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Golawski A, Charalambidou I, Golawska S. Impact of tourism on the vigilance behavior of the Cyprus rock agama (Laudakia cypriaca). Integr Zool 2024; 19:577-583. [PMID: 37515506 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Escape behavior is a common antipredator strategy among wild animals. Here, we investigated the effect of four factors on the vigilance behavior of the endemic Cyprus rock agama (Laudakia cypriaca). Flight initiation distance (FID, the minimum distance to which an observer can approach a lizard before it flees) was measured in relation to the type of location (tourist vs. nontourist area), the observer's starting distance, air temperature, and substrate temperature. We collected data for 39 agamas in tourist areas and 34 of these lizards in nontourist areas. As a whole, the mean starting distance was 10.5 m and the FID was 3.6 m. The average substrate temperature was 34.0°C and the average air temperature 29.6°C. Only the type of area affected the agamas' escape decisions with FID being 1.8 m shorter in tourist areas than in nontourist areas (2.7 m vs. 4.5 m). This is probably due to the habituation of lizards to the presence of humans in the former areas. This study shows that tourism strongly affects the behavior of lizards, which may have consequences for the functioning of the population. Tourists can increase the safety of lizards by creating a human shield to deter predators. Once the tourist season is over, lizards may become more vulnerable to predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Golawski
- Faculty of Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | - Iris Charalambidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sylwia Golawska
- Faculty of Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
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2
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Uttieri M, Svetlichny L. Escape performance in the cyclopoid copepod Oithona davisae. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1078. [PMID: 38212397 PMCID: PMC10784515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Escaping a predator is one of the keys to success for any living creature. The performance of adults (males, females, and ovigerous females) of the cyclopoid copepod Oithona davisae exposed to an electrical stimulus is analysed as a function of temperature by measuring characteristic parameters associated with the escape movement (distance covered, duration of the appendage movement, mean and maximum escape speeds, Reynolds number). In addition, as a proxy for the efficiency of the motion, the Strouhal number was calculated. The escape performance showed temperature-dependent relationships within each adult state, as well as differences between sexes; additionally, changes owing to the presence of the egg sac were recorded in females. In a broader perspective, the results collected reveal the occurrence of different behavioural adaptations in males and females, adding to the comprehension of the mechanisms by which O. davisae interacts with its environment and shedding new light on the in situ population dynamics of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Uttieri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Leonid Svetlichny
- Department of Invertebrate Fauna and Systematics, I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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3
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Bassetto M, Reichl T, Kobylkov D, Kattnig DR, Winklhofer M, Hore PJ, Mouritsen H. No evidence for magnetic field effects on the behaviour of Drosophila. Nature 2023; 620:595-599. [PMID: 37558871 PMCID: PMC10432270 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Migratory songbirds have the remarkable ability to extract directional information from the Earth's magnetic field1,2. The exact mechanism of this light-dependent magnetic compass sense, however, is not fully understood. The most promising hypothesis focuses on the quantum spin dynamics of transient radical pairs formed in cryptochrome proteins in the retina3-5. Frustratingly, much of the supporting evidence for this theory is circumstantial, largely because of the extreme challenges posed by genetic modification of wild birds. Drosophila has therefore been recruited as a model organism, and several influential reports of cryptochrome-mediated magnetic field effects on fly behaviour have been widely interpreted as support for a radical pair-based mechanism in birds6-23. Here we report the results of an extensive study testing magnetic field effects on 97,658 flies moving in a two-arm maze and on 10,960 flies performing the spontaneous escape behaviour known as negative geotaxis. Under meticulously controlled conditions and with vast sample sizes, we have been unable to find evidence for magnetically sensitive behaviour in Drosophila. Moreover, after reassessment of the statistical approaches and sample sizes used in the studies that we tried to replicate, we suggest that many-if not all-of the original results were false positives. Our findings therefore cast considerable doubt on the existence of magnetic sensing in Drosophila and thus strongly suggest that night-migratory songbirds remain the organism of choice for elucidating the mechanism of light-dependent magnetoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- AG Neurosensory Sciences/Animal Navigation, Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reichl
- AG Neurosensory Sciences/Animal Navigation, Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dmitry Kobylkov
- AG Neurosensory Sciences/Animal Navigation, Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Mind/Brain Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Daniel R Kattnig
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Physics, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael Winklhofer
- AG Sensory Biology of Animals, Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - P J Hore
- Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- AG Neurosensory Sciences/Animal Navigation, Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
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4
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Radostova D, Kuncicka D, Krajcovic B, Hejtmanek L, Petrasek T, Svoboda J, Stuchlik A, Brozka H. Incidental temporal binding in rats: A novel behavioral task. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0274437. [PMID: 37347773 PMCID: PMC10286974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We designed a behavioral task called One-Trial Trace Escape Reaction (OTTER), in which rats incidentally associate two temporally discontinuous stimuli: a neutral acoustic cue (CS) with an aversive stimulus (US) which occurs two seconds later (CS-2s-US sequence). Rats are first habituated to two similar environmental contexts (A and B), each consisting of an interconnected dark and light chamber. Next, rats experience the CS-2s-US sequence in the dark chamber of one of the contexts (either A or B); the US is terminated immediately after a rat escapes into the light chamber. The CS-2s-US sequence is presented only once to ensure the incidental acquisition of the association. The recall is tested 24 h later when rats are presented with only the CS in the alternate context (B or A), and their behavioral response is observed. Our results show that 59% of the rats responded to the CS by escaping to the light chamber, although they experienced only one CS-2s-US pairing. The OTTER task offers a flexible high throughput tool to study memory acquired incidentally after a single experience. Incidental one-trial acquisition of association between temporally discontinuous events may be one of the essential components of episodic memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Radostova
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniela Kuncicka
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Branislav Krajcovic
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukas Hejtmanek
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomas Petrasek
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ales Stuchlik
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hana Brozka
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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5
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Jiao Y, Colvert B, Man Y, McHenry MJ, Kanso E. Evaluating evasion strategies in zebrafish larvae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218909120. [PMID: 36757892 PMCID: PMC9962924 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218909120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective evasion strategy allows prey to survive encounters with predators. Prey are generally thought to escape in a direction that is either random or serves to maximize the minimum distance from the predator. Here, we introduce a comprehensive approach to determine the most likely evasion strategy among multiple hypotheses and the role of biomechanical constraints on the escape response of prey fish. Through a consideration of six strategies with sensorimotor noise and previous kinematic measurements, our analysis shows that zebrafish larvae generally escape in a direction orthogonal to the predator's heading. By sensing only the predator's heading, this orthogonal strategy maximizes the distance from fast-moving predators, and, when operating within the biomechanical constraints of the escape response, it provides the best predictions of prey behavior among all alternatives. This work demonstrates a framework for resolving the strategic basis of evasion in predator-prey interactions, which could be applied to a broad diversity of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Jiao
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90089
| | - Brendan Colvert
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90089
| | - Yi Man
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90089
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science and State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, Peking University, Beijing100871, P. R. China
| | - Matthew J. McHenry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Eva Kanso
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90089
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6
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Tomsic D, Rind C. Animal behavior: Timing escape on angular size or angular velocity? Curr Biol 2023; 33:R108-R110. [PMID: 36750021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Animals avoid rapidly approaching objects. In many arthropods, angular size is a common visual cue used to decide the time of avoidance. A new study shows that fiddler crabs decide when to escape based on object angular expansion velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tomsic
- Institute of Physiology, Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, IFIBYNE Building, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria 1428, CABA, Argentina.
| | - Claire Rind
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
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7
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Gjøen J, Jensen P. Selection for Reduced Fear of Humans Changes Intra-Specific Social Behavior in Red Junglefowl—Implications for Chicken Domestication. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:genes13010043. [PMID: 35052386 PMCID: PMC8774865 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic fowl has a different social behavior compared to their ancestor, the red junglefowl. To examine whether selection for tameness has affected their intra-specific social behavior, 32 red junglefowl from two selection lines, one selected for increased tameness and one selected for a high fear of humans for ten generations, were kept in a group of two females and two males each and were observed in a semi-natural undisturbed enclosure. Birds selected for a low fear of humans had more social conflict, and the males from this selection crowed more and were more often observed in low social proximity to others. The high-fear birds spent more time close together with the rest of the group and performed more social, non-aggressive pecking. These results are consistent with known differences between ancestral red junglefowl and domesticated laying hens. Our results show that intra-specific social behavior has been affected as a side-effect of selection for increased tameness. This may have interesting implications for the emergence of the domestication syndrome in chickens.
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8
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Papi G, Cuomo V, Tedeschini E, Paragliola RM, Corsello SM, Pontecorvi A. The ancient Greek poet Sappho and the first case report of the fight-or-flight response. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:819-823. [PMID: 33884585 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00290-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sappho has always been regarded as one of the greatest lyric poets of ancient Greece. Her famous poem Fragment 31 V., also known as the "Ode to Jealousy", accurately describes the profound emotional reaction triggered by the sight of her beloved. The poet's precise description of each sign and symptom triggered by this arousal makes Sappho 31 V., to the best of our knowledge, the first analytical description of the acute stress response, the so-called "fight-or-flight" response, in human history. Here, Fragment 31 V. is re-read from a medical point of view, correlating the ancient Greek lyric text, the corresponding medical terms, and the underlying catecholamine mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampaolo Papi
- Department of Endocrinology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology, Azienda USL Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Unità Operativa S.D. Di Endocrinologia, Azienda USL Modena, Via S. Giovanni del Cantone 21, 41100, Modena, Italy.
| | - Valentina Cuomo
- Institute of Romance Studies, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Department of Endocrinology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico "Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Department of Endocrinology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico "Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Department of Endocrinology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico "Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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9
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Marques F, Falquet L, Vandewyer E, Beets I, Glauser DA. Signaling via the FLP-14/FRPR-19 neuropeptide pathway sustains nociceptive response to repeated noxious stimuli in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009880. [PMID: 34748554 PMCID: PMC8601619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to thrive in constantly changing environments, animals must adaptively respond to threatening events. Noxious stimuli are not only processed according to their absolute intensity, but also to their context. Adaptation processes can cause animals to habituate at different rates and degrees in response to permanent or repeated stimuli. Here, we used a forward genetic approach in Caenorhabditis elegans to identify a neuropeptidergic pathway, essential to prevent fast habituation and maintain robust withdrawal responses to repeated noxious stimuli. This pathway involves the FRPR-19A and FRPR-19B G-protein coupled receptor isoforms produced from the frpr-19 gene by alternative splicing. Loss or overexpression of each or both isoforms can impair withdrawal responses caused by the optogenetic activation of the polymodal FLP nociceptor neuron. Furthermore, we identified FLP-8 and FLP-14 as FRPR-19 ligands in vitro. flp-14, but not flp-8, was essential to promote withdrawal response and is part of the same genetic pathway as frpr-19 in vivo. Expression and cell-specific rescue analyses suggest that FRPR-19 acts both in the FLP nociceptive neurons and downstream interneurons, whereas FLP-14 acts from interneurons. Importantly, genetic impairment of the FLP-14/FRPR-19 pathway accelerated the habituation to repeated FLP-specific optogenetic activation, as well as to repeated noxious heat and harsh touch stimuli. Collectively, our data suggest that well-adjusted neuromodulation via the FLP-14/FRPR-19 pathway contributes to promote nociceptive signals in C. elegans and counteracts habituation processes that otherwise tend to rapidly reduce aversive responses to repeated noxious stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Marques
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Falquet
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elke Vandewyer
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Beets
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Plumb TN, Conoscenti MA, Minor TR, Fanselow MS. Post-stress glucose consumption facilitates hormesis and resilience to severe stress. Stress 2021; 24:645-651. [PMID: 34114932 PMCID: PMC8797270 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1931677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral ingestion of a glucose solution following severe stress is a simple and effective way of preventing several of the negative sequelae of stress in rats. Similar resilience is obtained through hormetic training - pre-exposure to mild-to-moderate stress prior to severe stress. Here, we examined whether hormetic training is facilitated when a glucose solution is available following each hormetic training session. In Experiment 1, all rats were pre-exposed to a 30 min hormetic session of 25 inescapable tailshocks on each of 3 days. The schedule or hormesis differed between groups. The hormetic sessions occurred on either 3 consecutive days or with an interpolated day of rest between each hormetic session. Furthermore, in each of these conditions, one group had access to water and one group had access to a 40% glucose solution immediately after each hormetic session to complete a 2x2 factorial design. All groups were exposed to 100 inescapable tailshocks on the day following the end of hormetic training. Shuttle-escape testing occurred 24 h later. In Experiment 2, rats received two consecutive days of 100 inescapable tailshocks. Water or glucose was available following each session. Testing occurred 24 h after the second shock exposure. Experiment 1 replicated previous findings that rats exposed to hormetic training with interpolated rest did not show exaggerated fear responding or shuttle-escape deficits that normally result from 100 inescapable tailshocks, but training was ineffective if no rest was given between stress sessions. However, all post-stress glucose groups showed an elimination of helpless behavior. In Experiment 2, it was revealed that even 100 tailshocks can be made hormetic by post-stress glucose consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci N. Plumb
- Departmentof Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas R. Minor
- Departmentof Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S. Fanselow
- Departmentof Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Wang W, Schuette PJ, La-Vu MQ, Torossian A, Tobias BC, Ceko M, Kragel PA, Reis FMCV, Ji S, Sehgal M, Maesta-Pereira S, Chakerian M, Silva AJ, Canteras NS, Wager T, Kao JC, Adhikari A. Dorsal premammillary projection to periaqueductal gray controls escape vigor from innate and conditioned threats. eLife 2021; 10:e69178. [PMID: 34468312 PMCID: PMC8457830 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Escape from threats has paramount importance for survival. However, it is unknown if a single circuit controls escape vigor from innate and conditioned threats. Cholecystokinin (cck)-expressing cells in the hypothalamic dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMd) are necessary for initiating escape from innate threats via a projection to the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG). We now show that in mice PMd-cck cells are activated during escape, but not other defensive behaviors. PMd-cck ensemble activity can also predict future escape. Furthermore, PMd inhibition decreases escape speed from both innate and conditioned threats. Inhibition of the PMd-cck projection to the dlPAG also decreased escape speed. Intriguingly, PMd-cck and dlPAG activity in mice showed higher mutual information during exposure to innate and conditioned threats. In parallel, human functional magnetic resonance imaging data show that a posterior hypothalamic-to-dlPAG pathway increased activity during exposure to aversive images, indicating that a similar pathway may possibly have a related role in humans. Our data identify the PMd-dlPAG circuit as a central node, controlling escape vigor elicited by both innate and conditioned threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Peter J Schuette
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Mimi Q La-Vu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Anita Torossian
- University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Brooke C Tobias
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Marta Ceko
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | | | - Fernando MCV Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Shiyu Ji
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Megha Sehgal
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | | | - Meghmik Chakerian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | | | - Tor Wager
- University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - Jonathan C Kao
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
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12
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Bhattacharyya K, McLean DL, MacIver MA. Intersection of motor volumes predicts the outcome of ambush predation of larval zebrafish. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb235481. [PMID: 33649181 PMCID: PMC7938803 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.235481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Escape maneuvers are key determinants of animal survival and are under intense selection pressure. A number of escape maneuver parameters contribute to survival, including response latency, escape speed and direction. However, the relative importance of these parameters is context dependent, suggesting that interactions between parameters and predatory context determine the likelihood of escape success. To better understand how escape maneuver parameters interact and contribute to survival, we analyzed the responses of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to the attacks of dragonfly nymphs (Sympetrum vicinum). We found that no single parameter explains the outcome. Instead, the relative intersection of the swept volume of the nymph's grasping organs with the volume containing all possible escape trajectories of the fish is the strongest predictor of escape success. In cases where the prey's motor volume exceeds that of the predator, the prey survives. By analyzing the intersection of these volumes, we compute the survival benefit of recruiting the Mauthner cell, a neuron in anamniotes devoted to producing escapes. We discuss how the intersection of motor volume approach provides a framework that unifies the influence of many escape maneuver parameters on the likelihood of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evaxnston, IL 60201, USA
| | - David L McLean
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Malcolm A MacIver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evaxnston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
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13
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Adduci LB, León VA, Schlötelburg A, Busch M, Fraschina J. Avoidance behaviour in laboratory house mice (Musmusculus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) towards predator odours. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245441. [PMID: 33471855 PMCID: PMC7817039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mus musculus and Rattus sp. are considered pest species because they reach high densities in urban areas, crop fields and food storage and productive systems such as breeding farms and orchards. Their control relies mainly on rodenticide application, but the effectiveness of this application is reduced due to behavioural responses and resistance. Novel methods are based on the use of chemical signals as odours that may be attractants, repellents or may reduce the reproductive success of pest species. The aim of this paper is to study the aversive effect of TMT, cat urine and cat body odour on predator-inexperienced Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus under laboratory conditions. The experimental apparatus comprised three boxes connected by PVC pipes in a linear arrangement. In lateral boxes, odour sources or distilled water were introduced, while animals were placed in the central box at the beginning of the experiment. Rats showed freezing behaviour, reduced visits in the presence of TMT and cat fur. Mice reduced their visits with cat body and cat urine. This study provides evidence of the usefulness of using fear responses as a way to control rodent pests, which must be adapted to the environment and species to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana B. Adduci
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria—C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina A. León
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria—C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Annika Schlötelburg
- Division of Land Use Systems, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Faculty of Life Science, Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg, Berlin, Germany
| | - María Busch
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria—C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimena Fraschina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria—C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Salimi M, Sadeghimahalli F, Shaerzadeh F, Khodagholi F, Zardooz H. Early-life stress altered pancreatic Krebs cycle-related enzyme activities in response to young adulthood physical and psychological stress in male rat offspring. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2020; 42:19-27. [PMID: 33781007 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2020-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early-life stress (ELS) increases the risk of metabolic disorders in later life. The present study investigated the ELS effect on pancreatic pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) protein level, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), and aconitase activities as metabolic enzymes in response to young adulthood stress in male rat offspring. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Control, early life stress (Early STR), young adult foot-shock stress (Y. adult F-SH STR), early + young adult foot-shock stress (Early + Y. adult F-SH STR), young adult psychological stress (Y. adult Psy STR) and early + young adult psychological stress (Early + Y. adult Psy STR). Stress was induced by a communication box at 2 weeks of age and young adulthood for five consecutive days. The blood samples were collected in young adult rats, then pancreases were removed to measure its PDH protein level and aconitase and α-KGDH activities. RESULTS In ELS animals, applying foot-shock stress in young adulthood increased PDH protein level, decreased α-KGDH and aconitase activities, and increased plasma glucose, insulin, and corticosterone concentrations. However, exposure to young adulthood psychological stress only decreased α-KGDH and aconitase activities. CONCLUSIONS It seems that ELS altered metabolic response to young adulthood stress through changes of Krebs cycle-related enzymes activities, though the type of adulthood stress was determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Salimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forouzan Sadeghimahalli
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shaerzadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homeira Zardooz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Throughout their lives, squids are both predators and prey for a multitude of animals, many of which are at the top of ocean food webs, making them an integral component of the trophic structure of marine ecosystems. The escape jet, which is produced by the rapid expulsion of water from the mantle cavity through a funnel, is central to a cephalopod's ability to avoid predation throughout its life. Although squid undergo morphological and behavioral changes and experience remarkably different Reynolds number regimes throughout their development, little is known about the dynamics and propulsive efficiency of escape jets throughout ontogeny. We examine the hydrodynamics and kinematics of escape jets in squid throughout ontogeny using 2D/3D velocimetry and high-speed videography. All life stages of squid produced two escape jet patterns: (1) 'escape jet I' characterized by short rapid pulses resulting in vortex ring formation and (2) 'escape jet II' characterized by long high-volume jets, often with a leading-edge vortex ring. Paralarvae exhibited higher propulsive efficiency than adult squid during escape jet ejection, and propulsive efficiency was higher for escape jet I than escape jet II in juveniles and adults. These results indicate that although squid undergo major ecological transitions and morphology changes from paralarvae to adults, all life stages demonstrate flexibility in escape jet responses and produce escape jets of surprisingly high propulsive efficiency.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly A York
- Department of Biology, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC 28601, USA
| | - Ian K Bartol
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Paul S Krueger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | - Joseph T Thompson
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604, USA
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Sendall MC, Brodie A. Postgraduate health promotion students' perceptions of at-risk populations: Those who smoke tobacco, are overweight or obese or drink alcohol at hazardous levels. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241076. [PMID: 33091087 PMCID: PMC7580928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perceptions acquired during tertiary health promotion education can influence students’ interactions with their future service-users. Reflective practice can highlight these perceptions. Here we describe the findings of a reflective exercise conducted with postgraduate health promotion students as part of a learning activity. Students (n = 44) reflected on their understandings of at-risk populations in three priority areas—tobacco, obesity and alcohol. The activity aimed to deconstruct students’ understandings of these populations and identify understandings juxtaposed to the philosophical underpinnings of health promotion, for addressing through teaching and learning. Thematic analysis revealed students’ understanding of all three at-risk populations fit within five themes: apathy/lack of altruism, complexity/choice, pressure/control, escaping /excuses, and environmental contexts. Students also have varying levels of tolerance to at-risk populations, expressing greatest tolerance towards those whose addiction undermines choice and self-control, and least towards those who are overweight/obese or whose behaviour causes risk to others. Our findings show reflective practice is a valuable tool to help educators understand students’ attitudes and values and implement changes to support their future role in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite C. Sendall
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Alison Brodie
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
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17
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Meine LE, Schüler K, Richter-Levin G, Scholz V, Wessa M. A Translational Paradigm to Study the Effects of Uncontrollable Stress in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176010. [PMID: 32825491 PMCID: PMC7503322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Theories on the aetiology of depression in humans are intimately linked to animal research on stressor controllability effects. However, explicit translations of established animal designs are lacking. In two consecutive studies, we developed a translational paradigm to study stressor controllability effects in humans. In the first study, we compared three groups of participants, one exposed to escapable stress, one yoked inescapable stress group, and a control group not exposed to stress. Although group differences indicated successful stress induction, the manipulation failed to differentiate groups according to controllability. In the second study, we employed an improved paradigm and contrasted only an escapable stress group to a yoked inescapable stress group. The final design successfully induced differential effects on self-reported perceived control, exhaustion, helplessness, and behavioural indices of adaptation to stress. The latter were examined in a new escape behaviour test which was modelled after the classic shuttle box animal paradigm. Contrary to the learned helplessness literature, exposure to uncontrollable stress led to more activity and exploration; however, these behaviours were ultimately not adaptive. We discuss the results and possible applications in light of the findings on learning and agency beliefs, inter-individual differences, and interventions aimed at improving resilience to stress-induced mental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Meine
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (L.E.M.); (K.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Katja Schüler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (L.E.M.); (K.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Gal Richter-Levin
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Vanessa Scholz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (L.E.M.); (K.S.); (V.S.)
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Wessa
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany; (L.E.M.); (K.S.); (V.S.)
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Research Group Wessa, 55122 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Kang M, Bushell H, Lee S, Berry C, Hollander Y, Rauchberger I, Whitecross F. Exploring behaviours of concern including aggression, self-harm, sexual harm and absconding within an Australian inpatient mental health service. Australas Psychiatry 2020; 28:394-400. [PMID: 32484738 DOI: 10.1177/1039856220926940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients admitted to mental health services may exhibit behaviours of concern (BOCs) such as aggression, self-harm, absconding and sexual harm. BOCs can lead to restrictive interventions, which have adverse effects on patients, carers and staff. This paper aims to explore the nature and outcome of BOCs within an adult inpatient mental health setting. METHODS A retrospective audit was conducted at a metropolitan inpatient service between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. The frequency, nature and outcomes of BOC episodes were described and thematic analysis was used to summarise BOC antecedents. RESULTS A BOC was documented for 179 (18.2%) patients who also showed high rates of drug abuse, homelessness and longer admission. Most self-harm and sexual harm events occurred outside of normal business hours. Medications and verbal de-escalation were commonly used interventions. Episodes of deliberate self-harm were likely to result in patient and staff injury or mechanical restraint, whereas aggression was associated with seclusion. Mental state, care engagement, physiological stress and situational stressor were identified as BOC antecedents. CONCLUSION Multiple forms of BOCs were experienced with mental state, physical and interpersonal contributors identified. Improving multidisciplinary input into early assessment and treatment of BOC causes is needed to improve safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kang
- Alfred Mental & Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Australia
| | - Hannah Bushell
- Alfred Mental & Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc), The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Australia
| | - Stuart Lee
- Alfred Mental & Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc), The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
| | - Caitlin Berry
- Mental Health Research Nurse, Alfred Mental & Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc), The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Australia
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Rae DL, Mos B, Scott A, Dworjanyn SA. Training fish for restocking: refuge and predator training in the hatchery has limited benefits for a marine fish. J Fish Biol 2020; 97:172-182. [PMID: 32278329 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large numbers of hatchery-reared fish are released in stocking programmes; however, success is limited by high mortality. Predation is seen as the main cause of deaths but might be reduced by training fish before release to avoid predators and/or use refuge. In this study on a potential restocking species, yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus australis, the effects of predator training and refuge on the behaviour of fish in the hatchery were tested. In the first experiment, juvenile bream were exposed to predatory mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) fed exclusively on bream flesh while housed in tanks with and without refuge. Predator training altered fish behaviour when fish were re-exposed to predators, but the effects were subtle and varied between groups of fish. In contrast, refuge created strong and consistent changes in behaviour, significantly slowing down the amount of time that fish took to consume food. A second experiment focused on the effects of refuge. Bream were trained to use artificial seagrass or house bricks as refuge and then exposed to mangrove jacks in a laboratory predation experiment. When refuge was available, fish significantly slowed down their feeding rate. There was a small, transient increase in survival for fish given seagrass refuges, but this was irrespective of whether the bream were trained to use refuge. The results of this study indicate that the use of refuge may be innate and the benefits of refuge may be available to naive hatchery-reared fish or fish trained to use refuge shortly before release. This suggests that there is potential to improve post-release survival of fingerlings without time-consuming and expensive hatchery training.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Rae
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Mos
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna Scott
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Symon A Dworjanyn
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Xin Q, Hung W, Florman J, Huo J, Xu T, Xie Y, Alkema MJ, Zhen M, Wen Q. Flexible motor sequence generation during stereotyped escape responses. eLife 2020; 9:e56942. [PMID: 32501216 PMCID: PMC7338056 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex animal behaviors arise from a flexible combination of stereotyped motor primitives. Here we use the escape responses of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study how a nervous system dynamically explores the action space. The initiation of the escape responses is predictable: the animal moves away from a potential threat, a mechanical or thermal stimulus. But the motor sequence and the timing that follow are variable. We report that a feedforward excitation between neurons encoding distinct motor states underlies robust motor sequence generation, while mutual inhibition between these neurons controls the flexibility of timing in a motor sequence. Electrical synapses contribute to feedforward coupling whereas glutamatergic synapses contribute to inhibition. We conclude that C. elegans generates robust and flexible motor sequences by combining an excitatory coupling and a winner-take-all operation via mutual inhibition between motor modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
| | - Qi Xin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
| | - Wesley Hung
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai HospitalTorontoCanada
- University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Jeremy Florman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Jing Huo
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
| | - Tianqi Xu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
| | - Yu Xie
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Mark J Alkema
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Mei Zhen
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai HospitalTorontoCanada
- University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Quan Wen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Integrative Imaging, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseHefeiChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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21
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Antinucci P, Dumitrescu A, Deleuze C, Morley HJ, Leung K, Hagley T, Kubo F, Baier H, Bianco IH, Wyart C. A calibrated optogenetic toolbox of stable zebrafish opsin lines. eLife 2020; 9:e54937. [PMID: 32216873 PMCID: PMC7170653 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic actuators with diverse spectral tuning, ion selectivity and kinetics are constantly being engineered providing powerful tools for controlling neural activity with subcellular resolution and millisecond precision. Achieving reliable and interpretable in vivo optogenetic manipulations requires reproducible actuator expression and calibration of photocurrents in target neurons. Here, we developed nine transgenic zebrafish lines for stable opsin expression and calibrated their efficacy in vivo. We first used high-throughput behavioural assays to compare opsin ability to elicit or silence neural activity. Next, we performed in vivo whole-cell electrophysiological recordings to quantify the amplitude and kinetics of photocurrents and test opsin ability to precisely control spiking. We observed substantial variation in efficacy, associated with differences in both opsin expression level and photocurrent characteristics, and identified conditions for optimal use of the most efficient opsins. Overall, our calibrated optogenetic toolkit will facilitate the design of controlled optogenetic circuit manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Antinucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Adna Dumitrescu
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié-SalpêtrièreParisFrance
| | - Charlotte Deleuze
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié-SalpêtrièreParisFrance
| | - Holly J Morley
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Kristie Leung
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tom Hagley
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Fumi Kubo
- Center for Frontier Research, National Insitute of GeneticsMishimaJapan
- Department Genes – Circuits – Behavior, Max Planck Institute of NeurobiologyMartinsriedGermany
| | - Herwig Baier
- Department Genes – Circuits – Behavior, Max Planck Institute of NeurobiologyMartinsriedGermany
| | - Isaac H Bianco
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire Wyart
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital Pitié-SalpêtrièreParisFrance
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Barr JR, Green MC, DeMaso SJ, Hardy TB. Drone Surveys Do Not Increase Colony-wide Flight Behaviour at Waterbird Nesting Sites, But Sensitivity Varies Among Species. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3781. [PMID: 32123223 PMCID: PMC7052279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The popularity of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to survey colonial waterbirds has increased in the past decade, but disturbance associated with this bourgeoning technology requires further study. Disturbance was investigated by conducting aerial surveys with a consumer-grade quadcopter (DJI Phantom 3), while concurrently recording behavioural reactions on video. Surveys of mixed-species waterbird colonies (1-6 species per colony) were flown in horizontal transects at heights of 122, 91, 61, and 46 m, which is a typical range for collecting aerial imagery and producing high-resolution mosaicked orthophotos of nesting bird sites. An upper limit of 122 m was used due to local regulations prohibiting higher-altitude flights without federal authorization. Behavioural reactions were tallied every minute and a disturbance score was calculated for each sampling period. When compared to control periods, we found no evidence that colony-wide escape (i.e., flight) behaviour increased during drone flights, at any altitude flown. However, disturbance score increased significantly by 53% for surveys at 46 m. Some species were more sensitive to surveys than others. Laughing Gulls, in particular, exhibited a significant (125%) increase in escape behaviour for surveys at 91 m. Our results indicate when used in a capacity to gather high-resolution imagery for estimating breeding pairs, UAV surveys affected some species more than others, but severe reactions did not appear to increase for mixed-species colonies as a whole. Further study on safe operating thresholds is essential, especially at local and regional scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R Barr
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas, 78666, USA.
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3883 Ruffin Road, San Diego, California, 92123, USA.
| | - M Clay Green
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas, 78666, USA
| | - Stephen J DeMaso
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Coast Joint Venture, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, Louisiana, 70506, USA
| | - Thomas B Hardy
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas, 78666, USA
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Hu C, Kanellopoulos AK, Richter M, Petersen M, Konietzny A, Tenedini FM, Hoyer N, Cheng L, Poon CLC, Harvey KF, Windhorst S, Parrish JZ, Mikhaylova M, Bagni C, Calderon de Anda F, Soba P. Conserved Tao Kinase Activity Regulates Dendritic Arborization, Cytoskeletal Dynamics, and Sensory Function in Drosophila. J Neurosci 2020; 40:1819-1833. [PMID: 31964717 PMCID: PMC7046460 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1846-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic arborization is highly regulated and requires tight control of dendritic growth, branching, cytoskeletal dynamics, and ion channel expression to ensure proper function. Abnormal dendritic development can result in altered network connectivity, which has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). How neuronal growth control programs tune dendritic arborization to ensure function is still not fully understood. Using Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons as a model, we identified the conserved Ste20-like kinase Tao as a negative regulator of dendritic arborization. We show that Tao kinase activity regulates cytoskeletal dynamics and sensory channel localization required for proper sensory function in both male and female flies. We further provide evidence for functional conservation of Tao kinase, showing that its ASD-linked human ortholog, Tao kinase 2 (Taok2), could replace Drosophila Tao and rescue dendritic branching, dynamic microtubule alterations, and behavioral defects. However, several ASD-linked Taok2 variants displayed impaired rescue activity, suggesting that Tao/Taok2 mutations can disrupt sensory neuron development and function. Consistently, we show that Tao kinase activity is required in developing and as well as adult stages for maintaining normal dendritic arborization and sensory function to regulate escape and social behavior. Our data suggest an important role for Tao kinase signaling in cytoskeletal organization to maintain proper dendritic arborization and sensory function, providing a strong link between developmental sensory aberrations and behavioral abnormalities relevant for Taok2-dependent ASDs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are linked to abnormal dendritic arbors. However, the mechanisms of how dendritic arbors develop to promote functional and proper behavior are unclear. We identified Drosophila Tao kinase, the ortholog of the ASD risk gene Taok2, as a regulator of dendritic arborization in sensory neurons. We show that Tao kinase regulates cytoskeletal dynamics, controls sensory ion channel localization, and is required to maintain somatosensory function in vivo Interestingly, ASD-linked human Taok2 mutations rendered it nonfunctional, whereas its WT form could restore neuronal morphology and function in Drosophila lacking endogenous Tao. Our findings provide evidence for a conserved role of Tao kinase in dendritic development and function of sensory neurons, suggesting that aberrant sensory function might be a common feature of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Melanie Richter
- Neuronal Development Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meike Petersen
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Konietzny
- Neuronal Protein Transport Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Federico M Tenedini
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina Hoyer
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lin Cheng
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carole L C Poon
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000 Victoria, Australia
| | - Kieran F Harvey
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, 3000 Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabine Windhorst
- Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jay Z Parrish
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195 Washington, and
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- Neuronal Protein Transport Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Froylan Calderon de Anda
- Neuronal Development Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Soba
- Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity Laboratory, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,
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Abstract
Animal groups often represent nonrandom subsets of individuals, and increasing evidence indicates that individuals may sort among groups based on their personalities. The size of a group can predict its personality composition in some species due to differential suitability of a personality for groups of certain sizes, and the group itself may function more effectively if particular personality types are present. We quantified cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) behavioral measures using linear and generalized linear mixed models to identify whether they: (1) varied among individuals within colonies and among colonies, (2) were related to reproductive success, and (3) predicted levels of parental care. Significant among-individual and among-colony site variation in a cliff swallow's latency to enter its nest when presented with a novel stimulus was revealed. We also found significant among-individual variation in the number of attacks directed toward a novel stimulus at the nest and in the response to broadcast of a cliff swallow alarm call recording, but among site variation in these measures was not significant. We did not find evidence for behavioral syndromes linking the personalities measured. Differences among individuals in latency to enter the nest and the number of attacks were not significantly related to reproductive success or to the extent to which birds fed their nestlings. However, extent of nestling feeding was significantly predicted by the number of mist net captures. The limited evidence in general of systematic variation in the behavior we measured among cliff swallow colonies may reflect the different and sometimes opposing selection pressures on behavior in different social environments. Future work should perhaps examine variation in other behavioral traits, such as foraging, in cliff swallow colonies of different sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Hannebaum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Gigi S. Wagnon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Charles R. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
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25
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Büsse S, Büscher TH, Kelly ET, Heepe L, Edgerly JS, Gorb SN. Pressure-induced silk spinning mechanism in webspinners (Insecta: Embioptera). Soft Matter 2019; 15:9742-9750. [PMID: 31742303 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01782h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The articulated appendages of arthropods are highly adaptable and potentially multifunctional, used for walking, swimming, feeding, prey capture, or other functions. Webspinners (Order Embioptera) are a paragon in this context. In contrast to other arthropods producing silk, they utilize their front feet for silk production. However, employing the same leg for alternative functions rather than for pure locomotion potentially imposes constraints and compromises. We here present morphological and experimental evidence for a "passive" pressure-induced silk spinning mechanism induced by external mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, as a consequence of the conflicting functions for their front feet, webspinners have evolved a unique style of walking that reduces the potentially problematic contact between silk ejectors and the substrate. Here we answer for the first time a long-term question within this enigmatic group of insects-how webspinners can use their front feet to spin their nanoscale silk. This knowledge may open the door for experimental studies on an artificial spinning process and for future utilization in applied fields of robotics or chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Büsse
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
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26
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Ouyang L, Zhang W, Du G, Liu H, Xie J, Gu J, Zhang S, Zhou F, Shao L, Feng C, Fan G. Lead exposure-induced cognitive impairment through RyR-modulating intracellular calcium signaling in aged rats. Toxicology 2019; 419:55-64. [PMID: 30905827 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lead is widely distributed in the environment and has become a global public health issue. It is well known that lead exposure induces not only neurodevelopmental toxicity but also neurodegenerative diseases, with learning and memory impairment in the later stage. However, the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The present study investigated the effects of early life and lifetime lead exposure on cognition and identified the molecular mechanisms involved in aged rats. The results herein demonstrated that the lead concentration in peripheral blood and brain tissues in aged rats was significantly increased in a lead dose-dependent manner. High-dose lead exposure caused cognitive functional impairment in aged rats, concomitant with a longer escape latency and a lower frequency of crossing the platform via Morris water maze testing compared to those in the control and low-dose lead exposure groups. Importantly, neuron functional defects were still observed even in early life lead exposure during the prenatal and weaning periods in aged rats. The neurotoxicity induced by lead exposure was morphologically evidenced by a recessed nuclear membrane, a swollen endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in the neurons. Mechanistically, the exposure of aged rats to lead resulted in increasing free calcium concentration, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in the hippocampal neurons. Lead exposure increased RyR3 expression and decreased the levels of p-CaMKIIα/CaMKIIα and p-CREB/CREB in the hippocampus of aged rats. These findings indicated that early life lead exposure-induced cognition disorder was irreversible in aged rats. Lead-induced neurotoxicity might be related to the upregulation of RyR3 expression and high levels of intracellular free calcium with increasing lead concentration in injured neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China; Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Guihua Du
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Haizhen Liu
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Junwang Gu
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shuyun Zhang
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fankun Zhou
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chang Feng
- Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China; Jiangxi provincial key laboratory of preventive medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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27
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Pisaturo GR, Righetti M, Castellana C, Larcher M, Menapace A, Premstaller G. A procedure for human safety assessment during hydropeaking events. Sci Total Environ 2019; 661:294-305. [PMID: 30677677 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A method for human safety assessment on a hydropeaked river reach is proposed and applied to an Alpine river. The human safety analysis during hydropeaking events is of particular interest because most of the Alpine watercourses are affected by hydropower plant energy production that cause rapid and frequent flow alterations (hydropeaking), but at the same time these watercourses are used by the population for recreational purposes. In literature, many studies have focused on the effect of hydropeaking on the biota but a study of the interaction between a hydropeaking wave and human safety does not yet exist. The proposed procedure is characterized by the combination of hydraulic numerical simulations to study the characteristics of the flow field with a human safety analysis and is applied to a case study in north Italy. Human safety can be assessed in two different ways: one is by studying human stability during hydropeaking events and the other is exploring the possibility of a "target person" leaving the reach during hydropeaking waves, adapting proper escape strategies. For the escape strategy Dijkstra's algorithm is used, where the distance between adjacent nodes is defined as the difficulty (penalty) of moving from one node to the other. For this reason, an original set of penalty functions is proposed that takes into account the steepness (slope between two adjacent computational cells), the roughness, and the product between the water depth and flow velocity. The results show that the difficulty in escaping increases with the flow rate. Moreover, the areas where the human safety is very low are mainly located in the central part of the watercourse. The present work proposes a possible investigational tool to evaluate and parameterize the risk for the population during hydropeaking events through quantitative indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Roberto Pisaturo
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Righetti
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Claudio Castellana
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Larcher
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Andrea Menapace
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Georg Premstaller
- Department of Engineering & Consulting, Alperia plc, Via Ressel 2, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
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28
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Iñiguez SD, Parise LF, Lobo MK, Flores-Ramirez FJ, Garcia-Carachure I, Warren BL, Robison AJ. Upregulation of hippocampal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-2 induces antidepressant-like behavior in the rat forced swim test. Behav Neurosci 2019; 133:225-231. [PMID: 30907619 PMCID: PMC6712563 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus mediates responses to affect-related behavior in preclinical models of pharmacological antidepressant efficacy, such as the forced swim test. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate escape-directed behavior in this preclinical model of despair are not well understood. Here, using viral-mediated gene transfer, we assessed how overexpression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)-2 within the dorsal hippocampus influenced behavioral reactivity to inescapable swimming stress in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. When compared to controls, rats overexpressing hippocampal ERK-2 displayed increases in the time to initially adopt a posture of immobility, along with decreases in total time spent immobile, without influencing general locomotor activity. Collectively, the results indicate that hippocampal upregulation of ERK-2 increases escape-directed behavior in the rat forced swim test, thus providing insight into the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate antidepressant efficacy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio D. Iñiguez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
| | - Lyonna F. Parise
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mary K. Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Brandon L. Warren
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Alfred J. Robison
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Abstract
The defences used by organisms against predators display a great degree of variability. Defence phenotypes can differ substantially among individuals of the same species, and a single individual can itself deploy a variety of defences. Here, we use a mathematical model that includes mutation and selection to understand the evolutionary origin of this variability in a population of a species that deploys defences sequentially ("first" and "second" defences). Typically, the first defence evolves to have lower variance, i.e. appears more closely accumulated around the ideal phenotype, than the second defence (even when the breaching the first defence incurs more fitness loss than breaching the second defence with the other parameters the same for both defences). However, if the first defence is much less effective in repelling predators, or is much less tolerant of deviation from the ideal phenotype, then the first defence can evolve to have higher variance than the second. Other factors like mutation strength and the losses in the fitness when each defence fails also influence the defence variance. Larger mutation rate incurs larger equilibrium variances, and when the comparative importance in fitness of one defence increases, then the ratio between the variances of this defence and the other defence decreases. Sequentially acting defences are found in many organisms, so we encourage empirical research to test our theoretical predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzi Wang
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Stephen J Cornell
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Michael P Speed
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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30
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Kinateder M, Warren WH, Schloss KB. What color are emergency exit signs? Egress behavior differs from verbal report. Appl Ergon 2019; 75:155-160. [PMID: 30509520 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Illuminated emergency exit signs inform building occupants about safe egress routes in emergencies. These exit signs are often found in the presence of other colored signs, which may distract occupants when searching for safe exits. Such distractions can lead to confusing and even harmful outcomes, especially if occupants misinterpret the sign colors, mistaking non-exit signs for exit signs. We studied which colored signs people were most likely to infer were exit signs in a simulated emergency evacuation using virtual reality (VR). Participants were immersed in a virtual room with two doors (left and right), and an illuminated sign with different colored vertical bars above each door. They saw all pairwise combinations of six sign colors across trials. On each trial, a fire alarm sounded, and participants walked to the door that they thought was the exit. We tested two hypotheses: a local exposure hypothesis that color inferences are determined by exit sign colors in the local environment (i.e., red) and a semantic association hypothesis that color inferences are determined by color-concept associations (i.e. green associated with "go" and "safety"). The results challenged the local exposure hypothesis and supported the semantic association hypothesis. Participants predominantly walked toward green signs, even though the exit signs in the local environment-including the building where the experiment took place-were red. However, in a post-experiment survey, most participants reported that exit signs should be red. The results demonstrated a dissociation between the way observers thought they would behave in emergency situations (red = exit) and the way they did behave in simulated emergencies (green = exit). These findings have implications for the design of evacuation systems. Observers, and perhaps designers, do not always anticipate how occupants will behave in emergency situations, which emphasizes the importance of behavioral evaluations for egress safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kinateder
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1M 0R6, Canada.
| | - William H Warren
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Box 1821, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Karen B Schloss
- Department of Psychology and Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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31
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Terburg D, Scheggia D, Triana Del Rio R, Klumpers F, Ciobanu AC, Morgan B, Montoya ER, Bos PA, Giobellina G, van den Burg EH, de Gelder B, Stein DJ, Stoop R, van Honk J. The Basolateral Amygdala Is Essential for Rapid Escape: A Human and Rodent Study. Cell 2018; 175:723-735.e16. [PMID: 30340041 PMCID: PMC6198024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Rodent research delineates how the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA) control defensive behaviors, but translation of these findings to humans is needed. Here, we compare humans with natural-selective bilateral BLA lesions to rats with a chemogenetically silenced BLA. We find, across species, an essential role for the BLA in the selection of active escape over passive freezing during exposure to imminent yet escapable threat (Timm). In response to Timm, BLA-damaged humans showed increased startle potentiation and BLA-silenced rats demonstrated increased startle potentiation, freezing, and reduced escape behavior as compared to controls. Neuroimaging in humans suggested that the BLA reduces passive defensive responses by inhibiting the brainstem via the CeA. Indeed, Timm conditioning potentiated BLA projections onto an inhibitory CeA pathway, and pharmacological activation of this pathway rescued deficient Timm responses in BLA-silenced rats. Our data reveal how the BLA, via the CeA, adaptively regulates escape behavior from imminent threat and that this mechanism is evolutionary conserved across rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Terburg
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Diego Scheggia
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rodrigo Triana Del Rio
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandru Cristian Ciobanu
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barak Morgan
- Global Risk Governance Program, Institute for Safety Governance and Criminology, Law Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Peter A Bos
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gion Giobellina
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Erwin H van den Burg
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice de Gelder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ron Stoop
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jack van Honk
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Clements KN, Miller TH, Keever JM, Hall AM, Issa FA. Social Status-Related Differences in Motor Activity Between Wild-Type and Mutant Zebrafish. Biol Bull 2018; 235:71-82. [PMID: 30358446 DOI: 10.1086/699514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Use of zebrafish as a model organism in biomedical research has led to the generation of many genetically modified mutant lines to investigate various aspects of developmental and cellular processes. However, the broader effects of the underlying mutations on social and motor behavior remain poorly examined. Here, we compared the dynamics of social interactions in the Tüpfel long-fin nacre mutant line, which lacks skin pigmentation, to wild-type zebrafish; and we determined whether status-dependent differences in escape and swimming behavior existed within each strain. We show that despite similarities in aggressive activity, Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs exhibit unstable social relationships characterized by frequent reversals in social dominance compared to wild-type pairs. The lack of strong dominance relationships in Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs correlates with weak territoriality and overlapping spatial distribution of dominants and subordinates. Conversely, wild-type dominants displayed strong territoriality that severely limited the movement of subordinates. Additionally, the sensitivity of the startle escape response was significantly higher in wild-type subordinates compared to dominants. However, status-related differences in sensitivity of escape response in Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs were absent. Finally, we present evidence suggesting that these differences could be a consequence of a disruption of proper visual social signals. We show that in wild-type pairs dominants are more conspicuous, and that in wild-type and Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairings wild-type fish are more likely to dominate Tüpfel long-fin nacres. Our results serve as a cautionary note in research design when morphologically engineered zebrafish for color differences are utilized in the study of social behavior and central nervous system function.
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Self KE, Schreck CB, Cogliati KM, Billman EJ, Noakes DLG. The effect of rearing structures on behaviour and movement of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss. J Fish Biol 2018; 93:449-454. [PMID: 29935007 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The relative movement of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss reared on two treatments was investigated to provide insight on the effect of structure in the rearing environment on the behaviour of the fish before potential release into a natural river system. The progeny of wild broodstock were reared either in the presence or absence of structure in the tank environment for 7 months at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center located in Oregon, U.S.A. Behavioural assessments, including movement response to a simulated predator, showed that fish reared on structure moved a similar amount (based on line crosses) as fish reared in bare hatchery tanks. No significant difference was observed in the proportion of time spent near a small structure within the behavioural test tank between the two treatments, but all fish showed decreased movement over time with each subsequent predation event. Fish from both treatments spent 30% of their time in the section of the tank containing the structure, which was one section out of a total of eight sections. In both treatments, fish foraged 20% of the time in the 2 min following the introduction of live tubifex prey (two separate events). Overall, similar movement and foraging responses occurred following mock predation events for juveniles reared either with or without structure. Developing assessment tools such as these, that measures behaviours related to survival based on rearing environment should allow managers to better predict the survival and effect of rearing conditions on the release of hatchery-origin fish into the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E Self
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Oregon Hatchery Research Center, Alsea, Oregon
| | - Carl B Schreck
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Karen M Cogliati
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Eric J Billman
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho
| | - David L G Noakes
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Oregon Hatchery Research Center, Alsea, Oregon
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Abstract
Animal behaviors can often be challenging to model and predict, though optimality theory has improved our ability to do so. While many qualitative predictions of behavior exist, accurate quantitative models, tested by empirical data, are often lacking. This is likely due to variation in biases across individuals and variation in the way new information is gathered and used. We propose a modeling framework based on a novel interpretation of Bayes's theorem to integrate optimization of energetic constraints with both prior biases and specific sources of new information gathered by individuals. We present methods for inferring distributions of prior biases within populations rather than assuming known priors, as is common in Bayesian approaches to modeling behavior, and for evaluating the goodness of fit of overall model descriptions. We apply this framework to predict optimal escape during predator-prey encounters, based on prior biases and variation in what information prey use. Using this approach, we collected and analyzed data characterizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) escape behavior in response to human approaches. We found that distance to predator alone was not sufficient to predict deer flight response and show that the inclusion of additional information is necessary. We also compared differences in the inferred distributions of prior biases across different populations and discuss the possible role of human activity in influencing these distributions.
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Deleuze J, Long J, Liu TQ, Maurage P, Billieux J. Passion or addiction? Correlates of healthy versus problematic use of videogames in a sample of French-speaking regular players. Addict Behav 2018. [PMID: 29522932 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A criticism of current diagnostic approaches to gaming disorder is that they fail to take into account that high and repeated engagement is not problematic per se, nor is it necessarily associated with adverse consequences. To tackle this controversy, we used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test, in regular gamers (N = 268), whether high (but healthy) engagement can be distinguished from problematic engagement by using the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire (Charlton & Danforth, 2007). We then tested whether differential relationships exist between the engagement and addiction constructs, DSM-5 criteria for Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and psychological factors linked to gaming use and misuse (self-reported impulsivity, motives to play, and depression). Results indicated that a model holding engagement and addiction as two distinct, but related, constructs fits the data well. Second, we showed that although both constructs are linked to the number of IGD criteria endorsed, the relationship is more pronounced for the addiction construct. Third, a differential pattern of correlations was observed with the other study variables, further supporting the need to distinguish the two constructs. Our study emphasizes that research is needed to refine the diagnostic approach to gaming disorder to avoid conflating healthy passion with pathological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jory Deleuze
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Jiang Long
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tie-Qiao Liu
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pierre Maurage
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Joël Billieux
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Addictive and Compulsive Behaviours Lab, Institute for Health and Behaviour, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Addiction Division, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.
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36
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Tanichi M, Toda H, Shimizu K, Koga M, Saito T, Enomoto S, Boku S, Asai F, Mitsui Y, Nagamine M, Fujita M, Yoshino A. Differential effects of voluntary wheel running and toy rotation on the mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors and FKBP5 in a post-traumatic stress disorder rat model with the shuttle-box task. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:307-312. [PMID: 29738768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Life-threatening experiences can result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. We have developed an animal model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a shuttle box in rats. In this paradigm, the rats were exposed to inescapable foot-shock stress (IS) in a shuttle box, and then an avoidance/escape task was performed in the same box 2 weeks after IS. A previous study using this paradigm revealed that environmental enrichment (EE) ameliorated avoidance/numbing-like behaviors, but not hyperarousal-like behaviors, and EE also elevated hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. However, the differential effects of EE components, i.e., running wheel (RW) or toy rotation, on PTSD-like behaviors has remained unclear. In this experiment, we demonstrated that RW, toy rotation, and EE (containing RW and toy rotation) ameliorated avoidance/numbing-like behaviors, induced learning of avoidance responses, and improved depressive-like behaviors in traumatized rats. The RW increased the hippocampal mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors, especially BDNF and glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor. Toy rotation influenced FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression, which is believed to be a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis system, in the hippocampus and amygdala. This is the first report to elucidate the differential mechanistic effects of RW and toy rotation. The former appears to exert its effects via neurotrophic factors, while the latter exerts its effects via the HPA axis. Further studies will lead to a better understanding of the influence of environmental factors on PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Tanichi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Toda
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan.
| | - Kunio Shimizu
- Division of Behavioral Science, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Minori Koga
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Shingo Enomoto
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Shuken Boku
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Fumiho Asai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Yumi Mitsui
- Division of Behavioral Science, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Masanori Nagamine
- Division of Behavioral Science, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Masanori Fujita
- Division of Environmental Medicine, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Aihide Yoshino
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
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Salas P, Vinaithirthan V, Newman-Smith E, Kourakis MJ, Smith WC. Photoreceptor specialization and the visuomotor repertoire of the primitive chordate Ciona. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb177972. [PMID: 29511068 PMCID: PMC5963834 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.177972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The swimming tadpole larva of Ciona has one of the simplest central nervous systems (CNSs) known, with only 177 neurons. Despite its simplicity, the Ciona CNS has a common structure with the CNS of its close chordate relatives, the vertebrates. The recent completion of a larval Ciona CNS connectome creates enormous potential for detailed understanding of chordate CNS function, yet our understanding of Ciona larval behavior is incomplete. We show here that Ciona larvae have a surprisingly rich and dynamic set of visual responses, including a looming-object escape behavior characterized by erratic circular swims, as well as negative phototaxis characterized by sustained directional swims. Making use of mutant lines, we show that these two behaviors are mediated by distinct groups of photoreceptors. The Ciona connectome predicts that these two behavioral responses should act through distinct, but overlapping, visuomotor pathways, and that the escape behavior is likely to be integrated into a broader startle behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Salas
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Vall Vinaithirthan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Erin Newman-Smith
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Matthew J Kourakis
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - William C Smith
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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38
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Abstract
This research tested a model that integrates risk factors among non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorder (ED) behaviors with the aim of elucidating possible shared and unique mechanisms underlying both behaviors. Emotional distress, limited access to emotion regulation (ER) strategies, experiential avoidance, and NSSI/ED frequency were examined in a sample of 230 female undergraduates. Structural equation modeling indicated that limited access to ER strategies and avoidance mediated relationship between emotional distress and avoidance, which in turn was associated with NSSI and ED behaviors. Results suggest NSSI and ED behaviors may serve similar emotion regulation functions, and specifically highlight the role of experiential avoidance in these behaviors.
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McCormick MI, Watson SA, Simpson SD, Allan BJM. Effect of elevated CO 2 and small boat noise on the kinematics of predator-prey interactions. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20172650. [PMID: 29563262 PMCID: PMC5897633 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oceans of the future are predicted to be more acidic and noisier, particularly along the productive coastal fringe. This study examined the independent and combined effects of short-term exposure to elevated CO2 and boat noise on the predator-prey interactions of a pair of common coral reef fishes (Pomacentrus wardi and its predator, Pseudochromis fuscus). Successful capture of prey by predators was the same regardless of whether the pairs had been exposed to ambient control conditions, the addition of either playback of boat noise, elevated CO2 (925 µatm) or both stressors simultaneously. The kinematics of the interaction were the same for all stressor combinations and differed from the controls. The effects of CO2 or boat noise were the same, suggesting that their effects were substitutive in this situation. Prey reduced their perception of threat under both stressors individually and when combined, and this coincided with reduced predator attack distances and attack speeds. The lack of an additive or multiplicative effect when both stressors co-occurred was notable given the different mechanisms involved in sensory disruptions and highlights the importance of determining the combined effects of key drivers to aid in predicting community dynamics under future environmental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sue-Ann Watson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Stephen D Simpson
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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40
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De la Casa LG, Lubow RE. Delay-Induced Super-Latent Inhibition as a Function of Order of Exposure to Two Flavours Prior to Compound Conditioning. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 58:1-18. [PMID: 15844374 DOI: 10.1080/02724990444000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A number of recent conditioned taste aversion (CTA) experiments have demonstrated a super-latent inhibition (LI) effect—namely, a time-induced increase in the effects of stimulus preexposure when the interval between acquisition and test is spent in a context that is different from the other experimental contexts. Two CTA experiments with rats were conducted to examine the role of primacy in producing super-LI. In Experiment 1, one of two flavours was pre-exposed, following which a second flavour was preexposed. After the second preexposure, animals were conditioned by pairing a compound of the two preexposed flavours with LiCl. The test stage was conducted 1 or 21 days after conditioning, with the interval being spent in either the same or different contexts. In the test, animals were confronted with two bottles, each with one of the two preexposed flavours. Super-LI was obtained only for the first preexposed flavour in the 21-day delay group that spent the interval in a different context. Experiment 2 was designed to ensure that the effects in Experiment 1 represented LI, and to control for order of presentation of the flavours and time between preexposure and acquisition. The results replicated those of Experiment 1. The two experiments support the importance of primacy in the general super-LI experiment where CS-alone preexposure precedes CS–US.
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41
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Nie LJ, Fu SJ. Metabolic, behavioral, and locomotive effects of feeding in five cyprinids with different habitat preferences. Fish Physiol Biochem 2017; 43:1531-1542. [PMID: 28567498 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fish generally perform routine swimming behaviors during food digestion; thus, changes in swimming performance and adjustments to spontaneous behavior resulting from digestion can have important ecological significance for wild fishes. The effects of feeding on metabolism, spontaneous activity, fast-start escape movement, and critical swimming speed (U crit) were investigated in five cyprinids with different habitat preferences, specifically the Chinese crucian carp (Carassius auratus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), Chinese bream (Parabramis pekinensis), and qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis). Generally, species in still water exhibited increased feeding metabolism, whereas species in flowing water showed higher spontaneous activity and locomotion performance. Digestion had no significant effects on either spontaneous activity or fast-start escape movement in the five cyprinids. These results could be due to the small meal sizes (approximately 2% body mass) and active foraging modes of cyprinids. The changes in aerobic swimming performance due to feeding were more complex. No effect of digestion on U crit was observed in crucian carp (still water, high feeding metabolism, and low U crit), common carp (widely distributed, high feeding metabolism, and high U crit), and qingbo (flowing water, low feeding metabolism, and high U crit), but digestion resulted in a significant decrease in the U crit of Chinese bream (moderate feeding metabolism but high U crit) and black carp (moderate feeding metabolism and low U crit), suggesting no connection between postprandial U crit changes and feeding metabolism (or between U crit and preferred habitat). The maximum metabolic rate (MMR) of common carp and crucian carp increased after feeding, whereas the corresponding values for the other three cyprinids remained the same. The oxygen uptake capacity appears to meet the oxygen demand of both aerobic swimming and digestion in common carp and crucian carp, whereas qingbo sacrifices digestion for locomotion, and black carp and Chinese bream sacrifice locomotion for digestion under postprandial swimming conditions. The locomotion-priority mode of qingbo is adaptive to its active foraging mode in the demanding swimming habitat of rapidly flowing water, whereas the high respiratory capacities of postprandial crucian carp and common carp and hence the maintenance of their aerobic swimming performances might be a by-product of natural selection for hypoxia tolerance rather than for swimming speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Nie
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shi-Jian Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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42
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Yoshino J, Morikawa RK, Hasegawa E, Emoto K. Neural Circuitry that Evokes Escape Behavior upon Activation of Nociceptive Sensory Neurons in Drosophila Larvae. Curr Biol 2017; 27:2499-2504.e3. [PMID: 28803873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Noxious stimuli trigger a stereotyped escape response in animals. In Drosophila larvae, class IV dendrite arborization (C4 da) sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system are responsible for perception of multiple nociceptive modalities, including noxious heat and harsh mechanical stimulation, through distinct receptors [1-9]. Silencing or ablation of C4 da neurons largely eliminates larval responses to noxious stimuli [10-12], whereas optogenetic activation of C4 da neurons is sufficient to provoke corkscrew-like rolling behavior similar to what is observed when larvae receive noxious stimuli, such as high temperature or harsh mechanical stimulation [10-12]. The receptors and the regulatory mechanisms for C4 da activation in response to a variety of noxious stimuli have been well studied [13-23], yet how C4 da activation triggers the escape behavior in the circuit level is still incompletely understood. Here we identify segmentally arrayed local interneurons (medial clusters of C4 da second-order interneurons [mCSIs]) in the ventral nerve cord that are necessary and sufficient to trigger rolling behavior. GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (GRASP) analysis indicates that C4 da axons form synapses with mCSI dendrites. Optogenetic activation of mCSIs induces the rolling behavior, whereas silencing mCSIs reduces the probability of rolling behavior upon C4 da activation. Further anatomical and functional studies suggest that the C4 da-mCSI nociceptive circuit evokes rolling behavior at least in part through segmental nerve a (SNa) motor neurons. Our findings thus uncover a local circuit that promotes escape behavior upon noxious stimuli in Drosophila larvae and provide mechanistic insights into how noxious stimuli are transduced into the stereotyped escape behavior in the circuit level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Yoshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Rei K Morikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Eri Hasegawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuo Emoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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43
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Zhou Y, Loeza-Cabrera M, Liu Z, Aleman-Meza B, Nguyen JK, Jung SK, Choi Y, Shou Q, Butcher RA, Zhong W. Potential Nematode Alarm Pheromone Induces Acute Avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2017; 206:1469-1478. [PMID: 28495959 PMCID: PMC5500144 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.197293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
It is crucial for animal survival to detect dangers such as predators. A good indicator of dangers is injury of conspecifics. Here we show that fluids released from injured conspecifics invoke acute avoidance in both free-living and parasitic nematodes. Caenorhabditis elegans avoids extracts from closely related nematode species but not fruit fly larvae. The worm extracts have no impact on animal lifespan, suggesting that the worm extract may function as an alarm instead of inflicting physical harm. Avoidance of the worm extract requires the function of a cGMP signaling pathway that includes the cGMP-gated channel TAX-2/TAX-4 in the amphid sensory neurons ASI and ASK. Genetic evidence indicates that the avoidance behavior is modulated by the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin, two common targets of anxiolytic drugs. Together, these data support a model that nematodes use a nematode-specific alarm pheromone to detect conspecific injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
| | | | - Zheng Liu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
| | | | - Julie K Nguyen
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
| | - Sang-Kyu Jung
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
| | - Yuna Choi
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
| | - Qingyao Shou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Rebecca A Butcher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005
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Shi X, Møller JS, Højgaard J, Johansen JL, Steffensen JF, Liu D, Domenici P. The angular position of a refuge affects escape responses in staghorn sculpin Leptocottus armatus. J Fish Biol 2017; 90:2434-2442. [PMID: 28370093 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the presence and angular position of a refuge on the direction and kinematics of mechanically-induced escape responses was observed in staghorn sculpins Leptocottus armatus using high-speed video. The results showed that the angular position of the refuge did not affect locomotor performance (speed and acceleration), although it did affect the escape trajectories. Therefore, the angular position of a refuge can modulate the direction taken by the L. armatus during the early stages of their escape response and this response can be affected by both repulsive (i.e. threats) and attractive (i.e. refuges) points of reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Shi
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - J S Møller
- University of Copenhagen, Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - J Højgaard
- University of Copenhagen, Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - J L Johansen
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St Augustine, 32080, U.S.A
| | - J F Steffensen
- University of Copenhagen, Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - D Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - P Domenici
- CNR - IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Località Sa Mardini, 09072 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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45
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Abstract
Instinctive defensive behaviors are essential for animal survival. Across the animal kingdom, there are sensory stimuli that innately represent threat and trigger stereotyped behaviors such as escape or freezing [1-4]. While innate behaviors are considered to be hard-wired stimulus-responses [5], they act within dynamic environments, and factors such as the properties of the threat [6-9] and its perceived intensity [1, 10, 11], access to food sources [12-14], and expectations from past experience [15, 16] have been shown to influence defensive behaviors, suggesting that their expression can be modulated. However, despite recent work [2, 4, 17-21], little is known about how flexible mouse innate defensive behaviors are and how quickly they can be modified by experience. To address this, we have investigated the dependence of escape behavior on learned knowledge about the spatial environment and how the behavior is updated when the environment changes acutely. Using behavioral assays with innately threatening visual and auditory stimuli, we show that the primary goal of escape in mice is to reach a previously memorized shelter location. Memory of the escape target can be formed in a single shelter visit lasting less than 20 s, and changes in the spatial environment lead to a rapid update of the defensive action, including changing the defensive strategy from escape to freezing. Our results show that although there are innate links between specific sensory features and defensive behavior, instinctive defensive actions are surprisingly flexible and can be rapidly updated by experience to adapt to changing spatial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Vale
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Howland Street, London W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Dominic A Evans
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Howland Street, London W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Tiago Branco
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK; UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Howland Street, London W1T 4JG, UK.
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46
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Imre I, Di Rocco RT, McClure H, Johnson NS, Brown GE. Migratory-stage sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus stop responding to conspecific damage-released alarm cues after 4 h of continuous exposure in laboratory conditions. J Fish Biol 2017; 90:1297-1304. [PMID: 27957739 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the length of avoidance response of migratory-stage sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus exposed continuously to conspecific damage-released alarm cues for varying lengths of time in laboratory stream channels. Ten replicate groups of P. marinus, separated by sex, were exposed to either deionized water control or to P. marinus extract for 0, 2 or 4 h continuously. Petromyzon marinus maintained their avoidance response to the conspecific damage-released alarm cue after continuous exposure to the alarm cue for 0 and 2 h but not 4 h. Beyond being one of the first studies in regards to sensory-olfactory adaptation-acclimation of fishes to alarm cues of any kind, these results have important implications for use of conspecific alarm cues in P. marinus control. For example, continuous application of conspecific alarm cue during the day, when P. marinus are inactive and hiding, may result in sensory adaptation to the odour by nightfall when they migrate upstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Imre
- Biology Department, Algoma University, 1520 Queen St East, Sault Ste Marie, ON, P6A 2G4, Canada
| | - R T Di Rocco
- Biology Department, Algoma University, 1520 Queen St East, Sault Ste Marie, ON, P6A 2G4, Canada
| | - H McClure
- Biology Department, Algoma University, 1520 Queen St East, Sault Ste Marie, ON, P6A 2G4, Canada
| | - N S Johnson
- USGS, Great Lakes Science Center, Hammond Bay Biological Station, 11188 Ray Road, Millersburg, MI, 49759, U.S.A
| | - G E Brown
- Biology Department, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
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Baglan H, Lazzari C, Guerrieri F. Learning in mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti): Habituation to a visual danger signal. J Insect Physiol 2017; 98:160-166. [PMID: 28077263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti being a vector of several infectious diseases, a limited number of studies has been undertaken on learning in this species. Moreover, larval stages have been neglected as model organisms, although they are active, aquatic and perform stereotyped behavioural responses, e.g. the escape response when disturbed. To study the learning abilities of mosquito larvae, we focused on habituation, a form of non-associative learning widely studied in vertebrates and invertebrates. Habituation was defined as the progressive and reversible decrease in response to a reiterative stimulus. We first aimed at confirming habituation of the escape response in mosquito larvae (4th instar). Then, we determined whether a mnesic trace was established. Larvae were individually stimulated with a visual danger stimulus inducing the escape response. We set up a protocol for testing larvae individually, allowing the control of different parameters that are crucial for the study of cognitive abilities. After 15 trials, the escape response of mosquitoes was significantly lower. A disturbance stimulus presented after the 15th trial, induced the escape response and reversed habituation. Retention was confirmed up to 1h after the last habituation trial. This original bioassay can be adapted for studying the physiology of learning and memory in mosquito larvae, for analysing the effects of chemicals in the water, the characterisation of the cognitive abilities related to the life history of different mosquito species across preimaginal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Baglan
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR 7261, CNRS - Université François-Rabelais de Tours, France
| | - Claudio Lazzari
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR 7261, CNRS - Université François-Rabelais de Tours, France
| | - Fernando Guerrieri
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte UMR 7261, CNRS - Université François-Rabelais de Tours, France.
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Abstract
Degradation of habitats is widespread and a leading cause of extinctions. Our study determined whether the change in the chemical landscape associated with coral degradation affected the way three fish species use olfactory information to optimize their fast-start escape response. Water from degraded coral habitats affected the fast-start response of the three closely-related damselfishes, but its effect differed markedly among species. The Ward's damselfish (Pomacentrus wardi) was most affected by water from degraded coral, and displayed shorter distances covered in the fast-start and slower escape speeds compared to fish in water from healthy coral. In the presence of alarm odours, which indicate an imminent threat, the Ambon damsel (P. amboinensis) displayed enhanced fast-start performance in water from healthy coral, but not when in water from degraded coral. In contrast, while the white-tailed damsel (P. chrysurus) was similarly primed by its alarm odour, the elevation of fast start performance was not altered by water from degraded coral. These species-specific responses to the chemistry of degraded water and alarm odours suggest differences in the way alarm odours interact with the chemical landscape, and differences in the way species balance information about threats, with likely impacts on the survival of affected species in degraded habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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Kwee-Meier ST, Mertens A, Schlick CM. Age-related differences in decision-making for digital escape route signage under strenuous emergency conditions of tilted passenger ships. Appl Ergon 2017; 59:264-273. [PMID: 27890136 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This age-differentiated study investigated preferences for new digital, situation-adaptive escape route signage with informative and flashing elements under simulated emergency conditions of tilted passenger ships. The decision-making behaviour of 26 young (20-30 years) and 26 elderly (60-77 years) participants was observed in four conditions varying in applied stressors and in level versus uphill walking at 7° and 14°. In line with previous studies, decisions of young participants were significantly influenced by flashing elements on signs. In contrast, elderly participants based their decisions significantly stronger on integrated information about the sign's updatedness and reported irritation by flashing elements. These preferences were also persistent under increased mental, emotional and physical strain, evaluated by ratings and (psycho-)physiological measures. The findings demonstrate the importance to carefully design digital, situation-adaptive signage for passenger ships in a way that it not only attracts attention but also inspires trust especially for the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Th Kwee-Meier
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Bergdriesch 27, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Mertens
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Bergdriesch 27, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Christopher M Schlick
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Bergdriesch 27, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
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Batsching S, Wolf R, Heisenberg M. Inescapable Stress Changes Walking Behavior in Flies - Learned Helplessness Revisited. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167066. [PMID: 27875580 PMCID: PMC5119826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Like other animals flies develop a state of learned helplessness in response to unescapable aversive events. To show this, two flies, one 'master', one 'yoked', are each confined to a dark, small chamber and exposed to the same sequence of mild electric shocks. Both receive these shocks when the master fly stops walking for more than a second. Behavior in the two animals is differently affected by the shocks. Yoked flies are transiently impaired in place learning and take longer than master flies to exit from the chamber towards light. After the treatment they walk more slowly and take fewer and shorter walking bouts. The low activity is attributed to the fly's experience that its escape response, an innate behavior to terminate the electric shocks, does not help anymore. Earlier studies using heat pulses instead of electric shocks had shown similar effects. This parallel supports the interpretation that it is the uncontrollability that induces the state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reinhard Wolf
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center, University of Wuerzburg, Germany
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