bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Antiviral Agents for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Qiu Yulan , Zhang Yijing , Teng Mengmeng , Cheng Shiqi , Du Qian , Yang Luting , Wang Quanfang , Wang Taotao , Wang Yan , Dong Yalin , Dong Haiyan 
Published: December 2023

Background.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with higher non-relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). But the preferred drug for preventing cytomegalovirus infection is still controversial. We evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of antiviral agents based on the most recent studies.

Methods.
A pairwise and network meta-analysis was conducted to obtain direct and indirect evidence of antivirals. The cost of allo-HSCT recipients in a teaching hospital was collected, and a cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision tree combined with Markov model was completed from the perspective of allo-HSCT recipients over a lifetime horizon.

Results.
A total of 19 RCTs involving 3565 patients (8 antivirals) were included. In the network meta-analysis, relative to placebo, letermovir, valacyclovir, and ganciclovir significantly reduced CMV infection incidence; ganciclovir significantly reduced CMV disease incidence; ganciclovir significantly increased the incidence of serious adverse event; none of antivirals significantly reduced all-cause mortality. Based on meta-analysis and Chinese medical data, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved for maribavir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, and letermovir relative to placebo corresponded to US$216 635.70, US$11 590.20, US$11 816.40, US$13 049.90, and US$12 189.40, respectively. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the most influential parameter was discount rate. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated a 53.0% probability of letermovir producing an ICER below the willingness-to-pay threshold of US$38 824.23/QALY. The scenario analysis demonstrated prophylaxis with letermovir is considered cost-effective in the United States.

Conclusions.
Currently, letermovir is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for preventing CMV infection, and it might be a cost-effective choice in allo-HSCT recipients in China.
A Pilot Study of the Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Dutch Version of the Parametric Go/No-Go Task
Authors: van Horn Joan E. , van der Schoot Anna , Wilpert Julia , Engelbregt Hessel J. , Brand Nico 
Published: December 2023

Background:
The parametric go/no-go (PGNG) task is a computerized task that is designed to measure cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, and working memory. The PGNG task has been shown to measure core executive functions (EFs) in a psychometrically sound, brief, and ecologically valid manner.

Objective:
To analyze the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the PGNG task in a convenience sample of nonclinical adults.

Method:
The sample consisted of 74 highly educated adults, with an average age of 36 years. Forty-two participants completed test battery A to investigate the task’s convergent validity; 36 participants completed test battery B to investigate the task’s discriminant validity. The results were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA, Friedman’s test, paired-samples t test, and correlation analyses.

Results:
Level 3 of the PGNG task places increased demands on sustained attention, response inhibition, and set-shifting. Several moderate correlations between level 3 and a complex EFs measure supported the convergent validity of this level of the PGNG task. The convergent validity of levels 1 and 2 was not supported. No significant correlations were found between PGNG levels and non-EF tests, supporting discriminant validity.

Conclusion:
Our study included a rather homogenous sample of highly educated participants, which might explain the convergent validity of level 3 of the Dutch version of the PGNG task. Hence, to overcome these potentially confounding factors, the Dutch version of the PGNG task should be investigated in a larger and more heterogeneous population in terms of age and educational level.
Regional Genetic Architecture of the Corpus Callosum and its Overlap with Psychiatric and Substance Use Phenotypes
Authors: Campbell Megan L. , Shadrin Alexey , van der Meer Dennis , Tesfaye Markos , Smeland Olav B. , O’Connell Kevin S. , Parker Nadine , Frei Oleksandr , Andreassen Ole , Stein Dan J. , Dalvie Shareefa , Rokicki Jaroslav 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe corpus callosum (CC) is a brain structure with a high heritability and a potential role in psychiatric and substance use traits. However, the genetic relationship of the CC, and its subregions, with psychiatric phenotypes remains largely unclear. We aimed to investigate the genetic architecture of the CC and its subregions and its overlap with psychiatric phenotypes using causal mixture model analysis.MethodsWe employed summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the CC (n=35,592), psychiatric- (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD; autism spectrum disorder, ASD; bipolar disorder, BD; major depressive disorder, MDD; schizophrenia, SCZ) and substance use- phenotypes (drinks per week, smoking cessation, smoking initialization, number of cigarettes per day and cannabis use) phenotypes, and performed bivariate casual mixture model analyses with MiXeR to investigate the genetic overlap between these phenotypes. Conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) was used to identify genetic loci that exhibit joint associations with the CC and psychiatric or substance use phenotypes. Open Targets was used to annotate significant, independent variants and MAGMA was used to conduct gene-set enrichment analyses.ResultsThe polygenicity of the CC subregions ranges from 1.4k variants in the posterior subregion to 1.8k variants in the mid posterior subregion, with approximately 1.8k variants influencing total CC volume. The extent of genetic overlap between CC and psychiatric and substance use phenotypes varied across CC subregion; loci contributing to anterior regions showing almost complete overlap with those involved in BD and SCZ (96% and 98%, respectively), while a distinct pattern emerged for MDD indicating fewer variants overlapping with central and mid anterior subregions (47% and 38%, respectively), loci contributing to the central region exhibited substantial overlap with drinks per week (87%). Loci contributing to the CC subregions exhibited lower overlap with ASD and ADHD (26% to 48%). The conjunctional analysis of CC subregions and psychiatric phenotypes revealed a total of 138 significant independent variants, with gene-set enrichment analyses implicating antigen processing, regulation of the extracellular matrix and hyaluronan metabolism.ConclusionWe observed significant genetic overlap between the CC and SCZ, BD, and drinks per week, identifying loci linked to brain-related traits with specific overlap patterns found across conditions. Overlapping genetic architectures suggest shared biological pathways, and the potential value of targeting such pathways for the purposes of treatment.
Assessment of the impact of the Vaccine Pass Policy on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among Chinese adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Irene O. L. , Wong Cherry , Mak Nelly , Dai Alan , Xiao Jingyi , Wu Peng , Ni Michael Y. , Liao Qiuyan , Cowling Benjamin J. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBackgroundRecognising the importance of attaining high vaccine coverage to mitigate the COVID-19 impact, a Vaccine Pass scheme was implemented during and after the first large Omicron wave in Hong Kong in early 2022 requiring three doses by June 2022. We evaluated the impact of the Vaccine Pass policy on vaccine uptake in adults.MethodsWe analyzed patterns in vaccine uptake and hesitancy using local data from the population vaccine registry and 32 cross-sectional surveys conducted from October 2021 to December 2022. We examined the association of Vaccine Pass phases with vaccine uptake, taking into account covariables including self-risk perception, perceived self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 and trust in government in pandemic control as well as physical distancing measures and demographics.FindingsThe uptake of primary series and third doses was significantly associated with stages of Vaccine Pass implementation, and other statistically significant drivers included age group, chronic condition, higher perceived personal susceptibility to COVID-19, higher trust in government, and higher educational attainment. Older adults (≥65y) were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to adults aged 18-44 years.InterpretationVaccine uptake in older adults was observed to have increased by a greater extent after the policy announcement and implementation, which occurred during and after a large Omicron wave with high mortality in older ages in early 2022. Since the policy withdrawal the uptake of further booster doses has been very low in all ages. Improving voluntary booster uptake in older adults should be prioritized.FundingHealth and Medical Research Fund, Hong Kong.
Spatial niche separation of an invasive and a native mesopredator
Authors: Jansen Jeroen , Moseby Katherine E , Comte Sebastien , Dean Abbey T , Axford Geoff , Peacock David E , Brandle Robert , Jones Menna E 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRe-introduced native animals face major challenges to re-establish themselves in their previous range of distribution when invasive alien predators are present. We study the interactions between a native and an invasive mesopredator across an ecological gradient in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. We placed VHF/ GPS-collars on feral cats (Felis catus) and re-introduced western quolls (Dasyurus geoffroyi) and analysed their movement patterns, both utilisation distributions and behavioural states, and habitat selection. Despite being able to move anywhere in this open landscape, there is a clear interspecific difference between the two species in their use and preference for landscape elements. Cats prefer grassland and occupy flat areas where rabbit densities are high. Quolls prefer forests and avoid areas of high rabbit and therefore areas of high cat density. The almost complete spatial separation of cats and quolls may reflect different habitat requirements, but the historically broad distribution of quolls suggests that cats may limit quolls continuously to a restricted niche in the Flinders Ranges. This raises the possibility of management interventions that could support a further expansion of quoll occupancy.
Coevolution of longevity and female germline maintenance
Authors: Baur Julian , Koppik Mareike , Savkovic Uros , Dordevic Mirko , Stojkovic Biljana , Berger David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAn often-overlooked aspect of life-history optimization is the allocation of resources to protect the germline and secure safe transmission of genetic information. While failure to do so renders significant fitness consequences in future generations, germline maintenance comes with substantial costs. Thus, germline allocation should trade-off with other life history decisions and be optimized in accordance with an organism’s reproductive schedule. Here we tested this hypothesis by studying germline maintenance in lines of seed beetle, selected for early (E) or late (L) reproduction for 350 and 240 generations, respectively. Female animals provide maintenance and screening of male gametes in their reproductive tract and oocytes. Here, we revealed the ability of young and aged E and L-females to provide this form of germline maintenance by mating them to males with ejaculates with artificially elevated levels of protein and DNA damage. We find that germline maintenance in E-females peaks at young age and then declines, while the opposite is true for L-females, in accordance with the age of reproduction in respective regime. These findings identify the central role of allocation to secure germline integrity in life history evolution and highlight how females can play a crucial role in mitigating effects of male germline decisions on mutation rate and offspring quality.
simona:a comprehensive R package for semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies
Authors: Gu Zuguang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundBio-ontologies are keys in structuring complex biological information for effective data integration and knowledge representation. Semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies quantitatively assesses the degree of similarity between biological concepts based on the semantics encoded in ontologies. It plays an important role in structured and meaningful interpretations and integration of complex data from multiple biological domains.ResultsWe presentsimona, a novel R package for semantic similarity analysis on general bioontologies.Simonaimplements infrastructures for ontology analysis by offering efficient data structures, fast ontology traversal methods, and elegant visualizations. Moreover, it provides a robust toolbox supporting over 70 methods for semantic similarity analysis. Withsimona, we conducted a benchmark against current semantic similarity methods. The results demonstrate methods are clustered based on their mathematical methodologies, thus guiding researchers in the selection of appropriate methods. Additionally, we explored annotation-based versus topology-based methods, revealing that semantic similarities solely based on ontology topology can efficiently reveal semantic similarity structures, facilitating analysis on less-studied organisms and other ontologies.ConclusionsSimonaoffers a versatile interface and efficient implementation for processing, visualization, and semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies. We believe thatsimonawill serve as a robust tool for uncovering relationships and enhancing the interoperability of biological knowledge systems.
Msx genes delineate a novel molecular map of the developing cerebellar neuroepithelium
Authors: Gupta Ishita , Yeung Joanna , Rahimi-Balaei Maryam , Wu Sih-Rong , Goldowitz Daniel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the early cerebellar primordium, there are two progenitor zones, the ventricular zone (VZ) residing atop the IVthventricle and the rhombic lip (RL) at the lateral edges of the developing cerebellum. These zones give rise to the several cell types that form the GABAergic and glutamatergic populations of the adult cerebellum, respectively. Recently, an understanding of the molecular compartmentation of these zones has emerged. TheMsxgenes are a family of three transcription factors that are expressed downstream of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in these zones. Using fluorescent RNAin situhybridization, we have characterized theMsx(Msh Homeobox) genes and demonstrated that their spatiotemporal pattern segregates specific regions in the progenitor regions.Msx1andMsx2are compartmentalized within the rhombic lip (RL), whileMsx3is localized within the ventricular zone (VZ). The relationship of theMsxgenes with an early marker of the glutamatergic lineage,Atoh1, was examined inAtoh1-null mice and it was found that the expression ofMsxgenes persisted. Importantly,Msx1andMsx3expressions expanded in response to the elimination ofAtoh1. These results point to early markers of cerebellar progenitor zones and more importantly to an updated view of the molecular parcellation of the RL with respect to the canonical marker of the RL,Atoh1.
Electrochemical DNA-based sensors for measuring cell-generated forces
Authors: Tabrizi Mahmoud Amouzadeh , Bhattacharyya Priyanka , Zheng Ru , You Mingxu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMechanical forces play an important role in cellular communication and signaling. We developed in this study novel electrochemical DNA-based force sensors for measuring cell-generated adhesion forces. Two types of DNA probes, i.e., tension gauge tether and DNA hairpin, were constructed on the surface of a smartphone-based electrochemical device to detect piconewton-scale cellular forces at tunable levels. Upon experiencing cellular tension, the unfolding of DNA probes induces the separation of redox reporters from the surface of the electrode, which results in detectable electrochemical signals. Using integrin-mediated cell adhesion as an example, our results indicated that these electrochemical sensors can be used for highly sensitive, robust, simple, and portable measurement of cell-generated forces.
Calcitriol impairs the secretion of IL-4 and IL-13 in Th2 cells via modulating VDR-Gata3-Gfi1 axis
Authors: Biswas Biswajit , Chattopadhyay Shagnik , Hazra Sayantee , Goswami Ritobrata 
Published: December 2023

Calcitriol, the bioactive form of vitamin D, exerts its biological functions by binding to its cognate receptor VDR. The indicators of the severity of allergies and asthma have been linked to low vitamin D levels. However, the role of calcitriol in regulating IL-4 and IL-13; two cytokines pivotal to allergic inflammation, remained unclear. Our study observed a decrease in IL-4 and IL-13 secretion in murine and human Th2 cells, treated with calcitriol. In murine Th2 cells, Gata3 expression was attenuated by calcitriol. However, the expression of the transcriptional repressor Gfi1, that prevents Th1 fate of activated CD4+ T cells, too was attenuated in the presence of calcitriol. Ectopic expression of either Gfi1 or VDR impaired the secretion of IL-13 in Th2 cells. Gfi1 significantly impairedIl13promoter activation; which calcitriol failed to restore. Ecr, a conserved region between the two genes, which enhanced the transactivation ofIl4andIl13promoters; is essential for calcitriol-mediated suppression of both the genes. In murine Th2 cells, VDR interacted with Gata3 but not Gfi1. Calcitriol augmented the recruitment of VDR to theIl13promoter and Ecr regions. Gata3 recruitment was significantly impaired atIl13and Ecr locus in the presence of calcitriol but increased atIl4promoter. However, in the presence of calcitriol, the overall recruitment of Gfi1 remained unchanged atIl4but increased atIl13locus in Th2 cells. Together, our study clearly elucidates that calcitriol modulates VDR, Gata3, and Gfi1 to suppress IL-4 and IL-13 production in Th2 cells.Abstract Figure
The impact of perioperative diagnostic tools on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in parathyroid surgery: a health economic evaluation
Authors: Bátora Daniel , Iskandar Rowan , Gertsch Jürg , Kaderli Reto M. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesPre- and intraoperative diagnostic tools influence the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), whereby their performance of classification varies considerably for the two common causes of PHPT: solitary adenomas and multiglandular disease. A consensus on the use of such diagnostic tools for optimal perioperative management of all PHPT patients has not been reached.DesignA decision tree model was constructed to estimate and compare the clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of preoperative imaging modalities and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring criteria in a 14-year time horizon. The robustness of the model was assessed by conducting a one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic uncertainty analysis.SettingThe United States healthcare system.PopulationA hypothetical population consisting of 5,000 patients with sporadic, symptomatic, or asymptomatic PHPT.InterventionsPre- and intraoperative diagnostic modalities for parathyroidectomyMain outcome measuresCosts, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), net monetary benefits (NMB), clinical outcomesResultsIn the base-case analysis, four-dimensional (4D)-computed tomography (CT) was the least expensive strategy with $10,289 and 13.93 QALYs. Ultrasound and99mTc-Sestamibi single-photon-emission computed tomography/CT were both dominated strategies, while18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography was cost-effective with a net monetary benefit of $264 considering a willingness to pay threshold of $95,958. The application of ioPTH monitoring with the Vienna criterion decreased the rate of reoperations from 10.50 to 0.58 per 1,000 patients. Due to an increased rate of bilateral neck explorations from 257.45 to 347.45 per 1,000 patients, it was not cost-effective.Conclusions4D-CT is the most cost-effective instrument for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas. Due to an excessive increase of bilateral neck explorations, the use of ioPTH monitoring is not cost-effective in PHPT but leads to a significant reduction of reoperations.Strengths and limitations of the studyOur decision tree model is the most complete for parathyroidectomy; incorporating both solitary adenomas and multiglandular disease and ioPTH monitoring.In addition to cost-effectiveness, we present the impact of the interventions on the major clinical outcomes.Our study is limited to the United States and does not include a societal perspective.The model did not consider the potential institutional variations in the prevelance of multiglandular diseaseThere remains uncertainty for certain parameters for the model as they were derived from a limited number of single-institution studies
Comparative Clinical Evaluation of the Alinity m STI Multiplex PCR Assay for Diagnosis and Surveillance ofChlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhea,Trichomonas vaginalis, andMycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Lima Amorce , Uy Dominic , Kostera Joshua , Silbert Suzane 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) are routinely tested and reported; however,Trichomonas vaginalis(TV) is the most common STI in the US and the prevalence ofMycoplasma genitalium(MG) infections is likely higher than estimated. We examined the clinical performance of the Alinity m STI assay for detection and surveillance of CT/NG/TV/MG in urine specimens from patients at a large academic medical center.MethodsPrevalence of mono- and co-infections on Alinity m STI pathogens and predictors of a positive result were identified. Alinity m STI and Aptima Combo 2 CT/NG and TV assay (Panther System) results were compared, with discrepant results run on the cobas 6800 CT/NG, TV and MG assays. Analyzer turnaround times (TAT) were determined for Alinity m and Panther systems.Results199 urine specimens were included. Age ≥25 years, collection outside the emergency department (ED), and asymptomatic status were predictive of TV or MG infection; symptomatic status was the only predictor of CT or NG infection. Overall agreement rates for the Alinity m, Aptima, and cobas assays ranged from 86.4% to 99.5% for the four pathogens. TV and MG infections comprised 54% of the positive samples and were more often asymptomatic than CT and NG infections. Analyzer TAT (onboard to result reporting) was 4 hours 45 minutes for the Aptima CT/NG, 3 hours 25 minutes for Aptima TV, and 1 hour 55 minutes for Alinity m STI assay.ConclusionsThe Alinity m STI assay allows for fast and simultaneous detection of the four major STI pathogens, which can facilitate surveillance and provide accurate results to help clinicians diagnose for initiation of appropriate treatment.