bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colour pattern edge contrast statistics can predict detection speed and success at ecologically relevant viewing distances in triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
Authors: van den Berg Cedric P. , Endler John A. , Papinczak Daniel E. J. , Cheney Karen L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEdge detection is important for object detection and recognition. However, we do not know whether edge statistics predict the detection of prey by non-human predators. Understanding the link between image statistics and animal behaviour is crucial and of increasing importance given the growing availability of image analyses and their application across non-human visual systems. Here, we investigated whether Boundary Strength Analysis (BSA), Local Edge Intensity Analysis (LEIA) and the Gabor Ratio (GabRat) could predict the speed and success with which triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) detected patterned circular stimuli against a noisy visual background, in both chromatic and achromatic presentations. We found that individual pattern statistics could only explain up to 2% of the variation in detection time, whereas PCA regression analysis considering all edge statistics simultaneously explained up to 6% of the variation. This suggests that other factors explained more behavioural variation than individual edge statistics. Furthermore, different statistics significantly correlated with detection speed depending on treatment, viewing distance, and changes in fish response over time, while highlighting the importance of considering spatial acuity and relevant viewing distances in the study of visual signals. Our results demonstrate the need for broad and unbiased approaches for identifying task-specific predictive relationships between pattern statistics and animal behaviour using image statistics capturing different aspects of colour patterns. We require robust statistical approaches to investigate correlations between ecological effect and the ever-increasing dimensionality and size of datasets in the field of visual ecology, rather than pre-emptively narrowing down the choice of image statistics unless warranted by specific hypotheses.Summary statementCorrelations between edge detecting colour pattern statistics and animal behaviour are complex. Specifically, correlations are unlikely to be explained by single image statistics and depend upon observer distance.
Variation in symbiont density is linked to changes in constitutive immunity in the facultatively symbiotic coral, Astrangia poculata
Authors: Changsut Isabella , Womack Haley R. , Shickle Alicia , Sharp Koty H. , Fuess Lauren E. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractScleractinian corals are essential ecosystem engineers, forming the basis of coral reef ecosystems. However, these organisms are in decline globally, in part due to rising disease prevalence. Most corals are dependent on symbiotic interactions with single-celled algae from the family Symbiodiniaceae to meet their nutritional needs, however suppression of host immunity may be essential to this relationship. To explore immunological consequences of algal symbioses in scleractinian corals, we investigated constitutive immune activity in the facultatively symbiotic coral, Astrangia poculata. We compared immune metrics (melanin synthesis, antioxidant production, and antibacterial activity) between coral colonies of varying symbiont density. Symbiont density was positively correlated to both antioxidant activity and melanin concentration. Our results suggest that the relationship between algal symbiosis and host immunity may be more complex than originally hypothesized and highlight the need for nuanced approaches when considering these relationships.
NADPH oxidase promotes glioblastoma radiation resistance in a PTEN-dependent manner
Authors: Ludwig Kirsten , Le Belle Janel E. , Muthukrishnan Sree Deepthi , Sperry Jantzen , Condro Michael , Vlashi Erina , Pajonk Frank , Kornblum Harley I. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTAimsThe goal of this study was to determine whether NADPH oxidase (NOX)-produced reactive oxygen species enhances brain tumor growth of glioblastoma (GBM) under hypoxic conditions and during radiation treatment.ResultsExogenous ROS promoted brain tumor growth in gliomasphere cultures that expressed functional PTEN, but not in tumors that were PTEN deficient. Hypoxia induced the production of endogenous cytoplasmic ROS and tumor cell growth via activation of NOX. NOX activation resulted in oxidation of PTEN and downstream Akt activation. Radiation also promoted ROS production via NOX which, in turn, resulted in cellular protection that could be abrogated by knockdown of the key NOX component, p22. Knockdown of p22 also inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of radiation in PTEN-expressing GBM cells.InnovationWhile other studies have implicated NOX function in GBM models, these studies demonstrate NOX activation and function under physiological hypoxia and following radiation in GBM, two conditions that are seen in patients. NOX plays an important role in a PTEN-expressing GBM model system, but not in PTEN-non-functional systems and provide a potential, patient-specific therapeutic opportunity.ConclusionsThis study provides a strong basis for pursuing NOX inhibition in PTEN-expressing GBM cells as a possible adjunct to radiation therapy.
A unitary model of auditory frequency change perception
Authors: Siedenburg Kai , Graves Jackson , Pressnitzer Daniel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractChanges in the frequency content of sounds over time are arguably the most basic form of information about the behavior of sound-emitting objects. In perceptual studies, such changes have mostly been investigated separately, as aspects of either pitch or timbre. Here, we propose a unitary account of “up” and “down” subjective judgments of frequency change, based on a model combining auditory correlates of acoustic cues in a sound-specific and listener-specific manner. To do so, we introduce a generalized version of so-called Shepard tones, allowing symmetric manipulations of spectral information on a fine scale, usually associated to pitch (spectral fine structure, SFS), and on a coarse scale, usually associated timbre (spectral envelope, SE). In a series of behavioral experiments, listeners reported “up” or “down” shifts across pairs of generalized Shepard tones that differed in SFS, in SE, or in both. We observed the classic properties of Shepard tones for either SFS or SE shifts: subjective judgements followed the smallest log-frequency change direction, with cases of ambiguity and circularity. Interestingly, when both SFS and SE changes were applied concurrently (synergistically or antagonistically), we observed a trade-off between cues. Listeners were encouraged to report when they perceived “both” directions of change concurrently, but this rarely happened, suggesting a unitary percept. A computational model could accurately fit the behavioral data by combining different cues reflecting frequency changes after auditory filtering. The model revealed that cue weighting depended on the nature of the sound. When presented with harmonic sounds, listeners put more weight on SFS-related cues, whereas inharmonic sounds led to more weight on SE-related cues. Moreover, these stimulus-based factors were modulated by inter-individual differences, revealing variability across listeners in the detailed recipe for “up” and “down” judgments. We argue that frequency changes are tracked perceptually via the adaptive combination of a diverse set of cues, in a manner that is in fact similar to the derivation of other basic auditory dimensions such as spatial location.
High-flow nasal cannula for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a Cost-utility analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patiño Diana 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an alternative for delivering respiratory support to adults with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite increased popularity for respiratory support, there is still uncertainty about if their l costs of justify the clinical benefits provided. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility of HFNC in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in ColombiaMethodsUsing a decision tree model, we estimated the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with HFNC and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in adults who presented to the emergency department with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All parameters for the model were derived from published research with local data. All analyses were done from a societal perspective.ResultsWe estimate a gain of 0,49 and 0,48 QALYs per patient-year on HFNC and COT respectively, and a difference of US$314 in total discounted cost per person-year on HFNC respecting COT. Because HFNC was associated with lower costs compared to conventional therapy, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio was not calculated.ConclusionsHFNC achieving better outcomes at a lower cost in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombia. Evidence should continue to be generated with real-life effectiveness data and economic evaluations in other countries to confirm our findings.
The prevalence and management strategies of gestational urinary tract infections (UTI) in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Toko Eunice Namuyenga , Samarasinghe Shivanthi , Furaha Esther , Kapasi Tariq , Ochieng’ Bertha , Ouma Collins 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTI) contribute to substantive proportions of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Current national statistics in Kenya show high maternal mortality (488/100,000) and neonatal mortality (24/1,000) rates. Kenya continues to report increasing prevalence and incidence rates of UTI associated with maternal and neonatal deaths. Kisumu County in western Kenya has a high maternal mortality rate of 495/100,000 with uncaptured maternal morbidity relative to the national average. However, information on the epidemiology of gestational UTI in the County, is limited. Semi-urban Chulaimbo and Nyahera Sub-County hospitals were used as model facilities to establish the burden of UTI during pregnancy and the specific clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management strategies.MethodsSocio-demographic, laboratory and clinical history data was extracted from 416 pregnant women’s maternal child health data sets from health records between February 2019 to February 2020 using pre-designed data collection forms. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the study population’s demographic characteristics. Chi-square test was used to establish proportionality. Qualitative data were thematically summarized. For all analyses, P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe study population had a mean of two (2) (±1.14) ante-natal (ANC) visits; a mean mothers age of 23.92 (± 6) years old; a mean parity of 2 (±2) and a mean haemoglobin level of 10.73(±1.8). About 56% (233/416) of the mothers attended the first ANC visit at varied gestational age. Only 1.4% (6/416) had a clinical history capturing UTI infection out of the total prevalence of 57.9% (241/416) diagnosed UTI positive by routine ANC profile deep stick urinalysis test. These clinical history data sets 1.4% (6/416) revealed a broad-spectrum therapeutic management of gestational bacterial infections using first line antibiotics.ConclusionsMost UTI positive cases go without specific clinical diagnosis and management, posing a high risk of antibiotic drug resistance and development of specific bacterial allied gestational complications.
An exploration of methods to enable equitable access to non-invasive prenatal screening
Authors: Ehrich Mathias , Sagaser Katelynn G. , Ellison Christopher K. , Wu Allison Chia-Yi , Hutchison Don C. , Porreco Richard P. , Bellesheim Deborah , Patil Avinash S. , Shulman Lee P. , van den Boom Dirk 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore capillary blood collection as a potential method to enable more equitable access to non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for aneuploidy.MethodsAll participants contributed venous and capillary blood samples in this comparative study. Samples were analyzed using standard NIPS methods. Venous samples were used as the basis. Multiple parameters were compared including specimen collection, cfDNA characteristics, and NIPS outcome.ResultsVenous and capillary sample pairs were successfully collected for comparative analysis from 202 participants. Cell free DNA (cfDNA) size profiles from venous vs capillary blood were not different (p >0.05). Evaluation of fetoplacental cfDNA contribution in plasma revealed no statistically significant difference in venous vs capillary samples. Elevated Z-scores for trisomy 21 (n=13), trisomy 18 (n=2), or trisomy 13 (n=1) were concordant between venous and capillary samples in all 16 pairs.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that sufficient capillary blood volumes can be obtained for NIPS. Furthermore, capillary and venous cfDNA samples have comparable characteristics. As NIPS results from capillary blood collections are equivalent to NIPS results obtained from venous blood, capillary blood collections are a potential candidate for a distributable NIPS system which promotes equitable access to NIPS for all pregnant patients.
Rapid eco-phenotypic feedbacks and the temperature response of biomass dynamics
Authors: Gibert Jean P. , Wieczynski Daniel J. , Han Ze-Yi , Yammine Andrea 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTAs biomass dynamics capture information on population dynamics and ecosystem-level processes (e.g., changes in production over time), understanding how rising temperatures associated with global climate change influence biomass dynamics is a pressing issue in ecology. The total biomass of a species depends on its density and its average mass. Disentangling how biomass dynamics may respond to increasingly warm and variable temperatures may thus ultimately depend on understanding how temperature influences both density and mass dynamics. Here, we address this issue by keeping track of experimental microbial populations growing to carrying capacity for 15 days at two different temperatures in the presence and absence of temperature variability. We show that temperature influences biomass through its effects on density and mass dynamics, which have opposite effects on biomass and can offset each other. We also show that temperature variability influences biomass, but that effect is independent of any effects on density or mass dynamics. Last, we show that reciprocal effects of density and mass shift significantly across temperature regimes, suggesting that rapid and environment-dependent eco-phenotypic dynamics underlie biomass responses. Overall, our results connect temperature effects on population and phenotypic dynamics to explain how biomass responds to temperature regimes, thus shedding light on processes at play in cosmopolitan and massively abundant microbes as the world experiences increasingly hot and variable temperatures.
Sexual orientation disparities in depression and substance use among adults: Results from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019
Authors: Gomes Nayara L. , Lopes Claudia S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPurposeTo compare the prevalence of depression and substance use/abuse according to sexual orientation and sex among Brazilian adults.MethodsData were obtained from a national health survey (PNS 2019). This study included participants aged 18 and over (N=85,859). Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson models stratified by sex, for the association between sexual orientation, depression, daily tobacco use, alcohol abuse and both substance use/abuse.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, gay men showed a higher prevalence of depression (APR=1.92, 95% CI 1.32; 2.80), daily tobacco use (APR=1.93, 95% CI 1.45; 2.56) and multiple substances use/abuse (APR=1.73, CI95% 1.14;2.62) than heterosexuals. Bisexual men showed higher prevalence of depression (APR=2.91, 95% CI 1.54; 5.53). Estimated prevalence ratios were even higher among women. Lesbians showed higher prevalence of binge drinking (APR=2.52, 95% CI 1.94; 3.27), heavy drinking (APR=3.36, 95% CI 2.39; 4.72), daily tobacco use (APR=2.66, 95% CI 1.74; 4.07) and multiple substances use/abuse (APR=4.35, 95% CI 2.35;8.07) than among heterosexuals. Among bisexual women, results were significant for all analyzed outcomes: depression (APR=2.32, 95% CI 1.72; 3.13), binge drinking (APR=2.52, 95% CI 1.94; 3.27), heavy drinking (APR=2.53, 95% CI 1.68; 3.81), daily tobacco use (APR=1.82, 95% CI 1.12;2.96) and multiple substances use/abuse (APR=3.23, 95% CI 1.72;6.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that sexual minorities are more vulnerable to mental illness and substance use/abuse. This finding draws attention to the need for specific public policies aimed at this population and for a greater recognition and better management of these disorders by health professionals.
Household Socio-demographic Characteristics and Progress towards Attainment of Universal Health Coverage in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Kimario Kanti Ambrose , Muhanga Mikidadi Idd , Kayunze Kim Abel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUniversal Health Coverage (UHC) attainment has been associated with households’ socio-demographic characteristics. Empirical findings have hardly dwelt on assessing the association between household socio-demographic characteristics and UHC attainment. This article assessed the association between socio-demographic features and attainment of UHC in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the article: (i) analysed the perceptions on households’ socio-demographic characteristics in relation to UHC factors; (ii) determined the association between socio-demographic characteristics and UHC attainment; and (iii) estimated the level of UHC service coverage in the study area. The study employed a cross-sectional research design in which 384 households were selected through a multi-stage sampling approach and interviewed using a questionnaire. The Kruskal Wallis H Test and Mann Whitney U test were used as tests for association of socio-demographic variables and UHC factors. Geometric mean computation was used to estimate the level of UHC attainment. Results indicate; the level of UHC service coverage score of 69.9%, which is fairly good in relation to the WHO recommendation of 80%. Occupation (p = 0.012), general household health condition (GHHC) (p=0.039), health insurance membership (HIM) (p=0.039), and presence of non-communicable disease (p=0.032) were significantly associated with health services delivery quality. GHHC (p=0.041) was significantly associated with service accessibility. Income (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.000), education (p=0.004), health check-up frequency (p=0.001), and HIM (p=0.000) were significantly associated with health services affordability. Health services accessibility was not of great concern to most of the households. Some households could easily afford the cost of health services and others could not. Service providers, LGAs and MoH should promote affordability and accessibility of health services by the population regardless of their socio-demographic characteristics. Promotion of a single universal health insurance fund is essential for an improved progress to UHC attainment.
Estimating RSV seasonality from pandemic disruptions: a modelling study
Authors: Krauer Fabienne , Fjelde Tor Erlend , Koltai Mihaly , Hodgson David , Treskova-Schwarzbach Marina , Harvey Christine , Jit Mark , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas , Flasche Stefan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory tract infections and bronchiolitis in young children. The seasonal pattern of RSV is shaped by short-lived immunity, seasonally varying contact rates and pathogen viability. The magnitude of each of these parameters is not fully clear. The disruption of the regular seasonality of RSV during the COVID pandemic in 2020 due to control measures, and the ensuing delayed surge in RSV cases provides an opportunity to disentangle these factors and to understand the implication for vaccination strategies. A better understanding of the drivers of RSV seasonality is key for developing future vaccination strategies.MethodsWe developed a mathematical model of RSV transmission, which simulates the sequential re-infection (SEIRRS4) and uses a flexible Von Mises function to model the seasonal forcing. Using MCMC we fit the model to laboratory confirmed RSV data from 2010-2022 from NSW while accounting for the reduced contact rates during the pandemic with Google mobility data. We estimated the baseline transmission rate, its amplitude and shape during RSV season as well as the duration of immunity. The resulting parameter estimates were compared to a fit to pre-pandemic data only, and to a fit with a cosine forcing function. We then simulated the expected shifts in peak timing and amplitude under two vaccination strategies: continuous and seasonal vaccination.ResultsWe estimate that RSV dynamics in NSW can be best explained by a high effective baseline transmission rate (2.94/d, 95% CrI 2.72-3.19) and a narrow peak with a maximum 13% increase compared to the baseline transmission rate. We also estimate the duration of post infection temporary but sterilizing immunity to be 412 days (95% CrI 391-434). A cosine forcing resulted in a similar fit and posterior estimates. Excluding the data from the pandemic period in the fit increased parameter correlation and yielded less informative posterior distributions. The continuous vaccination strategy led to more extreme seasonal incidence with a delay in the peak timing and a higher amplitude whereas seasonal vaccination flattened the incidence curves.ConclusionQuantifying the parameters that govern RSV seasonality is key in determining potential indirect effects from immunization strategies as those are being rolled out in the next few years.
Planar cell polarity: intracellular asymmetry and supracellular gradients of Dachsous
Authors: Chorro Adrià , Verma Bhavna , Homfeldt Maylin , Ibáñez Beatríz , Lawrence Peter A. , Casal José 
Published: June 2022

SummaryThe slope of a supracellular molecular gradient has long been thought to orient and coordinate planar cell polarity (PCP). Here we demonstrate and measure that gradient. Dachsous (Ds) is a conserved and elemental molecule of PCP; Ds forms intercellular bridges with another cadherin molecule, Fat (Ft), an interaction modulated by the Golgi protein Four- jointed (Fj). Using genetic mosaics and tagged Ds we measure Ds in vivo in membranes of individual cells over a whole metamere of the Drosophila abdomen. We find: 1. A supracellular gradient that rises from head to tail in the anterior compartment (A) and then falls in the posterior compartment (P). 2. There is more Ds in the front than the rear membranes of all cells in the A compartment, except that compartment’s most anterior and most posterior cells. There is more Ds in the rear than in the front membranes of all cells of the P compartment 3. The loss of Fj removes intracellular asymmetry anteriorly in the segment and reduces it elsewhere. Additional experiments show that Fj makes PCP more robust. Using Dachs (D) as a molecular indicator of polarity, we confirm that opposing gradients of PCP meet slightly out of register with compartment boundaries.