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PubMed2025

Amino Acid Substitutions in the Na+/K+-ATPase May Contribute to Salinity Tolerance in Insects.

Environmental salinity levels vary naturally across terrestrial ecosystems but can be heightened locally by coastal proximity and desertification as well as human activities such as road salt application and agriculture. Since salt is essential for many physiological processes in insects, rising environmental sodium concentrations may drive behavioral changes, where insects select environments and food sources with suitable sodium levels, or evolutionary changes in constitutive or plastic physiological mechanisms to process salt, potentially altering ecological dynamics and species interactions.Numerous hematophagous (blood feeding) insects such as the yellow-fever mosquito Aedes aeqypti are known to be able to breed in relatively saline environments. Among phytophagous (plant feeding) insects, grasshoppers can be important herbivores in arid and coastal salt-affected regions, whereas the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) appears to perform relatively well on milkweed host plants growing in roadsides influenced by salt runoff. Several of these insects share a common trait: amino acid substitutions in the first extracellular loop of the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), a sodium pump crucial for maintaining ion balance. For the monarch these substitutions confer resistance to toxic cardenolides from milkweeds, but it is unclear whether NKA substitutions may influence salt tolerance.Here, we investigate whether the NKA substitutions found in these insects may contribute to salt tolerance using gene-edited Drosophila melanogaster mutant strains as models. We show that flies with substitution Q111L (found in Aedes mosquitoes) or a combination of Q111L and A119S (found in grasshoppers) exhibited greater salt tolerance, whereas flies carrying the combination of substitutions found in the monarch (Q111V, A119S, and N122H) did not.Our results suggest that the monarch may rely on alternate mechanisms for salt tolerance and that its NKA substitutions are important primarily for cardenolide resistance. However, substitution Q111L and the combination of Q111L and A119S may be relevant for salt tolerance in a variety of insects. Uncovering mechanisms of salt tolerance enhances our understanding of species distributions, ecological interactions, and evolutionary physiology in response to changing environmental salinity levels.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1977

Central neurotransmitter substances and aging: a review.

Available evidence suggests that age is an important determinant of the levels of neurotransmitters and their associated enzymes and metabolites in some regions of the brain. Alterations at the synaptic level, or selective cell death in the brain, or both, may be implicated in progressive loss of function, behavioral changes and the onset of age-related diseases. Stimulation of hypothalamic neuroendocrine transducer cells by agents that alter neurotransmitter metabolism might provide some measure of control of the process of aging.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1977

Has small-scale audio-visual dental health education a viable future?

The achievement of an adequate oral hygiene status in large groups of people remains an unfulfilled objective of the dental profession. In this study an attempt was made to motivate 180 pregnant women by showing them a tape-slide program. The subjects were randomly allocated into four statistically equal experimental groups. Two examiners, who were calibrated before commencement of the survey, measured Gingival and Plaque Indices of each subject and a questionnaire was used to assess the educational potential of the tape-slide sequence over a period of 4 weeks. There was a 100% incidence of gingivitis in the study population. Those women who viewed the tape-slide program in addition to being dentally examined, achieved the greatest reduction in their GI and retained the most information. The tape-slide sequence alone did not initiate a satisfactory degree of behavioral change; similar studies have also had discouraging results and it would appear that individual attention and motivation is the only sure way to date of achieving adequate personal plaque control.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

EffectS of Lifestyle Interventions in Older PEople With Obesity (Effective SLOPE): a Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analyses.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analyses (NMA) summarizing the effects and safety of lifestyle interventions containing nutrition (NUT; e.g., calorie restriction), exercise (EX; e.g., aerobic/resistance exercise) and behavior change interventions (BCI; e.g., behavioral therapy) on physical function, body composition, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, health and adverse events in community-dwelling older adults with obesity. METHODS: We used the methodology proposed by Cochrane and searched six databases and one trial registry for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs; intervention duration ≥ 12 weeks) up to May 2022 with a full new search in MEDLINE and a re-assessment of previously identified eligible trial registry entries in October 2025. Random-effects NMA ((standardized) mean difference ((S)MD), 95% confidence intervals) were conducted if possible. RESULTS: We included 72 RCTs (n = 6716) for descriptive summaries and 54 RCTs (n = 4249) for NMA. NUT+EX+BCI improved physical function (performance batteries) compared to control (SMD 3.37 [1.76;4.97]; high certainty of evidence). NUT+EX+BCI may reduce body (MD -8.69 [-13.14;-4.25]) and fat mass (MD -6.58 [-10.44;-2.73]) while not negatively affecting fat-free mass (MD -1.38 [-3.52;0.76]) or bone mineral density (MD -0.01 [-0.05;0.02]) (evidence very uncertain). Other interventions (single/combined) may also be effective; however, effects were often imprecise. For psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and health events, data were insufficient or too heterogeneous to derive clear results. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that NUT+EX+BCI interventions are most suitable for the management of obesity in older adults. Nevertheless, further RCTs-especially in frail populations and on patient-relevant outcomes-are needed.

Humans↗

PubMed1975

Biochemical effects of induced phenylketonuria in rats.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) was induced in rats by the combined feeding of 3 per cent excess phenylalanine and 0.12 per cent of p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of phenylalanine and tryptophan hydroxylases. Increased concentrations of phenylalanine and increased ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine were demonstrated in blood from pregnant rats fed the experimental PKU diet from day 10 to 20 of pregnancy, in fetal blood and amniotic fluid of fetal animals from mothers fed the PKU diet, and in blood of rats fed the PKU diet for 28-30 days beginning at 20-21 days of age. Both phenylpyruvic acid and orthohydroxyphenylacetic acid were excreted by rats fed the PKU diet, but neither were detected in urine in animals fed either excess phenylalanine or excess inhibitor alone. Reduced serotonin concentrations were found in brains of rats fed p-chlorophenylalanine, either alone or in combination with excess phenylalanine in the PKU diet. These biochemical changes in rats with induced PKU and the behavioral changes described earlier are similar to those of the human condition. The animal model should prove useful in searching for the mechanism of the disease.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1978

Gamma hydroxybutyrate in the monkey. I. Electroencephalographic, behavioral, and pharmacokinetic studies.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was administered to adult and prepubescent rhesus monkeys intravenously in varying dosages while an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from scalp electrodes and the body core temperature was monitored. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were assayed for gamma hydroxybutyrate. GHB produced a trancelike stupor in all the monkeys, associated with marked EEG changes and hypothermia. There was a striking age specificity in that prepubescent rhesus monkeys responded to a lower threshold dosage, had a higher incidence of myoclonic jerking, and showed characteristic EEG changes not seen in the adult animals. The EEG-behavioral changes paralleled the hypothermia. There was good correlation between the serum levels of GHB and the EEG-behavioral effects. These studies suggest that the GHB-treated monkey may have utility as a petit mal seizure model.

Animals↗

PubMed1978

Gamma hydroxybutyrate in the monkey. II. Effect of chronic oral anticonvulsant drugs.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was administered intravenously to monkeys that had been pretreated orally for 2 weeks with various anticonvulsant drugs or with L-DOPA at different dosage levels. Continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring was performed during and after GHB administration. Bloood was assayed for GHB and for the anticonvulsant drug the animal was receiving. The EEG and behavioral changes produced by GHB were improved by ethosuximide and phenobarbital, made worse by phenytoin, and unchanged by L-DOPA.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2026

Effect of a digitally augmented general health promotion intervention on abstinence from health-risk behaviors among emergency department discharge patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death and are driven by modifiable behaviors, such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Recognizing that emergency department (ED) visits represent a unique opportunity to promote behavior change, this trial evaluated a digitally augmented, theory based general health promotion approach, combining a brief telephone-based intervention with mobile instant messaging support, to help discharged ED patients abstain from health risk behaviors. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a major public hospital ED in Hong Kong. Adults (18-65 years) triaged as semi-urgent or non-urgent and with ≥1 health-risk behavior and smartphone access were randomized to receive a digitally augmented, theory‑based general health‑promotion intervention consisting of a brief telephone‑based AWARD‑model intervention (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, and Do-it-again) followed by weekly WhatsApp or WeChat messages for 6 months, or to a control group receiving brief telephone advice only. The primary outcome was self-report abstinence from ≥1 health-risk behavior at 6 months; secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants who achieved self-reported abstinence from ≥1 health-risk behavior at 12 months and reduction in the number of behaviors at 6 and 12 months. Of the 2,134 screened patients, 572 were enrolled (286 per group). At 6 months, 30.1% of the intervention participants versus 19.9% of the controls achieved self-reported abstinence (RR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.13-2.02; P = 0.006). The intervention also significantly increased the likelihood of fewer risky behaviors at 6 (RR = 1.54; P = 0.01) and 12 (RR = 1.48; P = 0.02) months. Physical inactivity showed the greatest improvement at 6 months (31.7% versus 16.2%; P < 0.001). The effects attenuated after cessation of booster messaging. Limitations include reliance on self-reported outcomes, the single-center study design, and loss to follow-up, which may have affected the generalizability of the results. CONCLUSIONS: A digitally augmented, theory-based general health promotion strategy delivered at ED discharge through brief telephone intervention and mobile instant messaging support demonstrated short-term benefits in promoting self-reported abstinence and reducing health-risk behaviors at 6 months. However, the absence of a sustained effect at 12 months suggests that extended support or maintenance strategies may be required to maintain these improvements over time. Multicenter trials with longer follow-up are warranted to evaluate long-term effectiveness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration No: NCT06077565).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Executive function in alcohol use disorder with low psychiatric comorbidity: Comparison with a non-clinical sample and predictive value for treatment outcome.

BACKGROUND: Executive functions (EF) encompass abilities such as planning, decision-making, and inhibitory control, critical for learning, establishing and maintaining behavioral change. The association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impairments in EF are well established. However, prior research is dominated by studies on convenience samples including individuals with severe AUD with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, which limits generalizability. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the degree of impairment and predictive ability of EF, on alcohol consumption, among individuals with moderate AUD with low levels of psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS: Adults with moderate AUD (n = 147) were recruited at three specialized addiction outpatient clinics in Stockholm, to a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of two psychological treatments. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing before treatment. Eight tests from the CANTAB® battery were administered at baseline, assessing mental flexibility, sustained attention, visuospatial working memory, response inhibition, and delay discounting. Assessments of alcohol use and related symptoms were conducted at baseline, the 12- and 26-weeks follow-up. A non-clinical reference sample (n = 72) completed corresponding CANTAB® tests. The two groups were compared regarding EF using descriptive statistics and t-tests, and the predictive value of EF for reduction in alcohol consumption, was investigated using multiple regression models. RESULTS: Individuals with AUD did not perform worse on any of the tests on executive function (CANTAB®) as compared to the non-clinical reference sample. Measures of EF were not significant predictors for reduction in alcohol use for the 12-week, or the 26-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EFs were not impaired and were not a clinically relevant predictor of treatment outcomes in this population with AUD. Future research on EF as a predictor in AUD treatment, needs to corroborate the present findings, and include other populations, e.g., with different socio-economic backgrounds and by including other methodologies for measuring EF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Complementary vertebrate Wac models exhibit phenotypes relevant to DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome.

Monogenic syndromes are associated with neurodevelopmental changes that result in cognitive impairments and neurobehavioral phenotypes, including autism and seizures. Limited studies and resources are available to make meaningful headway into the underlying molecular mechanisms that result in these symptoms. One such example is DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome (DESSH), a rare disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the WAC gene. Individuals with DESSH syndrome exhibit a recognizable craniofacial gestalt, developmental delay/intellectual disability, neurobehavioral symptoms that include autism, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and seizures. However, no thorough studies from a vertebrate model exist to understand how these changes occur. To overcome this, we developed both murine and zebrafish Wac/wac deletion mutants and studied whether their phenotypes recapitulate those described in individuals with DESSH syndrome. We first show that the two Wac models exhibit craniofacial and behavioral changes, reminiscent of abnormalities found in DESSH syndrome. In addition, each model revealed impacts on GABAergic neurons and further studies showed that the mouse mutants are susceptible to seizures, changes in brain volumes that are different between sexes and relevant behaviors. Finally, we uncovered transcriptional impacts of Wac loss-of-function in mice that will pave the way for future molecular studies into DESSH. These studies present two new vertebrate models that begin to uncover biological underpinnings of DESSH syndrome and elucidate the biology of Wac.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

[Psychic drugs: predicting therapeutic effects and doses by test models with normal subjects (author's transl)].

Pharmacopsychology is concerned with the effects of drugs on "psychic" processes. It is attempted to demonstrate approaches which meet the criteria of scientific methodology. These approaches are based upon observation of somatic and/or behavioral changes. The steps from "naive" observation to the generation of objective data consist mainly of strict control of the observational situation and of technical refinement of the observation methods. Two kinds of pharmacopsychological models in healthy volunteers are described: models of normal and models of abnormal behaviour. Their relevance for the prediction of therapeutic drug effects and dosage is discussed. Possible new approaches are demonstrated: a) utilization of feedback form clinical investigation to control the relevance of pharmacopsychological models and, b) the concept of symptomatic volunteers, who are shown to be more suitable models than non-selected subjects.

Behavior↗

PubMed1978

[Vocational training courses for personell in old age work--a problem- and participants-oriented education approach (author's transl)].

Working definitions of problem-oriented and participants-oriented approach in adult education. Planning problems in terms of needs and expectations of participants as central foci of approach; in terms of new role requirements requirements of learners and teachers; in terms of new objectives of learning such as behavioral changes as compared to information gathering. Report on three examples of courses for social workers and nursing personnell.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of several psychotropic agents on changes in the behavior of mice induced by acetaldehyde].

Results of a study on the effect produced by 26 psychotropic agents on a complex set of behavioral changes in mice induced by introduction of acetaldehyde are presented. Experiments were conducted according to the method of Ortiz et al. (1973) who have proposed this test as a model of the abstinence syndrome. The effect of the agents was evaluated by removal of convulsions according to the Goldstein 4-point scale system (1972). In this respect the most effective proved tranquilizers, hypnotics, sodium oxybutyrate and ethanol. Little effective were neuroleptics and antidepressants. The model may be used in the screening of drugs when treating the abstinence syndromes in chronic alcoholism.

Acetaldehyde↗

PubMed1979

Modification of behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine by haloperidol.

Cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) stimulated spontaneous motor activity (SMA) and induced stereotypy (ST) in rats. Haloperidol at 0.015 mg/kg, i.p. dose reduced or blocked cocaine-induced ST, but did not affect, drug-induced hyperactivity. At 0.03 mg/kg, i.p. dose of haloperidol, both behavioral effects were blocked. Cocaine decreased the norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) contents of diencephalon-midbrain (DM) and pons-medulla (PM) and increased dopamine (DA) contents in the DM and caudate nucleus (CN) at 20 min after its administration. Haloperidol (0.03 or 0.015 mg/kg) at 30 min postdrug produced opposite effects on the levels of NE, DA and 5-HT in the respective brain areas compared to cocaine. Given in combination, haloperidol reversed the effects of cocaine on the levels of NE, DA and 5-HT. Thus the cocaine-induced behavioral changes and their modification by haloperidol can be correlated to the neurochemical changes produced by these drugs alone or their combination.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Central action of narcotic analgesics. V. Participation of serotonin in the mechanism of action of narcotic analgesics.

The influence of serotonergic system on the changes in locomotor activity of mice and rats brought about by morphine, fentanyl, codeine and pentazocine and on morphine induced catalepsy in rats was studied. p-Chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) did not affect the behavioral changes produced in mice by morphine, fentanyl, codeine and pentazocine but reduced the behavioral depression produced by these drugs in rats. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) but not tryptophan (TP) reversed the action of pCPA on the effect of morphine and fentanyl. After reserpine the depression produced in rats by morphine and fentanyl was more pronounced. TP did not change the depression produced by combination of reserpine and morphine but counteracted the depression observed after combination of reserpine and fentanyl. In mice reserpine protected against hypermotility produced by morphine or fentanyl and TP potentiated the depression produced by the combination of reserpine and morphine or reserpine and fentanyl. Serotonin precursors, 5-HTP and TP evidently potentiated the morphine induced catalepsy. pCPA counteracted only the enhancement of the catalepsy observed after TP administration. Naloxone abolished the catalepsy after combined treatment with morphine and TP. Similarly but weaker acted cyproheptadine. The results suggest that the serotonin system plays a role in the effects of morphine and fentanyl on rat locomotor activity. An increase in the cerebral serotonin level increases the morphine catalepsy in rats.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed1979

Effects of single and repeated exposures to abate on rat behavior and cholinesterase activity.

Rats were injected i.p. with the organophosphate insecticide ABATE and tested over the next 16 days. Animals given 1000 mg/kg showed impaired performance of a previously conditioned avoidance response 6 days after injection but not 2, 8, 10, or 16 days after injection. No behavioral changes were observed in animals given 316 or 562 mg/kg. A subsequent experiment showed that the avoidance impairment in animals given 1000 mg/kg was accompanied by significant erythrocyte, plasma, and brain cholinesterase activity inhibition and decreased spontaneous motor activity. If administration of the same ABATE dose was distributed over 6 days (167 mg/kg/day), cholinesterase and motor activity depression was still evident but conditioned avoidance performance was unimpaired. The results were interpreted as differential behavioral adaption to repeated injections of ABATE.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Development, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of NutriSOS®: A behavioral mobile app to promote sustainable diets.

The primary objective of this study was to describe the development of the NutriSOS® app and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability for its use in the NutriSOS® Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to promote sustainable diets. A secondary objective was to explore preliminary changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and environmental impact following app use. The NutriSOS® app integrates personalized dietary advice, educational content, self-monitoring, and social interaction features. A single-arm, pre-post pilot study was conducted in 37 young Mexican adults over four weeks. Feasibility, acceptability, quality, and usability were assessed using online surveys, alongside exploratory changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, environmental indicators, and their association with perceived behavioral determinants. Feasibility and acceptability were high overall, with favorable responses reaching up to 100% in key components such as the nutritional guide and learning modules, and above 90% for messaging, registration, and design. Greater variability was observed in some sections, particularly the 24-h recall (41-86%). Reductions in red and processed meat and ultra-processed food consumption were observed (from 3 to 1 times/week, p < 0.01), with ∼60% decreases in their related environmental footprints (p < 0.01) and favorable self-reported behavioral determinants (p < 0.0001). Physical activity type and intensity changed (p < 0.05). These findings support NutriSOS® as a feasible and acceptable tool, while highlighting areas for refinement, particularly those related to the time and effort required for data entry, prior to its implementation in the NutriSOS® RCT, in which its effectiveness will be formally evaluated.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Use of wearable technologies for physical activity promotion in older adults: A systematic review.

This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251055299), examined the use of wearable technologies for promoting physical activity (PA) in adults aged 60 years and older. Searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane) identified 2438 records, of which only six randomized controlled trials published between 2021 and 2025 met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 36 to 551 participants and mean ages between 65 and 79 years. Given the small number of included studies, findings should be interpreted as preliminary. The studies ranged from the standalone use of commercial trackers (Fitbit, Polar, ActiGraph) to multicomponent interventions combining wearables with physiotherapist feedback, telephone counseling, web-based platforms, or interactive cognitive-motor training. Wearables used alone, as in the REACT trial, produced small or non-significant PA effects. In contrast, interventions integrating devices with personalized feedback, professional support, or digital platforms, such as PROMOTE and TASMANIA, were associated with more consistent improvements in PA, physical function, and cognitive outcomes. Multicomponent programs, such as PEER and ICMT, reported broader benefits, including cognition, balance, and reductions in sedentary behavior, though these findings derive from individual trials and require replication. Risk of bias, assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 (RoB 2.0), was rated as "some concerns" for five studies and low for only one, mainly due to gaps in randomization reporting, missing data, and lack of preregistration. Tentatively, and based on a very limited evidence base, wearables may have greater impact when embedded within broader behavioral systems, incorporating feedback, coaching, or interactive components, rather than when used in isolation as passive monitoring tools. Adherence and psychosocial outcomes appeared related to comfort and perceived usefulness among older adults, though larger and more robust trials are needed to confirm these patterns.

Humans↗