rudyvdbrink/CitationDatabase huggingface dataset:
Mediators of the Disparities in Depression Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals: A Systematic Review.
Archives of sexual behavior, 2021

Evidence suggests that sexual minorities (e.g., those identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual) experience increased rates of depression compared to heterosexual individuals. Minority stress theory suggests that this disparity is due to stigma experienced by sexual minorities. Stigma processes are proposed to contribute to reduced coping/support resources and increased vulnerability processes for mental health problems. This review provided a systematic examination of research assessing the evidence for mediating factors that help explain such disparities. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The review included 40 identified studies that examined mediators of sexual minority status and depressive outcomes using a between-group design (i.e., heterosexual versus sexual minority participants). Studies of adolescents and adult samples were both included. The most common findings were consistent with the suggestion that stressors such as victimization, harassment, abuse, and increased stress, as well as lower social and family support, may contribute to differing depression rates in sexual minority compared to heterosexual individuals. Differences in psychological processes such as self-esteem and rumination may also play a role but have had insufficient research attention so far. However, caution is needed because many papers had important methodological shortcomings such as the use of cross-sectional designs, inferior statistical analyses for mediation, or measures that had not been properly validated. Although firm conclusions cannot be drawn, the current evidence base highlights many factors potentially suitable for further exploration in high-quality longitudinal research or randomized studies intervening with the potential mediators.
Lessons from a Canada-China cross-national qualitative suicide research collaboration.
Global public health, 2020

A cross-national qualitative suicide study was conducted by Tsinghua University and the University of Toronto with two samples of Chinese women in Beijing and Toronto. The aim of this article is to reflect on lessons learned from this collaborative study. A literature review guided the analysis. A focus group was conducted with members of both research teams. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to explore the researchers' experiences of participating in the cross-national study. Focus group transcript data and observations from authors informed the analysis, situated in the existing literature on cross-national qualitative health research and guided by Baistow's cross-national research frame. Our study highlights how cross-national research involves conceptual and practical challenges that require negotiation. Such research also holds many opportunities, including (1) using a different cultural lens to understand differences and clarify similarities cross-culturally; (2) co-constructing knowledge through collaboration; (3) deconstructing one's own assumptions; and (4) engaging in an inspiring and empowering experience in collaboration.
Life-long Dietary Pesticide Cocktail Induces Astrogliosis Along with Behavioral Adaptations and Activates p450 Metabolic Pathways.
Neuroscience, 2020

Exposure to environmental contaminants is a public health concern. However, pre-clinical studies that examine the impact of pesticides at low-dose and the long-term consequences are uncommon. Here, C57BL6/j male and female mice were daily fed from weaning and up to 12 months, corresponding to early-childhood into middle-age in humans, using chow pellets containing a cocktail of pesticides at tolerable daily intake levels. We found that 12 months of dietary exposure to pesticides was associated with a moderate perenchymal or perivascular astrogliosis in specific hippocampal sub-regions. The expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta was modified at the perivascular level. Examination of Iba1
European women in neurosurgery: II - Historical characters and living legends.
Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 2021

A collaborative global working group of women neurosurgeons in multiple countries at different stages of their neurosurgical careers undertook the task of researching the history of European women in neurosurgery. While doing so, we happened upon many remarkable female neurosurgeons who overcame great adversity, made tremendous contributions to society and institutional neurosurgery, and displayed numerous talents beyond the operating room. In the first part of this paper, we recounted a chronology of female neurosurgeons in Europe, highlighting the most remarkable achievements of women in every decade, from the 1920's to 2020. In this paper, we honor fascinating women in European neurosurgery, both historical characters and living legends. These women have overcome great adversity and have also excelled in a huge variety of pursuits. While some were themselves refugees, we also have uncovered noteworthy examples of women who immersed themselves in humanitarian missions and who tried to better the world through political action. There are stories of women beating the odds, taking on biased institutions and proving their worth, in spite of the prevailing system. Most inspirational, we have discovered through our comprehensive research on the history of women in European neurosurgery that the future is increasingly female.
Teacher-student relationships and mental health help seeking behaviors among elementary and secondary students in Ontario Canada.
Journal of school psychology, 2020

This study examined associations between teacher-student relationship quality at school and teachers' responsiveness to students' emotional concerns in a classroom and (a) students' intention to seek help at school for mental health concerns and (b) mental health-related service use. Data for analyses came from the School Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 31,120 grade 6-12 students, in 1968 classrooms, attending 248 schools in Ontario, Canada. Three-level (student, classroom, school) binary logistic regression was used to address the study objectives. Student ratings of the quality of teacher-student relationships and teachers' responsiveness were included as predictors, both at the individual student level and aggregated to represent a contextual level characteristic at the school and classroom level, respectively. At the student level, both teacher-student relationship quality and teacher responsiveness were positively associated with intentions to seek help at school among both elementary and secondary students (ORs ranged from 1.14-1.19 for relationships and 1.06-1.08 for responsiveness). Aggregated to the school level, teacher-student relationship quality was positively associated with mental health service use for secondary students (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.10, 1.69]). Positive and responsive teacher-student relationships were associated with help-seeking behaviors among students. Longitudinal studies are warranted to disentangle the temporality of these associations.
Genetic and Molecular Approaches to Study Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex.
Brain sciences, 2017

The migration of neuronal cells in the developing cerebral cortex is essential for proper development of the brain and brain networks. Disturbances in this process, due to genetic abnormalities or exogenous factors, leads to aberrant brain formation, brain network formation, and brain function. In the last decade, there has been extensive research in the field of neuronal migration. In this review, we describe different methods and approaches to assess and study neuronal migration in the developing cerebral cortex. First, we discuss several genetic methods, techniques and genetic models that have been used to study neuronal migration in the developing cortex. Second, we describe several molecular approaches to study aberrant neuronal migration in the cortex which can be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neuronal migration. Finally, we describe model systems to investigate and assess the potential toxicity effect of prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals on proper brain formation and neuronal migration.
Sensitive Estimation of Flavor Preferences in STFP Using Cumulative Time Profiles.
Bio-protocol, 2017

Social transmission of food preference (STFP) is observed among rodents between a demonstrator and a naïve hungry observer. During social interaction, hungry observer receives information about safety of the food consumed by the demonstrator. This task has been implemented to develop a single trial non-aversive learning task in order to test hippocampus dependent non-spatial memory in rodents. In this protocol, we describe some novel modifications to the conventional STFP protocol and analysis for more sensitive estimation of change in preferences. Using this method, preference trends can be observed for weeks after training, allowing one to probe the role of systems consolidation (SC) in declarative memory that is relatively independent of spatial navigation.
EMBO workshop al fin del mundo: a meeting on membrane trafficking and its implication for polarity and diseases.
Biology of the cell, 2015

The EMBO worskhop at the "end of the world'" (al fin del mundo), a meeting on membrane trafficking and its implication for polarity and diseases, took place in the Chilean Patagonia surrounded by the landscapes once witnessed by Charles Darwin. The meeting showcased some of the best membrane trafficking science with an emphasis in neuroscience and disease models. Speakers from Europe, USA, South America and the graduate students behind it; embarked on an enthusiastic and eclectic dialog where a wide range of cell types, model genetic systems, and diseases where discussed. This meeting demonstrated the power of trafficking concepts to integrate diverse biology and to formulate mechanisms of normal and disease cells.
The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) enhances dopamine neuron graft efficacy and side-effect liability in rs6265 knock-in rats.
Neurobiology of disease, 2021

Prevalent in approximately 20% of the worldwide human population, the rs6265 (also called 'Val66Met') single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a common genetic variant that can alter therapeutic responses in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Possession of the variant Met allele results in decreased activity-dependent release of BDNF. Given the resurgent worldwide interest in neural transplantation for PD and the biological relevance of BDNF, the current studies examined the effects of the rs6265 SNP on therapeutic efficacy and side-effect development following primary dopamine (DA) neuron transplantation. Considering the significant reduction in BDNF release associated with rs6265, we hypothesized that rs6265-mediated dysfunctional BDNF signaling contributes to the limited clinical benefit observed in a subpopulation of PD patients despite robust survival of grafted DA neurons, and further, that this mutation contributes to the development of aberrant graft-induced dyskinesias (GID). To this end, we generated a CRISPR knock-in rat model of the rs6265 BDNF SNP to examine for the first time the influence of a common genetic polymorphism on graft survival, functional efficacy, and side-effect liability, comparing these parameters between wild-type (Val/Val) rats and those homozygous for the variant Met allele (Met/Met). Counter to our hypothesis, the current research indicates that Met/Met rats show enhanced graft-associated therapeutic efficacy and a paradoxical enhancement of graft-derived neurite outgrowth compared to wild-type rats. However, consistent with our hypothesis, we demonstrate that the rs6265 genotype in the host rat is strongly linked to development of GID, and that this behavioral phenotype is significantly correlated with neurochemical signatures of atypical glutamatergic neurotransmission by grafted DA neurons.
Effective decellularization of human nerve matrix for regenerative medicine with a novel protocol.
Cell and tissue research, 2021

Injuries to the peripheral nerves represent a frequent cause of permanent disability in adults. The repair of large nerve lesions involves the use of autografts, but they have several inherent limitations. Overcoming these limitations, the use of decellularized nerve matrix has emerged as a promising treatment in tissue regenerative medicine. Here, we generate longer human decellularized nerve segments with a novel decellularization method, using nonionic, zwitterionic, and enzymatic incubations. Efficiency of decellularization was measured by DNA quantification and cell remnant analysis (myelin, S100, neurofilament). The evaluation of the extracellular matrix (collagen, laminin, and glycosaminoglycans) preservation was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or biochemical methods, along with histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Moreover, biomechanical properties and cytocompatibility were tested. Results showed that the decellularized nerves generated with this protocol have a concentration of DNA below the threshold of 50 ng/mg of dry tissue. Furthermore, myelin, S100, and MHCII proteins were absent, although some neurofilament remnants could be observed. Moreover, extracellular matrix proteins were well maintained, as well as the biomechanical properties, and the decellularized nerve matrix did not generate cytotoxicity. These results show that our method is effective for the generation of decellularized human nerve grafts. The generation of longer decellularized nerve segments would allow the understanding of the regenerative neurobiology after nerve injuries in both clinical assays and bigger animal models. Effective decellularization of human nerve matrix for regenerative medicine with a novel protocol. Combination of zwitterionic, non-ionic detergents, hyperosmotic solution and nuclease enzyme treatment remove cell remnants, maintain collagen, laminin and biomechanics without generating cytotoxic leachables.
Restoration of Cingulate Long-Term Depression by Enhancing Non-apoptotic Caspase 3 Alleviates Peripheral Pain Hypersensitivity.
Cell reports, 2020

Nerve injury in somatosensory pathways may lead to neuropathic pain, which affects the life quality of ∼8% of people. Long-term enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission along somatosensory pathways contributes to neuropathic pain. Caspase 3 (Casp3) plays a non-apoptotic role in the hippocampus and regulates internalization of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunits. Whether Casp3-AMPAR interaction is involved in the maintenance of peripheral hypersensitivity after nerve injury remained unknown. Here, we show that nerve injury suppresses long-term depression (LTD) and downregulates Casp3 in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Interfering with interactions between Casp3 and AMPAR subunits or reducing Casp3 activity in the ACC suppresses LTD induction and causes peripheral hypersensitivity. Overexpression of Casp3 restores LTD and reduces peripheral hypersensitivity after nerve injury. We reveal how Casp3 is involved in the maintenance of peripheral hypersensitivity. Our findings suggest that restoration of LTD via Casp3 provides a therapeutic strategy for neuropathic pain management.
A transgenic pig model expressing a CMV-ZsGreen1 reporter across an extensive array of tissues.
Journal of biomedical research, 2020

Since genetic engineering of pigs can benefit both biomedicine and agriculture, selecting a suitable gene promoter is critically important. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, which can robustly drive ubiquitous transgene expression, is commonly used at present, yet recent reports suggest tissue-specific activity in the pig. The objective of this study was to quantify ZsGreen1 protein (in lieu of CMV promoter activity) in tissues from pigs harboring a CMV-ZsGreen1 transgene with a single integration site. Tissue samples (
Sexing the brain: the science and pseudoscience of sex differences.
The Kaohsiung journal of medical sciences, 2010

A recent upsurge in unitary biological explanations for gender differences in behavior (i.e. that they are "hard-wired" in the genetic code), put forward not only in books written for a general audience but also in scientific papers, makes it important to examine the fallacies of these ideas. Such genetic and hormonal explanations of human behavior, formulated with little consideration of the influences of experience, and often without taking experience into account at all, are part of a new wave of genetic explanations for a broad range of human behavior, as explained in the paper. These ideas are far from new; moreover, they are pseudoscientific and are used for political influence under the guise of science. They are a conservative social force that maintains social and educational inequalities between women and men. This paper explains that causal explanations of differences between the sexes are of two completely different types: unitary (genetic determinist) versus interactive explanations. The false reasoning used to support genetic determinist explanations of sex differences in behavior is discussed. To illustrate what biology really tells us about gender differentiation, the paper discusses the interactive roles of genetic, hormonal and environmental influences on the development of gender differences. These interactions are illustrated using two model biological systems (e.g. the intertwined influences of genes, sex hormones and experience on the development of sex differences in behavior in rats, and sex differences in neuronal connections in chickens). There is plenty of scientific evidence to show the complex interactive, and ever changing, influences of experience and genes that take place as an organism develops and throughout its life. Malleability of brain and behavior can be shown clearly using animal models, and the processes involved apply also to the development of brain and behavior in humans. We diminish our understanding of the functions of a host of contributing factors to gender differentiation by parceling out the largest portion of control to the genes. The biology and behavior of humans is dynamic and flexible and need not restrict women to inferior positions in society.
Remapping of Adult-Born Neuron Activity during Fear Memory Consolidation in Mice.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2021

The mammalian hippocampal dentate gyrus is a unique memory circuit in which a subset of neurons is continuously generated throughout the lifespan. Previous studies have shown that the dentate gyrus neuronal population can hold fear memory traces (i.e., engrams) and that adult-born neurons (ABNs) support this process. However, it is unclear whether ABNs themselves hold fear memory traces. Therefore, we analyzed ABN activity at a population level across a fear conditioning paradigm. We found that fear learning did not recruit a distinct ABN population. In sharp contrast, a completely different ABN population was recruited during fear memory retrieval. We further provide evidence that ABN population activity remaps over time during the consolidation period. These results suggest that ABNs support the establishment of a fear memory trace in a different manner to directly holding the memory. Moreover, this activity remapping process in ABNs may support the segregation of memories formed at different times. These results provide new insight into the role of adult neurogenesis in the mammalian memory system.
Folding a neuroscience center into streamlined COVID-19 response teams: Lessons in origami.
Neurology, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic epicenter in Bronx, NY, the Montefiore Neuroscience Center required rapid and drastic changes when considering the delivery of neurologic care, health and safety of staff, and continued education and safety for house staff. Health care leaders rely on principles that can be in conflict during a disaster response such as this pandemic, with equal commitments to ensure the best care for those stricken with COVID-19, provide high-quality care and advocacy for patients and families coping with neurologic disease, and advocate for the health and safety of health care teams, particularly house staff and colleagues who are most vulnerable. In our attempt to balance these principles, over 3 weeks, we reformatted our inpatient neuroscience services by reducing from 4 wards to just 1, in the following weeks delivering care to over 600 hospitalized patients with neuro-COVID and over 1,742 total neuroscience hospital bed days. This description from members of our leadership team provides an on-the-ground account of our effort to respond nimbly to a complex and evolving surge of patients with COVID in a large urban hospital network. Our efforts were based on (1) strategies to mitigate exposure and transmission, (2) protection of the health and safety of staff, (3) alleviation of logistical delays and strains in the system, and (4) facilitating coordinated communication. Each center's experience will add to knowledge of best practices, and emerging research will help us gain insights into an evidence-based approach to neurologic care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coregulation of sleep-pain physiological interplay by orexin system: An unprecedented review.
Behavioural brain research, 2020

Accumulating evidence support the critical role of endogenous orexin system in modulation of various physiological functions. Among these, regulation of pain and wakefulness have extensively been investigated, however, by independent series of studies each focusing a distinct side. It is now well established that orexins induce potent analgesic effect via affecting their receptors within several specific brain structures. These mainly include locus coeruleus (LC), lateral paragigantocellularis (LPGi), ventral tegmental area (VTA), dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), periaquiductal gray (PAG) and tuberomammillary nuclei (TMN). On the other hand, increased activity of orexinergic neurons enhances general wakefulness. Interestingly, a review of literature reveals that brain regions underlying orexin-mediated analgesia are most probably the site of action for orexin wake-promoting effects as well. The present study first pieces together the existing evidence supporting the rationale for the possibility of sleep-pain coregulation by orexin system and then suggests several shared mechanisms through which orexin can control the two mentioned processes. Furthermore, this study explains how imbalanced orexinergic transmission can cause progressive dysregulation of sleep-pain processing.
An offset ON-OFF receptive field is created by gap junctions between distinct types of retinal ganglion cells.
Nature neuroscience, 2021

In the vertebrate retina, the location of a neuron's receptive field in visual space closely corresponds to the physical location of synaptic input onto its dendrites, a relationship called the retinotopic map. We report the discovery of a systematic spatial offset between the ON and OFF receptive subfields in F-mini-ON retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Surprisingly, this property does not come from spatially offset ON and OFF layer dendrites, but instead arises from a network of electrical synapses via gap junctions to RGCs of a different type, the F-mini-OFF. We show that the asymmetric morphology and connectivity of these RGCs can explain their receptive field offset, and we use a multicell model to explore the effects of receptive field offset on the precision of edge-location representation in a population. This RGC network forms a new electrical channel combining the ON and OFF feedforward pathways within the output layer of the retina.