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The Maternity Ring was developed as a free farrowing alternative to crates that preserved space whilst providing the sow with unrestricted movement. This experiment aimed to apply the Five Domains model to assess sow welfare in the Maternity Ring in comparison with the farrowing crate. Eighty-eight sows were housed in a farrowing crate (FC) and 83 in a Maternity Ring (MR), and measures collected focussed on nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state outcomes. MR sows consumed less feed than FC sows (total feed intake: 93.8  ±  3.06  kg vs. 111.2  ±  3.13  kg; p  <  0.001) but had reduced P2 backfat loss during lactation (0.0  ±  0.11 vs. 1.2  ±  0.11, p  <  0.001). Fewer frustrated and pain-related behaviours during farrowing were observed in MR sows (bar biting: FC 3.3  ±  2.12 vs. MR 0.5  ±  0.29 events, p  =  0.038, and back leg forward: FC 227  ±  50.7 vs. MR 127  ±  26.4 events, p  =  0.019), and a decreased proportion of MR sows had facial injuries after farrowing (10% CI [5, 20] vs. 67% CI [47, 95], p  <  0.001). More FC sows had udder damage at weaning (70% CI [48, 97] vs. 10% CI [6, 24], p  <  0.001), and their piglets were medicated more frequently when compared to those in MR (51% CI [40, 61] vs. 30% [21, 41], p  =  0.008). MR sows tended to have a higher reaction score to piglet processing (MR 2.0  ±  0.38 vs. FC 1.2  ±  0.27, p  =  0.094) and had more contact with piglets once the procedure was complete than FC sows (13.5  ±  2.55 vs. 6.9  ±  1.26 events, respectively, p  =  0.016). Whilst there was no difference in anticipation of a feeding event (p  >  0.05), MR sows displayed a reduced startle response to an aversive noise stimulus at day 18 (FC 2.8  ±  0.35, MR 0.7  ±  0.16, p  <  0.001). Using the Five Domains framework, sows housed in the MR during farrowing and lactation have improved welfare than those in FC and can be thought of as being in a positive affective state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capture and manipulation are an integral part of wildlife research and management. These practices, however, can affect animals either directly or indirectly, and studies should generally evaluate the consequences of captures to ensure animal welfare and reduce sampling bias. Here, we investigated the indirect, behavioural effects of live‐capture on escape response to humans in Alpine marmot Marmota marmota within the Stelvio National Park (central Italian Alps) over three seasons (2021–2023). We used flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of escape response and tested it in relation to capture status using linear mixed modelling. Captures did not have any detectable effect on escape response, and FID was best explained by covariates such as starting distance, distance to nearest burrow, current behaviour during the observation and year of observation. It might be that, in marmots, escape response to humans is a rather inert behaviour. As such, although we cannot rule out unmeasured effects, capture may not represent an excessively traumatic experience which could trigger immediate behavioural modification. In turn, capture is unlikely to compromise animal welfare or cause scientific bias in studies investigating escape response in this species, at least over the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex serves as a pre‐cognitive marker of sensorimotor gating, and its deficit may predict cognitive impairments. Startle reflex is modulated by many factors. Among them, stress has been a topic of interest, but its effects on both pre‐cognitive and cognitive variables continue to yield divergent results. This study aims to analyze the effect of acute stress on PPI of the startle reflex and cognitive function (working memory, attention, inhibition, and verbal fluency). Participants were exposed to the MAST stress induction protocol or a stress‐neutral task: stress group (n = 54) or control group (n = 54). Following stress induction, participants' startle responses were recorded, and cognition was assessed. The results revealed that participants in the stress group exhibited greater startle magnitude, lower PPI, and lower scores in working memory tests compared with the control group. Additionally, a correlation was found between working memory and PPI across all the participants, independent of stress group. These findings support the notion that after stress, both greater startle magnitude and diminished PPI could play an adaptive role by allowing for increased processing of stimuli potentially dangerous and stress‐related. Similarly, our results lend support to the hypothesis that lower PPI may be predictive of cognitive impairment. Considering the impact of stress on both pre‐cognitive (PPI) and cognitive (working memory) variables, we discuss the possibility that the effect of stress on PPI occurs through motivational priming and emphasize the relevance of considering stress in both basic and translational science. Our findings revealed that acute stress increased startle response magnitude, while reducing prepulse inhibition (PPI) and working memory scores. These results align with the notion that following stress, reduced PPI could play an adaptive role by enhancing the processing of stimuli potentially dangerous for survival. Similarly, the outcomes support the hypothesis that lower PPI may predict cognitive impairment. The impact of stress on pre‐cognitive and cognitive variables emphasizes its significance in clinical and research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The estrous cycle does not affect the innate startle but influences fear learning. • In high-anxious females, hormonal increase during proestrus reduces learned fear. • In BLA, 5-HT reduces potentiated startle by combining with estrous cycle hormones. • In BLA, 5-HT interacts with female hormones likely through 5-HT1A receptors. • DPAG stimulation of high-anxious females increases the response to stressful stimuli. Despite significant advances in the study of fear and fear memory formation, little is known about fear learning and expression in females. This omission has been proven surprising, as normal and pathological behaviors are highly influenced by ovarian hormones, particularly estradiol and progesterone. In the current study, we investigated the joint influence of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission and estrous cycle phases (low or high levels of estradiol and progesterone) on the expression of conditioned fear in a group of female rats that were previously divided according to their response to stressful stimuli into low or high anxiety-like subjects. The baseline amplitude of the unconditioned acoustic startle responses was high in high-anxiety female rats, with no effect on the estrous cycle observed. Data collected during the proestrus-estrus phase revealed that low-anxiety rats had startle amplitudes similar to those of high-anxiety rats. It is supposed that high-anxiety female rats benefit from increased estradiol and progesterone levels to achieve comparable potentiated startle amplitudes. In contrast, female rats experienced a significant decrease in hormone levels during the Diestrus phase. This decrease is believed to play a role in preventing them from displaying a heightened startle response when faced with strongly aversive stimuli. Data collected after 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT were administered into the basolateral nuclei and dorsal periaqueductal gray suggest that 5-HT neurotransmission works with progesterone and estrogen to reduce startle potentiation, most likely by activating the serotonin-1A receptor subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escape behaviors help animals avoid harm from predators and other threats in the environment. Successful escape relies on integrating information from multiple stimulus modalities (of external or internal origin) to compute trajectories toward safe locations, choose between actions that satisfy competing motivations, and execute other strategies that ensure survival. To this end, escape behaviors must be adaptive. When a Drosophila melanogaster larva encounters a noxious stimulus, such as the focal pressure a parasitic wasp applies to the larval cuticle via its ovipositor, it initiates a characteristic escape response. The escape sequence consists of an initial abrupt bending, lateral rolling, and finally rapid crawling. Previous work has shown that the detection of noxious stimuli primarily relies on class IV multi-dendritic arborization neurons (Class IV neurons) located beneath the body wall, and more recent studies have identified several important components in the nociceptive neural circuitry involved in rolling. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie the rolling-escape sequence remain unclear. Here, we present both functional and anatomical evidence suggesting that bilateral descending neurons within the subesophageal zone of D. melanogaster larva play a crucial role in regulating the termination of rolling and subsequent transition to escape crawling. We demonstrate that these descending neurons (designated SeIN128) are inhibitory and receive inputs from a second-order interneuron upstream (Basin-2) and an ascending neuron downstream of Basin-2 (A00c). Together with optogenetic experiments showing that co-activation of SeIN128 neurons and Basin-2 influence the temporal dynamics of rolling, our findings collectively suggest that the ensemble of SeIN128, Basin-2, and A00c neurons forms a GABAergic feedback loop onto Basin-2, which inhibits rolling and thereby facilitates the shift to escape crawling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When mechanical stimulation was applied to free swimming Paramecium, forward swimming velocity transiently increased due to activation of the posterior mechanosensory channels. The behavior response, known as “escape response,” requires membrane hyperpolarization and the activation of K‐channel type adenylate cyclases. Our hypothesis is that this escape response also involves activation of hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels. HCN channels are activated by hyperpolarization and are modulated by cyclic nucleotides such as cAMP and cGMP. They play a critical role in many excitable cells in higher animals. If HCN channels act in Paramecium, this should help to enhance and prolong hyperpolarization, thereby increasing the swimming speed of Paramecium. This study used RNAi to examine the role of the HCN channel 1 in the escape responses by generating hcn1‐gene knockdown cells (hcn1‐KD). These cells showed reduced mechanically‐stimulated escape responses and a lack of cGMP‐dependent increases in swimming speed. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated reduced hyperpolarization upon injection of large negative currents in hcn1‐KD cells. This is consistent with a decrease in HCN1 channel activity and changes in the escape response. These findings suggest that HCN1 channels are K+ channels that regulate the escape response of Paramecium by amplifying the hyperpolarizations elicited by posterior mechanical stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a phenomenon where a weak prepulse stimulus inhibits the startle reflex to a subsequent stronger stimulus, which can be induced by various sensory stimulus modalities such as visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli. Methods: This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying auditory PPI by focusing on the deep layers of the superior colliculus (deepSC) and the inferior colliculus (IC) in rats. Nineteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with electrodes in the left deepSC and the right IC, and electrophysiological recordings were conducted under anesthesia to observe the frequency following responses (FFRs) to startle stimuli with and without prepulse stimuli. Results: Our results showed that in the deepSC, narrowband noise as a prepulse stimulus significantly inhibited the envelope component of the startle response, while the fine structure component remained unaffected. However, this inhibitory effect was not observed in the IC or when the prepulse stimulus was a gap. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the deepSC plays a crucial role in the neural circuitry of PPI, particularly in the modulation of the envelope component of the startle response. The differential effects of narrowband noise and gap as prepulse stimuli also indicate distinct neural pathways for sound-induced PPI and Gap-PPI. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into sensory processing and potential therapeutic targets for disorders involving impaired PPI, such as tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Startle habituation and prepulse inhibition (PPI) are distinct measures of different sensory information processes, yet both result in the attenuation of the startle reflex. Identifying startle habituation and PPI neural mechanisms in humans has mostly evolved from acoustic-focused rodent models. Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have used tactile startle paradigms to avoid the confounding effects of gradient-related acoustic noise on auditory paradigms and blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) measures. This study aimed to examine the neurofunctional basis of acoustic startle habituation and PPI in humans with silent fMRI. Methods: Using silent fMRI and simultaneous electromyography (EMG) to measure startle, the neural correlates of acoustic short-term startle habituation and PPI [stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA) of 60  ms and 120  ms] were investigated in 42 healthy adults (28 females). To derive stronger inferences about brain-behaviour correlations at the group-level, models included EMGassessed measures of startle habituation (regression slope) or PPI (percentage) as a covariate. A linear temporal modulator was modelled at the individual-level to characterise functional changes in neural activity during startle habituation. Results: Over time, participants showed a decrease in startle response (habituation), accompanied by decreasing thalamic, striatal, insula, and brainstem activity. Startle habituation was associated with the linear temporal modulation of BOLD response amplitude in several regions, with thalamus, insula, and parietal lobe activity decreasing over time, and frontal lobe, dorsal striatum, and posterior cingulate activity increasing over time. The paradigm yielded a small amount of PPI (9–13%). No significant neural activity for PPI was detected. Discussion: Startle habituation was associated with the thalamus, putamen, insula, and brainstem, and with linear BOLD response modulation in thalamic, striatal, insula, parietal, frontal, and posterior cingulate regions. These findings provide insight into the mediation and functional basis of the acoustic primary startle circuit. Instead, whilst reduced compared to conventional MRI, scanner noise may have disrupted prepulse detection and processing, resulting in low PPI and impacting our ability to map its neural signatures. Our findings encourage optimisation of the MRI environment for acoustic PPI-based investigations in humans. Combining EMG and functional neuroimaging methods shows promise for mapping short-term startle habituation in healthy and clinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooplankton exhibit diverse swimming behaviors to reposition themselves in the water column, feed, find mates, and avoid predation. Environmental stressors that modify behavior can have cascading effects on population distributions and predator–prey interactions. Understanding zooplankton population dynamics is challenging, largely because traditional methods for quantifying zooplankton distributions are costly, limited in scope, and require extended analysis by trained analysts. We developed a novel methodology that combined remotely deployed camera systems, machine learning‐based identification of zooplankton, and video‐based tracking technology to quantify copepod and amphipod in situ swimming behavior in Hood Canal, WA, USA, a seasonally hypoxic and acidified fjord. Behavioral analysis showed copepods of all sizes swam on average 24% slower in stressful (hypoxic and acidified) waters relative to non‐stressful waters. Copepods exhibited less frequent escape responses in stressful waters, with a 68% decrease in the amount of time spent “jumping” for copepods 1–2 mm in length. Interestingly, abundances of small copepods increased in stressful waters, with 56% more 1–2 mm long copepods in stressful vs. non‐stressful conditions. In contrast, amphipods' average “darting” speeds did not differ between environmental conditions, but the abundance of amphipods significantly decreased in stressful waters relative to non‐stressful waters, suggesting avoidance of stressful conditions. Changes in swimming behavior are informative metrics in understanding ecosystem impacts of environmental stress because swimming speed has individual, population, and community‐level implications. Our results suggest that, among copepods, in situ behaviors may be useful proxies in monitoring the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent models of tinnitus are commonly used to study its mechanisms and potential treatments. Tinnitus can be identified by changes in the gap-induced prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS), most commonly by using pressure detectors to measure the whole-body startle (WBS). Unfortunately, the WBS habituates quickly, the measuring system can introduce mechanical oscillations and the response shows considerable variability. We have instead used a motion tracking system to measure the localized motion of small reflective markers in response to an acoustic startle reflex in guinea pigs and mice. For guinea pigs, the pinna had the largest responses both in terms of displacement between pairs of markers and in terms of the speed of the reflex movement. Smaller, but still reliable responses were observed with markers on the thorax, abdomen and back. The peak speed of the pinna reflex was the most sensitive measure for calculating GPIAS in the guinea pig. Recording the pinna reflex in mice proved impractical due to removal of the markers during grooming. However, recordings from their back and tail allowed us to measure the peak speed and the twitch amplitude (area under curve) of reflex responses and both analysis methods showed robust GPIAS. When mice were administered high doses of sodium salicylate, which induces tinnitus in humans, there was a significant reduction in GPIAS, consistent with the presence of tinnitus. Thus, measurement of the peak speed or twitch amplitude of pinna, back and tail markers provides a reliable assessment of tinnitus in rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GARS1) is differentially expressed across cancers. In this study, the value of GARS1 in the diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers was comprehensively evaluated by multiple omics integrative pan-cancer analysis and experimental verification. Through Kaplan–Meier, ROC and multiple databases, we explored GARS1 expression and prognostic and diagnostic patterns across cancers. The GARS1 relative reaction network was identified in PPI, GO, KEGG, methylation models and the genetic mutation atlas. Further research on the GARS1 value in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) was conducted by regression and nomogram models. We further analyzed the correlation between GARS1 and immune markers and cells in BLCA. Finally, in vitro experiments were used to validate GARS1 the oncogenic function of GARS1 in BLCA. We found that GARS1 was highly expressed across cancers, especially in BLCA. GARS1 expression was correlated with poor survival and had high diagnostic value in most tumor types. GARS1 is significantly associated with tRNA-related pathways whose mutation sites are mainly located on tRNA synthetase. In addition, Upregulation of GARS1 was connected with immune cell infiltration and five key MMR genes. M2 macrophages, TAMs, Th1 and T-cell exhaustion, and marker sets associated with GARS1 expression indicated specific immune infiltration in BLCA. Finally, in vitro experiments validated that GARS1 expression promotes BLCA cell proliferation and metastasis and inhibits apoptosis. Overall, GARS1 can be a novel prognostic and immunological biomarker through multiple omics integrative pan-cancer analysis. The expression of GARS1 in BLCA was positively correlated with specific immune infiltration, indicating that GARS1 might be related to the tumor immune microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how sensory processing demands affect the ability to ignore task‐irrelevant, loud auditory stimuli (LAS) during a task is key to performance in dynamic environments. For example, tennis players must ignore crowd noise to perform optimally. We investigated how practice affects this ability by examining the effects of delivering LASs during preparatory phase of an anticipatory timing (AT) task on the voluntary and reflexive responses in two conditions: lower and higher visual processing loads. Twenty‐four participants (mean age = 23.1, 11 females) completed the experiment. The AT task involved synchronizing a finger abduction response with the last visual stimulus item in a sequence of four Gabor grating patches briefly flashed on screen. The lower demand condition involved only this task, and the higher demand condition required processing the orientations of the patches to report changes in the final stimulus item. Our results showed that higher visual processing demands affected the release of voluntary actions, particularly in the first block of trials. When the perceptual load was lower, responses were released earlier by the LAS compared to the high‐load condition. Practice reduced these effects largely, but high perceptual load still led to earlier action release in the second block. In contrast, practice led to more apparent facilitation of eyeblink latency in the second block. These findings indicate that a simple perceptual load manipulation can impact the execution of voluntary motor actions, particularly for inexperienced participants. They also suggest distinct movement preparation influences on voluntary and involuntary actions triggered by acoustic stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of function (LoF) mutations affecting the histone methyl transferase SETD1A are implicated in the aetiology of a range of neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia. We examined indices of development and adult behaviour in a mouse model of Setd1a haploinsufficiency, revealing a complex pattern of sex-related differences spanning the pre- and post-natal period. Specifically, male Setd1a+/- mice had smaller placentae at E11.5 and females at E18.5 without any apparent changes in foetal size. In contrast, young male Setd1a+/- mice had lower body weight and showed enhanced growth, leading to equivalent weights by adulthood. Embryonic whole brain RNA-seq analysis revealed expression changes that were significantly enriched for mitochondria-related genes in Setd1a+/ samples. In adulthood, we found enhanced acoustic startle responding in male Setd1a+/- mice which was insentitive to the effects of risperidone, but not haloperidol, both commonly used antipsychotic drugs. We also observed reduced pre-pulse inhibition of acoustic startle, a schizophrenia-relevant phenotype, in both male and female Setd1a+/- mice which could not be rescued by either drug. In the open field and elevated plus maze tests of anxiety, Setd1a haplosufficiency led to more anxiogenic behaviour in both sexes, whereas there were no differences in general motoric ability and memory. Thus, we find evidence for changes in a number of phenotypes which strengthen the support for the use of Setd1a haploinsufficient mice as a model for the biological basis of schizophrenia. Furthermore, our data point towards possible underpinning neural and developmental mechanisms that may be subtly different between the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aberrant expression of specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Although a growing number of lncRNAs are now known to regulate neural cell development and function, relatively few lncRNAs have been shown to underlie animal behavior. Pnky is an evolutionarily conserved, neural lncRNA that regulates brain development. Using mouse genetic strategies, we show that Pnky has sex-specific roles in mouse behavior and that this lncRNA can underlie specific behavior by functioning in trans. Male Pnky-knockout mice have decreased context generalization in a paradigm of associative fear learning and memory. In female Pnky-knockout mice, there is an increase in the acoustic startle response, a behavior that is altered in affective disorders. Remarkably, expression of Pnky from a bacterial artificial chromosome transgene decreases the acoustic startle response in female Pnky-knockout mice, demonstrating that Pnky can modulate specific animal behavior by functioning in trans. More broadly, these studies illustrate how specific lncRNAs can underlie cognitive and mood disorders. Relatively few lncRNAs have been shown to regulate animal behavior. Here, Saha et al. use mouse genetic methods to show that the lncRNA Pnky can underlie specific mouse behavior by functioning in trans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroids are among the most widely used insecticides. Fenvalerate (FEN), a synthetic pyrethroid, is frequently used in domestic and agricultural settings to control insects which ultimately find its way into the aquatic ecosystems. The larval stages of amphibians, which are experiencing a rapid population decline, are spent in aquatic habitats, thus making them vulnerable to FEN exposure. The potential toxic effects of pyrethoids in general and FEN in particular are not well understood. The present study was carried out to assess the toxicity of FEN in tadpoles of Fejervarya limnocharis. FEN at different concentrations (0, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 mg/L) induced substantial lethal effects. The estimated LC50 values were 8.54, 6.73, 5.44, and 4.44 mg/L at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h respectively. Exposure to environmentally relevant sub-lethal concentrations delayed metamorphosis and reduced survivality. FEN was found to be genotoxic in erythrocyte micronucleus and comet assay. Further, sub-lethal concentrations of FEN adversely affected the antioxidant defense mechanism of the exposed individuals with parallel increase oxidative damage to membrane lipids. The swimming behavior in the form of startle response, swirl response, and total movements was decreased with a concomitant decrease in AChE activity. In addition, FEN exhibited significant cardiotoxicity by decreasing the cardiac rate of the exposed individuals. The present findings clearly indicate that FEN can cause significant toxicity to the tadpoles of F. limnocharis affecting their survival and fitness in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: myo7aa, the homolog of the human Usher 1B syndrome pathogenic gene, myo7A, plays an important role in stereociliary development and maintenance, therefore, is critical for hearing and balance. However, the molecular mechanisms that myo7aa regulate hearing and balance still need to be studied. Methods: In this study, we generated two independent zebrafish myo7aa knockout lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To investigate the effects of myo7aa on hearing, YO-PRO-1 staining and startle response assay were used. To gain insight into the specific molecular mechanisms by which myo7aa affects hearing, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were employed. Results: Our study showed that hair cells of myo7aa-/-zebrafish can not take up YO-PRO-1 fluorescent dye and are insensitive to acoustic stimulation in myo7aa-/- zebrafish compared to wild type. Genes related to the Rho GTPase signaling pathway, such as arhgap33, dab2ip, and arghef40, are significantly down-regulated in myo7aa-/- zebrafish embryos at 3 dpf. GTP and ATP compensation can partially rescue the hair cell defects in myo7aa knockout zebrafish. Discussion: Our findings suggest that zebrafish myo7aa affects congenital hearing by regulating Rho GTPase signaling, and loss of myo7aa leads to abnormal Rho GTPase signaling and impairs hair cell function. myo7aa, myo7A, arhgap33, dab2ip, arghef40 and myo7aa-/-fonts in the abstract are italicized. -/- is a superscript format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the promising role of alpha and delta power in reflecting reduced approach disposition in depression, to date, it is unclear whether these measures can be employed to identify at-risk individuals. Hence, the present study investigated affective disposition in 32 unaffected individuals with a family history of depression (23 F) and 30 individuals without a family history of depression (21 F) through a data-driven analysis of alpha and delta time-frequency power during the viewing of pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant pictures. Different patterns of posterior alpha asymmetry emerged within each group. Particularly, controls showed greater right posterior alpha desynchronization ~ 600 ms following emotional relative to neutral pictures presentation. Conversely, the group with a family history of depression showed greater posterior left alpha desynchronization only to unpleasant relative to neutral images in a later time window (> 900 ms). Hence, depression vulnerability seems to be characterized by a blunted reactivity to pleasant and delayed reactivity to unpleasant stimuli with a distinct posterior distribution relative to the controls. Finally, the two groups showed a comparable pattern of greater delta power to emotional relative to neutral cues. Overall, initial support was provided for the employment of time-frequency alpha power changes during affective processing in identifying blunted approach disposition in unaffected at-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency-following response (FFR) is an evoked potential that provides a neural index of complex sound encoding in the brain. FFRs have been widely used to characterize speech and music processing, experience-dependent neuroplasticity (e.g., learning and musicianship), and biomarkers for hearing and language-based disorders that distort receptive communication abilities. It is widely assumed that FFRs stem from a mixture of phase-locked neurogenic activity from the brainstem and cortical structures along the hearing neuraxis. In this study, we challenge this prevailing view by demonstrating that upwards of ~50% of the FFR can originate from an unexpected myogenic source: contamination from the postauricular muscle (PAM) vestigial startle reflex. We measured PAM, transient auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), and sustained frequency-following response (FFR) potentials reflecting myogenic (PAM) and neurogenic (ABR/FFR) responses in young, normal-hearing listeners with varying degrees of musical training. We first establish that PAM artifact is present in all ears, varies with electrode proximity to the muscle, and can be experimentally manipulated by directing listeners' eye gaze toward the ear of sound stimulation. We then show this muscular noise easily confounds auditory FFRs, spuriously amplifying responses 3–4-fold with tandem PAM contraction and even explaining putative FFR enhancements observed in highly skilled musicians. Our findings expose a new and unrecognized myogenic source to the FFR that drives its large inter-subject variability and cast doubt on whether changes in the response typically attributed to neuroplasticity/pathology are solely of brain origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and respective shutdowns dramatically altered human activities, potentially changing human pressures on urban-dwelling animals. Here, we use such COVID-19-induced variation in human presence to evaluate, across multiple temporal scales, how urban birds from five countries changed their tolerance towards humans, measured as escape distance. We collected 6369 escape responses for 147 species and found that human numbers in parks at a given hour, day, week or year (before and during shutdowns) had a little effect on birds' escape distances. All effects centered around zero, except for the actual human numbers during escape trial (hourly scale) that correlated negatively, albeit weakly, with escape distance. The results were similar across countries and most species. Our results highlight the resilience of birds to changes in human numbers on multiple temporal scales, the complexities of linking animal fear responses to human behavior, and the challenge of quantifying both simultaneously in situ. A study on urban birds' tolerance towards humans highlights their resilience to changes in human numbers, induced by COVID-19 shutdowns, across multiple temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural syndromes are suites of behaviours that corelate between-individuals but the same behaviours may also show within-individual correlations owing to state dependency or trade-offs. Therefore, overall phenotypic behavioural correlations must be separated into their between- and within-individual components. We investigate how startle response duration (an index of boldness) and time taken to reject an inert item (an index of investigation thoroughness) covary in beadlet sea anemones, Actinia equina. Anemones took longer to reject a more complex item compared to a simpler one, validating this measure of investigation thoroughness. We then quantified between- and within-individual correlations using a Bayesian analysis and an alternative frequentist analysis, which returned the same results. Startle responses decreased with anemone size while thoroughness decreased across repeated observations, indicative of simple learning. For each behaviour, repeatability was significant but relatively low and there was no behavioural syndrome. Rather, the two behaviours showed a negative within-individual correlation in most individuals. Thus, boldness and thoroughness are unlikely to be under correlative selection, and they may instead be expressed independently, in line with the general pattern that cross-contextual behavioural syndromes are comparatively rare. It now appears that this pattern may extend broadly across animal diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, anxiety, hyperactivity, and interest restricted to specific subjects. In addition to the genetic factors, multiple environmental factors have been related to the development of ASD. Animal models can serve as crucial tools for understanding the complexity of ASD. In this study, a chemical model of ASD has been developed in zebrafish by exposing embryos to valproic acid (VPA) from 4 to 48 h post-fertilization, rearing them to the adult stage in fish water. For the first time, an integrative approach combining behavioral analysis and neurotransmitters profile has been used for determining the effects of early-life exposure to VPA both in the larval and adult stages. Larvae from VPA-treated embryos showed hyperactivity and decreased visual and vibrational escape responses, as well as an altered neurotransmitters profile, with increased glutamate and decreased acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels. Adults from VPA-treated embryos exhibited impaired social behavior characterized by larger shoal sizes and a decreased interest for their conspecifics. A neurotransmitter analysis revealed a significant decrease in dopamine and GABA levels in the brain. These results support the potential predictive validity of this model for ASD research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Several studies provide clear evidence that exposure to various infections during pregnancy are linked with an increased risk for schizophrenia. In preclinical studies, administration of polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) in pregnant rodents can induce maternal immune activation leading to impairments in brain function in the offspring.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vortioxetine, a multimodal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in the pathophysiology of Poly I:C‐induced schizophrenia‐like model in rats.For this purpose, Poly I:C (8 mg/kg, ip) was injected into pregnant animals 14 days after mating, and tail blood was taken for determination of IL‐6 levels after 2 h. At postnatal days 83–86, behavioral tests were performed.Our results revealed that Poly I:C caused impairments in prepulse inhibition, novel object recognition, social interaction, and open‐field tests. Chronic administration of vortioxetine (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, ip, postnatal days 69–83) caused significant improvements in these deficits.Overall, our findings indicate that vortioxetine may provide new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of schizophrenia. We think that increased serotonergic activity in frontal brain regions may provide the ameliorative effect of vortioxetine, especially on negative and cognitive symptoms. Therefore, it will be useful to determine the efficacy of vortioxetine with combined drugs with further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, prey species exhibit various reactions to predators, including avoidance, fighting and freezing. Acoustic communication associated with mobbing has been depicted in numerous tetrapod species. This sonic behaviour remains however largely unknown in fish although mobbing has been shown in different coral reef fish as a response to predation risk. This study focused on the communication strategy of prey species in the presence of predators. We tested the reaction of the holocentrid Sargocentron caudimaculatum when facing a moray eel and compared the sounds they produced against the predator with sounds produced when the fish are hand-held, recorded in standardized conditions. When introduced in mesocosms to a moray eel, S. caudimaculatum produced distinct distress sounds, resembling staccato calls, and swam towards the predator with their heads pointed in its direction and their dorsal fin erected. This observation supports a mobbing behaviour with specimens shifting from an escape behaviour to an aggressive response in presence of predator. Moreover, these sounds are different from those emitted during manual handling. This difference in acoustic signal suggests the coexistence of multiple warning/alarm sounds in this species. Holocentrids can produce different kinds of sounds witnessing their ability to provide graded information based on the perceived predation risk. We suggest that species of this family would be a suitable and promising group with which to test the hypothesis of acoustic coordination where individuals could inform their conspecifics about an increase in the immediate predation risk through appropriate alarm calls and trigger an escape response of the group if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on hereditary hyperekplexia (HPX), a rare disorder characterized by exaggerated startle response and generalized muscle stiffness, often presenting in infancy. It discusses the standard treatment with clonazepam and explores the novel use of trihexyphenidyl to alleviate persistent generalized stiffness episodes in patients unresponsive to clonazepam.

Whether the long-term treatment of patients with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with different diseases [GERD, Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES), etc.] can result in vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency is controversial. In this study, in 175 patients undergoing long-term ZES treatment with anti-acid therapies, drug-induced control acid secretory rates were correlated with the presence/absence of VB12 deficiency, determined by assessing serum VB12 levels, measurements of VB12 body stores (blood methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine[tHYC]), and other features of ZES. After a mean of 10.2 yrs. of any acid treatment (5.6 yrs. with PPIs), 21% had VB12 deficiency with significantly lower serum and body VB12 levels (p < 0.0001). The presence of VB12 deficiency did not correlate with any feature of ZES but was associated with a 12-fold lower acid control rate, a 2-fold higher acid control pH (6.4 vs. 3.7), and acid control secretory rates below those required for the activation of pepsin (pH > 3.5). Over a 5-yr period, the patients with VB12 deficiency had a higher rate of achlorhydria (73% vs. 24%) and a lower rate of normal acid secretion (0% vs. 49%). In conclusion, in ZES patients, chronic long-term PPI treatment results in marked acid hyposecretion, resulting in decreased serum VB12 levels and decreased VB12-body stores, which can result in VB12 deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is one of the most robust genetic predictors of psychosis and other psychiatric illnesses. In this study, we examined 22q11DS subjects' acoustic startle responses (ASRs), which putatively index psychosis risk. Latency of the ASR is a presumptive marker of neural processing speed and is prolonged (slower) in schizophrenia. ASR measures correlate with increased psychosis risk, depend on glutamate and dopamine receptor signaling, and could serve as translational biomarkers in interventions for groups at high psychosis risk. Startle magnitude, latency, and prepulse inhibition were assessed with a standard acoustic startle paradigm in 31 individuals with 22q11.2DS and 32 healthy comparison (HC) subjects. Surface electrodes placed on participants' orbicularis oculi recorded the electromyographic signal in ASR eyeblinks. Individuals without measurable startle blinks in the initial habituation block were classified as non-startlers. Across the startle session, the ASR magnitude was significantly lower in 22q11DS subjects than HCs because a significantly higher proportion of 22q11DS subjects were non-startlers. Latency of the ASR to pulse-alone stimuli was significantly slower in 22q11DS than HC subjects. Due to the overall lower 22q11DS startle response frequency and magnitudes prepulse inhibition could not be analyzed. Reduced magnitude and slow latency of 22q11DS subjects' responses suggest reduced central nervous system and neuronal responsiveness. These findings are consistent with significant cognitive impairments observed in 22q11DS subjects. Further research is needed to untangle the connections among basic neurotransmission dysfunction, psychophysiological responsiveness, and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the marine environment, many animals use sound to interact and communicate with their conspecifics or other species. Over the last decades, the development of sound recording systems has allowed a significant advance in our knowledge of sound production in marine animals. We deployed miniature sound and movement tags on Antarctic fur seals (AFS), a small otariid foraging on mesopelagic fish, to uncover potential underwater vocalizations in this species. Tags recorded underwater sounds synchronously with high‐resolution AFS movements and diving behavior, allowing us to investigate the behavioral context of vocalizations in the natural environment. We provide evidence of underwater vocalizations in foraging female AFS in a context of foraging at sea. AFS produced stereotyped calls made of low‐frequency pulses produced in series, exclusively during foraging dives. We hypothesized that these acoustic pulse series could be used as an acoustic lure to confuse or attract fish prey, however, a larger sample size is needed to study the adaptive significance of these underwater vocalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem function is maintained in part by direct species interactions, but indirect interactions and non‐consumptive effects may be of equal ecological importance. Along the west coast of North America, the recent population collapse of the predatory sunflower sea star Pycnopodia helianthoides has been implicated in the proliferation of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and a concurrent decline in kelp canopy cover in several locales. Recent work began to quantify the predation rates effects (i.e., direct consumptive effects) of Pycnopodia on sea urchins that may lead to density‐mediated indirect effects on kelp. However, the importance of non‐consumptive effects on urchin behavior and the possible trait‐mediated indirect effects of Pycnopodia on kelp are not well understood. This leaves a critical gap in our knowledge about how these predators may be controlling grazer populations and, indirectly, primary production by macroalgae in nearshore habitats. We measured the non‐consumptive behavioral effects of Pycnopodia on S. purpuratus in the laboratory including grazing rates, feeding behavior, and movement of starved versus fed urchins, the latter simulating urchin metabolic conditions within urchin barrens. We found that the presence of a waterborne Pycnopodia cue reduced the grazing rate of fed urchins by 50% over short (~24 h) time scales. In contrast, starved urchins consumed kelp and did not exhibit an escape response in the presence of a Pycnopodia cue. This study highlights a trait‐mediated indirect interaction between Pycnopodia, S. purpuratus, and kelp, showing how the urchin response to a predator cue may differ based on urchin metabolic conditions or ecosystem state, and helps clarify the positive role of Pycnopodia on kelp forest health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Startling acoustic stimulation (SAS) causes a transient effect on the primary motor cortex (M1) nonreflexively. It reduces the cortical excitability at rest, but not during voluntary contraction. However, the effect of SAS on intracortical activity is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the SAS effect on short-interval intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Eleven healthy individuals performed isometric elbow flexion at 10% of maximum voluntary contraction on the dominant side with a real-time visual target (i.e., M1 preactivation) or at rest. TMS was delivered to the M1 ipsilateral to elbow flexion without or with SAS delivered 90 ms prior to TMS. There were three TMS delivery conditions: (a) single pulse, (b) short-interval intracortical inhibition, and (c) intracortical facilitation. TMS-induced motor-evoked potential (MEP) was compared between predetermined TMS and SAS conditions at rest and during ipsilateral voluntary contraction. We confirmed that SAS decreased the MEP amplitude at rest, but not during M1 preactivation. SAS caused task-specific effects on intracortical excitability. Specifically, SAS increased intracortical facilitation at rest and during voluntary contraction. However, SAS decreased short-interval intracortical inhibition only during M1 preactivation. Collectively, our results suggest that SAS transiently influences the motor cortex excitability, possibly via its activation of higher centers, to achieve a visually guided goal-directed task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative research suggests that the hypothalamus is critical in switching between survival behaviors, yet it is unclear if this is the case in humans. Here, we investigate the role of the human hypothalamus in survival switching by introducing a paradigm where volunteers switch between hunting and escape in response to encounters with a virtual predator or prey. Given the small size and low tissue contrast of the hypothalamus, we used deep learning-based segmentation to identify the individual-specific hypothalamus and its subnuclei as well as an imaging sequence optimized for hypothalamic signal acquisition. Across 2 experiments, we employed computational models with identical structures to explain internal movement generation processes associated with hunting and escaping. Despite the shared structure, the models exhibited significantly different parameter values where escaping or hunting were accurately decodable just by computing the parameters of internal movement generation processes. In experiment 2, multi-voxel pattern analyses (MVPA) showed that the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and periaqueductal gray encode switching of survival behaviors while not encoding simple motor switching outside of the survival context. Furthermore, multi-voxel connectivity analyses revealed a network including the hypothalamus as encoding survival switching and how the hypothalamus is connected to other regions in this network. Finally, model-based fMRI analyses showed that a strong hypothalamic multi-voxel pattern of switching is predictive of optimal behavioral coordination after switching, especially when this signal was synchronized with the multi-voxel pattern of switching in the amygdala. Our study is the first to identify the role of the human hypothalamus in switching between survival behaviors and action organization after switching. Studies in animal models suggest that the hypothalamus is critical for modulating the switch between survival behaviors. In this study, neuroimaging combined with computational modeling shows that the hypothalamus also modulates switching between survival actions in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of synapses between spiral ganglion neurons and inner hair cells (IHC synaptopathy) leads to an auditory neuropathy called hidden hearing loss (HHL) characterized by normal auditory thresholds but reduced amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials. It has been proposed that synaptopathy and HHL result in poor performance in challenging hearing tasks despite a normal audiogram. However, this has only been tested in animals after exposure to noise or ototoxic drugs, which can cause deficits beyond synaptopathy. Furthermore, the impact of supernumerary synapses on auditory processing has not been evaluated. Here, we studied mice in which IHC synapse counts were increased or decreased by altering neurotrophin 3 (Ntf3) expression in IHC supporting cells. As we previously showed, postnatal Ntf3 knockdown or overexpression reduces or increases, respectively, IHC synapse density and suprathreshold amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials without changing cochlear thresholds. We now show that IHC synapse density does not influence the magnitude of the acoustic startle reflex or its prepulse inhibition. In contrast, gap-prepulse inhibition, a behavioral test for auditory temporal processing, is reduced or enhanced according to Ntf3 expression levels. These results indicate that IHC synaptopathy causes temporal processing deficits predicted in HHL. Furthermore, the improvement in temporal acuity achieved by increasing Ntf3 expression and synapse density suggests a therapeutic strategy for improving hearing in noise for individuals with synaptopathy of various etiologies. The auditory neuropathy hidden hearing loss (HHL) is characterised by the loss of cochlear inner hair cell synapses, which reduce the amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials. This study shows that loss of these synapses degrades temporal auditory processing and that the generation of supernumerary synapsis results in above-normal temporal auditory processing in mice, potentially improving hearing in HHL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Bilateral stimulation is a core element of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, a psychotherapeutic intervention for the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Promising previous findings showed measurable physiological effects of bilateral stimulation in healthy individuals, but studies that replicated these findings in PTSD patients are sparse. Methods: 23 patients with PTSD and 30 healthy controls were confronted with affective standard scripts (pleasant, neutral, unpleasant) while bilateral tactile stimulation was applied. Monolateral and no stimulation served as control conditions. Noise-induced startle reflex response (valence measure) and galvanic skin response (arousal measure) were used for physiological responses and the valence and arousal scale of the Self-Assessment-Manikin for subjective responses. Results: Both groups showed a subjective distress reduction for unpleasant scripts and a subjective attention increase for positive scripts under bilateral stimulation. In healthy individuals, this was also for physiological measures, and a general startle-reducing effect of bilateral stimulation in the absence of affective stimuli was found. In PTSD patients, however, the effects were restricted on the subjective level, and no concomitant physiological effects were observed. Conclusions and significance: The findings indicate, that generalizing the effects of BLS in healthy individuals to PTSD patients may be problematic. The hereinreported group differences can be explained by PTSD-specific peculiarities in emotion processing and cognitive processing style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abomasal ulcers are recognized in sheep of all ages, but research regarding therapeutic interventions is limited. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as pantoprazole, are clinically used with a paucity of evidence regarding efficacy in mature sheep. Intravenous and subcutaneously administered pantoprazole dosed at 1.0 mg/kg in adult sheep will increase the pH of abomasal fluid compared to pre-administration baseline. The objectives were to assess the effect of pantoprazole, after single and multiple administration, on abomasal fluid pH in adult sheep. A third objective was to describe the pharmacokinetic parameters of IV and SC pantoprazole. Four clinically healthy adult Southdown ewes previously fitted with a gastrostomy tube in the abomasum were utilized in this randomized, 2-way cross-over trial. Ewes received pantoprazole (1.0 mg/kg) as a single and 3-dose regimen (every 24 hours). After a 10 day washout period the reverse treatment was applied. Blood for analysis of pantoprazole concentration was collected intermittently for 24 hours, and abomasal fluid pH was measured at intervals for a 96-hour period. The pH of the abomasal fluid was higher in pantoprazole treatments for up to 24 hours after dosing. Following intravenous administration of pantoprazole to study ewes, elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance of pantoprazole was estimated as 3.29 hours, 0.35 L/kg, and 65.26 mL/hr/kg respectively. After subcutaneous dosing, maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration, half-life of elimination, and volume of distribution, were estimated as 2604 ng/mL, 0.55 hours, 2.48 hours, and 0.37 L/kg. Additionally, the bioavailability was estimated as 83.33%. Pantoprazole administered IV or SC may be useful for treatment or prevention of abomasal ulcers in adult sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the diverse genetic origins of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), affected individuals share strikingly similar and correlated behavioural traits that include perceptual and sensory processing challenges. Notably, the severity of these sensory symptoms is often predictive of the expression of other autistic traits. However, the origin of these perceptual deficits remains largely elusive. Here, we show a recurrent impairment in visual threat perception that is similarly impaired in 3 independent mouse models of ASD with different molecular aetiologies. Interestingly, this deficit is associated with reduced avoidance of threatening environments—a nonperceptual trait. Focusing on a common cause of ASDs, the Setd5 gene mutation, we define the molecular mechanism. We show that the perceptual impairment is caused by a potassium channel (Kv1)-mediated hypoexcitability in a subcortical node essential for the initiation of escape responses, the dorsal periaqueductal grey (dPAG). Targeted pharmacological Kv1 blockade rescued both perceptual and place avoidance deficits, causally linking seemingly unrelated trait deficits to the dPAG. Furthermore, we show that different molecular mechanisms converge on similar behavioural phenotypes by demonstrating that the autism models Cul3 and Ptchd1, despite having similar behavioural phenotypes, differ in their functional and molecular alteration. Our findings reveal a link between rapid perception controlled by subcortical pathways and appropriate learned interactions with the environment and define a nondevelopmental source of such deficits in ASD. Autism has diverse genetic origins which converge on a similar set of behaviors. This study shows that 3 genetic models of autism have similar impairments in visual threat responses, and that these are driven by potassium channel misregulation in Setd5 haploinsufficient mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a well-established phenomenon wherein a weak sensory stimulus attenuates the startle reflex triggered by a subsequent strong stimulus. Within the circuit, variations in target responses observed for PPI paradigms represent prepulse-induced excitability changes. However, little is known about the mechanism of PPI. Here, we focused on short-latency PPI of the trigeminal blink reflex R1 signal with an oligosynaptic reflex arc through the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus and the facial nucleus. As the facial nucleus is facilitatory to any input, R1 PPI is the phenomenon in the former nucleus. Considering that GABAergic modulation may be involved in PPI, this study investigated whether the PPI mechanism includes GABA-A equivalent inhibition, which peaks at approximately 30 ms in humans. In 12 healthy volunteers, the reflex was elicited by electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve, and recorded at the ipsilateral lower eyelid by accelerometer. Stimulus intensity was 1.5 times the R1 threshold for test stimulus and 0.9 times for the prepulse. The prepulse-test interval (PTI) was 5-150 ms. Results showed significant inhibition at 40-and 80-150-ms PTIs but not at 20-, 30-, 50-, 60-, and 70-ms PTIs, yielding two distinct inhibitions of different time scales. This corresponds well to the early and late components of inhibitory post synaptic potentials by GABA-A and GABA-B receptor activation. Thus, the data support the contribution of inhibitory post synaptic potentials elicited by the prepulse to the observed PPI. As inhibitory function-related diseases may impair the different inhibition components to varying degrees, methods deconvoluting each inhibitory component contribution are of clinical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study examined the relative roles of approach and avoidance motivation in eating pathology using a multi-method approach combining self-report and physiological measures. The potential effect of internalized ideals and fears was also investigated. Methods: Fifty-seven undergraduate women completed a picture-viewing task in which they viewed images of women's bodies (thin and non-thin) and affective images. Self-report ratings of valence and arousal were measured along with physiological indicators of approach (postauricular reflex) and avoidance (startle blink reflex) motivation. Results: Greater eating pathology was associated with more negative valence ratings of both thin and non-thin images. There was a significant interaction between valence ratings of non-thin bodies and fear of the unattractive self in relation to eating pathology, such that eating pathology was highest in those who rated non-thin images as more unpleasant and internalized fears of being/becoming unattractive. Thin-ideal internalization did not significantly interact with ratings of thin images to predict eating pathology. There were no significant findings when examining physiological data. Conclusions: Results from self-report measures suggest that eating pathology is associated with avoidant reactions to both thin and non-thin bodies and highlight the importance of internalized appearance-related fears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a non-contact excitation device, comparing its performance with an ultrasound transmitter. Utilizing a scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV), we visualize the acoustic wavefront generated by a CAP probe and an ultrasound sensor within a designated 50 mm × 50 mm area in front of each probe. Our focus lies in assessing the applicability of a CAP probe for exciting a small polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sample. By adjusting the dimensions of the sample to resonate at the excitation frequency of the probe, we can achieve high vibrational velocities, enabling further mechanical analysis. In contrast with traditional vibration excitation techniques such as electrodynamical shakers and hammer impact excitation, a plasma probe can offer distinct advantages without altering the structure's dynamics since it is contactless. Furthermore, in comparison with laser excitation, plasma excitation provides a higher power level. Additionally, while pressurized air systems are applicable for limited low frequencies, plasma probes can perform at higher frequencies. Our findings in this study suggest that CAP is comparable with acoustic excitation, indicating its potential as an effective mechanical excitation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Anti‐reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and anti‐reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) were developed as interventions for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐refractory/‐dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although ARMS and ARMA are established treatments for PPI‐refractory GERD, reliance on natural healing for ulcer scar formation introduces uncertainty and bleeding risk. To address these issues, we introduced a novel approach called anti‐reflux mucoplasty (ARM‐P), which involves immediate closure of mucosal defects following mucosectomy. This pilot study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of ARM‐P. Methods: A retrospective single‐center study was conducted using prospectively collected data from October 2022 to July 2023. Patients with PPI‐refractory/‐dependent GERD who underwent ARM‐P were included. The study evaluated technical success of ARM‐P, before and after ARM‐P GERD‐Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, GerdQ, and Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD scores, along with PPI discontinuation and endoscopic esophagogastric junction morphology. Results: A total of 20 patients with a median age of 61.5 years underwent the ARM‐P procedure. The procedure achieved 100% technical success without adverse events. After ARM‐P, 55.0% discontinued PPI usage and 15.0% reduced PPI dose by half. Median GERD‐Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire score improved from 21 to 6 (P = 0.0026), median GerdQ score improved from 9 to 7 (P = 0.0022), and median Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD score decreased from 16 to 7 (P = 0.0003). Median Hill's Classification significantly improved from grade III to grade I (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: This study presents the first pilot report of ARM‐P, demonstrating its procedural safety, technical feasibility, and short‐term efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) impairment reflects sensorimotor gating problems, i.e. in schizophrenia. This study aims to enlighten the role of orexinergic regulation on PPI in a psychosis-like model. Objectives: In order to understand the impact of orexinergic innervation on PPI and how it is modulated by age and baseline PPI (bPPI), chronic orexin A (OXA) injections was carried on non-sleep-deprived and sleep-deprived rats that are grouped by their bPPI. Methods: bPPI measurements were carried on male Wistar rats on P45 or P90 followed by grouping into low-PPI and high-PPI rats. The rats were injected with OXA twice per day for four consecutive days starting on P49 or P94, while the control groups received saline injections. 72 h REMSD was carried on via modified multiple platform technique on P94 and either OXA or saline was injected during REMSD. PPI tests were carried out 30 min. after the last injection. Results: Our previous study with acute OXA injection after REMSD without bPPI grouping revealed that low OXA doses might improve REMSD-induced PPI impairment. Our current results present three important conclusions: (1) The effect of OXA on PPI is bPPI-dependent and age-dependent. (2) The effect of REMSD is bPPI-dependent. (3) The effect of OXA on PPI after REMSD also depends on bPPI. Conclusion: Orexinergic regulation of PPI response with and without REMSD can be predicted by bPPI levels. Our findings provide potential insights into the regulation of sensorimotor gating by sleep/wakefulness systems and present potential therapeutic targets for the disorders, where PPI is disturbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual behaviour is an intricate process, controlled by the endocrine constitution of an animal and influenced by the social environment, sensory capability and sexual stimuli. Variations in temperature associated with global warming are startling for fertility of animals. The objective of the present study was to assess the seasonal variation in sexual behaviour of Deoni (Bos indicus) breeding bulls. Methods: A total of six mature Deoni bulls, maintained for artificial insemination at Livestock Research Center, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-NDRI, Bengaluru, were monitored for sexual behavior during the semen collection at weekly intervals throughout the year using standard techniques. The period of study was divided into three seasons i.e., winter (November to February), summer (March to June) and rainy (July to October). Result: The season had a non-significant (P>0.05) effect on sexual behavior except dismounting time in Deoni bulls. The libido score (0-10), reaction time (seconds) and the total time taken in mounting (seconds) were non-significantly (P>0.05) higher during winter (7.50±0.23, 42.00±4.8, 44.00±4.8, respectively) as compared to the other seasons. The protrusion score (0-4) and the intensity of thrust (0-4) were non-significantly (P>0.05) higher during summer (2.60±0.14 and 2.50±0.13) as compared to the other seasons. The dismounting time (seconds) was significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer (2.90±0.16) as compared to the other seasons. It can be concluded that Deoni bulls had good sexual behavior throughout the year, however, bulls showed better sexual behavior except for dismounting time during winter as compared to the other seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the temporal dynamics of positive emotion regulation using facial electromyography (EMG). The study found distinct patterns in emotion regulation, showing the possibility of one-dimensional positive affect change with a neutralize goal and sequential two-dimensional change with a transform goal. The research provides insights into the time course of emotional change brought about by different regulatory goals. The study also examined the effects of different emotion regulation goals on emotional reactivity, finding that the neutralize goal led to a neutral emotional state, while the transform goal resulted in a transition from positive to negative emotion. Overall, the findings highlight the complex and dynamic nature of emotion regulation. [Extracted from the article]

The COVID-19 epidemic is a novel collective traumatic event. Different types of traumatic events lead to different symptomatic structures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To understand the symptom structure of PTSD in the context of this particular traumatic event and its possible development, we explored the interrelationships among PTSD symptoms and the interrelationships between PTSD symptoms and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life. Participants were recruited from the psychological assistance hotline platform based at Central China Normal University. 308 participants who met the provisional diagnosis of PTSD were included in the analysis. This study estimated the interrelationships among PTSD symptoms, with the symptom in addition to four covariates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life by network analysis to construct Gaussian graphical models and directed acyclic graphs. The core of the PTSD symptom network was nightmares. Five pairs of symptoms showed the strongest connections: Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response, avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, negative beliefs and negative trauma-related emotions, nightmares and flashbacks, and flashbacks and emotional cue reactivity. The network did not change significantly with the inclusion of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life. Nightmares may be the core of the development of PTSD resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic. In this particular context, interventions for PTSD focus on nightmares may contribute to the relief of other symptoms and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of Plasmodium falciparum—infected red blood cells (iRBCs) with the vascular endothelium plays a crucial role in malaria pathology and disease. KAHRP is an exported P. falciparum protein involved in iRBC remodelling, which is essential for the formation of protrusions or "knobs" on the iRBC surface. These knobs and the proteins that are concentrated within them allow the parasites to escape the immune response and host spleen clearance by mediating cytoadherence of the iRBC to the endothelial wall, but this also slows down blood circulation, leading in some cases to severe cerebral and placental complications. In this work, we have applied genetic and biochemical tools to identify proteins that interact with P. falciparum KAHRP using enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APEX2) proximity-dependent biotinylation and label-free shotgun proteomics. A total of 30 potential KAHRP-interacting candidates were identified, based on the assigned fragmented biotinylated ions. Several identified proteins have been previously reported to be part of the Maurer's clefts and knobs, where KAHRP resides. This study may contribute to a broader understanding of P. falciparum protein trafficking and knob architecture and shows for the first time the feasibility of using APEX2-proximity labelling in iRBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in the long-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other upper gastrointestinal disorders, such as the healing of peptic ulcers and/or prophylactic treatment of peptic ulcers. PPIs are also widely used as symptomatic treatment in patients with functional dyspepsia. One of the adverse effects of the long-term use of PPI is rebound acid hypersecretion (RAHS), which can occur after the withdrawal of PPI therapy due to a compensatory increase in gastric acid production. Mechanisms of the RAHS have been well established. Studies have shown that pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion after the discontinuation of PPIs increased significantly compared to that before treatment. In healthy volunteers treated with PPIs, the latter induced gastrointestinal symptoms in 40–50% of subjects after the discontinuation of PPI therapy but after stopping the placebo. It is important for practicing physicians to be aware and understand the underlying mechanisms and inform patients about potential RAHS before discontinuing PPIs in order to avoid continuing unnecessary PPI therapy. This is important because RAHS may lead patients to reuptake PPIs as symptoms are incorrectly thought to originate from the recurrence of underlying conditions, such as GERD. Mechanisms of RAHS have been well established; however, clinical implications and the risk factors for RAHS are not fully understood. Further research is needed to facilitate appropriate management of RAHS in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensorimotor gating is a nervous system function that modulates the acoustic startle response (ASR). Prepulse inhibition (PPI) phenomenon is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating, defined as the reduction of ASR when a high intensity sound (pulse) is preceded in milliseconds by a weaker stimulus (prepulse). Brainstem nuclei are associated with the mediation of ASR and PPI, whereas cortical and subcortical regions are associated with their modulation. However, it is still unclear how the modulatory units can influence PPI. In the present work, we developed a computational model of a neural circuit involved in the mediation (brainstem units) and modulation (cortical and subcortical units) of ASR and PPI. The activities of all units were modeled by the leaky-integrator formalism for neural population. The model reproduces basic features of PPI observed in experiments, such as the effects of changes in interstimulus interval, prepulse intensity, and habituation of ASR. The simulation of GABAergic and dopaminergic drugs impaired PPI by their effects over subcortical units activity. The results show that subcortical units constitute a central hub for PPI modulation. The presented computational model offers a valuable tool to investigate the neurobiology associated with disorder-related impairments in PPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical health burden and the leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. More than 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective HCV vaccine is a major public health and medical need as recognized by the World Health Organization. However, due to the high variability of the virus and its ability to escape the immune response, HCV rapidly accumulates mutations, making vaccine development a formidable challenge. An effective vaccine must elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in a consistent fashion. After decades of studies from basic research through clinical development, the antigen of choice is considered the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein due to conserved, broadly neutralizing antigenic domains located in the constituent subunits of E1, E2, and the E1E2 heterodimeric complex itself. The challenge has been elicitation of robust humoral and cellular responses leading to broad virus neutralization due to the relatively low immunogenicity of this antigen. In view of this challenge, structure-based vaccine design approaches to stabilize key antigenic domains have been hampered due to the lack of E1E2 atomic-level resolution structures to guide them. Another challenge has been the development of a delivery platform in which a multivalent form of the antigen can be presented in order to elicit a more robust anti-HCV immune response. Recent nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both the cellular and humoral components of the immune system. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the E1E2 heterodimeric structure to facilitate a rational design approach and the potential for development of a multivalent nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine. Both aspects are considered important in the development of an effective HCV vaccine that can effectively address viral diversity and escape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rats with a loss-of-function mutation in the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Cntnap2) gene have been validated as an animal model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Similar to many autistic individuals, Cntnap2 knock-out rats (Cntnap2-/-) are hyperreactive to sound as measured through the acoustic startle response. The brainstem region that mediates the acoustic startle response is the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC), specifically giant neurons in the PnC. We previously reported a sex-dependent genotypic effect in the sound-evoked neuronal activity recorded from the PnC, whereby female Cntnap2-/- rats had a dramatic increase in soundevoked responses compared with wildtype counterparts, but male Cntnap2-/- rats showed only a modest increase in PnC activity that cannot fully explain the largely increased startle in male Cntnap2-/- rats. The present study therefore investigates activation and histological properties of PnC giant neurons in Cntnap2-/- rats and wildtype littermates. Methods: The acoustic startle response was elicited by presenting rats with 95 dB startle pulses before rats were euthanized. PnC brain sections were stained and analyzed for the total number of PnC giant neurons and the percentage of giant neurons that expressed phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) in response to startle stimuli. Additionally, in vitro electrophysiology was conducted to assess the resting state activity and intrinsic properties of PnC giant neurons. Results: Wildtype and Cntnap2-/- rats had similar total numbers of PnC giant neurons and similar levels of baseline pCREB expression, as well as similar numbers of giant neurons that were firing at rest. Increased startle magnitudes in Cntnap2-/- rats were associated with increased percentages of pCREB-expressing PnC giant neurons in response to startle stimuli. Male rats had increased pCREB-expressing PnC giant neurons compared with female rats, and the recruited giant neurons in males were also larger in soma size. Conclusions: Recruitment and size of PnC giant neurons are important factors for regulating the magnitude of the acoustic startle response in Cntnap2-/- rats, particularly in males. These findings allow for a better understanding of increased reactivity to sound in Cntnap2-/- rats and in CNTNAP2-associated disorders such as ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferents modulate outer hair cell motility through specialized nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to support encoding of signals in noise. Transgenic mice lacking the alpha9 subunits of these receptors (α9KOs) have normal hearing in quiet and noise, but lack classic cochlear suppression effects and show abnormal temporal, spectral, and spatial processing. Mice deficient for both the alpha9 and alpha10 receptor subunits (α9α10KOs) may exhibit more severe MOC-related phenotypes. Like α9KOs, α9α10KOs have normal auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and weak MOC reflexes. Here, we further characterized auditory function in α9α10KO mice. Wild-type (WT) and α9α10KO mice had similar ABR thresholds and acoustic startle response amplitudes in quiet and noise, and similar frequency and intensity difference sensitivity. α9α10KO mice had larger ABR Wave I amplitudes than WTs in quiet and noise. Other ABR metrics of hearing-in-noise function yielded conflicting findings regarding α9α10KO susceptibility to masking effects. α9α10KO mice also had larger startle amplitudes in tone backgrounds than WTs. Overall, α9α10KO mice had grossly normal auditory function in quiet and noise, although their larger ABR amplitudes and hyperreactive startles suggest some auditory processing abnormalities. These findings contribute to the growing literature showing mixed effects of MOC dysfunction on hearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hatchery-reared Rainbow trout are released into freshwater systems, often to support recreational fishing, but the best age to release fish to maximise their chances of survival is unknown. Using laboratory tests of fish behaviour at six ages, we report age-related changes in emergence, exploration, food neophobia, habitat choice and predator avoidance. We suggest that an understanding of age-related changes in behaviour should be applied to support management decisions around the best age to release Rainbow trout. Millions of hatchery-reared Rainbow trout are currently released in Australian waters to support recreational fisheries objectives, yet many of these fish die soon after release. In addition, little is known whether these fish harbour parasites that can potentially threaten freshwater ecosystems and human health. Here, we tested the behaviour of hatchery-reared trout using six tank-based tests at six different ages to evaluate their chances of survival and then dissected fish to investigate parasite prevalence. At 7 weeks of age fish readily emerged from a hide and showed the greatest number of startle responses to predators. Behaviour around 25–29 weeks of age was relatively "shy", staying in shelter and avoiding open water. At around 37–41 weeks of age though, behaviour changed, with fish emerging from a hide more readily and exploring the environment. Interestingly, at 58 weeks of age fish were slower to initiate exploration, possibly indicating a return to "shyer" behaviour. All fish underwent thorough parasite examination, revealing no infections. We conclude that knowledge of the behaviour of hatchery-reared fish at different ages is useful for decisions around the timing of release that balance the needs of recreational fishers whilst managing the impact on freshwater ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deficiencies in the thyroid hormone transporter monocarboxylate 8 (MCT8) due to pathogenic variants in the SLC16A2 gene (OMIM 300095) result in a complex phenotype with main endocrine and neurologic symptoms. This rare disorder, named Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS) (OMIM 300523), is inherited in an X‐linked trait. One of the prominent features of AHDS is the presence of movement disorders (MD), which are complex and carry a significant burden of the disease. Cases: Patient 1: male with hypotonia since birth, developmental delay, dystonic posturing at 4 months and at 15 months, and startle reaction developed with sensory stimuli. Patient 2: male, at 2 months, shows hypotonia and developmental delay, paroxysmal episodes triggered by a stimulus with sudden blush, tonic asymmetric posture, and no epileptiform activity. At 10 months, generalized dystonic posturing. Patient 3: typical neurodevelopmental milestones until 6 months; at 24 months, dystonia, startle reaction, and upper motoneuron signs. Conclusions: We aim to describe our patients diagnosed with AHDS, focusing on MD phenomenology and strengthening the phenotype–genotype correlations for this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]