bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of genomic regions escaping epigenetic reprogramming in sheep
Authors: Braz Camila U , Passamonti Matilde Maria , Khatib Hasan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The mammalian genome undergoes two global epigenetic reprogramming events during the establishment of primordial germ cells and in the pre-implantation embryo after fertilization. These events involve the erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation marks. However, imprinted genes and transposable elements (TEs) maintain their DNA methylation signatures to ensure normal embryonic development and genome stability. Despite extensive research in mice and humans, there is limited knowledge regarding environmentally induced epigenetic marks that escape epigenetic reprogramming in other species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the characteristics and locations of genomic regions that evade epigenetic reprogramming in sheep, as well as to explore the biological functions of the genes within these regions. In a previous study, we identified 107 transgenerationally inherited differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) in the F1 and F2 generations in response to a paternal methionine–supplemented diet. These DMCs were found in TEs, non-repetitive regions, and imprinted and non-imprinted genes. Our findings suggest that genomic regions, rather than TEs and imprinted genes, have the propensity to escape reprogramming and serve as potential candidates for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Notably, 34 transgenerational methylated genes influenced by paternal nutrition escaped reprogramming, impacting growth, development, male fertility, cardiac disorders, and neurodevelopment. Intriguingly, among these genes, 21 have been associated with neural development and brain disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and intellectual disability. This suggests a potential genetic overlap between brain and infertility disorders. Overall, our study supports the concept of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of environmentally induced marks in mammals.
Cardiac structure, function, and coronary anatomy 10 years after isolated contemporary adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with low cardiovascular baseline risk
Authors: Krug Pauline , Geets Xavier , Berlière Martine , Duhoux François , Beauloye Christophe , Pasquet Agnès , Vancraeynest David , Pouleur Anne-Catherine , Gerber Bernhard L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
The effects of isolated contemporary low-dose breast cancer (BC) radiotherapy (RT) on the heart remain poorly understood. This study aims to assess the long-term impacts of BC-RT on cardiac structure and function.

Methods and results
Seventy-six women (62 ± 7 years) without history of prior heart disease, who had undergone RT for either first left (n = 36) or right (n = 40) BC, without additional medical oncology therapy apart from hormonal treatment 11 ± 1 years earlier, underwent transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), NT-proBNP, and a 6-min walk test (6MWT). They were compared with 54 age-matched healthy female controls. By CTCA, 68% of BC patients exhibited no or very mild coronary disease, while only 11% had moderate stenosis (50–69%) and 3% had significant stenosis (&gt;70%). Despite slightly reduced regional echocardiographic midventricular strains, BC patients exhibited similar global left and right ventricular volumes, ejection fractions, and global strains by echocardiography and CMR as controls. Mitral E/e′ ratios were slightly higher, and mitral deceleration times were slightly lower, but NT-proBNP was similar to controls. Also, 6MWT was normal. None had late gadolinium enhancement, and extracellular volume fraction was similar in BC (28 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 3, P = 0.15) and controls. No differences were observed relative to dose or side of RT.

Conclusion
Aside from minor alterations of regional strains and diastolic parameters, women who received isolated RT for BC had low prevalence of coronary disease, normal global systolic function, NT-proBNP, and exercise capacity and showed no structural changes by CMR, refuting significant long-term cardiotoxicity in such low-risk patients.
Long-term physical activity time-in-target range in young adults with cardiovascular events in later life
Authors: Huang Zihao , Huang Rihua , Xu Xinghao , Fan Ziyan , Xiong Zhenyu , Liang Qi , Guo Yue , Liao Xinxue , Zhuang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Achieving at least 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is a ‘Class I, A level’ recommendation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, long-term PA is a complex behaviour and varied by lifetime, which was insufficiently reflected by the current studies. This study used time-in-target range (TTR) to measure the long-term PA level during young adulthood and investigated its relationship with cardiovascular events in later life.

Methods and results
Participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study were recruited (n = 2902) and allocated into four groups by PA TTR: &lt;25% (n = 1028), 25 to &lt;50% (n = 444), 50 to &lt;75% (n = 424), 75 to 100% (n = 1006). TTR was estimated with linear interpolation across the first 15 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events. The mean (SD) age after the exposure period was 40.3 (3.6) years. After a median follow-up for an additional 18.9 years, the participants with a TTR of at least 75% had a 40% lower risk of the primary outcome (HR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.95) compared with the lowest TTR group. Each 1-SD increase in TTR was also significantly associated with a 21% decreased risk of the primary outcome (HR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.65–0.97).

Conclusion
Increasing PA is essential in young adulthood. In young adults, maintaining long-term guidelines-recommended PA levels may help to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in later life. Maintaining the guidelines-recommended PA level for at least 75% of time across young adulthood may be preferable.
QTL mapping reveals novel genes and mechanisms underlying variations in H2S production during alcoholic fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: De Guidi Irene , Serre Céline , Noble Jessica , Ortiz-Julien Anne , Blondin Bruno , Legras Jean-Luc 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae requirement for reduced sulfur to synthesize methionine and cysteine during alcoholic fermentation, is mainly fulfilled through the sulfur assimilation pathway. Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces sulfate into sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfide (H2S), whose overproduction is a major issue in winemaking, due to its negative impact on wine aroma. The amount of H2S produced is highly strain-specific and also depends on SO2 concentration, often added to grape must. Applying a bulk segregant analysis to a 96-strain-progeny derived from two strains with different abilities to produce H2S, and comparing allelic frequencies along the genome of pools of segregants producing contrasting H2S quantities, we identified two causative regions involved in H2S production in the presence of SO2. A functional genetic analysis allowed the identification of variants in four genes able to impact H2S formation, viz; ZWF1, ZRT2, SNR2, and YLR125W, and involved in functions and pathways not associated with sulfur metabolism until now. These data point out that, in wine fermentation conditions, redox status, and zinc homeostasis are linked to H2S formation while providing new insights into the regulation of H2S production, and a new vision of the interplay between the sulfur assimilation pathway and cell metabolism.
The chemistry, stability and health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major): a review
Authors: Shu Xipan , Zhang Wenna , Liu Yilong , Ye Xingqian , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian , Cao Yunlin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major), the principal cultivated hawthorn species in China, is rich in phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals are considered essential bioactive ingredients in different organs of cultivated hawthorn, contributing to its health effects. However, there is lack of a comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the chemistry, health effects, and stability of phenolic substances. This review summarizes recent progress in the characterization, classification, and distribution of phenolic compounds in C. pinnatifida var. major, including procyanidins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and others. Importantly, the stability of these compounds was found to be influenced by factors such as the hawthorn development process, postharvest storage, postharvest processing, and the gastrointestinal tract environment. Additionally, the health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn and their underlying mechanisms were discussed. This review provides valuable insights into the utilization of hawthorn resources and the development of the hawthorn industry.
A high-quality reference genome for the common creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus
Authors: Meuser Amanda V , Pitura Amy R , Mandeville Elizabeth G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) is a leuciscid minnow species commonly found in anthropogenically disturbed environments, making it an excellent model organism to study human impacts on aquatic systems. Genomic resources for creek chub and other leuciscid species are currently limited. However, advancements in DNA sequencing now allow us to create genomic resources at a historically low cost. Here, we present a high quality, 239 contig reference genome for the common creek chub, created with PacBio HiFi sequencing. We compared the assembly quality of two pipelines: Pacific Biosciences’ Improved Phase Assembly (873 contigs) and Hifiasm (239 contigs). Quality and completeness of this genome is comparable to the zebrafish (Danioninae) and fathead minnow (Leuciscidae) genomes. The creek chub genome is highly syntenic to the zebrafish and fathead minnow genomes, and while our assembly does not resolve into the expected 25 chromosomes, synteny with zebrafish suggests that each creek chub chromosome is likely represented by 1–4 large contigs in our assembly. This reference genome is a valuable resource that will enhance genomic biodiversity studies of creek chub and other nonmodel leuciscid species common to disturbed environments.
Genealogical Analyses of 3 Cultivated and 1 Wild Specimen of Vitis vinifera from Greece
Authors: Srivastava Rachita , Bazakos Christos , Tsachaki Maroussa , Žanko Danijela , Kalantidis Kriton , Tsiantis Miltos , Laurent Stefan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) has been an important crop with considerable cultural and economic significance for over 2,500 years, and Greece has been an important entry point into Europe for lineages that were domesticated in Western Asia and the Caucasus. However, whole-genome-based investigation of the demographic history of Greek cultivars relative to other European lineages has only started recently. To understand how Greek cultivars relate to Eurasian domesticated and wild populations, we sequenced 3 iconic domesticated strains (‘Xinomavro,’ ‘Agiorgitiko,’ ‘Mavrotragano’) along with 1 wild accession (the vinetree of Pausanias—a historically important wild specimen) and analyzed their genomic diversity together with a large sample of publicly available domesticated and wild strains. We also reconstructed genealogies by leveraging the powerful tsinfer methodology which has not previously been used in this system. We show that cultivated strains from Greece differ genetically from other strains in Europe. Interestingly, all the 3 cultivated Greek strains clustered with cultivated and wild accessions from Transcaucasia, South Asia, and the Levant and are amongst the very few cultivated European strains belonging to this cluster. Furthermore, our results indicate that ‘Xinomavro’ shares close genealogical proximity with European elite cultivars such as ‘Chardonnay,’ ‘Riesling,’ and ‘Gamay’ but not ‘Pinot.’ Therefore, the proximity of ‘Xinomavro’ to Gouais/Heunisch Weiss is confirmed and the utility of ancestral recombination graph reconstruction approaches to study genealogical relationships in crops is highlighted.
Bone morphogenetic protein signaling: the pathway and its regulation
Authors: Akiyama Takuya , Raftery Laurel A , Wharton Kristi A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the mid-1960s, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were first identified in the extracts of bone to have the remarkable ability to induce heterotopic bone. When the Drosophila gene decapentaplegic (dpp) was first identified to share sequence similarity with mammalian BMP2/BMP4 in the late-1980s, it became clear that secreted BMP ligands can mediate processes other than bone formation. Following this discovery, collaborative efforts between Drosophila geneticists and mammalian biochemists made use of the strengths of their respective model systems to identify BMP signaling components and delineate the pathway. The ability to conduct genetic modifier screens in Drosophila with relative ease was critical in identifying the intracellular signal transducers for BMP signaling and the related transforming growth factor-beta/activin signaling pathway. Such screens also revealed a host of genes that encode other core signaling components and regulators of the pathway. In this review, we provide a historical account of this exciting time of gene discovery and discuss how the field has advanced over the past 30 years. We have learned that while the core BMP pathway is quite simple, composed of 3 components (ligand, receptor, and signal transducer), behind the versatility of this pathway lies multiple layers of regulation that ensures precise tissue-specific signaling output. We provide a sampling of these discoveries and highlight many questions that remain to be answered to fully understand the complexity of BMP signaling.
The Impact of Everyday ICT Use on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in China: A Subjective Social Status Perspective
Authors: Mu Aruhan , Hong Ziying , Wu Xiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
While numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of everyday information and communication technology (EICT) use among older adults, emerging evidence signals potential detriments to mental health, particularly among younger demographics. This study aims to examine the effect of EICT on depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. We hypothesize that EICT use among older adults will contribute to higher amounts of depressive symptoms, mediated by a decline in subjective social status.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal mediation analysis with data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a nationally representative survey. A total of 3,234 older adults aged 60 years and older were selected from Wave 2016 (T1), Wave 2018 (T2), and Wave 2020 (T3) of the CFPS. Structural equation modeling was used to construct complete longitudinal path model.

Results
EICT use at T1 predicted a decline in subjective social status at T2 (β = −0.215, p = .001), which in turn predicted higher depressive symptoms at T3 (β = −0.375, p = .005). The mediating effect of subjective social status was statistically supported (indirect effect 0.081, p = .042).

Discussion
We reveal the potential negative impact of EICT use among older adults and its underlying mechanism. It lays the groundwork for the formulation of relevant public health initiatives, critical for stemming and mitigating the burgeoning incidence of depressive symptoms within China’s aging population.
SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULAR RIGOR AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AT AGE 81
Authors: Moorman Sara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A current goal is to identify how and for whom years of educational attainment translate into high cognitive function in later life. Recent work has found effects of school quality factors such as teacher experience and racial integration of schools. In this project, I examine secondary school curriculum. Not only is there variation in curriculum across school districts, but also adolescents within a single secondary school select different courses. Curricular opportunities and selections may change the developing brain in lasting ways, and/or may place the student on a path towards future academic and career opportunities that shape risk and resilience. I hypothesize that a rigorous secondary school curriculum positions students to attend college, which in turn promotes lifelong cognitive health. I tested this hypothesis by estimating multilevel structural equation models in data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), which follows a randomly-selected one-third of all students who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957 (N = 10,317). I created a latent measure of curricular rigor out of participants’ highest secondary school math course and number of semesters of English, science, and foreign language. In 2020 (most participants were age 81), participants completed a phone-based cognitive screening (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified; TICS-m). Net of school-level factors, parental socioeconomic status, and academic achievement, higher curricular rigor predicted higher cognitive function at age 81. Educational attainment significantly mediated this effect, and a significant direct effect also remained. Both educational attainment and curricular rigor are desirable targets for policy interventions.
“AH, A PROGRAM FOR FORMER CAREGIVERS. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! WHY DON’T YOU START SOMETHING?”
Authors: Fairbanks Sheryl , Wolfe Warren , Millenbah Ashley , Frazier Robbin , Baker Zachary 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sheryl Fairbanks and Warren Wolfe had insight into the experiences of bereaved dementia caregivers, having cared for four parents, two of whom had dementia, who all died within 14 months of each other after 12 years of care. After taking some time to grieve and settling an entire generation’s estates, Ms. Fairbanks and Mr. Wolfe sought resources to help them re-engage in life following caregiving. Here they were uniquely qualified to find what resources might exist. Mr. Wolfe had been a newspaper reporter and editor for four decades. Two of these decades were spent covering aging and in 2010 he was a member of the GSA Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. Likewise, Ms. Fairbanks attended GSA in 2015 as a journalist and editor as they contacted experts across the country seeking resources for bereaved dementia caregivers. While many sympathized with the need for such resources, few could be found, and it was suggested that maybe Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Fairbanks ought to create a group to help bereaved dementia caregivers figure out what was next after caregiving. In 2016 they created the Former Dementia Caregiver Re-Entry Initiative, which has helped more than 60 members figure out the next steps for themselves, re-engaging with life after caregiving. They have talked about hundreds of topics, laughed a lot, cried at times, disclosed deep fears, shared small and big discoveries about themselves, and generally have found a firmer footing as they have embarked on this new journey.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE AND DIVIDED ATTENTION ON A SIMULATED DRIVING PERFORMANCE TASK
Authors: Ennis Nicole , Dunleavy Daniel , Kloss Katie , Stetten Nichole , Classen Sherrilene 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Driving is a complex and dynamic task requiring divided attention (DA), awareness of the traffic and surroundings while focusing on critical stimulus. The goal of this project was to examine the relationship between medical marijuana use and divided attention in adults 50 and older during a simulated driving performance task. We recruited adults 50 and older (N=20) pre-exposure to medical marijuana and followed them for the first 3 months of use. Driving performance was examined at baseline (pre-exposure to medical marijuana) and 1-month post medical marijuana exposure During a driving performance identification task that appeared in central or peripheral vision during the simulated drive, DA was assessed as a triangle that appeared on screen at pre-programmed intervals to which participants were required to press a button on the dashboard in response. Results showed that at 1-month post-medical marijuana initiation the 7-day pattern of use could be classified as light, moderate, or heavy. Further, there was a trend of improved performance among medical marijuana users 50 and older with moderate to heavy use having the best performance on the DA. We attribute these findings to the stimulant properties of medical marijuana and improved sleep reported by participants.
USE OF EYE TRACKING TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kennedy Quinn , Chao Linda , Liston Dorion 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Early detection of dementia is key to helping individuals and their families cope. Use of eye tracking technology to measure eye movements could provide an objective and sensitive measure of cognitive impairment (Hodgson et al, 2019; Wang et al, 2020). In this pilot study, we predicted that eye tracking metrics differ between people with diagnosed MCI and those of healthy controls. Eleven veterans (≥ 55 years) being seen at the San Francisco VA Health Care System who either had a confirmed diagnosis of MCI or had subjective memory complaints and scored lower than a 26 on the MoCA participated. Their results were compared to that of a previously collected control sample (n = 41) (Liston et al, 2017). Participants completed a five-minute visual tracking test with 48 trials based on a classic step-ramp visual tracking paradigm that was administered on a PC computer with a camera and eye tracking capability. The visual tracking test yields 10 z-scored eye tracking metrics that are summarized in a single scalar summary score. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were computed and compared to the control sample. The summary score of the MCI group (median: -2.2) differed significantly from the healthy control sample (median: 0.0), which yielded a significant sensitivity of the test to presence or absence of MCI (ROC area = 0.94, p &lt; .001). Although we view the results as preliminary due to the small sample size, results suggest that use of eye tracking technology may be a viable option for MCI detection.