bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurodegenerative Plasma Biomarkers for Prediction of Hippocampal Atrophy in Older Adults with Suspected Alzheimer’s Disease in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ikanga Jean , Jean Kharine , Medina Priscilla , Patel Saranya Sundaram , Schwinne Megan , Epenge Emmanuel , Gikelekele Guy , Tshengele Nathan , Kavugho Immaculee , Mampunza Samuel , Mananga Lelo , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Stringer Anthony , Rojas Julio C. , Chan Brandon , Lario Lago Argentina , Kramer Joel H. , Boxer Adam L. , Jeromin Andreas , Hanseeuw Bernard , Gross Alden L. , Alonso Alvaro 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe hippocampus is one of the first brain structures affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and its atrophy is a strong indicator of the disease. This study investigates the ability of plasma biomarkers of AD and AD-related dementias— amyloid-β (Aβ42/40), phosphorylated tau-181 (p-tau181), neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—to predict hippocampal atrophy in adult individuals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsEighty-five adult individuals (40 healthy and 45 suspected AD) over 65 years old were evaluated using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Questionnaire (AQ). Core AD biomarkers (Aβ42/40 and p-tau181) and non-specific neurodegeneration biomarkers (NfL, GFAP) were measured in blood samples collected at the study visit. Hippocampal volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). General linear regression was used to evaluate differences in biomarker concentrations by neurological status. Logistic regression models were used to create receiver operating characteristic curves and calculate areas under the curve (AUCs) with and without clinical covariates to determine the ability of biomarker concentrations to predict hippocampal atrophy. Plasma biomarkers were used either individually or in combination in the models.ResultsElevated p-tau181 was associated with left hippocampal (LH) atrophy p= 0.020). Only higher p-tau181 concentrations were significantly associated with 4.2-fold increased odds [OR=4.2 (1.5-18.4)] of hippocampal atrophy per standard deviation. The AUC of plasma biomarkers without clinical covariates to discriminate LH, RH, and total hippocampal (TH) or both hippocampi atrophy ranged between 90% to 94%, 76% to 82%, and 85% to 87%, respectively. The AUC of models including clinical covariates and AD biomarkers used in combination to discriminate LH, RH, and TH ranged between 94%-96%, 81%-84%, and 88%-90%, respectively.ConclusionThese results indicate that, consistent with studies in other settings, core AD plasma biomarkers can predict hippocampal atrophy in a population in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Heat stress sensitizes zebrafish embryos to neurological and cardiac toxicity
Authors: Haapanen-Saaristo Anna-Mari , Virtanen Noora , Tcarenkova Elena , Vaparanta Katri , Ampuja Minna , Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka , Paatero Ilkka 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlobal warming increases the risk of dangerous heat waves, which may have deleterious effects on humans and wildlife. Here, we have utilized zebrafish embryos as a model to analyse heat stress and effect of chemical compounds on responses to heat stress. The temperature adaptation limit of zebrafish embryos was 37°C in behavioural test and 38°C in cardiac test. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene completely blocked the behavioural adaptation to heat stress. Interestingly, the cardiotoxic effects of lapatinib, phenanthrene and paclitaxel were induced by heat stress. Taken together, our data indicates that motility and cardiac function of zebrafish embryos can be utilized as a model to analyze modulatory effects of compounds on heat stress.HighlightsZebrafish embryos can be utilized as an in vivo model for acute heat stressPhenanthrene inhibited motility increase upon heat stressCardiotoxicity of lapatinib, paclitaxel and phenanthrene was potentiated by heat stress
Long read sequencing and assembly of wild diploid relatives and cultivars in support of banana breeding programs
Authors: Chen Andrew , Zhou Xuefeng , Decker Keith , Havecker Ericka , Du Zijin , Brown Allan F. , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Trushar Shah , Uwimana Brigitte , Hresko Chelly , Swennen Rony , Lowdon Rebecca F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBanana is an important fruit and staple crop, which is vital for food and income security in developing countries. A genomics initiative was undertaken as part of the Global Alliance against TR4 (Tropical Race 4 of Fusarium Wilt of Banana) Alliance, with Bayer Crop Science, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and University of Queensland to collectively accelerate the breeding efforts in Eastern Africa. The goal of this project is to develop genomics resources to improve banana breeding, productivity, and quality traits amid a changing climate and shifting disease pressures for breeding. Here, we present the PacBio HiFi sequencing, assembly, and comparative analysis of seven genomes of wild and edible diploid banana accessions belonging to subspecies considered important progenitors to cultivated banana varieties and part of breeding programs. This banana genome resource will help power genome editing, a pangenome effort, and conventional breeding programs for germplasm improvement.
Neuronal autophagosomes are transported to astrocytes for degradation
Authors: Linda K. , Schuurmans I.M.E. , Smeenk H. , Vints K. , Negwer M. , Peredo N. , Lewerissa E.I. , Swerts J. , Hoekstra M. , Mordelt A. , Kuenen S. , Gallego S.F. , de Vrij F.M.S , Nadif Kasri N. , Verstreken P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAutophagy is a vital catabolic process responsible for the degradation of cytosolic components, playing a key role in cellular homeostasis and survival. At synapses, autophagy is crucial for regulating neuronal activity and utilizes a specialized machinery. While considerable progress has been made in understanding the initiation of autophagy and autophagosome formation, the mechanisms governing the clearance of autophagosomes from synaptic sites remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a novel pathway in which astrocytes actively participate in the clearance of pre-synaptic autophagosomes. Using neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines expressing fluorescent autophagy markers and chimeric mouse models, we demonstrate that neuronal autophagosomal vesicles are physically transferred to astrocytes, a process that is enhanced when synaptic activity is suppressed. Autophagosome transfer does not require direct physical cellular contact, but it does require Dynamin and cholesterol-dependent endocytosis for the internalized neuronal autophagosomes to ultimately fuse with astrocytic lysosomes. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of neuronal autophagosome clearance that does not require slow axonal retrograde transport but their transfer to nearby astrocytes.
Malaria parasites undergo a rapid and extensive metamorphosis after invasion of the host erythrocyte
Authors: Fréville Aline , Moreira-Leite Flavia , Roussel Camille , Russell Matthew R.G. , Fricot Aurelie , Carret Valentine , Sissoko Abdoulaye , Hayes Matthew J. , Dialo Aissatou Bailo , Kerkhoven Nicole Cristine , Ressurreição Margarida , Dokmak Safi , Blackman Michael J. , Collinson Lucy M. , Buffet Pierre A. , Vaughan Sue , Ndour Papa Alioune , van Ooij Christiaan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTWithin the human host, the symptoms of malaria are caused by the replication of malaria parasites within erythrocytes. Growth inside the erythrocyte exposes the parasites to the normal surveillance of erythrocytes by the host organism, in particular the clearance of erythrocytes in the spleen. Here we show that the malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumundergoes a rapid, multi-step metamorphosis that transforms the invasive merozoite into an amoeboid-shaped cell within minutes after invading erythrocytes. This transformation involves an increase in the parasite surface area and is mediated by factors already present in the merozoite, including the parasite phospholipid transfer protein PV6. Parasites lacking PV6 do not assume an amoeboid form and instead are spherical and have a smaller surface area than amoeboid forms. Furthermore, erythrocytes infected with parasites lacking PV6 undergo a higher loss of surface area upon infection byP. falciparum, which affects the traversal of infected erythrocytes through the spleen. This is the first evidence that after invasion, the parasite undergoes a rapid, complex metamorphosis within the host erythrocyte that promotes survival in the host.
Sex-specific differences in brain activity dynamics of youth with a family history of substance use disorder
Authors: Schilling Louisa , Singleton S Parker , Tozlu Ceren , Hédo Marie , Zhao Qingyu , Pohl Kilian M , Jamison Keith , Kuceyeski Amy 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAn individual’s risk of substance use disorder (SUD) is shaped by a complex interplay of potent biosocial factors. Current neurodevelopmental models posit vulnerability to SUD in youth is due to an overreactive reward system and reduced inhibitory control. Having a family history of SUD is a particularly strong risk factor, yet few studies have explored its impact on brain function and structure prior to substance exposure. Herein, we utilized a network control theory approach to quantify sex-specific differences in brain activity dynamics in youth with and without a family history of SUD, drawn from a large cohort of substance-naïve youth from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. We summarize brain dynamics by calculating transition energy, which probes the ease with which a whole brain, region or network drives the brain towards a specific spatial pattern of activation (i.e., brain state). Our findings reveal that a family history of SUD is associated with alterations in the brain’s dynamics wherein: i) independent of sex, certain regions’ transition energies are higher in those with a family history of SUD and ii) there exist sex-specific differences in SUD family history groups at multiple levels of transition energy (global, network, and regional). Family history-by-sex effects reveal that energetic demand is increased in females with a family history of SUD and decreased in males with a family history of SUD, compared to their same-sex counterparts with no SUD family history. Specifically, we localize these effects to higher energetic demands of the default mode network in females with a family history of SUD and lower energetic demands of attention networks in males with a family history of SUD. These results suggest a family history of SUD may increase reward saliency in males and decrease efficiency of top-down inhibitory control in females. This work could be used to inform personalized intervention strategies that may target differing cognitive mechanisms that predispose individuals to the development of SUD.
Cholinergic signaling differentially regulates song premotor circuits to stabilize songs in songbirds
Authors: Xu Ning , Zhang Yutao , Sun Yalun , Song Xueqing , Cao YangYang , Yang Xinqi , Wang Songhua , Meng Wei 
Published: September 2024

SUMMARYCholinergic modulation plays an important role in motor skill learning, including vocal learning. In songbirds, song premotor nucleus RA simultaneously receives inputs from song nuclei HVC and LMAN, and then its projection neurons (RAPNs) generate song motor control output. Using electrophysiological and pharmacological methods, we found that cholinergic signaling can enhance song stability by reducing HVC-RAPN excitatory synaptic transmission in adult male zebra finches, mediated by mAChRs. Although nAChRs are not effective overall, cholinergic signaling can also decrease LMAN-RAPN excitatory synaptic transmission induced by electrical stimulation via nAChRs, suggesting the potential role of cholinergic regulation in song behavior through LMAN-RA pathway. On the contrary, in adult female zebra finches, only LMAN-RAPN synaptic transmission was reduced by cholinergic signaling via mAChRs. The role of differential cholinergic regulation of song premotor circuits in songbirds’ singing provides insights into the neural processes of motor skill learning.In briefXu et al. reveal a mechanism of cholinergic modulation on songbird singing. They find that cholinergic signaling differentially regulates HVC-RAPN and LMAN-RAPN synaptic transmission via mAChRs and nAChRs respectively to stabilize songs in male zebra finches, while in females, only LMAN-RAPN synaptic transmission is regulated by cholinergic signaling via mAChRs.HighlightsCholinergic signaling regulates HVC-RA pathway of male songbirds by mAChRsCholinergic signaling regulates LMAN-RA pathway of male songbirds by nAChRsCholinergic signaling stabilizes birdsongs in males by mAChRs rather than nAChRsCholinergic signaling merely regulates LMAN-RA pathway in females by mAChRs
A qPCR assay for the detection ofPhytophthora abietivora, an emerging pathogen on fir species cultivated as Christmas trees
Authors: Charron Guillaume , Gauthier Marie-Krystel , van der Heyden Hervé , Bilodeau Guillaume J. , Tanguay Philippe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEmerging species of thePhytophthoragenus are among the most important threats to global plant biodiversity. For instance,Phytophthoraroot rot (PRR) of Christmas trees is responsible for 10% of the observed mortality rate in nurseries. Diagnosis of PRR involves isolation followed by morphological and molecular identification of the causal agents. However, these methods are rarely adapted to larger scale experiments such asin situdetection. For these applications, molecular detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) provides the high-throughput and the fast result generation needed.Phytophthora abietivorawas associated to PRR in firs cultivated as Christmas trees in the province of Québec (Canada). This study focused on developing a sensitive and specific qPCR assay targetingP. abietivoraand validating its efficiency on eDNA samples. A set of primers and probe was designed for this assay, and parameters such as the limit of detection (LoD95%) and limit of quantification (LoQ) were measured. The assay was tested on eDNA obtained from healthy-looking and PRR symptomatic firs. The assay was shown to be semi-specific because it cross-reacted with P. abietivora, and four phylogenetically close species unrelated to fir diseases. The limit of detection (LOD95%) was estimated at 10 copies per reaction (Cqof 35.7). The assay showed reliable detection down to 33P. abietivoraoospores per gram of soil. Out of 488 eDNA samples from soil, 68 tested positive forP. abietivora.While factors such as the tree species, the sampled region or the year of sampling did not affect the proportion of positive results, samples from trees showing PRR-like symptoms had significantly higher odds of testing positive compared to healthy-looking trees. This assay will be useful for rapid diagnostics ofP. abietivorainfected trees and as a prospecting tool to better characterize the natural distribution and dissemination of the disease.
Predictive Coding of Reward in the Hippocampus
Authors: Yaghoubi Mohammad , Nieto-Posadas Andres , Mosser Coralie-Anne , Gisiger Thomas , Wilson Émmanuel , Williams Sylvain , Brandon Mark P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA fundamental objective of the brain is to anticipate future outcomes1–7. This process requires learning the states of the world as well as the transitional relationships between those states. The hippocampal cognitive map is believed to be one such internal model8. However, evidence for predictive coding9–12and reward sensitivity13–19in the hippocampal neuronal representation suggests that its role extends beyond purely spatial representation. In fact, it raises the question of what kind of spatial representation is most useful for learning and maximizing future rewards? Here, we track the evolution of reward representation over weeks as mice learn to solve a cognitively demanding reward-based task. Our findings reveal a highly organized restructuring of hippocampal reward representations during the learning process. Specifically, we found multiple lines of evidence, both at the population and single-cell levels, that hippocampal representation becomes predictive of reward over weeks. Namely, both population-level information about reward and the percentage of reward-tuned neurons decrease over time. At the same time, the representation of the animals’ choice and reward approach period (the period between choice and reward) increased over time. By tracking individual reward cells across sessions, we found that neurons initially tuned for reward shifted their tuning towards choice and reward approach periods, indicating that reward cells backpropagate their tuning to anticipate reward with experience. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of hippocampal representations, highlighting their critical role in learning through the prediction of future outcomes.
LPA3receptors have orthosteric and allosteric binding sites evidenced under docking studies
Authors: Solís K. Helivier , Romero-Ávila M. Teresa , Rincón-Heredia Ruth , Correa-Basurto José , García-Sáinz J. Adolfo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractComparative studies using LPA and the synthetic ligand, oleoyl-methoxy glycerophosphothionate, OMPT, in cells expressing the LPA3receptor revealed differences in these agonists’ action. We observed that the latter agonist exhibits two very different potency values, one in the order of 1-10 nm and the other with 30-100-fold less potency and biased pharmacodynamic behavior. The possibility that more than one site might exist for this ligand in the LPA3receptor was considered. We performed comparative LPA and OMPT docking studies to obtain structural tridimensional details to achieve binding analysis exploring the whole protein. Our study includes blind docking using the unrefined and refined proteins subjected to hot spot predictions, which allowed us to detect that the LPA binding site is preferentially located in the cytoplasmic (orthosteric site) region. In contrast, OMPT displayed an affinity for an additional binding site (allosteric) located in transmembrane and extracellular regions.Docking studies also focused on the alpha carbons from Trp102 and Tyr293, founded as the centers for the hot spot predictions. Docking targeted to Trp102 favored binding both ligands in the transmembrane and extracellular regions. In contrast, docking targeted to Tyr293 also shared interaction sites for both ligands but in the cytoplasmic region. These data suggest that OMPT might exhibit a biotypic behavior, promoting different structural rearrangements, which could explain the observed biased behavior.One-sentence summary:Orthosteric and allosteric agonist binding sites in LPA3receptors
Attention defines the context for implicit sensorimotor adaptation
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Li Jialin , Ivry Richard B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMovement errors are used to continuously recalibrate the sensorimotor map, a process known as sensorimotor adaptation. Here we examined how attention influences this automatic and obligatory learning process. Focusing first on spatial attention, we compared conditions in which the visual feedback that provided information about the movement outcome was either attended or unattended. Surprisingly, this manipulation had no effect on the rate of adaptation. We next used a dual-task methodology to examine the influence of attentional resources on adaptation. Here, again, we found no effect of attention, with the rate of adaptation similar under focused or divided attention conditions. Interestingly, we found that attention modulates adaptation in an indirect manner: Attended stimuli serve as cues that define the context for learning. The rate of adaptation was significantly attenuated when the attended stimulus changed from the end of one trial to the start of the next trial. In contrast, similar changes to unattended stimuli had no impact on adaptation. Together, these results suggest that visual attention defines the cues that establish the context for sensorimotor learning.
Hamiltonian simulation for hyperbolic partial differential equations by scalable quantum circuits
Authors: Sato Yuki , Kondo Ruho , Hamamura Ikko , Onodera Tamiya , Yamamoto Naoki 
Published: September 2024

Solving partial differential equations for extremely large-scale systems within a feasible computation time serves in accelerating engineering developments. Quantum computing algorithms, particularly the Hamiltonian simulations, present a potential and promising approach to achieve this purpose. Actually, there are several oracle-based Hamiltonian simulations with potential quantum speedup, but their detailed implementations and accordingly the detailed computational complexities are all unclear. This paper presents a method that enables us to explicitly implement the quantum circuit for Hamiltonian simulation; the key technique is the explicit gate construction of differential operators contained in the target partial differential equation discretized by the finite difference method. Moreover, we show that the space and time complexities of the constructed circuit are exponentially smaller than those of conventional classical algorithms. We also provide numerical experiments and an experiment on a real device for the wave equation to demonstrate the validity of our proposed method.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sidestepping the heat waves and cold snaps: how does extreme climate influence agricultural labor reallocation in China
Authors: Wei Xiahai , Zeng Chenyu , Wang Yao 
Published: September 2024

PurposeIn the process of making agricultural production decisions in rural households, severe weather conditions, either extreme cold or heat, may squeeze the labor input in the agricultural sector, leading to a reallocation of labor between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. By applying a dataset with a wide latitude range, this study empirically confirms the influence of extreme temperatures on the agricultural labor reallocation, reveal the mechanism of farmers’ adaptive behavioral decision and therefore enriches the research on the impact of climate change on rural labor markets and livelihood strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes data from Chinese meteorological stations and two waves of China Household Income Project to examine the impact and behavioral mechanism of extreme temperatures on rural labor reallocation.Findings(1) Extremely high and low temperatures had led to a reallocation of labor force from agricultural activities to non-farm employment, with a more pronounced effect from extreme high temperature events. (2) Extreme temperatures influence famers’ decision in abandoning farmland and reducing investment in agricultural machinery, thus creating an interconnected impact on labor mobility. (3) The reallocation effect of rural labor induced by extreme temperatures is particularly evident for males, persons that perceives economic hardship or labor in economically active areas.Originality/valueBy applying a dataset with a wide latitude range, this study empirically confirms the influence of extreme temperatures on the agricultural labor reallocation, and reveals the mechanism of farmers’ adaptive behavioral decision and therefore enriches the research on the impact of climate change on rural labor markets and livelihood strategies.