bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Existence of Differential Belief Profiles of COVID-19 Narratives: The Role of Trust in Science
Authors: Agley Jon , Xiao Yunyu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been mirrored by diffusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories about its origins (such as 5G cellular networks) and the motivations of preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, and face masks (for example, as a political ploy). These beliefs have resulted in substantive, negative real-world outcomes but remain largely unstudied.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, online survey (n=660). Participants were asked about the believability of five selected COVID-19 narratives, their political orientation, their religious commitment, and their trust in science (a 21-item scale), along with sociodemographic items. Data were assessed descriptively, then latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups with similar believability profiles. Bivariate (ANOVA) analyses were run, then multivariable, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with membership in specific COVID-19 narrative believability profiles.ResultsFor the full sample, believability of the narratives varied, from a low of 1.94 (SD=1.72) for the 5G narrative to a high of 4.56 (SD=1.64) for the zoonotic (scientific consensus) narrative. Four distinct belief profiles emerged, with the preponderance (70%) of the sample falling into Profile 1, which believed the scientifically accepted narrative (zoonotic origin) but not the misinformed or conspiratorial narratives. Other profiles did not disbelieve the zoonotic explanation, but rather believed additional misinformation to varying degrees. Controlling for sociodemographics, political orientation and religious commitment were marginally, and typically non-significantly, associated with COVID-19 belief profile membership. However, trust in science was a strong, significant predictor of profile membership, with lower trust being substantively associated with belonging to Profiles 2 through 4.ConclusionsBelief in misinformation or conspiratorial narratives may not be mutually exclusive from belief in the narrative reflecting scientific consensus; that is, profiles were distinguished not by belief in the zoonotic narrative, but rather by concomitant belief or disbelief in additional narratives. Additional, renewed dissemination of scientifically accepted narratives may not attenuate belief in misinformation. However, prophylaxis of COVID-19 misinformation might be achieved by taking concrete steps to improve trust in science and scientists, such as building understanding of the scientific process and supporting open science initiatives.
High-Resolution Habitat Suitability Model for Phlebotomus Pedifer, the Vector of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Pareyn Myrthe , Rutten Anneleen , Merdekios Behailu , Wedegärtner Ronja Elisabeth Magdalene , Girma Nigatu , Regelbrugge Leo , Shibru Simon , Leirs Herwig 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Phlebotomus pedifer is the vector for Leishmania aethiopica causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southwestern Ethiopia. Previous research on the transmission dynamics of CL resulted in recommendations for vector control. In order to target these interventions towards affected areas, a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of P. pedifer at high spatial resolution is required. Therefore, this study determined the environmental predictors that facilitate the distribution of P. pedifer and created a map indicating the areas where conditions are suitable for survival of the vector in southwestern Ethiopia with high spatial resolution.Methods: Phlebotomus pedifer presence points were collected during two entomological surveys. Climate, vegetation and topographic variables were assembled. Climate variables were interpolated with variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation models to generate topoclimatic layers representing the climate conditions in the highlands. A Maximum Entropy model was run with the presence points, predicting variables and background points, which were selected based on a bias file. Results: Phlebotomus pedifer was the only captured Phlebotomus species in the study area and was collected at altitudes ranging between 1,685 and 2,892 m. Model projections indicated areas with suitable conditions in a ‘belt’ surrounding the high mountain peaks. Model performance was high, with test and train AUC values being 0.93 and 0.90 respectively. A multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis showed that the model projection was only slightly extrapolated for some of the variables. The mean annual temperature was the environmental variable, which contributed most to the model predictions (60.0%) followed by the seasonality in rainfall (13.2%). Variables representing steep slopes showed very low importance to model predictions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the suitable habitats for P. pedifer correspond well with the altitudes at which CL was reported previously but the predictions are more widely distributed, in contrast with the description of CL to occur in particular foci. Moreover, we confirm that vector distribution is driven by climate factors, suggesting inclusion of topoclimate in sand fly distribution models. Overall, our model provides a map with a high spatial resolution that can be used to target sand fly control measures in southwestern Ethiopia.
Structural Validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and its Short Version the 6-Item CTS Symptoms Scale: A Rasch Analysis One Year After Surgery
Authors: Multanen Juhani , Ylinen Jari , Karjalainen Teemu , Ikonen Joona , Häkkinen Arja , Repo Jussi P. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and its shorter version Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6) are widely used for assessing function and/or symptoms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The present study examined the structural validity of the BCTQ and CTS-6 among patients who had undergone surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: The data was obtained from 217 adult patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release one year earlier. The Rasch Measurement Theory was applied to investigate the unidimensionality, residual correlation, differential item functioning, scale coverage/targeting, and person separation of the CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ.Results: The FSS of the BCTQ showed good scale and item fit and unidimensionality. FSS items had ordered response categories. Eight items in the FSS displayed differential item functioning favoring age or gender. The multidimensional structure of the CTS-6 was absorbed by creating a testlet for frequency of symptoms or testlets for pain and numbness. The testlets supported unidimensionality in the BCTQ SSS. Two items had differential item functioning favoring age or gender in the CTS-6 and the BCTQ SSS. Some items in the BCTQ SSS and CTS-6 had disordered response category thresholds. Merging of response categories led to ordered response category thresholds. The person separation indices were 0.73, 0.86 and 0.77 for the CTS-6 and BCTQ SSS and FSS, respectively, indicating good reliability of the measures.Conclusions: Based on the Rasch analysis, the CTS-6 has superior psychometric properties compared to the BCTQ SSS in surgically treated patients. The CTS-6 might be more accurate when separated into item sets measuring pain or numbness. The FSS of the BCTQ has acceptable construct validity, although sex differences at some ages were observed in responses.
Alveolar Neutrophilic Recruitment in COVID-19 May Not be Mediated by Th17 Response
Authors: Azevedo Marina L V , Paula Caroline Busatta Vaz de , Nagashima Seigo , Souza Cleber Machado de , Ribeiro Anna Flavia Miggiolaro , Junior Jarbas Silva Motta , Malaquias Mineia Alessandra Scaranello , Raboni Sonia Mara , Neto Plinio Cezar , Souza Daiane Gavlik de , Baena Cristina Pellegrino , Noronha Lucia de 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 current pandemic disease differs from the H1N1pdm09 caused by Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype, by how it induces a pro-inflammatory response in infected lungs. Objective: Investigate the role of Th17 response in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 injury by analyzing the tissue expression of interleukins 8 and 17A and the neutrophils in lung samples of patients who die of COVID-19, comparing to H1N1pdm09. Study design and post-mortem results: Six lung samples from patients SARS-CoV-2 infected (COVID-19 group), and ten lung samples from adults who died from H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group), were tested. A control group was also added to the study. H&E slides were used for neutrophils scoring. The tissue expression of IL-8 and IL-17A was identified by immunohistochemistry. Tissue expression increasing of IL-17A and IL-8 and a higher number of neutrophils were identified in samples from the H1N1 group when compared to the COVID-19 group. Discussion: It is suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus evokes an exacerbated response of the host's immune system but differs from that observed in the H1N1pdm09 disease because it may not be trigger by Th17 response. With the low expression of IL-8, IL-17A, neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection becomes impaired, resulting in viral persistence. On the other hand, in the COVID-19 disease, the immune response by Th2 cells seems to be exacerbated, observed by the extent of the lung injury. This uncontrolled response and, mainly, the lack of a therapeutic target, culminates in disease progression and, consequently, in shorter survival time.
Multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis: joint modelling of multiple cancer types using summary statistics
Authors: Jahan Farzana , Duncan Earl W , Cramb Susanna M , Baade Peter D , Mengersen Kerrie Lee 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:

Cancer atlases often provide estimates of cancer incidence, mortality or survival across small areas of a region or country. A recent example of a cancer atlas is the Australian cancer atlas (ACA), that provides interactive maps to visualise spatially smoothed estimates of cancer incidence and survival for 20 different cancers over 2148 small areas across Australia.

Methods:

The present study proposes a multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis model, which can model multiple cancers jointly using summary measures without requiring access to the unit record data. This new approach is illustrated by modelling the publicly available spatially smoothed standard incidence ratios (SIR) for multiple cancers in the ACA divided into three groups: common, rare/less common and smoking-related. The multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis models are fitted to each group in order to explore any possible association between the cancers in three remoteness regions: major cities, regional and remote areas across Australia.

Results:

Substantive correlation was observed among some cancer types. There was evidence that the magnitude of this correlation varied according to remoteness of a region. High risk areas for specific combinations of cancer types were identified and visualised from the proposed model.

Conclusions:

Publicly available spatially smoothed disease estimates can be used to explore additional research questions by modelling multiple cancer types jointly. These proposed multivariate meta-analysis models could be useful when unit record data are unavailable because of privacy and confidentiality requirements.
A hybrid drought index for drought assessment in Wadi Shueib catchment area in Jordan
Authors: Al Balasmeh Odai , Babbar Richa , Karmaker Tapas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Wadi Shueib catchment in Jordan is a water stress area and climate change is creating a further deficiency in precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture; which are a deterrent to agriculture production in the area. In order to analyze the drought-like situation in the area, a hybrid drought index (HDI) has been developed considering the combined effect of these three variables. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and entropy weight methods were carried out to develop a hybrid drought index (HDI) which combines meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought indices based on precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture data in the area. The wavelet transform (WT) with cross wavelet (XCT) and wavelet coherence (WTC) were applied to investigate the interaction and the relations between the HDI index, drought indices, and large-scale sunspot activity Niño3.4 index. The results show that HDI can easily capture the trend of the drought-like conditions in the area based on the available data. The trend analysis of HDI revealed an increasing trend in the drought incidences in the near future. The study can be used as an early alarm for drought in the area, which can be helpful in the decision-making process towards water resources planning and management in the future.
Seasonal varieties and influential factors of heavy metals in sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake
Authors: Tian Weidong , Pei Guoxia , Zhao Shengnan , Shi Xiaohong , Zhang Hanmeng , Sun Biao , Song Shuang , Sun Chi , Ma Hong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Wuliangsuhai Lake, as a typical shallow lake in Hetao irrigation district, is located in Northern China. We took sediment samples in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The total arsenic (As), total mercury (Hg) and other parameters (temperature, pH, EC, particle size of sediments and organic matter in sediments) were measured. Based on the temporal variations, seasonal comparisons and factor analysis, the following conclusions were obtained. (1) The seasonal characteristics of Hg and As were: summer &gt; spring &gt; autumn &gt; winter, and spring &gt; summer &gt; autumn &gt; winter. (2) The higher concentration of Hg and As during summer was considered to be caused by the higher organic matter and humus content, which made heavy metals strongly adsorbed and complexed, and changes in the organic matter content would enhance the binding state of the less active organic matter then deposit in sediment. (3) The speciation of mercury and arsenic was also the reason, in summer, the Hg0 in the atmosphere was oxidized to Hg2+, entering into water through rainwater washing and dry deposition; then, soluble Hg2+ was quickly adsorbed and fixed in sediment, a series of transformations reduces its activity. The As3+ would be oxidized to As5+ which would form precipitated. Therefore, the content of Hg and As, environmental risk and potential ecological risk of mercury in sediments were higher in summer.
Novel hybrid metal loaded chelating resins for removal of toxic metals from acid mine drainage
Authors: Dlamini Caroline Lomalungelo , De Kock Lueta-Ann , Kefeni Kebede Keterew , Mamba Bhekie Brilliance , Msagati Titus Alfred Makudali 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Iron (Fe), zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) oxides nanoparticles were each embedded onto a weak acid chelating resin for support using the precipitation method to generate three hybrid adsorbents of hydrated Fe oxide (HFO-P), hydrated Zr oxide (HZO-P) and hydrated Ti oxide (HTO-P). This paper reports on the characterization, performance and potential of these generated nanoadsorbents in the removal of toxic metal ions from acid mine drainage (AMD). The optimum contact time, adsorbent dose and pH for aluminium (Al) (III) adsorption were established using the batch equilibrium technique. The metal levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of the metal oxides within the hybrid resin beads. HFO-P, HZO-P and HTO-P adsorbed Al(III) rapidly from synthetic water with maximum adsorption capacities of 54.04, 58.36 and 40.10 mg/g, respectively, at initial pH 1.80 ± 0.02. The adsorption of Al(III) is of the second-order in nature (R2 &gt; 0.98). The nanosorbents removed ten selected metals from environmental AMD and the metal removal efficiency was in the order HTO-P &gt; HZO-P &gt; HFO-P. All three hybrid nanosorbents can be used to remove metals from AMD; the choice would be dependent on the pH of the water to be treated.
Bolu ve Çevresinde Yaşayan Çocuklarda Labial Frenulum Tipleri ve Gingival Sağlığa Etkileri
Authors: GULER Derya , GÜLER Şevki , ÖĞÜTÜCÜ Umut 
Published: June 2020

Amaç:

Bu çalışmanın amacı; Bolu ve çevresinde yaşayan süt ve
karışık dişlenme döneminde bulunan çocuklarda labial frenulum tipleri ve
gingival sağlığa etkilerini değerlendirmektir.

Materyal-metot:

Bu çalışma Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Diş
Hekimliği Fakültesi Hastanesi’nde gerçekleştirildi. Çalışmaya 3-16 yaş
aralığında 205 çocuk (%49,7 erkek ve %50,3 kız) dahil edildi. Olguların %49,3’ü
3-6 yaş arasında olup süt dişlenmeye, %50,7’si 7-16 yaş arasında olup karışık
dişlenmeye sahipti. Çocuklarda maksiller labial frenulumun tipi Mirko
sınıflamasına göre, gingival indeks skorlaması ise Löe &amp; Silness’in
tanımladığı sınıflamaya göre yapıldı.

Bulgular:

Maksiller labial frenulum tipleri arasında cinsler arası
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunamadı. Hem süt hem de karışık
dişlenme döneminde en fazla gingival tip frenulum tespit edildi. Frenulum
tipleri arasından gruplar arası anlamlı fark bulunmadı. Her iki yaş grubunda da
papile penetre formdaki maksiller labial frenulumlarda gingival indeks
skorlarının anlamlı seviyede yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç:

Frenulum uzunluğunun normal sınırlar dışında olması diş
eti çekilmelerine, dizilim bozulmalarına, diş çürüklerine ve konuşma
problemlerine sebep olabilir. Bu nedenle
çocuklarda ağız-diş muayenesi sırasında frenulum değerlendirmesine de önem
vermek gerekmektedir.
Stability and Folding of the Unusually Stable Hemoglobin from Synechocystis is Subtly Optimized and Dependent on the Key Heme Pocket Residues
Authors: Uppal Sheetal , Khan Mohd. Asim , Kundu Suman 
Published: June 2020

Aims:
The aim of our study is to understand the biophysical traits that govern the stability
and folding of Synechocystis hemoglobin, a unique cyanobacterial globin that displays unusual
traits not observed in any of the other globins discovered so far.

Background:
For the past few decades, classical hemoglobins such as vertebrate hemoglobin and
myoglobin have been extensively studied to unravel the stability and folding mechanisms of hemoglobins.
However, the expanding wealth of hemoglobins identified in all life forms with novel properties,
like heme coordination chemistry and globin fold, have added complexity and challenges to
the understanding of hemoglobin stability, which has not been adequately addressed. Here, we explored
the unique truncated and hexacoordinate hemoglobin from the freshwater cyanobacterium
Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 known as “Synechocystis hemoglobin (SynHb)”. The “three histidines”
linkages to heme are novel to this cyanobacterial hemoglobin.

Objective:
Mutational studies were employed to decipher the residues within the heme pocket that
dictate the stability and folding of SynHb.

Methods:
Site-directed mutants of SynHb were generated and analyzed using a repertoire of spectroscopic
and calorimetric tools.

Conclusion:
Synechocystis hemoglobin presents an important model system for investigations of
protein folding and stability in general. The heme pocket residues influenced the folding and stability
of SynHb in a very subtle and specific manner and may have been optimized to make this Hb the
most stable known as of date.

Other:
The knowledge gained hereby about the influence of heme pocket amino acid side chains
on stability and expression is currently being utilized to improve the stability of recombinant human
Hbs for efficient use as oxygen delivery vehicles.
Physio-Morphology and Proteomic Attitude of Ziziphus Spina-Christi in Copper-Contaminated Sites in Saudi Arabia: Is It a Candidate Bioremediator?
Authors: Alotaibi Modhi Obaidan , Mohammed Afrah Eltayeb , Almutairi Taghreed , Shinwari Zakia , Alaiya Ayodele , Elobeid Mudawi Mukhtar 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The current study was undertaken with a major goal of evaluating the influence
of the heavy metal Copper (Cu) on growth and physiology as well as the proteomic status
of Ziziphus spina-christi.

Objective:
We set a hypothesis that Z. spina-christi could be a potent phytoremediator in Cu-polluted
environments and the industrial area of Riyadh was chosen as a model of contaminated sites.

Methods:
To address our goal, young Z. spina-christi plants were maintained in pots filled with
soil comprised of sand and clay in an open area. Cu treatments were performed by subjecting
young Z. spina-christi seedlings to different copper treatments [0 - 100 μM] which was supplied to
the plants in the form of hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and the treatment period lasted 45
days. To monitor plant growth during Cu exposure period, measurements of some morphological
and physiological variables were taken regularly every week and the growth rates were determined.

Results:
Results from proteomics showed 16 proteins participated in expression, 10 proteins
showed up regulations and other six showed down regulation. Such expressed proteins are involved
in plant photosynthesis process, metabolism, antioxidant enzymes as well as those associated
with plant defense response and signal transduction.

Conclusion:
The study outcomes offered understandings of the molecular systems linked to Cu
stress condition, in addition to Cu effect on Z. spina-christi seedlings morphology and physiology.
Regarding phytoremediation potential we recommend that, future experiments should be conducted
on Z. spina-christi at different developmental stages to better view its Cu accumulative power.
Biotransformation of Phenolic Acids by Fusarium udum E. Butler
Authors: Vaishnav Jasraj , Variyar Prasad S. 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The biotechnological generation of natural flavor compounds is rapidly expanding.
Production of desired flavor compounds by biotransformation is natural, more effective,
and an economical process. High economic value of bio-vanillin has led to a wide interest in research
on the production of vanillin through biotechnological routes.

Objective:
The aim of the present study was to use F. udum E. Butler as a bio-catalyst for the production
of bio-vanillin, from easily available and economically viable phenolic substrates.

Method:
Mycelium of fungal strain, was incubated in minimal medium with phenolic substrates.
The medium was analyzed by GC/MS at specific time intervals in order to identify products formed
during biotransformation on different time scales.

Results:
Production of bio-vanillin was observed after 24 h as the major product when F. udum
E. Butler was grown on vanillic acid. Guaiacol was found to be the end product of this reaction as the
further conversion of guaiacol was not observed. The metabolic pathway for vanillic acid biotransformation
was also elucidated by identifying intermediate metabolites of the reaction and fate of these
intermediates when these intermediates were used as a sole carbon source was also elucidated.

Conclusion:
Microbial production of bio-vanillin is one of the highly economically attractive biotransformation
processes as substrates of this process are byproducts of agroindustrial sources. However,
toxicity of vanillin accumulation is one of the major bottleneck in bio-vanillin production, and
it demands serious scientific inputs.