bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in National Opioid Prescribing for Dental Procedures among Medicaid Patients
Authors: Okunev Ilya , Frantsve-Hawley Julie , Tranby Eric 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe examine trends in opioid prescriptions by dentists for Medicaid-enrolled children and non-senior adults.MethodsWe utilized the IBM Watson Medicaid claims databases for 2012-2019 and the CDC conversion dataset. Opioid prescriptions were linked to a dental visit when prescribed within three days of the dental visit and if the patient had no medical visit reported during that period. We conducted descriptive analyses for age, procedures performed, treatment history, and prescription strength.ResultsOur study showed consistent decreases in opioid prescription rates in dentistry during the study period: from 2.7% to 1.6% among children (0-20), and from 28.6% to 12.2% for adults (21-64). The adult opioid prescription rate fell for nonsurgical dental procedures from 9.7% to 2.9%. For surgical procedures, the adult prescription rate fell from 48.0% to 28.7%. Most dental-related opioids were prescribed for oral surgeries (Children: 70.8%, Adults: 58.6%). By 2019, 23% of all opioid prescriptions for children were dental related.ConclusionWe found that opioid prescription rates in dentistry for Medicaid enrollees declined significantly between 2012 and 2019 for both children and adults. The percent of prescriptions written for nonsurgical visits consistently declined over the observed timeframe. At the same time, opioid prescription rates for both dental surgical procedures and dental nonsurgical procedures decreased as well.Practical ImplicationsAlthough the trends revealed in our analysis show declining opioid prescription patterns, these results suggest that the overall rate is still too high and prescriptions are being written unnecessarily.
The risk factors of COVID-19 in a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Atergeleh Hozhabr Jamali , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Goli Shahrbanoo , Rohani-Rasaf Marzieh , Hashemi Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present longitudinal study aims to investigate the risk factors for getting COVID-19 in a population aged 50 to 74 years. Data were collected from Shahroud Eye Cohort Study and the electronic system of COVID-19 in Shahroud, northeast Iran. Participants were followed for about 13 months and predisposing factors for COVID-19 infection were investigated using log binomial model and by calculation of relative risks. From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Shahroud (February 20, 2020) to March 26, 2021, out of 4394 participants in the Eye Cohort Study, 271 (6.1%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 with a positive Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction test on two nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. Risk factors for getting COVID-19 were included male gender (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.51; 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), 1.15-1.99), BMI over 25 (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) and diabetes (RR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02-1.67). Also, smoking (RR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28-0.93) and education (RR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98) had reverse associations. In conclusion men and diabetic patients and those who have BMI over 25, should be more alert to follow the health protocols related to COVID-19 and priority should be given to them considering COVID-19 vaccination.
Genetic Incorporation of Two Mutually Orthogonal Bioorthogonal Amino Acids That Enable Efficient Protein Dual-Labeling in Cells
Authors: Bednar Riley M. , Jana Subhashis , Kuppa Sahiti , Franklin Rachel , Beckman Joseph , Antony Edwin , Cooley Richard B. , Mehl Ryan A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe ability to site-specifically modify proteins at multiple sitesin vivowill enable the study of protein function in its native environment with unprecedented levels of detail. Here, we present a versatile two-step strategy to meet this goal involving site-specific encoding of two distinct noncanonical amino acids bearing bioorthogonal handles into proteinsin vivofollowed by mutually orthogonal labeling. This general approach, that we calldualencodingand labeling (DEAL), allowed us to efficiently encoded tetrazine- and azide-bearing amino acids into a protein and demonstrate for the first time that the bioorthogonal labeling reactions with strained alkene and alkyne labels can function simultaneously and intracellularly with high yields when site-specifically encoded in a single protein. Using our DEAL system, we were able to perform topologically-defined protein-protein crosslinking, intramolecular stapling, and site-specific installation of fluorophores all inside livingEscherichia colicells, as well as study the DNA-binding properties of yeast Replication Protein Ain vitro. By enabling the efficient dual modification of proteinsin vivo, this DEAL approach provides a tool for the characterization and engineering of proteinsin vivo.
First description ofLotmaria passimandCrithidia mellificaehaptomonad stage in the honeybee hindgut
Authors: Buendía-Abad María , García-Palencia Pilar , de Pablos-Torró Luis Miguel , María Alunda José , Osuna Antonio , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Higes Mariano 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe remodelling of flagella into attachment structures is a common and important event in the insect stages of the trypanosomatid life cycle. Among their hymenopteran hosts,Lotmaria passimandCrithidia mellificaecan parasitizeApis mellifera, and as a result they might have a significant impact on honeybee health. However, there are details of their life cycle and the mechanisms underlying their pathogenicity in this host that remain unclear. Here we show that bothL. passimpromastigotes andC. mellificaechoanomastigotes differentiate into haptomonad stage covering the ileum and rectum of honeybees. These haptomonad cells remain attached to the host surface via zonular hemidesmosome-like structures, as revealed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Hence, for the first time this work describes the haptomonad morphotype of these species and their hemidesmosome-like attachment inApis mellifera, a key trait exploited by other trypanosomatid species to proliferate in the insect host hindgut.Author summaryIn recent years, the mortality of European Honeybees (Apis mellifera) has risen worldwide due to a variety of factors, including their infection by parasites. Former studies have linked the presence of several trypanosomatids species, beingLotmaria passimandCrithidia mellificaethe most prevalent ones, with this increase in mortality. Although previous studies have shown that trypanosomatid infection reduces the lifespan of bees, there is little information regarding their development in the gut when honeybees become infected. Here, for the first time we describe the haptomonad morphotype of these two trypanosomatid species inA. mellifera. The most characteristic feature of haptomonads is the extensive remodelling of the flagellum and the formation of junctional complexes at the host gut wall. The presence of this morphotype in the honeybee hindgut increases our understanding of the life cycle of these species and their possible pathogenic mechanisms. We found that they can multiply while attached and that their disposition, covering the hindgut walls, could hinder host nutrient uptake and consequently, represent a pathogenic mechanism itself. This attachment could also be a key stage in the life-cycle to prevent the trypanosomatids leaving the host prematurely, ensuring transmission through infective morphotypes.
The growth hormone gene has evolved independently inAfrican Pygmy Mouse Mus minutoides
Authors: Matsuya Sumito , Imai Hiroyuki , Kiso Yasuo , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Kano Kiyoshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMus minutoides(the African pygmy mouse) is one of the smallest mammals. We determined the nucleotide sequence of thegrowth hormone(Gh) gene and the sequence of the putative coding region inM. minutoides, where is predicted to be distinct in the functional and transcriptional regulatory regions betweenM. minutoidesandMus musculus(the House mouse). To investigate the evolutionary characteristics ofGhinM. minutoides, we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the putative amino acid sequences ofGhinM. musculusand mammals by neighbor-joining method, suggesting thatGhdiverged relatively earlier than otherMusgenus and may have evolved independently inM. minutoides. Furthermore, analysis ofGhgene expression levels showed a tendency to be higher inM. minutoidesthan inM. musculus. Our results suggest thatGhmay have evolved independently inM. minutoidesand may have different functions and signaling inMusgenus.
CRISPR-Cas is associated with fewer antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial pathogens
Authors: Pursey Elizabeth , Dimitriu Tatiana , Paganelli Fernanda L. , Westra Edze R. , van Houte Stineke 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer is a key driver of the rise in multidrug resistance amongst bacterial pathogens. Bacterial defence systems per definition restrict the influx of foreign genetic material, and may therefore limit the acquisition of antibiotic resistance. CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems are one of the most prevalent defences in bacteria, found in roughly half of bacterial genomes, but it has remained unclear if and how much they contribute to restricting the spread of antibiotic resistance. We analysed ~40,000 whole genomes comprising the full RefSeq dataset for 11 species of clinically important genera of human pathogens includingEnterococcus,Staphylococcus,AcinetobacterandPseudomonas. We modelled the association between CRISPR-Cas and indicators of horizontal gene transfer, and found that pathogens with a CRISPR-Cas system were less likely to carry antibiotic resistance genes than those lacking this defence system. Analysis of the mobile genetic elements targeted by CRISPR-Cas supports a model where this host defence system blocks important vectors of antibiotic resistance. These results suggest a potential “immunocompromised” state for multidrug-resistant strains that may be exploited in tailored interventions that rely on mobile genetic elements, such as phage or phagemids, to treat infections caused by bacterial pathogens.
Is what you see what you get? The relationship between field observed and actual aphid parasitism rates in canola crops
Authors: Ward Samantha , Umina Paul A. , Parry Hazel , Balfour-Cunningham Amber , Cheng Xuan , Heddle Thomas , Holloway Joanne C. , Langley Caitlin , Severtson Dustin , Van Helden Maarten , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDEstimating parasitoid abundance in the field can be difficult, even more so when attempting to quantify parasitism rates and the ecosystem service of biological control that parasitoids can provide. To understand how ‘observed’ parasitism rates (in-field mummy counts) of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae(Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) translate to ‘actual’ parasitism rates (laboratory-reared parasitoid counts), field work was undertaken in Australian canola fields over a growing season. Parasitoids were reared within a controlled laboratory setting.RESULTSTotal observed and actual parasitism rates ofM. persicaevaried considerably across regions, but less so on a field level. Overall, actual parasitism was on average 2.4 times higher than that observed in the field, with rates an average of 4-fold higher in South Australia. As crop growth stage progressed, the percentage of mummies observed increased. Percentage of parasitoids reared also increased with crop growth stage, averaging 3.4% during flowering and reaching 14.4% during podding/senescing. Although there was a greater diversity of reared parasitoid species at later crop growth stages, actual parasitism rate was unaffected by parasitoid species.Diaeretiella rapaewas the most commonly reared parasitoid, increasing in abundance with crop growth stage.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that mummy counts alone do not provide a clear representation of parasitism within fields.
Comprehensive analysis of prime editing outcomes in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Habib Omer , Habib Gizem , Hwang Gue-Ho , Bae Sangsu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrime editing is a versatile and precise genome editing technique that can directly copy desired genetic modifications into target DNA sites without the need for donor DNA. This technique holds great promise for the analysis of gene function, disease modeling, and the correction of pathogenic mutations in clinically relevant cells such as human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here we comprehensively tested prime editing in hPSCs by generating a doxycycline-inducible prime editing platform. Prime editing successfully induced all types of nucleotide substitutions and small insertions and deletions, similar to observations in other human cell types. Moreover, we compared prime editing and base editing for correcting a disease-related mutation in induced pluripotent stem cells derived form a patient with α 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency. Finally, whole-genome sequencing showed that, unlike the cytidine deaminase domain of cytosine base editors, the reverse transcriptase domain of a prime editor does not lead to guide RNA-independent off-target mutations in the genome. Our results demonstrate that prime editing in hPSCs has great potential for complementing previously developed CRISPR genome editing tools.
Effect of diet modification in intestinal Escherichia coli population and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Loayza-Villa Fernanda , García Daniela , Torres Alejandro , Trueba Gabriel 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThe fluctuations in the number of some intestinal bacterial lineages may be associated with increased antimicrobial resistance and disease. Adaptation to a given environment may select bacterial mutants that have reduced ability to adapt to new environments and changes in diet have been associated with alterations in microbiome taxon composition. We wanted to see the effect of diet change in linage composition and antimicrobial resistance profiles of numerically dominant E. coli. We subjected 50 chickens from an industrial operation (under corn-based diet supplemented with antimicrobials) to 2 antimicrobial-free diets; one based on corn and the other based on alfalfa. Fecal samples were obtained from all animals at arrival and after five weeks under different diets. Five E. coli colonies (from each sample) were subjected to genetic typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We observed high diversity and high turnover rate of numerically dominant E. coli strains from animals from both diet groups. We did not find differences in antimicrobial resistance profiles in isolates from different diet groups. Our results suggest that there is high diversity and high turnover rate of E. coli strains in the intestines regardless of the diet. Chicken intestines seemed to contain many E. coli lineages able to thrive in different substrates. The absence of differences in antimicrobial resistance among bacteria, from animals in different diets, may indicate that the carriage of antimicrobial resistance genes does not affect the bacterial ability to adapt to different substrates.
Use of Modeling to Inform Decision-Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Johnson Karl , Biddell Caitlin , Lich Kristen Hassmiller , Swann Julie , Delamater Paul , Mayorga Maria , Ivy Julie , Smith Raymond , Patel Mehul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 Pandemic has popularized computer-based decision-support models as a tool for decision-makers to manage their organizations. It is unclear how decision-makers have considered these models to inform COVID-19-related decisions.MethodsWe interviewed decision-makers from North Carolina across diverse organizational backgrounds to assess major decision-making processes during COVID-19, including the use of modeling as an input to inform decision-making.ResultsInterviewees were aware of models during COVID-19, with some depending upon multiple models. Models were used to compare trends in disease spread across localities, allocate scarce resources, and track disease spread within small geographic areas. Decision-makers desired models to project disease spread within subpopulations and estimate where local outbreaks could occur as well as estimate the outcomes of social distancing policies, including consequences beyond typical health-related outcomes. Challenges to the use of modeling included doubts that models could reflect nuances of human behavior, concerns about the quality of data used in models, and the limited amount of modeling at the local level.ConclusionsThroughout COVID-19, decision-makers perceived modeling as valuable for understanding disease spread within their communities and to inform organization decisions, yet there were variations in organizations’ ability and willingness to use models for these purposes.
Central obesity, smoking habit and hypertension are associated with a blunted serological response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Watanabe Mikiko , Balena Angela , Tuccinardi Dario , Tozzi Rossella , Risi Renata , Masi Davide , Caputi Alessandra , Rossetti Rebecca , Spoltore Maria Elena , Filippi Valeria , Gangitano Elena , Manfrini Silvia , Mariani Stefania , Lubrano Carla , Lenzi Andrea , Mastroianni Claudio , Gnessi Lucio 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore variables associated with the serological response following COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.MethodsHealthcare workers adhering to the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 were enrolled in January-February 2021. All subjects underwent two COVID-19 mRNA vaccine inoculations (Pfizer/BioNTech) separated by three weeks. Blood samples were collected before the first and 1-4 weeks after the second inoculation. Clinical history, demographics, and vaccine side effects were recorded. Baseline anthropometric parameters were measured, and body composition was performed through dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsEighty-six patients were enrolled. Those with central obesity had lower antibody (Ab) titers compared with those with no central obesity [1426(1436)vs1971(1819), p=0.04]; smokers had a blunted response compared to non-smokers [1099(1350)vs1921(1375), p=0.007], as well as hypertensive vs normotensive [650±1192vs1911(1364), p=0.001] and dyslipidemic compared to those with normal serum lipids [534(972)vs 1872(1406), p=0.005]. Multivariate analysis showed that higher waist circumference, smoking, hypertension and longer time elapsed since second vaccine inoculation were associated with lower Ab titers, independent of BMI, age and gender. The association between waist circumference and Ab titers was lost when controlling for body fat, suggesting that visceral accumulation may explain this result.ConclusionsIt is currently impossible to determine whether lower SARS CoV-2 Abs lead to higher likelihood of developing COVID-19. However, neutralizing abs correlate with protection against several viruses including SARS-CoV-2, and the finding that central obesity, hypertension and smoking are associated with a blunted response warrants further attention. Our findings must lead to a vigilant approach, as these subjects could benefit from earlier vaccine boosters or different vaccine schedules.
Cryptic survival and an unexpected recovery of the long-tailed mayflyPalingenia longicauda(Olivier, 1791) (Ephemeroptera: Palingeniidae) in Southeastern Europe
Authors: Dénes Avar L. , Vaida Romina , Szabó Emerencia , Martynov Alexander V. , Váncsa Éva , Ujvárosi Beáta , Keresztes L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOnce widespread in the large European rivers,Palingenia longicaudaunderwent a drastic range contraction as a result of the intense pollution and hydromorphological interventions of the 19thand 20thcenturies. For the last decades it was considered to be restricted only to the Tisa River and its tributaries, and to the Rába River, but new reports indicated its presence in the Danube River in Hungary, in the Danube Delta in Romania and Ukraine, and in the Prut River in the Republic of Moldova.The objective of this study is to analyze the phylogeographic pattern between the two main eco-regions (Pannon and Pontic) of the species distribution, based on the combined mitochondrial COI (472 bp) and 16S (464 bp) sequences generated for individuals collected in Romania and Ukraine, and from publicly available ones, representing the Tisa catchment populations.The presence of viable populations in the Danube Delta and on the Prut River in Romania is confirmed, and additional presence on the Mure□ and Bega rivers from Romania, and on the Styr and Horyn’ rivers in Northern Ukraine is shown.The phylogeographic results indicate that the presence of the analyzed populations are not the result of recent founding events from the Pannon region, confirming the survival and expansion of cryptic local lineages.The recent recovery of the species may be related to the improvement of water quality as a result of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU Floods Directive after 2000.
Epitope classification and RBD binding properties of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Deshpande Ashlesha , Harris Bethany D. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Kobie James J. , Walter Mark R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SAR-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) that is responsible for short and long-term disease, as well as death, in susceptible hosts. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein binds to cell surface angiotensin converting enzyme type-II (ACE2) to initiate viral attachment and ultimately viral pathogenesis. The SARS-CoV-2 S RBD is a major target of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that block RBD - ACE2 interactions. In this report, NAb-RBD binding epitopes in the protein databank were classified as C1, C1D, C2, C3, or C4, using a RBD binding profile (BP), based on NAb-specific RBD buried surface area and used to predict the binding epitopes of a series of uncharacterized NAbs. Naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 RBD sequence variation was also quantified to predict NAb binding sensitivities to the RBD-variants. NAb and ACE2 binding studies confirmed the NAb classifications and determined whether the RBD variants enhanced ACE2 binding to promote viral infectivity, and/or disrupted NAb binding to evade the host immune response. Of 9 single RBD mutants evaluated, K417T, E484K, and N501Y disrupted binding of 65% of the NAbs evaluated, consistent with the assignment of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Japan/Brazil strain as a variant of concern (VoC). RBD variants E484K and N501Y exhibited ACE2 binding equivalent to a Wuhan-1 reference SARS-CoV-2 RBD. While slightly less disruptive to NAb binding, L452R enhanced ACE2 binding affinity. Thus, the L452R mutant, associated with the SARS-CoV-2 California VoC (B.1.427/B.1.429-California), has evolved to enhance ACE2 binding, while simultaneously disrupting C1 and C2 NAb classes. The analysis also identified a non-overlapping antibody pair (1213H7 and 1215D1) that bound to all SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants evaluated, representing an excellent therapeutic option for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 WT and VoC strains.