial behaviors under dark conditions is unaffected in adult male and female long-Evans rats after moderate prenatal alcohol exposure.

Prenatal alcohol exposure can produce disruptions in a wide range of cognitive functions, but it is especially detrimental to spatial navigation. In open environments, rodents organize their spatial behaviors around centralized locations, termed home bases, from which they make circuitous and slow locomotor trips (progressions) into the rest of the environment. Open-field behaviors are organized even under darkened test conditions, suggesting a role for self-motion cues (vestibular, motor, etc.). The impact of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (mPAE) on the organization of spontaneous open-field behaviors under darkened conditions has not been investigated. Here we tested adult female and male rats with mPAE or saccharin control exposure in a circular open field for 30 min in a testing room that was made completely dark. While general locomotion, as measured by reductions in travel distance and increased stop duration, decreased across the test session, the organization of these behaviors, as measured by stop duration, home base establishment, home base stability, progression accuracy, and scaling of peak speeds with progression length, did not differ between mPAE and saccharin control rats. Together, the findings strongly suggest that spontaneous movement organization in relation to self-motion cues remains intact in adult mPAE rats. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nerve injury triggers time-dependent activation of the locus coeruleus, influencing spontaneous pain-like behavior in rats.

Dynamic changes in neuronal activity and in noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) projections have been proposed during the transition from acute to chronic pain. Thus, we explored the cellular cFos activity of the LC and its projections, in conjunction with spontaneous pain-like behavior in neuropathic rats. Tyrosine hydroxylase:Cre and wild-type Long-Evans rats, males and females, were subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) for 2 (short-term, CCI-ST) or 30 days (long-term, CCI-LT), evaluating cFos and Fluoro-Gold expression in the LC, and its projections to the spinal cord (SC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). These tests were carried out under basal conditions (unstimulated) and following noxious mechanical stimulation. LC activity was evaluated through chemogenetic and pharmacological approaches, as were its projections, in association with spontaneous pain-like behaviors. CCI-ST enhanced basal cFos expression in the LC and in its projection to the SC, which increased further after noxious stimulation. Similar basal activation was found in the neurons projecting to the rACC, although this was not modified by stimulation. Strong basal cFos expression was found in CCI-LT, specifically in the projection to the rACC, which was again not modified by stimulation. No cFos expression was found in the CCI-LT LCipsi/contra→SC. Chemogenetics showed that CCI-ST is associated with greater spontaneous pain-like behavior when the LCipsi is blocked, or by selectively blocking the LCipsi→SC projection. Activation of the LCipsi or LCipsi/contra→SC dampened pain-like behavior. Moreover, DREADDs-mediated inactivation of the CCI-ST LCipsi→rACC or CCI-LT LCipsi/contra→rACC pathway, or intra-rACC antagonism of alpha-adrenoreceptors, also dampens pain-like behavior. In the short term, activation of the LC following CCI attenuates spontaneous pain-like behaviors via projections to the SC while increases nociception via projections to the rACC. In the long term, only the projections from the LC to the rACC contribute to modulate pain-like behaviors in this model.

A dual dynamically cross-linked hydrogel promotes rheumatoid arthritis repair through ROS initiative regulation and microenvironment modulation-independent triptolide release

High oxidative stress and inflammatory cell infiltration are major causes of the persistent bone erosion and difficult tissue regeneration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Triptolide (TPL) has become a highly anticipated anti-rheumatic drug due to its excellent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the sudden drug accumulation caused by the binding of “stimulus-response” and “drug release” in a general smart delivery system is difficult to meet the shortcoming of extreme toxicity and the demand for long-term administration of TPL. Herein, we developed a dual dynamically cross-linked hydrogel (SPT@TPL), which demonstrated sensitive RA microenvironment regulation and microenvironment modulation-independent TPL release for 30 days. The abundant borate ester/tea polyphenol units in SPT@TPL possessed the capability to respond and regulate high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels on-demand. Meanwhile, based on its dense dual crosslinked structure as well as the spontaneous healing behavior of numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed after the breakage of borate ester, TPL could remain stable and slowly release under high ROS environments of RA, which dramatically reduced the risk of TPL exerting toxicity while maximized its long-term efficacy. Through the dual effects of ROS regulation and TPL sustained-release, SPT@TPL alleviated oxidative stress and reprogrammed macrophages into M2 phenotype, showing marked inhibition of inflammation and optimal regeneration of articular cartilage in RA rat model. In conclusion, this hydrogel platform with both microenvironment initiative regulation and TPL long-term sustained release provides a potential scheme for rheumatoid arthritis.

IJCM_314A: Risk perceptions of heat related illnesses, assessing vulnerability and adaptive capacity of brick- kiln workers in a rural Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Heat is one of the physical hazards that can cause health problems in the workplace, Brick field workers are widely exposed to risk factors for heat-related illnesses. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are three of the most important means of preventing such illnesses. Objectives: To determine the predictors of risk perception and to assess the vulnerability and adaptive capacity regarding heat-related illness among brick field workers in Rural Puducherry. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June (2023). A total of 280 Brickfield workers were recruited from five rural commune areas of Puducherry, using the Multistage random sampling method. The data was collected on demographic characteristics, risk perception and spontaneous adaptation behaviours through KAP scores using structured questionnaires. Chi-square tests, correlation matrix and Linear Multiple regression models were employed to analyze the data. Results: 15.4% of the subjects suffered from HRIs, and 68.2% never received health education about HRIs. The mean for knowledge (K-score) was 13.5 (SD = 6.008) for attitudes (A-score) 4.21 (SD = 2.167) for practices (P-score) 4.23 (SD = 1.988). There were noticeable differences in KAP-score with respect to educational level (P < 0.05), income level (P < 0.05) and work relevant experience (P < 0.05). Eventually, higher educational achievements, higher income status and relevant years of work experience were positive predictors for higher risk perception. Conclusion: There is a large room for improving health risk perception and adaptation capacity to heat waves among the brickfield workers. It will be very important to develop health educational programmes and enrich systematic educational resources to raise awareness.

Density functional theory study of the reaction mechanism of aluminum nitride synthesis by sol–gel method

In recent years, aluminum nitride has undergone significant advancements and has found extensive application in optoelectronic and microelectronic devices due to its remarkable physicochemical properties. The quality of aluminum nitride powder plays a critical role in determining device performance, thus making the synthesis of high-quality powder a prominent area of research. The sol–gel method is a widely used approach for producing superior powders. In this study, we investigated the ammonolysis-polymerization mechanism of tris(dimethylamino)aluminum monomer and dimer using Gaussian16 software at the B3LYP-D3BJ/6-311G(d,p) level. Our objective was to provide theoretical guidance for the experimental synthesis of aluminum nitride powders using the sol–gel method. Our findings demonstrate that the ammonolysis reaction of tris(dimethylamino)aluminum dimer proceeds through six spontaneous steps. The two calculated polymerization steps also exhibit spontaneous behavior. All reactions demonstrate rapid occurrence, suggesting the theoretical feasibility of the ammonolysis-polymerization reaction of tris(dimethylamino)-aluminum dimer for synthesizing aluminum nitride.

Caffeine Extraction from Spent Coffee Grounds by Solid-liquid and Ultrasound-assisted Extraction: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study

Coffee is the most essential drink today, aside from water, the high consumption of coffee and the byproducts of its soluble industries such as spent coffee grounds can have a negative effect on the environment as a source of toxic organic compounds. Therefore, caffeine removal from the spent coffee ground can be applied as a method to limit the effect of its production on the environment. The aim of this study is to determine the kinetics and thermodynamics parameters and develop models for both processes based on the process parameters by using traditional solid-liquid extraction and Ultrasound-assisted extraction methods. The processes were performed at a temperature range of 25 to 55 °C for traditional and ultrasound baths, and experimental time ranged from 5- 60 min. The results demonstrated that under the above conditions, the extraction process applies to the pseudo-first-order reaction, where the rate constant K value increases with temperature. The transition state parameters were also discussed where these parameters indicated that the system of the process exhibited an activated complex formation state resulting in a thermodynamically unfavorable process, and the thermodynamic parameters at the equilibrium state were also evaluated in terms of the obtained yield percentage. The results also showed that the ultrasound-assisted bath process showed a spontaneous behavior at temperatures of 45 °C and 55 °C with D°G of -1192.9703 and - 2725.25 J/mole. On the other hand, for the traditional method, the extraction process was approaching a spontaneous behavior with the temperature increasing where at 25 °C the D°G value was 10379.944 J and at a temperature of 55 °C it reached 8004.26 J/mole.

Anisotropic adhesive interface formed by the spontaneous orientation behavior of liquid crystal polymers

Abstract Adhesive layers were prepared using photoreactive polymer liquid crystals and their application as dismantled adhesives, based on the change in thermal properties associated with photoisomerization, was investigated. Anisotropy in adhesive strength was successfully achieved by controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal using a polyimide alignment film. Furthermore, anisotropy in the adhesive strength due to photoalignment was investigated using the axis-selective photoreactivity of polymer liquid crystals to linearly polarized light.

Tenuifolin improves learning and memory by regulating long-term potentiation and dendritic structure of hippocampal CA1 area in healthy female mice but not male mice

Polygala tenuifolia Wild is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine. Its main component, tenuifolin (TEN), has been proven to improve cognitive impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases and ovariectomy. However, there was hardly any pharmacological research about TEN and its potential gender differences. Considering the reduction of TEN on learning and memory dysfunction in ovariectomized animals, therefore, we focused on the impact of TEN in different mice genders in the current study. Spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB), light-dark discrimination, and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to evaluate the mice's learning and memory abilities. The field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) of the hippocampal CA1 region was recorded using an electrophysiological method, and the morphology of the dendritic structure was examined using Golgi staining. In the behavioral experiments, TEN improved the correct rate in female mice in the SAB test, the correct rate in the light-dark discrimination test, and the number of crossing platforms in the MWM test. Additionally, TEN reduced the latency of female mice rather than male mice in light-dark discrimination and MWM tests. Moreover, TEN could significantly increase the slope of fEPSP in hippocampal Schaffer-CA1 and enhance the total length and the number of intersections of dendrites in the hippocampal CA1 area in female mice but not in male mice. Collectively, the results of the current study showed that TEN improved learning and memory by regulating long-term potentiation (LTP) and dendritic structure of hippocampal CA1 area in female mice but not in males. These findings would help to explore the improvement mechanism of TEN on cognition and expand the knowledge of the potential therapeutic value of TEN in the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Psychobiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JYLP-326: Antidepressant-like effects on CUMS-induced depressed mouse model and alleviation of gut microbiota dysbiosis

BackgroundDepression affects a significant portion of the global population and has emerged as one of the most debilitating conditions worldwide. Recent studies have explored the relationship between depression and the microbiota of the intestine, revealing potential avenues for effective treatment. MethodsTo evaluate the potential alleviation of depression symptoms, we employed a depression C57BL/6 mice model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). We administered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JYLP-326 and conducted various animal behavior tests, including the open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and tail-suspension test (TST). Additionally, we conducted immunohistochemistry staining and analyzed the hippocampal and colon parts of the mice. ResultsThe results of the behavior tests indicated that L. plantarum JYLP-326 alleviated spontaneous behavior associated with depression. Moreover, the treatment led to significant improvements in GFAP and Iba1, suggesting its potential neuroprotective effects. Analysis of the hippocampal region indicated that L. plantarum JYLP-326 administration upregulated p-TPH2, TPH2, and 5-HT1AR, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In the colon, the treatment inhibited the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and increased the levels of occludin and ZO-1, indicating improved intestinal barrier function. Additionally, the probiotic demonstrated a regulatory effect on the HMGB1-RAGE-TLR4 signaling pathway. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that L. plantarum JYLP-326 exhibits significant antidepressant-like effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for depression through the modulation of gut microbiota. However, further investigations and clinical trials are required to validate its safety and efficacy for human use.

Trend prediction of farmers’ spontaneous land transfer behavior: evidence from China

ABSTRACT Agricultural land transfer serves as a vital means to achieve economies of scale. This study endeavours to explore the trend of spontaneous arable land transfer and effective incentive strategies for land transfer. An agent-based model is constructed to simulate the dynamic process of land transfer decisions. The model focuses on predicting the proportion of the planting income, proportion of transferred land in total area and the involvement of farmers in land transfer activities within village. The prediction results illustrate a noticeable trend in land transfer, yet there are still opportunities for further advancement. The phenomenon of declining land transfer persists across the eastern, central, and western regions in the long term. The gap in farmer participation rate between central and western China is narrowing, although disparities persist in the proportion of land area transferred. Sensitivity analysis reveals that increasing wages and alternative sources of income, augmenting the likelihood of successful transfers, and reducing smaller farmers’ preference for land represent pivotal factors influencing the pace of land transfer processes.

Application of cohesive soil flow limit and slope critical flow angle

To investigate the relationship between moisture content in cohesive soils during spontaneous liquefaction and their corresponding critical slope failure angles. This study modified the liquid limit test apparatus originally developed by A. Atterberg in 1911, adapting it into a liquid-flow limit test apparatus. On-site soils from three actual cases of slope failures in Xiaolin Village, Jiasian District, Kaohsiung City, as well as soils from slope failures along the banks of Meilong River and Zengwun River were used for experiments involving different soil moisture content and slope failure angles. Based on the experimental findings, the moisture content which cohesive soils undergo spontaneous liquefaction was designated as the Flow Limit (FL), corresponding to the downslope angle at which circular failure occurs. This value represents the critical sliding angle at which spontaneous liquefaction occurs as a results of soil saturation. It also represents the maximum slope angle for exposed mudrock or clay slopes, and establishes the critical slope angle for vegetated slopes. Beyond this critical FL angle, all vegetation is susceptible to loss due to soil liquefaction. Furthermore, this study conducted FL tests on soils from thirteen tree holes in Kaohsiung City, two mountain slopes in Fengshan District, and the silty clay responsible for property damage and injuries during a landslide in Yanchao District on September 29, 2016, as a means of validation. The consistent test results observed reaffirm that different soils exhibit similar spontaneous liquefaction angles and flow limit behavior. These FL test results demonstrate a consistent pattern, reinforcing the notion of distinct curve characteristics that can be replicated across diverse soil compositions.

Steric and energetic studies on the influence of cellulose on the adsorption effectiveness of Mg trapped hydroxyapatite for enhanced remediation of chlorpyrifos and omethoate pesticides

Magnesium-trapped hydroxyapatite (Mg.HP) was hybridized with cellulose fiber to produce a bio-composite (CLF/HP) with enhanced adsorption affinities for two types of toxic pesticides (chlorpyrifos (CF) and omethoate (OM)). The enhancement influence of the hybridized cellulose on the adsorption performances of Mg.HP was illustrated based on the determined steric and energetic factors. The computed CF and OM adsorption performances of CLF/HP during the saturation phases are 279.8 mg/g and 317.9 mg/g, respectively, which are significantly higher than the determined values using Mg/HP (143.4 mg/g (CF) and 145.3 mg/g (OM)). The steric analysis demonstrates a strong impact of the hybridization process on the reactivity of the surface of the composite. While CLF/HP reflects effective uptake site densities (Nm) of 93.3 mg/g (CF) and 135.3 mg/g (OM), the estimated values for Mg.HP are 51.2 mg/g (CF) and 46.11 mg/g (OM), which explain the reported enhancement in the adsorption performances of the composite. The capacity of each uptake site to be occupied with more than one molecule (n (CF) = 3–3.74 and n (OM) = 2.35–3.54) suggests multimolecular uptake. The energetic factors suggested physical mechanistic processes of spontaneous and exothermic behaviors either during the uptake of CF or OM.

Effective adsorption of norfloxacin from water on magnetic biochar composite derived from cellulase hydrolysis apple branch: Synthesis optimization, performance assessment and mechanism insight

Based on the optimization of feedstock and temperature condition, we synthesized a novel biochar composite (CHMAB) by pyrolyzing apple branch after cellulase hydrolysis and magnetization as well as coating them with humic acid (HA). Compared with the simultaneously prepared magnetic biochar (MAB) and HA-coated magnetic biochar (HMAB), batch adsorption test results showed that CHMAB had the best norfloxacin (NOR) removal performance in a wide pH range (2−12). The endothermic and spontaneous adsorption behavior of NOR on CHMAB could be better suited to the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model with maximum absorption capacity (81.08 mg g−1) at 35℃. Pore filling, π-π EDA interactions, hydrogen bonding, surface complexation, electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions might all be implicated in the NOR removal process. Additionally, the regenerated CHMAB still maintained 99.23% removal efficiency for 0.1 mol L−1 NOR and performed well after seven cycles. These findings highlighted the possibility of enhancing the adsorption capacity of biochar for antibiotics by modification through cellulase hydrolysis of precursor and HA coating procedure. It is noteworthy that the use of low-cost agricultural and forestry wastes to produce adsorbents for emerging contaminants such as antibiotics could have greater potential for future practical applications under the ongoing dual carbon policy.

Chronic Constriction Injury of the Distal Infraorbital Nerve (DIoN-CCI) in Mice to Study Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain.

Animal models remain necessary tools to study neuropathic pain. This manuscript describes the distal infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (DIoN-CCI) model to study trigeminal neuropathic pain in mice. This includes the surgical procedures to perform the chronic constriction injury and the postoperative behavioral tests to evaluate the changes in spontaneous and evoked behavior that are signs of ongoing pain and mechanical allodynia. The methods and behavioral readouts are similar to the infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (IoN-CCI) model in rats. However, important changes are necessary for the adaptation of the IoN-CCI model to mice. First, the intra-orbital approach is replaced by a more rostral approach with an incision between the eye and the whisker pad. The IoN is thus ligated distally outside the orbital cavity. Secondly, due to the higher locomotor activity in mice, allowing rats to move freely in small cages is replaced by placing mice in custom-designed and constructed restraining devices. After DIoN ligation, mice exhibit changes in spontaneous behavior and in response to von Frey hair stimulation that are similar to those in IoN-CCI rats, i.e., increased directed face grooming and hyperresponsiveness to von Frey hair stimulation of the IoN territory.

Multimodal sensory control of motor performance by glycinergic interneurons of the mouse spinal cord deep dorsal horn

Sensory feedback is integral for contextually appropriate motor output, yet the neural circuits responsible remain elusive. Here, we pinpoint the medial deep dorsal horn of the mouse spinal cord as a convergence point for proprioceptive and cutaneous input. Within this region, we identify a population of tonically active glycinergic inhibitory neurons expressing parvalbumin. Using anatomy and electrophysiology, we demonstrate that deep dorsal horn parvalbumin-expressing interneuron (dPV) activity is shaped by convergent proprioceptive, cutaneous, and descending input. Selectively targeting spinal dPVs, we reveal their widespread ipsilateral inhibition onto pre-motor and motor networks and demonstrate their role in gating sensory-evoked muscle activity using electromyography (EMG) recordings. dPV ablation altered limb kinematics and step-cycle timing during treadmill locomotion and reduced the transitions between sub-movements during spontaneous behavior. These findings reveal a circuit basis by which sensory convergence onto dorsal horn inhibitory neurons modulates motor output to facilitate smooth movement and context-appropriate transitions.