Exploring the Role of Bergamot Polyphenols in Alleviating Morphine-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance through Modulation of Mitochondrial SIRT3.

Morphine is an important pain reliever employed in pain management, its extended utilize is hindered by the onset of analgesic tolerance and oxidative stress. Long-term morphine administration causes elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing oxidation. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial protein, is essential in modulating ROS levels by regulating mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Our investigation focused on the impact of SIRT3 on hyperalgesia and morphine tolerance in mice, as evaluating the antioxidant effect of the polyphenolic fraction of bergamot (BPF). Mice were administered morphine twice daily for four consecutive days (20 mg/kg). On the fifth day, mice received an acute dose of morphine (3 mg/kg), either alone or in conjunction with BPF or Mn (III)tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP). We evaluated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitration, and the activity of SIRT3, MnSOD, glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate 1 transporter (GLT1) in the spinal cord. Our findings demonstrate that administering repeated doses of morphine led to the development of antinociceptive tolerance in mice, accompanied by increased superoxide production, nitration, and inactivation of mitochondrial SIRT3, MnSOD, GS, and GLT1. The combined administration of morphine with either BPF or MnTBAP prevented these effects.

Evaluation of the Potential Beneficial Effects of Ferula communis L. Extract Supplementation in Postmenopausal Discomfort.

Peri-menopausal discomfort can have a detrimental effect on the physical health of women due to physiological and behavioral changes. Estrogen and progesterone-based hormone therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but estrogen supplementation may have negative health effects. The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy using natural compounds for peri-menopausal disorders is still uncertain. Evidence from in vivo experiments indicates that Ferula L. extract in ovariectomized rats leads to better sexual behavior. The effect seems to be linked to the phytoestrogenic properties of ferutinin, the primary bioactive compound in the extract. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of Ferula communis L. extract (titrated at 20% ferutinin, and given at doses of 100 mg/die for 90 days) on the quality of life of 64 menopausal women. The clinical trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. Our data showed that Ferula communis L. extract reduced by 67 + 9% all symptoms associated to postmenopausal discomfort and enhanced significantly sexual behavior. In addition, the supplement led to a significant improvement of BMI and oxidative stress decrease in the women who received it, while also keeping platelet aggregation within normal levels. Overall, these results could point to the potential use of supplementation with Ferula communis L. extract to revert or mitigate menopause dysfunction.

Expanding through the Emerald Isle: exploration and spatial orientation of non-native bank voles in Ireland.

Whether introduced into a completely novel habitat or slowly expanding their current range, the degree to which animals can efficiently explore and navigate new environments can be key to survival, ultimately determining population establishment and colonization success. We tested whether spatial orientation and exploratory behavior are associated with non-native spread in free-living bank voles (Myodes glareolus, N = 43) from a population accidentally introduced to Ireland a century ago. We measured spatial orientation and navigation in a radial arm maze, and behaviors associated to exploratory tendencies and risk-taking in repeated open-field tests, at the expansion edge and in the source population. Bank voles at the expansion edge re-visited unrewarded arms of the maze more, waited longer before leaving it, took longer to start exploring both the radial arm maze and the open field, and were more risk-averse compared to conspecifics in the source population. Taken together, results suggest that for this small mammal under heavy predation pressure, a careful and thorough exploration strategy might be favored when expanding into novel environments.

The timid invasion: behavioural adjustments and range expansion in a non-native rodent.

Animal behaviour can moderate biological invasion processes, and the native fauna's ability to adapt. The importance and nature of behavioural traits favouring colonization success remain debated. We investigated behavioural responses associated with risk-taking and exploration, both in non-native bank voles (Myodes glareolus, N = 225) accidentally introduced to Ireland a century ago, and in native wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus, N = 189), that decline in numbers with vole expansion. We repeatedly sampled behavioural responses in three colonization zones: established bank vole populations for greater than 80 years (2 sites), expansion edge vole populations present for 1-4 years (4) and pre-arrival (2). All zones were occupied by wood mice. Individuals of both species varied consistently in risk-taking and exploration. Mice had not adjusted their behaviour to the presence of non-native voles, as it did not differ between the zones. Male voles at the expansion edge were initially more risk-averse but habituated faster to repeated testing, compared to voles in the established population. Results thus indicate spatial sorting for risk-taking propensity along the expansion edge in the dispersing sex. In non-native prey species the ability to develop risk-averse phenotypes may thus represent a fundamental component for range expansions.

Expansion treatment using Invisalign®: Periodontal health status and maxillary buccal bone changes. A clinical and tomographic evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal status and maxillary buccal bone by considering clinical and tomographic parameters during the first year of orthodontic expansion with Invisalign® aligners. Upper first (1PM) and upper second (2PM) premolars of 19 patients with orthodontic expansion requirement treated with Invisalign® aligners were evaluated. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and cone beam tomographic (CBCT) records were collected at 76 sites before starting treatment (T0) and at 12 months (T1). Bone height was measured from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the crest cortical bone (CC). Bone thickness was measured at two levels: 4 mm (CEJ+4) and 6 mm (CEJ+6) apical to the CEJ. A descriptive analysis was made of the variations of bone thickness and height in a series of cases. The average expansion was 1.93 mm for 1PM and 167 mm for 2PM. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 1PM was 3.05 mm at T0, and remained at 3.05 mm at T1. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 2PM was 2.06 mm at T0 and 2.31 at T1. Post-expansion, most of the analyzed sites (86%) exhibited a bone thickness of ≥0.5 mm. The greatest variations between T0 and T1 were observed at the level of 1PM CEJ+ 4 and 2PM CEJ+ 6. The minimal changes in the clinical records (GI, PI, PPD and CAL) between T0 and T1 were compatible with the maintenance of gingivalperiodontal health. Invisalign® for expansion movements did not produce substantial changes in the evaluated periodontal clinical parameters or in the bone measurements. Removable appliances reduce plaque retentive factors and favor adequate oral hygiene.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en el estado periodontal y hueso facial maxilar a través de parámetros clínicos y tomográficos durante la expansión ortodóncica con alineadores Invisalign® en el primer año de tratamiento. Se evaluaron los primeros (1PM) y segundos (2PM) premolares superiores pertenecientes a 19 pacientes con requerimiento de expansión ortodóncica tratados con alineadores Invisalign®. Se registraron los índices de placa (IP), índice gingival (IG), profundidad al sondaje (PS) y nivel de inserción (NI) y registros tomográficos de haz cónico (CBCT) en 76 sitios antes de comenzar el tratamiento (T0) y a los 12 meses (T1). Se midió la altura ósea desde el límite amelocementario (LAC) hasta la cortical de la cresta (CC) y el espesor en dos niveles; a 4 mm (LAC+4) y a 6 mm (LAC+6) hacia apical del LAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variaciones de la altura y espesor óseo en una serie de casos. La expansión promedio para 1PM fue de 1,93 mm y para 2PM fue de 1,67 mm. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en primeros premolares fue de 3,05 mm en T0 y se mantuvo el valor de 3,05 mm en T1. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en segundos premolares fue de 2,06 mm en T0 y 2,31 en T1. Post expansión, la mayoría de los sitios (86%) analizados exhibieron un espesor óseo ≥0,5 mm. Las mayores variaciones entre T0 y T1 se observaron a nivel de 1PM CEJ+4 y 2PM CEJ+6. Los registros clínicos (PI, GI, PPD y CAL) evidenciaron mínimos cambios entre T0 y T1, compatibles con el mantenimiento de la salud gíngivo-periodontal. El uso de Invisalign ® para movimientos de expansión no produjo cambios sustanciales en los parámetros clínicos periodontales evaluados ni en las mediciones óseas. La aparatología removible reduce los factores retentivos de placa bacteriana y facilita una adecuada higiene oral.

Expansion treatment using Invisalign®: Periodontal health status and maxillary buccal bone changes. A clinical and tomographic evaluation / Tratamiento de expansión con Invisalign®: estado de salud periodontal y cambios óseos maxilares. Evaluación clínica y tomográfica

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal status and maxillary buccal bone by considering clinical and tomographic parameters during the first year of orthodontic expansion with Invisalign® aligners. Upper first (1PM) and upper second (2PM) premolars of 19 patients with orthodontic expansion requirement treated with Invisalign® aligners were evaluated. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and cone beam tomographic (CBCT) records were collected at 76 sites before starting treatment (T0) and at 12 months (T1). Bone height was measured from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the crest cortical bone (CC). Bone thickness was measured at two levels: 4 mm (CEJ+4) and 6 mm (CEJ+6) apical to the CEJ. A descriptive analysis was made of the variations of bone thickness and height in a series of cases. The average expansion was 1.93 mm for 1PM and 167 mm for 2PM. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 1PM was 3.05 mm at T0, and remained at 3.05 mm at T1. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 2PM was 2.06 mm at T0 and 2.31 at T1. Post-expansion, most of the analyzed sites (86%) exhibited a bone thickness of ≥0.5 mm. The greatest variations between T0 and T1 were observed at the level of 1PM CEJ+ 4 and 2PM CEJ+ 6. The minimal changes in the clinical records (GI, PI, PPD and CAL) between T0 and T1 were compatible with the maintenance of gingivalperiodontal health. Invisalign® for expansion movements did not produce substantial changes in the evaluated periodontal clinical parameters or in the bone measurements. Removable appliances reduce plaque retentive factors and favor adequate oral hygiene.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en el estado periodontal y hueso facial maxilar a través de parámetros clínicos y tomográficos durante la expansión ortodóncica con alineadores Invisalign® en el primer año de tratamiento. Se evaluaron los primeros (1PM) y segundos (2PM) premolares superiores pertenecientes a 19 pacientes con requerimiento de expansión ortodóncica tratados con alineadores Invisalign®. Se registraron los índices de placa (IP), índice gingival (IG), profundidad al sondaje (PS) y nivel de inserción (NI) y registros tomográficos de haz cónico (CBCT) en 76 sitios antes de comenzar el tratamiento (T0) y a los 12 meses (T1). Se midió la altura ósea desde el límite amelocementario (LAC) hasta la cortical de la cresta (CC) y el espesor en dos niveles; a 4 mm (LAC+4) y a 6 mm (LAC+6) hacia apical del LAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variaciones de la altura y espesor óseo en una serie de casos. La expansión promedio para 1PM fue de 1,93 mm y para 2PM fue de 1,67 mm. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en primeros premolares fue de 3,05 mm en T0 y se mantuvo el valor de 3,05 mm en T1. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en segundos premolares fue de 2,06 mm en T0 y 2,31 en T1. Post expansión, la mayoría de los sitios (86%) analizados exhibieron un espesor óseo ≥0,5 mm. Las mayores variaciones entre T0 y T1 se observaron a nivel de 1PM CEJ+4 y 2PM CEJ+6. Los registros clínicos (PI, GI, PPD y CAL) evidenciaron mínimos cambios entre T0 y T1, compatibles con el mantenimiento de la salud gíngivo-periodontal. El uso de Invisalign ® para movimientos de expansión no produjo cambios sustanciales en los parámetros clínicos periodontales evaluados ni en las mediciones óseas. La aparatología removible reduce los factores retentivos de placa bacteriana y facilita una adecuada higiene oral.

Of city and village mice: behavioural adjustments of striped field mice to urban environments.

A fundamental question of current ecological research concerns the drives and limits of species responses to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC). Behavioural responses to HIREC are a key component because behaviour links individual responses to population and community changes. Ongoing fast urbanization provides an ideal setting to test the functional role of behaviour for responses to HIREC. Consistent behavioural differences between conspecifics (animal personality) may be important determinants or constraints of animals' adaptation to urban habitats. We tested whether urban and rural populations of small mammals differ in mean trait expression, flexibility and repeatability of behaviours associated to risk-taking and exploratory tendencies. Using a standardized behavioural test in the field, we quantified spatial exploration and boldness of striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius, n = 96) from nine sub-populations, presenting different levels of urbanisation and anthropogenic disturbance. The level of urbanisation positively correlated with boldness, spatial exploration and behavioural flexibility, with urban dwellers being bolder, more explorative and more flexible in some traits than rural conspecifics. Thus, individuals seem to distribute in a non-random way in response to human disturbance based on their behavioural characteristics. Animal personality might therefore play a key role in successful coping with the challenges of HIREC.

Small mammals in the big city: Behavioural adjustments of non-commensal rodents to urban environments.

A fundamental focus of current ecological and evolutionary research is to illuminate the drivers of animals' success in coping with human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC). Behavioural adaptations are likely to play a major role in coping with HIREC because behaviour largely determines how individuals interact with their surroundings. A substantial body of research reports behavioural modifications in urban dwellers compared to rural conspecifics. However, it is often unknown whether the observed phenotypic divergence is due to phenotypic plasticity or the product of genetic adaptations. Here, we aimed at investigating (a) whether behavioural differences arise also between rural and urban populations of non-commensal rodents; and (b) whether these differences result from behavioural flexibility or from intrinsic behavioural characteristics, such as genetic or maternal effects. We captured and kept under common environment conditions 42 rural and 52 urban adult common voles (Microtus arvalis) from seven subpopulations along a rural-urban gradient. We investigated individual variation in behavioural responses associated with risk-taking and exploration, in situ at the time of capture in the field and ex situ after 3 months in captivity. Urban dwellers were bolder and more explorative than rural conspecifics at the time of capture in their respective sites (in situ). However, when tested under common environmental conditions ex situ, rural individuals showed little change in their behavioural responses whereas urban individuals altered their behaviour considerably and were consistently shyer and less explorative than when tested in situ. The combination of elevated risk-taking and exploration with high behavioural flexibility might allow urban populations to successfully cope with the challenges of HIREC. Investigating whether the observed differences in behavioural flexibility are adaptive and how they are shaped by additive and interactive effects of genetic make-up and past environmental conditions will help illuminate eco-evolutionary dynamics under HIREC and predict persistence of populations under urban conditions.

Individual variation in cognitive style reflects foraging and anti-predator strategies in a small mammal.

Balancing foraging gain and predation risk is a fundamental trade-off in the life of animals. Individual strategies to acquire, process, store and use information to solve cognitive tasks are likely to affect speed and flexibility of learning, and ecologically relevant decisions regarding foraging and predation risk. Theory suggests a functional link between individual variation in cognitive style and behaviour (animal personality) via speed-accuracy and risk-reward trade-offs. We tested whether cognitive style and personality affect risk-reward trade-off decisions posed by foraging and predation risk. We exposed 21 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) that were bold, fast learning and inflexible and 18 voles that were shy, slow learning and flexible to outdoor enclosures with different risk levels at two food patches. We quantified individual food patch exploitation, foraging and vigilance behaviour. Although both types responded to risk, fast animals increasingly exploited both food patches, gaining access to more food and spending less time searching and exercising vigilance. Slow animals progressively avoided high-risk areas, concentrating foraging effort in the low-risk one, and devoting >50% of visit to vigilance. These patterns indicate that individual differences in cognitive style/personality are reflected in foraging and anti-predator decisions that underlie the individual risk-reward bias.

From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii).

Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent-attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies.