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Physiological Reports Jun 2024Inflammation and oxidative stress upset memory. We explored influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on memory deficits resulted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Groups...
Inflammation and oxidative stress upset memory. We explored influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on memory deficits resulted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Groups include control, LPS, LPS + SNP 1 mg/kg, LPS + SNP 2 mg/kg, and LPS + SNP 3 mg/kg. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests and biochemical measurements were carried out.In Morris water maze, LPS prolonged time and distance for finding the platform. In probe trial, it diminished time spent and traveled distance in the target zone. Injection of 2 and 3 mg/kg of SNP overturned the effect of LPS. In passive avoidance task, LPS postponed entrance into darkroom and reduced time spent in light room and incremented time spent in darkroom in 3, 24, and 72 h after electrical shock. All three doses of SNP restored the effects of LPS. Biochemical experiments confirmed that LPS elevated interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde concentration and declined total thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hippocampus and cortex tissues. SNP particularly at a 3 mg/kg dose ameliorated LPS effects on these parameters.SNP attenuated memory disabilities resulting from LPS through modifying inflammation and boosting antioxidant defense.
Topics: Animals; Lipopolysaccharides; Nitroprusside; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Memory Disorders; Rats, Wistar; Inflammation; Avoidance Learning; Maze Learning; Hippocampus
PubMed: 38806440
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16053 -
BMC Psychology May 2024Experiential avoidance represents the tendency to avoid negative internal experiences, which is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, existing...
BACKGROUND
Experiential avoidance represents the tendency to avoid negative internal experiences, which is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, existing measures of experiential avoidance (i.e., Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, AAQ-II) have some limitations. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire-30 (MEAQ-30) and provide evidence for the reliability and validity of this new instrument.
METHODS
Two questionnaire surveys were conducted. The first sample (N = 546) was analyzed using classical test theory (CTT), and the second sample (N = 511) was analyzed using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT).
RESULTS
CTT supported the six-factor structure of MEAQ-30, indicating good internal consistency and measurement invariance across genders. Furthermore, the Chinese version of MEAQ-30 showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. The incremental validity test showed that after controlling for the effects of neuroticism and AAQ-II, the Chinese version of MEAQ-30 could still significantly predict depression, anxiety, and stress. MIRT indicated that 30 items had good discrimination and difficulty, and the six subscales were sufficiently reliable across the continuum of experiential avoidance.
CONCLUSION
The Chinese version of MEAQ-30 has good reliability and validity and is suitable for assessing experiential avoidance among Chinese populations.
Topics: Humans; Psychometrics; Male; Female; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Adult; Young Adult; China; Avoidance Learning; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Anxiety; Depression
PubMed: 38790020
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01790-x -
Nature Communications May 2024Neural circuits with specific structures and diverse neuronal firing features are the foundation for supporting intelligent tasks in biology and are regarded as the...
Neural circuits with specific structures and diverse neuronal firing features are the foundation for supporting intelligent tasks in biology and are regarded as the driver for catalyzing next-generation artificial intelligence. Emulating neural circuits in hardware underpins engineering highly efficient neuromorphic chips, however, implementing a firing features-driven functional neural circuit is still an open question. In this work, inspired by avoidance neural circuits of crickets, we construct a spiking feature-driven sensorimotor control neural circuit consisting of three memristive Hodgkin-Huxley neurons. The ascending neurons exhibit mixed tonic spiking and bursting features, which are used for encoding sensing input. Additionally, we innovatively introduce a selective communication scheme in biology to decode mixed firing features using two descending neurons. We proceed to integrate such a neural circuit with a robot for avoidance control and achieve lower latency than conventional platforms. These results provide a foundation for implementing real brain-like systems driven by firing features with memristive neurons and put constructing high-order intelligent machines on the agenda.
Topics: Robotics; Neurons; Animals; Neural Networks, Computer; Action Potentials; Models, Neurological; Gryllidae; Nerve Net; Artificial Intelligence; Avoidance Learning
PubMed: 38773067
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48399-7 -
PloS One 2024The following paper describes a steady-state model of concurrent choice, termed the active time model (ATM). ATM is derived from maximization principles and is...
The following paper describes a steady-state model of concurrent choice, termed the active time model (ATM). ATM is derived from maximization principles and is characterized by a semi-Markov process. The model proposes that the controlling stimulus in concurrent variable-interval (VI) VI schedules of reinforcement is the time interval since the most recent response, termed here "the active interresponse time" or simply "active time." In the model after a response is generated, it is categorized by a function that relates active times to switch/stay probabilities. In the paper the output of ATM is compared with predictions made by three other models of operant conditioning: melioration, a version of scalar expectancy theory (SET), and momentary maximization. Data sets considered include preferences in multiple-concurrent VI VI schedules, molecular choice patterns, correlations between switching and perseveration, and molar choice proportions. It is shown that ATM can account for all of these data sets, while the other models produce more limited fits. However, rather than argue that ATM is the singular model for concurrent VI VI choice, a consideration of its concept space leads to the conclusion that operant choice is multiply-determined, and that an adaptive viewpoint-one that considers experimental procedures both as selecting mechanisms for animal choice as well as tests of the controlling variables of that choice-is warranted.
Topics: Choice Behavior; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Reinforcement Schedule; Time Factors; Models, Psychological; Reinforcement, Psychology; Markov Chains
PubMed: 38771859
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301173 -
Nature Communications May 2024The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively....
The ventral pallidum (VP) contains GABA and glutamate neurons projecting to ventral tegmental area (VTA) whose stimulation drives approach and avoidance, respectively. Yet little is known about the mechanisms by which VP cell types shape VTA activity and drive behavior. Here, we found that both VP GABA and glutamate neurons were activated during approach to reward or by delivery of an aversive stimulus. Stimulation of VP GABA neurons inhibited VTA GABA, but activated dopamine and glutamate neurons. Remarkably, stimulation-evoked activation was behavior-contingent such that VTA recruitment was inhibited when evoked by the subject's own action. Conversely, VP glutamate neurons activated VTA GABA, as well as dopamine and glutamate neurons, despite driving aversion. However, VP glutamate neurons evoked dopamine in aversion-associated ventromedial nucleus accumbens (NAc), but reduced dopamine release in reward-associated dorsomedial NAc. These findings show how heterogeneous VP projections to VTA can be engaged to shape approach and avoidance behaviors.
Topics: Ventral Tegmental Area; Animals; Glutamic Acid; Basal Forebrain; Male; Reward; GABAergic Neurons; Avoidance Learning; Mice; Dopamine; Nucleus Accumbens; Neurons; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Dopaminergic Neurons; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 38762463
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48340-y -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... May 2024Individuals with a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (m/sTBI), despite experiencing good locomotor recovery six months post-injury, face challenges in adapting...
BACKGROUND
Individuals with a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (m/sTBI), despite experiencing good locomotor recovery six months post-injury, face challenges in adapting their locomotion to the environment. They also present with altered cognitive functions, which may impact dual-task walking abilities. Whether they present collision avoidance strategies with moving pedestrians that are altered under dual-task conditions, however, remains unclear. This study aimed to compare between individuals with m/sTBI and age-matched control individuals: (1), the locomotor and cognitive costs associated with the concurrent performance of circumventing approaching virtual pedestrians (VRPs) while attending to an auditory-based cognitive task and; (2) gaze behaviour associated with the VRP circumvention task in single and dual-task conditions.
METHODOLOGY
Twelve individuals with m/sTBI (age = 43.3 ± 9.5 yrs; >6 mo. post injury) and 12 healthy controls (CTLs) (age = 41.8 ± 8.3 yrs) were assessed while walking in a virtual subway station viewed in a head-mounted display. They performed a collision avoidance task with VRPs, as well as auditory-based cognitive tasks (pitch discrimination and auditory Stroop), both under single and dual-task conditions. Dual-task cost (DTC) for onset distance of trajectory deviation, minimum distance from the VRP, maximum lateral deviation, walking speed, gaze fixations and cognitive task accuracy were contrasted between groups using generalized estimating equations.
RESULTS
In contrast to CTLs who showed locomotor DTCs only, individuals with m/sTBI displayed both locomotor and cognitive DTCs. While both groups walked slower under dual-task conditions, only individuals with m/sTBI failed to modify their onset distance of trajectory deviation and maintained smaller minimum distances and smaller maximum lateral deviation compared to single-task walking. Both groups showed shorter gaze fixations on the approaching VRP under dual-task conditions, but this reduction was less pronounced in the individuals with m/sTBI. A reduction in cognitive task accuracy under dual-task conditions was found in the m/sTBI group only.
CONCLUSION
Individuals with m/sTBI present altered locomotor and gaze behaviours, as well as altered cognitive performances, when executing a collision avoidance task involving moving pedestrians in dual-task conditions. Potential mechanisms explaining those alterations are discussed. Present findings highlight the compromised complex walking abilities in individuals with m/sTBI who otherwise present a good locomotor recovery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Pedestrians; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Middle Aged; Virtual Reality; Psychomotor Performance; Walking; Cognition; Avoidance Learning; Attention
PubMed: 38755606
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01378-x -
Communications Biology May 2024Avoidance, a hallmark of anxiety-related psychopathology, often comes at a cost; avoiding threat may forgo the possibility of a reward. Theories predict that optimal...
Avoidance, a hallmark of anxiety-related psychopathology, often comes at a cost; avoiding threat may forgo the possibility of a reward. Theories predict that optimal approach-avoidance arbitration depends on threat-induced psychophysiological states, like freezing-related bradycardia. Here we used model-based fMRI analyses to investigate whether and how bradycardia states are linked to the neurocomputational underpinnings of approach-avoidance arbitration under varying reward and threat magnitudes. We show that bradycardia states are associated with increased threat-induced avoidance and more pronounced reward-threat value comparison (i.e., a stronger tendency to approach vs. avoid when expected reward outweighs threat). An amygdala-striatal-prefrontal circuit supports approach-avoidance arbitration under threat, with specific involvement of the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) in integrating reward-threat value and bradycardia states. These findings highlight the role of human freezing states in value-based decision making, relevant for optimal threat coping. They point to a specific role for amygdala/dACC in state-value integration under threat.
Topics: Humans; Male; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Adult; Female; Young Adult; Bradycardia; Avoidance Learning; Amygdala; Reward; Gyrus Cinguli; Fear; Anxiety; Heart Rate; Decision Making
PubMed: 38755409
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06267-6 -
Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology :... May 2024Suppression of immune functions can be elicited by behavioural conditioning using drugs such as cyclosporin A or rapamycin. Nevertheless, little is known about the...
Suppression of immune functions can be elicited by behavioural conditioning using drugs such as cyclosporin A or rapamycin. Nevertheless, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and generalisability of this phenomenon. Against this background, the present study investigated whether the pharmacological properties of fingolimod (FTY720), an immunosuppressive drug widely applied to treat multiple sclerosis, can be conditioned in rats by means of taste-immune associative learning. For this purpose, a conditioned taste avoidance paradigm was used, pairing the presentation of a novel sweet drinking solution (saccharin or sucrose) as conditioned stimulus (CS) with therapeutically effective doses of FTY720 as unconditioned stimulus (US). Subsequent re-exposure to the CS at a later time point revealed that conditioning with FTY720 induced a mild conditioned taste avoidance only when saccharin was employed as CS. However, on an immunological level, neither re-exposure with saccharin nor sucrose altered blood immune cell subsets or splenic cytokine production. Despite the fact that intraperitonally administered FTY720 could be detected in brain regions known to mediate neuro-immune interactions, the present findings show that the physiological action of FTY720 is not inducible by mere taste-immune associative learning. Whether conditioning generalises across all small-molecule drugs with immunosuppressive properties still needs to be investigated with modified paradigms probably using distinct sensory CS. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to further investigate the underlying mechanisms of conditioned immunomodulation to assess the generalisability and usability of associative learning protocols as supportive therapies in clinical contexts.
Topics: Animals; Fingolimod Hydrochloride; Rats; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Rats, Wistar; Leukocytes; Avoidance Learning; Conditioning, Classical; Propylene Glycols; Taste; Saccharin
PubMed: 38733535
DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10122-0 -
Human Movement Science Jun 2024Individuals rely on visual information to determine when to adapt their behaviours (i.e., by changing path and/or speed) to avoid an approaching object or person. After...
Individuals rely on visual information to determine when to adapt their behaviours (i.e., by changing path and/or speed) to avoid an approaching object or person. After initiating an avoidance behaviour, individuals may control the space (i.e., minimum clearance distance) between themselves and another person or object. The current study aimed to determine the action strategies of young adults while avoiding a virtual pedestrian approaching along a 45° angle in an attentionally demanding task. Twenty-one young adults (22.9 ± 1.9 yrs., 11 males) were immersed in a virtual environment and were instructed to walk along a 7.5 m path towards a goal located along the midline. Two virtual pedestrians (VP) positioned 2.83 m to the left and right of the midline approached participants on a 45° angle. To manipulate the point at which the participants and the VP would intersect during different trials, the VP approached at one of three speeds: 0.8×, 1.0×, or 1.2× each participants' average walking speed. Participants were instructed to walk to a goal without colliding with the VP while performing the attention task; reporting whether a shape changed above the VPs' heads. Results revealed that young adults did not modulate their timing of avoidance to the approach characteristics of the VP, as they consistently avoided the collision 1.67 s after the VP began moving. However, young adults seem to control how they avoid an oncoming collision by maintaining a consistent safety margin after an avoidance behaviour was initiated.
Topics: Humans; Male; Young Adult; Attention; Female; Pedestrians; Virtual Reality; Walking; Adult; Avoidance Learning; Accidents, Traffic; Psychomotor Performance; Walking Speed; Orientation; User-Computer Interface
PubMed: 38728852
DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103226 -
Science Advances May 2024Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) network in the oval nucleus of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) is generally indicated in stress, but its role in...
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) network in the oval nucleus of bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) is generally indicated in stress, but its role in female-biased susceptibility to anxiety is unknown. Here, we established a female-biased stress paradigm. We found that the CRF release in ovBNST during stress showed female-biased pattern, and ovBNST CRF neurons were more prone to be hyperexcited in female mice during stress in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, optogenetic modulation to exchange the activation pattern of ovBNST CRF neurons during stress between female and male mice could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Last, CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) mediated the CRF-induced excitation of ovBNST CRF neurons and showed female-biased expression. Specific knockdown of the CRFR1 level in ovBNST CRF neurons in female or overexpression that in male could reverse their susceptibility to anxiety. Therefore, we identify that CRFR1-mediated hyperexcitation of ovBNST CRF neurons in female mice encode the female-biased susceptibility to anxiety.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Mice; Anxiety; Avoidance Learning; Behavior, Animal; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Neurons; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Septal Nuclei; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38728397
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7636