bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic association of SLC6A3 (dopamine transporter) gene polymorphisms with personality disorders and substance abuse disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vogiatzoglou Angeliki V. , Kontou Panagiota I. , Bagos Pantelis G. , Braliou Georgia G. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Personality disorders (PD) are characterized by socially dysfunctional behavioral patterns that affect patients and show higher incidence rates within families. Substance abuse disorders (SAD) are exemplified by extensive and prolonged use of substances, including alcohol, nicotine, or illegal drugs. Genetic predisposition for both PD and SAD has been reported to involve gene variants regulating dopaminergic pathways. Yet, discrepancy among reported results necessitates further elucidation of potential hereditary-related risk factors. Because both disorders impose a societal burden, knowledge on the impact of certain genetic backgrounds on these diseases could help develop evidence-based strategies for efficacious treatment approaches.

Materials and methods
In the present study a systematic review was performed, and the association between dopamine transporter gene polymorphism (SLC6A3), particularly rs28363170 entailing a 40-bp variable number tandem repeat, and PD as well as SAD was investigated recruiting meta-analysis approach.

Results
Initial literature search for PD yielded 1577, from which nine fulfilled eligibility criteria to be used in a meta-analysis including 729 cases and 2113 controls. From the 934 studies retrieved for SAD, only 29 articles with 5221 cases and 4822 controls were used for meta-analysis. A statistically significant association was seen between rs28363170 (for the 9-repeat allele) and PD in European populations according to the co-dominant mode of inheritance. For SAD no statistically significant correlation under any mode of inheritance was observed. There was no indication of time-trend phenomena.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate the association of SLC6A3 gene polymorphism with PD, thus underling the need to understand neurobiological mechanisms inherent to the above disorders to guide treatment strategies under the perspective of personalized medicine.
The causal relationship between cathepsins and multiple sclerosis : a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lin Haining , Shi Yuqing , Xiong Huazhong , Wang Dongyi , Wang Shilei , Kang Hailan , Wang ZiXu , Wang Zeyu , Ren Jixiang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurodegenerative disease. Although some evidence indicates the potential involvement of cathepsins in the MS process, the precise nature of this involvement remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether there is a causal relationship between cathepsins and MS.MethodsThis study aimed to examine the relationship between nine cathepsins and MS, incorporating heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses into the study design. The MR study was reported according to the STROBE-MR checklist.ResultsThe MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between cathepsin H and MS (IVW: P=0.036, OR=1.095, 95% CI=1.006-1.192); and an inverse causal relationship between cathepsin E and MS (IVW: P=0.031, OR=1.043, 95% CI=1.004-1.083).ConclusionGenetically predicted risk of developing MS was associated with increased cathepsin H, whereas elevated cathepsin E was associated with developing MS, and their causal relationships were both unidirectional.
Natural weed seed predators reduce crop yield loss due to weeds by 20% in cereal fields
Authors: Muneret Lucile , Carbonne Benjamin , Chauvel Bruno , Dosset Alexandre , Ducourtieux Chantal , Henon Nicolas , Felten Emeline , Laurent Emilien , Matejicek Annick , Petit Sandrine 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhile many herbicide active substances have been banned and weed infestation is a major threat to crop productivity, it is still unknown to what extent natural weed control provided by seed predators can help farmers manage weed communities. We aim to quantify the contribution of seed predators to crop productivity through weed control and to evaluate whether the magnitude of their influence depends on farming systems such as conservation agriculture. We set up 112 seed predator-exclusion cages in 28 cereal fields in France (14 pairs of conservation and conventional agriculture fields), surveyed weed emergence and biomass, measured crop yield and sampled the main seed predators: carabid beetles and rodents. We found that seed predators’ activity reduces the yield loss due to weeds by 20%. By extrapolation, it represents an economic gain of 285€/ha. However, the yield loss remains at 60% below the maximum crop yield potential reached in the absence of weeds. Moreover, conservation agriculture enhances weed control, but this does not translate into increased crop yield. This study demonstrates the tangible importance of considering seed predators for weed control but highlights the need to combine this approach with weed control practices or to substantially redesign cropping systems to enhance the beneficial effects of biodiversity on crop productivity.Significance statementAlthough weed biomass is the main driver of decreasing the crop productivity worldwide and the use of herbicides is massively disparaged, we have not yet quantified the role played by on-farm biodiversity to control weeds. Using an experimental design set up in 28 commercial cereal fields in France, we showed that weed seed predators reduce crop yield loss due to weeds by 20%. By extrapolation, it represents an economic gain of 285€/ha. However, in the absence of any other weed control practices, the yield loss remains at 60% below the maximum crop yield potential reached in the absence of weeds. This study demonstrates the quantitative importance of considering seed predators to design pesticide-free systems.
Sustainable integration of a vertical voluntary medical male circumcision program into routine health services in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods evaluation of a participatory change intervention
Authors: Chung Amanda Marr , Murungu Joseph , Chitapi Precious , Chikodzore Rudo , Case Peter , Gosling Jonathan , Gosling Roly , Xaba Sinokuthemba , Ncube Getrude , Mugurungi Owen , Kunaka Patience , Bertozzi Stefano M. , Feldacker Caryl 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe global health community has recognized the importance of integrating and sustaining health programs and forming equitable partnerships. Corresponding with these objectives, international aid donors are embracing the principle of localization. The Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) in Zimbabwe is a large vertical HIV prevention program primarily funded through development assistance for health. Program stakeholders want to sustainably integrate VMMC into routine health services so that the program will continue to be a cost-effective HIV prevention strategy through 2030. The purpose of this paper is to describe a bottom-up process of sustainably integrating the program into routine health services through an approach that empowers local stakeholders. At the district level, we facilitated changes to accelerate integration and sustainability. To evaluate our intervention, we used a mixed methods design comprising analysis of district-level work plans with qualitative and quantitative indicators, combined with a survey assessing sustainability capacity of the program, administered at midline and endline to district teams. In all five pilot districts we facilitated the transition of VMMC into the government’s district administration, resulting in a locally owned and managed program, while also strengthening individual and team capacity. We observed improvements across all World Health Organization health system building blocks, suggesting that the intervention strengthened the overall health system. The sustainability survey showed a reduction in funding stability but a significant increase in communications, program adaptation, and organizational capacity. Compared to traditional top-down change initiatives, the participatory approach to integration was an effective way of addressing specific VMMC challenges at the district level whilst maintaining management and oversight at provincial and national levels. Other health programs in low- and middle-income countries seeking to integrate and sustain health services at subnational levels should consider this diagonal, bottom-up model to promote local leadership development and health system strengthening.
Riemannian Geometry for the classification of brain states with fNIRS
Authors: Näher Tim , Bastian Lisa , Vorreuther Anna , Fries Pascal , Goebel Rainer , Sorger Bettina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has recently gained momentum as a reliable and accurate tool for assessing brain states. This increase in popularity is due to its robustness to movement, non-invasive nature, portability, and user-friendly application. However, compared to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), fNIRS is less sensitive to deeper brain activity and offers less coverage. Additionally, due to fewer advancements in method development, the performance of fNIRS-based brain-state classification still lags behind more prevalent methods like fMRI.MethodsWe introduce a novel classification approach grounded in Riemannian geometry for the classification of kernel matrices, leveraging the temporal and spatial channel relationships and inherent duality of fNIRS signals—more specifically, oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. For the Riemannian geometry-based models, we compared different kernel matrix estimators and two classifiers: Riemannian Support Vector Classifier and Tangent Space Logistic Regression. These were benchmarked against four models employing traditional feature extraction methods. Our approach was tested in two brain-state classification scenarios based on the same fNIRS dataset: an 8-choice classification, which includes seven established plus an individually selected imagery task, and a 2-choice classification of all possible 28 2-task combinations.ResultsThe novel approach achieved a mean 8-choice classification accuracy of 65%, significantly surpassing the mean accuracy of 42% obtained with traditional methods. Additionally, the best-performing model achieved an average accuracy of 96% for 2-choice classification across all possible 28 task combinations, compared to 78% with traditional models.ConclusionTo our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that the proposed Riemannian geometry-based classification approach is both powerful and viable for fNIRS data, considerably increasing the accuracy in binary and multi-class classification of brain activation patterns.
Learning phenotype associated signature in spatial transcriptomics with PASSAGE
Authors: Guo Chen-Kai , Xia Chen-Rui , Peng Guangdun , Cao Zhi-Jie , Gao Ge 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSpatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) is poised to advance our understanding of cellular organization within complex tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions at unprecedented resolution. Despite the development of numerous computational tools that facilitate the automatic identification of statistically significant intra-/inter-slice patterns (like spatial domains), these methods typically operate in an unsupervised manner, without leveraging sample characteristics like physiological/pathological states. Here we presentPASSAGE(PhenotypeAssociatedSpatialSignatureAnalysis withGraph-basedEmbedding), a rationally-designed deep learning framework for characterizing phenotype-associated signatures across multiple heterogeneous spatial slices effectively. In addition to its outstanding performance in systematic benchmarks, we have demonstrated PASSAGE’s unique capability in identifying sophisticated signatures in multiple real-world datasets. The full package of PASSAGE is available athttps://github.com/gao-lab/PASSAGE.
Bioengineering Fascicle-like Skeletal Muscle Bioactuators via Pluronic-Assisted Co-axial 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Fuentes Judith , Mestre Rafael , Guix Maria , Ghailan Ibtissam , Ruiz-González Noelia , Patiño Tania , Sánchez Samuel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAdvances in 3D bioprinting have opened new possibilities in the development of bioengineered muscle models that mimic the structure and functionality of native tissues. The combination of skeletal muscle tissue and artificial elements promotes diverse innovative solutions of interest in both the biomedical field and the development of biohybrid actuators. However, current bioengineering approaches do not fully recreate the complex fascicle-like hierarchical organization of skeletal muscle, impacting on the muscle maturation process due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients supply in the scaffold inner regions. Here we explored co-axial 3D bioprinting as a strategy towards overcoming this challenge, creating individual/non-fused filaments with controlled thickness that present a fascicle-like organization. Compared to conventional 3D-bioprinting, where cell-laden bioink is disposed by a single syringe, our Pluronic-assisted co-axial 3D-bioprinting system (PACA-3D) creates a physical confinement of the bioink during the extrusion process, effectively obtaining thin and independent printed fibers with controlled shape. Fabrication of skeletal muscle-based actuators with PACA-3D resulted in improved cell differentiation, obtaining stronger bioactuators with increased force output when compared to bioactuators fabricated by conventional 3D bioprinting. The versatility of our technology has been demonstrated using different biomaterials, showing its potential to develop more complex biohybrid tissue-based architectures with improved functionality.
EHZ2 inhibition enhances the activity of platinum chemotherapy in aggressive-variant prostate cancer
Authors: Latarani Maryam , Pucci Perla , Eccleston Mark , Manzo Massimiliano , Gangadharannambiar Priyadarsini , Alborelli Ilaria , Mongiardini Vera , Mahmood Namra , Colombo Mario Paolo , Grimaldi Benedetto , Rigas Sushila , Akamatsu Shusuke , Hawkes Cheryl , Wang Yuzhuo , Jachetti Elena , Crea Francesco 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEZH2 promotes aggressive-variant prostate cancer (AVPC) progressionviahistone H3-Lysine-27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3). We hypothesize that epigenetic reprogrammingviaEZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) improves the efficacy of chemotherapy in AVPC.MethodsWe studied the expression of EZH2 in clinical prostate cancer cohorts (bioinformatics). We determined the effect of EZH2i on both cellular- and cell-free-H3K27me3 levels. We measured effects of carboplatin with/without EZH2i on AVPC cell viability (IC50). We studied how EZH2i modulate gene expression (RNA Seq).ResultsEZH2 was significantly up-regulated in AVPCvsother prostate cancer types. EZH2i reduced both cellular and cell free-H3K27me3 levels. EZH2i significantly reduced carboplatin IC50. EZH2i reduced the expression of DNA repair and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes.Article HighlightsPolycomb-mediated gene silencing promotes prostate cancer progressionAggressive-variant prostate cancers (AVPCs) are characterized by increased activity of the Polycomb-Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2)Here we show that PRC2 inhibitors are scarcely effective as monotherapy in ACPC cellsHowever the combination of PRC2 inhibitors and carboplatin is highly synergisticRNA Seq studies revealed that PRC2 inhibitors enhance carboplatin activity by modulating several key pathways, including DNA repair and apoptosis.
Variation in moment-to-moment brain state engagement changes across development and contributes to individual differences in executive function
Authors: Ye Jean , Tejavibulya Link , Dai Wei , Cope Lora M. , Hardee Jillian E. , Heitzeg Mary M. , Lichenstein Sarah , Yip Sarah W. , Banaschewski Tobias , Baker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L.W. , Brühl Rüdiger , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Gowland Penny , Grigis Antoine , Heinz Andreas , Martinot Jean-Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie-Laure , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Holz Nathalie , Baeuchl Christian , Smolka Michael N. , Vaidya Nilakshi , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Garavan Hugh , Chaarani Bader , Gee Dylan G. , Baskin-Sommers Arielle , Casey BJ ,   IMAGEN consortium, Scheinost Dustin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNeural variability, or variation in brain signals, facilitates dynamic brain responses to ongoing demands. This flexibility is important during development from childhood to young adulthood, a period characterized by rapid changes in experience. However, little is known about how variability in the engagement of recurring brain states changes during development. Such investigations would require the continuous assessment of multiple brain states concurrently. Here, we leverage a new computational framework to study state engagement variability (SEV) during development. A consistent pattern of SEV changing with age was identified across cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets (N>3000). SEV developmental trajectories stabilize around mid-adolescence, with timing varying by sex and brain state. SEV successfully predicts executive function (EF) in youths from an independent dataset. Worse EF is further linked to alterations in SEV development. These converging findings suggest SEV changes over development, allowing individuals to flexibly recruit various brain states to meet evolving needs.
Neural Correlates of the Embodied Sense of Agency
Authors: Regev Krugwasser Amit , van der Goot Reina , Markusfeld Geffen , Zvilichovsky Yair , Salomon Roy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Sense of Agency (SoA) is the subjective experience that ‘I am in control of my actions’. Recent accounts have distinguished two levels in the formation of SoA - early implicit sensorimotor processes (feeling of agency) and later explicit higher-level processes, incorporating one’s thoughts and beliefs (judgment of agency). Even though SoA is fundamental to our interactions with the external world and the construct of the self, its underlying neural mechanism remains elusive. In the current pre-registered electroencephalography (EEG) study, we used time-frequency analysis and Multivariate Pattern Analysis (MVPA) to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics associated with SoA. We used an established embodied virtual reality paradigm in which visual feedback of a movement is modulated to examine the effect of conflicts between the predicted and perceived sensory feedback. Participants moved their finger and were shown a virtual hand that either mimicked their movement or differed anatomically (different finger) or spatially (angular shift), then judged their SoA over the observed movement while their brain activity was recorded. In accordance with our pre-registered hypothesis, we found that a reduction of SoA is associated with decreased attenuation in the alpha frequency band. Increased power in the theta frequency band was also associated with SoA reduction. Importantly, we show that trials containing a sensorimotor alteration vs. trials containing no alteration can reliably be decoded with up to 68% accuracy starting around 200ms after the movement onset. Finally, cross-decoding analyses revealed similar neural patterns for reduced SoA in the anatomical and spatial conditions, starting around 500ms after the movement onset. Together, our results reveal a cortical signature of loss of SoA and provide neural evidence supporting the hypothesis of a two-level formation of SoA - an early domain-specific component, possibly the equivalent of the implicit feeling of agency, and a late domain-general component, possibly the equivalent of the explicit judgment of agency.
Mpox vaccination uptake in a UK community sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) the year following the 2022 Clade IIb mpox outbreak
Authors: Mullen Dolores , Edney Jessica , Phillips Dawn , Wilkie Ruth , Reid David , Lowndes Catherine M , Buitendam Erna , Sinka Katy , Mandal Sema , Mercer Catherine H , Saunders John , Mohammed Hamish , Ogaz Dana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMpox is an infectious disease transmitted through close contact. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is endemic to some countries of West and Central Africa. A multi-country outbreak of mpox occurred in 2022, and the UK experienced rapid community transmission associated with sexual contact, mainly, but not exclusively among networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). In response to the outbreak in the UK, a reactive mpox vaccination programme was targeted to those most at risk. We explore the uptake and course completion of mpox vaccination in GBMSM taking part in an online survey in 2023. Findings from this community sample indicate vaccination uptake in around two-thirds of participants meeting mpox proxy eligibility criteria with high levels of course completion among all and eligible participants that were ever vaccinated. Vaccine non-offer was a barrier to uptake, as nearly a third of those eligible but unvaccinated reported never having received an mpox vaccine offer. Continued targeting of vaccination to GBMSM at highest risk of mpox at SHS, with community-support, will help facilitate equitable uptake of vaccination.
A Qualitative Study on Food Taboos Among Rural Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: Motivators for Adherence and Influencers of Taboo-Breaking Behavior
Authors: Rayna Shahrin Emdad , Khan Fahmida Afroz , Samin Sharraf , Siraj Saiqa , Nizam Saika , Islam Syed Shariful , Khalequzzaman Md. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of cultural practices on maternal health is crucial in addressing the nutritional challenges faced by pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. Despite significant improvements in maternal and child health indicators, food taboos remain prevalent, impacting the nutritional well-being and health outcomes of vulnerable populations. This study explored food taboos and factors related to their adherence or violation, among rural pregnant women in four districts of Bangladesh: Habiganj, Bhola, Rajshahi, and Cumilla. A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 participants through 29 in-depth interviews and 11 focus group discussions. Participants included 21 pregnant women, 23 mothers-in-law, 20 husbands, and 26 healthcare workers. The data were thematically coded and the narrative was analyzed. All participants identified at least one food item restricted by family elders, often based on beliefs about the negative effects of certain foods on pregnancy and the baby’s health. Commonly restricted animal source foods included white carp, trout, duck meat, and mutton, due to fears of convulsions, speech disorders, or undesirable traits in the baby. Raw papayas and pineapples were avoided due to beliefs they could cause miscarriage. Adherence to these taboos was related to the pregnant mother’s preference for vaginal delivery, desire to avoid harm to her child, and profound respect for her elders. Factors enabling the breaking of food taboos included nutritional counseling by health care workers, increased family understanding of maternal nutrition, reduced reinforcement of taboos, and the lack of negative consequences from consuming tabooed foods. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing scientific evidence to challenge food taboos by developing new strategies or updating community-based nutritional counseling programs. Furthermore, including family members and community elders in these efforts is crucial for creating a conducive environment that facilitates dietary changes for pregnant women.