bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural Trajectories of Conceptually Related Events
Authors: Schafer Matthew , Kamilar-Britt Philip , Sahani Vyoma , Bachi Keren , Schiller Daniela 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn a series of conceptually related episodes, meaning arises from the link between these events rather than from each event individually. How does the brain keep track of conceptually related sequences of events (i.e., conceptual trajectories)? In a particular kind of conceptual trajectory—a social relationship—meaning arises from a specific sequence of interactions. To test whether such abstract sequences are neurally tracked, we had participants complete a naturalistic narrative-based social interaction game, during functional magnetic resonance imaging. We modeled the simulated relationships as trajectories through an abstract affiliation and power space. In two independent samples, we found evidence of individual social relationships being tracked with unique sequences of hippocampal states. The neural states corresponded to the accumulated trial-to-trial affiliation and power relations between the participant and each character, such that each relationship’s history was captured by its own neural trajectory. Each relationship had its own sequence of states, and all relationships were embedded within the same manifold. As such, we show that the hippocampus represents social relationships with ordered sequences of low-dimensional neural patterns. The number of distinct clusters of states on this manifold is also related to social function, as measured by the size of real-world social networks. These results suggest that our evolving relationships with others are represented in trajectory-like neural patterns.
Role ofDusp5 KO on Vascular Properties of Middle Cerebral Artery in Rats
Authors: Tang Chengyun , Zhang Huawei , Border Jane J. , Liu Yedan , Fang Xing , Jefferson Joshua R. , Gregory Andrew , Johnson Claire , Lee Tae Jin , Bai Shan , Sharma Ashok , Shin Seung Min , Yu Hongwei , Roman Richard J. , Fan Fan 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTVascular aging influences hemodynamics, elevating risks for vascular diseases and dementia. We recently demonstrated that knockout (KO) ofDusp5enhances cerebral and renal hemodynamics and cognitive function. This improvement correlates with elevated pPKC and pERK1/2 levels in the brain and kidneys. Additionally, we observed thatDusp5KO modulates the passive mechanical properties of cerebral and renal arterioles, associated with increased myogenic tone at low pressure, enhanced distensibility, greater compliance, and reduced stiffness. The present study evaluates the structural and mechanical properties of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) inDusp5KO rats. We found that vascular smooth muscle cell layers and the collagen content in the MCA wall are comparable betweenDusp5KO and control rats. The internal elastic lamina in the MCA ofDusp5KO rats exhibits increased thickness, higher autofluorescence intensity, smaller fenestrae areas, and fewer fenestrations. Despite an enhanced myogenic response and tone of the MCA inDusp5KO rats, other passive mechanical properties, such as wall thickness, cross-sectional area, wall-to-lumen ratio, distensibility, incremental elasticity, circumferential wall stress, and elastic modulus, do not significantly differ between strains. These findings suggest that whileDusp5KO has a limited impact on altering the structural and mechanical properties of MCA, its primary role in ameliorating hemodynamics and cognitive functions is likely attributable to its enzymatic activity on cerebral arterioles. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific enzymatic mechanisms and explore potential clinical applications in the context of vascular aging.
Nanoscale photobiotinylation, pulldown and sequencing of region-specific DNA from intact cells
Authors: Roberts Thomas C. , Kushner Max , Crowley Jack C. , Ozer Abdullah , Wang Juan , Ray Judhajeet , Lis John T. , Zipfel Warren R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFemto-seq is a novel nanoscale optical method that can be used to obtain DNA sequence information from targeted regions around a specific locus or other nuclear regions of interest. Two-photon excitation is used to photobiotinylate femtoliter volumes of chromatin within the nucleus, allowing for subsequent isolation and sequencing of DNA, and bioinformatic mapping of any nuclear region of interest in a select set of cells from a heterogenous population.
Epithelial N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate renal vasodilation by affecting kidney autoregulation
Authors: Romero Cesar A. , Lim Jasmine , Wang Hong , Wynne Brandi M. , Ma Peipei , Jing Yao , Liotta Dennis C. , D’Erasmo Michael , Traynelis Stephen F. , Eaton Douglas C. , Wall Susan M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) are amino acid receptors that are well studied in brain physiology; however, their role in kidney is poorly understood. Nonetheless, NMDAR inhibitors can increase serum K+ and reduce GFR, which suggests they have an important physiological role in the kidney. We hypothesized that NMDARs in the distal nephron induce afferent-arteriole vasodilation through the vasodilator mechanism connecting-tubule-glomerular feedback (CNTGF) that involves ENaC activation.Methods and resultsUsing a tubule-specific transcriptome database combined with molecular biology and microscopy techniques, we showed kidney expression of NMDAR subunits along the nephron and specifically in ENaC-positive cells. This receptor is expressed in both male and female mice, with higher abundance in females (p=0.02). Microperfusing NMDAR agonists into the connecting tubule induced afferent-arteriole vasodilation (EC5010.7 vs. 24.5 mM; p<0.001) that was blunted or eliminated with the use of NMDAR blocker MK-801 or with the ENaC inhibitor Benzamil, indicating a dependence on CNTGF of the NMDAR-induced vasodilation. In vivo, we confirmed this CNTGF-associated vasodilation using kidney micropuncture (Stop-flow pressure 37.9±2.6 vs. 28.6±1.9 mmHg, NMDAR agonist vs vehicle; p<0.01). We explored NMDAR and ENaC channel interaction by using mpkCCD cells and split-open connecting tubules. We observed increased amiloride-sensitive current following NMDAR activation that was prevented by MK-801 (1.14 vs. 0.4μAmp; p=0.03). In split-open tubules, NMDAR activation increased ENaC activity (Npo Vehicle vs. NMDA; p=0.04).ConclusionNMDARs are expressed along the nephron, including ENaC-positive cells, with higher expression in females. Epithelial NMDAR mediates renal vasodilation through the connecting-tubule-glomerular feedback, by increasing ENaC activity.
Impact of ectopic calcification on vascular oxygenation in placental dysfunction models: Simultaneousin vivoassessment with multi-parametric ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Edwards Skye A. , Correia-Branco Ana , Sankepalle Deeksha M. , Arora Aayush , Sweeney Allison , Solomon Patrick R. , Wallingford Mary C. , Mallidi Srivalleesha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a prevalent gestational disorder occurring in 2-10% of all pregnancies. It is associated with placental dysfunction which can result in maternal mortality and preterm birth. Despite scientific advances, the underlying mechanisms of PE and the progression of placental dysfunction remain poorly understood without preventative or curative treatment. Other than blood tests and postdelivery placental diagnostics, there are limited detection methods for monitoring placental health. A major roadblock is the lack of imaging modalities available to monitor placental hemodynamics, as the commonly used clinical imaging systems are either harmful due to ionizing sources, too expensive and inaccessible, or provide insufficient data. We propose the combination of quantitative ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging (QUSPAI) to characterize the material and structural changes of the placenta during pregnancy in normal and disease states. The Slc20a2 murine model of placental dysfunction has previously been characterized by increased ectopic placental vascular calcification, reduced fetal growth, and decreased postnatal bone mineral density. In this study we utilized the Slc20a2 model and imaged knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) placentae on embryonic day (E)18.5. The dual-wavelength images and radio frequency data were collectedin vivoandex vivoto provide quantitative ultrasound spectral (QUS) parameters and blood oxygen saturation. The photoacoustic images indicated that the WT tissue had statistically higher blood oxygen saturation (StO2) values than the KO tissues while QUS data revealed strain-specific calcification effects. Building upon the E18.5 gestation data collected here, future work will involve monitoring longitudinal changes in these parameters, including early calcification, to support translating this method for early diagnosis of placental vascular diseases.
Geometric experience sculpts the development and dynamics of hippocampal sequential cell assemblies
Authors: Farooq Usman , Dragoi George 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEuclidean space is the fabric of the world we live in. Whether and how geometric experience shapes our spatial-temporal representations of the world remained unknown. We deprived rats of experience with crucial features of Euclidean geometry by rearing them inside translucent spheres, and compared activity of large hippocampal neuronal ensembles during navigation and sleep with that of cuboid cage-reared controls. Sphere-rearing from birth permitted emergence of accurate neuronal ensemble spatial codes and preconfigured and plastic time-compressed neuronal sequences. However, sphere-rearing led to diminished individual place cell tuning, similar neuronal mapping of different track ends/corners, and impaired neuronal pattern separation and plasticity of multiple linear track experiences, partly driven by reduced preconfigured network repertoires. Subsequent experience with multiple linear environments over four days largely reversed these effects, substantiating the role of geometric experience on hippocampal neural development. Thus, early-life experience with Euclidean geometry enriches the hippocampal repertoire of preconfigured neuronal patterns selected toward unique representation and discrimination of multiple linear environments.
The influence of sidedness in unilateral cleft lip and palate on mid facial growth at 5 years of age
Authors: Fell Matthew , Chong David , Parmar Paras , Su Ting-Li , Enocson Lars , Richard Bruce 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether facial growth at five years is different for children with a right versus left sided cleft lip and palate.DesignRetrospective cohort studySettingNine UK cleft centresPatientsPatients born between 2000-2014 with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP)Main outcomes measure5-Year-Old’s Index scoresResults378 children were included. 122 (32%) had a right sided UCLP and 256 (68%) had a left sided UCLP. 5-Year-Old’s index scores ranged from 1 (good) to 5 (poor). There was a higher proportion of patients getting good scores (1 and 2) in left UCLP (43%) compared to right UCLP (37%) but there was weak evidence for a difference (Adjusted summary odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.87; P=0.22).ConclusionsWhilst maxillary growth may be different for left versus right sided UCLP, definitive analysis requires older growth indices and arch forms.
Characterization of oscillations in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Martins Tiago , Santini Tales , de Almeida Bruno , Wu Minjie , Wilckens Kristine A. , Minhas Davneet , Ibinson James W. , Aizenstein Howard J. , Ibrahim Tamer S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDevelopment of innovative non-invasive neuroimaging methods and biomarkers are critical for studying brain disease. In this work, we have developed a methodology to characterize the frequency responses and spatial localization of oscillations and movements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the human brain. Using 7 Tesla human MRI and ultrafast echo-planar imaging (EPI),in-vivoimages were obtained to capture CSF oscillations and movements. Physiological data was simultaneously collected and correlated with the 7T MR data. The primary components of CSF oscillations were identified using spectral analysis (with frequency bands identified around 0.3Hz, 1.2Hz and 2.4Hz) and were mapped spatially and temporally onto the MR image domain and temporally onto the physiological domain. The developed methodology shows a good consistency and repeatability (standard deviation of 0.052 and 0.078 for 0.3Hz and 1.2Hz bands respectively)in-vivofor potential brain dynamics and CSF flow and clearance studies.
Lower risk of dementia with Lewy bodies among users of glycolysis enhancing drugs in a new user, active comparator design
Authors: Hart Alexander , Aldridge Georgina , Zhang Qiang , Narayanan Nandakumar S. , Simmering Jacob E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTerazosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin (Tz/Dz/Az) are α-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists that also bind to and activate a key ATP-producing enzyme in glycolysis. Recent work has suggested a potentially neuroprotective effect of use of Tz/Dz/Az in Parkinson’s disease in both animal and human studies. We investigated neuroprotective effects of Tz/Dz/Az in a closely related disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).MethodsWe used a new user active comparator design in the merative Marketscan database to identify men with no history of DLB who were newly started on Tz/Dz/Az or two comparator medications. Our comparator medications were other drugs commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia that do not increase ATP: the α-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist tamsulosin or 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARI). We matched the cohorts on propensity scores and duration of follow-up. We followed the matched cohorts forward to estimate the hazard of developing DLB.ResultsMen who were newly started on Tz/Dz/Az had lower hazard of developing DLB then matched men taking tamsulosin (HR=0.60, p<0.001) or 5ARI (HR=0.73, p=0.012) while the hazard in men taking tamsulosin was similar to that of men taking 5ARI (HR=1.17, p=0.12). These results were robust to several sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that Tz/Dz/Az in decreases the risk of DLB. When combined with the literature of Tz/Dz/Az on PD, our findings suggest that glycolysis-enhancing drugs may be broadly protective in neurodegenerative synucleinopathies. These observational associations must be further evaluated for causality in future randomized trials.
Factors Influencing Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in selected Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Twene Paul , Sarfo Bismark , Yawson Alfred A. E , Otoo John Ekow , Asraku Annette 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundGhana adopted the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system, which is an integration of the various programs in the surveillance system and can contain disease outbreaks and pandemics. Implementation of the IDSR is influenced by several factors which can affect its functionality and ability to contain disease outbreaks. This study assessed the factors influencing the IDSR system in selected districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted between February-March, 2022 in Fanteakwa North, Abuakwa South and New Juaben South districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana among health care workers who are involved in IDRS activities. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis at 0.05 significant level with 95% confidence interval.ResultsThree hundred and forty-seven (347) health care workers participated in the study with 56.2% (195/347) indicating that rumor registers were available at the health facilities. Most of the respondents (64.8%, 225/347) had means of transport for disease surveillance activities while majority (61.9%, 215/347) had case-based forms for case investigation. About half (51.9%, 180/347) of the participants revealed that they did not receive any feedback from the next higher level in the past year. Availability of transport for IDSR activities was almost 3.4 times more likely to contribute positively to IDSR system compared to facilities without transport (AOR= 3.36; 95% CI= 1.44-7.83; p=0.005). Respondents who have the capacity to apply case definition are 2 times more likely to contribute to an effective IDSR system compared to health workers who cannot apply case definition (AOR= 1.94; 95% CI= 1.17-3.21; p=0.013). Respondents who did not receive feedback from the next higher level were 52% less likely to have an effective IDSR system compared to respondents who received feedback from the next higher level (AOR= 0.48; 95% CI= 0.23-1.00; p= 0.05).ConclusionEffective operation of IDSR is affected by the application of case definition and means of transport at health facilities. In addition, the capacity of health care workers to provide feedback can influence the smooth operation of the IDSR in the studied area in Ghana.
Does Women Empowerment alone Influence Contraception utilization in Bangladesh perspective? Findings from demographic health survey 2017-18 using A SEM analysis
Authors: Sarwer Md. Nawal , Jahan Effat Ara , Chowdhury Akibul Islam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundWomen empowerment is a crucial issue that is less studied as a factor of contraception use among married women which helps to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The present study aims to assess the relationship between women empowerment and contraception use.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2017-18 which included 12006 (weighted) women aged from 15-49 years old. Hierarchical logistic regression and structural equation model (SEM) were used to show the relationship between women empowerment and contraception use.ResultsOverall, the tend to using contraception was increased with increased age, urban residence, increased wealth index and education level of both husband and wife. The findings from regression model showed that women empowerment in terms of women decision making, attitude to violence and social independence significantly influence the contraception use after controlling the covariates (p<0.05). SEM analysis showed negative relationship with overall women empowerment and contraception use (β= -0.138) which was not significant (p>0.05).ConclusionThis study implies that greater women empowerment may not always act as stronger determinant for using contraception, and therefore other contributing factors such as age, education, religion, husband’s participation, joined decision making, economic status and couple relationship should be warranted.
"We have our reasons": Exploring the acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ghana
Authors: Aidoo-Frimpong Gloria , Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Apreku Amos , Amoh-Otu Richard Panix , Zigah Edem , Amu-Adu Prince , Amuah Samuel , Nyblade Laura , Torpey Kwasi , Nelson LaRon E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGhanaian men who have sex with men (MSM) face significant HIV disparities. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective tool for HIV prevention. Previous studies on the perspectives of PrEP use among Ghanaian MSM identified high interest in PrEP among this population. However, the knowledge from the previous research, which was the best available evidence at the time, was primarily hypothetical because those data were collected before any real-world implementation of PrEP in Ghana. The purpose of the analysis is to identify and understand the factors currently influencing PrEP acceptance. We conducted a secondary analysis of focus group (n=8) data with Ghanaian MSM. Audio transcripts were subjected to descriptive thematic analysis. There was an almost universal awareness of PrEP, but inaccuracies about PrEP were common. PrEP acceptability was influenced by a mix of individual and intrapersonal factors. To bridge the gap between awareness, knowledge, and acceptability, HIV prevention programs should address access barriers and incorporate community-derived strategies.
Analysis of potential iron toxicity in hemodialysis patients under intravenous iron treatment
Authors: Peña-Esparragoza Jessy Korina , Chávez Guillén Alina , Ramos López Paloma , Rueda Elías Oscar , López Ongil Susana , Alique Matilde , Ramírez-Chamond Rafael , Carracedo Julia , Rodríguez-Puyol Diego , Martínez Miguel Patricia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of higher doses of iron for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients allows lower doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents; however, there are concerns regarding the risk of iron toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential toxicity of iron deposition in prevalent hemodialysis patients on iron therapy and its relationship with parameters used to assess iron status, plasma protein oxidation, and cellular iron toxicity.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging was performed in 56 patients to assess hepatic iron deposition, which was related to clinical and analytical parameters. In patients included in the first and fourth quartiles according to hepatic iron deposition, plasma protein oxidative stress was quantified, as well as iron and cytokine levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).ResultsPatients with higher hepatic iron deposition had a longer time on hemodialysis (41.0±44.9 vs 4.9±3.4 months, p<0.001) and higher ferritin levels (1181±532 vs 429±278 ng/ml, p<0.001) than those with lower hepatic iron deposition, without differences in transferrin saturation or hepatic enzyme serum concentration. No differences were found in plasma protein oxidation, iron content, or cytokine mRNA content in PBMCs, except for a decrease in IL-6 levels in patients with higher hepatic iron deposition.ConclusionsPatients with longer hemodialysis times had higher iron stores, suggesting that iron treatment over time increases hepatic iron deposition. No parameters supporting increased toxicity in patients with higher hepatic iron deposition were observed; therefore, more proactive treatment with intravenous iron to improve anemia management may not necessarily induce deleterious effects in hemodialysis patients.