bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2)-Related Illness in the United States During the 2021–2022 Influenza Season
Authors: Price Ashley M , Flannery Brendan , Talbot H Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G , Wernli Karen J , Phillips C Hallie , Monto Arnold S , Martin Emily T , Belongia Edward A , McLean Huong Q , Gaglani Manjusha , Mutnal Manohar , Geffel Krissy Moehling , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Tartof Sara Y , Florea Ana , McLean Callie , Kim Sara S , Patel Manish M , Chung Jessie R 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
In the United States, influenza activity during the 2021–2022 season was modest and sufficient enough to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) for the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We estimated influenza VE against laboratory-confirmed outpatient acute illness caused by predominant A(H3N2) viruses.

Methods
Between October 2021 and April 2022, research staff across 7 sites enrolled patients aged ≥6 months seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illness with cough. Using a test-negative design, we assessed VE against influenza A(H3N2). Due to strong correlation between influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were excluded from VE estimations. Estimates were adjusted for site, age, month of illness, race/ethnicity, and general health status.

Results
Among 6260 participants, 468 (7%) tested positive for influenza only, including 440 (94%) for A(H3N2). All 206 sequenced A(H3N2) viruses were characterized as belonging to genetic group 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.2, which has antigenic differences from the 2021–2022 season A(H3N2) vaccine component that belongs to clade 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.1. After excluding 1948 SARS-CoV-2–positive patients, 4312 patients were included in analyses of influenza VE; 2463 (57%) were vaccinated against influenza. Effectiveness against A(H3N2) for all ages was 36% (95% confidence interval, 20%–49%) overall.

Conclusions
Influenza vaccination in 2021–2022 provided protection against influenza A(H3N2)-related outpatient visits among young persons.
Gene Loss may have Shaped the Cnidarian and Bilaterian Hox and ParaHox Complement
Authors: Steinworth Bailey M , Martindale Mark Q , Ryan Joseph F 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Hox and ParaHox transcription factors are important for specifying cell fates along the primary body axes during the development of most animals. Within Cnidaria, much of the research on Hox/ParaHox genes has focused on Anthozoa (anemones and corals) and Hydrozoa (hydroids) and has concentrated on the evolution and function of cnidarian Hox genes in relation to their bilaterian counterparts. Here we analyze together the full complement of Hox and ParaHox genes from species representing all four medusozoan classes (Staurozoa, Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, and Scyphozoa) and both anthozoan classes (Octocorallia and Hexacorallia). Our results show that Hox genes involved in patterning the directive axes of anthozoan polyps are absent in the stem leading to Medusozoa. For the first time, we show spatial and temporal expression patterns of Hox and ParaHox genes in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana (Scyphozoa), which are consistent with diversification of medusozoan Hox genes both from anthozoans and within medusozoa. Despite unprecedented taxon sampling, our phylogenetic analyses, like previous studies, are characterized by a lack of clear homology between most cnidarian and bilaterian Hox and Hox-related genes. Unlike previous studies, we propose the hypothesis that the cnidarian–bilaterian ancestor possessed a remarkably large Hox complement and that extensive loss of Hox genes was experienced by both cnidarian and bilaterian lineages.
Impact of social media-based dance therapy in treating depression symptoms among victims of Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Ahmad Jamilah , Okwuowulu Charles , Sanusi Bernice , Bello Samson Adedapo , Talabi Felix Olajide , Udengwu Ngozi , Gever Verlumun Celestine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of social media-based dance therapy in reducing symptoms of depression among evacuees of the Russia–Ukraine war. The participants were randomly assigned to no dance therapy (n = 162) and social media-based dance therapy groups (n = 162). The dance therapy group took part in 12 sessions of dance therapy while the no dance therapy group did not receive any intervention. The result showed that before the dance therapy intervention, participants in both groups reported severe depression symptoms. After the intervention, participants in the dance therapy group dropped from severe depression to normal depression while those in the no dance therapy group dropped to major depression. During the follow-up assessment after 3 months, participants in the no dance therapy group reported moderate depression while those in the dance therapy group still maintained their normal depression classification with a drop in their depression score from 46 to 26. Overall, the result showed that there was a significant main effect of time and the depression score of the participants, F(1,304) 203.143, p = 0.001, eta = 0.401. No interactive effect of gender and the impact of the treatment on reduction in depression symptoms was detected, F(1,304) 3.232, p = 0.073. However, there was a significant main effect of treatment condition on depression symptoms, F(1,304) 495.023, p = 0.001. We highlighted the implication of these results on health promotion.
Various mobile genetic elements carrying optrA in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates from swine within the same farm
Authors: Xuan Huiyong , Xia Lining , Schwarz Stefan , Jia Haiyan , Yao Xiaohui , Wang Shufeng , Li Ruichao , Wei Jianchao , Li Zongjie , Shao Donghua , Liu Ke , Qiu Yafeng , Ma Zhiyong , Li Beibei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
In this study, the distribution of the oxazolidinone/phenicol resistance gene optrA and the mobile genetic elements involved in its dissemination were analysed among enterococcal isolates from a farrow-to-finish swine farm.

Methods
Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates were obtained from all pig production stages in the farm. The optrA-carrying E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates were subjected to PFGE and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Complete sequences of the genetically unrelated optrA-carrying E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates were determined using Illumina HiSeq and MinION platforms.

Results
The optrA gene was present in 12.2% (23/188) of the E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates, most of which originated from nursery and finishing stages. The 23 optrA-positive Enterococcus isolates represented 15 PFGE types. WGS of representative isolates of the 15 PFGE types showed that optrA was carried by diverse genetic elements either located in the chromosomal DNA or on plasmids. A novel optrA-bearing genetic element was identified on two distinct multi-resistance plasmids from E. faecium. Two new hybrid plasmids carrying several resistance genes were found in two E. faecalis isolates. pC25-1-like plasmids and chromosomally integrated Tn6674 and Tn6823-like transposons were prevalent in the remaining Enterococcus isolates.

Conclusions
The gene optrA was found in genetically unrelated E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates from the same farm. Analysis of the genetic contexts of optrA suggested that horizontal transfer including different plasmids and transposons played a key role in the dissemination of optrA in this farm.
Solid Stems and Beyond: Challenges and Future Directions of Resistance to Wheat Stem Sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae)
Authors: Peirce Erika S , Cockrell Darren M , Mason Esten , Haley Scott , Peairs Frank , Nachappa Punya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn North America, the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus Norton) (WSS) is considered a key pest of wheat, causing significant damage to spring and winter wheat. Yield losses from WSS can be due to stem boring and/or stem cutting which causes plants to lodge. Cultural, chemical, and biological management strategies have not effectively controlled WSS. When available, host plant resistance (HPR) is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for pest management and is particularly important for controlling WSS. Solid stem genotypes are often considered the main WSS management option for producers. This review will highlight recent progress and future challenges for understanding HPR to WSS. In bread and durum wheat, we will highlight (1) the solid stem trait, (2) interactive effects of solid stem and biological control, (3) nonpreference trait, (4) novel sources of HPR, and (5) the molecular aspects of wheat–wheat stem sawfly interactions. We also highlight the available information on HPR in non-wheat crops. Future research should characterize other resistance traits that can complement solid stem genotypes to create more robust and predictable genotypes.
Stomatal properties of Arabidopsis cauline and rice flag leaves and their contributions to seed production and grain yield
Authors: Ding Ming , Zhu Yiyong , Kinoshita Toshinori 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCauline leaves on the inflorescence stem of Arabidopsis thaliana may play important roles in supplying photosynthetic products to sinks, such as floral organs. Flag leaves in rice (Oryza sativa) have a higher photosynthetic capacity than other leaves, and are crucial for increasing grain yield. However, the detailed properties of stomata in cauline and flag leaves have not been investigated. In Arabidopsis, stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate were higher in cauline leaves under white light than in rosette leaves, consistent with higher levels of plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a key enzyme for stomatal opening, in guard cells. Moreover, removal of cauline leaves significantly reduced the shoot biomass by approximately 20% and seed production by approximately 46%. In rice, higher stomatal density, stomatal conductance, and CO2 assimilation rate were observed in flag leaves than in fully expanded second leaves. Removal of the flag leaves significantly reduced grain yield by approximately 49%. Taken together, these results show that cauline and flag leaves have important roles in seed production and grain yield through enhanced stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate.
Rapid Evolution of the Fine-scale Recombination Landscape in Wild House Mouse (Mus musculus) Populations
Authors: Wooldridge Lydia K , Dumont Beth L 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Meiotic recombination is an important evolutionary force and an essential meiotic process. In many species, recombination events concentrate into hotspots defined by the site-specific binding of PRMD9. Rapid evolution of Prdm9's zinc finger DNA-binding array leads to remarkably abrupt shifts in the genomic distribution of hotspots between species, but the question of how Prdm9 allelic variation shapes the landscape of recombination between populations remains less well understood. Wild house mice (Mus musculus) harbor exceptional Prdm9 diversity, with &gt;150 alleles identified to date, and pose a particularly powerful system for addressing this open question. We employed a coalescent-based approach to construct broad- and fine-scale sex-averaged recombination maps from contemporary patterns of linkage disequilibrium in nine geographically isolated wild house mouse populations, including multiple populations from each of three subspecies. Comparing maps between wild mouse populations and subspecies reveals several themes. First, we report weak fine- and broad-scale recombination map conservation across subspecies and populations, with genetic divergence offering no clear prediction for recombination map divergence. Second, most hotspots are unique to one population, an outcome consistent with minimal sharing of Prdm9 alleles between surveyed populations. Finally, by contrasting aggregate hotspot activity on the X versus autosomes, we uncover evidence for population-specific differences in the degree and direction of sex dimorphism for recombination. Overall, our findings illuminate the variability of both the broad- and fine-scale recombination landscape in M. musculus and underscore the functional impact of Prdm9 allelic variation in wild mouse populations.
Prognostic value of the clinical and imaging arm of the ASAS criteria for progression of structural sacroiliac joint lesions
Authors: Arnbak Bodil , Jensen Tue Secher , Hendricks Oliver , Østergaard Mikkel , Zejden Anna , Jurik Anne Grethe , Manniche Claus 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective
To investigate the prognostic value of the two arms of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria regarding the progression of structural lesions in the sacroiliac joints (SIJs).

Methods
Information on baseline fulfilment of the ASAS criteria and baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the SIJ in 603 patients aged 18–40 years referred with low back pain to an outpatient spine were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging positivity was defined as bone marrow oedema (BMO) in two or more consecutive slices or two or more lesions in one slice, as described in the ASAS definition of sacroiliitis.

Results
Of 71 participants fulfilling the ASAS criteria at baseline, 66 (93%) fulfilled the ‘imaging arm’ and 14 (20%) fulfilled the ‘clinical arm’. The ‘clinical arm’ predicted the progression of erosions with an odds ratio of 55 (compared with not fulfilling the ASAS criteria), while the ‘imaging arm’ predicted the progression of erosions with an odds ratio of 8. Moreover, in 24% of the patients in the ‘imaging arm’, all having BMO at the SIJ at baseline, the BMO disappeared without neither erosions nor ankylosis emerging.

Conclusion
We found that the ‘clinical arm’ was a strong predictor for the progression of SIJ erosion, while the ‘imaging arm’ had a more modest prognostic value for structural progression.
A case of ureteral stenosis due to ureteritis probably associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nagamura Norihiro , Sugitani Tomoyuki 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Ureteritis associated with the immunological disorder is rarely reported, and most cases in this category are small vessel vasculitis and immunoglobulin G4-related disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated ureteritis is uncommon, and underlying aetiology is unclear. We present a patient with ureteritis who had a medical history of RA and was successfully treated with steroids and immunosuppressant. A 49-year-old woman who had been treated for RA and atopic dermatitis suffered from gross haematuria for 5 successive days. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed right-dominant upper urinary tract dilatation with enhanced thickened wall. The haematuria continued accompanied with intermittent right back and lower abdominal pain, and the following CT image taken after 3 months presented the progression to bilateral hydronephrosis. Ureteral stents were placed, and antibiotic therapy was introduced for obstructive pyelonephritis. Ureterocystoscopy and following biopsy from the upper ureteral tract showed a chronic inflammatory change in the histopathology, and we finally considered the stenosing ureteritis to be caused by immune-mediated mechanism related to RA. After starting steroid therapy with methotrexate, therapeutic response was obtained to remove the stents. In the cases of ureteritis or ureteral stenosis of unknown aetiology with a medical history of immunological disorders, we should consider the underlying immune-activated state and try to test contrast-enhanced CT and histological examination before performing a surgical procedure. After excluding the common causes of ureteritis or ureteral stenosis, these tests would support the appropriate diagnosis.
Enhancing the Scrutiny Role of Select Committees: The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee’s New Independent Expert Panel
Authors: Peckham Stephen , Jane Dacre Dame , Appleby John , Charlesworth Anita , Francis Robert 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We report on a recent innovation for one Departmental Select Committee. While government policy commitments are well publicised, little attention is paid to the quality of commitments made or to assessing progress against those commitments. In 2020, the Health and Social Care Select Committee commissioned an Expert Panel to conduct independent, in-depth evaluations of government progress on selected policy commitments. The first evaluations in 2021/22 assessed commitments in maternity, mental health and cancer services, and workforce and it was the first time a government department has been systematically graded against its own commitments. This is an important new method of scrutiny with the potential to complement and enhance the work of Select Committee inquiries. This paper reviews the development of select committees highlighting issues relating to their operation and, in particular, assessment of evidence. We describe the innovation of the Expert Panel and its role in reviewing policy commitments and discuss implications for parliamentary scrutiny, leadership and improvements to health service.
Interspecies transfer ofRAMOSA1orthologs and promotercissequences impacts maize inflorescence architecture
Authors: Strable Josh , Unger-Wallace Erica , Aragón Raygoza Alejandro , Briggs Sarah , Vollbrecht Erik 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGrass inflorescences support floral structures that each bear a single grain, where variation in branch architecture directly impacts yield. The maize (Zea mays) RAMOSA1 (ZmRA1) transcription factor acts as a key regulator of inflorescence development by imposing branch meristem determinacy. Here, we show RA1 transcripts accumulate in boundary domains adjacent to spikelet meristems in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sb) and green millet (Setaria viridis, Sv) inflorescences similar as in the developing maize tassel and ear. To evaluate the functional conservation of syntenic RA1 orthologs and promoter cis sequences in maize, sorghum, and setaria, we utilized interspecies gene transfer and assayed genetic complementation in a common inbred background by quantifying recovery of normal branching in highly ramified ra1-R mutants. A ZmRA1 transgene that includes endogenous upstream and downstream flanking sequences recovered normal tassel and ear branching in ra1-R. Interspecies expression of two transgene variants of the SbRA1 locus, modeled as the entire endogenous tandem duplication or just the nonframeshifted downstream copy, complemented ra1-R branching defects and induced unusual fasciation and branch patterns. The SvRA1 locus lacks conserved, upstream noncoding cis sequences found in maize and sorghum; interspecies expression of a SvRA1 transgene did not or only partially recovered normal inflorescence forms. Driving expression of the SvRA1 coding region by the ZmRA1 upstream region, however, recovered normal inflorescence morphology in ra1-R. These data leveraging interspecies gene transfer suggest that cis-encoded temporal regulation of RA1 expression is a key factor in modulating branch meristem determinacy that ultimately impacts grass inflorescence architecture.
Consequences of severe asthma exacerbations
Authors: Busse William W. 
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review
Asthma exacerbations are major factors in asthma morbidity and also have long-term consequences.

Recent findings
Asthma is characterized by an accelerated and progressive loss of lung function. Recent evidence has pointed to the frequency of exacerbations as being a significant contributor to a loss of lung function in asthma.

Summary
A consequence of asthma exacerbations is a greater loss of lung function. Airway inflammation is central to asthma severity and susceptibility for exacerbations. Evidence suggests that the increase in airway inflammation during an asthma exacerbation further compromised lung function. Treatment of severe asthma with Type (T)-2 directed biologics significantly prevents the frequency of exacerbations in severe asthma. Early indications also suggest that prevention of exacerbations by biologics may reduce a loss in lung function from exacerbations.
The impact of low-intensity extracorporeal shock waves on testicular spermatogenesis demonstrated in a rat model
Authors: Huang I-Shen , Chen Wei-Jen , Wang Zhong-Lin , Li Li-Hua , Chen Yu-Kuang , Wu Yuh-Lin , Brannigan Robert E. , Juan Chi-Chang , Huang William J. 
Published: December 2022

Background:
In rodent models, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been shown to negatively impact semen concentration after treatment on the penis, implying that the reproductive system in close proximity may be indirectly affected by this modality. We hypothesized that shock waves are detrimental to spermatogenesis, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shock waves on spermatogenesis after direct shockwave treatment on testes using different energy settings.

Methods:
Twenty-five male Sprague Dawley rats, 8 weeks old, were divided into five groups, including one control group and four treatment groups each treated using shock waves of different intensities. All rats in the treatment groups received 2000 shocks on the left testis twice a week for 4 weeks, with shock wave intensity and frequency varied by treatment group: 0.1 mJ/mm2 at 4 Hz for Group A, 0.15 mJ/mm2 at 4 Hz for Group B, 0.35 mJ/mm2 at 4 Hz for Group C, and 0.55mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz for Group D. At the end of the experiment, sperm collected from the epididymis was evaluated for concentration and motility. Testicular spermatogenesis, the apoptotic index of germ cells, and the expression of a meiotic-specific gene were also analyzed.

Results:
The treatment group receiving shock wave intensity at 0.55 mJ/mm2 showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and Johnsen score as compared to other groups. The apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells increased as the intensity of the shock wave treatment escalated, and reach a statistically significant difference at 4 weeks posttreatment. Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases in spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm2, 0.15 mJ/mm2, and 0.35 mJ/mm2 at 4 Hz.

Conclusion:
Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm2 at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm2, 0.15 mJ/mm2, and 0.35 mJ/mm2 at 4 Hz.