Olavo B. Amaral

The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as a model to assess β-amyloid neurotoxicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This paper reviews and analyzes 359 studies on β-amyloid toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, finding that toxicity depends on Aβ concentration, exposure time, and aggregation state, not cell differentiation.

Estimating the replicability of Brazilian biomedical science

In validated multicenter replications, 20 to 44% of 45 published Brazilian MTT, RT-PCR and elevated plus maze experiments replicated, depending on criterion; replication effects were usually smaller.

A meta-analysis of the effect of protein synthesis inhibitors on rodent fear conditioning

This paper conducts a meta-analysis of protein synthesis inhibitors' effects on rodent fear conditioning, finding robust effects on training and reconsolidation but not extinction.

Memory destabilization during reconsolidation - A consequence of homeostatic plasticity?

This paper uses computational models to show that homeostatic plasticity can destabilize memories during reconsolidation, linking it to synaptic downscaling and behavioral effects of protein synthesis inhibition.

Shifting from fear to safety through deconditioning-update: a novel approach to attenuate fear memories

This paper introduces a behavioral method in rats to reduce fear memories by replacing strong aversive stimuli with weaker ones during memory retrieval, showing long-lasting effects.

A freely available, self-calibrating software for automatic measurement of freezing behavior

Phobos is a free, self-calibrating software for measuring freezing behavior that matches manual scoring reliability and reduces user variability.

Chronic in vivo optogenetic stimulation modulates neuronal excitability, spine morphology and Hebbian plasticity in the mouse hippocampus

This study shows that chronic optogenetic stimulation of hippocampal neurons reduces spine density, mEPSC amplitude, and impairs LTP while facilitating LTD.

Different temporal windows for contextual fear memory destabilisation in the amygdala and hippocampus

This study investigates the temporal windows for CB1 receptor-mediated memory destabilisation during reconsolidation in the amygdala and hippocampus using pharmacological interventions in rats.

Effect size and statistical power in the rodent fear conditioning literature - a systematic review

This study reviews effect sizes and statistical power in rodent fear conditioning research, finding low power and inconsistent reporting of these metrics.

On the transdiagnostic nature of peripheral biomarkers in major psychiatric disorders: a systematic review

This paper reviews peripheral biomarkers in major psychiatric disorders, finding that five molecules show similar variation across disorders, suggesting transdiagnostic systemic consequences rather than specific diagnostic markers.