bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Substance Use in 50- to 65-Year-Old Jamaicans
Authors: Govia Ishtar O. , Doubova Svetlana V. , Younger-Coleman Novie , Atkinson Uki 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender-specific differences in prevalence and risk factors for alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among 50- to 65-year-old Jamaicans. We performed secondary analysis of the 2016 Jamaica National Drug Use Prevalence Survey. The dependent variables were self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana in the 30 days before the survey. The independent variables included general, socioeconomic, and community characteristics and concomitant substance use. Gender-stratified multiple Poisson regressions were conducted. The survey included 1,099 individuals aged 50–65 years; 50.3% were men. Reported use was significantly higher in men than in women: alcohol (54.9% vs. 17.8%), marijuana (22.4% vs. 2.2%), and tobacco (19.2% vs. 3.9%). High income was associated with alcohol use in women, whereas low and middle incomes were associated with marijuana use among men. Being employed was associated with tobacco use among women and with alcohol use among men. Rural residence was associated with alcohol use in women and with marijuana use in men. High neighborhood disorder was associated with tobacco use in women and alcohol and marijuana use in men. Concomitant substance use increased the likelihood of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use in men and women. We conclude that gender-sensitive strategies to substance use prevention and treatment are needed in Jamaica.
Creating Video-Based Education Modules for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Patients With Cancer
Authors: Mills Denise , Zupanec Sue , Breakey Vicky , Chakkalackal Lauren , Cook Sadie , Cox Stephanie , Gibson Paul , Punnett Angela , Sung Lillian 
Published: September 2021

Background
Parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer are required to understand a significant amount of new information during a time of distress. Parents of children with cancer have expressed that concise information with visual cues, which can be repeated, positively influences their ability to understand.

Objectives
The primary objective was to develop 2 concise, video-based education modules that are understandable to parents of children with cancer. A secondary objective was to determine feasibility of a future trial evaluating efficacy of video-based education.

Methods
The study was conducted in phases: script development, video creation, and feasibility testing. Topics were “managing fever at home” and “giving medications at home.” Content was developed by pediatric oncology experts and turned into video scripts. Scripts were refined through cognitive interviews with parents of children with cancer. Feasibility testing included recruitment of 20 parents of a child given a diagnosis of cancer within 4 weeks. Parents watched both videos and answered questions that assessed their understanding and perceived confidence.

Results
Final scripts were reviewed by 25 participants. Feasibility was achieved with 20 parents recruited within 7 weeks, with 100% watching both videos and answering knowledge and confidence questions.

Conclusions
We successfully developed 2 educational videos for parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer. A future trial to test the efficacy of video-based education modules is feasible.

Implications to Practice
Delivering quality education to parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer can decrease parental distress and improve safe care during a high-risk time for treatment-related morbidity and mortality.
Effect of Recorded Maternal Voice on Emergence Delirium in Children Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Wei , Wang Shuo , He Rendong , Yang Haiqi , Jia Yong , Chen Li 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
To determine the effect of recorded maternal voice on emergence delirium (ED) in children under general anesthesia, a three-group randomized trial was conducted. A total of 102 children were randomly assigned to mother recording group (n = 34), stranger recording group (n = 34), and control group (n = 34). All subjects were assessed for ED with the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale; pain with the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale; and various recovery durations and hemodynamic parameters at six time points. One-way analysis of variance showed that the ED score was significantly lower in the mother recording group (F = 18.520, p = 0.000), and statistical significance was observed in the duration of eye opening (p = 0.001) and tracheal extubation (p = 0.002). Generalized estimating equations observed interaction effects on heart rate and blood pressure (both p = 0.000). Mothers' voice might help reduce ED in children under general anesthesia.
A CLN6-CRMP2-KLC4 complex regulates anterograde ER-derived vesicle trafficking in cortical neurites
Authors: Koh SY , Cain JT , Magee H , White KA , Rechtzigel M , Meyerink B , Leppert H , Timm DJ , Morgan JP , Johnson TB , Grove B , Khanna R , Hensley K , Brudvig J , Weimer JM 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTAs neurons establish extensive connections throughout the central nervous system, the transport of cargo along the microtubule network of the axon is crucial for differentiation and homeostasis. Specifically, building blocks such as membrane and cytoskeletal components, organelles, transmembrane receptors, adhesion molecules, and peptide neurotransmitters all require proper transport to the presynaptic compartment. Here, we identify a novel complex regulating vesicular endoplasmic reticulum transport in neurites, composed of CLN6: an ER-associated protein of relatively unknown function implicated in CLN6-Batten disease; CRMP2: a tubulin binding protein important in regulating neurite microtubule dynamics; and KLC4: a classic transport motor protein. We show that this “CCK” complex allows ER-derived vesicles to migrate to the distal end of the axon, aiding in proper neurite outgrowth and arborization. In the absence of CLN6, the CCK complex does not function effectively, leading to reduced vesicular transport, stunted neurite outgrowth, and deficits in CRMP2 binding to other protein partners. Treatment with a CRMP2 modulating compound, lanthionine ketimine ester, partially restores these deficits in CLN6-deficient mouse neurons, indicating that stabilization of CRMP2 interacting partners may prove beneficial in lieu of complete restoration of the CCK complex. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel mechanism of ER-derived vesicle transport in the axon and provide new insights into therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease.
Chromosome level genome assembly and annotation of highly invasive Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
Authors: Ramachandran Dhanushya , Huebner Cynthia D. , Daly Mark , Haimovitz Jasmine , Swale Thomas , Barrett Craig F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe invasive Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) affects a wide range of ecosystems and threatens biodiversity across the eastern USA. However, the mechanisms underlying rapid adaptation, plasticity, and epigenetics in the invasive range are largely unknown. We present a chromosome-level assembly for M. vimineum to investigate genome dynamics, evolution, adaptation, and the genomics of phenotypic plasticity. We generated a 1.12 Gb genome with scaffold N50 length of 53.44 Mb respectively, taking a de novo assembly approach that combined PacBio and Dovetail Genomics Omni-C sequencing. The assembly contains 23 pseudochromosomes, representing 99.96% of the genome. BUSCO assessment indicated that 80.3% of Poales gene groups are present in the assembly. The genome is predicted to contain 39,604 protein-coding genes, of which 26,288 are functionally annotated. Furthermore, 66.68% of the genome is repetitive, of which unclassified (35.63%) and long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons (26.90%) are predominant. Similar to other grasses, Gypsy (41.07%) and Copia (32%) are the most abundant LTR-retrotransposon families. The majority of LTR-retrotransposons are derived from a significant expansion in the past 1-2 million years, suggesting the presence of relatively young LTR-retrotransposon lineages. We find corroborating evidence from Ks plots for a stiltgrass-specific duplication event, distinct from the more ancient grass-specific duplication event. The assembly and annotation of M. vimineum will serve as an essential genomic resource facilitating studies of the invasion process, the history and consequences of polyploidy in grasses, and provides a crucial tool for natural resource managers.SignificanceThe current lack of genomic resources for the invasive Japanese stiltgrass—and thousands of other invasive species globally—severely limits our understanding of the invasion process and hinders decision-making for effective management and control. In this study, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Japanese stiltgrass, a problematic weed in eastern North America, identifying a clear history of polyploidy and recent activity of transposable elements. The ultimate goal is to advance genomic studies to better understand the dynamics of non-native species during the various invasion phases, thereby providing insights into effective control strategies to manage current and future invasions.
Mu-opioid receptor system modulates responses to vocal bonding and distress signals in humans
Authors: Sun Lihua , Lukkarinen Lasse , Karlsson Henry , Hirvonen Jussi , Tiihonen Jari , Lauerma Hannu , Scott Sophie , Nummenmaa Lauri 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLaughter is a contagious prosocial signal that conveys bonding motivation; adult crying conversely communicates desire for social proximity by signalling distress. Endogenous mu-opioid receptors (MORs) modulate sociability in humans and non-human primates. In this combined PET-fMRI study (n=17) we tested whether central MOR tone is associated with regional brain responses to social signals of laughter and crying sounds. MOR availability was measured with positron emission tomography using high-affinity agonist radioligand [11C]carfentanil. Haemodynamic responses to social laughter and crying sounds were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Social laughter evoked activation in the auditory cortex, insula, cingulate cortex, amygdala, primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, primary and secondary motor cortex; crying sounds led to more restricted activation in auditory cortex and nearby areas. MOR availability was negatively correlated with the haemodynamic responses to social laughter in primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, primary and secondary motor cortex, posterior insula, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, cuneus, temporal gyri, and lingual gyrus. For crying-evoked activations, MOR availability was negatively correlated with medial and lateral prefrontal haemodynamic responses. Altogether our findings highlight the role of MOR system in modulating acute brain responses to both positive and negative social signals.
Adropin confers neuroprotection and promotes functional recovery from ischemic stroke
Authors: Yang Changjun , Lavayen Bianca P. , Liu Lei , Sanz Brian D. , DeMars Kelly M. , Larochelle Jonathan , Pompilus Marjory , Febo Marcelo , Sun Yu-Yo , Kuo Yi-Min , Mohamadzadeh Mansour , Farr Susan A. , Kuan Chia-Yi , Butler Andrew A. , Candelario-Jalil Eduardo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAdropin is a highly-conserved peptide that has been shown to preserve endothelial barrier function. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a key pathological event in cerebral ischemia. However, the effects of adropin on ischemic stroke outcomes remain unexplored. Hypothesizing that adropin exerts neuroprotective effects by maintaining BBB integrity, we investigated the role of adropin in stroke pathology utilizing loss- and gain-of-function genetic approaches combined with pharmacological treatment with synthetic adropin peptide. Stroke decreased endogenous adropin levels in the brain and plasma. Adropin treatment or transgenic adropin overexpression robustly reduced brain injury and improved long-term sensorimotor and cognitive function in young and aged mice subjected to ischemic stroke. In contrast, genetic deletion of adropin exacerbated ischemic brain injury. Mechanistically, adropin neuroprotection depends on endothelial nitric oxide synthase and is associated with reduced BBB permeability and neuroinflammation. We identify adropin as a novel neuroprotective peptide with the potential to improve stroke outcomes.
Transmembrane Batten disease proteins interact with a shared network of vesicle sorting proteins to regulate synaptic composition and function
Authors: Rechtzigel Mitchell J. , Meyerink Brandon L. , Leppert Hannah , Johnson Tyler B. , Cain Jacob T. , Ferrandino Gavin , May Danielle G. , Roux Kyle J. , Brudvig Jon J. , Weimer Jill M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBatten disease is unique among lysosomal storage disorders for the early and profound manifestation in the central nervous system, but little is known regarding potential neuron-specific roles for the disease-associated proteins. We demonstrate substantial overlap in the protein interactomes of three transmembrane Batten proteins (CLN3, CLN6, and CLN8), and that their absence leads to synaptic depletion of key partners (i.e. SNAREs and tethers) and aberrant synaptic SNARE dynamics in vivo, demonstrating a novel shared etiology.
Spatial working memory representations in human cortex are robust to a task-irrelevant interrupting stimulus
Authors: Vu-Cheung Kelvin , Ester Edward F , Sprague Thomas C 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVisual working memory (WM) enables the maintenance and manipulation of information no longer accessible in the visual world. Previous research has identified spatial WM representations in activation patterns in visual, parietal, and frontal cortex. In natural vision, the period between the encoding of information into WM and the time when it is used to guide behavior (the delay period) is rarely “empty”, as is the case in most of the above laboratory experiments. In naturalistic conditions, eye movements, movement of the individual, and events in the environment result in visual signals which may overwrite or impair the fidelity of WM representations, especially in early sensory cortices. Here, we evaluated the extent to which a brief, irrelevant interrupting visual stimulus presented during a spatial WM delay period impaired behavioral performance and WM representation fidelity assayed using an image reconstruction technique (inverted encoding model). On each trial, participants (both sexes) viewed two target dots and were immediately post-cued to remember the precise spatial position of one dot. On 50% of trials, a brief interrupter stimulus appeared. While we observed strong transient univariate visual responses to the distracter stimulus, we saw no change in reconstructed neural WM representations under distraction, nor a change in behavioral performance on a continuous recall task. This suggests that spatial WM representations may be particularly robust to interference from incoming task-irrelevant visual information, perhaps related to their role in guiding movements.
Genetically engineered microglia-like cells have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Plasschaert Robert N. , DeAndrade Mark P. , Hull Fritz , Nguyen Quoc , Peterson Tara , Yan Aimin , Loperfido Mariana , Baricordi Cristina , Barbarossa Luigi , Yoon John K. , Dogan Yildirim , Unnisa Zeenath , Schindler Jeffrey W. , van Til Niek P. , Biasco Luca , Mason Chris 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTHematopoietic stem/progenitor cell gene therapy (HSPC-GT) results in the engraftment of genetically modified microglia-like cells (MLCs) in the brain. While HSPC-GT has shown a clear neurological benefit in the clinic for specific rare diseases, the nature of MLC engraftment in the brain and the functional characteristics of MLCs remain contentious. Here we comprehensively characterized how different routes of administration affect the engraftment and biodistribution of genetically engineered HSPC-derivatives in mice. Using high-throughput single-cell profiling, we show that MLCs bear a transcriptional signature similar to resident microglia rather than invading macrophages. However, MLCs could clearly be distinguished from resident microglia by expression of a specific set of genes. Finally, in murine models of Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, we demonstrate that MLCs can provide therapeutically relevant levels of protein to the brain, thereby potentially opening avenues of HSPC-GT to address the underlying disease etiology of these and other similar disorders.
New Data and Collaborations at theSaccharomycesGenome Database: Updated reference genome, alleles, and the Alliance of Genome Resources
Authors: Engel Stacia R. , Wong Edith D. , Nash Robert S. , Aleksander Suzi , Alexander Micheal , Douglass Eric , Karra Kalpana , Miyasato Stuart R. , Simison Matt , Skrzypek Marek S. , Weng Shuai , Cherry J. Michael 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis used to provide fundamental understanding of eukaryotic genetics, gene product function, and cellular biological processes.SaccharomycesGenome Database (SGD) has been supporting the yeast research community since 1993, serving as its de facto hub. Over the years, SGD has maintained the genetic nomenclature, chromosome maps, and functional annotation, and developed various tools and methods for analysis and curation of a variety of emerging data types. More recently, SGD and six other model organism focused knowledgebases have come together to create the Alliance of Genome Resources to develop sustainable genome information resources that promote and support the use of various model organisms to understand the genetic and genomic bases of human biology and disease. Here we describe recent activities at SGD, including the latest reference genome annotation update, the development of a curation system for mutant alleles, and new pages addressing homology across model organisms as well as the use of yeast to study human disease.
Deconstructing Gastrulation at the Single Cell Level
Authors: Stern Tomer , Streichan Sebastian J. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y. , Wieschaus Eric F. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryGastrulation movements in all animal embryos start with regulated deformations of patterned epithelial sheets. Current studies of gastrulation use a wide range of model organisms and emphasize either large-scale tissue processes or dynamics of individual cells and cell groups 1,2,11–13,3–10. Here we take a step towards bridging these complementary strategies and deconstruct early stages of gastrulation in the entire Drosophila embryo, where transcriptional patterns in the blastoderm give rise to region-specific cell behaviors. Our approach relies on an integrated computational framework for cell segmentation and tracking and on efficient algorithms for event detection. Our results reveal how thousands of cell shape changes, divisions, and intercalations drive large-scale deformations of the patterned blastoderm, setting the stage for systems-level dissection of a pivotal step in animal development.
Programmed cell death recruits macrophages into the developing mouse cochlea
Authors: Borse Vikrant , Kaur Tejbeer , Hinton Ashley , Ohlemiller Kevin , Warchol Mark E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractProgrammed cell death (PCD) plays a critical role in the development and maturation of the cochlea. Significant remodeling occurs among cells of the greater epithelial ridge (GER) of Kölliker’s organ, leading to tissue regression and formation of the inner sulcus. In mice, this event normally occurs between postnatal days 5-15 (P5-15) and is regulated by thyroid hormone (T3). During this developmental time period, the cochlea also contains a large population of macrophages. Macrophages are frequently involved in the phagocytic clearance of dead cells, both during development and after injury, but the role of macrophages in the developing cochlea is unknown. This study examined the link between developmental cell death in the GER and the recruitment of macrophages into this region. Cell death in the basal GER begins at P5 and enhanced numbers of macrophages were observed at P7. This pattern of macrophage recruitment was unchanged in mice that were genetically deficient for CX3CR1, the receptor for fractalkine (a known macrophage chemoattractant). We found that injection of T3 at P0 and P1 caused GER cell death to begin at P3, and this premature PCD was accompanied by earlier recruitment of macrophages. We further found that depletion of macrophages from the developing cochlea (using CX3CR1DTR/+ mice and treatment with the CSF1R antagonist BLZ945) had no effects on the pattern of GER regression. Together, these findings suggest that macrophages are recruited into the GER region after initiation of developmental PCD, but that they are not essential for GER regression during cochlear remodeling.
Lactobacillus rhamnosusreduces the cytotoxic effects of Group B Streptococcus on HeLa cells
Authors: Cajulao Jan Mikhale , Chen Lily 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen found in the vaginal tract and is a leading cause of preterm birth and neonatal illness. Aside from GBS, the vaginal tract is predominantly colonized by commensalLactobacillusspecies that are thought to protect the vaginal tract from pathogens, including GBS. Studies that examined if, and howLactobacillimodulate GBS pathogenicity remain limited. This study sought to investigate the potential protective role ofLactobacillus rhamnosusagainst GBS, using anin vitromodel system. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) captured images of infected HeLa cells and were analyzed using the image analysis program ImageJ. Results indicate that GBS causes HeLa cell detachment unlessL. rhamnosusis present. SEM images show that GBS reduces length and number of microvilli on HeLa cell surface, as well as size of secreted vesicles.L. rhamnosuspartially inhibits GBS-dependent microvilli and vesicle disruption. GBS also disrupts HeLa cell F-actin fibers unlessL. rhamnosusis present. These results reveal effects of GBS infection on the host cell cytoskeleton and implies a protective role ofL. rhamnosusagainst GBS colonization.
Copper(II) Gluconate Boosts the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Effect of Disulfiram In Vitro
Authors: Xu Luyan , Xu Wei , Zhao Simeng , Zhao Suwen , Lu Lu , Lin Bo-Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDisulfiram is a 70-year-old anti-alcoholism drug, while copper(II) gluconate (Cu(Glu)2) is a commonly used food additive or copper supplement. Here we disclose that the combination of disulfiram and copper(II) gluconate drastically enhances the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at the cellular level as compared to disulfiram or copper(II) gluconate alone. A 1:1 mixture of disulfiram and copper(II) gluconate shows an EC50 value of 154 nM against SARS-CoV-2 at the cellular level, much lower than the 17.45 μM reported for disulfiram alone. Notably, previous clinical trials have shown that a combination of 250 mg disulfiram (0.843 mmol) and 8 mg copper(II) gluconate (0.0176 mmol) oral capsules per day is well tolerated (NCT03034135, NCT00742911). A preliminary mechanism is proposed to rationalize the observed promotional effect.