bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and hierarchical Bayesian analysis to identify factors associated with caesarean delivery use in Ethiopia: evidence from national population and health facility data
Authors: Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Chojenta Catherine , Getachew Theodros , Smith Roger , Loxton Deborah 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundCaesarean section has a significant role in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. A linked analysis of population and health facility data is valuable to map and identify caesarean section use and associated factors. This study aimed to identify geographic variation and associated factors of caesarean delivery in Ethiopia.MethodLinked data analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) and the 2014 Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment Plus (ESPA+) survey was performed. Spatial analysis was conducted to identify geographic variations and factors associated with caesarean delivery. Hierarchical Bayesian analysis was also performed to identify factors associated with caesarean delivery using the SAS MCMC procedure.ResultsWomen’s age and education, household wealth, parity, antenatal care (ANC) visits, and distance to caesarean section facility were associated with caesarean delivery use. Women who had ≥4 ANC visits were 4.67 (95% Credible Interval (CrI): 2.17, 9.43) times more likely to have caesarean delivery compared to those who had no ANC visits. Women who had education and were from rich households were also 2.80 (95% CrI: 1.83, 4.19) and 1.80 (95% CrI: 1.08, 2.84) times more likely to have caesarean deliveries relative to women who had no education and were from poor households, respectively. A one-kilometer increase in distance to a caesarean section facility was associated with an 88% reduction in the odds of caesarean delivery (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.12, 95% CrI: 0.01, 0.78). Hotspots of high caesarean section rates were observed in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and the Harari region. In addition, women’s age at first childbirth and ≥4 ANC visits showed significant spatially varying relations between caesarean delivery use across Ethiopia.ConclusionCaesarean section is a lifesaving procedure, and it is essential to narrow disparities to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program on Case Incidence, Emergency Department Visits, and Hospital Admissions among Children Aged 5–17 Years during the Delta and Omicron Periods —United States, December 2020 to April 2022
Authors: Topf Katherine G , Sheppard Michael , Marx Grace E. , Wiegand Ryan E , Link-Gelles Ruth , Binder Alison M , Cool Andrea J , Lyons B. Casey , Park Sohyun , Fast Hannah E , Presnetsov Arthur , Azondekon G Roseric , Soetebier Karl A , Adjemian Jennifer , Barbour Kamil E 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn the United States, national ecological studies suggest a positive impact of COVID-19 vaccination coverage on outcomes in adults. However, the national impact of the vaccination program on COVID-19 in children remains unknown. To determine the association of COVID-19 vaccination with U.S. case incidence, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions for pediatric populations during the Delta and Omicron periods.MethodsWe conducted an ecological analysis among children aged 5–17 and compared incidence rate ratios (RRs) of COVID-19 cases, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions by pediatric vaccine coverage, with jurisdictions in the highest vaccine coverage quartile as the reference.ResultsRRs comparing states with lowest pediatric vaccination coverage to the highest pediatric vaccination coverage were 2.00 and 0.64 for cases, 2.96 and 1.11 for emergency department visits, and 2.76 and 1.01 for hospital admissions among all children during the Delta and Omicron periods, respectively. During the 3-week peak period of the Omicron wave, only children aged 12–15 and 16–17 years in the states with the lowest versus highest coverage, had a significantly higher rate of emergency department visits (RR=1.39 and RR=1.34, respectively).ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccines were associated with lower case incidence, emergency department visits and hospital admissions among children during the Delta period but the association was weaker during the Omicron period. Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination should be promoted as part of a program to decrease COVID-19 impact among children; however, vaccine effectiveness may be limited when available vaccines do not match circulating viral variants.
Barriers and facilitators to anti-retroviral therapy adherence among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Hlophe Londiwe D. , Tamuzi Jacques L. , Shumba Constance S. , Nyasulu Peter S. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) significantly affects adolescents globally, with the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reporting a high burden of the disease. HIV testing, treatment, and retention to care are low among adolescents. We conducted a mixed-method systematic review to assess anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence; barriers and facilitators to ART adherence and ART outcomes among adolescents living with HIV and on ART in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe conducted searches in four scientific databases for studies conducted between 2010 and March 2022 to identify relevant primary studies. Studies were screened against inclusion criteria and assessed for quality, and data was extracted. Meta-analysis of rates and odd ratios was used to plot the quantitative studies and meta-synthesis summarized the evidence from qualitative studies.ResultsA total of 10 431 studies were identified and screened against the inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria (41 quantitative, 16 qualitative, and 9 mixed-methods study designs). Fifty-three thousand two hundred and seventeen (53 217) adolescents (52 319 in quantitative studies and 899 in qualitative studies) were included in the review. Thirteen support focused interventions for improved ART adherence were identified from quantitative studies. The plotted results from the meta-analysis found an ART adherence rate of 65% (95%CI 56-74), viral load suppression was 55% (95%CI 46-64), un-suppressed viral load rate of 41% (95%CI 32-50), and loss to follow up of 17% (95%CI 10-24) among adolescents. Meta-synthesis found six themes of barriers to ART (social, patient-based, economic, health system-based, therapy-based, and cultural barriers) in both the qualitative and quantitative studies, and three themes of facilitators to ART were also identified (social support, counselling, and ART education and secrecy or confidentiality) from qualitative studies.ConclusionART adherence remains low among adolescents in SSA despite multiple interventions implemented to improve ART adherence. The low adherence rate may hinder the attainment of the UNAIDS 2030 targets. Additionally, various barriers to ART adherence due to lack of support have been reported among this age group. However, interventions aimed at improving social support, educating, and counselling adolescents may improve and sustain ART adherence.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021284891
Mitigating the Severity of COVID-19 Illness in the Primary Care Patient Population through Early Identification and Close Monitoring of Underlying Comorbidities
Authors: Parikh Payal , Greenberg Patricia , Halpert Shmuel , Abrishami Allison , Rabizadeh Liora , Shayefar Hannah , Tetelbaun Lauren , Friedman Dovid , Kaminetzky Jeffrey 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPurposePrior studies have identified risk factors which prognosticate severity of SARS-CoV-2 illness among hospitalized patients. Since the majority of patients first present to ambulatory care sites, there is a need to identify early predictors of disease progression in this population.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigated the impact of underlying comorbid conditions on SARS-CoV-2 infection severity in the ambulatory setting. All patients who presented to a single federally qualified health center (FQHC) between March-May 2020 with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were reviewed for inclusion. Patient demographics, symptomology, prior medical history, and outcomes were collected.Results301 patients were included, with nearly equal numbers of patients with (n=151) and without (n=150) underlying comorbidities. Overall, 269 patients (89%) had a mild outcome and 32 patients (11%) had a severe outcome. Advanced age (OR: 9.4 [95% CI: 3.4-27.4], p < 0.001) and male gender (OR: 3.2 [95% CI: 1.2-9.8], p = 0.02) were significant predictors of severe outcomes. Additionally, every obesity category (1: BMI = 30.0–34.9; 2: BMI = 35–39.9; 3: BMI = 40.0+) was associated with more severe outcomes compared to non-obese (OR: 3.5, p = 0.05; OR: 5.2, p = 0.03; OR: 13.9, p = 0.01). Compared to an HbA1C < 6, an HbA1C of 7.1–8.0 showed a clinically significant association.ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 severity can be prognosticated in the ambulatory population by the presence and severity of pre-existing comorbidities. Early identification and risk stratification of these comorbidities will allow clinicians to develop plans for closer monitoring to prevent severe illness.
Health care workers’ self-perceived infection risk and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a mixed methods study
Authors: Nyamuryekung’e Kasusu , Amour Maryam , Mboya Innocent , Ndumwa Harrieth , Kengia James , Njiro Belinda J , Mhamilawa Lwidiko , Shayo Elizabeth , Ngalesoni Frida , Kapologwe Ntuli , Kalolo Albino , Metta Emmy , Msuya Sia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundVaccination is the most cost-effective way of preventing COVID-19 disease although there was a considerable delay in its institution in Tanzania. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) self-perceived infection risk and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsA concurrent embedded, mixed methods research design was utilized to collect data among HCWs in seven Tanzanian regions. Quantitative data was collected using a validated, pre-piloted, interviewer administered questionnaire whereas in-depth interviews and focus group discussions gathered qualitative data. Descriptive analyses were performed, and chi-square test used to test for associations across categories. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.ResultsA total of 1,386 HCWs responded to the quantitative tool, 26 participated in the in-depth interviews and 74 in the focus-group discussions. About half of the HCW (53.6%) reported to have been vaccinated and three quarters (75.5%) self-perceived to be at a high risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection. Participants perceived that the nature of their work and the working environment in the health facilities increases their risk to infection. Limited availability and use of personal protective equipment was reported to elevate the perceived risks to the infection. Respondents belonging in the oldest age group and from low and mid-level health care facilities had higher proportions with a high-risk perception of acquiring COVID-19 infection compared to their counterparts.ConclusionsOnly about half of the HCWs reported to be vaccinated albeit the majority recounted higher perception of risk to contracting COVID-19 due to their working environment, including limited availability and use of personal protective equipment. Efforts to address heightened perceived-risks should include improving the working environment, availability of PPEs and continue updating HCWs on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine to limit their risks to the infection and consequent transmission to their patients and public.
Towards the biogeography of butyrate-producing bacteria
Authors: Brame Joel E , Liddicoat Craig , Abbott Catherine A , Edwards Robert A , Robinson Jake M , Gauthier Nicolas E , Breed Martin F 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTAimButyrate-producing bacteria are found in many outdoor ecosystems and host organisms, including humans, and are vital to ecosystem functionality and human health. These bacteria ferment organic matter, producing the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. However, few (if any) studies have examined the macroecological influences on their large-scale biogeographical distribution. Here we aimed to characterise their global biogeography together with key explanatory climatic, geographic, and physicochemical variables.LocationGlobal, and the Australian continentTime period2005-2020Major taxa studiedButyrate-producing bacteriaMethodsWe developed new normalised butyrate production capacity (BPC) indices derived from global metagenomic (n=13,078) and Australia-wide soil 16S rRNA (n=1,331) data, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and modelling techniques to detail their ecological and biogeographical associations.ResultsThe highest BPC scores were found in anoxic and fermentative environments, including the human and non-human animal gut, and in some plant-soil systems. Within plant-soil systems, roots and rhizospheres had the highest BPC scores. Among soil samples, geographic and climatic variables had the strongest overall influence on BPC scores, with human influence also making key contributions. Higher BPC scores were in soils from seasonally productive sandy rangelands, temperate rural residential areas, and sites with moderate-to-high soil iron concentrations.Main conclusionsAbundances of butyrate-producing bacteria in outdoor soils follow complex ecological patterns influenced by geography, climate, soil chemistry, and hydrological fluctuations. Human population density and soil iron also play substantial roles, and their effects are dependent on a combination of ecological variables. These new biogeographical insights further our understanding of the global ecology patterns of butyrate-producing bacteria, with implications for emerging microbially-focussed ecological and human health policies.
Triac treatment prevents neurodevelopmental and locomotor impairments in thyroid hormone transporter Mct8/Oatp1c1 deficient mice
Authors: Chen Jiesi , Salveridou Eva , Liebmann Lutz , Sundaram Sivaraj M. , Doycheva Denica , Markova Boyka , Hübner Christian A. , Boelen Anita , Visser W. Edward , Heuer Heike , Mayerl Steffen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients with inactive thyroid hormone (TH) transporter MCT8 display intellectual disability due to an insufficient TH transport and action in the CNS. As a therapeutic strategy, application of Triac (3, 5, 3’-triiodothyroacetic acid) and Ditpa (3, 5 -diiodo-thyropropionic acid) have been proposed as both thyromimetic compounds are not dependent on MCT8 for cellular entry. Here, we tested and directly compared the thyromimetic actions of Triac versus Ditpa in Mct8/Oatp1c1 double knockout mice (Dko), a mouse model for human MCT8 deficiency.MethodsNewborn Dko mice were daily injected during the first three postnatal weeks with either Triac (50 ng/g or 400 ng/g) or Ditpa (400 ng/g or 4000 ng/g) and compared with Wt and Dko mice receiving saline injections. A second cohort of Dko mice was daily injected with Triac (400 ng/g) only between postnatal week 3 and 6. Thyromimetic effects in the CNS and peripheral tissues were monitored at different postnatal time points by immunofluorescence stainings for neural marker proteins, in situ hybridization and quantitative real time PCR. Locomotor performance was assessed in rotarod and hanging wire test. Acute brain slices of Triac treated Dko mice and their respective controls were used for electrophysiological recordings.ResultsOnly Dko mice injected with Triac (400 ng/g) during the first three postnatal weeks showed normalized myelination, differentiation of cortical GABAergic interneurons as well as locomotor performance. Electrophysiological recordings revealed an increased frequencies of cortical spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in Dko mice and a normalization of this parameter in Triac treated Dko mice. In comparison, treatment of Dko mice with Ditpa at 4000 ng/g during the first three postnatal weeks resulted in normal myelination and cerebellar development but was less effective in restoring neuronal parameters and locomotor function. Finally, Triac was more potent than Ditpa in suppressingTrhandTshbexpression, respectively, and exerts stronger thyromimetic effects in liver and kidneys.ConclusionsIn newborn Dko deficient mice, Triac is highly effective and more efficient than Ditpa in promoting CNS maturation and function. Yet, Triac treatment needs to be initiated directly after birth to achieve the most beneficial effects.
Ritualistic use of ayahuasca enhances a shared functional connectome identity with others
Authors: Mallaroni Pablo , Mason Natasha L. , Kloft Lilian , Reckweg Johannes T. , van Oorsouw Kim , Toennes Stefan W. , Tolle Hanna M. , Amico Enrico , Ramaekers Johannes G. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe knowledge that brain functional connectomes are both unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject level. However, it is unknown whether such “fingerprints” persist under altered states of consciousness. Ayahuasca is a potent serotonergic psychedelic which elicits a widespread dysregulation of functional connectivity. Used communally in religious ceremonies, its shared use may highlight relevant novel interactions between mental state and FC inherency. Using 7T fMRI, we assessed resting-state static and dynamic FCs for 21 Santo Daime members after collective ayahuasca intake in an acute, within-subject study. Here, connectome fingerprinting revealed a shared functional space, accompanied by a spatiotemporal reallocation of keypoint edges. Importantly, we show that interindividual differences in higher-order FCs motifs are relevant to experiential phenotypes, given that they can predict perceptual drug effects. Collectively, our findings offer an example as to how individualised connectivity markers can be used to trace a subject’s functional connectome across altered states of consciousness.
S-nitrosylation of Aux/IAA protein represses auxin signaling
Authors: Jing Hongwei , Yang Xiaolu , Feng Jian , Zhang Jian , Strader Lucia C. , Zuo Jianru 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTAuxin plays crucial roles in nearly every aspect of plant growth and development. Auxin signaling activation is mediated through degradation of Auxin/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) family. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates diverse cellular bioactivities through S-nitrosylation of target protein at specific cysteine residues. NO-auxin interplay has an important role in regulation plant growth. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of how NO effects Aux/IAA proteins stability. Here we show that NO negatively regulates the IAA17 protein stability to repress auxin signaling. We found that NO directly inhibits IAA17 protein degradation. S-nitrosylation of IAA17 at Cys-70 represses the TIR-IAA17 co-receptor interaction to attenuate auxin responsiveness. Our data suggest a model in which S-nitrosylation of IAA17 at Cys-70 negatively regulates auxin signaling to effect plant development, providing a mechanism for redox-phytohormones networks.
Structure of the two-component S-layer of the archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Gambelli Lavinia , McLaren Mathew , Conners Rebecca , Sanders Kelly , Gaines Matthew C. , Clark Lewis , Gold Vicki , Kattnig Daniel , Sikora Mateusz , Hanus Cyril , Isupov Michail N. , Daum Bertram 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSurface layers (S-layers) are resilient two-dimensional protein lattices that encapsulate many bacteria and most archaea. In archaea, S-layers usually form the only structural component of the cell wall and thus act as the final frontier between the cell and its environment. Therefore, S-layers are crucial for supporting microbial life. Notwithstanding their importance, little is known about archaeal S-layers at the atomic level. Here, we combined single particle cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM), cryo electron tomography (cryoET) and Alphafold2 predictions to generate an atomic model of the two-component S-layer of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. The outer component of this S-layer (SlaA) is a flexible, highly glycosylated, and stable protein. Together with the inner and membrane-bound component (SlaB), they assemble into a porous and interwoven lattice. We hypothesize that jackknife-like conformational changes, as well as pH-induced alterations in the surface charge of SlaA, play important roles in S-layer assembly.
Sex-specific acute cerebrovascular response to photothrombotic stroke in mice requires rho-kinase
Authors: Raman-Nair Joanna , Cron Gregory , McLeod Kathleen , Lacoste Baptiste 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWith high energy consumption and low energy storage, the brain is highly reliant on continuous cerebral blood flow (CBF) that delivers substrates to maintain proper function, which is compromised after a stroke. The current study explores the overlapping roles played by two important modulators of cerebrovascular tone, rho-kinase (ROCK) and endogenous sex hormones, in the acute CBF responses to a photothrombotic (PT) model of ischemic stroke in ROCK2+/- mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. To remove endogenous hormones, male mice were gonadectomized and female mice were ovariectomized, whereas control (“intact”) animals received a sham surgery prior to stroke induction. Intact WT males showed a delayed drop in CBF compared to intact WT females, where maximal CBF drop was observed 48 hours following stroke. Gonadectomy in males did not alter this response, however ovariectomy in females produced a “male-like” response. Intact ROCK2+/- males also showed such phenotypic response, which was not altered by gonadectomy. Alternatively, intact ROCK2+/- females showed a striking difference in CBF values compared to intact WT females, where they displayed higher CBF values immediately post-stroke and also showed a maximal CBF drop 48 hours post-stroke, which was not altered by ovariectomy. Overall, there is a marked sex difference in acute CBF responses to PT stroke, which appears to be mediated by endogenous female sex hormones and ROCK2. This study reveals important sex-differences and the involvement of ROCK2 in acute CBF responses to PT stroke in mice.Significance StatementThere are very few mechanistic investigations on disparities between sexes in post-stroke CBF outcome. Rho-kinase, an important regulator of vascular tone, has only been explored in males in terms of its modulation of CBF following stroke. Both rho-kinase and endogenous female sex hormones have a converging role on the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an important modulator of vascular tone. Rho-kinase is thought to elicit its neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke through eNOS, however this has never been investigated in both sexes. Elucidating the cellular and molecular bases of sex differences in cerebrovascular pathophysiology is vital for understanding the origins of stroke outcomes, and for designing novel therapeutic strategies to promote functional recovery in both women and men.