bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of Merlin’s grass (Isoetaceae): revealing an “Amborella syndrome” and the importance of geographic distribution for understanding current and historical diversity
Authors: Larsén Eva , Wikström Niklas , Khodabandeh Anbar , Rydin Catarina 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Merlin’s grass (Isoetes, Isoetaceae, Lycopsida), is the extant remnant of the isoetalean wood-producing lycopsids that originated during the Paleozoic, possibly in aquatic or boggy habitats. Modern day species are aquatic, semi-aquatic or terrestrial and occur almost worldwide. They display little morphological variation; the lobed corm has helically arranged leaves with internal air channels and basal sporangia. Genetic variation has also proven limited, which has hampered phylogenetic inference. We investigate evolutionary relationships in Isoetes, using molecular data and an extended sample of species compared to previous work, adding species that have never before been included in a phylogenetic study.

Results
Our results reveal an unexpected discovery of an “Amborella syndrome” in Isoetaceae: a single poorly known species is sister to the remaining family. The species, Isoetes wormaldii, is a rare endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Its leaves are flattened with a rounded point, which sharply contrasts with the awl-shaped leaves of most other species of Isoetes. The remaining species of Isoetes are resolved in five major clades, also indicated in previous work. While the phylogeny shows geographic structure, the patterns are complex. For example, tropical-southern African species occur in at least five clades, and Indian, Australian and Mediterranean species in at least three clades each.

Conclusion
The evolutionary and biogeographical history of Isoetes is not easily explained, and may conceivably include ample extinction and a mixture of ancient and more recent processes. Previously shown difficulties with node age estimation increase the problem. The here demonstrated sister-relationship between the phylogenetically, morphologically and genetically distinct Isoetes wormaldii and the remaining family appears to bridge the morphological gap between Isoetes and its extinct relatives, although further studies are needed. Moreover, it shortens the branch length to its living sister genus Selaginella, and may enhance node age estimation in future studies. Isoetes wormaldii is critically endangered, known only from one (to a few) minor populations. Immediate actions need to be taken if we want to prevent this unique species from going extinct.
Genes associated with hot defensive bee ball in the Japanese honeybee, Apis cerana japonica
Authors: Kamioka Takahiro , Suzuki Hiromu C. , Ugajin Atsushi , Yamaguchi Yuta , Nishimura Masakazu , Sasaki Tetsuhiko , Ono Masato , Kawata Masakado 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Japanese honeybee,Apis cerana japonica, shows a specific defensive behavior, known as a “hot defensive bee ball,” used against the giant hornet,Vespa mandarinia. Hundreds of honeybee workers surround a hornet and make a “bee ball” during this behavior. They maintain the ball for around 30 min, and its core temperature can reach 46. Although various studies have been conducted on the characteristics of this behavior, its molecular mechanism has yet to be elucidated. Here, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis to detect candidate genes related to balling behavior.ResultsThe expression levels of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the brain, flight muscle, and fat body were evaluated during ball formation and incubation at 46 °C. The DEGs detected during ball formation, but not in response to heat, were considered important for ball formation. The expression of genes related to rhodopsin signaling were increased in all tissues during ball formation. DEGs detected in one or two tissues during ball formation were also identified.ConclusionsGiven that rhodopsin is involved in temperature sensing inDrosophila, the rhodopsin-related DEGs inA. cerana japonicamay be involved in temperature sensing specifically during ball formation.
Characterization of runs of homozygosity, heterozygosity-enriched regions, and population structure in cattle populations selected for different breeding goals
Authors: Mulim Henrique Alberto , Brito Luiz F. , Pinto Luís Fernando Batista , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Grigoletto Lais , Silva Marcio Ribeiro , Pedrosa Victor Breno 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
A decline in the level of genetic diversity in livestock can result in reduced response to selection, greater incidence of genetic defects, and inbreeding depression. In this context, various metrics have been proposed to assess the level of genetic diversity in selected populations. Therefore, the main goals of this study were to: 1) investigate the population structure of 16 cattle populations from 15 different pure breeds or composite populations, which have been selected for different breeds goals; and, 2) identify and compare runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity-enriched regions (HER) based on different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels and whole-genome sequence data (WGS), followed by functional genomic analyses.

Results
A total of 24,187 ROH were found across all cattle populations, with 55% classified in the 2-4 Mb size group. Fourteen homozygosity islands were found in five populations, where four ROH islands located on BTA1, BTA5, BTA16, and BTA19 overlapped between the Brahman (BRM) and Gyr (GIR) breeds. A functional analysis of the genes found in these islands revealed candidate genes known to play a role in the melanogenesis, prolactin signaling, and calcium signaling pathways. The correlations between inbreeding metrics ranged from 0.02 to 0.95, where the methods based on homozygous genotypes (FHOM), uniting of gametes (FUNI), and genotype additive variance (FGRM) showed strong correlations among them. All methods yielded low to moderate correlations with the inbreeding coefficients based on runs of homozygosity (FROH). For the HER, 3576 runs and 26 islands, distributed across all autosomal chromosomes, were found in regions containing genes mainly related to the immune system, indicating potential balancing selection. Although the analyses with WGS did not enable detection of the same island patterns, it unraveled novel regions not captured when using SNP panel data.

Conclusions
The cattle populations that showed the largest amount of ROH and HER were Senepol (SEN) and Montana (MON), respectively. Overlapping ROH islands were identified between GIR and BRM breeds, indicating a possible historical connection between the populations. The distribution and pattern of ROH and HER are population specific, indicating that different breeds have experienced divergent selection processes or different genetic processes.
The genomic basis of the Streptococcus thermophilus health-promoting properties
Authors: Roux Emeline , Nicolas Aurélie , Valence Florence , Siekaniec Grégoire , Chuat Victoria , Nicolas Jacques , Le Loir Yves , Guédon Eric 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Streptococcus thermophilus is a Gram-positive bacterium widely used as starter in the dairy industry as well as in many traditional fermented products. In addition to its technological importance, it has also gained interest in recent years as beneficial bacterium due to human health-promoting functionalities. The objective of this study was to inventory the main health-promoting properties of S. thermophilus and to study their intra-species diversity at the genomic and genetic level within a collection of representative strains.

Results
In this study various health-related functions were analyzed at the genome level from 79 genome sequences of strains isolated over a long time period from diverse products and different geographic locations. While some functions are widely conserved among isolates (e.g., degradation of lactose, folate production) suggesting their central physiological and ecological role for the species, others including the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway involved in the catabolism of galactose, and the production of bioactive peptides and gamma-aminobutyric acid are strain-specific. Most of these strain-specific health-promoting properties seems to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer events. The genetic basis for the phenotypic diversity between strains for some health related traits have also been investigated. For instance, substitutions in the galK promoter region correlate with the ability of some strains to catabolize galactose via the Leloir pathway. Finally, the low occurrence in S. thermophilus genomes of genes coding for biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance is also a contributing factor to its safety status.

Conclusions
The natural intra-species diversity of S. thermophilus, therefore, represents an interesting source for innovation in the field of fermented products enriched for healthy components that can be exploited to improve human health. A better knowledge of the health-promoting properties and their genomic and genetic diversity within the species may facilitate the selection and application of strains for specific biotechnological and human health-promoting purpose. Moreover, by pointing out that a substantial part of its functional potential still defies us, our work opens the way to uncover additional health-related functions through the intra-species diversity exploration of S. thermophilus by comparative genomics approaches.
Genome-wide expression analysis reveals involvement of asparagine synthetase family in cotton development and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Huiping Gui , Xiangru Wang , Hengheng Zhang , Xiling Zhang , Meizhen Song 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAsparagine synthetase (ASN) is one of the key enzymes of nitrogen (N) metabolism in plants. The product of ASN is asparagine, which is one of the key compounds involved in N transport and storage in plants. Complete genome-wide analysis and classifications of the ASN gene family have recently been reported in different plants. However, little is known about the systematic analysis and expression profiling of ASN proteins in cotton development and N metabolism. Here, various bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify ASN gene family in cotton. In the cotton genome, forty-three proteins were found that determined ASN genes, comprising of 20 genes in Gossypium hirsutum (Gh), 13 genes in Gossypium arboreum, and 10 genes in Gossypium raimondii. The ASN encoded genes unequally distributed on various chromosomes with conserved glutamine amidotransferases and ASN domains. Expression analysis indicated that the majority of GhASNs were upregulated in vegetative and reproductive organs, fiber development, and N metabolism. Overall, the results provide proof of the possible role of the ASN genes in improving cotton growth, fiber development, and especially N metabolism in cotton. The identified hub genes will help to functionally elucidate the ASN genes in cotton development and N metabolism.
Intention to use maternal health services and associated factors among women who gave birth at home in rural Sehala Seyemit district: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Taye Birhan Tsegaw , Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Wondie Kindu Yinges 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Low maternal healthcare service utilization contributes to poor maternal and newborn health outcomes in rural Ethiopia. 'Motivational factors influence women's intention to perform a specific health behavior, and the intention of subsequent home delivery and related risks that may contribute to women's death is less known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the intention of maternal health service utilization among women who gave birth at home in the rural Sehala Seyemit district.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1st to October 15th, 2020, among 653 women. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. First, a semi-structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire were used. The mean of the sum score was also used to categorize the intention as intended and not intended. Second, multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with women's intention to use maternal health services. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval at a p-value of ≤ 0.05 were used to declare statistical association.

Results
Of the women who gave birth at home the intention to use maternal health service was 62.3% (95% CI; 59, 66). Women’s age of > 30 years (AOR = 6.04; 95%CI: 2.34, 15.60), short time to reach health facility (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.10), media exposure (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.65), history of obstetric danger signs (AOR = 4.60; 95% CI: 2.33, 9.10), positive subjective norms (AOR = 11.20; 95% CI; 6.77, 18.50) and last delivery assisted by traditional birth attendants (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.33) were factors associated with women’s intention to use maternal health services.

Conclusion
In this study, maternal health service utilization intention is still unsatisfactory compared to the national target plan. Maternal age, media exposure, obstetric danger signs, distance to a health facility, positive subjective norms, and delivery assistant at delivery were predictors of women's intention to use maternal healthcare services. Improving women's awareness of maternal healthcare services and developing strategies to increase women's access to mass media, skilled birth attendants, and transportation for rural women may enhance their intention to use maternal healthcare services.
Women’s experiences of surviving severe obstetric complications: a qualitative inquiry in southern Ghana
Authors: Amegavluie Ruby Elikem Afi , Ani-Amponsah Mary , Naab Florence 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWomen who survive severe obstetric complications (SOC) have health and well-being issues even up to 1 year postpartum and have challenges in their quality-of-life (QoL). However, little is known about their predicaments. This study aimed to describe the impact of severe obstetric complications on women’s QoL and well-being after surviving severe obstetric complications. Using the WHO standards for near-miss, twelve (12) women who survived severe obstetric complications were recruited between January and March 2019. The study adopted a qualitative approach with an exploratory descriptive design to explore the experiences of women who survived SOC in Southern Ghana. The participants were purposively sampled and were interviewed face to face in their homes and healthcare facility after discharge from the Hospital. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Two (2) major themes and nine (9) sub-themes emerged. The findings revealed that women who suffered SOC are unable to perform functional activities, have financial constraints, residual hypertension, signs and symptoms of anaemia, pain, and mostly have difficulty in sleeping due to fear of death when they fall asleep. Anxiety, sadness, and emotional trauma was a common phenomenon. The study findings offer insights and directions on measures to improve the care and QoL of women who have survived severe obstetric complications in Ghana.
The association of demodex infestation with pediatric chalazia
Authors: Huang Jing , Guo Meng-Xiang , Xiang Dao-Man , Yan Li-Feng , Yu Ying , Han Ling , Wang Jian-Xun , Lu Xiao-He 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the association of Demodex infestation with pediatric chalazia.

Methods
In a prospective study, 446 children with chalazia and 50 children with non-inflammatory eye disease (controls) who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled from December 2018 to December 2019. Patient ages ranged from 7 months to 13 years old. All patients underwent eyelash sampling for light microscope examination, and statistical correlation analysis between Demodex infestation and chalazia, including the occurrence, recurrence, and course of disease, morphological characteristics, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in chalazia patients was performed.

Results
Demodex was found in 236 (52.91%) patients with chalazia and zero control patients. Demodicosis was significantly more prevalent in chalazia patients than the control group (P < 1 × 10− 14). Recurrent chalazia (P = 0.006) and skin surface involvement (P = 0.029) were highly correlated with Demodex infestation. Demodicosis was also associated with multiple chalazia (P = .023) and MGD(P = .024). However, Demodex infestation was comparable in the course of disease (P = 0.15), seasonal change (P = 0.68) and blepharitis subgroups (P = 0.15). Within the group of chalazia patients who underwent surgical removal of cysts, 4 (0.9%) patients with concurrent demodicosis experienced recurrence.

Conclusions
Demodex infestation was more prevalent in pediatric chalazia patients than healthy children, and was associated with recurrent and multiple chalazia. Demodicosis should be considered as a risk factor of chalazia. In children with chalazia, Demodex examination and comprehensive treatment of Demodex mites should be applied to potentially prevent recurrence.
Optical coherence tomography angiography for the detection and evaluation of ptic disc neovascularization: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Wang Xiang-ning , Zhou Jun , Cai Xuan , Li Tingting , Long Da , Wu Qiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
To assess and characterize neovascularization of the optic disc (NVD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and different OCTA-based methods.

Methods
This retrospective, observational study included patients who were suspected of having early PDR with no presence of clinically apparent neovascularization (NV) bur were clinically diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), or severe NPDR. Patients underwent standard clinical examinations and OCTA imaging using a 6 × 6 montage scan. Two trained graders identified NVD using different imaging systems (ultra-widefield-colour fundus photography (UWF-CFP), OCT, OCTA and fluorescein angiography (FA)). Moreover, morphological classification of NVD was performed. The detection and morphological classification of NVD by different OCTA-based methods (B-scan OCTA, En-face OCTA, VRI Angio and VRI Structure) were compared.

Results
A total of 169 eyes (126 eyes with PDR and 43 eyes with severe NPDR) of 123 participants were included in this study. The detection rate of NVD was 34.91% by UWF-CFP compared with 59.76% by OCT, 59.76% by OCTA, and 62.72% by FA. After excluding 2 cases with epiretinal membranes, the NVD diagnosis detected by OCT was used as the standard. Among 99 eyes diagnosed with NVD by OCT, B-scan OCTA detected NVD with a sensitivity of 97.98%, which was higher than that by en face OCTA (80.81%), VRI Angio (65.66%), and VRI Structure (61.62%) (all P < 0.05). According to its characteristics on OCTA, NVD was divided into four types (12 cases of type I, 6 cases of type II, 39 cases of type III, and 42 cases of type IV). For type I, B-scan OCTA exhibited a higher diagnostic sensitivity than other methods (P < 0.05). For types II and IV, there were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity of various methods between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
OCTA and different OCTA-based methods are significant to the diagnosis of NVD, and the diagnostic accuracy of different detection methods may be related to different types of NVD.
How (not) to mobilize health workers in the fight against vaccine hesitancy: Experimental evidence from Germany’s AstraZeneca controversy
Authors: Priebe Jan , Silber Henning , Beuthner Christoph , Pötzschke Steffen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 vaccine hesistancy is a serious policy issue in Germany as vaccinations have stagnated at low levels compared to most other European countries. In this context, we study whether and how health workers can be leveraged to promote the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Methods
We employed an information experiment with health workers in Germany to quantify how access to information related to (i) AstraZeneca’s vaccine safety, (ii) misinformation, (iii) individual health risks, and (iv) public health risks can sway health workers’ recommendations for any of the following vaccines: AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm, and Sputnik-V. The information experiment was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with four treatment arms and was embedded in an online survey.

Results
Health workers reduce their willingness to recommend four out of six vaccines once they learn about different statements of European and German health authorities with respect to the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Consistent with the discussion on AstraZeneca’s safety focusing on possible side effects among younger women, we find that especially female health workers become less likely to recommend the majority of COVID-19 vaccines. Lastly, we show that health workers vaccine recommendations are not affected by misinformation and appeals to individual or public health.

Conclusion
In order to mobilize health workers in the fight against vaccine hesitancy, information campaigns need to be tailor-made for the target audience. In particular, health workers react to different types of information than the general public. As with the general public, we provide suggestive evidence that health workers require unambigious messages from drug authorities in order to support vaccination efforts. We believe that a more coordinated and coherent approach of public authorities can reduce the amount of mixed signals that health workers receive and therefore contribute to health workers engagement in the outroll of mass COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Trial registration
The trial was registered retrospectively with the repository of the Open Science Framework (OSF) under the number osf.io/qa4n2.