https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/402 2026-05-05T23:34:59Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146058 Title: The hole-board apparatus in the study of anxiety Authors: Casarrubea, Maurizio; Di Giovanni, Giuseppe; Aiello, Stefania; Crescimanno, Giuseppe Abstract: Anxiety disorders pose a significant challenge in contemporary society, and their impact in terms of social and economic burden is overwhelming. Behavioral research conducted on animal subjects is crucial for comprehending these disorders and, from a translational standpoint, for introducing innovative therapeutic approaches. In this context, the Hole-Board apparatus has emerged as a widely utilized test for studying anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Although a substantial body of literature underscores the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board in anxiety research, recent decades have witnessed a range of studies that have led to uncertainties and misinterpretations regarding the validity of this behavioral assay. The objective of this review is twofold: firstly, to underscore the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board assay, and concurrently, to examine the underlying factors contributing to potential misconceptions surrounding its utilization in the study of anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. We will present results from both conventional quantitative analyses and multivariate approaches, while referencing a comprehensive collection of studies conducted using the Hole-Board. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145997 Title: HCN channels and absence seizures Authors: Crunelli, Vincenzo; David, Francois; Morais, Tatiana P.; Lorincz, Magor L. Abstract: Hyperpolarization-activation cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels were for the first time implicated in absence seizures (ASs) when an abnormal Ih (the current generated by these channels) was reported in neocortical layer 5 neurons of a mouse model. Genetic studies of large cohorts of children with Childhood Absence Epilepsy (where ASs are the only clinical symptom) have identified only 3 variants in HCN1 (one of the genes that code for the 4 HCN channel isoforms, HCN1–4), with one (R590Q) mutation leading to loss-of-function. Due to the multi-faceted effects that HCN channels exert on cellular excitability and neuronal network dynamics as well as their modulation by environmental factors, it has been difficult to identify the detailed mechanism by which different HCN isoforms modulate ASs. In this review, we systematically and critically analyze evidence from established AS models and normal non-epileptic animals with area- and time-selective ablation of HCN1, HCN2 and HCN4. Notably, whereas knockout of rat HCN1 and mouse HCN2 leads to the expression of ASs, the pharmacological block of all HCN channel isoforms abolishes genetically determined ASs. These seemingly contradictory results could be reconciled by taking into account the well-known opposite effects of Ih on cellular excitability and network function. Whereas existing evidence from mouse and rat AS models indicates that pan-HCN blockers may provide a novel approach for the treatment of human ASs, the development of HCN isoform-selective drugs would greatly contribute to current research on the role for these channels in ASs generation and maintenance as well as offer new potential clinical applications. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145994 Title: The rise of trehalose : what foods contain this mysterious sugar? Abstract: As health-conscious consumers grow increasingly aware of the substances they ingest, one sugar that's been making headlines lately is trehalose. Trehalose, a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, has been recognised for its unique health benefits, including its role in neuroprotection, autophagy promotion, and cell preservation. But while its application in medicine and skin care is gaining ground, many are left wondering: what foods actually contain this sugar, and should we be seeking it out? Trehalose may not be as well-known as other sugars like sucrose or fructose, but it has been quietly working its way into various food products. From fungi to seafood, trehalose appears in diverse places in nature, with more and more of its sources making their way into the food industry. As researchers uncover its potential health benefits, there's growing interest in incorporating trehalose-rich foods into our diets. Let's explore where trehalose is found in nature, which foods contain it, and how it's being utilised in modern food production. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145787 Title: The chemistry behind hair structure : a deep dive into the science of hair Abstract: Hair is a universal feature that defines much of our physical appearance, and its texture, colour, and health can play a key role in our self-esteem and personal identity. Whether curly, straight, frizzy, or fine, every strand of hair is a product of intricate chemistry that shapes its structure and properties. To truly understand how hair behaves, we must explore the molecular makeup of hair, its growth cycle, and the effects of various chemical treatments on it. This article will dive deep into the chemistry of hair structure, revealing how the tiniest molecules have such a profound impact on the way hair looks and feels. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z