bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sediment source and dose influence the larval performance of the threatened coralOrbicella faveolata
Authors: Serrano Xaymara M. , Rosales Stephanie M. , Miller Margaret W. , Palacio-Castro Ana M. , Williamson Olivia M. , Gomez Andrea , Baker Andrew C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe effects of turbidity and sedimentation stress on early life stages of corals are poorly understood, particularly in Atlantic species. Dredging operations, beach nourishment, and other coastal construction activities can increase sedimentation and turbidity in nearby coral reef habitats and have the potential to negatively affect coral larval development and metamorphosis, reducing sexual reproduction success. In this study, we investigated the performance of larvae of the threatened Caribbean coral speciesOrbicella faveolataexposed to sediments collected from a reef site in southeast Florida recently impacted by dredging (Port Miami), and compared it to the performance of larvae exposed to sediments collected from the offshore, natal reef of the parent colonies. In a laboratory experiment, we tested whether low and high doses of each of these sediment types affected the survival, settlement, and respiration of coral larvae compared to a no-sediment control treatment. In addition, we analyzed the sediments used in the experiments with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess differences in the microbial communities present in the Port versus Reef sediments, and their potential impact on coral performance. Overall,O. faveolatalarvae exposed to high doses of either sediment type (Port or Reef) exhibited reduced survival and settlement rates, but only the Port sediments resulted in adverse effects in the low-dose treatment. Sediments collected near the Port also contained different microbiomes than Reef sediments, and higher relative abundances of the bacteria Desulfobacterales, which has been associated with coral disease. We hypothesize that differences in microbiomes between the two sediments may be a contributing factor in explaining the observed differences in larval performance. Together, these results suggest that the settlement success and survival ofO. faveolatalarvae are more readily compromised by encountering port inlet sediments compared to reef sediments, with potentially important consequences for the recruitment success of this species in affected areas.
AAO2 impairment improves aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 in Arabidopsis leaves exposed to UVC or Rose Bengal
Authors: Nurbekova Zhadyrassyn , Srivastava Sudhakar , Du Nja Zai , Turečková Veronica , Strand Miroslav , Omarov Rustem , Sagi Moshe 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAmong the three active aldehyde oxidases inArabidopsis thalianaleaves (AAO1-3), AAO3, which catalyzes the oxidation of abscisic-aldehyde to abscisic-acid, was shown recently to function as a reactive aldehyde detoxifier. Notably,aao2KOmutants exhibited less senescence symptoms and lower aldehyde accumulation, such as acrolein, benzaldehyde, and HNE than in wild-type leaves exposed to UV-C or Rose-Bengal. The effect of the absence of AAO2 expression on aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 and/or AAO1 was studied by comparing the response of wild-type plants to the response ofaao1Singlemutant,aao2KOmutants and single mutants ofaao3Ss. Notably,aao3Ssexhibited similar aldehyde accumulation and chlorophyll content toaao2KOtreated with UV-C or Rose-Bengal. In contrast, wild-type andaao1Sexhibited higher aldehyde accumulation that resulted in lower remaining chlorophyll than in aao2KOleaves, indicating that the absence of active AAO2 enhanced AAO3 detoxification activity inaao2KOmutants. In support of this notion, employing abscisic-aldehyde as a specific substrate marker for AAO3 activity revealed enhanced AAO3 activity inaao2KOandaao3Ssleaves compared to wild-type treated with UV-C or Rose Bengal. The similar abscisic acid level accumulated in leaves of unstressed or stressed genotypes indicates that aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 is the cause for better stress resistance inaao2KOmutants. Employing the sulfuration process (known to activate aldehyde oxidases) in wild-type,aao2KO, andmolybdenum-cofactor sulfurase(aba3-1) mutant plants revealed that the active AAO2 in WT employs sulfuration processes essential for AAO3 activity level, resulting in the lower AAO3 activity in WT than AAO3 activity inaao2KO.
Acute pharmacodynamic responses to sitagliptin: Drug-induced increase in early insulin secretion in oral glucose tolerance test
Authors: Beitelshees Amber L. , Streeten Elizabeth A. , Yazdi Zhinous Shahidzadeh , Whitlatch Hilary B. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Montasser May E. , Taylor Simeon I. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimDPP4 inhibitors are widely prescribed as treatments for type 2 diabetes. Because drug responses vary among individuals, we initiated investigations to identify genetic variants associated with the magnitude of drug responses.MethodsSitagliptin (100 mg) was administered to 47 healthy volunteers. Several endpoints were measured to assess clinically relevant responses – including the effect of sitagliptin on glucose and insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).ResultsThis pilot study confirmed that sitagliptin (100 mg) decreased the area under the curve for glucose during an OGTT (p=0.0003). Furthermore, sitagliptin promoted insulin secretion during the early portion of the OGTT as reflected by an increase in the ratio of plasma insulin at 30 min divided by plasma insulin at 60 min (T30:T60) from 0.87+/-0.05 to 1.62+/-0.36 mU/L (p=0.04). The magnitude of sitagliptin’s effect on insulin secretion (as judged by the increase in the T30:T60 ratio for insulin) was correlated with the magnitude of sitagliptin-induced increase in the area under the curve for intact plasma GLP1 levels during the first hour of the OGTT. This study confirmed previously reported sex differences in glucose and insulin levels during an OGTT. Specifically, females exhibited higher levels of glucose and insulin at the 90-180 min time points. However, we did not detect significant sex-associated differences in the magnitude of sitagliptin-induced changes in T30:T60 ratios for either glucose or insulin.ConclusionsT30:T60 ratios for insulin and glucose during an OGTT provide useful indices to assess pharmacodynamic responses to DPP4 inhibitors.
Inferring vaccine efficacy and mode of action from human challenge studies
Authors: Miura Fuminari , Klinkenberg Don , Ainslie Kylie E.C. , Backer Jantien A. , Leung Ka Yin , McDonald Scott A. , de Boer Pieter , Wallinga Jacco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo assess the long-term effect of a vaccination programme, understanding both the efficacy and the mode of action of the vaccine is crucial. The actual mode of action is difficult to infer from field trials, because of the heterogeneity of exposure to infection. Here we show an approach to determine both vaccine efficacy and the mode of action of vaccines from human challenge studies. Our approach reveals how vaccines alter an individual’s susceptibility, and identifies a mixture of different modes of action as a function of the challenged dose. By applying the proposed method to influenza challenge data, we illustrate that potentially the lowest vaccine efficacy may occur at intermediate doses, suggesting a hypothesis that moderate transmission intensities might be optimal for establishing infections in vaccinated individuals.One sentence summaryHuman challenge studies reveal the protection mechanism of vaccines by measuring variation in susceptibility to infection.
Augmenting complex and dynamic performance through mindfulness-based cognitive training: an evaluation of training adherence, trait mindfulness, personality and resting-state EEG
Authors: Dziego Chloe A. , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina , Schlesewsky Matthias , Sinha Ruchi , Immink Maarten A. , Cross Zachariah R. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTHuman performance applications of mindfulness-based training have demonstrated its utility in enhancing cognitive functioning. Previous studies have illustrated how these interventions can improve performance on traditional cognitive tests, however, little investigation has explored the extent to which mindfulness-based training can optimise performance in more dynamic and complex contexts. Further, from a neuroscientific perspective, the underlying mechanisms responsible for performance enhancements remain largely undescribed. With this in mind, the following study aimed to investigate how a short-term mindfulness intervention (one week) augments performance on a dynamic and complex task (target motion analyst task; TMA) in young, healthy adults (n= 40, agerange= 18 - 38). Linear mixed effect modelling revealed that increased adherence to the mindfulness-based training regime (ranging from 0-21 sessions) was associated with improved performance in the second testing session of the TMA task, controlling for baseline performance. Further analyses of resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) metrics and additional individual factors demonstrated enhancements associated with training adherence remained relatively consistent across varying levels of participants’ resting-state EEG metrics, personality measures (i.e., trait mindfulness, neuroticism, conscientiousness), self-reported enjoyment and timing of intervention adherence. Our results thus indicate that mindfulness-based cognitive training leads to performance enhancements in distantly related tasks, irrespective of several individual differences. We also revealed nuances in the magnitude of cognitive enhancements contingent on the timing of adherence, regardless of total volume of training. Overall, our findings suggest that mindfulness-based training could be used in a myriad of settings to elicit transferable performance enhancements.
NeurOne: High-performance Motor Unit-Computer Interface for the Paralyzed
Authors: Braun Dominik I. , Souza de Oliveira Daniela , Bayer Patricia , Ponfick Matthias , Kinfe Thomas Mehari , Vecchio Alessandro Del 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe have recently demonstrated that humans with motor-and-sensory complete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can modulate the activity of spared motor neurons that control the movements of paralyzed muscles. These motor neurons still receive highly functional cortical inputs that proportionally control flexion and extension movements of the paralyzed hand digits. In this study, we report a series of longitudinal experiments in which subjects with motor complete SCI received motor unit feedback from NeurOne. NeurOne is a software that realizes super-fast digitalization of motor neuron spiking activity (32 frames/s) and control of these neural ensembles through a physiological motor unit twitch model that enables intuitive brain-computer interactions closely matching the voluntary force modulation of healthy hand digits. We asked the subjects (n=3, 3-4 laboratory visits) to match a target displayed on a monitor through a cursor that was controlled by the modulation of the recruitment and rate coding of the spared motor units using a motor unit twitch model. The attempted movements of the paralyzed hands involved grasping and hand digit extension/flexion. The target cursor was scaled in a way that the subjects could increase or decrease feedback by either recruiting or derecruiting motor units, or by modulating the instantaneous discharge rate. The subjects learned to control the motor unit output with high levels of accuracy across different target intensities up to the maximal achievable discharge rate. Indeed, the high-performance motor output was surprisingly stable in a similar way as healthy subjects modulated the muscle force output recorded by a dynamometer. Therefore, NeurOne enables tetraplegic individuals an intuitive control of the paralyzed muscles through a digital neuromuscular system.Significance StatementOur study demonstrates the remarkable ability of individuals with complete cervical spinal cord injuries to modulate spared motor neurons and control paralyzed muscles. Utilizing NeurOne, a software, we enabled intuitive brain-computer interactions by digitalizing motor neuron spiking activity and employing a motor unit twitch model. Through this interface, tetraplegic individuals achieved high levels of accuracy and proportional control which closely resembled motor function in intact humans. NeurOne provides a promising digital neuromuscular interface, empowering individuals to control assistive devices super-fast and intuitive. This study signifies an important advancement in enhancing motor function and improving the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries.
Effects of four-month-long foreign language learning on executive functions and white matter integrity in older adults
Authors: Bubbico Giovanna , Grundy John G. , Navarra Riccardo , Caporale Alessandra Stella , Candita Chiara , Bouraimis Michela , Felice Miriam , Chiacchiaretta Piero , Granzotto Alberto , Tartaro Armando , Ferretti Antonio , Perrucci Mauro Gianni 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveBilingualism has been associated with cognitive benefits and a potential protective effect against neurodegenerative conditions. Previous research has shown that bilingual individuals exhibit greater white matter integrity compared to monolinguals of the same age. However, the impact of foreign-language learning on brain structure in older adults during the initial stages of language acquisition remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive and structural effects of a four-month-long foreign language learning program in a group of healthy monolinguals older adult.Materials and MethodsThirteen Italian-speaking participants (aged 59-78) underwent a four-month intensive English course for beginners. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to evaluate executive cognitive functions, as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine brain structural changes.ResultsThe study findings showed substantial increases in axial, radial, and mean diffusivity during the four-month language learning period. The most prominent variations were observed in key brain regions, namely the fronto-occipital fasciculus, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the corpus callosum areas. Notably, brain-behaviour correlations indicated a robust positive relationship between changes in axial diffusivity and performance on the Stroop task, a well-established measure of cognitive interference inhibition.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a four-month foreign language learning program can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly affecting white matter integrity and that these structural changes are associated with improvements in executive functions. The study underscores the potential of brief language learning interventions to influence brain structure and enhance cognitive abilities in older adults.HighlightsBilingualism is associated with cognitive advantages and the potential for protection against neurodegenerative conditions, as evidenced by bilingual individuals displaying enhanced white matter integrity compared to individuals who are monolingual and of the same age.The study investigates how a four-month foreign language learning program affects brain structure in older adults during the initial stages of language acquisitionThe research reveals significant increases in axial, radial, and mean diffusivity in key brain regions, including the fronto-occipital fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and corpus callosum, during the language learning period.The study demonstrates a positive link between changes in axial diffusivity and performance on the Stroop task, indicating that short language learning interventions can lead to structural brain changes associated with improved executive functions in older adults.
Household income does not affect the pleiotropy of schizophrenia genetic liability with mental and physical health outcomes
Authors: Kouakou Manuela R. , Cabrera-Mendoza Brenda , Pathak Gita A. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Polimanti Renato 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTBackground and HypothesisIndividuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) suffer from comorbidities that substantially reduce their life expectancy. Socioeconomic inequalities could contribute to many of the negative health outcomes associated with SCZ.Study DesignWe investigated genome-wide datasets related to SCZ (52,017 cases and 75,889 controls) from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, household income (HI; N=361,687) from UK Biobank, and 2,202 medical endpoints assessed in up to 342,499 FinnGen participants. A phenome-wide genetic correlation analysis of SCZ and HI was performed, also assessing whether SCZ genetic correlations were influenced by HI effect on SCZ. Additionally, SCZ and HI direct effects on medical endpoints were estimated using multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR).Study ResultsSCZ and HI showed overlapping genetic correlations with 70 traits (p<2.89×10−5), including mental health, substance use, gastrointestinal illnesses, reproductive outcomes, liver diseases, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal phenotypes. SCZ genetic correlations with these traits were not affected by HI effect on SCZ. Considering Bonferroni multiple testing correction (p<7.14×10−4), MR analysis indicated that SCZ and HI may affect medical abortion (SCZ odds ratio, OR=1.07; HI OR=0.78), panic disorder (SCZ OR=1.20; HI OR=0.60), personality disorders (SCZ OR=1.31; HI OR=0.67), substance use (SCZ OR=1.2; HI OR=0.68), and adjustment disorders (SCZ OR=1.18; HI OR=0.78). Multivariable MR analysis confirmed that SCZ effects on these outcomes were independent of HI.ConclusionsThe effect of SCZ genetic liability on mental and physical health may not be strongly affected by socioeconomic differences. This suggests that SCZ-specific strategies are needed to reduce negative health outcomes affecting patients and high-risk individuals.
Analysis of a Pilot Study Delivering Cancer Survivorship Education to Community Healthcare Professionals Utilizing the Project ECHO model
Authors: Pariser Ashley , Johns Kevin , Champion Dena , Roberts Andrea , Fugett Susan , Holley Erin , Schreiber Candice , Presley Carolyn J. , Todd Jalyn , Honeychuck Andrew , Hunt Katherine , Lu Yurong , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Bose Brill Seuli 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeThis pilot study evaluated a 12-week Cancer Survivorship curriculum delivered utilizing the Project Echo® model on provider self-efficacy (SE), knowledge (KN), and professional improvement (PI).MethodsProviders affiliated with the Mercy Health System were enrolled in two cohorts. Six one-hour sessions were developed from a needs assessment and delivered over 12 weeks. Participants completed pre and post session surveys evaluating 3 domains: SE, KN and PI. The average score for survey items overall and within each domain was compared pre- and postsurvey results.ResultsTwenty-six participants completed the baseline survey and 22 completed the poststudy survey. For cohort 1, the overall score (0.94 (0.45,1.42) (P=0.0023), SE (1.1 (0.5,1.7) p = 0.003), and KN domain (1.03 (0.45,1.62) p= 0.0036) scores significantly increased. For cohort 2, the overall score (0.617 (0.042,1.193) p=0.0378), the SE (0.728(0.048,1.407), p = 0.0379), and KN domains (0.665 (0.041,1.289), p= 0.0387) increased significantly. The PI did not change for either cohort.ConclusionsThis Cancer Survivorship ECHO pilot resulted in a statistically significant increase in provider self-efficacy and knowledge. All 22 participants rated the Cancer Survivorship ECHO pilot experience as a positive (greater than neutral) on their training.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThe Cancer Survivorship ECHO model may serve as a scalable strategy for building cancer survivorship care capacity in community-based oncology practices through equipping multidisciplinary teams to meet the needs of cancer survivors within their community. Further research is needed to assess implementation of this model into novel settings and evaluate its impact on patient outcomes.
Dietary Assessment and Prevention of Hypertension in Nigeria: Protocol for a Retrospective Cross-sectional Study for the Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Clinical Use
Authors: Batubo Nimisoere P. , Moore J. Bernadette , Zulyniak Michael A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionContrary to North America and Europe, the prevalence of hypertension is rising in West Africa. With a transition from whole foods to processed foods in Nigeria, diet plays a key driver of hypertension. To combat this, the national nutritional guidelines in Nigeria were implemented, but their translation into actionable tools for clinicians remains a challenge. Currently, there are no simple dietary assessment tools that are concise and suitable to be incorporated into clinical care without requiring extensive data analysis while still providing personalised dietary support to their patients. This study aims to deliver a clinically tested and validated short dietary assessment tool for clinicians, patients, and researchers across Nigeria to provide personalised dietary advice for patients with hypertension.MethodsThe study will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 (n=75) will investigate the feasibility of the short FFQ and its agreement with 24-hour dietary recalls (3x) in a clinical setting in Nigeria. During the analysis of Phase 1 data, a scoring system will be developed based on the associations between individual food items in the FFQ and measures of hypertension. Phase 2 (n=50) will assess the acceptability of the FFQ and validate the association between the FFQ score and hypertension.Expected outcomesThe development of a clinically tested and validated short food frequency questionnaire that will be ready to use by clinicians, patients, and researchers across Nigeria to support the prevention and management of hypertension.ConclusionThis study will contribute to knowledge on dietary assessment and hypertension prevention by developing a validated and acceptable FFQ, which will be valuable for clinicians and researchers for personalised dietary recommendations to combat hypertension in Nigeria.Keywords:West Africa, diet, food, LMIC, blood pressure.