bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
0065 A Novel Automated Task for Spatial Learning in Rodents
Authors: Pettibone Ward , Marchal Paul , Roman-Ortiz Ciorana , Wikenheiser Andrew , Poe Gina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Spatial learning in rodents is useful for addressing a variety of research questions. We set out to create a fully automated spatial learning task that required rodents to make a sequence of cued navigational decisions. We used this maze to investigate the impact of sleep on insight gain, a sudden rather than gradual acquisition of a skill or behavior.

Methods
We designed a circular four-quadrant elevated maze. Each quadrant had three choice points on a branched arm, consisting of a reward well and cue light. To discourage rats from backtracking, motorized doors were placed between quadrants. Rats were trained to follow the light for a water reward. Their position was tracked by custom MATLAB code processing live video from a ceiling-mounted camera; the code also controlled all components of the maze, calculated and presented novel routes through the maze, analyzed results in real time, and maintained records of each rat across sessions. After an average of five days rats reached criterion in pretraining (following lights in pseudorandom positions) and were taught a hidden rule: the direction cued on the second quadrant was the correct direction on the fourth (uncued) quadrant. Rats completed one session each in the morning and afternoon, separated by 3h of sleep opportunity or sleep disruption, achieved by gentle handling. This was repeated after a night of sleep opportunity or sleep disruption for a total of four sessions.

Results
Rats quickly learned and consistently chose the correct well, remaining motivated for 96 consecutive trials. Rats were said to have gained insight if they demonstrated significant learning of the hidden rule. Although no animals have yet met this criterion, there was a trend of sleep-disrupted rats performing worse, suggesting that sleep plays an important role in consolidating the spatial rules of the task.

Conclusion
The versatility of this maze can accommodate many tasks not limited to insight gain specifically. Delivering rewards consistently at multiple distinct locations is a valuable technique for investigating spatial learning, navigation, and decision making, making this maze a powerful tool for investigating interventions for disease models that implicate the hippocampus or striatum.

Support (if any)
0068 Effect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory: Pilot
Authors: Cadle Chelsea , Busch Tyler , Waldrop Megan , Simon Katharine , Paul Grace , Malerba Paola 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
About 50% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibit learning and memory deficits. Sleep issues are also common in DMD, and their potential relevance to cognitive deficits is unexplored. In this pilot study, we investigate the effect of DMD on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory, with a focus on the role of sleep-brain dynamics.

Methods
We studied boys aged 6–15 years who were typically developing (TD) or had DMD. First, we compared memory performance in an episodic memory task during a day of wake versus a night of sleep within subjects (Phase 1, n = 13), including a one-week sleep diary, and parent-rated, memory, and cognitive assessments. In Phase 2, we measured memory improvement in the same task across a night with polysomnography (24 head electrodes). Sleep was scored with AASM criteria. Slow oscillations (SO) (0.5-1.5 Hz) and spindles (10-16Hz) were detected algorithmically, assessing density, amplitude, and coordination.

Results
In Phase 1, data confirmed sleep-specific gains in memory performance when task difficulty was adjusted to our extended age range (mean accuracy change: 7% sleep, 0% wake). The DMD participant in Phase 1 exhibited worse immediate recall compared to TD peers (independent samples t-test; t(9) = -4.38, p =.02) and worse parent-rated sleep habits (t(9) = 4.01, p = .03 on Children Sleep Health Questionnaire). Phase 2 showed a physiological range of SOs and spindles density, amplitude, and duration in both groups, with potential differences in overall sleep quality.

Conclusion
This pilot study established the feasibility of a sleep-memory experiment including polysomnography in controls and DMD patients in the context of a pediatric research hospital. Data suggests the need for adaptive recruitment approaches for the DMD population in expanding the study. Sleep EEG analysis suggests the potential for subtle differences in DMD sleep brain dynamics that need to be investigated in a larger sample size.

Support (if any)
Center for Clinical and Translational Science voucher support to MW and Neurodevelopmental Research Affinity Group Pilot Award to PM
0071 Individual Differences in Sleep Duration and Creative Thinking on the Remote Associates Test
Authors: Diaz Jose , Nelson Steve , Scullin Michael 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Short sleep has been shown to affect attention, processing speed, and memory. Creative cognition, including convergent thinking (e.g., identifying remote connections), has received less attention in the sleep literature. In four studies, we examined individual differences in sleep duration relative to performance on a convergent thinking task in which participants view three words (sore-should-sweat) and have to identify a target word that connects them (cold). Based on the literature on sleep deprivation and attention/memory, we hypothesized that short sleepers would show lower convergent thinking performance. By contrast, based on the view that convergent thinking is reflective of fluid intelligence—a higher-order cognitive construct that is resilient to sleep deprivation—short sleep should be unrelated to convergent thinking performance.

Methods
Participants were 551 adults aged 18-30 who were recruited across four experiments. Each experiment compared performance on a traditional 3-item compound Remote Associates Test to performance on a modified approach that provided additional semantic information (4-item Remote-Associates Test). After each experiment, participants were asked to indicate the duration of their previous night of sleep.

Results
Participants performed 27% better on the 4-item version, relative to the traditional 3-item Remote Associates Test (p&lt;.001). There were no statistically significant associations between sleep duration and performance accuracy on the 3-item or 4-item compound Remote Associates Tests (rs&lt;.10, ps &gt; .05). This pattern was observed within each experiment, as well as when the data were collapsed across experiments. In addition, there were no significant associations when comparing extreme sleep durations (&lt; 5 hours to ≥8 hours; all ps &gt; .05).

Conclusion
Individual differences in recent sleep duration were not related to individual differences in convergent thinking abilities. These findings are consistent with the view of convergent thinking as a marker of fluid intelligence. Experimental work is needed to determine whether convergent thinking is fully resistant to sleep deprivation and to examine generalizability to other creative processes (e.g., divergent thinking, imagination).

Support (if any)
National Science Foundation (1920730)
0072 Intentionally awakening from sleep and its therapeutic potential to reduce nightmares
Authors: Sandell Cameron , Paller Ken , Mallett Remington 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Many people suffer from recurring nightmares that induce fear in their dreams and incur lasting psychological effects. One possible solution to alleviate these nightmares might be to wake up directly from them. Though we typically think of sleep as an “off” state where the sleeper is unable to make decisions, one exception is lucid dreaming. In lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware of the dream and can perform deliberate actions while dreaming. With such control over the dream, it might allow nightmare sufferers to end the nightmare as it is occurring. To date, claims of deliberate awakening from dreams only exist as subjective reports and the actual success rate of such attempts is still unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, the current study tested whether individuals asked to intentionally wake themselves up during sleep (more specifically, a lucid dream) would do so at higher rates than those asked to perform a control task.

Methods
Participants were asked to either try and wake up from their next lucid dream or clench their fists during their next lucid dream. Both groups completed a survey about their experience upon awakening, including two questions surrounding the impact of the dream task on their awakening.

Results
Relative to participants who clenched their fists while dreaming, participants who attempted to wake up from the dream by closing their eyes reported that the task woke them up more frequently (p &lt; .05) and that they woke up sooner after executing the task (p &lt; .05). Furthermore, a higher level of lucidity while dreaming was correlated with an earlier wake-up time (p &lt; .05).

Conclusion
These results suggest that indeed – contrary to traditional thought – people are able to wake up from sleep intentionally. This new finding might allow individuals to reduce the amount of time they spend in fear during their dreams, which would in turn reduce the psychological and physiological effects of the nightmare. Future research exploring the most effective method of waking up from sleep intentionally could provide new approaches to relieving nightmare-related stress and increasing healthy sleep.

Support (if any)
0074 Investigating the Impacts of Pharmacological Slow-Wave Sleep Enhancement on Cognition in an Alzheimer's Disease Model
Authors: Jin Michelle , Teng Sasa , Whye Alicia , Chen Xinyue , Alvarado Nicole , Peng Yueqing , Denny Christine 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating and irreversible neurodegenerative disease associated with major disruptions to sleep. Recent works point to a strong bidirectional relationship between loss of slow-wave sleep (SWS), the deepest sleep stage, and the pathological and cognitive features of AD. Here, we investigate the impacts of chronic pharmacological SWS enhancement with gaboxadol, a delta GABAA receptor agonist, on cognitive performance the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. Currently, we are assessing the impacts of this intervention on Abeta plaque burden.

Methods
Using electroencephalography (EEG), we first assessed if gaboxadol is capable of stimulating SWS sleep in 6-month-old AD mice. Next, 6-month-old control (CTRL) or AD mice received gaboxadol 5x/week for 4 weeks at the start of the light cycle. Groups underwent subsequent testing in the open field (OF), Y-maze, and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) assays (n = 8-9 mice per group). Data were analyzed using two- or three-way ANOVAs, with repeated measures when appropriate.

Results
Our EEG studies demonstrate that gaboxadol (6 mg/kg) significantly enhances SWS/NREM from baseline (p &lt; 0.0308). Gaboxadol did not impact gross locomotor behavior assessed by distance travelled in the in the OF. However, rearing was decreased in AD mice compared to CTRL mice (p &lt; 0.0128). In the Y-maze, gaboxadol significantly increased time spent in the novel arm in CTRL (p &lt; 0.0386) but not AD mice. We did not find significant effects of gaboxadol on memory recall in the CFC assay.

Conclusion
Chronic pharmacological stimulation of SWS using gaboxadol does not show robust cognition-enhancing effects in APP/PS1 mice, but may be cognitively enhancing in CTRL mice. It is possible that longer treatment duration is necessary to rescue cognitive deficits in AD mice.

Support (if any)
NIA: 5R21AG064774-02 T32 GM7367-46
0084 Napping in the morning is associated with risk of Alzheimer’s Dementia in older adults
Authors: Gao Chenlu , Zheng Xi , Yu Lei , Buchman Aron , Bennett David , Leng Yue , Gao Lei , Hu Kun , Li Peng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Recent evidence suggests that older adults with more frequent and longer daytime naps have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). We aim to further elucidate whether the timing of daytime napping impacts AD risk.

Methods
Data were from 1,203 participants in the Rush Memory and Aging Project (mean age at actigraphy=80.85±7.30; 77% female). Each participant wore an accelerometer (Actical) for up to 14 (mean 9.57±1.17) days and have been followed for up to 17 (mean 6.92±4.12) years with annual clinical assessment to determine AD status. We used a validated algorithm to identify daytime nap episodes between 9am-7pm and determined the timing of naps based on the midpoint of each nap. We computed the proportion of naps within each 2-h window for each participant, i.e., morning (9-11am), noon (11am-1pm), early afternoon (1-3pm), late afternoon (3-5pm), and early evening (5-7pm). Cox proportional hazards models were performed to examine the associations of napping timing with risk of AD, with adjustment for age, sex, education years, and nighttime sleep duration.

Results
Among all participants, 357 (30%) developed AD during the follow-up (mean time to AD: 6.34±3.98 years). Taking all naps in the morning, compared to taking all naps at other times, is associated with a 1.9-fold increased AD risk (HR [95%CI]=1.93[1.002-3.58], p=0.04). This association was only observed in women (HR=2.22[1.08-4.38], p=0.03) but not in men (HR=1.01[0.18-4.38], p=0.99). Moreover, the association between naps in the morning and AD risk was attenuated when additionally adjusted for total nap duration and frequency, BMI, and intradaily variability in rhythms (HR=1.71[0.85-3.43], p=0.13). The proportions of naps during other times of the day were not associated with AD risk (noon: HR=1.02[0.44-2.23]; early afternoon: HR=1.28[0.72-2.22]; late afternoon: HR=0.62[0.33-1.15]; early evening: HR=0.62[0.30-1.25]; ps&gt;0.05).

Conclusion
More naps in the morning were associated with an elevated risk of developing AD in older adults. A higher propensity of napping in the morning may be an indicator of disturbances in sleep-wake regulation. Future studies are warranted to test whether interventions to consolidate nap timing or limit napping in the morning can improve neurocognitive outcomes.

Support (if any)
Alzheimer’s Association (AARFD-22-928372), NIA (R01AG17917), NIH (RF1AG064312), BrightFocus Foundation (A2020886S).
0094 Effects of Rocking-induced Sleep Enhancement on Wild Type (WT) and APPxPS1 Knock-in (KI) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Mice
Authors: Subramoniam Anjana , Iradukunda Diane , Wang Jun , Duncan Marilyn , Murphy Michael , Bachstetter Adam , Sunderam Sridhar , O’Hara Bruce 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Passive rhythmic movement–rocking – is found to enhance sleep, particularly in infants and young wild type (WT) mice. Rocking can potentially enhance sleep at all ages, with the added benefit of being non-invasive, easy to translate for human use, and with negligible side effects. Furthermore, sleep enhancement tools should be especially valuable to patients with sleep disturbances, a pervasive feature of age-related dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, rocking has not been explored widely as a means of sleep enhancement. Therefore, our study explores the impact of rocking on sleep architecture in both WT and APP/PS1 KI mice (a model of human AD).

Methods
Male C57BL/6J (WT; n=3) and APPxPS1 KI (AD; n=4) mice (10-12 months old) were kept under a 12h:12h light/dark cycle with access to food and water ad libitum. A reciprocating platform was used to laterally rock individually housed mice at 1 Hz, a rate previously shown to enhance sleep in younger mice, for nine hours during the light period. The experimental protocol consisted of a baseline day, rocking day, and a post-rocking day, with the mice being rocked only during the rocking day for nine hours.EEG/EMG signals were recorded on baseline, rocking, and post-rocking days. Vigilance states (wake, NREM, REM) were scored in 4-second epochs from the EEG/EMG data using standard criteria. Mean bout duration (MBD) and time spent in each vigilance state were estimated and compared for both AD and WT mice.

Results
In repeated tests (&gt;6 trials per mouse), we observed a significant increase in the NREM (p&lt; 0.001) and decrease in REM (p&lt; 0.05) sleep percent on the rocking versus the non-rocking days in AD but not in WT mice. Additionally, NREM MBD (p&lt; 0.05) significantly increased, and REM MBD (p&lt; 0.05) decreased on rocking versus non-rocking days, only in AD mice.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that rocking can be a potential tool for sleep enhancement in AD mouse models; investigations on a larger sample are in progress. Future studies will focus on the impact of rocking on cognitive impairment and AD neuropathology, which are linked to sleep disruption.

Support (if any)
National Institute on Aging (NIA) Grant No:5R01AG068215-02
0107 Rest-activity rhythmicity across the lifespan: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Wallace Danielle , Johnson Dayna , Redline Susan , Sofer Tamar , Kossowsky Joe 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Non-parametric metrics of interdaily stability (IS), relative amplitude (RA), and intradaily variability (IV) characterize between- and within-day rest-activity rhythms. Prior research has reported differences in these metrics by age and race/ethnicity, but these differences have not been widely assessed in children and adolescents. Therefore, we investigated associations of these metrics with sociodemographic factors across the lifespan, including children, in a US-representative cross-sectional study.

Methods
Rest-activity metrics were derived from actigraphy data (wrist-worn GT3X+ ActiGraph devices) measured over one week in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Pregnant participants and participants with &lt; 4 days of valid data were excluded; missing activity data were imputed and pooled using Rubin’s rule. Population-weighted linear and ordinal logistic regression (quartiles) models were fit to examine the associations of age, gender, smoking, body mass index (BMI), income-to-poverty ratio, and self-reported race/ethnicity with rhythmicity measures. Stratified analyses by age groups were conducted.

Results
There were n=12,526 participants aged 3-80 years. In adjusted analyses, IS and RA (higher: stronger rhythms) decreased with age and were lower among men, whereas IV (higher: weaker rhythm, greater fragmentation) increased with age (p&lt; 0.05). Higher income-to-poverty ratio associated with higher RA (1-unit OR=1.11, 95%CI:1.06,1.16) and IV (1-unit OR=1.10, 95%CI:1.07,1.13). Greater BMI associated with lower RA and IS and higher IV (p&lt; 0.05). Smoking associated with decreased values for all metrics. Compared to the non-Hispanic White group, the Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and Other/Multiracial groups were more likely to have lower RA, lower IS, and higher IV (p&lt; 0.05). Compared to the non-Hispanic White group, the Mexican American (OR=0.83, 95%CI:0.72,0.95) and Other Hispanic (OR=0.83, 95%CI:0.73,0.94) groups were less likely to have higher IV. Analyses stratified by age (≤18, &gt;18 years) resulted in similar patterns among the Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and Other/Multiracial groups (p&lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Rest-activity rhythms differ by age, gender, BMI, income, smoking, and race/ethnicity, representing possible windows for public health intervention and sleep health promotion. Differences in rest-activity measures by race/ethnicity begin in childhood, are evident in early adolescence, and persist throughout adulthood. Future analyses will evaluate the contribution of environmental factors to these differences.

Support (if any)
NIH-NHLBI T32HL007901, R35HL135818
0108 Sleep Health of Adolescents in the Department of Juvenile Justice: A Qualitative Analysis of Night Staff Interviews
Authors: Nogales Josephina Munoz , Leask Lo , Adornetti Julianna , Jaffie Sara , Crowley Stephanie , Wolfson Amy , Carlucci Marianna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Limited research exists regarding the sleep environment and sleep health of youth in juvenile justice facilities. We examined the perspectives of facility night staff on the sleep-living environment and conditions of detained youth using semi-structured interviews.

Methods
In collaboration with Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) we conducted virtual semi-structured interviews (45 minutes) with superintendents, medical staff, and night staff at all state facilities. We present the data reported by night staff (n=10) here, each representing a different facility. Interview questions focused on facility structure, protocols, and youth healthcare. Inductive qualitative analyses examined high frequency themes with the aim of understanding the sleep environment, sleep patterns, and overall youth wellbeing. After transcription of each interview, coder 1 examined each transcript to identify high frequency themes; coder 2 reviewed these first codes. Few disagreements occurred; in those cases, a third coder helped reach consensus. Theme frequency is expressed as a percentage of the total number of transcriptions (e.g., 4 interviews out of 10=40%).

Results
Major themes reported by night staff include environmental disruptions, ability to personalize sleep areas, youth well-being, and sleep challenges. Environmental disruptions included moderate noise levels (40%); youth temperature complaints (50%); and youth lighting complaints (60%). More specifically, 50% reported youth reported night lighting complaints (including blue light) within the dorms. While 40% described room personalization is allowed, 40% stated it is also limited. For instance, while youth are allowed to display family pictures, they are not allowed to display any gang-related material as it could cause altercations between youth. Complaints of trouble sleeping is addressed in 50% of facilities by utilizing a weeklong sleeping log (e.g., staff report number of times youth are awake during the night during their safety checks). Seventy percent of staff reported that work affects their sleep and psychological wellbeing and 60% shared that they sleep 3 - 6 hours/night.

Conclusion
Assessment and modifications of the sleep-living environment in juvenile justice facilities are needed. Ongoing countermeasures in the Maryland system include noise buffering panels, light modifications, and sleep-health staff trainings.

Support (if any)
Kolvenbach grant, Loyola University Maryland and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ supportive collaboration.