Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Ana C. Sanchez-Hidalgo, Celia Martin-Cuevas, Benedicto Crespo-Facorro, Nathalia Garrido-Torres
Summary: Reelin has been identified as a common altered preclinical biomarker in rodent models of schizophrenia, indicating its significance in the disease.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jorge Yago Malo, Guido Marco Cicchini, Maria Concetta Morrone, Maria Luisa Chiofalo
Summary: Humans and animals can sense the number of items in their environment at birth, suggesting the emergence of number sense in simple populations of neurons. However, current modelling literature has struggled to provide a simple architecture for this task. We present a quantum spin model that encodes numerosity in the spectrum, showing the ability to capture the perceptual characteristics of numerosity and reproduce Weber's law.
Review
Pediatrics
Charlotte Elizabeth Verrall, Derek Lee Tran, Joseph Yuan-Mou Yang, David Revalds Lubans, David Scott Winlaw, Julian Ayer, David Celermajer, Rachael Cordina
Summary: People with Fontan circulation are at risk of cognitive dysfunction, which affects their academic and occupational attainment, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life. This review article discusses current intervention practices and explores the evidence supporting exercise as a potential intervention for improving cognitive functioning in people living with Fontan circulation. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms and avenues for future research are also recommended in the context of Fontan physiology.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Zhu Li, Yuan-Xiang Zhu, Li-Jun Gu, Ying Cheng
Summary: This article summarizes several animal models used in ASD research, discussing their applications and challenges.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Joao F. Guassi Moreira, Adriana S. Mendez Leal, Yael H. Waizman, Natalie Saragosa-Harris, Emilia Ninova, Jennifer A. Silvers
Summary: Understanding adolescent decision-making is crucial for neurodevelopment models, public health, and criminal justice. By analyzing fMRI data on adolescent risk-taking, this study supports system-based theories, showing how neural activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens can predict risk-taking behaviors, without any interactions with age.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Sarah Fernandes, Davis Klein, Maria C. Marchetto
Summary: Brain organoids are proving to be valuable models for studying human brain development, allowing for the replication of human-specific developmental processes and identification of potential therapeutic targets or disease prevention strategies. The technology holds promise for accurately representing and elucidating human brain development processes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Faiza Basheer, Poshmaal Dhar, Rasika M. Samarasinghe
Summary: Paediatric brain cancer, the second most common childhood cancer, remains a significant challenge despite advancements in treatment. Further understanding of the molecular and heterogeneity of these brain tumors using animal models is crucial for addressing long-term therapy-associated side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Cristina Aisa, Benito Cappuccini, Alessandro Favilli, Alessandro Datti, Vincenza Nardicchi, Giuliana Coata, Sandro Gerli
Summary: This study measured the urinary levels of S100B and Tau in infants and found that abnormal levels of S100B and Tau were associated with delayed cognitive and motor performances in preterm and IUGR-born individuals. These parameters can be considered as valuable predictors of future neurodevelopmental abnormalities, in addition to cerebral volumes and NGF.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Yukio Ago, Satoshi Asano, Hitoshi Hashimoto, James A. A. Waschek
Summary: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a multifunctional neuropeptide involved in brain development and synaptic plasticity, interacting with specific receptors like PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2. The VPAC2 receptor plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms and fear cognition, and genetic studies suggest a link between VIPR2 gene microduplications and schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorder. Animal models show that VPAC2 receptor overactivation can disrupt cortical circuit maturation, potentially impacting cognition and social behavior development.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
B. Baysal, S. Micili, D. Engur, P. Akokay, A. R. Karabulut, P. Keskinoglu, O. Yilmaz, A. Kumral
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of protein supplementation on long-term growth, brain and body weight, brain histology and behavioral outcome in a rat model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The results showed that protein supplementation did not improve the brain/body weight ratio in the IUGR rat model, despite an increase in body weight. High protein diet was associated with increased apoptosis in brain tissue, lower neuronal density, and decreased myelination compared to standard protein diet. Better neurodevelopmental scores were achieved with standard protein diet in IUGR rats.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yuting Fan, Arden L. McMath, Sharon M. Donovan
Summary: This review examines the impact of milk oligosaccharides (MOS) on brain and neurocognitive development in early life, synthesizing current literature from preclinical models and human observational studies. The study found that fucosylated and sialylated milk oligosaccharides play crucial roles in learning, memory, executive functioning, and brain structural development. However, limitations were identified, such as overlooking the complexity of naturally occurring MOS compositions and challenges in quantifying MOS intake in human studies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatiana O. Kolesnikova, Konstantin A. Demin, Fabiano Costa, Konstantin N. Zabegalov, Murilo S. de Abreu, Elena Gerasimova, Allan Kalueff
Summary: Channelopathies are systemic disorders associated with dysfunctional ion channels. The zebrafish has become a popular model organism for studying these disorders, but there are still challenges to overcome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Albert M. Galaburda
Summary: This paper provides a brief review of two endophenotypes associated with developmental dyslexia, namely cerebral lateralization and cerebrocortical dysfunction, and describes the animal work done to shed light on the etiology and neural mechanisms of developmental dyslexia. It also considers future directions of research.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Murilo S. de Abreu, Ana C. V. V. Giacomini, Rafael Genario, Bruna E. dos Santos, Leticia Marcon, Konstantin A. Demin, David S. Galstyan, Tatiana Strekalova, Tamara G. Amstislavskaya, Allan Kalueff
Summary: Color is an important environmental factor that affects human and animal behavior and physiology in multiple ways. Zebrafish has emerged as an important model species in neuroscience research, with growing utility in studying color neurobiology and neurobehavioral phenomics. Future research directions in this field include exploring the role of colors in zebrafish models and their impact on CNS disease modeling and animal welfare.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yan Luan, Marta Cosin-Tomas, Daniel Leclerc, Olga V. Malysheva, Marie A. Caudill, Rima Rozen
Summary: Food fortification and increased vitamin intake have led to higher folic acid consumption in pregnant women. This study found that a diet supplemented with five times the recommended level of folic acid in pregnant mice resulted in hyperactivity-like behavior and memory impairment in their offspring. Disturbed choline/methyl metabolism and altered placental gene expression were observed. Furthermore, the study also showed sex-specific transcription changes in the brain at two developmental stages, as well as changes in genes involved in neurotransmission, neuronal growth and development, and angiogenesis. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying neurobehavioral alterations caused by excessive folate supplementation during pregnancy.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
N. Endenburg, G. Takashima, H. A. van Lith, H. Bacon, S. J. Hazel, R. Jouppi, N. Y. P. Lee, K. Seksel, S. Ryan
Summary: Companion animal veterinarians worldwide consider obesity as the most important animal welfare issue, but there are regional differences possibly due to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Anthropomorphism is more prominent in Western countries compared to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Age and gender also play a role in veterinarians' concerns about animal welfare.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hui Li, Georgia S. Clarke, Stewart Christie, Sharon R. Ladyman, Stephen J. Kentish, Richard L. Young, Kathryn L. Gatford, Amanda J. Page
Summary: This study shows that gastric vagal afferent signaling is attenuated during pregnancy and is inversely associated with meal size. Growth hormone reduces the mechanosensitivity of gastric vagal afferents, suggesting that increased maternal growth hormone levels may play a role in mediating adaptations in gastric vagal afferent signaling during pregnancy. These findings have significant implications for the peripheral control of food intake during pregnancy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alyce M. Swinbourne, Karen L. Kind, Tom Flinn, David O. Kleemann, William H. E. J. van Wettere
Summary: Caffeine has potential benefits in treating infant injuries and animal production, particularly in improving respiratory function and providing neuroprotection. However, attention should be paid to details such as dosage, duration, and administration pathway to increase production efficiency and reduce mortality rates.
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alejandra I. Arbe Montoya, Susan J. Hazel, Susan M. Matthew, Michelle L. McArthur
Summary: This study investigates why veterinary clinicians leave clinical practice and found that a combination of personal and work-related factors influenced their decisions. Factors such as personal relationships, remuneration, workplace relationships, and negative clinical outcomes played a significant role in their decision-making process. More research is needed to fully understand the implications and develop intervention strategies for retention in veterinary clinical practice.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
William H. E. J. van Wettere, Karen L. Kind, Kathryn L. Gatford, Alyce M. Swinbourne, Stephan T. Leu, Peter T. Hayman, Jennifer M. Kelly, Alice C. Weaver, David O. Kleemann, Simon K. Walker
Summary: Heat stress significantly impairs reproduction of sheep, with the most destructive effects occurring 5 days before to 5 days after oestrus for ewes and 14-50 days post-mating for rams. Elevated temperatures during pregnancy also reduce lamb birthweight and survival, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to mitigate these impacts in extensively grazed sheep.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Kathryn L. Gatford
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Annie Whitty, Karen L. Kind, Kylie R. Dunning, Jeremy G. Thompson
Summary: This study found that under low oxygen conditions (7%), oocyte developmental competence is negatively impacted when glucose availability is limited. However, under low oxygen with high glucose concentration or adequate availability, developmental rates can be restored to levels seen in 20% oxygen groups. This highlights the importance of considering glucose concentration and physical culture conditions when comparing the effects of different oxygen concentrations during in vitro maturation.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Harleen Kaur, Beverly S. Muhlhausler, Claire T. Roberts, Kathryn L. Gatford
Summary: The growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, with increased secretion of GH and IGFs leading to maternal metabolic adaptations, enhanced placental function, and fetal growth. Exogenous GH or IGF treatment in animal models of normal and compromised pregnancy also promotes similar effects, suggesting alternative approaches to enhance maternal GH abundance during pregnancy for better maternal and fetal outcomes.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Michelle L. McArthur, Tobi J. Learey, Aaron Jarden, Ingrid Van Gelderen, Susan J. Hazel, Martin A. Cake, Caroline F. Mansfield, Sanaa Zaki, Susan M. Matthew
Summary: The study found that personal resources were more influential in developing veterinarian resilience than career stage, gender, or region of work. Higher self-efficacy, stronger personal resources for resilience in veterinary practice, and specific coping strategies were related to higher resilience levels. Intention to leave veterinary practice was also associated with lower resilience in mid- and late-career veterinarians.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Julia Henning, Torben Nielsen, Eduardo Fernandez, Susan Hazel
Summary: Play is considered important for cat welfare and can facilitate closer cat-human relationships. This study investigated various factors related to play and their association with cat quality of life, cat-guardian relationship, problem behavior prevalence, and behavioral changes. The findings showed that higher cat playfulness scores and more games played were associated with better cat quality of life, while longer playtime, more games, and both cat and guardian initiating play were associated with stronger cat-guardian relationships. Cats with access to outdoor space had lower scores in both quality of life and relationships compared to exclusively indoor cats. The absence of play was associated with distress-related behavioral changes in cats. This highlights the importance of play in assessing and maintaining cat welfare, warranting further research.
Article
Physiology
T. Sebastian Overduin, Hannah R. Wardill, Richard L. Young, Amanda J. Page, Kathryn L. Gatford
Summary: The study optimized Ussing chamber methodology to measure region-specific active glucose transport in the small intestine of mice and found that jejunal active glucose transport changes during the ovarian cycle, with higher levels at proestrus than estrus. This study provides the first direct evidence of changes in SGLT1-mediated glucose transport in the jejunum across the ovarian cycle.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sonya McDowall, Susan J. Hazel, Catherine Chittleborough, Anne Hamilton-Bruce, Rwth Stuckey, Tiffani J. Howell
Summary: The social determinants of health (SDH) focus on the social, physical, and economic factors that impact human health. This paper explores how these human health determinants may impact animal welfare and the possible challenges that may arise for the guardian when attempting to meet their companion animal's welfare needs. By integrating the SDH with other key frameworks, including the five domains model of animal welfare, through multidisciplinary collaboration, this framework can be used to inform future programs aiming to improve animal welfare.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alejandra Arbe I. Montoya, Susan M. Matthew, Aaron Jarden, Susan J. Hazel, Michelle L. McArthur
Summary: Veterinarians often face ethical decisions and potential moral conflicts in clinical practice. The process of ethical decision-making can lead to a satisfying resolution, but when there is a perceived inability to act according to personal values, it can result in psychological distress known as moral distress. This qualitative study explores veterinary clinicians' experiences with moral distress and aims to explain the moral deliberation pathway in these professionals.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tom Flinn, David O. Kleemann, Alyce M. Swinbourne, Jennifer M. Kelly, Alice C. Weaver, Simon K. Walker, Kathryn L. Gatford, Karen L. Kind, William H. E. J. van Wettere
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Developmental Biology
Hayley McGrice, Jennifer M. Kelly, David O. Kleemann, Karen L. Kind, Alissa J. Hampton, Patrick Hannemann, Simon K. Walker, William H. E. J. van Wettere
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2020)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Umit Yilmaz, Kevser Tanbek
Summary: This study investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of Spexin on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and energy expenditure in rats. The results showed that Spexin reduced food consumption and body weight, increased thyroid hormones, and enhanced energy metabolism.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Kuei-Yu Chien, Yun-Ju Chen, Kuo-Jen Hsu, Chiao-Nan Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a high-protein diet and high-intensity interval training on appetite and weight loss in obese middle-aged individuals. The results showed that consuming a high-protein drink and following a high-protein diet after exercise can reduce post-exercise appetite and the frequency of late-night snacking.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Melissa Alves Braga Oliveira, Ana Carolina Odebrecht Vergne de Abreu, Debora Barroggi Constantino, Andre C. Tonon, Antoni Diez-Noguera, Fernanda Gaspar Amaral, Maria Paz Hidalgo
Summary: Biological processes in living organisms exhibit strong rhythmicity and are regulated by internal timing systems. Understanding the influence of biological rhythms is crucial for experimental design and reporting.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Yanqun Cao, Hao Chen, Yinna Tan, Xu-Dong Yu, Chuli Xiao, Yin Li, James Reilly, Zhiming He, Xinhua Shu
Summary: There is evidence to suggest that chronic stress impacts neurochemical homeostasis and contributes to mental disorders. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of p-coumaric acid (p-CA), a natural compound found in vegetables and fruits, against stress-associated mental disorders. The findings suggest that p-CA could alleviate cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior in mice exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS) by regulating the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Mai O. Spaulding, Jessica R. Hoffman, Grace C. Madu, Magen N. Lord, Caroline Soares Iizuka, Kevin P. Myers, Emily E. Noble
Summary: Food insecurity is associated with obesity and disordered eating behaviors. Studying a rodent model, researchers found that adolescent food insecurity may increase susceptibility to obesity and altered eating behaviors during adulthood.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
K. Oberman, B. L. van Leeuwen, M. Nabben, J. E. Villafranca, R. G. Schoemaker
Summary: The present study investigated the post-operative complications and therapeutic potential of J147 in male Zucker rats, and found that J147 treatment had positive effects on behavioral and metabolic parameters, but did not affect neuroinflammation. The results suggest that a combination of acute and chronic J147 treatment may be optimal for treatment.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Mathieu Cournoyer, Alice Maldera, Alexandre-Charles Gauthier, Fabien Dal Maso, Marie-Eve Mathieu
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive view of the literature on the effect of different odors on physical activity through a systematic review. It was found that pleasant odors have a positive impact on participants' physical activity. However, better methodological consistency is needed in studies to produce more meaningful results.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Gabriel R. Gilmore, Jeff Dyche
Summary: This study examined sleep, sleep/wake regularity, and cognition in college students diagnosed with depression and using serotonergic antidepressants, comparing them to those without a depression diagnosis. The results showed that students using antidepressants had slightly longer wake after sleep onset and lower sleep efficiency, but these differences were likely not noticed by the participants. There were no differences in sleep regularity or cognition between the two groups.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Erica A. Cross, Kim L. Huhman, H. Elliott Albers
Summary: Social stress plays a significant role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and can lead to behavioral deficits such as social withdrawal. This study investigates the impact of social stress on social reward in Syrian hamsters. The results show that subordinate and socially defeated males have reduced motivation for social interactions compared to dominant males. Additionally, winning males exhibit greater activation in the mesolimbic dopamine system compared to losers. In females, there were no differences in social entries between winners and losers, but winning females display more activation in the NAc shell.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Daniel A. R. Cabral, Maria L. M. Rego, Eduardo B. Fontes, Vagner D. O. Tavares
Summary: This study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and negative emotional states (NES) in men with substance use disorders (SUD) undergoing treatment. The findings showed a positive correlation between BMI and stress, anxiety, and depression. These results suggest that reducing body fat accumulation may contribute to improving mental health in individuals with SUD during recovery.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Elizabeth Agbor Epse Muluh, Jessica C. McCormack, Yunfan Mo, Michael Garratt, Mei Peng
Summary: This PROSPERO pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the olfactory and gustatory changes in pregnant individuals. The meta-analysis revealed that pregnant individuals performed poorer in odour identification, rated olfactory stimuli to be more intense during the second and third trimester, and had increased pleasantness for sweet taste in the first trimester. No major difference was observed in terms of gustatory functions between pregnant and non-pregnant subjects.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Renee Spiteri Douglas, Mackenzie R. Hartley, J. Renee Yang, Tamara B. Franklin
Summary: The expression of Hdac2 in the hippocampus is associated with social status, while the expression of closely related genes Hdac1 and HDAC2 protein is not associated with social rank in the hippocampus.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)