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The article "Recognizing Context, Embracing Jargon, and Learning From Linguists: A Commentary on 'Useful and Useless Misnomers in Motor Control'" by Dr. Latash discusses the importance of precise language in motor control terminology. It argues that some commonly used terms are ill-defined, hindering progress in the field. The article suggests contextualizing terms, embracing scientific jargon, and collaborating with linguistic experts to improve clarity and understanding in motor control research. By addressing these issues, the field can advance and better align with other disciplines. [Extracted from the article]

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in arousal and defensive responses, both of which represent modulators of attention and orienting. Orienting responses (ORs), considered as a unit of attentional processing, are elicited by novel innocuous stimuli, differ from defense reflexes (DR)s, as the latter are elicited by painful and threatening stimuli. When zebrafish (Danio rerio) are exposed to a conspecific alarm substance (CAS), visual stimuli elicit a DR instead of ORs, suggesting a state of hypervigilance. CAS elicited an OR-to-DR shift, as shown both by the shift from an approach to an escape response when the stimulus was turned on and by the changes in directional focus. Both pCPA and 5-HTP attenuated the CAS-elicited OR-to-DR shift . While pCPA did not alter ORs in animals which were not exposed to CAS, 5-HTP abolished those responses, suggesting that the serotonergic tone is important in regulating the general arousal levels in zebrafish.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anatolian mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) is a mammal known for its specialized adaptations to a subterranean existence. Here, we present a field observation of an N. xanthodon individual exhibiting an unusual escape behavior in response to the risk of predation from a domesticated mammal. Faced with this imminent danger, the mole rat displayed a capacity for aquatic locomotion, successfully swimming across a river to escape the predator. This observation challenges our current understanding of the antipredator repertoire in N. xanthodon and underscores the potential for stress-induced behavioral plasticity in subterranean mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) which are available to remove NOx from flue gas, oxidation method is receiving more and more attention because this method makes it possible to remove NOx and SO2 from flue gas simultaneously by wet scrubbing. O3 as a strong oxidant has a high oxidation capacity and it can oxide NO to N2O5 which has a higher water solubility compared with NO2. However, it needs a long reaction time and the escape of unreacted ozone may cause secondary pollution. In this study, FeMnCo/Al2O3 catalyst and FeMnCe/Al2O3 catalyst were prepared and applied to enhance the deep oxidation of NOx with ozone and reduce O3 slip. Effects of various operating parameters such as O3/NO ratio, gas residence time, and operating temperature were evaluated, and the results demonstrate that N2O5 began to generate when O3/NO ratio was higher than 1.0 and increased with increasing O3/NO ratio. Little residual O3 was formed in the presence of catalyst, while 350 ppm O3 was measured at the outlet gas when O3/NO ratio was controlled at 2.0. The N2O5 conversion efficiency increased with increasing gas residence time and operating temperature, and the highest N2O5 conversion efficiency was achieved at 100°C. Furthermore, the conversion efficiency remained around 90% during 20 h operation over FeMnCe/Al2O3 catalyst with an O3/NO ratio of 1.73, a gas residence time of 1.2 s, and a temperature of 100°C. On the other hand, the N2O5 conversion efficiency remained around 80% during 3 h operation over FeMnCo/Al2O3 catalyst. Overall, FeMnCe/Al2O3 catalyst reveals good potential for deep oxidation of NO by O3 and can be further developed as a viable catalyst for reducing NO emission from industries. Implications: In this study, FeMnCo/Al2O3 catalyst and FeMnCe/Al2O3 catalyst were applied to enhance the deep oxidation of NO into N2O5 with O3. The catalysts can improve the conversion of NO into N2O5, shorten the reaction time and reduce the unreacted O3 slip, which are beneficial to reduce the size of the reactor required and cost of APCDs (air pollution control devices) in practical application. This method can make it possible to simultaneously remove NOx and SO2 from flue gas by wet scrubbing for reducing NO emissions from industries, especially small and medium scaled industries, to meet increasingly stringent emission standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stygobionts, namely animals with strong adaptations to subterranean environments that are unable to complete their life cycles outside groundwater, can be observed in spring ecotones, but their occurrence is generally considered accidental. The aim of this paper is to assess if stygobiont occurrence in springs is linked to specific environmental conditions or if it is random, irrespective of their features. For three years, we surveyed 59 spring sites recording the occurrence of vertebrate and invertebrate stygobiont species and assessing if spring features were related to their distribution. Moreover, we recorded the escape reactions of two easily identifiable stygobiont species. We detected six taxa usually considered as strictly stygobiont based on their troglomorphic features. Two of them were quite widespread: the salamander Proteus anguinus and the shrimp Troglocaris planinensis. Environmental characteristics were significantly related to the distribution of stygobionts. Hydroperiod and occurrence of flooding were the factors that played the strongest role in affecting occurrence. Our study suggests that the occurrence of stygobionts in springs is linked to specific habitat features rather than being a random mechanism and that the exploitation of ecotones can be important for the lifecycle of some species usually assumed to be strictly associated to caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision to flee from an approaching threat represents a trade‐off between the costs and benefits of flight. In research to date, particular interest has been given to the effects of urbanisation on predator escape behaviour. However, these differences are most often studied at the population rather than individual level, which makes it difficult to disentangle whether site‐specific differences in predator avoidance are due to behavioural plasticity or non‐random distribution of behavioural phenotypes. In this study, we measured flight initiation distances – a widely used proxy for fearfulness or boldness – in a free‐roaming, human‐habituated, and colour‐banded population of greylag geese Anser anser. First, we tested whether individuals flexibly adjusted their flight initiation distance based on environmental context by approaching the same individuals at two sites with different levels of human presence. Second, we examined whether flock members show consistent differences in their flight initiation distance towards unfamiliar humans. Our results suggest that greylag geese can adjust their behaviour based on environmental context and show individual differences in flight initiation distance that are consistent both within and across years. When individuals regularly move between foraging sites, establishing site‐specific responses to potential threats may allow them to optimise their escape response and thereby avoid unnecessary energetic and opportunity costs.Keywords: Anser anser, behavioural plasticity, boldness, escape behaviour, flight initiation distance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children frequently encounter pain. Their pain like adults' pain is probably modulated by social-affective factors. Despite its clinical relevance, such pain modulation has not been explored experimentally in children, and little is known about specific factors accounting for it such as catastrophizing. We examined pain modulating effects of pictures varying in social-affective content and personal meaning (e.g., mothers' vs. strangers' faces) using subjective and psychophysiological measures (skin conductance, heart rate, corrugator electromyography) as outcomes. Methods: Forty-two children (8–13 years) underwent tonic heat pain stimulation while viewing pictures (social-affective: their mothers' faces with neutral expression, strangers' neutral and happy faces; affective: positive and negative scenes). Furthermore, the contribution of children's characteristics (e.g., anxiety, catastrophizing) and facets of the parent-child relationship to pain modulation was determined. Results: Viewing mothers' faces or positive scenes reduced subjective pain intensity and corrugator activity in response to pain. Viewing happy strangers' faces lowered corrugator activity. Enhanced pain experience due to negative affective stimuli was primarily observed psychophysiologically. The correlation between children's tendency to catastrophize and pain relief by mothers' faces was mediated by induced arousal, likely reflecting the degree of motivational activation of seeking social support. Conclusions: Pain relief by positive affective and social-affective stimuli extends previous findings in adults, especially regarding reduced pain-related facial muscle activity. Moreover, the results shed light on the interplay between catastrophizing and social context on children's pain experience. Clinically, our results imply that just looking at pictures of their mothers (or positive scenes) might help to alleviate pain in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion Myoclonus and other jerky movement disorders are hyperkinetic disorders, the diagnosis of which heavily relies on clinical neurophysiological testing. However, formal diagnostic criteria are lacking, and recently the utility and reliability of these tests have been questioned.The aim of this review was to assess the utilization of clinical neurophysiology testing to identify possible gaps and boundaries that might guide the development of new methods for a more precise diagnosis and in‐depth understanding of myoclonus.We reviewed electrophysiological features of cortical myoclonus, subcortical myoclonus (ie, myoclonus associated with dystonia, brainstem myoclonus), excessive startle reflex, spinal myoclonus (ie, spinal segmental and propriospinal myoclonus), peripheral myoclonus and mimics of myoclonus of peripheral origin (hemifacial spasm, minipolymyoclonus, myokymia), functional jerky movements, chorea, and tics.Electrophysiological features that support the recognition of myoclonus subtypes, such as muscle burst duration, muscle pattern of activation, measures of cortical excitability, or movement‐related cortical potentials, have been identified. These significantly contribute to the diagnosis of jerky movement disorders, but their reliability is uncertain. Despite the significant advancements, several unresolved questions persist. Factors contributing to this include the absence of systematic neurophysiological assessment and standardized methods, alongside the limited number of patients investigated using these techniques.Although clinical neurophysiology remains the “gold standard” for defining and diagnosing myoclonus, our review highlighted the need to enhance the quality and reliability of neurophysiological testing in jerky movement disorders. Further studies including larger cohorts of patients recruited from different centers, employing standardized and optimized electrophysiological techniques, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the auditory domain, temporal resolution is the ability to respond to rapid changes in the envelope of a sound over time. Silent gap-in-noise detection tests assess temporal resolution. Whether temporal resolution is impaired in tinnitus and whether those tests are useful for identifying the condition is still debated. We have revisited these questions by assessing the silent gap-in-noise detection performance of human participants. Methods: Participants were seventy-one young adults with normal hearing, separated into preliminary, tinnitus and matched-control groups. A preliminary group (n = 18) was used to optimise the silent gap-in-noise detection two-alternative forced-choice paradigm by examining the effect of the position and the salience of the gap. Temporal resolution was tested in case-control observational study of tinnitus (n = 20) and matched-control (n = 33) groups using the previously optimized silent gap-in-noise behavioral paradigm. These two groups were also tested using silent gap prepulse inhibition of the auditory startle reflex (GPIAS) and Auditory Brain Responses (ABRs). Results: In the preliminary group, reducing the predictability and saliency of the silent gap increased detection thresholds and reduced gap detection sensitivity (slope of the psychometric function). In the case-control study, tinnitus participants had higher gap detection thresholds than controls for narrowband noise stimuli centred at 2 and 8 kHz, with no differences in GPIAS or ABRs. In addition, ABR data showed latency differences across the different tinnitus subgroups stratified by subject severity. Conclusions: Operant silent gap-in-noise detection is impaired in tinnitus when the paradigm is optimized to reduce the predictability and saliency of the silent gap and to avoid the ceiling effect. Our behavioral paradigm can distinguish tinnitus and control groups suggesting that temporal resolution is impaired in tinnitus. However, in young adults with normal hearing, the paradigm is unable to objectively identify tinnitus at the individual level. The GPIAS paradigm was unable to differentiate the tinnitus and control groups, suggesting that operant, as opposed to reflexive, silent gap-in-noise detection is a more sensitive measure for objectively identifying tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fish escape response is a high-energy, stress-induced reaction displayed when encountering environmental hazards. Reducing the escape response during the aquaculture has important economic value and ecological safety significance. This study takes the common strain black carp (Cyprinus carpio var. baisenensis), which is known for its low-escape response, as the main research object. Through a simulated flood experiment, the common strain black carps were divided into the low-escape (BL) group and the high-escape (BH) group. Multi-omics techniques (transcriptome sequencing, LS-MS/MS detection, and 16 s sequencing) were used to analyze the differences in brain gene transcription levels, liver metabolites, and intestinal microbiota composition between the two groups. In addition, in order to reduce false positives generated by transcriptome experiments, Jian carps (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) were also grouped into the low-escape (JL) group and the high-escape (JH) group and subjected to transcriptome analysis. According to the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, 18 DEGs were obtained from both the common strain black carp and Jian carp. Except for the MAP6 gene, which was significantly highly expressed, the remaining 17 genes showed significantly low expression in the BL group, which were almost related to signal transduction, and brain tissue and neuronal development. The results of KEGG signaling pathway annotation, KOG functional annotation, and topGO enrichment analysis showed that there were significant differences in signal transduction between the BL and BH groups, especially in the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling pathway. The detection of liver metabolites showed that there were differences in tryptophan metabolism between the BL and BH groups of the common strain black carp, with higher tryptophan content in the liver of the BL group fish. This study suggests that the brain activity and development of low-escape fish may be lower than those of high-escape fish. Meanwhile, differences in the brain's GABA signaling pathway and the liver's tryptophan metabolism may also affect fish's escape response. This study accumulates experimental foundation of fish escape response and provides a new insight into breeding low-escape fish and developing novel strategies to reduce escape responses during aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferating tumor cells take up glutamine for anabolic processes, engendering glutamine deficiency in the tumor microenvironment. How this might impact immune cells is not well understood. Using multiple mouse models of soft tissue sarcomas, glutamine antagonists, as well as genetic and pharmacological inhibition of glutamine utilization, we found that the number and frequency of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) is dependent on microenvironmental glutamine levels. cDCs comprise two distinct subsets--cDC1s and cDC2s, with the former subset playing a critical role in antigen cross-presentation and tumor immunity. While both subsets show dependence on glutamine, cDC1s are particularly sensitive. Notably, glutamine antagonism did not reduce the frequency of DC precursors but decreased the proliferation and survival of cDC1s. Further studies suggest a role of the nutrient sensing mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in this process. Taken together, these findings uncover glutamine dependence of cDC1s that is coopted by tumors to escape immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in human VPS4A are associated with neurodevelopmental defects, including motor delays and defective muscle tone. VPS4A encodes a AAA-ATPase required for membrane scission, but how mutations in VPS4A lead to impaired control of motor function is not known. Here we identified a mutation in zebrafish vps4a, T248I, that affects sensorimotor transformation. Biochemical analyses indicate that the T248I mutation reduces the ATPase activity of Vps4a and disassembly of ESCRT filaments, which mediate membrane scission. Consistent with the role for Vps4a in exosome biogenesis, vps4aT248I larvae have enlarged endosomal compartments in the CNS and decreased numbers of circulating exosomes in brain ventricles. Resembling the central form of hypotonia in VPS4A patients, motor neurons and muscle cells are functional in mutant zebrafish. Both somatosensory and vestibular inputs robustly evoke tail and eye movements, respectively. In contrast, optomotor responses, vestibulospinal, and acoustic startle reflexes are absent or strongly impaired in vps4aT248I larvae, indicating a greater sensitivity of these circuits to the T248I mutation. ERG recordings revealed intensity-dependent deficits in the retina, and in vivo calciumimaging of the auditory pathway identified a moderate reduction in afferent neuron activity, partially accounting for the severe motor impairments in mutant larvae. Further investigation of central pathways in vps4aT248I mutants showed that activation of descending vestibulospinal and midbrain motor command neurons by sensory cues is strongly reduced. Our results suggest that defects in sensorimotor transformation underlie the profound yet selective effects on motor reflexes resulting from the loss of membrane scission mediated by Vps4a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisensory integration (MSI) combines information from multiple sensory modalities to create a coherent perception of the world. In contexts where sensory information is limited or equivocal, it also allows animals to integrate individually ambiguous stimuli into a clearer or more accurate percept and, thus, react with a more adaptive behavioral response. Although responses to multisensory stimuli have been described at the neuronal and behavioral levels, a causal or direct link between these two is still missing. In this study, we studied the integration of audiovisual inputs in the Mauthner cell, a command neuron necessary and sufficient to trigger a stereotypical escape response in fish. We performed intracellular recordings in adult goldfish while presenting a diverse range of stimuli to determine which stimulus properties affect their integration. Our results show that stimulus modality, intensity, temporal structure, and interstimulus delay affect input summation. Mechanistically, we found that the distinct decay dynamics of FFI triggered by auditory and visual stimuli can account for certain aspects of input integration. Altogether, this is a rare example of the characterization of MSI in a cell with clear behavioral relevance, providing both phenomenological and mechanistic insights into how MSI depends on stimulus properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible control of pectoral appendages enables motor behaviors of vastly different strength, speed, and amplitude, as in a human playing the piano or throwing a ball. Such control necessitates a fine-tuned, coordinated activation of motoneurons, which is facilitated by spatially ordered motoneuron pools in mammals. While differently sized neurons are known to contribute to different strengths of pectoral movements, it remains unclear how these pectoral motor pools are organized in less complex pectoral systems as those of teleost fish. We show how pectoral motor control can be extended to increase the speed-and amplitude-range of motor behaviors by investigating anatomical and physiological features of pectoral motoneurons and the motor pools they form in freshwater hatchet fish, well-known for their pectoral aerial escape response. Through the differentiation of one motor pool, the pectoral motor network of hatchet fish acquired additional flexibility to enable specific control of vastly different amplitudes, velocities, and strengths. Similar neuronal organization patterns have been described for controlling fast, intermediate, and slow axial muscles in zebrafish and in tetrapod motor systems controlling pectoral limbs. We show that hatchet fish share organizational principles of their pectoral motor pools with those found in other motor networks in both teleosts and tetrapods. Our data thus suggest that principles of spatial and physiological differentiation of motor pools associated with different pectoral muscles and behaviors might be deeply homologous between actinopterygian and sarcopterygian vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine behavior plays an important role in the success of the human–dog relationship and the dog's overall welfare, making selection for behavior a vital part of any breeding program. While behaviors are complex traits determined by gene × environment interactions, genetic selection for desirable behavioral phenotypes remains possible. Methods: No genomic association studies of dog behavior to date have been reported on a commercial breeding (CB) cohort; therefore, we utilized dogs from these facilities (n = 615 dogs). Behavioral testing followed previously validated protocols, resulting in three phenotypes/variables [social fear (SF), non-social fear (NSF), and startle response (SR)]. Dogs were genotyped on the 710 K Affymetrix Axiom CanineHD SNP array. Results: Inbreeding coefficients indicated that dogs from CB facilities are statistically less inbred than dogs originating from other breeding sources. Heritability estimates for behavioral phenotypes ranged from 0.042 ± 0.045 to 0.354 ± 0.111. A genome-wide association analysis identified genetic loci associated with SF, NSF, and SR; genes near many of these loci have been previously associated with behavioral phenotypes in other populations of dogs. Finally, genetic risk scores demonstrated differences between dogs that were more or less fearful in response to test stimuli, suggesting that these behaviors could be subjected to genetic improvement. Conclusions: This study confirms several canine genetic behavioral loci identified in previous studies. It also demonstrates that inbreeding coefficients of dogs in CB facilities are typically lower than those in dogs originating from other breeding sources. SF and NSF were more heritable than SR. Risk allele and weighted risk scores suggest that fearful behaviors could be subjected to genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a common cause of respiratory and invasive infections in humans. PCV13, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine used globally, is highly effective against diseases caused by pneumococcal serotypes included in its formulation. However, one of them, the serotype 3 (ST3) is still being relatively commonly isolated from patients, suggesting an escape from vaccine‐induced immunity. The thick capsule produced by ST3 facilitates bacterial evasion from the immune system. Additionally, host immune responses may influence the outcome of ST3 infection. Here we evaluated the influence of inflammation in the adaptive immune responses and protection induced by PCV13 against ST3, using two outbred mice lines that were phenotypically selected for high (AIRmax) and low (AIRmin) inflammatory responses. Methods: AIRmin and AIRmax mice were immunized with PCV13. Inbred BALB/c mice were used as reference for vaccine efficacy. Induction of IgG against polysaccharides (PS) from pneumococcal serotype 1 (ST1) and ST3 were evaluated by ELISA. Protection was tested against invasive infections with ST1 and ST3 pneumococcal strains. Sera were compared by IgG binding to pneumococcal surface, induction of pneumococcal agglutination and opsonophagocytosis. The phagocytic capacity of mice‐derived neutrophils was also evaluated. Results: Immunization of AIRmin, AIRmax and BALB/c mice with PCV13 induced IgG against PS from ST1 and ST3 pneumococci. Despite vaccination, AIRmin mice were not protected against fatal infection with ST3. Sera from AIRmin mice immunized with PCV13 presented lower levels of anti‐PS3 IgG, with reduced capacity to bind to pneumococcal surface. Reduced capacity to induce opsonophagocytosis of ST3 pneumococci in vitro was also observed. Conversely, PCV13 protected AIRmin mice against fatal infection with ST1 and this correlated with the capacity of the sera to induce ST1 opsonophagocytosis. Conclusions: Our results show that both host and bacterial features can influence the outcome of protection induced by PCV13 against ST3 pneumococcal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress strongly influences the physiology and behavior of animals, and leads into a pathological condition and disease. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in the modulation of neural activity. To understand the role of NMDARs in fish stress response, we used NMDARs agonist aspartate to test the functional role of its input on the Dahlgren cell population in the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of the olive flounder. In addition, the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on the expression of genes of the main secretory products of the CNSS after stress was investigated by using qPCR technology and the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on post‐stress behavior was explored by behavioral methods. Ex vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that the NMDARs agonist aspartate enhanced the firing frequency of Dahlgren cells. Additionally, aspartate treatment increased the incidence of cells exhibiting bursting firing pattern, this result is corroborated by the observed upregulation in the expression of ion channels and major hormone genes in the CNSS. Furthermore, the excitatory influence of aspartate was effectively counteracted by NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5. Interestingly, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 treatment also significantly decreased the plasma cortisol levels and the expression of CRH, UI, and UII in CNSS after acute stress. Treatment with D‐AP5 effectively attenuated the stress response, as evidenced by alterations in respiratory metabolism, sand‐burying behavior, swimming distance, simulated capture, and escape response. In conclusion, modulation of Dahlgren cell excitability in the CNSS by NMDARs contributes to the regulation of the stress response, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 can effectively suppress stress response in flounder by regulating the stress hormone expression and secretion. Clinical Trial Registration: Project code SHOU‐DW‐2022‐032. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of non-native species is an important cause of biodiversity decline in rivers. Separated by mountains and salt water, the freshwater fish fauna in Italy has experienced a natural isolation from fish in continental Europe. As a consequence, several Italian fish species have diverged from their European sister species, likely with unique adaptations to the local environment. Relatedly, the region is also susceptible to the invasion of non-native fish, and today almost half the fish species present are of non-native origin. Several of these non-native species have Italian congeners susceptible to competition and hybridizations, and, in the long run, displacements and extinctions. One such example is the Italian gudgeon (Gobio benacensis) and its European congener European gudgeon (Gobio gobio). During the last few decades the European gudgeon was introduced in Italian waters and has since spread rapidly, causing progressive declines in the Italian species. As for several other similar species pairs, little is known about potential differences in ecology and behavior. Here we study differences between Italian and European gudgeons in a controlled laboratory environment, using a combined open field and provoked escape response test, as well as tracking their sympatric survival over time in the hatchery. The smaller Italian gudgeon displayed a lower maximum swimming speed compared to the larger European gudgeon. The Italian gudgeon also experienced substantially higher sympatric mortality, resulting in only European gudgeon surviving to the end of the experiment. Contrary to expectations, no difference was seen in boldness and the Italian gudgeon displayed a higher movement activity, moving a larger distance in an open field test, compared to its European sister species. The reported differences could play a role in the replacement process, and may also have impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, and the prey and predators that have coevolved with the Italian species. [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. Our study reveals the effects of perceptual load processing on motor preparation and execution, showing that practice reduces the interference of auditory stimuli on movement onset and force. These findings advance our understanding of cortical and subcortical mechanisms in motor control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind-powered recreational (WPR) activities are increasingly popular and occur in many areas of high conservation value. Possible impacts are poorly understood; existing reviews do not generally include recent widespread forms of WPR or have narrow taxonomic/ecological scopes. We identify the coastal ecosystems/wildlife that may interact with WPR and potential impacts: a) noise, movement and other stimuli, b) direct contact, c) disruption of substrates, and d) transport of pests. Almost all available evidence on impacts involves coastal birdlife, specifically their escape responses. Most studies are a) non-peer reviewed, largely anecdotal or otherwise limited in scope and b) from temperate locations. Sustainable use of WPR craft is required despite the prevailing information gaps. We suggest a precautionary, proactive approach which likely requires a combination of site-based management, plus policy and education initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The regulatory neuropeptide Y (NPY) is implicated in anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related behaviors. NPY exerts its effects through 5 receptor subtypes, with Y1 and Y2 receptors being predominantly expressed in the rat brain. Activation of Y1 by full-length NPY1-36 induces anxiolytic effects, whereas Y2 binds truncated peptides, eliciting region-specific anxiogenic responses. Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) cleaves NPY, thereby modulating its functionality. Sitagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor (DPP-IV-I), inhibits the degradation of various vasoactive peptides, including cerebral NPY. As such, the therapeutic potential of DPP-IV-I following a traumatic event remains inconclusive. We assessed the effects of a highly selective DPP-IV-I, administered either shortly after the stressor or intermittently over 3 days, on behavioral outcomes using the predator scent stress (PSS) model of PTSD. Methods Rats exposed to PSS or sham-PSS received a single dose of sitagliptin (10 or 30 mg/kg) or saline 1 hour post-exposure, or repeated doses over 3 days (20 mg/kg). Behavioral outcomes were evaluated using the elevated plus maze and acoustic startle response at 7 days post-exposure. Additionally, rats exposed to PSS or sham-PSS were treated with sitagliptin (30 mg/kg) or saline, and their brains were prepared for immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Sitagliptin did not attenuate anxiety-related behaviors or PTSD-related behavior prevalence compared to saline. Notably, the 30 mg/kg dose increased NPY levels in several brain regions without affecting NPY-Y1 levels. Conclusions The findings suggest that sitagliptin-induced upregulation of NPY levels shortly after PSS is insufficient to prevent the development of post-traumatic responses. The effectiveness of NPY signaling may be influenced by factors beyond peptide concentration alone, potentially limiting its therapeutic efficacy. Activation of NPY-Y1 receptors, rather than merely increasing NPY levels, appears to be crucial for modulating anti-anxiety and post-traumatic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormones (THs) require iodine for biosynthesis and play critical roles in brain development. Perchlorate is an environmental contaminant that reduces serum THs by blocking the uptake of iodine from the blood to the thyroid gland. Using a pregnant rodent model, we examined the impact of maternal exposure to perchlorate under conditions of dietary iodine deficiency (ID) on the brain and behavior of offspring. We observed modest reductions in thyroxine (T4) in the serum of dams and no effect on T4 in pup serum in response to maternal exposure to 300 ppm of perchlorate in the drinking water. Likewise, serum T4 was reduced in ID dams, but, as with perchlorate, no effects were evident in the pup. However, when ID was coupled with perchlorate, reductions in pup serum THs and transcriptional alterations in the thyroid gland and pup brain were detected. These observations were accompanied by reductions in the number of cortical inhibitory interneurons containing the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (Pvalb). Alterations in Pvalb expression in the neonatal brain were associated with deficits in the prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in adult male offspring and enhanced fear conditioning in females. These findings support and extend structural defects in the brain previously reported in this model. Further, they underscore the critical need to consider additional non-chemical stressors in the determination of hazards and risks posed by environmental contaminants that affect the thyroid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells that have the potential for self-renewal and a strong proliferative capacity, and sustain tumorigenesis capabilities. This ability of CSCs to escape immune responses makes the CSCs a primary source of functionally altered, immune-resistant, chemoresistant, aggressive tumor cells. These characteristics determine the potential advantage of targeting CSCs for the treatment of solid tumors. Method: First, we downloaded different gene expression datasets of CSCs from the NCBI-GEO (National Center for Biotechnology Information–Gene Expression Omnibus) database and identified common genes by using a suitable Venn tool. Subsequently, we explored the prognostic significance of the particular genes in particular cancers and analyzed the expression of these genes at the protein level in human solid tumors by using KM plotter (Kaplan-Meier plotter) and an HPA (The Human Protein Atlas) database, respectively. Finally, using a comparative toxicogenomic database, we selected several important drugs or chemicals. Result: From this study, we identified APOC1 as a common upregulated gene in breast cancer and SLC44A5 and CAV2 as common up- and downregulated genes in lung cancer. In ovarian cancer, PRRG4 is a commonly upregulated gene, and ADCY7, AKAP12, TPM2, and FLNC are commonly downregulated genes. These genes also show prognostic significance in respective cancers. Several drugs that are capable of targeting the expression or signaling network of designated genes of CSC were also identified, which may contribute in CSC-targeted cancer therapy. Conclusion: Our study suggests a need for more in-depth experimental investigations to determine the actual functional activity and the mechanism of action of these CSC-associated genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, are associated with zinc dyshomeostasis and aberrant GABAergic signaling. Activation of ZnR/GPR39 by synaptic zinc in the hippocampus triggers phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2), which regulates the K+/Cl− cotransporter (KCC2) and thereby GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and seizure activity. Therefore, we studied whether impaired ZnR/GPR39 signaling is linked to anxiety-related behavior in male or female mice. Results: Using the acoustic startle response, elevated plus maze, and open field test, we found increased anxiety-related behavior in ZnR/GPR39 knockout (KO) mice. Despite a well-established sex difference, where females are typically more prone to anxiety, both male and female ZnR/GPR39 KO mice exhibited increased anxiety-related behavior compared to wildtype (WT) mice. Additionally, ZnR/GPR39 KO mice displayed impaired motor coordination in the pole and rotarod tests but did not show reduced muscle strength, as indicated by a grip test. Finally, we found intrinsic alterations in the expression level of KCC2, a major Cl− transporter regulating GABAergic signaling, in the amygdala of naïve ZnR/GPR39 KO mice compared to controls. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that loss of ZnR/GPR39 enhances anxiety-related behavior in both male and female mice. Moreover, ZnR/GPR39 KO mice exhibit impaired motor coordination, which may be associated with increased anxiety. Finally, we demonstrate that loss of ZnR/GPR39 modulates the expression of KCC2 in the amygdala. Thus, we propose that ZnR/GPR39 can serve as a target for regulating GABAergic signaling in anxiety treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Method Findings Conclusions Implications for nursing practice This study aimed to validate the content of the nursing diagnosis (ND) “Risk for elopement attempt” and increase its level of evidence (LOE) in the NANDA International (NANDA‐I) Classification.A content validity study was conducted based on expert opinions. The sample consisted of 33 experts with academic training in nursing and practical and theoretical experience concerning the nursing process. Data collection was performed using a Google Forms® questionnaire, which was electronically sent to the experts. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and the diagnostic content validity was based on the Fehring model. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution.The title and definition of the ND under investigation were validated, along with 15 risk factors. Among these, “Substance misuse” was classified as major (0.96), whereas the others were validated as minor. Of the 13 risk populations, 6 were validated and classified as major, such as “Individuals with history of elopement” (0.90); 6 were validated and classified as minor, including “Individuals with a history of nonadherence to treatment regimen” (0.79); and “Economically disadvantaged individuals” were discarded (0.46). Of the three associated conditions, one was validated as major, namely, “Mental disorders” (0.86), whereas the other two were classified as minor.This study validated the content of the “Risk for elopement attempt” ND, allowing it to be assigned a higher LOE based on the nursing experts. All components were validated except for one of the associated conditions.The validated ND will be submitted to NANDA‐I, enabling it to achieve a higher LOE in the classification. This update will enhance the quality of this diagnostic classification and, consequently, patient care and nursing education and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group-living organisms commonly exhibit collective escape responses, yet how information flows among group members in these events remains an open question. Here, we study the collective responses of a sheep flock (Ovis aries) to a shepherd dog (border collie) in a driving task between two well-defined target points. We collected high-resolution spatiotemporal data from 14 sheep and the dog, using Ultra-Wide-Band tags attached to each individual. We find that the spatial positions of sheep along the front-back axis of the group's velocity strongly correlate with their impact on the collective movement. Our analyses reveal that, even though the dog chases the sheep flock from behind, directional information on shorter time scales propagates from the front of the group towards the rear; further, the dog adjusts its movement in response to the flock's dynamics. We introduce an agent-based model that captures key data features. Specifically, in response to chasing, the sheep change their spatial relative positions less frequently and exhibit a transfer of directional information flow from front to back; this pattern disappears in the absence of chasing. Our study reveals some general insights into how directional information propagates in escaping animal groups. Experimental analysis and computational modeling of collective responses of flocking sheep to a herding dog reveal how directional information spreads in escaping animal groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At 4 months of age, a male dog was presented with a complaint of a stiff gait following a startle response. Neurological examination revealed no deficits, but clinical myotonia was easily induced upon requesting the patient to jump. Additionally, myotonia of the upper lip muscles was observed upon manipulation. Hereditary myotonia was suspected, and electromyography confirmed the presence of myotonic potentials. Genetic testing of the myotonic patient identified a complex of mutations, including c.[1636_1639 delins AACGGG] and c.[1644 A>T], both located in exon 15 of the CLCN1 gene leading to the formation of a premature stop codon. Genetic investigations of the mother and four littermates revealed that, except for one littermate who was wild type, all others carried a copy of the mutated gene. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these mutations have not been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dynamic spasticity (DS) is a common complication post-spinal cord injury (SCI), marked by intermittent increases in muscle tone during postural transitions or movement. Despite its prevalence, high-quality research on DS incidence, risk factors, and underlying mechanisms in SCI patients remains limited. With the growing application of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spasticity control, the role of proprioception in DS development has garnered attention. Additionally, advances in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allow for the analysis of the reticulospinal tract's (RST) role in postural control among SCI patients. However, the impact of microstructural changes in RST and proprioception on DS following SCI remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship between microstructural changes in the RST and proprioceptive circuits in SCI patients, exploring their association with DS and potential predictive factors that influence recovery. Methods: This is a 12-month prospective cohort study. The neurophysiological and global functional status of the participants will be assessed. Primary outcomes include DTI indices of RST and proprioception, and spasticity assessment. Secondary outcomes include auditory startle reflex (ASR), H-reflex, shear wave velocity (SWV), overall functional status including spinal cord independence measure, gait analysis, modified Barthel Index, and the 36-item short form health survey. Data will be collected at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after enrolment. Matched healthy controls will be measured during the same period after recruitment. Discussion: This study is the first to explore the role of microstructural changes in the RST and proprioception in the assessment and prediction of DS following SCI. The findings aim to enhance theoretical understanding of SCS in spasticity management and to establish pre-treatment criteria for SCS interventions targeting motor function recovery in SCI. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2400090724. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: TGFβ is a major immunoinhibitory factor present in the microenvironment of solid tumors. Various cancer types acquire the ability to overexpress TGFβ to escape immune response. Specifically, TGFβ dampens cytotoxic T cell activity, and its presence has been correlated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. Methods: In this study, we developed two approaches to counteract the effects of TGFβ and provide a functional advantage to genetically engineered T cells in the immunoinhibitory tumor milieu. We designed a TGFβRI-based co-stimulatory switch receptor (CSRI), comprising the TGFβ receptor I extracellular binding domain and a 4-1BB co-stimulatory signaling moiety. Additionally, we tested the efficacy of a TGFβ-binding scFv trap produced by T cells. Results: We demonstrated that both approaches enhanced tumor-specific T cell cytokine secretion, upregulated activation markers, and reduced inhibition markers upon co-culture with melanoma targets. Furthermore, CSRI and the anti-TGFβ trap exhibited improved anti-tumor function in vivo. Conclusion: Overall, we show that targeting the TGFβ pathway can enhance cellular immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural startle reflex, characteristic of both animals and humans, is a short and intense defense reaction in response to an unexpected strong external stimulus. In experiments, this reflex is often triggered by a short sound stimulus (acoustic startle reflex—ASR). The amplitude of the ASR and the degree of its dependence on modulating factors, such as the preceding weak stimulus (prepulse), serve as markers of the state of sensorimotor gating regulation and are widely used in neuropsychiatry and neurophysiology to assess disorders of mental functions. The amplitude value of the ASR is a critical factor of assessment, and the accuracy of its determination depends on many technical conditions: the design of the experimental setup, the type and location of the mechanical-electrical sensor, the method of digitization and presentation of primary data, the protocol of the experiment, etc. This issue describes a methodological development for measuring ASR and its prepulse inhibition (PPI), which includes an original working chamber, hardware and software, and an optimal testing protocol. During validation of the methodology on a group of outbred rats (Wistar), it was found that (1) the methodology allows us to assess the heterogeneity of the group by the amplitude of the ASR and to perform the corresponding phenotypic clustering of the animals and (2) repeated, after 7 days, testing of ASR and PPI in the same animals does not disturb their initial clustering and does not significantly change the measured parameters. These observations allow us to consider the methodology applicable to sequential testing of the same group of animals before and after experimental exposure, taking into account the dependence of the result on the cluster membership of the subgroups determined during the first test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNT guideline‐based testing requires the assessment of neurologic, behavioural, and neuropathological endpoints. A review of the impact of DNT studies on regulatory actions revealed that the most common findings at the LOAEL were change in body weight, motor activity, auditory startle response, brain weight and brain morphometrics. An important issue in the interpretation of DNT study findings is that in many of these studies use exposures that impact systemic development as evidenced by decreased body weight and/or body weight gain, especially during the early postnatal period prior to weaning. Currently, there is no international consensus on what degree of growth reduction during early development causes alterations in DNT endpoints. This includes the controversial use of changes body weight adjusted brain weights in concluding that the brain weight changes represent an adverse finding. The current effort compiled brain and body weight changes from 173 publicly available DNT studies designed in line with DNT EPA or OECD test guidelines. This allowed a simple comparison of between a decrease in neonatal body weight and a decrease in brain weight. Results from this project clearly show that developmental exposure induced body weight decreases are not a reliable indicator of whether or not brain weight decreases. From the 173 retrieved studies, 70% showed decreased body weights in pups (122 studies), but only 50 of these studies (41%) reported concomitant decreased brain weights. In addition, there were three studies that reported brain weight decreases when body weight was not changed at any age. This suggests that while changes in body weight may be a confounding factor for some studies, it fails to be a reliable predictor of alteration in brain weight. Thus, use of the ratio of brain weight to body weight is not appropriate as a common approach to dismiss brain weight as a DNT effect. Clearly an international consensus on the interpretation of brain weight changes in DNT studies is needed that takes into account the data presented herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flight‐Initiation Distance (FID)—a direct measure of an individual animal's escape response—is a widely used method to study escape ecology in fauna. The technique has primarily been applied to bird species that are active by day. Indexing the escape behaviour of nocturnal species has been limited due to the need for light to detect and observe animals which confounds behavioural responses. We demonstrate the use of existing high‐end thermal technology to facilitate standardised, un‐biased, nocturnal FIDs in small and large, terrestrial and arboreal animals, which feature initial separation (starting) distances which are the same by day and night. We provide the following (1) method for collecting FIDs by night which specifically addresses solutions to novel challenges associated with collecting these by night, (2) report of the FIDs of some strictly nocturnal bird and mammal species and compare diurnal and nocturnal FIDs for some species, (3) demonstration that the positive daytime relationship between FID and Starting Distance also occurs by night, and (4) minimum sample size threshold for quantifying escape responses and how these vary when sampling the FIDs of different animal species by night. We demonstrate the capacity to conduct nocturnal FIDs on a broad range of taxa not previously studied. We recommend 25–50 samples are needed to accurately quantify a species escape response in a particular context. Our method expands the capacity to understand how species escape by night, a critical period during which many predator–prey interactions occur. [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]

Iprodione (IDN) is a broad-spectrum fungicide used to treat various fungal infections in plants. Despite its extensive use, assessment of its toxicity in aquatic organisms remains incomplete. This study investigated the deleterious effects of IDN using zebrafish (ZF) as a model organism. ZF embryos, beginning at 2 h post-fertilization (hpf), were exposed to IDN (3.75–40 mg/L), and both mortality and deformities were assessed. The impact of IDN on mortality was concentration-dependent and significant from 14 mg/L. Importantly, IDN induced several deformities at sublethal concentrations, including abnormal somites, reduced retinal pigment accumulation, yolk sac edema, hatching failure, abnormal swim bladders, and spinal curvature. The EC50 values for IDN-induced deformities were 3.44 ± 0.74 to 21.42 ± 6.00 mg/L. The calculated teratogenic index values for all deformities were above 1, indicating that IDN is teratogenic to ZF. IDN-exposed ZF also displayed abnormalities in touch-evoked escape responses. IDN significantly affected heart rate and blood flow, and induced pericardial edema and hyperemia in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting its influence on cardiac development and the function of ZF. In conclusion, these results suggest that IDN exerts toxic effects on ZF embryos, affecting mortality, development, and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are sensitive to photoperiods and are also equipped with systems to adjust their flowering time in response to various changes in the environment and developmental hormones. In the present study, previously generated rice OsWOX13 overexpression and newly generated OsWOX13 knockout lines constructed via CRISPR/Cas9 technology flowered 10 days earlier and 4-6 days later than the wild type, respectively. Quantitative real-time  polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that OsWOX13 might be involved in drought escape responses through the b-ZIP TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 23 signaling pathway during rice flowering via photoperiod signaling genes such as Grain number, plant height and heading date 7, Early heading date 1, RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1, Heading date 3a , and MADS14. Future investigations of OsWOX13 may provide insight into how plants adjust their flowering under stress conditions and how OsWOX13 could be precisely controlled to achieve maximum productivity in rice breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and prepulse inhibition of the ASR (PPI) assess the efficiency of salience processing, a fundamental brain function that is impaired in many psychiatric conditions. Both ASR and PPI depend on noradrenergic transmission, yet the modulatory role of the locus coeruleus (LC) remains controversial. Clonidine (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.), an alpha2‐adrenoreceptor agonist, strongly reduced the ASR amplitude. In contrast, chemogenetic LC inhibition only mildly suppressed the ASR and did affect the PPI in virus‐transduced rats. The canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV2)–based vector carrying a gene cassette for the expression of inhibitory receptors (hM4Di) and noradrenergic cell–specific promoter (PRSx8) had high cell‐type specificity (94.4 ± 3.1%) but resulted in heterogeneous virus transduction of DbH‐positive LC neurons (range: 9.2–94.4%). Clozapine‐N‐oxide (CNO; 1 mg/kg, i.p.), a hM4Di actuator, caused the firing cessation of hM4Di‐expressing LC neurons, yet complete inhibition of the entire population of LC neurons was not achieved. Case‐based immunohistochemistry revealed that virus injections distal (> 150 μm) to the LC core resulted in partial LC transduction, while proximal (< 50 μm) injections caused neuronal loss due to virus neurotoxicity. Neither the ASR nor PPI differed between the intact and virus‐transduced rats. Our results suggest that a residual activity of virus‐non‐transduced LC neurons might have been sufficient for mediating an unaltered ASR and PPI. Our study highlights the importance of a case‐based assessment of the virus efficiency, specificity, and neurotoxicity for targeted cell populations and of considering these factors when interpreting behavioral effects in experiments employing chemogenetic modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many models attempt to explain the aesthetic experience, most limit themselves to art as their focal point and only a few look into why we arrive at a certain response to a visual aesthetic object. This article attempts to offer an extension to the current models by focusing on the mechanisms that induce emotions in relation to visual aesthetic objects. It takes Juslin's (2013) BRECVEM mechanisms – developed for the domain of music – as its basis. In this article, Juslin's mechanisms are adapted to the visual domain, resulting in six different emotion-evoking mechanisms: startle reflex, evaluative conditioning, emotional contagion, mental imagery, syntactic expectancy and external appraisal. The authors give an overview of frameworks and empirical studies, demonstrating each of these mechanisms in relation to visual aesthetic objects (visual art as well as advertising and product design). The article's focus on emotion-inducing mechanisms and existing empirical research provides a basis for improving empirical testing of emotional responses to a broad range of visual aesthetic objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in predation risk triggers a trait response of prey, which alters the interactions between the prey and other species, ultimately affecting other species in the ecosystem. Such predator‐driven trait‐mediated indirect effects (TMIEs) may have been shaped by long‐term evolutionary processes involving the organisms involved, but learning may also be important, especially in contemporary ecosystems experiencing repeated biological invasions. The apple snail Pomacea canaliculata is an important introduced pest of rice, Oryza sativa. Recently, the carrion crow Corvus corone has been found to prey on this species only in some areas, suggesting that learning is involved in this predation. In addition, apple snails can learn to escape from predators and exhibit predator‐specific responses. Thus, the "chain of learning" by the crow and the snail may shape novel TMIEs in the rice ecosystem. We conducted field and mesocosm experiments to test this hypothesis. In the field experiment, we simulated predation by crows in rice fields and investigated the behavior of apple snails. The snails exhibited escape behaviors in response to the simulated predation, and both the proportion of individuals showing the escape response and the degree of escape response were greater in fields with predation by crows than those without predation. In the mesocosm experiment, apple snails from fields with and without predation by crows were separately introduced into mesocosms simulating rice fields, and the behaviors of the snails and the number of remaining rice plants were recorded for 16 days at three levels of predation risk (daily, every 4 days, or no predation). Both the presence/absence of predation in the collection fields and simulated predation affected the escape responses of the snails. Moreover, damage to rice was more severe in mesocosms containing snails from fields without predation than those containing snails from fields with predation. These results suggest that the "chain of learning" causes TMIEs in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine N‐acyltransferase (GLYAT), known to influence glycine metabolism, has been implicated in the progression of various malignant tumours. However, its clinical relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unexplored. Here, GLYAT expression levels in HCC tissues were significantly reduced compared to normal liver tissues. Similarly, GLYAT expression levels in Huh 7, HepG2, PLC and SK‐HEP1 were lower than those in LO2. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that GLYAT exhibited good diagnostic performance for HCC. Kaplan–Meier analyses suggested that decreased GLYAT expression was correlated with poorer progress in HCC. Low GLYAT expression was significantly associated with gender and histologic grade. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified low GLYAT expression and T stage as independent prognostic factors. Nomograms based on GLYAT mRNA expression and T stage showed good concordance with actual survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. Moreover, GLYAT downregulation in the Huh 7 cell line enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities, while GLYAT overexpression in the HepG2 cell line inhibited these abilities. HCC patients with low GLYAT expression exhibited a predisposition to immune escape and poor response to immunotherapy. This research revealed that GLYAT holds promise as both a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Chronic pain from peripheral neuromas is difficult to manage and often requires surgical excision, though intraoperative identification of neuromas can be challenging due to anatomical ambiguity. Mechanical manipulation of the neuroma during surgery can elicit a characteristic “startle sign”, which can help guide surgical management. However, it is unknown how anesthetic management affects detection of the startle sign. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 73 neuroma excision surgeries performed recently at Massachusetts General Hospital. Physiological changes in the anesthetic record were analyzed to identify associations with a startle sign event. Anesthesia type and doses of pharmacological agents were analyzed between startle sign and no-startle sign groups. Results Of the 64 neuroma resection surgeries included, 13 had a startle sign. Combined intravenous and inhalation anesthesia (CIVIA) was more frequently used in the startle sign group vs. no-startle sign group (54% vs. 8%), while regional blockade with monitored anesthetic care was not associated with the startle sign group (12% vs. 0%), p = 0.001 for anesthesia type. Other factors, such as neuromuscular blocking agents, ketamine infusion, remifentanil infusion, and intravenous morphine equivalents showed no differences between groups. Conclusions Here, we identified hypothesis-generating descriptive differences in anesthetic management associated with the detection of the neuroma startle sign during neuroma excision surgery, suggesting ways to deliver anesthesia facilitating detection of this phenomenon. Prospective trials are needed to further validate the hypotheses generated.

Safety learning allows the identification of non-threatening situations, a learning process instrumental for survival and psychic health. In contrast to fear learning, in which a sensory cue (conditioned stimulus, CS) is temporally linked to a mildly aversive stimulus (US), safety learning is studied by presenting the CS and US in an explicitly unpaired fashion. This leads to conditioned inhibition of fear responses, in which sensory cues can acquire a safety meaning (CS-). In one variant of safety learning, an auditory CS- was shown to reduce contextual fear responses during recall, as measured by freezing of mice. Here, we performed control experiments to test whether auditory stimuli might interfere with freezing by mechanisms other than safety learning, a phenomenon also called external inhibition. Surprisingly, when auditory stimulation was omitted during training (US-only controls), such stimuli still significantly suppressed contextual freezing during recall, indistinguishable from the reduction of freezing after regular safety training. The degree of this external inhibition was positively correlated with the levels of contextual freezing preceding the auditory stimulation. Correspondingly, in fear learning protocols which employ a new context during recall and therefore induce lower contextual freezing, auditory stimuli did not induce significant external inhibition. These experiments show that in safety learning protocols that employ contextual freezing, the freezing reduction caused by auditory stimuli during recall is dominated by external inhibition, rather than by learned safety. Thus, in safety learning experiments extensive controls should be performed to rule out possible intrinsic effects of sensory cues on freezing behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the developing brain, groups of neurons organize into functional circuits that direct diverse behaviors. One such behavior is the evolutionarily conserved acoustic startle response, which in zebrafish is mediated by a well-defined hindbrain circuit. While numerous molecular pathways that guide neurons to their synaptic partners have been identified, it is unclear if and to what extent distinct neuron populations in the startle circuit utilize shared molecular pathways to ensure coordinated development. Here, we show that the planar cell polarity (PCP)-associated atypical cadherins Celsr3 and Celsr2, as well as the Celsr binding partner Frizzled 3a/Fzd3a, are critical for axon guidance of two neuron types that form synapses with each other: the command-like neuron Mauthner cells that drive the acoustic startle escape response, and spiral fiber neurons which provide excitatory input to Mauthner cells. We find that Mauthner axon growth towards synaptic targets is vital for Mauthner survival. We also demonstrate that symmetric spiral fiber input to Mauthner cells is critical for escape direction, which is necessary to respond to directional threats. Moreover, we identify distinct roles for Celsr3 and Celsr2, as Celsr3 is required for startle circuit development while Celsr2 is dispensable, though Celsr2 can partially compensate for loss of Celsr3 in Mauthner cells. This contrasts with facial branchiomotor neuron migration in the hindbrain, which requires Celsr2 while we find that Celsr3 is dispensable. Combined, our data uncover critical and distinct roles for individual PCP components during assembly of the acoustic startle hindbrain circuit. Author summary: The assembly of neuronal circuits that drive behavior requires coordination of molecular pathways that govern neuron development and connectivity. Disruption of circuit development can lead to behavioral dysfunction, but understanding how circuits develop in vivo, especially in the immensely complex human brain, poses a significant challenge. Here, we leverage a well-characterized circuit driving a conserved protective behavior, the acoustic startle response, in the developing zebrafish to investigate molecular pathways driving circuit assembly. We discovered that proteins in the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway are critical for development of two neuron types in the startle hindbrain circuit: the large paired "Mauthner neurons," which mediate the acoustic startle fast escape, and a group of specialized Mauthner-activating "spiral fiber neurons." We found that the PCP atypical cadherin Celsr3 guides Mauthner axon growth towards and into the spinal cord, where Mauthner axons form connections with motor neurons essential for the startle response. Additionally, we uncovered unique and overlapping roles for Celsr3 and the related Celsr2 protein in hindbrain circuit development, shedding light on their specific functions in neurodevelopment. Overall, our findings in zebrafish illustrate how the conserved PCP pathway orchestrates circuit assembly and influences behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pain from peripheral neuromas is difficult to manage and often requires surgical excision, though intraoperative identification of neuromas can be challenging due to anatomical ambiguity. Mechanical manipulation of the neuroma during surgery can elicit a characteristic "startle sign", which can help guide surgical management. However, it is unknown how anesthetic management affects detection of the startle sign. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 73 neuroma excision surgeries performed recently at Massachusetts General Hospital. Physiological changes in the anesthetic record were analyzed to identify associations with a startle sign event. Anesthesia type and doses of pharmacological agents were analyzed between startle sign and no-startle sign groups. Results: Of the 64 neuroma resection surgeries included, 13 had a startle sign. Combined intravenous and inhalation anesthesia (CIVIA) was more frequently used in the startle sign group vs. no-startle sign group (54% vs. 8%), while regional blockade with monitored anesthetic care was not associated with the startle sign group (12% vs. 0%), p = 0.001 for anesthesia type. Other factors, such as neuromuscular blocking agents, ketamine infusion, remifentanil infusion, and intravenous morphine equivalents showed no differences between groups. Conclusions: Here, we identified hypothesis-generating descriptive differences in anesthetic management associated with the detection of the neuroma startle sign during neuroma excision surgery, suggesting ways to deliver anesthesia facilitating detection of this phenomenon. Prospective trials are needed to further validate the hypotheses generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Golden Rabbitfish's consumption of seaweed can seriously harm seaweed beds. To address the issue of their grazing on seaweed beds, sound can be used to deter them. The behavioral reaction of the Golden Rabbitfish to sine wave pulses was examined in this study. According to the findings, the fish responded to low-frequency sine pulses the most, exhibiting a clear escape response. These results allow for future attempts to employ sound to deter Golden Rabbitfish and present a theoretical strategy and data base. This study investigates the auditory capabilities of Golden Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) and the potential efficacy of sound-based deterrent methods for behavior control. Behavioral experiments were conducted on Golden Rabbitfish to assess their responses to sound stimuli. Sinusoidal pulses in the range of 100~800 Hz, based on previous research on auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), were utilized. An analysis of behavioral trajectories, swimming speed, and acceleration changes revealed the fish's reactions to varying frequency sound stimuli. The results indicate that Golden Rabbitfish exhibited increased swimming activity and speed when stimulated by sound and notably moved away from the source under prolonged exposure to low-frequency acoustic signals. Specifically, the fish displayed the most significant response to 200 Hz sinusoidal pulses with a response threshold of 113~126 dB. These findings suggest that Golden Rabbitfish are particularly sensitive to low-frequency noise, aligning with AEP study outcomes. This study concludes that employing sound stimuli to deter Golden Rabbitfish in practical settings holds promise for mitigating economic losses in seaweed farming due to Golden Rabbitfish grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used class of insecticides in the United States (U.S.). and the world. Consistent with their high use and persistence, neonicotinoids are often found contaminating drinking water and food. They are also detected in human urine, breast milk, amniotic and cerebrospinal fluids, as well as the brains of treated rodents. Neonicotinoids were once thought to pose little neurotoxic risk to humans, but a growing body of research challenges that assumption. In this study we provide the first comprehensive assessment of unpublished rodent developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) studies on five neonicotinoids that were submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by neonicotinoid manufacturers. Groups of female rats were administered three different doses of a neonicotinoid during pregnancy and lactation, and their offspring subjected to various neurological tests and brain measurements. We identified nicotine-like effects such as reduced brain size, indicative of neuronal cell loss. Statistically significant shrinkage of brain tissue was observed in high-dose offspring for five neonicotinoids: acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam. Two brain regions reduced in the rodent studies-the corpus callosum and caudateputa mentend to be smaller in people diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and in children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy, suggesting a possible link between perinatal neonicotinoid exposure and ADHD. A decreased auditory startle reflex was reported for acetamiprid at all doses and was statistically significant in the mid- and high-dose offspring, and for clothianidin in juvenile high-dose females. No mid- or low-dose brain morphometric data were submitted for acetamiprid, imidacloprid, or thiacloprid. Thiamethoxam mid- and low-dose brain morphometric data were provided to EPA upon request. Only partial mid-dose brain morphometry data were submitted for clothianidin, but no low-dose data. Yet despite this lack of data, EPA concluded that only the high-dose brain morphometric effects were treatment-related-setting the mid-dose as the study's No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) or failing to find a definitive NOAEL for acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam. We found numerous deficiencies in EPA's regulatory oversight and data analyses. EPA dismissed statistically significant adverse effects, accepted substandard DNT studies despite lack of valid positive control data, and allowed neonicotinoid registrants to unduly influence agency decision-making. We conclude that perinatal exposure to neonicotinoids and their metabolites induces adverse, nicotine-like neurotoxic effects in rodent bioassays, and that the exposure limits set by EPA for human exposure are either not protective or not supported by available neurotoxicity data. We propose regulatory changes to empower EPA to better protect public health from developmental neurotoxins like neonicotinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated responses to threats are important for predator evasion in many species. This study examines the effect of developmental social experience on antipredator behavior and group cohesion in a highly gregarious catfish that communicates via tactile interaction, Corydoras aeneus. We reared fish either in a mixed‐age group of age‐matched peers and adult C. aeneus (mixed‐age condition, or MAC), or with age‐matched peers only (same‐age condition, or SAC). A startle test was conducted with small groups of subadults from either social rearing condition. Prior to any startle events, SAC subadults had increased tactile communication compared to MAC subadults, but SAC individuals were overall less active. SAC fish exhibited a stronger antipredator response to startles, and were more likely to freeze or take refuge in cover in response to a startle than MAC fish. MAC fish tended to respond to startle events by maintaining or decreasing their cohesion, whereas SAC fish tended to maintain or increase their cohesion. These behavioral differences are attributed to MAC fish developing with group protection as a result of shoaling with adults, resulting in reduced antipredator responses when reared with adults. This study underscores how social context during development can be critical in shaping how individuals perceive and respond to potential threats in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Brazilian red propolis has attracted attention for its pharmacological properties. However, signs of toxicity were recently observed in long-term studies using the hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (RPHE), likely due to polyprenylated benzophenones. This study aimed to develop a benzophenone-free red propolis extract (BFRP) and validate an HPLC-PDA method to quantify its main constituents: isoliquiritigenin, vestitol, neovestitol, medicarpine, and 7-O-methylvestitol. Methods: BFRP's toxicity was assessed in zebrafish larvae through a vibrational startle response assay (VSRA) and morphological analysis. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the micronucleus test in rodents, and the extract's effects on chemically induced preneoplastic lesions in rat colon were studied. An HPLC-PDA method was used to quantify BFRP's main compounds. Results: BFRP primarily contained vestitol (128.24 ± 1.01 μg/mL) along with isoliquiritigenin, medicarpin, neovestitol, and 7-O-methylvestitol. Zebrafish larvae exposed to 40 µg/mL of BFRP exhibited toxicity, higher than the 10 µg/mL for RPHE, though no morphological differences were found. Fluorescent staining in the notochord, branchial arches, and mouth was observed in larvae treated with both BFRP and RPHE. No genotoxic or cytotoxic effects were observed up to 2000 mg/kg in rodents, with no impact on hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity markers. Chemoprevention studies showed a 41.6% reduction in preneoplastic lesions in rats treated with 6 mg/kg of BFRP. Conclusions: These findings indicate that BFRP is a safe, effective propolis-based extract with potential applications for human health, demonstrating reduced toxicity and chemopreventive properties. [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]

Climate change may impact individual organisms in different ways, a consideration often overshadowed by predominant focus on population effects in studies. We examined three estuarine fish species to determine if individual fish performance, persisted across winter water temperatures. Fish performance at 16 °C (current Sydney winter estuarine water temperature) and 20 °C (predicted under climate change) with low and high food regimes was assessed using key physiological (growth, aerobic scope, burst speed) and behavioural parameters (foraging activity, boldness, shelter usage, predator escape response). We expected a strong positive relationship between performance at 16 °C and 20 °C for each parameter, and interactions with food level, however in general this was not found for any species. Relative performance was only maintained across temperatures for a few parameters, such as bite rate, boldness, and shelter response in one species (trumpeter Pelates sexlineatus), with aerobic scope in silver biddy Gerres subfasciatus, and boldness in fortescue Centropogon australis. Our results suggest that individuals' fitness (directly via changes in growth, indirectly via behaviours) might be impacted by climate warming due to differences in relative performance among juvenile individuals across water temperatures. Changes in relative performance among individuals may initially compensate for a population-level response, thereby buffering the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperekplexia is a neurologic disorder characterized by an exaggerated startle reflex in response to different types of stimuli. Hyperekplexia is defined by the triad of neonatal hypertonia, excessive startle reflexes, and generalized stiffness following the startle. Although uncommon, hyperekplexia can lead to serious consequences such as falls, brain injury, or sudden infant death syndrome. Aim of this study was to identify cases of neonatal hyperekplexia with a confirmed genetic diagnosis and to establish the genotype-phenotype correlation at onset. Articles were selected from 1993 to 2024 and PRISMA Statement was applied including newborns within 28 days of life. So, we retrieved from literature 14 cases of genetically confirmed neonatal hyperekplexia. The onset of clinical manifestations occurred in the first day of life in 8 of 14 patients (57.14%). Clinical findings were muscle stiffness (100%), startle reflex (66.66%), apnea/cyanosis (41.66%), positive nose-tapping test (33.33%), jerks (33.33%), jitteriness (25%), and ictal blinking (25%). Genes involved were GLRA1 in 9 of 14 (64.28%), SLC6A5 in 2 of 14 (14.28%), GPHN in 1 of 14 (7.14%), and GLRB in 2 of 14 (14.28%). Patients showed heterozygous (66.66%) or homozygous (33.33%) status. In 7 of 14 cases (50%), the condition occurred in other family members. A genotype-phenotype correlation was not achievable. Timely diagnosis is crucial to improve the natural history of hyperekplexia avoiding/reducing possible major complications such as sudden infant death syndrome, brain injury, and serious falls. Early differentiation from epilepsy minimizes treatment cost and improves the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]