bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactate activates hypothalamic POMC neurons by intercellular signaling
Authors: Órdenes P. , Villar P. S. , Tarifeño-Saldivia E. , Salgado M. , Elizondo-Vega R. , Araneda Ricardo C. , García-Robles María A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPrevious studies indicate that the activity of hypothalamic POMC neurons can be regulated by glucose via intracellular mechanisms, but its regulation by lactate is poorly understood. In addition to its energetic role, lactate acts as a signaling molecule. In this study, we evaluated the function and location of the lactate receptor, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1). We used a conditional genetic approach to label POMC neurons and evaluated their sensitivity to lactate using patch-clamp recordings. l-Lactate and 3-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (3Cl-HBA), HCAR1 specific agonist depolarized POMC neurons and the increase in excitability was abolished by pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating the involvement of Gαi/o-protein-coupled receptors. In addition, the depolarization of a subset of POMC neurons was sensitive to α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN), a lactate transporter blocker, suggesting that the depolarization induced by l-lactate can also occur by direct intracellular action. Surprisingly, HCAR1 was not detected in POMC neurons, but instead localized in astrocytes. These results suggest a new lactate-mediated mechanism for astrocyte-neuron intercellular communication.
Local activation of α2 adrenergic receptors is required for vagus nerve stimulation induced motor cortical plasticity
Authors: Tseng Ching-Tzu , Gaulding Solomon J. , Dancel Canice Lei E. , Thorn Catherine A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation training is emerging as a potential treatment for improving recovery of motor function following stroke. In rats, VNS paired with skilled forelimb training results in significant reorganization of the somatotopic cortical motor map; however, the mechanisms underlying this form of VNS-dependent plasticity remain unclear. Recent studies have shown that VNS-driven cortical plasticity is dependent on noradrenergic innervation of the neocortex. In the central nervous system, noradrenergic α2 receptors (α2-ARs) are widely expressed in the motor cortex and have been critically implicated in synaptic communication and plasticity. In current study, we examined whether activation of cortical α2-ARs is necessary for VNS-driven motor cortical reorganization to occur. Consistent with previous studies, we found that VNS paired with motor training enlarges the map representation of task-relevant musculature in the motor cortex. Infusion of α2-AR antagonists into M1 blocked VNS-driven motor map reorganization from occurring. Our results suggest that local α2-AR activation is required for VNS-induced cortical reorganization to occur, providing insight into the mechanisms that may underlie the neuroplastic effects of VNS therapy.
Analysis of the effectiveness of face-coverings on the death ratio of COVID-19 using machine learning
Authors: Lafzi Ali , Boodaghi Miad , Zamani Siavash , Mohammadshafie Niyousha , Hasti Veeraraghava Raju 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe recent outbreak of the COVID-19 led to death of millions of people worldwide. To stave off the spread of the virus, the authorities in the US employed different strategies, including the mask mandate order issued by the states’ governors. In the current work, we defined a parameter called average death ratio as the monthly average of the number of daily deaths to the monthly average number of daily cases. We utilized survey data to quantify people’s abidance by the mask mandate order. Additionally, we implicitly addressed the extent to which people abide by the mask mandate order, which may depend on some parameters such as population, income, and education level. Using different machine learning classification algorithms, we investigated how the decrease or increase in death ratio for the counties in the US West Coast correlates with the input parameters. The results showed that for the majority of counties, the mask mandate order decreased the death ratio, reflecting the effectiveness of such a preventive measure on the West Coast. Additionally, the changes in the death ratio demonstrated a noticeable correlation with the socio-economic condition of each county. Moreover, the results showed a promising classification accuracy score as high as 90%.
Assessing short-term risk of ischemic stroke in relation to all prescribed medications
Authors: Janszky Imre , Vardaxis Ioannis , Lindqvist Bo Henry , Horn Jens Wilhelm , Brumpton Ben Michael , Strand Linn Beate , Bakken Inger Johanne , Alsnes Ingvild Vatten , Romundstad Pål Richard , Ljung Rickard , Mukamal Kenneth Jay , Sen Abhijit 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe examined the short-term risk of stroke associated with drugs prescribed in Norway or Sweden in a comprehensive, hypothesis-free manner using comprehensive nation-wide data. We identified 27,680 and 92,561 cases with a first ischemic stroke via the patient- and the cause-of-death registers in Norway (2004–2014) and Sweden (2005–2014), respectively, and linked these data to prescription databases. A case-crossover design was used that compares the drugs dispensed within 1 to 14 days before the date of ischemic stroke occurrence with those dispensed 29 to 42 days before the index event. A Bolasso approach, a version of the Lasso regression algorithm, was used to select drugs that acutely either increase or decrease the apparent risk of ischemic stroke. Application of the Bolasso regression algorithm selected 19 drugs which were associated with increased risk for ischemic stroke and 11 drugs with decreased risk in both countries. Morphine in combination with antispasmodics was associated with a particularly high risk of stroke (odds ratio 7.09, 95% confidence intervals 4.81–10.47). Several potentially intriguing associations, both within and across pharmacological classes, merit further investigation in focused, follow-up studies.
The hump-shaped effect of plant functional diversity on the biological control of a multi-species pest community
Authors: Gardarin Antoine , Pigot Justine , Valantin-Morison Muriel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPlant taxonomic and functional diversity promotes interactions at higher trophic levels, but the contribution of functional diversity effects to multitrophic interactions and ecosystem functioning remains unclear. We investigated this relationship in a factorial field experiment comparing the effect of contrasting plant communities on parasitism rates in five herbivore species. We used a mechanistic trait-matching approach between plant and parasitoids to determine the amount of nectar available and accessible to parasitoids. This trait-matching approach best explained the rates of parasitism of each herbivorous species, confirming the predominant role of mass-ratio effects. We found evidence for an effect of functional diversity only in analyses considering the ability of plant communities to support the parasitism of all herbivores simultaneously. Multi-species parasitism was maximal at intermediate levels of functional diversity. Plant specific richness had a negligible influence relative to functional metrics. Plant communities providing large amounts of accessible nectar and with intermediate levels of functional diversity were found to be the most likely to enhance the conservation biological control of diverse crop herbivores.
Tryptophan-enriched diet or 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation given in a randomized controlled trial impacts social cognition on a neural and behavioral level
Authors: Zamoscik V. , Schmidt S. N. L. , Bravo R. , Ugartemendia L. , Plieger T. , Rodríguez A. B. , Reuter M. , Kirsch P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUnderstanding of emotions and intentions are key processes in social cognition at which serotonin is an important neuromodulator. Its precursor is the essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP). Reduced TRP availability leads to weaker impulse control ability and higher aggression, while TRP supplementation promotes confidence. In a double-blind placebo-controlled fMRI study with 77 healthy adults, we investigated the influence of a 4 week TRP enriched diet and an acute 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) intake on two social-cognitive tasks, a moral evaluation and an emotion recognition task. With 5-HTP, immoral behavior without negative consequences was rated as more reprehensible. Additionally, during story reading, activation in insula and supramarginal gyrus was increased after TRP intake. No significant effects of TRP on emotion recognition were identified for the whole sample. Importantly, emotion recognition ability decreased with age which was for positive emotions compensated by TRP. Since the supramarginal gyrus is associated with empathy, pain and related information integration results could be interpreted as reflecting stricter evaluation of negative behavior due to better integration of information. Improved recognition of positive emotions with TRP in older participants supports the use of a TRP-rich diet to compensate for age related decline in social-cognitive processes.
The association of widowhood and living alone with depression among older adults in India
Authors: Srivastava Shobhit , Debnath Paramita , Shri Neha , Muhammad T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWidowhood is a catastrophic event at any stage of life for the surviving partner particularly in old age, with serious repercussions on their physical, economic, and emotional well-being. This study investigates the association of marital status and living arrangement with depression among older adults. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the effects of factors such as socio-economic conditions and other health problems contributing to the risk of depression among older adults in India. This study utilizes data from the nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-2017–18). The effective sample size was 30,639 older adults aged 60 years and above. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis have been performed to determine the prevalence of depression. Further, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to study the association between marital status and living arrangement on depression among older adults in India. Overall, around nine percent of the older adults suffered from depression. 10.3% of the widowed (currently married: 7.8%) and 13.6% of the older adults who were living alone suffered from depression. Further, 8.4% of the respondents who were co-residing with someone were suffering from depression. Widowed older adults were 34% more likely to be depressed than currently married counterparts [AOR: 1.34, CI 1.2–1.49]. Similarly, respondents who lived alone were 16% more likely to be depressed compared to their counterparts [AOR: 1.16; CI 1.02, 1.40]. Older adults who were widowed and living alone were 56% more likely to suffer from depression [AOR: 1.56; CI 1.28, 1.91] in reference to older adults who were currently married and co-residing. The study shows vulnerability of widowed older adults who are living alone and among those who had lack of socio-economic resources and face poor health status. The study can be used to target outreach programs and service delivery for the older adults who are living alone or widowed and suffering from depression.
Carboxyl-richness controls organic carbon preservation during coprecipitation with iron (oxyhydr)oxides in the natural environment
Authors: Curti Lisa , Moore Oliver W. , Babakhani Peyman , Xiao Ke-Qing , Woulds Clare , Bray Andrew W. , Fisher Ben J. , Kazemian Majid , Kaulich Burkhard , Peacock Caroline L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe coprecipitation of organic carbon with iron minerals is important for its preservation in soils and sediments, but the mechanisms for carbon-iron interactions and thus the controls on organic carbon cycling are far from understood. Here we coprecipitate carboxylic acids with iron (oxyhydr)oxide ferrihydrite and use near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and wet chemical treatments to determine the relationship between sequestration mechanism and organic carbon stability against its release and chemical oxidative remineralisation. We show that organic carbon sequestration, stabilisation and persistence increase with an increasing number of carboxyl functional groups. We suggest that carboxyl-richness provides an important control on organic carbon preservation in the natural environment. Our work offers a mechanistic basis for understanding the stability and persistence of organic carbon in soils and sediments, which might be used to develop an overarching relationship between organic functional group-richness, mineral interactions and organic carbon preservation in the Earth system.
Thermo-enhanced photocatalytic oxidation of amines to imines over MIL-125-NH2@Ag@COF hybrids under visible light
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Zhang Kaiyue , Huang Xiubing , Wu Zhenyu , Zhao Danfeng , Wang Ge 
Published: November 2021

MIL-125-NH–CH2OH@Ag@COF is constructed by an in situ auto-reduction strategy and subsequent coating with a COF. The conversion of benzylamine at 60 °C is nearly twice as high as that at 20 °C under visible light irradiation.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Course Design and Features: A Survey of Expert Faculty and Instructors
Authors: Sauerwein Allison M. , Burris Mackenzie M. 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
Multiple surveys have been used to investigate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) coursework offered in speech-language pathology programs in the last 3 decades. These studies primarily explored the availability of AAC courses and reported a limited number of course characteristics. Because few studies to date have specifically examined the AAC course design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the design and features of AAC coursework, such as learning objectives, course content, assignments, and readings and resources, currently taught in the United States.

Method:
An online survey was developed and distributed to faculty or instructors with AAC expertise associated with 265 speech-language pathology programs in the United States. A total of 64 surveys were completed for a response rate of 24.2% (64/265). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to evaluate the survey data.

Results:
Patterns are reported related to a number of course design elements and features, including enrollment, course delivery, learning objectives, content, case-based instruction, assignments, in-class activities, and readings and resources.

Conclusions:
This study reports the design and features of AAC courses presently taught by faculty and instructor experts in the United States. The results have direct implications for faculty and instructors who teach AAC coursework and provide state-of-the-art information needed for continuous improvement of AAC preservice education. Resources and considerations are provided for scholarly teaching and evidence-based education.
Black Older Americans Have Lower Prevalence of Hearing Loss Than Their White Peers: Findings From Two Large Nationally Representative Surveys
Authors: Deng ZhiDi , Agbeyaka Senyo , Fuller-Thomson Esme 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate Black–White differences associated with hearing loss among older adults living in the United States.

Method:
Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) with a replication analysis of the 2016 ACS. The ACS is an annual nationally representative survey of Americans living in community settings and institutions. The sample size of older Americans (age 65+ years) in 2017 was 467,789 non–Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and 45,105 non–Hispanic Blacks (NHBs). In the 2016 ACS, there were 459,692 NHW and 45,990 NHB respondents. Measures of hearing loss, age, race/ethnicity, education level, and household income were based on self-report. Data were weighted to adjust for nonresponse and differential selection probabilities.

Results:

The prevalence of hearing loss was markedly higher among older NHWs (15.4% in both surveys) in comparison with NHBs (9.0% in 2017 and 9.4% in 2016, both ethnic differences
p
< .001). In the 2017 ACS, the age- and sex-adjusted odds of hearing loss were 69% higher for NHWs compared with NHBs, which increased to 91% higher odds when household income and education level were also taken into account (
OR
= 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.85, 1.97]). Findings from the 2016 ACS were very similar (e.g., 65+ fully adjusted
OR
= 1.81; 95% CI [1.76, 1.87]).

Conclusions:
NHWs have a much higher prevalence and almost double the odds of hearing loss compared with NHBs. Unfortunately, the ACS survey does not allow us to explore potential causal mechanisms behind this association.
Validation of an Acoustic-Based Framework of Speech Motor Control: Assessing Criterion and Construct Validity Using Kinematic and Perceptual Measures
Authors: Rowe Hannah P. , Stipancic Kaila L. , Lammert Adam C. , Green Jordan R. 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
This study investigated the criterion (analytical and clinical) and construct (divergent) validity of a novel, acoustic-based framework composed of five key components of motor control: Coordination, Consistency, Speed, Precision, and Rate.

Method:
Acoustic and kinematic analyses were performed on audio recordings from 22 subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during a sequential motion rate task. Perceptual analyses were completed by two licensed speech-language pathologists, who rated each subject's speech on the five framework components and their overall severity. Analytical and clinical validity were assessed by comparing performance on the acoustic features to their kinematic correlates and to clinician ratings of the five components, respectively. Divergent validity of the acoustic-based framework was then assessed by comparing performance on each pair of acoustic features to determine whether the features represent distinct articulatory constructs. Bivariate correlations and partial correlations with severity as a covariate were conducted for each comparison.

Results:
Results revealed moderate-to-strong analytical validity for every acoustic feature, both with and without controlling for severity, and moderate-to-strong clinical validity for all acoustic features except Coordination, without controlling for severity. When severity was included as a covariate, the strong associations for Speed and Precision became weak. Divergent validity was supported by weak-to-moderate pairwise associations between all acoustic features except Speed (second-formant [F2] slope of consonant transition) and Precision (between-consonant variability in F2 slope).

Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that the acoustic-based framework has potential as an objective, valid, and clinically useful tool for profiling articulatory deficits in individuals with speech motor disorders. The findings also suggest that compared to clinician ratings, instrumental measures are more sensitive to subtle differences in articulatory function. With further research, this framework could provide more accurate and reliable characterizations of articulatory impairment, which may eventually increase clinical confidence in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with different articulatory phenotypes.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Automation in the Fields of Gynaecology and Obstetrics – an Assessment of the State of Play
Authors: Weichert Jan , Welp Amrei , Scharf Jann Lennard , Dracopoulos Christoph , Becker Wolf-Henning , Gembicki Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe long-awaited progress in digitalisation is generating huge amounts of medical data every day, and manual analysis and targeted, patient-oriented evaluation of this data is becoming increasingly difficult or even infeasible. This state of affairs and the associated, increasingly complex requirements for individualised precision medicine underline the need for modern software solutions and algorithms across the entire healthcare system. The utilisation of state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in almost all areas of medicine over the past few years has now indeed enabled automation processes to enter – at least in part – into routine clinical practice. Such systems utilise a wide variety of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the majority of which have been developed to optimise medical image reconstruction, noise reduction, quality assurance, triage, segmentation, computer-aided detection and classification and, as an emerging field of research, radiogenomics.
Tasks handled by AI are completed significantly faster and more precisely, clearly demonstrated by now in the annual findings of the ImageNet Large-Scale Visual Recognition Challenge (ILSVCR), first conducted in 2015, with error rates well below those of humans. This review article will discuss the potential capabilities and currently available applications of AI in gynaecological-obstetric diagnostics. The article will focus, in particular, on automated techniques in prenatal sonographic diagnostics.
Effects of Prenatal Electronic Cigarette Exposure On Foetal Development: a Review of the Literature
Authors: Römer Pia , Putzer Amanda Goméz , Kemmerich Robin , Mathes Birgit 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSince their market launch in 2007, e-cigarettes gained popularity and were considered a relatively safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age in particular are increasingly turning to e-cigarettes. Little is known about the effects of prenatal exposure on the affected foetus. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current research on the effects of prenatal e-cigarette exposure on the foetus. Since studies in humans are lacking to date, this review refers only to animal and in vitro analyses. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were used for an extensive literature search. The search yielded N = 17 significant research papers. Possible sequelae resulting from prenatal exposure to traditional cigarettes were also seen in prenatal exposure to e-cigarettes. Prenatal e-cigarette exposure was found to be associated with increased DNA methylation overall, resulting in lower gene expression. This could adversely impact
the development of affected children, especially in case of those genes relevant to their development. In mice, for example, this greatly reduced the cell vitality of neural and stem cells and increased cell death. Further, prenatal exposure to e-cigarettes resulted in numerous developmental disorders, such as malformations of facial morphology and lower birth weight. Moreover, in animal models the animals suffered from a deterioration of their short-term memory. Activity and cognitive flexibility increased, while anxiety behaviour decreased. It is clear that more research and especially studies of humans are needed on this issue. In addition, there is a need for more intense education of prenatal care professionals as well as women of childbearing age and during pregnancy.