Citizen attitudes towards present and future beef consumption before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

There's been a change in citizens' attitudes towards beef consumption in high-income countries, resulting in a decline in its consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted citizens' attitudes and behaviours towards beef consumption. This study aimed to investigate Chilean citizens' attitudes towards beef consumption during the initial 18 months of the pandemic. Socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes towards beef consumption were asked in two questionnaires done in 2020 (n = 1142) and 2021 (n = 1221). Citizens' attitudes to beef eating and production did not change between the start and more than a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants not related with animal production, female, young, and non-meat consumers demonstrated more negative attitudes towards beef consumption and production. Half of the participants agreed that beef is bad for the environment, but only 30% agreed that beef is bad for human health. Half of participants had reduced beef consumption and 48% expressed intentions to reduce beef consumption in the future, primarily motivated by concerns related to animal welfare, the environment, and human health. The majority of participants (80%) thought that their fellow citizens should reduce their beef consumption but only 50% had confidence that this will occur. We conclude that Chilean consumers' attitudes to beef eating did not change due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed strong concern about beef consumption both individually and socially, due to environmental, animal and health concerns, and believed Chileans should reduce beef consumption in the future but had low confidence that this will happen.

Are self-test kits still relevant post COVID-19 pandemic? Qualitative study on working adults' perceptions

BACKGROUND

Other than self-isolation measures, self-testing is likely to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and may become a valuable approach in future outbreaks of infectious diseases. This study delves into the perceptions and experiences of working adults who utilised COVID-19 self-test kits in Singapore during the post-pandemic period.

METHODS

Employing a qualitative descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 working adults from diverse occupations, with a median age of 35 years. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was carried out by two independent qualitative research-trained researchers.

RESULTS

Facilitators included personal motivations like safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the convenience of user-friendly self-test kits. Proximal environmental factors encompassed situations involving close contacts and large gatherings, while distal factors involved workplace regulations, public health campaigns, mass media influence, and trust in authorised kits. Nonetheless, barriers include discomfort, cost, uncertainty about proper technique, and evolving testing requirements. Positive test results prompted participants to notify contacts and self-isolate, whereas negative results encouraged a return to normalcy. Participants recommend sustained testing for new variants and vulnerable groups, though some view it as unnecessary due to pandemic normalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-testing emerged as a social phenomenon influenced by societal obligations and relationships across multiple levels. Effective communication strategies may play a role in fostering trust and ensuring that working adults sustain the practice of self-testing; therefore, further research is needed to explore their potential impact. Such efforts could be valuable for maintaining vigilance and achieving effective disease control in the post-COVID-19 pandemic landscape.

Edaravone counteracts redox and metabolic disruptions in an emerging zebrafish model of sporadic ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which the death of motor neurons leads to loss of muscle function. Additionally, cognitive and circadian disruptions are common in ALS patients, contributing to disease progression and burden. Most ALS cases are sporadic, and environmental exposures contribute to their aetiology. However, animal models of these sporadic ALS cases are scarce. The small vertebrate zebrafish is a leading organism to model neurodegenerative diseases; previous studies have proposed bisphenol A (BPA) or β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) exposure to model sporadic ALS in zebrafish, damaging motor neurons and altering motor responses. Here we characterise the face and predictive validity of sporadic ALS models, showing their potential for the mechanistic study of ALS drugs. We phenotypically characterise the BPA and BMAA-induced models, going beyond motor activity and motor axon morphology, to include circadian, redox, proteostasis, and metabolomic phenotypes, and assessing their predictive validity for ALS modelling. BPA or BMAA exposure induced concentration-dependent activity impairments. Also, exposure to BPA but not BMAA induced motor axonopathy and circadian alterations in zebrafish larvae. Our further study of the BPA model revealed loss of habituation to repetitive startles, increased oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and metabolome abnormalities. The BPA-induced model shows predictive validity, since the approved ALS drug edaravone counteracted BPA-induced motor phenotypes, ER stress, and metabolic disruptions. Overall, BPA exposure is a promising model of ALS-related redox and ER imbalances, contributing to fulfil an unmet need for validated sporadic ALS models.

Anti-GluA3 autoantibodies define a new sub-population of frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients with distinct neuropathological features

Autoantibodies directed against the GluA3 subunit (anti-GluA3 hIgGs) of AMPA receptors have been identified in 20%-25% of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Data from patients and in vitro/ex vivo pre-clinical studies indicate that anti-GluA3 hIgGs negatively affect glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, whether and how the chronic presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs triggers synaptic dysfunctions and the appearance of FTLD-related neuropathological and behavioural signature has not been clarified yet. To address this question, we developed and characterized a pre-clinical mouse model of passive immunization with anti-GluA3 hIgGs purified from patients. In parallel, we clinically compared FTLD patients who were positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs to negative ones. Clinical data showed that the presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs defined a subgroup of patients with distinct clinical features. In the preclinical model, anti-GluA3 hIgGs administration led to accumulation of phospho-tau in the postsynaptic fraction and dendritic spine loss in the prefrontal cortex. Remarkably, the preclinical model exhibited behavioural disturbances that mostly reflected the deficits proper of patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs. Of note, anti-GluA3 hIgGs-mediated alterations were rescued in the animal model by enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission with a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. Overall, our study clarified the contribution of anti-GluA3 autoantibodies to central nervous system symptoms and pathology and identified a specific subgroup of FTLD patients. Our findings will be instrumental in the development of a therapeutic personalised medicine strategy for patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs.

Marine foams impede metabolic and behavioural traits in the rough periwinkle Littorina saxatilis

Foams are a ubiquitous feature of marine environments. They can have major economic, societal and ecological consequences through their accumulation on the shore. Despite their pervasive nature and evidence that stable foam deposits play a pivotal role in the ecology of soft shore and estuaries, very limited amounts of information are available on their contribution to the structure and function at play in rocky intertidal ecosystems. This study shows that the metabolic rate of the high-shore gastropod Littorina saxatilis is significantly higher in individuals exposed to foams. Behavioural assays conducted under laboratory-controlled conditions further show that this species detects foam-born infochemicals both indirectly or directly, hence rely on both airborne and contact chemosensory cues. L. saxatilis also actively avoid areas covered in foam, and increase their activity in the presence of foam. These observations are interpreted in terms of foam-induced increased metabolic stress and increases behavioural anxiety and vigilance. They are further discussed in relation to the occurrence of two phytoplankton species known to produce repellent and/or toxic compounds such as domoic acid and dimethylsulfoniopropionate, the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata and the haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa, with the latter occurring at unusually high density. Taken together, these results suggest that the accumulation of foams on intertidal rocky shores may have major implications on taxa relying on both airborne and contact chemosensory cues to navigate, find food and mating partners. Specifically, the observed increased behavioural activity coupled with increased metabolic demands may impact species fitness and highlight potentially large ecological consequences in rocky intertidal ecosystems characterized by strong hydrodynamism and elevated organic matter content leading to the presence of long-lived foam.

Breast cancer screening motivation and behaviours of women aged over 75 years: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

This scoping review aimed to identify and present the evidence describing key motivations for breast cancer screening among women aged ≥ 75 years. Few of the internationally available guidelines recommend continued biennial screening for this age group. Some suggest ongoing screening is unnecessary or should be determined on individual health status and life expectancy. Recent research has shown that despite recommendations regarding screening, older women continue to hold positive attitudes to breast screening and participate when the opportunity is available.

METHODS

All original research articles that address motivation, intention and/or participation in screening for breast cancer among women aged ≥ 75 years were considered for inclusion. These included articles reporting on women who use public and private breast cancer screening services and those who do not use screening services (i.e., non-screeners). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews was used to guide this review. A comprehensive search strategy was developed with the assistance of a specialist librarian to access selected databases including: the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Web of Science and PsychInfo. The review was restricted to original research studies published since 2009, available in English and focusing on high-income countries (as defined by the World Bank). Title and abstract screening, followed by an assessment of full-text studies against the inclusion criteria was completed by at least two reviewers. Data relating to key motivations, screening intention and behaviour were extracted, and a thematic analysis of study findings undertaken.

RESULTS

A total of fourteen (14) studies were included in the review. Thematic analysis resulted in identification of three themes from included studies highlighting that decisions about screening were influenced by: knowledge of the benefits and harms of screening and their relationship to age; underlying attitudes to the importance of cancer screening in women's lives; and use of decision aids to improve knowledge and guide decision-making.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the motivations and screening behaviour of older women about breast cancer screening which may inform policy development.

Increased stress vulnerability in the offspring of socially isolated rats: Behavioural, neurochemical and redox dysfunctions

Stressful events during pregnancy impact on the progeny neurodevelopment. However, little is known about preconceptional stress effects. The rat social isolation represents an animal model of chronic stress inducing a variety of dysfunctions. Moreover, social deprivation during adolescence interferes with key neurodevelopmental processes. Here, we investigated the development of behavioural, neurochemical and redox alterations in the male offspring of socially isolated female rats before pregnancy, reared in group (GRP) or in social isolation (ISO) from weaning until young-adulthood. To this aim, females were reared in GRP or in ISO conditions, from PND21 to PND70, when they were mated. Their male offspring was housed in GRP or ISO conditions through adolescence and until PND70, when passive avoidance-PA, novel object recognition-NOR and open field-OF tests were performed. Levels of noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), glutamate (GLU) and GABA were assessed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Moreover, cortical ROS levels were quantified, as well as NF-kB and the NADPH oxidase NOX2 expression, redox status (expressed as GSH:GSSG ratio) and SOD1 amount. A significant decrease of the latency time in the PA was observed in the offspring of ISO females. In the NOR test, while a significant increase in the exploratory activity towards the novel object was observed in the offspring of GRP females, no significant differences were found in the offspring of ISO females. No significant differences were found in the OF test among experimental groups. Theoffspring of ISO females showed increased NA and 5-HIAA levels, whereas in the offspring persistently housed in isolation condition from weaninguntil adulthood, we detected reduced 5-HT levels and ehnanced 5-HIAA amount. No significant changes in GLU concentrations were detected, while decreased GABA content was observed in the offspring of ISO females exposed to social isolation. Increased ROS levels as well as reduced NF-κB, NOX2 expression were detected in the offspring of ISO females. This was accompanied by reduced redox status and enhanced SOD1 levels. In conclusion, our results suggest that female exposure to chronic social stress before pregnancy might have a profound influence on the offspring neurodevelopment in terms of cognitive, neurochemical and redox-related alterations, identifying this specific time window for possible preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The impact of prenatal mercury on neurobehavioral functioning longitudinally assessed from a young age to pre-adolescence in a Spanish birth cohort

The objective is to investigate the relation between cord blood mercury concentrations and child neurobehavioural functioning assessed longitudinally during childhood until pre-adolescence.

METHODS

The study involves mothers and their offspring engaged in the Spanish INMA birth cohort (n = 1147). Total mercury (THg) was determined in cord blood. Behavioural problems were assessed several times during childhood using the ADHD-DSM-IV at age 4, SDQ at ages 7 and 11, CPRS-R:S and the CBCL at ages 7, 9 and 11. Covariates were obtained through questionnaires during the whole period. Multivariate generalised negative binomial (MGNB) models or mixed-effects MGNB (for those tests with information at one or more time points, respectively) were used to investigate the relation between cord blood THg and the children's punctuations. Models were adjusted for prenatal fish intake. Effect modification by sex, prenatal and postnatal fish intake, prenatal fruit and vegetable intake, and maternal polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations (PCBs) was assessed by interaction terms.

RESULTS

The geometric mean ± standard deviation of cord blood THg was 8.22 ± 2.19 μg/L. Despite adjusting for fish consumption, our results did not show any statistically significant relationship between prenatal Hg and the children's performance on behavioural tests conducted between the ages of 4 and 11. Upon assessing the impact of various factors, we observed no statistically significant interaction.

CONCLUSION

Despite elevated prenatal THg exposure, no association was found with children's behavioural functioning assessed from early childhood to pre-adolescence. The nutrients in fish could offset the potential neurotoxic impact of Hg. Further birth cohort studies with longitudinal data are warranted.

A systematic evidence map and bibliometric analysis of the behavioural impacts of pesticide exposure on zebrafish

Pesticides are indispensable in agriculture and have become ubiquitous in aquatic environments. Pesticides in natural environments can cause many negative impacts on aquatic species, ranging from mortality to sub-lethal physiological and behavioural changes. The complex sub-lethal impacts of pesticides are routinely tested on model species, with zebrafish (Danio rerio) being regularly used as a behavioural model. Although behavioural ecotoxicology research using zebrafish is increasing rapidly, we lack quantitative evidence to support which pesticides have been tested and how study designs are carried out. This shortcoming not only limits the deliberate planning for future primary studies to fill the knowledge gaps but also hinders evidence synthesis. To provide quantitative evidence of what pesticides are currently studied and what study designs are used, we combined a systematic evidence map approach and bibliometric analysis. This novel method has been coined research weaving and allows us to elicit gaps and clusters in our evidence base, whilst showing connections between authors and institutions. The methodology can be summarised in five primary steps: literature searching, screening, extraction, data analysis and bibliometric analysis. We identified four areas where research on the sub-lethal effects of pesticide exposure on zebrafish is lacking. First, some widely used pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, are understudied. Second, most studies do not report important elements of the study design, namely the sex and the life-stage of the zebrafish. Third, some behaviours, such as impacts of pesticide exposure on zebrafish cognition, are underexplored. And last, we revealed through the bibliometric analysis that most of the research is conducted in developed countries and there is limited cross country co-authorships. Upon identifying these gaps, we offer solutions for each limitation, emphasizing the importance of diverse global research output and cross-country co-authorships. Our systematic evidence map and bibliometric analysis provide valuable insights for helping to guide future research, which can be used to help support evidence-based policy decisions.

Warming, but not infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, increases off-host winter activity in the ectoparasite, Ixodes scapularis

Warming winters will change patterns of behaviour in temperate and polar arthropods, but we know little about the drivers of winter activity in animals such as ticks. Any changes in behaviour are likely to arise from a combination of both abiotic (e.g. temperature) and biotic (e.g. infection) drivers, and will have important consequences for survival and species interactions. Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, have invaded Atlantic Canada and high proportions (30-50%) are infected with the bacteria causing Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection is correlated with increased overwintering survival of adult females, and ticks are increasingly active in the winter, but it is unclear if infection is associated with activity. Further, we know little about how temperature drives the frequency of winter activity. Here, we exposed wild-caught, adult, female Ixodes scapularis ticks to three different winter temperature regimes (constant low temperatures, increased warming, and increased warming + variability) to determine the thermal and infection conditions that promote or suppress activity. We used automated behaviour monitors to track daily activity in individual ticks and repeated the study with fresh ticks over three years. Following exposure to winter conditions we determined whether ticks were infected with the bacteria B. burgdorferi and if infection was responsible for any patterns in winter activity. Warming conditions promoted increased activity throughout the overwintering period but infection with B. burgdorferi had no impact on the frequency or overall number of ticks active throughout the winter. Individual ticks varied in their levels of activity throughout the winter, such that some were largely dormant for several weeks, while others were active almost daily; however, we do not yet know the drivers behind this individual variation in behaviour. Overall, warming winters will heighten the risk of tick-host encounters.

Increasing temperature and time in glasshouses increases honey bee activity and affects internal brood conditions

Honey bees are globally important pollinators, key to many aspects of ecosystem function and agricultural production. However they are facing an increasing array of stress factors. These stressors include exposure to pathogens and pesticides, agricultural intensification, and changes in climate, and likely contribute to colony dysfunction and colony losses. Here we use temperature-controlled glasshouse experiments to investigate the impact of a field-realistic temperature-range on honey bee colonies, including temperatures based on projections for near-future local conditions. We show that increased temperatures have a significant impact on honey bee worker activity, with increased worker movement in and out of colonies, particularly over 30 °C. In addition, increased glasshouse temperatures led to significantly higher brood (egg, larval and pupal cells) humidity. Finally, temperature had a more severe impact at the later end of the experiment than at the start (on worker movement and brood conditions), suggesting that colonies under stress (either due to exposure to thermal stress or glasshouse confinement) have more difficulty in manging thermoregulation. These results indicate the potential impact of higher temperatures on the healthy functioning of these important pollinators.

Beam narrowing test: a motor index of post-stroke motor evaluation in an aged rat model of cerebral ischemia

Each year, 15 million people worldwide suffer from strokes. Consequently, researchers face increasing pressure to develop reliable behavioural tests for assessing functional recovery after a stroke. Our aim was to establish a new motor performance index that can be used to evaluate post-stroke recovery in both young and aged animals. Furthermore, we validate the proposed procedure and recommend the necessary number of animals for experimental stroke studies. Young (n = 20) and aged (n = 27) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either sham or stroke surgery. The newly proposed performance index was calculated for the post-stroke acute, subacute and chronic phases. The advantage of using our test over current tests lies in the fact that the newly proposed motor index test evaluates not only the performance of the unaffected side in comparison to the affected one but also assesses overall performance by taking into account speed and coordination. Moreover, it reduces the number of animals needed to achieve a statistical power of 80%. This aspect is particularly crucial when studying aged rodents. Our approach can be used to monitor and assess the effectiveness of stroke therapies in experimental models using aged animals.

Intention to use physical restraint in paediatric intensive care units and correlated variables: A multicentre and cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the intention to use physical restraint (PR) and the relationship with sociodemographic and professional variables of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN AND SETTING

A multicentre and correlational study was carried out from October 2021 to December 2023 in five paediatric intensive care units from five maternal and child hospitals in Spain. The Paediatric Physical Restraint-Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire was provided. Moreover, sociodemographic and employment variables were registered.

RESULTS

A total of 230 paediatric nurses participated in the study. A total of 87.7 % were females with an average age of 35.5 ± 9.7 years and working experience of 10.5 ± 8.4 years. The mean scores obtained were 21.1 ± 3.8 for attitude, 13.1 ± 5.0 for subjective norms, 14.4 ± 4.3 for perceived behavioural control and 28.0 ± 6.0 for intention. The nurses apply more physical restraint to anxious patients, with scarce analgesics and sedation, those affected with pharmacological withdrawal symptoms and those with a high risk of accidental removal of vital support devices or fall from bed. The sex (p = 0.007) and type of employment contract (p = 0.01) are the variables that are significantly correlated with the intention to use of PR.

CONCLUSION

The paediatric nurses analysed had a moderate attitude, social pressure and perceived behavioural control towards the use of PR.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is important to know the factors that influence the intention to use physical restraint in order to standardise safe practice for critically ill paediatric and to ensure that patients' rights are respected by obtaining informed consent and assessing the prescription, continuation and removal of physical restraint.

Physiological and behavioural adaptations by big brown bats hibernating in dry rock crevices

Winter energy stores are finite and factors influencing patterns of activity are important for overwintering energetics and survival. Hibernation patterns (e.g., torpor bout duration and arousal frequency) often depend on microclimate, with more stable hibernacula associated with greater energy savings than less stable hibernacula. We monitored hibernation patterns of individual big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus; Palisot de Beauvois, 1796) overwintering in rock-crevices that are smaller, drier, and less thermally stable than most known cave hibernacula. While such conditions would be predicted to increase arousal frequency in many hibernators, we did not find support for this. We found that bats were insensitive to changes in hibernacula microclimate (temperature and humidity) while torpid. We also found that the probability of arousal from torpor remained under circadian influence, likely because throughout the winter during arousals, bats commonly exit their hibernacula. We calculated that individuals spend most of their energy on maintaining a torpid body temperature a few degrees above the range of ambient temperatures during steady-state torpor, rather than during arousals as is typical of other small mammalian hibernators. Flight appears to be an important winter activity that may expedite the benefits of euthermic periods and allow for short, physiologically effective arousals. Overall, we found that big brown bats in rock crevices exhibit different hibernation patterns than conspecifics hibernating in buildings and caves.

A pilot study examining whether restricting and resuming specific actions systematically changes symptoms of depression and anxiety. A series of N-of-1 trials

Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent and a leading cause of disability. Understanding how symptoms develop could lead to new preventive and clinical interventions. This pilot study examined whether systematically restricting specific behaviours (target actions) associated with good psychological health would increase psychological symptoms in healthy participants, and whether resuming those actions would reduce symptoms to baseline levels. Twelve adults participated in a series of N-of-1 trials comprising baseline (A), restriction (B) and recovery (C) phases. Outcomes were assessed weekly using measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and a validated 15-item measure of target actions (Big 5). Symptoms of depression and anxiety increased significantly from Phase A to Phase B and returned to baseline by the end of Phase C. Increased symptoms during Phase B were only observed in participants who restricted actions by more than 25%. Symptom increases were evident within 2 weeks of restriction, but most participants appeared to take longer to recover to baseline levels. This study demonstrates that reducing the frequency of specific actions may increase symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is reversed when those actions are resumed. This contributes to our understanding of the aetiology, maintenance, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and possibly other disorders.

Personality traits and pre-treatment beliefs and cognitions predicting patient adherence to continuous positive airway pressure: A systematic review

Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be improved by behavioural interventions which modify patients' beliefs and cognitions about OSA, CPAP, and themselves. We have conducted the first systematic review of the literature on beliefs and cognitions held before starting treatment, and personality (which influences the former) that predict the decision to purchase or start CPAP, or CPAP adherence one month or more after CPAP initiation. A systematic search and screen of articles identified 21 eligible publications from an initial 1317. Quality assessment performed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale demonstrated that 13 (62%) studies were poor quality and only seven (33%) were high quality. Eighteen factors, such as self-efficacy (confidence) in using CPAP and value placed on health predicted CPAP adherence; however, for only six (33%), utility as an intervention target is known, from calculation of individual predictive power. Studies did not use new behavioural frameworks effective at explaining adherence behaviours, nor did they interview patients to collect in-depth data on barriers and facilitators of CPAP use. Future studies cannot have these limitations if high quality evidence is to be generated for intervention development, which is currently sparse as highlighted by this review.

Exploring the intra-individual reliability of tDCS: A registered report

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, has become an important tool for the study of in-vivo brain function due to its modulatory effects. Over the past two decades, interest in the influence of tDCS on behaviour has increased markedly, resulting in a large body of literature spanning multiple domains. However, the effect of tDCS on human performance often varies, bringing into question the reliability of this approach. While reviews and meta-analyses highlight the contributions of methodological inconsistencies and individual differences, no published studies have directly tested the intra-individual reliability of tDCS effects on behaviour. Here, we conducted a large scale, double-blinded, sham-controlled registered report to assess the reliability of two single-session low-dose tDCS montages, previously found to impact response selection and motor learning operations, across two separate time periods. Our planned analysis found no evidence for either protocol being effective nor reliable. Post-hoc explorative analyses found evidence that tDCS influenced motor learning, but not response selection learning. In addition, the reliability of motor learning performance across trials was shown to be disrupted by tDCS. These findings are amongst the first to shed light specifically on the intra-individual reliability of tDCS effects on behaviour and provide valuable information to the field.

How and why do healthcare workers use gloves in two Norwegian nursing homes?

BACKGROUND

Incorrect glove use can cause cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections. Previous research has identified reasons for this, such as lack of indication, improper changing, and poor hand hygiene post use. Limited research has investigated the reasons behind healthcare workers' glove usage.

AIM

To develop an in-depth understanding of healthcare worker (HCW) attitudes and perceptions of glove use and to explore barriers and facilitators as well as compliance with national guidelines.

METHODS

A small-scale convergent-parallel mixed methods study design consisting of observations with focus group interviews (FGIs) by using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS). The study was conducted at two Norwegian municipal nursing homes in Oslo for two weeks in January-February 2023.

FINDINGS

Out of 73 observations, gloves were used in 67 episodes, not worn even if indicated in six observations, and were overused 16 times (21.9%). Lack of hand hygiene after glove removal was observed in 36 out of 67 instances (53.7%). Two FGIs disclosed that glove usage decisions are shaped by habits, knowledge, experience, and emotions linked to patient requirements, tasks, and glove type. Double gloves were used for self-protection and efficiency. Availability of gloves was a facilitator, while poor glove quality posed a barrier.

CONCLUSION

Despite HCWs' knowledge of glove guidelines, their attitudes did not consistently ensure compliance. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve hand hygiene after glove removal, urging awareness of glove overuse to reduce infections, protect HCWs' skin, and promote sustainability.

Differential impact of diesel exhaust particles on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans: A neurodegenerative perspective

The growing body of evidence links exposure to particulate matter pollutants with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether diesel exhaust particles can induce neurobehavioral alterations associated with neurodegenerative effects on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Exposure to DEP at concentrations of 0.167 µg/cm2 and 1.67 µg/cm2 resulted in significant developmental delays and altered locomotion behaviour. These effects were accompanied by discernible alterations in the expressions of antioxidant genes sod-3 and gst-4 observed in transgenic strains. Behaviour analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in average speed (p < 0.001), altered paths, and decreased swimming activities (p < 0.01), particularly at mid and high doses. Subsequent assessment of neurodegeneration markers in glutamatergic (DA1240) and dopaminergic (BZ555) transgenic worms revealed notable glutamatergic neuron degeneration at 0.167 μg/cm2 (∼30 % moderate, ∼20 % advanced) and 1.67 μg/cm2 (∼28 % moderate, ∼24 % advanced, p < 0.0001), while dopaminergic neurons exhibited structural deformities (∼16 %) without significant degeneration in terms of blebs and breaks. Furthermore, in silico docking simulations suggest the presence of an antagonistic competitive inhibition induced by DEP in the evaluated neuro-targets, stronger for the glutamatergic transporter than for the dopaminergic receptor from the comparative binding affinity point of view. The results underscore DEP's distinctive neurodegenerative effects and suggest a link between locomotion defects and glutamatergic neurodegeneration in C. elegans, providing insights into environmental health risks assessment.

Effect of sleep disordered breathing severity in children with Down syndrome on parental wellbeing and social support

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disorders, particularly sleep disordered breathing (SDB), are common in children with Down syndrome (DS). We investigated the relationship between SDB severity and parental psychological wellbeing and their perception of social support.

METHODS

44 children with DS (3-19 years) underwent overnight polysomnography and were categorised into three groups: primary snoring, Mild and Moderate/Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Parents completed questionnaires about their child's behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist), sleep symptoms (Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument) and SDB-related quality of life (OSA-18), together with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support (DUKE) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaires for themselves. 34 children completed a follow-up study after 2 years.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between SDB severity groups for parental perceived social support or psychological wellbeing. Total scores on the DUKE were below average and PGWBI scores were indicative of moderate psychological distress in all three groups. Reduced perceived levels of social support were significantly correlated with externalising child behaviour and sleep disturbance. Diminished parental psychological wellbeing was also significantly correlated with increased sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life in children. At follow-up there were no significant changes in any questionnaire outcome, however parents of children with improved SDB severity had improved PGWBI vitality scores.

CONCLUSION

The degree of parent-reported sleep disturbance in children with DS was linked to suboptimal perceived parental social support and poor psychological wellbeing. Our results emphasise the need for enhanced awareness of the detrimental effects of sleep problems in children with DS on parental wellbeing.

Longitudinal point-of-care assessment of psychomotor vigilance in children in the epilepsy monitoring unit

The epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a complex and dynamic operational environment, where the cognitive and behavioural consequences of medical and environmental changes often go unnoticed. The psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) has been used to detect changes in cognition and behaviour in numerous contexts, including among astronauts on spaceflight missions, pilots, and commercial drivers. Here, we piloted serial point-of-care administration of the PVT in children undergoing invasive monitoring in the EMU. Seven children completed the PVT throughout their hospital admission and their performance was associated with daily seizure counts, interictal epileptiform discharges, number of antiseizure medications (ASMs) administered, and sleep quality metrics. Using mixed-effects models, we found that PVT reaction time and accuracy were adversely affected by greater number of ASMs and interictal epileptiform activity. We show that serial point-of-care PVT is simple and feasible in the EMU and may enable greater understanding of individual patient responses to medical and environmental alterations, inform clinical decision-making, and support quality-improvement and research initiatives.

Behavioural responses of beef cattle to different grazing systems and the influence of these responses on water productivity of livestock in a tropical savannah

Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.

Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A nested mixed-methods study

Background

University students are more at risk of mental illness compared with the general population. Declaration of a global COVID-19 pandemic led the Bangladesh government in March 2020 to implement a national lockdown, home quarantining, social distancing measures, and closure of educational institutions. We aimed to explore the impact of lockdown on the mental health and well-being of university students in Bangladesh.

Methods

A nested mixed-methods survey design was undertaken using a semi structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews conducted by telephone of 73 university students (mean age of 22 years, range 18 to 26-years-old) attending public and private academic institutions in Dhaka. A questionnaire was developed de-novo and pre-tested. Qualitative, open-ended questions were used to understand experiences regarding students' mental health and well-being, their perceptions of COVID-19, and coping strategies.

Results

Fifty nine percent of students reported that lockdown had a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. They described difficulties with social isolation and loneliness, motivation, and interpersonal conflict within families. Students' knowledge of COVID-19 were high with television, newspapers, online, and social media were main sources of information; few relied on government reports. Most pressing concerns were timely graduation and employment (83%), not being able to socialize (46%), being stuck at home (37%), and financial difficulties regarding university fees (29%). Additional underlying stressors included financial insecurity of respondents' households and parental health. Coping strategies included watching television or films, online meetings with friends, social media, as well interactions with family.

Conclusion

As a result of Bangladesh's first national lockdown, university students experienced negative effects on their mental health and well-being. There is an urgent need for greater proactive measures within educational settings, such as mental health literacy programmes and diagnosis management that could mitigate and prevent adverse impacts of future lockdowns.

Porcine ear necrosis is associated with social behaviours in weaned piglets

BACKGROUND

Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is a worldwide health issue and its aetiology is still unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and the severity of PEN in a commercial farm, associated with pig behaviour and health biomarkers measures. On two consecutive batches, PEN prevalence was determined at the pen level. PEN scores, blood haptoglobin concentration and oxidative status were measured on two pigs per pen (n = 48 pens) 9, 30 and 50 days (D) after arrival to the post-weaning unit. Social nosing, oral manipulation and aggression of pen mates and exploration of enrichment materials were observed on two to three pigs per pen twice a week from D9 to D50.

RESULTS

At the pen level, the higher the time spent nosing pen mates, the lower the percentage of pigs affected by PEN during both the early and the late post-weaning periods (P < 0.002) and, in the opposite, the higher the time spent orally manipulating pen mates during the late post-weaning period, the higher the percentage of affected pigs (P = 0.03). At the pig level, the higher the increase in hydroperoxides and haptoglobin during the early post-weaning period, the higher the PEN scores on D30 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a high incidence of social nosing, which can be an indicator of good social cohesion in a group, was significantly associated with less frequent lesions of PEN. In opposite, high incidence of oral manipulation of pen mates may increase the percentage of PEN-affected pigs. According to these observations, PEN is a multifactorial condition which may have social causes among others.

Measuring the replicability of our own research

In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.

The assessment of preschool children with ESSENCE symptoms: concordance between parents, preschool teachers and child psychologists

BACKGROUND

It is important to detect children with Early Symptomatic Syndromes Eliciting Neurodevelopmental Clinical Examinations (ESSENCE) in order to implement early intervention and support for the child and family. Standardized instruments for assessment in different contexts of behaviour problems, engagement and psychosocial health obtain an objective picture of the preschool child's mental health.

AIM

To explore and compare parents', preschool teachers' and child health care psychologists' assessment of behaviour, everyday function, engagement, social interaction and psychosocial health in children with ESSENCE symptoms.

METHOD

Parents of 152 children (114 boys and 38 girls, 4.5 ± 1 years) with ESSENCE symptoms, 155 preschool teachers and 8 child psychologists participated. Parents and preschool teachers assessed externalizing and internalizing behavioural problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), including the SDQ supplement for assessing the impact of behavioral problems on daily function. Preschool teachers also assessed engagement and social interaction using the Children's Engagement Questionnaire (CEQ), and the child psychologists assessed psychosocial health with the Child Psychosocial Health Assessment (LillaLAPS) and template in conversations with parents of children with neurodevelopmental problems.

RESULTS

Parents', preschool teachers' and child psychologists' assessment of the child's ESSENCE symptoms overall agreed. Both parents and preschool teachers see a strength in the child's social abilities. Differences in mean values show that parents assess more conduct, emotional symptoms and problems in daily life and more social skills, compared to the preschool teachers rating more peer problems.

CONCLUSION

It is important to consider different contexts to identify the child's need for support in everyday life. Expanded use of validated screening instruments in clinical practice would promote detection of children not already identified as exhibiting neurodevelopmental problems.

Transportation stress: Impact on behaviour and welfare in meat-type chickens under indian scenario

In order to find standard transport time and its effect on the welfare, 480 marketable commercial broiler chickens (CARIBRO VISHAL; avg. 2.0 kg body weight) were transported for 2, 4, 8h and without transport in crates in three replicates in a completely randomized design. Transport affected welfare as well as behaviour of broiler chickens. Transport stretch impacted the gait score and tonic immobility with maximum aggravation with extended duration. Runaway results shown that 8h group exhibited more run-away time (279.20sec). Number of birds affected by physical injuries increases with the duration. Bodyweight change was significant among transported groups, especially 8h travelled group exhibited more (-8.21%) body weight loss. It is concluded that a transport period of more than 4h in Indian conditions is not recommended as its causing a significant level of stress in the birds leading to stress, production loss and hampering welfare of broilers.

Play for hospitalized children: A qualitative enquiry of behaviour and motivation of nurses in a secondary level healthcare setting in Ghana

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization recommends that healthcare workers, specifically doctors and nurses, utilize play within treatment and care to promote recovery and overall well-being of hospitalized children. This recommendation has extended the roles of nurses in pediatric settings to include play in their routine care for children hospitalized for various childhood illnesses. Nurses need to draw on their skills to use play as an essential tool to aid communication, assessment, diagnosis, and care of the hospitalized child. This study explored the behaviour and motivation of Ghanaian nurses towards the utilization of play for hospitalized children.

METHODS

Exploratory qualitative design was utilized and 12 registered nurses from the pediatric unit of a secondary-level health institution were selected purposively and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was done with two themes namely behaviour towards play and motivation to use play emerging with their corresponding sub-themes.

FINDING

In the study setting, play has not been formalized or fully integrated into the routine care of the sick child. Nurses have a positive attitude and believe in the positive impact of play on the sick child. Participants utilize play as and when there is a need, and they derive satisfaction and fulfilment anytime they engage in play activities with their patients. Lack of administrative support and resources for play interventions affect their motivation to use play for the children.

CONCLUSION

Formalization of play and integration of play into the routine care of the sick child is needed to motivate nurses to engage hospitalized children in play activities to help them derive the full benefits that play offers to the sick and hospitalized child.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

The positive attitudes and behaviour towards play as demonstrated in this study calls for Ghanaian nurses in general to be empowered through the formalization and integration of play into routine nursing care.

Early-life trauma, impulsivity and suicide attempt: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is a worldwide health concern and up to date there is no good predictor of it except a previous suicide attempt. Therefore, there are increasing efforts in the understanding of which factors, genetic or environmental, are associated with suicide behaviour.

OBJECTIVE

To review evidence of the effect of childhood trauma and impulsivity on suicidal behavior through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Searches were conducted on the 12th of June 2021 in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two reviewers evaluated each record for eligibility and discussed upon disagreement, when no consensus was reached, a third reviewer was involved to make a decision.

RESULTS

A total of 11,530 records were identified through the searches. After duplicates were removed, 6,595 records remained to be screened. The full text was sought for 1,561 records. Our qualitative synthesis included 22 studies, from which 9 were included in the meta-analyses. We found a significant effect of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and physical neglect on suicide attempts in the prisoners, and Substance Use Diorder (SUD) subgroups. Moreover, there was a significant effect of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) total score and emotional neglect dimension for all the subgroups.

CONCLUSION

The present study has provided an overview of the state-of-the-art research on childhood trauma and impulsivity and their association with suicidal behavior and quantified their effects on suicide attempts. Hopefully this evidence will be considered in future research and harnessed for clinical gain in detection and treatment of suicide behaviour.

A international cross-sectional study examining knowledge and attitudes towards sport-related concussion in Touch

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current level of knowledge and attitudes towards sport-related concussion (SRC) amongst key stakeholders in touch rugby.

DESIGN

An international cross-sectional study. Participants n = 141 (male, n = 88; female, n = 53) from 15 Touch Associations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Online questionnaire including non-validated sections captured participant characteristics, first aid training, previous concussion, awareness of SRC guidelines, combined with Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey. Distributed online to Touch athletes internationally. Concussion knowledge index (CKI) and attitude index (CAI) scores were calculated. A linear regression was performed to determine whether awareness of concussion, previous concussion and role affected CKI and CAI scores.

RESULTS

Median CKI and CAI scores were 21 ± 2.0 and 67 ± 6.3, respectively, across all key stakeholders. 39% of participants reported a previous SRC and 32% of respondents were aware of concussion guidelines form their Association. Regression analysis showed minimal influence of key contextual information on CKI and CAI.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that key stakeholders in Touch have high to very high knowledge and safe attitudes towards SRC. However, there were some areas where further improvement could be targeted by those involved in Touch such as individual associations at the direction of the sport's governing body.

Methods: A bioinformatic protocol for rapid analysis of zebrafish embryo photo-motory responses (PMR) in neurotoxicity testing

Chemobehavioural phenotyping presents unique opportunities for analyzing neurotoxicants and discovering behavior-modifying neuroceuticals in small aquatic model organisms such as zebrafish (Danio rerio). A recently popularized approach in this field involves the utilization of zebrafish embryos for a photo-motor response (PMR) bioassay. The PMR bioassay entails stimulating zebrafish embryos between 24 and 36 h post fertilization (hpf) with a high-intensity light stimulus, inducing a transient increase in the frequency of photo-induced embryo body flexions. These flexions can be computationally analyzed to derive behavioral signatures, enabling the categorization of neuromodulating chemicals. Despite the significant advantages of the PMR bioassay, its widespread implementation is hindered by lack of well described and straightforward high-throughput bioinformatic analysis of behavioral data. In this methods article, we present an easily implementable bioinformatics protocol specifically designed for rapid behavioral analysis of large cohorts of zebrafish specimens in PMR bioassays. We also address common pitfalls encountered during PMR analysis, discuss its limitations, and propose future directions for developing next-generation biometric analysis techniques in chemobehavioural assays utilizing zebrafish embryos.

Effects of group size on agonistic interactions in dairy cows: a descriptive study

Group-housed cattle may engage in agonistic interactions over resources such as feed, which can negatively affect aspects of welfare. Little is known about how contextual factors such as group size influence agonistic behaviour. We explored the frequency of agonistic interactions at the feeder when cattle were housed in different-sized groups. We also explored the consistency of the directionality of agonistic interactions in dyads and of the number of agonistic interactions initiated by individuals across the group sizes. Four replicates of 50 cows each were assessed in two group-size phases. In Phase 1, cows were kept in one group of 50. In Phase 2, these same cows were divided into five groups of 10, maintaining stocking density (i.e., ratio of animals to lying stalls and feed bunk spaces). We measured agonistic replacements (i.e., interactions that result in one cow leaving the feed bin and another taking her place) at an electronic feeder using a validated algorithm. We used these data from Phase 1 to calculate individual Elo-ratings (a type of dominance score). Cows were then categorised into five dominance categories based upon these ratings. To ensure a consistent Elo-rating distribution between phases, two cows from each dominance category were randomly assigned to each small group of 10 cows. The mean ± SE number of replacements per cow was similar regardless of whether the cows were housed in groups of 50 (34.1 ± 2.4) or 10 (31.1 ± 4.5), although the groups of 10 were more variable. Further, 81.6 ± 7.7% (mean ± SD) of dyads had the same directionality across group sizes (i.e., the same individual won the majority of interactions in the dyad) and individuals were moderately consistent in the number of replacements they initiated (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.62 ± 0.11; mean ± SD). These results indicate that the relationship between group size and agonistic behaviour is complex; we discuss these challenges and suggest new avenues for further research.

Investigating behaviour from early- to mid-childhood and its association with academic outcomes in a cohort of children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia

High rates of academic underachievement at 9-10 years have been identified in children born at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. This study investigated the stability of behaviour from early to mid-childhood and how this relates to academic outcomes in children born with at least one risk factor of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Behaviour data was collected using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Child Behaviour Checklist 1.5-5, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for 466 children (52 % male; 27 % Māori, 60 % New Zealand European, 2 % Pacific, 11 % Other) at multiple timepoints between ages 2 and 10 years. Academic data was collected at 9-10 years using the e-asTTle online learning and assessment tool. Findings revealed a link between early childhood behaviour and academic outcomes could be detected as early as age 2, suggesting that identifying and addressing early behavioural issues in children at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia could aid in targeted interventions.

How consumption and reward features affect desire for food, consumption intentions, and behaviour

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie desire and intentions may assist in the search for strategies to promote the selection and consumption of more sustainable and healthier products. Therefore, we conducted two experiments to examine how cognitive representations influence desire and intentions for various savoury dishes. In Experiment 1, 1000 participants were allocated to one of five conditions, listing either the typical, sensory, context, hedonic, or health features of 20 popular dishes to assess cognitive representations, before rating their present moment desire to consume each dish. Although there was no direct effect of condition on desire, there was a significant mediating effect of condition on desire through the proportion of consumption and reward features listed (i.e., sensory, context, and hedonic words). In Experiment 2, 892 participants were allocated to one of four conditions, listing either the typical, sensory, context, or health features for the same 20 dishes, before rating their intention to consume each dish over the next four weeks. At a 4-week follow-up, participants rated how often they had consumed each dish. Again, there was no direct effect of condition on intentions, although there was a significant mediating effect of condition on intentions through consumption and reward features. This suggests that mentally simulating a previous consumption experience increases intentions to consume the dish in mind. The results also showed a positive indirect effect of consumption and reward features on behaviour through an increase in intentions. Describing healthy and sustainable products in terms of the rewarding consumption experience may increase desire and intentions to consume them, improving the health of both people and the planet.

Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the novel tryptamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-MiPT on motor, sensorimotor, physiological, and cardiorespiratory parameters in mice-from a human poisoning case to the preclinical evidence

RATIONALE

The 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT, known online as "Moxy") is a new psychedelic tryptamine first identified on Italian national territory in 2014. Its hallucinogen effects are broadly well-known; however, only few information is available regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects.

OBJECTIVES

Following the seizure of this new psychoactive substances by the Arm of Carabinieri and the occurrence of a human intoxication case, in the current study we had the aim to characterize the in vivo acute effects of systemic administration of 5-MeO-MiPT (0.01-30 mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, thermoregulation, and stimulated motor activity (drag and accelerod test) in CD-1 male mice. We also evaluated variation on sensory gating (PPI, prepulse inhibition; 0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) and on cardiorespiratory parameters (MouseOx and BP-2000; 30 mg/kg i.p.). Lastly, we investigated the in silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) profile of 5-MeO-MiPT compared to 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

RESULTS

This study demonstrates that 5-MeO-MiPT dose-dependently inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses and, at high doses, induces impairment of the stimulated motor activity and cardiorespiratory changes in mice. In silico prediction shows that the 5-MeO-MiPT toxicokinetic profile shares similarities with 5-MeO-DIPT and DMT and highlights a cytochrome risk associated with this compound.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of 5-MeO-MiPT can affect the ability to perform activities and pose a risk to human health status, as the correspondence between the effects induced in mice and the symptoms occurred in the intoxication case suggests. However, our findings suggest that 5-MeO-MiPT should not be excluded from research in the psychiatric therapy field.

Age-related impact of social isolation in mice: Young vs middle-aged

Social isolation is a chronic mild stressor and a significant risk factor for mental health disorders. Herein we explored the impact of social isolation on depression- and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as spatial memory impairments, in middle-aged male mice compared to post-weaning mice. We aimed to quantify and correlate social isolation-induced behaviour discrepancies with changes in hippocampal glial cell reactivity and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Post-weaning and middle-aged C57BL7/J6 male mice were socially isolated for a 3-week period and behavioural tests were performed on the last five days of isolation. We found that 3 weeks of social isolation led to depressive-like behaviour in the forced swim test, anxiety-like behaviour in the open field test, and spatial memory impairment in the Morris water maze paradigm in middle-aged male mice. These behavioural alterations were not observed in male mice after post-weaning social isolation, indicating resilience to isolation-mediated stress. Increased Iba-1 expression and NLRP3 priming were both observed in the hippocampus of socially isolated middle-aged mice, suggesting a role for microglia and NLRP3 pathway in the detrimental effects of social isolation on cognition and behaviour. Young socially isolated mice also demonstrated elevated NLRP3 priming compared to controls, but no differences in Iba-1 levels and no significant changes in behaviour. Ageing-induced microglia activation and enhancement of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 proinflammatory cytokines, known signs of a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, were also detected. Altogether, data suggest that social isolation, in addition to inflammaging, contributes to stress-related cognitive impairment in middle-aged mice.

Daphnia magna an emerging environmental model of neuro and cardiotoxicity of illicit drugs

Cocaine, methamphetamine, ectasy (3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine (MDMA)) and ketamine are among the most consumed drugs worldwide causing cognitive, oxidative stress and cardiovascular problems in humans. Residue levels of these drugs and their transformation products may still enter the aquatic environment, where concentrations up to hundreds of ng/L have been measured. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that psychotropic effects and the mode of action of these drugs in D. magna cognitive, oxidative stress and cardiovascular responses are equivalent to those reported in humans and other vertebrate models. Accordingly we expose D. magna juveniles to pharmacological and environmental relevant concentrations. The study was complemented with the measurement of the main neurotransmitters involved in the known mechanisms of action of these drugs in mammals and physiological relevant amino acids. Behavioural cognitive patters clearly differentiate the 3 psychostimulant drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA) from the dissociative one ketamine. Psychostimulant drugs at pharmacological doses (10-200 μM), increased basal locomotion activities and responses to light, and decreased habituation to it. Ketamine only increased habituation to light. The four drugs enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species in a concentration related manner, and at moderate concentrations (10-60 μM) increased heartbeats, diminishing them at high doses (200 μM). In chronic exposures to environmental low concentrations (10-1000 ng/L) the four drugs did not affect any of the behavioural responses measured but methamphetamine and cocaine inhibited reproduction at 10 ng/L. Observed effects on neurotransmitters and related metabolites were in concern with reported responses in mammalian and other vertebrate models: cocaine and MDMA enhanced dopamine and serotonin levels, respectively, methamphetamine and MDMA decreased dopamine and octopamine, and all but MDMA decreased 3 MT levels. Drug effects on the concentration of up to 10 amino acids evidence disruptive effects on neurotransmitter synthesis, the urea cycle, lipid metabolism and cardiac function.

Perceptions and beliefs on sports injury prediction as an injury risk reduction strategy: An online survey on elite athletics (track and field) athletes, coaches, and health professionals

OBJECTIVES

To explore perceptions and beliefs of elite athletics (track and field) athletes, coaches, and health professionals, towards the use of injury prediction as an injury risk reduction strategy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHOD

During the 2022 European Athletics Championships in Munich, registered athletes, coaches, and health professionals were asked to complete an online questionnaire on their perceptions and beliefs of injury prediction use as an injury risk reduction strategy. The perceived level of interest, intent to use, help, potential stress (psychological impact) and dissemination were assessed by a score from 0 to 100.

RESULTS

We collected 54 responses from 17 countries. Elite athletics stakeholders expressed a perceived level of interest, intent to use, and help of injury prediction of (mean ± SD) 85 ± 16, 84 ± 16, and 85 ± 15, respectively. The perceived level of potential stress was 41 ± 33 (range from 0 to 100), with an important inter-individual variability in each elite athletics stakeholder's category.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first study investigating the perceptions and beliefs of elite athletics stakeholders regarding the use of injury prediction as an injury risk reduction strategy. Regardless of the stakeholders, there was a high perceived level of interest, intent to use and help reported in this potential strategy.

Effectiveness of a COVID-19 contact tracing app in a simulation model with indirect and informal contact tracing

During the COVID-19 pandemic, contact tracing was used to identify individuals who had been in contact with a confirmed case so that these contacted individuals could be tested and quarantined to prevent further spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Many countries developed mobile apps to find these contacted individuals faster. We evaluate the epidemiological effectiveness of the Dutch app CoronaMelder, where we measure effectiveness as the reduction of the reproduction number R. To this end, we use a simulation model of SARS-CoV-2 spread and contact tracing, informed by data collected during the study period (December 2020 - March 2021) in the Netherlands. We show that the tracing app caused a clear but small reduction of the reproduction number, and the magnitude of the effect was found to be robust in sensitivity analyses. The app could have been more effective if more people had used it, and if notification of contacts could have been done directly by the user and thus reducing the time intervals between symptom onset and reporting of contacts. The model has two innovative aspects: i) it accounts for the clustered nature of social networks and ii) cases can alert their contacts informally without involvement of health authorities or the tracing app.

Spontaneous and optogenetically induced cortical spreading depolarization in familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 mutant mice

Mechanisms underlying the migraine aura are incompletely understood, which to large extent is related to a lack of models in which cortical spreading depolarization (CSD), the correlate of the aura, occurs spontaneously. Here, we investigated electrophysiological and behavioural CSD features in freely behaving mice expressing mutant CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels, either with the milder R192Q or the severer S218L missense mutation in the α1 subunit, known to cause familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1) in patients. Very rarely, spontaneous CSDs were observed in mutant but never in wildtype mice. In homozygous Cacna1aR192Q mice exclusively single-wave CSDs were observed whereas heterozygous Cacna1aS218L mice displayed multiple-wave events, seemingly in line with the more severe clinical phenotype associated with the S218L mutation. Spontaneous CSDs were associated with body stretching, one-directional slow head turning, and rotating movement of the body. Spontaneous CSD events were compared with those induced in a controlled manner using minimally invasive optogenetics. Also in the optogenetic experiments single-wave CSDs were observed in Cacna1aR192Q and Cacna1aS218L mice (whereas the latter also showed multiple-wave events) with movements similar to those observed with spontaneous events. Compared to wildtype mice, FHM1 mutant mice exhibited a reduced threshold and an increased propagation speed for optogenetically induced CSD with a more profound CSD-associated dysfunction, as indicated by a prolonged suppression of transcallosal evoked potentials and a reduction of unilateral forepaw grip performance. When induced during sleep, the optogenetic CSD threshold was particularly lowered, which may explain why spontaneous CSD events predominantly occurred during sleep. In conclusion, our data show that key neurophysiological and behavioural features of optogenetically induced CSDs mimic those of rare spontaneous events in FHM1 R192Q and S218L mutant mice with differences in severity in line with FHM1 clinical phenotypes seen with these mutations.

Methods and measures in food service food safety research: A review of the published literature

Purpose

Food handlers working in food service establishments need to perform appropriate and consistent food safety practices to ensure that the prepared food is safe for consumers to eat, as a failure to do so may lead to foodborne illness. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of food handler food safety behaviour in the food service sector to design targeted educational interventions and approaches to safeguard consumers. The purpose of this review is to provide insight to the existing body of research regarding food handler food safety in the food service sector, and to identify future research needs in terms of methods and measures.

Methods

This study is a review of published food safety research studies (n = 118) focusing on food handlers in the food service sector conducted between 2001 and 2021. Data were collated regarding the methods used and the measures assessed in published studies to identify the gaps in current knowledge related to food safety in food service.

Findings

The majority of studies were conducted in the United States (29%), Brazil (17%) and United Kingdom (7%). A large proportion were carried out in restaurants (70%). Less than a third of studies (28%) relied on a mixed method approach for data collection; and only 12% of studies assessed a combination of cognitive and behavioural measures. Observation was used in only 29% of studies. A lack of observational data detailing food safety practices such as handwashing, temperature control, separation and cleaning was determined.

Significance

Such findings indicate a greater need for mixed method approach in future food safety research. It is recommended that the understanding of food handler food safety performance is best obtained through a combined assessment of cognitive and behavioural measures with subsequent triangulation of findings to reduce bias and to obtain reliable results.

An integrated primary care service to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in people with severe mental illness: Primrose-A - thematic analysis of its acceptability, feasibility, and implementation

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease among patients with severe mental illness in England is a major preventable contributor to premature mortality. To address this, a nurse and peer-coach delivered service (Primrose-A) was implemented in three London general practices from 2019 (implementation continued during COVID-19). This study aimed to conduct interviews with patient and staff to determine the acceptability of, and experiences with, Primrose-A.

METHODS

Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews with eight patients who had received Primrose-A, and 3 nurses, 1 GP, and 1 peer-coach who had delivered Primrose-A in three London-based GP surgeries were conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the transcribed interviews.

FINDINGS

Overall, Primrose-A was viewed positively by patients and staff, with participants describing success in improving patients' mental health, isolation, motivation, and physical health. Therapeutic relationships between staff and patients, and long regular appointments were important facilitators of patient engagement and acceptance of the intervention. Several barriers to the implementation of Primrose-A were identified, including training, administrative and communication issues, burden of time and resources, and COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention acceptability could be enhanced by providing longer-term continuity of care paired with more peer-coaching sessions to build positive relationships and facilitate sustained health behaviour change. Future implementation of Primrose-A or similar interventions should consider: (1) training sufficiency (covering physical and mental health, including addiction), (2) adequate staffing to deliver the intervention, (3) facilitation of clear communication pathways between staff, and (4) supporting administrative processes.

Illness perceptions in people with chronic and disabling non-specific neck pain seeking primary healthcare: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Illness perceptions can affect the way people with musculoskeletal pain emotionally and behaviorally cope with their health condition. Understanding patients illness perceptions may help facilitate patient-centered care. The purpose of this study was to explore illness perceptions and the origin of those perceptions in people with chronic disabling non-specific neck pain seeking primary care.

METHODS

A qualitative study using a deductive and inductive analytical approach was conducted in 20 people with persistent (> 3 months) and disabling (i.e., Neck Disability Index ≥ 15) neck pain. Using a semi-structured format, participants were interviewed about their illness perceptions according to Leventhal's Common Sense Model. Purposive sampling and member checking were used to secure validity of study results.

RESULTS

Participants reported multiple symptoms, thoughts and emotions related to their neck pain, which continuously required attention and action. They felt trapped within a complex multifactorial problem. Although some participants had a broader biopsychosocial perspective to understand their symptoms, a biomedical perspective was dominant in the labelling of their condition and their way of coping (e.g., limiting load, building strength and resilience, regaining mobility, keep moving and being meaningful). Their perceptions were strongly influenced by information from clinicians. Several participants indicated that they felt uncertain, because the information they received was contradictory or did not match their own experiences.

CONCLUSION

Most participants reported that understanding their pain was important to them and influenced how they coped with pain. Addressing this 'sense making process' is a prerequisite for providing patient-centered care.

The role of perfusion, grey matter volume and behavioural phenotypes in the data-driven classification of cognitive syndromes

BACKGROUND

The use of structural and perfusion brain imaging in combination with behavioural information in the prediction of cognitive syndromes using a data-driven approach remains to be explored. Here, we thus examined the contribution of brain structural and perfusion imaging and behavioural features to the existing classification of cognitive syndromes using a data-driven approach.

METHODS

Study participants belonged to the community-based Biomarker and Cognition Cohort Study in Singapore who underwent neuropsychological assessments, structural-functional MRI and blood biomarkers. Participants had a diagnosis of cognitively normal (CN), subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Cross-sectional structural and cerebral perfusion imaging, behavioural scale data including mild behaviour impairment checklist, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale data were obtained.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-three participants (mean age 60.7 years; 56% female sex) with complete data were included. Principal component analyses demonstrated that no single modality was informative for the classification of cognitive syndromes. However, multivariate glmnet analyses revealed a specific combination of frontal perfusion and temporo-frontal grey matter volume were key protective factors while the severity of mild behaviour impairment interest sub-domain and poor sleep quality were key at-risk factors contributing to the classification of CN, SCI, MCI and dementia (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the glmnet model showed best classification accuracy in differentiating between CN and MCI cognitive syndromes (AUC = 0.704; sensitivity = 0.698; specificity = 0.637).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain structure, perfusion and behavioural features are important in the classification of cognitive syndromes and should be incorporated by clinicians and researchers. These findings illustrate the value of using multimodal data when examining syndrome severity and provide new insights into how cerebral perfusion and behavioural impairment influence classification of cognitive syndromes.

Glass eel migration in an urbanized catchment: an integral bottleneck assessment using mark-recapture

Diadromous fish such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) are hampered by a high density of barriers in estuaries and freshwater systems. Modified and fragmented waterbodies lack tidal flows, and habitat may be less accessible and underutilized compared to free-flowing rivers and estuaries. With rising sea levels and increased occurrence of droughts, the number of barriers may further increase, implying that the need to study migration in such areas may even become more urgent worldwide. To study glass eel migration and behaviour in such highly modified water systems, a mark-recapture study was carried out in the North Sea Canal (NSC) basin, which drains into the North Sea via a large sluice complex. In total, eight uniquely tagged groups (3,797 glass eels) were released near the sluice complex, and 11 groups (2,663 glass eels) were released at inland barriers upstream over a 28 km long stretch in the NSC in spring 2018. The sluice complex attracted 10.3 million glass eel and did not block or delay their immigration. The large and diurnally intensively used coastal ship locks and allowings some saltwater intrusion, efficiently facilitated glass eel migration. Once in the NSC, water outlets from adjacent polders attracted glass eels relative proportional to the discharge of pumping stations. In the NSC, average migration speeds of 0.7 km/day (max. 1.8 km/day) were measured, and this increased with higher temperatures. Redistribution of glass eel from accumulations at inland barriers to other outlet locations was observed in both upstream and downstream directions in the NSC. Passage success and residence time ('delays' of 4.1-13.7 days) varied between the different inland barriers. Most of the glass eel, however, appears to settle in the easily accessible habitats within the brackish NSC catchment. This study combined an integral assessment of successive bottlenecks in a modified inland water system.

Mediation role of perceived social support between recurrence risk perception and health behaviour among patients with stroke in China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether patients who had a stroke with high recurrence risk perception would have healthier behaviour and to explore whether perceived social support would function as a mediator.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a public tertiary hospital in China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 254 patients with stroke were invited to participate, and 250 patients with stroke completed questionnaires validly.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Questionnaires were administered offline to collect data, consisting of four parts: general demographics and scales related to recurrence risk perception, perceived social support, and health behaviour. A path analysis and correlation analysis were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Out of 250 patients with stroke, 78.4% had moderately low health behaviour. The majority (70.8%) of these patients were elderly. High recurrence risk perception and high perceived social support were significantly associated with better health behaviour (all p<0.001). Perceived social support mediated the relationship between recurrence risk perception and health behaviour after controlling for age, gender, education and monthly income in the regression model (95% CI 0.263 to 0.460) and the effect value was 0.360. It was also confirmed that perceived social support had the highest mediation effect with a proportion of mediation up to 59.31%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence risk perception and perceived social support were influential factors in promoting health behaviour. Moreover, the impact of recurrence risk perception on health behaviour was partially mediated by perceived social support. Therefore, to enhance the sustainability of health behaviour, it is crucial to inform patients with stroke about the risk of recurrence. Patients with more perception of recurrence risk can improve their recovery confidence and thus perceive more social support.

Mixed-sex clusters on grass blades: breeding strategy of the ornate dog tick, Dermacentor reticulatus

BACKGROUND

The ornate dog tick Dermacentor reticulatus is second only to the hard tick Ixodes ricinus in terms of importance as a vector of infectious organisms, especially of Babesia canis, the agent of canine babesiosis. Both the geographical range and local densities of D. reticulatus are steadily increasing in many regions of Europe. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that D. reticulatus possesses an efficient breeding strategy that allows for a rapid increase in tick numbers and densities through the formation of mixed-sex clusters/aggregations while questing in the environment.

METHODS

An observational study was carried out in the spring of 2023, at three sites in two regions in Central and North-Eastern Poland, both characterised by high tick densities. At each site, a 400-m-long transect was inspected for questing ticks. All noted ticks were collected, and tick numbers and sexes per stem were recorded. Differences in tick distribution by site and sex were analysed statistically.

RESULTS

A total of 371 D. reticulatus (219 females, 152 males) ticks were collected from 270 grass stems over a combined 1200 m of transect. The majority of grass stems (74.4%) were occupied by just a single individual, with two-tick clusters the second most common category. The maximum number of D. reticulatus individuals observed on a single grass stem was six. Mixed-sex clusters were significantly more common than single-sex clusters at all three sites. With study sites combined, mixed-sex clusters accounted for 17.4% (95% confidence limit [95% CL] 13.9-21.6%) of observations, while for multiple males and multiple females, the values were 2.6% (95% CL: 1.4-4.7%) and 5.6% (95% CL: 3.7-8.3%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed-sex clusters of D. reticulatus ticks were significantly more common than single-sex clusters, which we hypothesise reflects an efficient, likely pheromone-mediated breeding strategy of this expansive tick species.

Examining changes in sexual lifestyles in Britain between 1990-2010: a latent class analysis approach

BACKGROUND

Understanding sexual lifestyles and how they change over time is important for determining the likelihood of sexual health outcomes. Standard descriptive and regression methods are limited in their ability to capture multidimensional concepts such as sexual lifestyles. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) is a mixture modelling method that generates a categorical latent variable to derive homogenous groups from a heterogeneous population. Our study investigates (1) the potential of LCA to assess change over time in sexual lifestyles and (2) how quantifying this change using LCA compares to previous findings using standard approaches.

METHODS

Probability-sampled data from three rounds of the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle (Natsal) were used, restricted to sexually active participants (i.e., those reporting sexual partners in the past year) aged 16-44 years (N1990 = 11,738; N2000 = 9,690; N2010 = 8,397). An LCA model was built from four variables: number of sexual partners (past year), number of partners without a condom (past year), age at first sex and self-perceived HIV risk. Covariates included age, ethnicity, educational attainment, same-sex attraction, and marital status. Multinomial regression analyses and Chi-Squared tests were used to investigate change over time in the size of each class.

RESULTS

We successfully used a LCA approach to examine change in sexual lifestyle over time. We observed a statistically significant increase between 1990 and 2010 in the proportion of men (χ2 = 739.49, p < 0.01) and women (χ2 = 1270.43, p < 0.01) in a latent class associated with reporting 2 or more partners in the last year, relatively high probabilities of reporting condomless sex partners, greater self-perceived HIV risk, and a high probability of first sex before age 16 years, increasing from 19.5% to 31.1% (men) and 9.9% to 22.1% (women).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate the viability of LCA models to assess change over time for complex behavioural phenomena. They align with previous findings, namely changing sexual lifestyles in Britain in recent decades, partnership number driving class assignment, and significant sex differences in sexual lifestyles. This approach can be used to extend previous LCA models (e.g., to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on sexual lifestyles) and to support empirical evidence of change over time, facilitating more nuanced public health policy.

High intensity interval training as a novel treatment for impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes (HIT4HYPOS): a randomised parallel-group study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) in type 1 diabetes may develop through a process referred to as habituation. Consistent with this, a single bout of high intensity interval exercise as a novel stress stimulus improves counterregulatory responses (CRR) to next-day hypoglycaemia, referred to as dishabituation. This longitudinal pilot study investigated whether 4 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) has sustained effects on counterregulatory and symptom responses to hypoglycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes and IAH.

METHODS

HIT4HYPOS was a single-centre, randomised, parallel-group study. Participants were identified using the Scottish Diabetes Research Network (SDRN) and from diabetes outpatient clinics in NHS Tayside, UK. The study took place at the Clinical Research Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. Participants were aged 18-55 years with type 1 diabetes of at least 5 years' duration and HbA1c levels <75 mmol/mol (<9%). They had IAH confirmed by a Gold score ≥4, modified Clarke score ≥4 or Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating [DAFNE] hypoglycaemia awareness rating of 2 or 3, and/or evidence of recurrent hypoglycaemia on flash glucose monitoring. Participants were randomly allocated using a web-based system to either 4 weeks of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) or RT-CGM+HIIT. Participants and investigators were not masked to group assignment. The HIIT programme was performed for 20 min on a stationary exercise bike three times a week. Hyperinsulinaemic-hypoglycaemic (2.5 mmol/l) clamp studies with assessment of symptoms, hormones and cognitive function were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of the study intervention. The predefined primary outcome was the difference in hypoglycaemia-induced adrenaline (epinephrine) responses from baseline following RT-CGM or RT-CGM+HIIT.

RESULTS

Eighteen participants (nine men and nine women) with type 1 diabetes (median [IQR] duration 27 [18.75-32] years) and IAH were included, with nine participants randomised to each group. Data from all study participants were included in the analysis. During the 4 week intervention there were no significant mean (SEM) differences between RT-CGM and RT-CGM+HIIT in exposure to level 1 (28 [7] vs 22 [4] episodes, p=0.45) or level 2 (9 [3] vs 4 [1] episodes, p=0.29) hypoglycaemia. The CGM-derived mean glucose level, SD of glucose and glucose management indicator (GMI) did not differ between groups. During the hyperinsulinaemic-hypoglycaemic clamp studies, mean (SEM) change from baseline was greater for the noradrenergic responses (RT-CGM vs RT-CGM+HIIT: -988 [447] vs 514 [732] pmol/l, p=0.02) but not the adrenergic responses (-298 [687] vs 1130 [747] pmol/l, p=0.11) in those participants who had undergone RT-CGM+HIIT. There was a benefit of RT-CGM+HIIT for mean (SEM) change from baseline in the glucagon CRR to hypoglycaemia (RT-CGM vs RT-CGM+HIIT: 1 [4] vs 16 [6] ng/l, p=0.01). Consistent with the hormone response, the mean (SEM) symptomatic response to hypoglycaemia (adjusted for baseline) was greater following RT-CGM+HIIT (RT-CGM vs RT-CGM+HIIT: -4 [2] vs 0 [2], p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In this pilot clinical trial in people with type 1 diabetes and IAH, we found continuing benefits of HIIT for overall hormonal and symptomatic CRR to subsequent hypoglycaemia. Our findings also suggest that HIIT may improve the glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN15373978.

FUNDING

Sir George Alberti Fellowship from Diabetes UK (CMF) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Lethal and behavioural toxicity of differently aged insecticide residues on European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) in the laboratory and in the field

Pesticide residues are an important topic in many environmental studies, but little is known about the effects of pesticide residues of different ages on beneficial arthropods. Therefore, in this study the activity of residues of three different ages of several commonly used insecticides on the behaviour and mortality of European earwigs was evaluated in the laboratory and the effect of the insecticides was verified in the field. All residues of the biorational SpinTor® (spinosad), Radiant SC (spinetoram), and the conventional Steward® (indoxacarb) showed significantly faster mortality progression compared to the control in the laboratory. All the Steward® residues caused a significant wave of erratic behaviour as the earwigs went through a deep and relatively long moribund stage and resurrected. We verified the effects of SpinTor® and Steward® on changes in earwig abundance and their behaviour in the orchard. Earwigs abundance was significantly lower 16 days after application of biorational SpinTor® and conventional Steward® which had a significantly more pronounced and longer lasting effect. The earwig population stabilised by day 53 after the insecticide applications. Field applications of insecticides had no effect on earwig behaviour and sex ratio. Our results show that older residues have a negative effect on European earwigs equal to that of fresh residues, although their degradation should occur. It is interesting to note that biorational insecticides may not be safer than chemical insecticides.