bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Effectiveness of Residential Out-of-Home Care for Children and Youth—A Scoping Review
Authors: Eriksson Pia , Aaltio Elina , Laajasalo Taina
Published: June 2024

A scoping review on the short-term (during care) outcomes of residential care at the user level (children and their families) was conducted. The objective was to understand the extent and type of recent research focusing on outcomes during residential care placement as a child protection intervention and map the findings of the original studies. In six databases, 2,693 records of recent peer-reviewed articles with an abstract in English were found. A total of seventeen original studies were included in the review. In the studies, three distinct types of interventions were identified—implemented interventions, innovations and service as usual (SAU). The findings revealed variations in researchers’ definitions of the concept of effectiveness and heterogeneity in methodology. Three studies were randomised control trials, two were quasi-experimental and twelve other designs were quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods studies. Most of the interventions in the original studies, brought about positive change in different dimensions of the wellbeing or functioning of users. The most robust designs were used in studying previously assessed interventions designed to combat specific problems. Whilst studies on SAU have demonstrated improvements in various aspects, the inherent complexity and diversity of residential care make the assessment of effectiveness a challenging task.
Understanding the high-risk human papillomavirus prevalence and associated factors in the European country with a high incidence of cervical cancer
Authors: Berza Natalija , Zodzika Jana , Kivite-Urtane Anda , Baltzer Nicholas , Curkste Alise , Pole Ilva , Nygård Mari , Pärna Kersti , Stankunas Mindaugas , Tisler Anna , Uuskula Anneli
Published: June 2024

Background

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancer (CC). Latvia has a high incidence of CC compared with the average incidence in the European Union. This study aims to fill the data gap on the HR-HPV burden in Latvia, providing information on its prevalence and associated factors.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to April 2022. Participants 25–70 years old visiting a general practitioner (general population) or those referred to a colposcopy clinic with changes in their cervical cytology (colposcopy population) collected vaginal self-sample and completed a paper-based questionnaire. Samples were analyzed with Cobas 6800 System (Roche) for HPV16, HPV18 and other HR-HPV (HPV31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/66/68). Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were performed. The Chi-square test was used to determine for the statistical significance of differences in the proportions of the dependent variable between subgroups of the independent variable. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with positive HR-HPV status. Results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 1274 participants provided a valid sample. The prevalence of any HR-HPV infection was 66.8% in the colposcopy group and 11.0% in the general population. Factors associated with positive HR-HPV status were marital status single/divorced/widowed (vs. married/cohabiting) [adjusted OR (aOR) 2.6; P = 0.003], higher number of lifetime sex partners [aOR 5.1 (P < 0.001) and 4.0 (P = 0.001)] for six or more and three to five partners in the general population; in the colposcopy group, the statistical significance remained only for Latvian ethnicity (vs. other) (aOR 1.8; P = 0.008) and current smoking (vs. never) (aOR 1.9; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We documented a comparison to European Union HR-HPV infection burden in Latvia. Any HR-HPV positivity was significantly associated with sexual and other health behavior.
Self-Compassion, Stressor Exposure, and Negative Affect: A Daily Diary Study of Older Adults
Authors: Scott Julia E T , Mazzucchelli Trevor G , Luszcz Mary A , Walker Ruth , Windsor Tim D
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Self-compassion has been identified as a psychological resource for aging well. To date, self-compassion among older adults has typically been conceptualized as a trait variable. This study examined whether day-to-day (state) variability in self-compassion was associated with negative affective reactivity to daily stressors.

Methods

Daily diary assessment methods were used to examine the potential moderating role of between- and within-person self-compassion on the relationship between daily stressors and negative affect. A community-based sample of 107 older adults aged 65+ completed questionnaires once daily over 14 days.

Results

Multilevel modeling revealed that 37% of the variance in self-compassion occurred within persons. Daily self-compassion moderated the relationship between daily stressor exposure and daily negative affect. On days with greater stressor exposure than usual, older adults showed less negative affective reactivity on days when self-compassion was higher, compared with days when self-compassion was lower. No moderating effects were observed for between-person (trait) self-compassion.

Discussion

These findings suggest that self-compassion in older adults should be conceptualized as both state and trait variables and that state self-compassion may be protective in the stress–reactivity pathway. Future research should investigate whether brief self-compassion interventions might help older adults to avoid or downregulate negative emotions in response to stressors.
Hiding in the hills: evidence for two novel mountain-dwelling freshwater crabs of Potamonautes (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamonautidae) from South Africa
Authors: Mengel Kayleigh , Daniels Savel R
Published: June 2024

Specimens of freshwater crabs (PotamonautesMacLeay, 1838) collected from mountainous regions in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa could not be assigned to species level and possibly represented novel lineages. The phylogenetic placement of these two potential novel lineages were investigated with the use of DNA sequence data from three mitochondrial loci (cytochrome oxidase c subunit one - COI, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear locus (histone 3 (H3)), using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference approach incorporating all Potamonautes species described from southern Africa. In addition, a divergence time estimation was undertaken on the tree topology to determine the timing of cladogenesis. Morphometric analyses were also conducted on the two undescribed lineages and co-distributed, phylogenetically closely-related species (P. flavusjoDaniels, Phiri & Bayliss, 2014 and P. mariepskoppieDaniels, Barnes, Marais & Gouws, 2021) using discriminant function analyses of carapace and pereiopod variables. Phylogenetic results revealed that the two novel species are sister groups and related to a clade of endemic subtropical species present in north-eastern South Africa, while the divergence time estimation indicates Mio/Pliocene cladogenesis. The morphometric results corroborate the phylogenetic distinction between the two novel lineages and co-distributed sister species. Potamonautes wolkbergin. sp. and P. aurantiusn. sp. are described and compared with other congeneric South African taxa.
Resisting the State Crimes of the Global North
Authors: Hodgson Natalie
Published: June 2024

Civil society actors are increasingly turning to international criminal law in response to harmful conduct by the states of the Global North. Legal and strategic concerns have been raised about this practice. It is unclear whether the International Criminal Court will ever be able or willing to effectively respond to the conduct of states, particularly the powerful states of the Global North. However, there is growing recognition that the expressive power of international criminal law may be strategically used beyond the courtroom. Drawing on criminological scholarship, this article suggests that international criminal law may offer potential in resisting the state crimes of the Global North. International criminal law provides civil society with a way to sociologically criminalize the state from below and challenge the hegemonic beliefs that enable state crime. Such expressive advocacy might ultimately play a role in expanding legal understandings of what constitutes an international crime to include the conduct of the Global North.
Driving asymmetric red supergiant winds with binary interactions
Authors: Landri Camille , Pejcha Ondřej
Published: June 2024

Massive stars in the red supergiant (RSG) phase are known to undergo strong mass-loss through winds and observations indicate that a substantial part of this mass-loss could be driven by localized and episodic outflows. Various mechanisms have been considered to explain this type of mass-loss in RSGs, but these models often focus on single-star evolution. However, massive stars commonly evolve in binary systems, potentially interacting with their companions. Motivated by observations of the highly asymmetric circumstellar ejecta around the RSG VY CMa, we investigate a scenario where a companion on an eccentric orbit grazes the surface of an RSG at periastron. The companion ejects part of the outer RSG envelope, which radiatively cools, reaching the proper conditions for dust condensation and eventually giving rise to dust-driven winds. Using simple treatments for radiative cooling and dust-driven winds, we perform three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamic simulations of this scenario with a $20\, {\rm M}_\odot$ RSG and a $2\, {\rm M}_\odot$ companion. We follow the evolution of the binary throughout a total of 14 orbits and observe that the orbit tightens after each interaction, in turn enhancing the mass-loss of subsequent interactions. We show that one such grazing interaction yields outflows of $3\times 10^{-4}\, {\rm M}_\odot$, which later results in wide asymmetric dusty ejecta, carrying a total mass of $0.185\, {\rm M}_\odot$ by the end of simulations. We discuss the implications for the evolution of the binary, potential observational signatures, as well as future improvements of the model required to provide sensible predictions for the evolution of massive binaries.
Embedded social workers within police organizations: Comparing domestic violence interventions in France and Finland
Authors: Bonnet François , Delpeuch Thierry , Houtsonen Jarmo , Mela Marianne
Published: June 2024

This article examines police–social work partnerships in addressing domestic violence through the embedded social worker type of arrangement in France and Finland. Using comparative analysis, we explore how organizational and institutional factors promote effective collaboration, focussing on trust-building and information exchange. Our findings from qualitative interviews and document analysis indicate that successful collaboration hinges on formal organizational structures that support operations while ensuring professional autonomy. Such conditions foster mutual trust, crucial for sharing sensitive information without breaching confidentiality or ethical norms. We find that excessive oversight leads to mistrust and information withholding. Additionally, our analysis reveals that the effectiveness of these collaborations varies by national context due to differing public pressures and policy priorities. In France, increased attention to domestic violence has paradoxically weakened partnerships by curtailing social workers’ autonomy. In Finland, with less emphasis on domestic violence, these issues have become a lower priority, altering the focus of collaboration.
The Effect of Spiritual Well-being on the Self-efficacy Level of Individuals with an Intestinal Stoma
Authors: Türkben Polat Hilal , Burucu Rukiye
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spiritual well-being and self-efficacy levels in patients with intestinal stomas.

METHODS

For this descriptive study, researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with 51 participants. Data were analyzed using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, the Stoma Self-efficacy Scale (SSES), and the Three-Factor Spiritual Well-being Scale (TF-SWBS).

RESULTS

Participants had a mean SSES score of 56.98 ± 21.24. Education level and stoma type affected the SSES scores. Income level affected TF-SWBS scores. There was no correlation between SSES and TF-SWBS total scores. There was a positive correlation between TF-SWBS scores and stoma duration and age.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses should provide trainings to develop self-efficacy among and enhance psychosocial and spiritual support for patients with a stoma.
Exploring Nursing Students’ First Experiences Providing Wound and Ostomy Care to Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sengul Tuba , Karadag Ayise , Kilic Havanur
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Undergraduate nursing students experience significant differences between practice with models, manikins, or simulation applications and real patients in a clinical setting. Students’ experiences applying their theoretical knowledge to real patient-care practices are little understood.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the experiences of nursing students in providing skin, chronic wound, and ostomy care to real patients for the first time in a clinical setting within the content of the Ostomy and Wound Care Nursing Track Program (OWCNTP) and to define factors affecting this program.

METHODS

The research was conducted qualitatively using the individual critical incident technique, and 17 senior undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Nursing OWCNTP were selected using a simple random sampling method. In the classroom setting, individual face-to-face interviews were conducted using the critical incident technique. Data were analyzed with inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

The research found that students experience genuine caregiving in putting their experiences from the Track Program into practice with real patients in a clinical setting. Three main themes were identified: experiencing real patient care in a clinical setting, being a competent student, and being a novice student.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that nursing students enrolled in the OWCNTP could apply their theoretical knowledge to care for real patients in clinical settings. Therefore, it is recommended that these programs be integrated into nursing curricula.
Urinary Catheter-Related Meatal Pressure Injury Risk Factors in Male Critical Care Patients: A Prospective Repeated-Measures Study
Authors: Avci Hasan , Alcan Aliye Okgün
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVE

Urinary catheter-related meatal pressure injury (UCR-MPI) is a preventable and serious complication of indwelling urinary catheter use. This prospective study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of UCR-MPI in male critical care patients.

METHODS

A total of 138 male patients 18 years and older using an indwelling urinary catheter were included in the study. Participants’ perineal areas were assessed daily for the development of MPI.

RESULTS

The UCR-MPI prevalence was 26.1% (n = 36/138). Most patients (61.1%) had a grade I UCR-MPI with intact skin and mucosa and nonblanchable erythema. Urinary catheter irrigation (P = .001), lower Braden Scale scores (P = .040), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (P = .002), higher Itaki Fall Risk Scale score (P = .040), higher dependency level (P = .027), hypoalbuminemia (P = .002), and perineal edema (P = .001) were risk factors for UCR-MPI.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of UCR-MPI was high in this sample. Providers should take preventive measures to prevent UCR-MPI in patients with a penis including early and frequent risk assessment.
Effectiveness of Clinical Practicum Experience in Drug Addiction Treatment Facilities in Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorders, and Alcoholics
Authors: de Claudio João Carlos M. , Pereira Caroline F. , de Vargas Divane
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to identify, analyze, and synthesize the best evidence on the effectiveness of clinical practicum experience in drug addiction treatment facilities on nursing students' attitudes toward alcohol, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and persons with AUD. This systematic review followed the recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and used the System for the Unified Management of the Assessment and Review of Information to assess methodological quality and extract data for meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search of the EBSCO databases, Embase, PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Mednar, Coordenadoria de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses catalog was conducted. The System for the Unified Management of the Assessment and Review of Information tool was used for the extraction and critical evaluation of the selected articles followed by a meta-analysis. After removing duplicates, 2,831 publications were identified, and eight met the inclusion criteria. More positive attitudes were observed after performing practicum experience in specialized services (−1.27, 95% confidence interval [−2.85, −0.30]), and an increase in the motivation and satisfaction among the students to care for patients with AUD was also noted. In conclusion, the review suggests that clinical practicum experience in a drug addiction treatment facility has the potential to change the attitudes of nursing students toward AUD and persons with AUD.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functions of Nursing Professionals in the Care of Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Brown Kate G. , Chen Carina Y. , Dong Deanna , Lake Kimberly J. , Butelman Eduardo R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Nursing professionals are vitally involved in the cascade of care for opioid use disorders (OUDs). The global spread of COVID-19 has had complex effects on public health aspects of major diseases, including OUDs. There are limited data on the major ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the functions of nursing professionals in the care of OUDs.

Method

This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and examined published data for trends in OUD care during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on nursing functions. The National Library of Medicine PubMed database and the EMBASE database were examined for peer-reviewed studies with primary data published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.

Review Findings and Conclusions

Rapid changes were observed in numerous aspects of OUDs during the early pandemic stage, as well as its care by nursing and other health professionals. These changes include increased overdoses (primarily from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl) and emergency department visits. These trends varied considerably across U.S. jurisdictions, underscoring the importance of region-specific examinations for public health policy and intervention. Out of necessity, healthcare systems and nursing professionals adapted to the challenges of OUD care in the pandemic. These adaptations included increases in telehealth services, increases in take-home doses of methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone, and expansion of layperson training in the use of naloxone for overdose reversal. It is likely that some of these adaptations will result in long-term changes in standards of care practices for OUDs by nursing professionals.
Peer Facilitator Training for Diabetes Prevention in a Nigerian Drug Treatment Center
Authors: Adejumo Oluremi A. , Ogunbiyi Elizabeth O. , Fornili Katherine S. , Chen Ling-Yin , Makanjuola Alfred B. , Ernest Samuel Kolade
Published: June 2024

Introduction and Background

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are at an increased risk of developing comorbid medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Although the diabetes prevention program (DPP) is efficacious and cost-effective, there is no published evidence to support its implementation in Nigeria or within SUD treatment settings. In this first known DPP within an SUD treatment program, we implemented a multiphased, nurse-led DPP at a small outpatient drug treatment center in Nigeria. The aim of this article was to describe only the processes utilized for the initial peer facilitator (PF) training (Phase 1).

Methods

In Phase 1, a diabetes prevention master trainer delivered a virtual DPP training to the facility's lead nurse, who return-demonstrated the DPP workshop skills and competencies over four 4-hour sessions. The lead nurse then independently delivered four 8-hour training sessions to a small number of client volunteers (n = 4) who subsequently delivered the DPP lifestyle interventions to their peers in the outpatient treatment program.

Results

The client volunteers attended all PF workshop sessions and were observed to be proficient in all aspects of implementation. They indicated that the training objectives were easily achieved and expressed enthusiasm for delivering DPP content to their peers. The need to better contextualize the DPP curriculum specific to Nigerian food preferences was identified.

Conclusion

The Phase 1 training process appears to be an appropriate and effective approach for preparing PFs to deliver health programs, like the DPP, in environments with limited resources for populations facing numerous challenges.
Electronic Cigarette Use and Anxiety Among College Students
Authors: Stanley Adele K. , Frederickson Keville , Pokhrel Pallav
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Electronic cigarette use is the most prevalent form of tobacco among young college adults between 18 and 25 years old. In addition, during the young adult years, mental health issues surface, such as anxiety. As a result of these factors, it is imperative to describe the experience of electronic cigarettes among college students to better understand the cycle of addiction among electronic cigarette users.

Objective

This study aims to explore and describe the experience of electronic cigarette use among college students who report feelings of anxiety.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study design with the Roy Adaptation Model as the theoretical framework was used to describe the experience. The setting was at one medium-sized private university on the east coast of the United States. Twenty participants met the study inclusion criteria of traditional undergraduate students aged 18–25 years. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, a smoking status questionnaire, a self-report feelings of anxiety questionnaire, and a semistructured interview guide.

Results

Data analysis synthesized three themes: the perfect storm, the power of ripping the nic, and trapped in that cycle. It was found through interviews that feelings of anxiety and the vape culture, along with the college experience, led to the powerful draw to electronic cigarette use among this population.

Conclusion

This study reflects findings that the college life experience, the vape culture, and the feelings of anxiety contribute to electronic cigarette use and, finally, lead to intense addiction.
Analyzing functional heterogeneity of effector cells for enhanced adoptive cell therapy applications
Authors: Kiel Rasmussen Anne-Christine , Hulen Thomas Morgan , Petersen David Leander , Jacobsen Mette Juul , Mikkelsen Marie Just , Met Özcan , Donia Marco , Chamberlain Christopher Aled , Mouritzen Peter
Published: June 2024

Cellular effector function assays traditionally rely on bulk cell populations that mask complex heterogeneity and rare subpopulations. The Xdrop® droplet technology facilitates high-throughput compartmentalization of viable single cells or single-cell pairs in double-emulsion droplets, enabling the study of single cells or cell-cell interactions at an individual level. Effector cell molecule secretion and target cell killing can be evaluated independently or in combination. Compatibility with a wide range of commercial assay reagents allows for single-cell level readouts using common laboratory techniques such as flow cytometry or microscopy. Moreover, individual cells of interest can be viably isolated for further investigation or expansion. Here we demonstrate the application of the double-emulsion droplet technology with a range of cell types commonly utilized for adoptive cell therapy of cancer: peripheral blood mononuclear cells, natural killer cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Single-cell compartmentalization offers unparalleled resolution, serving as a valuable tool for advancing the development and understanding of cellular therapy products.
Phytoene and phytoene-rich microalgae extracts extend lifespan inC. elegansand protect against amyloid-β toxicity in an Alzheimer’s disease model
Authors: Morón-Ortiz Ángeles , Karamalegkos Antonis A. , Mapelli-Brahm Paula , Ezcurra Marina , Meléndez-Martínez Antonio J.
Published: June 2024

The role of foods is shifting from focusing on the provision of energy and basic nutrients to also include bioactive compounds that prevent the development of chronic age-related diseases. Microalgae offer a source of nutritional compounds with important health effects, and have the potential for production of health-promoting products, without increasing agricultural land use and negatively impacting the environment. Here we investigate the health effects of microalgal extracts with high levels of the colourless carotenoid phytoene. Phytoene is widely available from dietary sources and can be detected across different tissues in the human body. However, it is usually regarded as a precursor for the synthesis of other carotenoids, rather than a bioactive molecule. We utilised the model organismC. elegansto show that phytoene-rich extracts fromChlorella sorokinianaandDunaliella bardawilhave anti-ageing properties. The extracts protect against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42proteotoxicity (a major pathology of Alzheimer’s disease), and extends lifespan. We show that pure phytoene also has these anti-ageing effects, suggesting that phytoene is a bioactive molecule with positive effects on ageing and longevity.
Utilizing tACS to enhance memory confidence and EEG to predict individual differences in brain stimulation efficacy
Authors: Wynn Syanah C. , Marshall Tom R. , Nyhus Erika
Published: June 2024

The information transfer necessary for successful memory retrieval is believed to be mediated by theta and gamma oscillations. These oscillations have been linked to memory processes in electrophysiological studies, which were correlational in nature. In the current study, we used transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to externally modulate brain oscillations to examine its direct effects on memory performance. Participants received sham, theta (4 Hz), and gamma (50 Hz) tACS over frontoparietal regions while retrieving information in a source memory paradigm. Linear regression models were used to investigate the direct effects of oscillatory non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on memory accuracy and confidence. Our results indicate that both theta and gamma tACS altered memory confidence. Specifically, theta tACS seemed to lower the threshold for confidence in retrieved information, while gamma tACS appeared to alter the memory confidence bias. Furthermore, the individual differences in tACS effects could be predicted from electroencephalogram (EEG) measures recorded prior to stimulation, suggesting that EEG could be a useful tool for predicting individual variability in the efficacy of NIBS.
Mapping and modeling the semantic space of math concepts
Authors: Debray Samuel , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: June 2024

Mathematics is an underexplored domain of human cognition. While many studies have focused on subsets of math concepts such as numbers, fractions, or geometric shapes, few have ventured beyond these elementary domains. Here, we attempted to map out the full space of math concepts and to answer two specific questions: can distributed semantic models, such a GloVe, provide a satisfactory fit to human semantic judgments in mathematics? And how does this fit vary with education? We first analyzed all of the French and English Wikipedia pages with math contents, and used a semi-automatic procedure to extract the 1,000 most frequent math terms in both languages. In a second step, we collected extensive behavioral judgments of familiarity and semantic similarity between them. About half of the variance in human similarity judgments was explained by vector embeddings that attempt to capture latent semantic structures based on cooccurence statistics. Participants’ self-reported level of education modulated familiarity and similarity, allowing us to create a partial hierarchy among high-level math concepts. Our results converge onto the proposal of a map of math space, organized as a database of math terms with information about their frequency, familiarity, grade of acquisition, and entanglement with other concepts.
RCOR1 promotes myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration
Authors: Pauk Martina , Wang Fan , Rummukainen Petri , Ramm Mauricio , Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Kiviranta Riku
Published: June 2024

RCOR proteins belong to a family of highly conserved transcription corepressors (RCOR1, RCOR2 and RCOR3) that regulate the activity of associated histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) and histone deacetylase 1/2 (HDAC 1/2) in chromatin-modifying complexes. Despite the described function of LSD1 in skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration, the role of RCOR family in myogenesis remains unknown. We found that RCOR1 is highly expressed in proliferating myoblasts and activated satellite cells, but not in mature myofibers during postnatal growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle. Knockdown of RCOR1 impaired myoblast differentiation and fusion by inhibiting the expression of the key myogenic regulatory factor myogenin. Moreover, RCOR1 depletion impaired myoblast proliferation through increasing the expression of cell cycle inhibitor p21. Consistently, in a mouse model of skeletal muscle injury, depletion of RCOR1 supressed satellite cell activation and differentiation which resulted in impaired muscle regeneration. RCOR1 was found physically associated with LSD1 and myogenic regulatory factor MyoD and contributed to LSD1 stability in myoblasts. As for other RCOR family members, RCOR2 had no effect on myoblast differentiation while the loss of RCOR3 increased myoblast proliferation leading to supressed expression of myogenic markers MyoD and myogenin and impaired myoblast differentiation. However, germline deletion of RCOR3 (RCOR3-/-) did not affect muscle phenotype, suggesting a possible functional redundancy among RCOR family members during muscle development. Together, our findings indicate that RCOR1 acts in concert with LSD1 as a novel positive regulator of myogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration.
Balancing Prior Knowledge and Sensory Data in a Predictive Coding Model: Insights into Coherent Motion Detection in Schizophrenia
Authors: Nemati Elnaz , Grayden David B. , Burkitt Anthony N. , Zarei Eskikand Parvin
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a biologically plausible computational model based on the predictive coding algorithm, providing insights into motion detection processes and potential deficiencies in schizophrenia. The model decomposes motion structures into individual and shared sources, highlighting a critical role of surround suppression in detecting global motion. This biologically plausible model sheds light on how the brain extracts the structure of motion and comprehends shared or coherent motion within the visual field. The results obtained from random dot stimuli underscore the delicate balance between sensory data and prior knowledge in coherent motion detection. Model testing across varying noise levels reveals longer convergence times with higher noise, consistent with psychophysical experiments showing that response duration (e.g., reaction time or decision-making time) also increases with noise levels. The model suggests that an excessive emphasis on prior knowledge extends the convergence time in motion detection. Conversely, for faster convergence, the model requires a certain level of prior knowledge to prevent excessive disturbance due to noise. These findings contribute to potential explanations for motion detection deficiencies observed in schizophrenia.
The structures of protein kinase A in complex with CFTR: mechanisms of phosphorylation and reversible activation
Authors: Fiedorczuk Karol , Iordanov Iordan , Mihályi Csaba , Szöllősi András , Csanády László , Chen Jue
Published: June 2024

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a key regulator of cellular functions by selectively phosphorylating numerous substrates, including ion channels, enzymes, and transcription factors. It has long served as a model system for understanding the eukaryotic kinases. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we present complex structures of the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) bound to a full-length protein substrate, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) – an ion channel vital to human health. CFTR gating requires phosphorylation of its regulatory (R) domain. Unphosphorylated CFTR engages PKA-C at two locations, establishing two “catalytic stations” near to, but not directly involving, the R domain. This configuration, coupled with the conformational flexibility of the R domain, permits transient interactions of the eleven spatially separated phosphorylation sites. Furthermore, we determined two structures of the open-pore CFTR stabilized by PKA-C, providing a molecular basis for understanding ‘reversible activation’, whereby PKA-C stimulates CFTR function through simple binding.
Bilateral integration in somatosensory cortex is controlled by behavioral relevance
Authors: Park Hyein , Keri Hayagreev V.S. , Yoo Chaeyoung , Bi Chengyu , Pluta Scott R.
Published: June 2024

Sensory perception naturally requires processing stimuli from both sides of the body. Yet, how neurons bind stimulus features across the hemispheres to create a unified perceptual experience remains unknown. To address this question, we performed large-scale recordings from neurons in both somatosensory cortices (S1) while mice shared information between their hemispheres and discriminated between two categories of bilateral stimuli. When expert mice touched stimuli associated with reward, they moved their whiskers with greater bilateral symmetry. During this period, synchronous spiking and enhanced spike-field coupling emerged between the hemispheres. This coordinated activity was absent in stimulus-matched naïve animals, indicating that interhemispheric (IH) binding was controlled by a goal-directed, internal process. In S1 neurons, the addition of ipsilateral touch primarily facilitated the contralateral, principal whisker response. This facilitation primarily emerged for reward-associated stimuli and was lost on trials where expert mice failed to respond. Taken together, these results reveal a novel state-dependent logic underlying bilateral integration in S1, where stimulus binding and facilitation are controlled by behavioral relevance.
Overweight as a Causal Factor Contributing to Better Survival at the Oldest Old Ages: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Duan Hongzhe , Arbeev Konstantin , Holmes Rachel , Bagley Olivia , Wu Deqing , Akushevich Igor , Schupf Nicole , Yashin Anatoliy , Ukraintseva Svetlana
Published: June 2024

Overweight, defined by a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30, has been associated with enhanced survival among older adults in some studies. However, whether being overweight is causally linked to longevity remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study of lifespan 85+ years, using overweight as an exposure variable and data from the Health and Retirement Study and the Long Life Family Study. An essential aspect of MR involves selecting appropriate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs). This is challenging due to the limited number of SNP candidates within biologically relevant genes that can satisfy all necessary assumptions and criteria. To address this challenge, we employed a novel strategy of creating additional IVs by pairing SNPs between candidate genes. This strategy allowed us to expand the pool of IV candidates with new 'composite' SNPs derived from eight candidate obesity genes. Our study found that being overweight between ages 75 and 85, compared to having a normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), significantly contributes to improved survival beyond age 85. Results of this MR study thus support a causal relationship between overweight and longevity in older adults.
Lifecourse Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Performance Among Midlife Latina Women in a California Agricultural Region
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Calderon Lucia , Kogut Katherine , MacCuish Kelsey , Warner Marcella , Rodriguez Maria T. , Garcia Lizari , Romero Monica , Morga Norma , McDowell-Sanchez Aaron K. , Perez-Rocha Yesli , Rojas-Saunero L. Paloma , Deardorff Julianna , Eskenazi Brenda
Published: June 2024

A substantial literature evaluates the relationship between lifecourse socio-economic status (SES) and cognitive aging, although most studies primarily focus on non-Hispanic white adults with relatively high SES. Studies that are sufficiently inclusive of minoritized and/or low SES adults typically employ traditional regression approaches, which may not be adequately suited for modeling time-varying lifecourse exposures. We used data from the CHAMACOS Maternal Cognition Study (2022-2024), which included middle-aged, primarily immigrant and Latina women who experienced relatively low lifecourse SES (n = 511). Participants provided information on parental (parental education), childhood (respondent education), and midlife SES (current poverty level), and completed the SOL-INCA neurocognitive assessment, yielded global and domain-specific cognitive performance z-scores. We estimated marginal structural models and evaluated evidence against common lifecourse models (accumulation, critical/sensitive periods, pathways). The overall association between parental education and midlife cognitive scores was attenuated to the null after accounting for respondent education and midlife poverty, in support of the pathways model. Compared to those who completed primary school or less, those who completed any secondary school ({3global_cognition: 0.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.31, 0.32) or high school or above ({3global_cognition: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.80) had higher cognitive z-scores, accounting for both parental education and midlife poverty. The large magnitude of these estimates supports the sensitive periods model. Associations between midlife poverty and cognitive z-scores were modest to null. Our results point to the importance of educational attainment for midlife cognitive health among a subgroup of individuals historically excluded from cognitive aging research.
Transparency and Reproducibility in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
Authors: Lopez Daniel A. , Cardenas-Iniguez Carlos , Subramaniam Punitha , Adise Shana , Bottenhorn Katherine L. , Badilla Paola , Mukwekwerere Ellen , Tally Laila , Ahanmisi Omoengheme , Bedichek Isabelle L. , Matera Serena D. , Perez-Tamayo Gabriela Mercedes , Sissons Nicholas , Winters Owen , Harkness Anya , Nakiyingi Elizabeth , Encizo Jennell , Xiang Zhuoran , Wilson Isabelle G. , Smith Allison N. , Hill Anthony R. , Adames Amanda K. , Robertson Elizabeth , Boughter Joseph R. , Lopez-Flores Arturo , Skoler Emma R. , Dorholt Lyndsey , Nagel Bonnie J. , Huber Rebekah S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Transparency can build trust in the scientific process, but scientific findings can be undermined by poor and obscure data use and reporting practices. The purpose of this work is to report how data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study has been used to date, and to provide practical recommendations on how to improve the transparency and reproducibility of findings.

Methods

Articles published from 2017 to 2023 that used ABCD Study data were reviewed using more than 30 data extraction items to gather information on data use practices. Total frequencies were reported for each extraction item, along with computation of a Level of Completeness (LOC) score that represented overall endorsement of extraction items. Univariate linear regression models were used to examine the correlation between LOC scores and individual extraction items. Post hoc analysis included examination of whether LOC scores were correlated with the logged 2-year journal impact factor.

Results

There were 549 full-length articles included in the main analysis. Analytic scripts were shared in 30% of full-length articles. The number of participants excluded due to missing data was reported in 60% of articles, and information on missing data for individual variables (e.g., household income) was provided in 38% of articles. A table describing the analytic sample was included in 83% of articles. A race and/or ethnicity variable was included in 78% of reviewed articles, while its inclusion was justified in only 41% of these articles. LOC scores were highly correlated with extraction items related to examination of missing data. A bottom 10% of LOC score was significantly correlated with a lower logged journal impact factor when compared to the top 10% of LOC scores (β=-0.77, 95% -1.02, -0.51;p-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in future papers using ABCD Study data to readily adapt analytic practices for better transparency and reproducibility efforts. A list of recommendations is provided to facilitate adherence in future research.
Excimer LASER coronary atherectomy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a multicenter retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Matsuda Yuji , Yonetsu Taishi , Kurihara Ken , Shimizu Shigeo , Matsumura Akihiko , Inagaki Hiroshi , Onishi Yuko , Sakurai Kaoru , Tsuchiyama Takaaki , Ashikaga Takashi , Fujii Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Kazuo , Khamdamov Ikhtiyorjon , Yamakami Yosuke , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Umemoto Tomoyuki , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) is used for thrombotic culprit lesions in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its efficacy is still unclear. The study objective was to investigate the clinical outcomes of STEMI patients after ELCA.

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 24 hours of onset, in 12 healthcare facilities in Japan, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into ELCA and non-ELCA groups. The primary endpoint was target vessel-related major adverse cardiac events (TV-MACE). Cox regression analysis and propensity score matching were performed to adjust for selection bias in the cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 2593 patients, which included 427 patients treated with ELCA, were analyzed with a median follow-up of 815 (390–1385) days. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of TV-MACE-free survival rate. ELCA use was not a significant determinant of TV-MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.265, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.910–1.757; p=0.161). Nevertheless, when the ELCA group was stratified by the ELCA catheter size, the large catheter (1.4 mm–1.7 mm) group showed better clinical outcomes than the others in univariate Cox regression analysis (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.95, p=0.040). In the propensity score-matched cohort of 736 patients (368 pairs), the TV-MACE-free survival did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ELCA did not show clinical benefit in terms of the rate of adverse cardiac events in patients with STEMI. There was evidence of efficacy when a large ELCA catheter was used, warranting further prospective studies.

Clinical Perspective

What is new?

In a relatively large-scale registry of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, which included 427 patients treated with ELCA, the use of ELCA did not show clinical benefits in reducing target-vessel related adverse events.

The use of ELCA was not associated with improved coronary flow or myocardial perfusion, but rather with higher peak values of cardiac markers.

Larger ELCA catheters (≥1.4mm diameter) may be associated with better clinical outcomes compared to smaller (0.9mm) ELCA catheters, suggesting potential areas for future research.

What are the clinical implications?

The routine use of ELCA may not reduce adverse cardiac events in primary PCI for patients with STEMI.

The use of ELCA should be limited to lesions where large-sized ELCA catheters can be safely applied.
Contextual Expectations in the Real-World Modulate Low-Frequency Neural Oscillations
Authors: Nicholls Victoria Ida , Krugliak Alexandra , Alsbury-Nealy Benjamin , Gramann Klaus , Clarke Alex
Published: June 2024

Objects in expected locations are recognised faster and more accurately than objects in incongruent environments. This congruency effect has a neural component, with increased activity for objects in incongruent environments. Studies have increasingly shown differences between neural processes in realistic environments and tasks, and neural processes in the laboratory. Here, we aimed to push the boundaries of traditional cognitive neuroscience by tracking the congruency effect for objects in real world environments, outside of the lab. We investigated how neural activity is modulated when objects are placed in real environments using augmented reality while recording mobile EEG. Participants approached, viewed, and rated how congruent they found the objects with the environment. We found significant differences in ERPs and higher theta-band power for objects in incongruent contexts than objects in congruent contexts. This demonstrates that real-world contexts impacts how objects are processed, and that mobile brain imaging and augmented reality are effective tools to study cognition in the wild.