bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host-associated microbial diversity in New Zealand cicadas uncovers elevational structure and replacement of obligate bacterial endosymbionts byOphiocordycepsfungal pathogens
Authors: Haji Diler , Vailionis Jason , Stukel Mark , Gordon Eric , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Lemmon Alan R. , McCutcheon John P. , Simon Chris 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHost-microbe interactions influence eukaryotic evolution, particularly in the sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts to provision deficient nutrients in their diets. Cicadas (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia,Sulcia, andOphiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these symbionts in nutrient provisioning, they are generally not considered to function within the gut where microbiota may play an important dietary role during insect diversification. Here, we investigate the relative impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas by sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one species pair. We find a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota. Additionally, we provide evidence ofHodgkinialoss with gains ofOphiocordycepsfungal pathogens in all New Zealand cicadas examined that suggests convergent domestications of fungal pathogens. This highlights the macroevolutionary instability of obligate symbiosis and the relative importance of ecology rather than phylogeny for structuring gut microbial diversity in cicadas.ImportanceAn unresolved question in evolutionary biology is how beneficial associations between eukaryotes and microbes impact macroevolutionary patterns. We report substantial data from natural populations that suggest the absence of macroevolutionary impacts from gut microbiota in cicadas. Instead, gut microbial diversity is better explained by elevational variation across an island landscape. Cicadas, like many insects, have obligate nutritional associations with bacteria housed in organs outside of the gut, but we show that these associations seem also to be unstable at macroevolutionary scales. We report evidence for unexpected and widespread replacement of obligate bacteria by a domesticated and formerly pathogenicOphiocordycepsfungus representing an evolutionarily convergent pattern across the cicada phylogeny.
Loss-of-function mutation in IKZF2 leads to immunodeficiency with dysregulated germinal center reactions and reduction of MAIT cells
Authors: Hetemäki Iivo , Kaustio Meri , Kinnunen Matias , Heikkilä Nelli , Keskitalo Salla , Miettinen Simo , Sarkkinen Joona , Glumoff Virpi , Andersson Noora , Kettunen Kaisa , Vanhanen Reetta , Nurmi Katariina , Eklund Kari K , Dunkel Johannes , Mäyränpää Mikko , Schlums Heinrich , Arstila T. Petteri , Kisand Kai , Bryceson Yenan T. , Peterson Pärt , Otava Ulla , Syrjänen Jaana , Saarela Janna , Varjosalo Markku , Kekäläinen Eliisa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe IKAROS family transcription factors regulate lymphocyte development. Loss-of-function variants in IKZF1 cause primary immunodeficiency, but IKAROS family members IKZF2 and IKZF3 have not yet been associated with immunodeficiency yet. Here, we describe a pedigree with a heterozygous truncating variant in IKZF2, encoding the translational activator and repressor HELIOS which is highly expressed in regulatory T cells and effector T cells, particularly of the CD8+ T cell lineage. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that the variant abolished HELIOS dimerizations as well as binding to members of the Mi-2/NuRD chromatin remodeling complex. Patients carrying the IKZF2 variant presented with a combined immunodeficiency phenotype characterized by recurrent upper respiratory infections, thrush and mucosal ulcers, as well as chronic lymphadenopathy. With extensive immunophenotyping, functional assays, and transcriptional analysis we show that reduced HELIOS expression was associated with chronic T cell activation and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines both in effector and regulatory T cells. Lymph node histology from patients indicated dysregulated germinal center reactions. Moreover, affected individuals displayed profoundly reduced circulating MAIT cell numbers. In summary, we show that this novel loss-of-function variant in HELIOS leads to an immunodeficiency with signs of immune overactivation.One sentence summaryTruncating variant of HELIOS causes immunodeficiency with signs of immune overactivation.
Automation improves repeatability of retinal oximetry measurements
Authors: Karlsson Robert Arnar , Olafsdottir Olof Birna , Belhadj Soumaya , Helgadottir Vedis , Eliasdottir Thorunn Scheving , Stefansson Einar , Hardarson Sveinn Hakon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeRetinal oximetry is a technique based on spectrophotometry where images are analyzed with software capable of calculating vessel oxygen saturation and vessel diameter. In this study, the effect of automation of measurements of retinal vessel oxygen saturation and vessel diameter is explored.MethodsUntil now, operators have had to choose each vessel segment to be measured explicitly. A new, automatic version of the software automatically selects the vessels once the operator defines a measurement area.Five operators analyzed image pairs from the right eye of 23 healthy subjects with semiautomated retinal oximetry analysis software, Oxymap Analyzer (v2.5.1), and an automated version (v3.0). Inter- and intra-operator variability was investigated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between oxygen saturation measurements of vessel segments in the same area of the retina.ResultsFor manual saturation measurements, the inter-rater ICC was 0.80 for arterioles and venules. For automated saturation measurements, the inter-rater ICC was 0.97 for arterioles and 0.96 for venules. For manual diameter measurements, the inter-rater ICC was 0.71 for arterioles and venules. For automated diameter measurements the inter-rater ICC was 0.97 for arterioles and 0.95 for venules. The inter-rater ICCs were different (p < 0.01) between the semiautomated and automated version in all instances.ConclusionAutomated measurements of retinal oximetry values are more repeatable compared to measurements where vessels are selected manually.
Cost saving in primary versus tertiary level of reproductive health services in Sana’a, Yemen
Authors: Nassar Abdulkareem Ali Hussein , Raja’a Yahia Ahmed , Bahubaishi Najia Saleh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn Yemen, women tend to bypass the nearby primary health level facilities (PHLF) for using vaginal delivery (VD), antenatal care (ANC) and intrauterine device (IUD) services. This study aimed to estimate the cost saving for utilization of VD, ANC and IUD services at PHLF instead of tertiary health level facilities (THLF) in Sana’a.MethodsA comparative cross sectional study design was conducted in 2013. It was used to estimate the costs from the patient’s perspective. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive analyses were performed. P value <0.05 was considered as the cut point for significance. The SPSS version 17 was used.ResultsA total of 180 women were found. The median of DMC of VD, ANC and IUD services were US$43.9, US$14.8 and US$9.1 at THLF compared with US$19.5, US$0.9 and US$11.2 at PHLF, respectively. The DMC difference of VD, ANC and IUD services between THLF and PHLF was US$24.4, US$13.9 and US$-2.1, respectively. Regarding the DNMC, the median of VD, ANC and IUD services were US$43.1, US$19.1 and US$17.3 at THLF compared with US$14.0, US$0.0 and US$0.0 at PHLF, respectively. The DNMC difference of VD, ANC and IUD service between THLF and PHLF was US$29.1, US$19.1 and US$17.3, respectively. Moreover, the median of INDC for VD, ANC and IUD services were US$23.9, US$9.5 and US$10.4 at THLF compared with US$7.9, US$1.6 and US$1.1 at PHLF, respectively. The INDC difference of VD, ANC and IUD service between THLF and PHLF was US$16.0, US$7.9 and US$9.3.ConclusionThe study found the utilization of VD, ANC and IUD services at PHLF instead of THLF is a considerable cost saving for families. Therefore, shifting the utilization of services from THLF to PHLF reduces the financial burden affecting individuals, families and their productivity. Implementation of the health referral system is recommended.Key questionsWhat is already known?➢Women tend remarkably to bypass the nearby primary reproductive health services that are rising the expenses and increasing the burden borne by individuals, families and their productivity.➢Few studies have estimated the cost saving for utilization of primary instead tertiary level of reproductive health services in the world, while no such study was conducted in Yemen.What are the new findings?➢A significant difference in the expenses on reproductive health services between the primary and tertiary health level facilities.➢A significant cost is saved for women and families as a result of utilization of primary instead tertiary level of reproductive health services.What do the new findings imply?➢The primary health level facilities reduce the financial burden affecting individuals, families and their productivity.➢This study provides evidence for decision-makers to implement the health referral system and protect the families from incurring the high expenditure.
Profile of Mucormycosis Cases from a Network of Hospitals in North India Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Budhiraja Sandeep , Aggarwal Mona , Mahajan Monica , Indrayan Abhaya , Jha Vinita , Mittal Ambrish , Sachdeva Sanjay , Mrig Sumit , Jain Anurag , Gera Ravinder , Aggarwal Rahul , Kalra Suven , Ramalingam WVPS , Deka Anupal , Das Arjun , Jijina D , Mansingh Ajit , Singhal Anuj , Reddi Rajashekhar , Aggarwal Puneet , Kumar Mukesh , Mukherjee JD , Nangia Vivek , Lall Ajay , Singh Omender , Dewan Arun , Jain Ajay , Shrivastava Gita G , Bhattacharjee Mala , Nihalani Meena , Kumar Manoj , Jain Meenakshi , Mehra Mukesh , Arora Vijay , Mehta Viresh Prashant , Bhalla Dilip , Batra Amit , Gupta Rajesh , Kumar Vivek , Dua Sanjeev , Pandey Praveen , Singh Y P , Mathur Mohit , Singh Ashok , Arora Sanjeev , Gupta Ajay Kumar , Choudhary Pankaj Nand , Singh Manoj , Kaul Namita , Pathak Sitla Prasad , Joshi Sharad , Gupta Manish , Mishra Rajesh , Joshi Alok , Aggarwal Manoj , Gupta Rajiv , Boobna Vandana , Chhabra Yogesh Kumar , Chugh Inder Mohan , Garg Sandeep , Mittal Vikas , Sood Neha , Kumar Anil , Pande Rajesh Kumar , Singh V P , Khan Iram , Garg Nitin , Tyagi Puneet , Belwal Shantanu , Roy Anup Kumar , Bhasin Deepak , Pandove Sachin , Bahl Ravikant , Soni Prateek 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIncidence of mucormycosis suddenly surged in India after the second wave of COVID-19. This is a crippling disease and needs to be studied in detail to understand the disease, its course, and the outcomes.Between 1st March and 15th July 2021, our network of hospitals in North India received a total of 155 cases of COVID-associated mucormycosis cases as all of them reported affliction by COVID-19 earlier or concurrent. Their records were retrieved from the Electronic Health Records system of the hospitals and their demographics, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes were studied. More than 80% (125 cases) had proven disease and the remaining 30 were categorized as ‘possible’ mucormycosis as per the EORTC criteria.More than two-thirds (69.0%) of the cases were males and the mean age was 53 years for either sex. Nearly two-thirds (64.5%) had symptoms of nose and jaws and 42.6% had eye involvement. Some had multiple symptoms. As many as 78.7% had diabetes and 91.6% gave history of use of steroids during COVID-19 treatment. The primary surgery was functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) (83.9%). Overall mortality was 16.8%, which is one-and-a-half times the mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the corresponding population. Occurrence of mucormycosis was associated with diabetes and use of steroids, but mortality was not associated with either of them. Cases undergoing surgery and on antifungal had steeply lower mortality (11.9% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.001) than those who were exclusively on antifungal drugs. Treatment by different drugs did not make much of a difference in mortality.
Behavioral and neural dissociation of social anxiety and loneliness
Authors: Lieberz Jana , Shamay-Tsoory Simone G. , Saporta Nira , Kanterman Alisa , Gorni Jessica , Esser Timo , Kuskova Ekaterina , Schultz Johannes , Hurlemann René , Scheele Dirk 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLoneliness is a public health concern with detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being. Given phenotypical overlaps between loneliness and social anxiety, cognitive behavioral interventions targeting social anxiety might be adopted to reduce loneliness. However, it is still elusive whether social anxiety and loneliness share the same underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. The current study aimed at investigating to what extent known behavioral and neural correlates of social avoidance in social anxiety are evident in loneliness.MethodsWe used a pre-stratified approach involving 42 participants with high and 40 control participants with low loneliness scores. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, the participants completed a social gambling task to measure the subjective value of engaging in a social situation and responses to positive and negative social feedback.ResultsUni- and multivariate analyses of behavioral and neural data replicated known task effects across groups. However, although lonely participants were characterized by increased social anxiety, loneliness was associated with a response pattern clearly distinct from social anxiety. Specifically, Bayesian analyses revealed moderate evidence for equal subjective values of engaging in social situations and comparable amygdala responses to social decision-making and striatal responses to positive social feedback in both groups. Conversely, lonely participants showed significantly altered behavioral responsiveness to negative feedback and reduced striatal activity, whereas striatal-hippocampal connectivity was increased compared to controls.ConclusionOur findings suggest that loneliness is associated with altered emotional reactivity to social situations rather than behavioral tendencies to withdraw from social interactions. Thus, established interventions for social anxiety should be adjusted when targeting loneliness.
Father absence and trajectories of offspring mental health across adolescence and young adulthood: findings from a UK-birth cohort
Authors: Culpin Iryna , Heuvelman Hein , Rai Dheeraj , Pearson Rebecca M , Joinson Carol , Heron Jon , Evans Jonathan , Kwong Alex S F 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundHigh prevalence of parental separation and resulting biological father absence raises important questions regarding its impact on offspring mental health across the life course. However, few studies have examined prospective associations between biological father absence in childhood and risk of offspring depression and depressive symptoms trajectories across adolescence and young adulthood. We specifically examined whether these relationships vary by sex and the timing of exposure to father absence (early or middle childhood).MethodsThis study is based on up to 8,409 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Participants provided self-reports of depression (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised) at age 24 years and depressive symptoms (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) between the ages of 10 and 24 years. Biological father absence in childhood was assessed through maternal questionnaires at regular intervals from birth to 10 years. We used logistic regression to examine the association between biological father absence and depression/depressive symptoms at age 24. We estimated the association between biological father absence and trajectories of depressive symptoms using multilevel growth-curve modelling.ResultsEarly but not middle childhood father absence was strongly associated with increased odds of offspring depression and greater depressive symptoms at age 24 years. Early childhood father absence was associated with higher trajectories of depressive symptoms during adolescence and early adulthood compared with father presence. Differences in the level of depressive symptoms between middle childhood father absent and father present groups narrowed into early adulthood. Girls whose father was absent in early childhood, compared with present, manifested higher levels of depressive symptoms throughout adolescence, but this difference narrowed by early adulthood. In contrast, boys who experienced father absence in early childhood had similar trajectories of depressive symptoms compared to the father present group but experienced a steep increase in early adulthood. Girls whose fathers were absent in middle childhood manifested higher trajectories across middle adolescence into young adulthood compared to the father present group.ConclusionsWe found evidence that father absence in childhood is persistently associated with offspring depression in adolescence and early adulthood and that this relationship varies by sex and timing of father’s departure. Further research is needed to examine whether this relationship is causal and to identify mechanisms that could inform preventative interventions to reduce the risk of depression in children who experience father absence.
Clinical Evaluation of the Novel Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification Point-of-Care Test (Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2) in the analysis of Nasopharyngeal and Anterior Nasal samples
Authors: Kiyasu Yoshihiko , Owaku Masato , Akashi Yusaku , Takeuchi Yuto , Narahara Kenji , Mori Sunao , Nagano Takashi , Notake Shigeyuki , Ueda Atsuo , Nakamura Koji , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Suzuki Hiromichi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionSmart Gene is a point-of-care (POC)-type automated molecular testing platform that can be performed with 1 minute of hands-on-time. Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 is a newly developed Smart Gene molecular assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The analytical and clinical performance of Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 has not been evaluated.MethodsNasopharyngeal and anterior nasal samples were prospectively collected from subjects referred to the local PCR center from March 25 to July 5, 2021. Two swabs were simultaneously obtained for the Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 assay and the reference real-time RT-PCR assay, and the results of Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 were compared to the reference real-time RT-PCR assay.ResultsAmong a total of 1150 samples, 68 of 791 nasopharyngeal samples and 51 of 359 anterior nasal samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the reference real-time RT-PCR assay. In the testing of nasopharyngeal samples, Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 showed the total, positive and negative concordance of 99.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.4–99.7%), 94.1% (95% CI: 85.6–98.4%) and 99.7% (95% CI: 99.0–100%), respectively. For anterior nasal samples, Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2 showed the total, positive and negative concordance of 98.9% (95% CI: 97.2–99.7%), 98.0% (95% CI: 89.6–100%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 97.2–99.8%), respectively. In total, 5 samples were positive in the reference real-time RT-PCR and negative in Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2, whereas 5 samples were negative in the reference real-time RT-PCR and positive in Smart Gene SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionSmart Gene SARS-CoV-2 showed sufficient analytical performance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal and anterior nasal samples.
Willingness and influential factors of parents to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Galanis Petros , Vraka Irene , Siskou Olga , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Kaitelidou Daphne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among children will be critical in limiting the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease. Parents are key decision-makers for whether their children will receive a COVID-19 vaccine.ObjectiveTo estimate parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19, and to investigate the predictors for their decision.MethodsWe followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines for this systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, and CINAHL from inception to August 11, 2021. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273125). We applied a random effect model to estimate pooled effects since the heterogeneity was very high. We used subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis to explore sources of heterogeneity.ResultsWe found 17 studies including 45,783 parents. The overall proportion of parents that intend to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 was 56.8% (95% confidence interval: 51.8-61.8%). Parents’ willingness ranged from 29% to 72.7%. Studies quality, sample size, data collection time, and the continent that studies were conducted did not affect the results. The main predictors of parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 were male gender, older age of parents and children, higher socio-economic status, white race, positive attitudes toward vaccination, higher levels of knowledge, and higher levels of perceived threat from the COVID-19, worry, fear, and anxiety.ConclusionsParents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 is moderate and several factors affect this decision. Understanding parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy does help policy makers to change the stereotypes and establish broad community COVID-19 vaccination. Identification of the factors that affect parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 will provide opportunities to enhance parents trust in the COVID-19 vaccines and optimize children’s uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Novel Electrode Architecture for Subgaleal Electroencephalography: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Ahnood Arman , Truong Nhan Duy , Fleiss Bobbi , Nikpour Armin , Kavehei Omid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractElectroencephalography (EEG) has been widely used to understand the nervous system and as a clinical diagnostic tool. In the case of neurological conditions with intermittent episodes, such as epilepsy, long-term EEG monitoring outside the clinics and in the community setting is vital. Subgaleal EEG (sgEEG) has emerged as an essential tool for long-term monitoring over several years. Current sgEEG solutions share a need for at least a 10 cm long lead wire, resulting in a bulky and invasive device. This work introduces a novel electrode architecture for subgaleal EEG recording, which forgoes the need for lead wires. A back-to-back electrode configuration with an electrode spacing of less than 1 mm is proposed. Compared to the current side-by-side approaches with an electrode spacing of several cm, our proposed approach results in at least one order of magnitude reduction in volume. The efficacy of the proposed electrode architecture is investigated through finite element modeling, phantom measurements, and cadaver studies. Our results suggest that compared to the conventional side-by-side electrode configuration, the source signal can be recorded reliably. Lead wires have posed a significant challenge from a device reliability and measurement quality perspective. Moreover, lead wires and the associated feedthrough connectors are bulky. Our proposed lead-free EEG recording solution may lead to a less invasive surgical placement through volume reduction and improve EEG recording quality.