bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep and APOE‐ε4 have a synergistic effect on plasma biomarkers and longitudinal cognitive decline in older adults
Authors: Yu Xianfeng , Zhou Xia , He Zhengbo , He Beiqi , Wan Ke , Wei Min , Guo Tengfei , Han Ying 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSleep disorders are prevalent among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the APOE ε4 genotype is a key genetic risk factor for sporadic AD. However, the combined effect of the genotype and sleep disorders on cognitive decline remains uncertain.MethodsA total of 972 participants were drawn from the SILCODE cohort, comprising 655 without the ε4 allele (APOE−) and 317 with ε4 allele (APOE+). Data were collected, including neuropsychological assessments, sleep measurements, plasma biomarkers, and PET imaging. A Sleep Composite Index (SCI) was created, categorizing participants into high risk (Sleep+) and low risk (Sleep−).ResultsSignificant predictions of dementia risk associated with plasma p‐tau181, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and SCI. Individuals with both Sleep+ and APOE+ had a higher risk of dementia compared to those with Sleep‐. The Sleep+/APOE+ group had higher plasma NfL levels than the Sleep−/APOE− group. Similar trends emerged in plasma NfL levels among the Aβ PET‐positive subgroup. Plasma NfL levels explained 23% of the relationship between SCI and cognitive impairment.ConclusionOur study highlights sleep disorder was associated with cognitive decline, with plasma NfL playing a partial mediating role. These findings explain how sleep disorders affect cognitive function and emphasize the importance of healthy sleep for older adults.
Citrate synthase lysine K215 hypoacetylation contributes to microglial citrate accumulation and pro‐inflammatory functions after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhang Fengchen , Lv Tao , Li Jie , Lian Jie , Wu Hui , Jin Yichao , Jia Feng , Zhang Xiaohua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between microglial metabolism and neuroinflammation by examining the impact of citrate accumulation in microglia and its potential regulation through Cs K215 hypoacetylation.MethodsExperimental approaches included assessing Cs enzyme activity through Cs K215Q mutation and investigating the inhibitory effects of hesperidin, a natural flavanone glycoside, on citrate synthase. Microglial phagocytosis and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were also examined in relation to Cs K215Q mutation and hesperidin treatment.ResultsCs K215Q mutation and hesperidin exhibited significant inhibitory effects on Cs enzyme activity, microglial citrate accumulation, phagocytosis, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, Sirt3 knockdown aggravated microglial pro‐inflammatory functions during neuroinflammation, despite its proven role in Cs deacetylation.ConclusionCs K215Q mutation and hesperidin effectively inhibited microglial pro‐inflammatory functions without reversing the metabolic reprogramming. These findings suggest that targeting Cs K215 hypoacetylation and utilizing hesperidin may hold promise for modulating neuroinflammation in microglia.
Polysomnographic features associated with clonazepam and melatonin treatment in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: Time for new therapeutic approaches?
Authors: Mogavero Maria P. , Ferri Raffaele , Marelli Sara , Lanza Giuseppe , Terzaghi Michele , Castelnuovo Alessandra , DelRosso Lourdes M. , Schenck Carlos H. , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsAlthough clonazepam (CLO) and melatonin (MLT) are the most frequently used treatments for REM sleep behavior disorder, the polysomnographic features associated with their use are little known. The aim of this study was to evaluate polysomnographic and clinical parameters of patients with idiopathic/isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) treated chronically with CLO, sustained‐release MLT, alone or in combination, and in a group of drug‐free iRBD patients.MethodsA total of 96 patients were enrolled: 43 drug‐free, 21 with CLO (0.5–2 mg), 20 with sustained‐release MLT (1–4 mg), and 12 taking a combination of them (same doses). Clinical variables and polysomnography were collected.ResultsAlthough clinical improvement was reported in all groups, MLT impacted sleep architecture more than the other treatments, with significant and large increase in N3 stage, moderate reduction in N2 and REM sleep, and moderate increase in REM latency. CLO moderately increased the percentage of both REM sleep and especially N2, while reducing N1 and wakefulness. Patients treated with both CLO and MLT did not show major changes in sleep architecture.ConclusionThese results suggest that the administration of MLT or CLO impacts (positively) on sleep parameters of iRBD patients. However, there is a need to better stratify patients, in order to treat them in a targeted manner, depending on the patient's individual sleep architecture and expected differential effects of these agents.
Comparable dynamic cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling of the posterior cerebral artery between healthy men and women
Authors: Chen Hongxiu , Cui Liuping , Chen Songwei , Liu Ran , Pan Xijuan , Zhou Fubo , Xing Yingqi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsMost studies focus on dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and few studies investigated neurovascular coupling (NVC) and dCA in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). We investigated NVC and dCA of the PCA in healthy volunteers to identify sex differences.MethodsThirty men and 30 age‐matched women completed dCA and NCV assessments. The cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and mean arterial pressure were evaluated using transcranial Doppler ultrasound and a servo‐controlled plethysmograph, respectively. The dCA parameters were analyzed using transfer function analysis. The NCV was evaluated by eyes‐open and eyes‐closed (24 s each) periodically based on voice prompts. The eyes‐open visual stimulation comprised silent reading of Beijing‐related tourist information.ResultsThe PCA gain was lower than that of the MCA in all frequency ranges (all p < 0.05). Phase was consistent across the cerebrovascular territories. The cerebrovascular conductance index (CVCi) and mean CBFV (MV) of the PCA were significantly higher during the eyes‐open than eyes‐closed period (CVCi: 0.50 ± 0.12 vs. 0.38 ± 0.10; MV: 42.89 ± 8.49 vs. 32.98 ± 7.25, both p < 0.001). The PCA dCA and NVC were similar between the sexes.ConclusionWe assessed two major mechanisms that maintain cerebral hemodynamic stability in healthy men and women. The visual stimulation‐evoked CBFV of the PCA was significantly increased compared to that during rest, confirming the activation of NVC. Men and women have similar functions in PCA dCA and NCV.
Aberrant microstructural integrity of white matter in mild and severe orthostatic hypotension: A NODDI study
Authors: Cheng Yingzhe , Lin Lin , Jiang Shaofan , Huang Peilin , Zhang Jiejun , Xin Jiawei , Xu Haibin , Wang Yanping , Pan Xiaodong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveScarce evidence is available to elucidate the association between the abnormal microstructure of white matter (WM) and cognitive performance in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH). This study investigated the microstructural integrity of WM in patients with mild OH (MOH) and severe OH (SOH) and evaluated the association of abnormal WM microstructure with the broad cognitive domains and cognition‐related plasma biomarkers.MethodsOur study included 72 non‐OH (NOH), 17 MOH, and 11 SOH participants. Across the groups, the WM integrity was analyzed by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and differences in WM microstructure were evaluated by nonparametric tests and post hoc models. The correlations between WM microstructure and broad cognitive domains and cognition‐related plasma biomarkers were assessed by Spearman's correlation analysis.ResultsThe abnormal WM microstructure was localized to the WM fiber bundles in MOH patients but distributed widely in SOH cohorts (p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the neurite density index of the left cingulate gyrus was negatively associated with amyloid β‐40, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, phospho‐tau181 (p < 0.05) but positively with global cognitive function (MOCA, MMSE, AER‐III), memory, attention, language, language fluency, visuospatial function and amyloid β‐40 / amyloid β‐42 (p < 0.05). Additionally, other abnormal WM microstructures of OH were associated with broad cognitive domains and cognition‐related plasma biomarkers to varying degrees.ConclusionThe findings evidence that abnormal WM microstructures may present themselves as early as in the MOH phase and that these structural abnormalities are associated with cognitive functions and cognition‐related plasma biomarkers.
Investigating odonates' response to climate change in Great Britain: A tale of two strategies
Authors: O'Neill Daisy , Shaffrey Len , Neumann Jessica , Cheffings Chris , Norris Ken , Pettorelli Nathalie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimSpecies are largely thought to maintain broadly static niches over time, an assumption underpinning much theoretical ecology including the implementation of ecological models to project species' current and future distributions. Here, we assess niche conservatism in odonates in Great Britain over the past six decades by simultaneously quantifying changes in species geographic distribution and evaluating temporal trends in species realised climatic niche.LocationGreat Britain.MethodsDistributional changes were assessed by calculating changes in species distribution centres and deriving occupancy trends. Changes in climatic niches were assessed using a principal component analysis to quantify niche overlap, using information on both climate averages and extremes.ResultsWe show that dragonflies and damselflies displayed distinct responses to changing climatic conditions. Dragonflies shifting to higher latitudes maintained, on average, greater consistency in their climatic niches, providing evidence for climate tracking. Greater climate niche flexibility and increased occupancy over time, on the other hand, were more common in damselflies.Main ConclusionsWe unveil evidence for climatic niche divergence in damselflies on a national scale, casting doubt on the relevance of species distribution models for predicting the impacts of climate change on this, and potentially other, groups of species. More broadly, our results call for more multi‐species temporal comparisons of spatial distributions and climate niches during recent periods of changes in climatic conditions to improve our ability to contrast species' vulnerability risk to the ongoing climate crisis.
Impact of disability‐based discrimination in healthcare on parents of children with medical complexity
Authors: Ames Stefanie G. , Delaney Rebecca K. , Delgado‐Corcoran Claudia , Houtrow Amy J. , Alvey Justin , Watt Melissa H. , Murphy Nancy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo qualitatively assess the impact of disability‐based discrimination in healthcare on the parents of children with medical complexity (CMC).MethodIn this qualitative study, we conducted in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with the parents of CMC. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively; constant comparison methods were used to identify themes describing the impact of disability‐based discrimination in pediatric healthcare on the parents of CMC.ResultsThirty participants from 15 US states were interviewed. Four themes were developed regarding the impact of disability‐based discrimination in healthcare on parents. The themes were: (1) discrimination leads to a loss of trust in healthcare providers; (2) discrimination increases the burden of caregiving; (3) discrimination impacts parental well‐being; and (4) racism and poverty‐based discrimination amplifies disability‐based discrimination.InterpretationThe experience of discrimination toward their child results in loss of trust and therapeutic relationship between provider and parent, causes increased burden to the family, and contributes to decreased parental well‐being. These experiences are magnified in minoritized families and in families perceived to have a lower socioeconomic status based on insurance type.
Growing, learning, sharing, and healing through Home Garden Network: A social capital framework
Authors: Eng Sothy , Donoghue Carli , Khun Tricia , Szmodis Whitney 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe study addresses two research inquiries: evaluating the effectiveness of the Home Garden Network (HGN) program in attaining its four intended outcomes (learning, growing, sharing, and healing) as well as exploring the social capital mechanisms in facilitating the four outcomes.BackgroundDrawing from Coleman's social capital theory, the HGN program was developed in response to common issues many families experience: the lack of family leisure time, dietary‐related health issues, and food insecurity.MethodsIndividual interviews were conducted with eight program participants.ResultsThe findings revealed that the program produced the four intended outcomes in which the three forms of social capital (i.e., information channels, reciprocity, and social norms) served as mechanisms that explained the outcomes. Through information channels, participants learned from their network members as well as the program facilitators. Reciprocity is fostered through a system where families take turns assisting each other in growing their gardens, establishing a sense of mutual obligation. Social norms encourage the sharing of produce and plants, reinforcing a collective culture of generosity. Reciprocal relationships further strengthened their interpersonal bonding experiences, providing participants with a sense of group identity and belonging, and hence healing. In addition, families utilize their gardens as a communication starter, establishing social norms of routines and responsibilities that promote family cohesion.ConclusionThe study validates the HGN program in achieving its learning, growing, sharing, and healing objectives.ImplicationsThe program offers implementation opportunities for human services organizations and land‐grant universities, aligning with social policies promoting food security and healthy lifestyles.
Microtubule‐affinity regulating kinase family members distinctively affect tau phosphorylation and promote its toxicity in a Drosophila model
Authors: Sultanakhmetov Grigorii , Kato Iori , Asada Akiko , Saito Taro , Ando Kanae 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAccumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau and its aggregation constitute a significant hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau phosphorylation at Ser262 and Ser356 in the KXGS motifs of microtubule‐binding repeats plays a critical role in its physiological function and AD disease progression. Major tau kinases to phosphorylate tau at Ser262 and Ser356 belong to the Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase family (MARK1‐4), which are considered one of the major contributors to tau abnormalities in AD. However, whether and how each member affects tau toxicity in vivo is unclear. We used transgenic Drosophila as a model to compare the effect on tau‐induced neurodegeneration among MARKs in vivo. MARK4 specifically promotes tau accumulation and Ser396 phosphorylation, which yields more tau toxicity than was caused by other MARKs. Interestingly, MARK1, 2, and 4 increased tau phosphorylation at Ser262 and Ser356, but only MARK4 caused tau accumulation, indicating that these sites alone did not cause pathological tau accumulation. Our results revealed MARKs are different in their effect on tau toxicity, and also in tau phosphorylation at pathological sites other than Ser262 and Ser356. Understanding the implementation of each MARK into neurodegenerative disease helps to develop more target and safety therapies to overcome AD and related tauopathies.
TGFβR1 inhibition drives hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through induction of toll‐like‐receptor signalling
Authors: Mohamed Fatma El Zahraa Ammar , Dewidar Bedair , Lin Tao , Ebert Matthias P. , Dooley Steven , Meindl‐Beinker Nadja M. , Hammad Seddik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTransforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) have been shown to independently modulate the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since a direct cross‐talk between these two signalling pathways in HCC has not been clearly described before, we aimed here to explore the possibility of such interaction. A human HCC tissue array (n = 20 vs. four control samples), human HCC samples (n = 10) and steatohepatitis‐driven murine HCC samples (control, NASH and HCC; n = 6/group) were immunostained for TGFβR1, pSMAD2, TRAF6, IRAK1 and PCNA. The results were confirmed by immunoblotting. Effects of constant activation of the SMAD pathway by constitutive expression of ALK5 or knockdown of mediators of TLR signalling, IRAK1 and MyD88, on HCC proliferation, were investigated in the HCC cell line (HUH‐7) after treatment with TGFβ1 cytokine or TGFβR1 kinase inhibitor (LY2157299) using PCNA and MTS assay. TGFβR1 expression is decreased in human and murine HCC and associated with downregulated pSMAD2, but increased IRAK1, TRAF6 and PCNA staining. TGFβR1 kinase inhibition abolished the cytostatic effects of TGFβ1 and led to the induction of IRAK1, pIRAK1 and elevated mRNA levels of TLR‐9. Overexpression of ALK5 and knockdown of MyD88 or IRAK1 augmented the cytostatic effects of TGFβ1 on HUH‐7. In another epithelial HCC cell line, that is, HepG2, TGFβR1 kinase inhibitor similarly elevated cellular proliferation. There is a balance between the canonical SMAD‐driven tumour‐suppressing arm and the non‐canonical tumour‐promoting arm of TGFβ signalling. Disruption of this balance, by inhibition of the canonical pathway, induces HCC proliferation through TLR signalling.
Effect of temperature on the healing capacity and mechanical properties of Ti2AlC MAX phase ceramics
Authors: Suh Minji , Lee Dong Heon , Sloof Willem G. , Lee Kee Sung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the self‐healing capacity of Titanium Aluminum Carbide (Ti2AlC, MAX phase) was investigated. Bulk coin samples were fabricated to evaluate the self‐healing capacity at different temperatures (1000, 1200, and 1400°C). The extensive self‐healing capacity of Ti2AlC was confirmed on larger quasiplastic damage (diameter ≥1 mm) and radial cracks by covering and filling of oxides such as titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, and aluminum titanate oxide. Although the mechanical properties of Ti2AlC after healing are similar or improved relative to the Ti2AlC before healing at the microscale, some properties of Ti2AlC after introducing larger damage and healing at 1400°C showed reduced values due to excessive oxide formation on the surface. For example, the strength of Ti2AlC healed at 1400°C exhibited 151.4 MPa, which is relative to the original strength of 298.3 MPa. Alternatively, the mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, toughness, and relative modulus of elasticity of Ti2AlC healed at 1000 or 1200°C and were restored to their original strength after healing. These findings suggest that Ti2AlC can be used as a healing agent for high‐temperature applications, such as environmental barrier coating for gas turbine hot‐gas components.
Skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: outcomes from a safety net hospital in Boston
Authors: Sachedina Dilshad , Gibson Frederick , Xia Eric , Walia Anika , Behara Laxmi , Fazelpour Sherwin , Mullins Haley , Francis Jean , Sahni Debjani 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundRenal transplant recipients (RTRs) are prone to skin cancer due to the immunosuppression required to maintain graft function. Existing studies of skin cancer in RTRs focus on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐II, with limited documentation of incidence in skin types III‐VI. This study seeks to better characterize skin cancers in RTRs with skin types III‐VI.Primary aimsCompare the incidence of skin cancer in RTRs of skin types I‐II with skin types III‐VI.Secondary aimsExplore the association between the development of skin cancer and other contributing factors in RTRs of skin types I‐VI.MethodsRetrospective chart review of RTRs at a single institution between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2022. Patients were followed from the date of transplant to the last clinical follow‐up or death. 777 RTRs were included in the study, including 245 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐II and 532 with skin types III‐VI. A total of 48 patients developed NMSCs, 2 patients developed melanoma, and 3 patients developed Kaposi sarcoma.Results and conclusionsThere is a higher incidence of skin cancer in RTRs with Fitzpatrick skin types III‐VI compared to the reported incidence among non‐transplant recipients of the same skin types, but the incidence remains considerably lower compared to RTR of skin types I‐II.
Pleiotropic immunoregulation by growth‐blocking peptide in Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Hu Dongchun , Xu Fuqiang , Gao Zupeng , Chen Kangkang , Guo Wenlong , Wang Zitian , Li Shuzhong , Feng Congjing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInsects rely on their innate immune system to eliminate pathogenic microbes. As a system component, cytokines transmit intercellular signals to control immune responses. Growth‐blocking peptide (GBP) is a member of the stress‐responsive peptide family of cytokines found in several orders of insects, including Drosophila. However, the physiological role of GBP in defence against pathogens is not thoroughly understood. In this study, we explored the functions of GBP in a lepidopteran pest, Ostrinia furnacalis. Injection of recombinant O. furnacalis GBP (OfGBP) precursor (proGBP) and chemically synthesised GBP significantly induced the transcription of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other immunity‐related genes including immune deficiency (IMD) and Dorsal. The level of OfGBP mRNA was upregulated after bacterial infection. Knockdown of OfGBP expression led to a decrease in IMD, Relish, MyD88 and Dorsal mRNA levels. OfGBP induced phenoloxidase activity and affected hemocyte behaviours in O. furnacalis larvae. In summary, GBP is a potent cytokine, effectively regulating AMP synthesis, melanization response and cellular immunity to eliminate invading pathogens.
Assessment of Recycled and Manufactured Adsorptive Materials for Phosphate Removal from Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Drummond Deja , Brink Shannon , Bell Natasha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElevated concentrations of phosphorus (P) and other nutrients common in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent have been shown to contribute to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms, which may lead to fish kills related to aquatic hypoxia. Increased understanding of the negative effects associated with elevated P concentrations have prompted more strict regulation of WWTP effluent in recent years. The use of low‐cost and potentially regenerative adsorptive phosphate filters has the potential to decrease P concentrations in WWTP effluent released to natural waters. This research focuses on assessing the capacities of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), expanded slate, and expanded clay to remove phosphate from P‐amended WWTP effluent. Results from a flow‐through column study indicate that RCA consistently removed an average of 97% of phosphate over 20 weeks of continuous flow at an 8‐hour hydraulic retention time (HRT). Expanded clay removed an average of 63% of introduced phosphate but decreased in removal capacity from 91 to 42% over the 20‐week duration. Sorption data from batch studies were fitted to Langmuir models and RCA was shown to have the highest maximum sorption capacity (6.16 mg P/g), followed by expanded clay (3.65 mg P/g). RCA and expanded clay are promising options for use in passive filters for further reduction of phosphate from WWTP effluent.