bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ignored minority status: Consequences for sexual minorities living in a biased society
Authors: Trujillo Michael A. , Mendes Wendy Berry 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSexual minority is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer and/or engage in sexual behavior with individuals of the same sex or gender. Drawing on previous models (Hatzenbuehler, 2009; Major et al., 2013; Meyer, 2003; Ryan et al., 2017) and social psychological theory, this article outlines the social and health consequences of the stigma associated with being a sexual minority and the societal, social, and intrapersonal factors that might lead to these health and social disparities. We highlight key responses to stigmatization such as physiological responses, affect, and behavioral reactions that may contribute directly and/or indirectly to health outcomes. In doing so, we propose that the stigma of sexual minority identity, manifested at multiple levels, is associated with disparities in health and social outcomes and that social psychology can provide a useful lens to begin to reduce health disparities.
Income and cost of living: Are less equal places more costly?
Authors: Campbell Harrison S. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study empirically investigates the impact of economic inequality on the cost of living in U.S. metropolitan areas.MethodsUsing a special Census tabulation, a standard cost‐of‐living model is sequentially augmented with measures of poverty and income inequality in a cross‐sectional regression analysis of 90 metropolitan areas; interaction and regional effects are also explored.ResultsHigher costs of living are associated with increasing economic inequality, especially in the distribution of metropolitan income. The effects of household poverty are significant but less consistent.ConclusionsReducing economic inequality would produce benefits enjoyed by all metropolitan residents via lower living costs. The benefits are likely to be greater in large, fast growing areas where income disparities are pronounced.
Fostering educator identity through social media
Authors: Dzara Kristina , Kelleher Amy , Ramani Subha 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCommunities of practice (CoPs) are integral to professional identify formation (PIF) of educators. However, it can be challenging to identify and engage with such communities. Social media (SoMe) can facilitate formation of virtual CoPs, support PIF and increase visibility and recognition among peers. Yet, privacy concerns, lack of skills, time constraints and value doubts are reported barriers. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, challenges and suggested strategies to promote SoMe engagement from a group of health professions educators (HPEs).MethodsUsing qualitative methodology, we explored opinions of educators participating in Harvard Macy Institute courses regarding professional SoMe use through focus group discussions. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed. Brief questionnaires were distributed to collect frequency of and confidence in SoMe use; these data were analysed descriptively. The Partners Healthcare Institutional Review Board approved the study.ResultsForty‐eight educators participated in six focus groups. About 93.8% had at least one professional SoMe account, although engagement frequency varied. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: (1) challenges to engagement, including juggling commitments and feeling overwhelmed; (2) benefits to joining a community, including staying informed and sharing scholarship; and (3) strategies to encourage inclusion, including tailored training and institutional champions.ConclusionThough challenges to engagement were reported, participants noted multiple benefits. SoMe engagement can foster virtual CoPs among HPEs and potentially contribute to PIF. Subsequently, we offer five recommendations for efficient and impactful social media engagement for healthcare professionals.
Hematocrit estimates comparing centrifugation to a point‐of‐care method in beef cattle living at high altitude
Authors: Calkins Craig M. , Scasta John Derek , Smith Travis 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe hematocrit (Hct) or packed cell volume (PCV) reflects the blood volume occupied by red blood cells. The development of point‐of‐care (PoC) instruments can accelerate the ease of measuring Hct/PCV compared with traditional capillary centrifugation (TCC) methods. However, no studies have compared Hct/PCV levels in cattle at high elevation with other measurement methods.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to compare methods to estimate Hcts/PCVs of rangeland cattle at high elevation. We specifically wanted to determine if Hct/PCV levels measured with a commercial PoC instrument (i‐Stat with CHEM8+ cartridges [PoCi]) were comparable to Hct/PCV levels measured with traditional laboratory methods.MethodsWe assessed the Hct/PCV of 94 mature beef cattle (black Angus; Bos taurus) at ~2195 m above sea level using paired analyses of the PoCi and TCC methods from each animal. We used paired samples t‐tests to compare mean Hct/PCVs. Correlation analyses relative to the line of identity and Passing‐Bablok regression were used to assess systematic and proportional differences, respectively, and Bland‐Altman plots were used to assess agreement between the two methods.ResultsThe PoCi estimated a Hct of 28.2% ± 0.7% (SE), which was lower than the TCC estimated PCV of 39.2% ± 0.5%. The Bland‐Altman plot revealed poor agreement between the two methods in addition to a −11% bias for the PoCi. The Passing‐Bablok regression revealed both systematic and proportional bias between the two methods.ConclusionsPoint‐of‐care blood instruments were not comparable to TCC methods for quantifying Hct/PCVs of cattle living at high elevations.
The effects of a proprietary Manuka honey and essential oil hydrogel on the healing of acute full‐thickness wounds in dogs
Authors: Repellin Raphael L. , Pitt Kathryn A. , Lu Ming , Welker Jamie , Noland Erica L. , Stanley Bryden J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a proprietary Manuka honey essential oil hydrogel on the healing of acute, full‐thickness wounds in dogs.Study designProspective, controlled, randomized, experimental study.AnimalsPurpose‐bred, adult, female beagles (n = 10).MethodsTwo 2 × 2 cm surgical wounds were created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog; each side was randomized to receive HoneyCure® (HOC) or standard‐of‐care (CON) dressings. Cranial wounds were for histopathological analysis and the caudal wounds for culture and planimetry. Total and open wound areas were measured with digital image planimetry at 15 time points. From these data, percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Tissue biopsies were obtained at 7 time points and histologic features scored. Cultures were obtained at 2 time points.ResultsEpithelialization was 11.7, 10.4, and 10.1 percentage points higher in HOC wounds compared to CON wounds at days 16, 18, and 21 respectively. Wound contraction and histological scores did not differ between groups. Cultures were positive in 7/40 (17.5%) wounds, with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated evenly. There was no difference of infection rate between the two groups; all infections were superficial and did not require treatment.ConclusionThis study did not provide evidence to support the application of HoneyCure® in small, acute wounds in healthy dogs. However, application may be beneficial in the early proliferative stage of wound healing and in wounds that would benefit from early, robust epithelialization.
Nonlinear Longitudinal Vibrations in Accreting One-Dimensional Nanostructures
Authors: Surulere S. A. , Shatalov M. Y. , Mkolesia A. C. , Fedotov I. A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The investigation of an accreting one-dimensional chain of atoms was carried out in this paper. A governing partial differential equation that describes the accreting nanocontinuum containing an attachment of infinite atoms was derived and analyzed. We transformed the space variable u(t,r)→v(τ,x) (for a governing partial differential equation formulated in a previous publication) and introduced a function of linear growth. The boundary conditions were also transformed in terms of the new variables. We assumed that the left end of the accreting nanostructure was free u(t,r=0)=0 while the right end was fixed ∂u∂r|r=l[1+εf(t)]=0. The method of lines was employed to obtain numerical approximate solutions for the nonlinear partial differential equations because their exact solutions proved difficult to obtain. The approximate solutions were expressed using graphical plots in Mathematica®. The viscous damping term, δ, was introduced into the nanocontinuum and analysis was carried out by considering the damped continuum as an accreting nanostructure. Numerical simulations for both cases illustrated linear growth, which was observed via numerical simulation plots.
Associations of Urine Specific Gravity With Body Mass Index and Lean Body Mass at the Population Level: Implications for Hydration Monitoring
Authors: Wilson Patrick B. 
Published: September 2021

Urine specific gravity (USG) thresholds are used in practice and research to determine hypohydration. However, some limited research has found that body size and body composition may impact USG, suggesting that fixed cutoffs may be insensitive. Cross-sectional data from 3,634 participants of the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Along with USG, body mass index (BMI), estimated lean body mass (LBM), and dietary intake were quantified. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate whether higher quintiles of BMI and LBM were associated with elevated USG (USG ≥ 1.020 and ≥1.025) after accounting for dietary moisture and sodium. The USG (1.018 ± 0.0003 vs. 1.015 ± 0.0004); BMI (28.4 ± 0.2 vs. 28.0 ± 0.2 kg/m2); LBM (60.9 ± 0.3 vs. 42.2 ± 0.2 kg); dietary moisture (3,401 ± 92 vs. 2,759 ± 49 g/day); and dietary sodium (4,171 ± 85 vs. 2,959 ± 50) were greater in men than in women (p < .05). Men and women in the fifth quintiles of BMI or LBM (vs. Quintile 1) had greater odds (2.00–3.68, p < .05) of elevated USG. (The only exception was for the association between BMI and USG ≥ 1.025 in men.) Being in Quintile 4 of LBM or BMI (vs. Quintile 1) also tended to be associated with higher odds of elevated of USG, though this pattern was more consistent when using USG ≥ 1.020 than USG ≥ 1.025. In summary, BMI and LBM are associated with USG at the population level. These results affirm that USG depends on body size and composition and raise questions about using fixed USG thresholds for determining hypohydration, particularly for people in the upper quintiles of BMI and LBM.
Analysis of lockdown perception in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Surano Francesco Vincenzo , Porfiri Maurizio , Rizzo Alessandro 
Published: September 2021

AbstractContainment measures have been applied throughout the world to halt the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, several forms of lockdown have been adopted in different parts of the country, leading to heterogeneous epidemiological, social, and economic effects. Here, we present a spatio-temporal analysis of a Twitter dataset comprising 1.3 million geo-localized Tweets about lockdown, from January to May 2020. Through sentiment analysis, we classified Tweets as expressing positive or negative emotions about lockdown, demonstrating a change in perception during the course of the pandemic modulated by socio-economic factors. A transfer entropy analysis of the time series of Tweets unveiled that the emotions in different parts of the country did not evolve independently. Rather, they were mediated by spatial interactions, which were also related to socio-ecomomic factors and, arguably, to political orientations. This study constitutes a first, necessary step toward isolating the mechanisms underlying the acceptance of public health interventions from highly resolved online datasets.
Improved Bounds on Fourier Entropy and Min-entropy
Authors: Arunachalam Srinivasan , Chakraborty Sourav , Koucký Michal , Saurabh Nitin , de Wolf Ronald 
Published: September 2021

Given a Boolean function f:{ -1,1} ^{n}→ { -1,1, define the
Fourier distribution
to be the distribution on subsets of [n], where each S ⊆ [n] is sampled with probability f ˆ (S)
2
. The Fourier Entropy-influence (FEI) conjecture of Friedgut and Kalai [28] seeks to relate two fundamental measures associated with the Fourier distribution: does there exist a universal constant C > 0 such that H(f
ˆ2
) ≤ C ⋅ Inf (f), where H
(fˆ2)
is the Shannon entropy of the Fourier distribution of
f
and Inf(f) is the total influence of
f

In this article, we present three new contributions toward the FEI conjecture:

(1)

Our first contribution shows that H(f
ˆ2
) ≤ 2 ⋅ aUC
⊕
(f), where aUC
⊕
(f) is the average unambiguous parity-certificate complexity of
f
. This improves upon several bounds shown by Chakraborty et al. [20]. We further improve this bound for unambiguous DNFs. We also discuss how our work makes Mansour's conjecture for DNFs a natural next step toward resolution of the FEI conjecture.

(2)

We next consider the weaker
Fourier Min-entropy-influence
(FMEI) conjecture posed by O'Donnell and others [50, 53], which asks if H ∞
fˆ2)
≤ C ⋅ Inf(f), where H ∞
fˆ2)
is the min-entropy of the Fourier distribution. We show H
∞
(fˆ2)
≤ 2⋅C
min
⊕
(f), where C
min
⊕
(f) is the minimum parity-certificate complexity of
f
. We also show that for all ε≥0, we have H
∞
(fˆ2)
≤2 log⁡(∥f
ˆ
∥1,ε/(1−ε)), where ∥f
ˆ
∥1,ε is the approximate spectral norm of
f
. As a corollary, we verify the FMEI conjecture for the class of read-
k
DNFs (for constant
k
).

(3)

Our third contribution is to better understand implications of the FEI conjecture for the structure of polynomials that 1/3-approximate a Boolean function on the Boolean cube. We pose a conjecture: no
flat polynomial
(whose non-zero Fourier coefficients have the same magnitude) of degree
d
and sparsity 2
ω(d)
can 1/3-approximate a Boolean function. This conjecture is known to be true assuming FEI, and we prove the conjecture unconditionally (i.e., without assuming the FEI conjecture) for a class of polynomials. We discuss an intriguing connection between our conjecture and the constant for the Bohnenblust-Hille inequality, which has been extensively studied in functional analysis.
Patient-Derived Xenografts to Study Cancer Metabolism: When Does X Mark the Spot?
Authors: Nabel Christopher S. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A major goal of cancer research is to understand the requirements for cancer growth and progression that can be exploited to treat patients. Model systems reduce the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancers to explore therapeutic hypotheses, however, some relevant aspects of human biology are not well represented by certain models, complicating the translation of preclinical findings to help patients. Here we discuss the advantages and limitations of patient-derived xenografts as a model system to study cancer metabolism, offering a framework to best use these models to address different types of metabolism-specific research questions.
LGR4: Not Just for Wnt Anymore?
Authors: Stevens Payton D. , Williams Bart O. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein–coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is best known for its role in regulating the ability of cells to respond to Wnt ligands. In this well-known role, LGR4 serves as a receptor for R-spondins and forms a complex with the ubiquitin E3 ligases ring finger protein 43 (RNF43) and zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3). RNF43 and ZNRF3 ubiquitinate Frizzleds (FZD), which are a family of ten WNT receptors. This ubiquitination decreases FZD receptor levels on the cell surface, reducing Wnt ligands' ability to activate signaling. While there were some previous indications of Wnt-independent functions of LGR4, this WNT-centric view has remained predominant. In this issue of Cancer Research, Yue and colleagues report that LGR4 also functions to regulate signaling through the EGF receptor. This work was stimulated by observing that while high levels of LGR4 expression in breast tumors correlated with poor patient outcomes, LGR4 levels did not correlate with a well-established Wnt-associated gene signature in these same patients. In contrast, high levels of Lgr4 expression strongly correlated with EGFR signaling. Reducing Lgr4 expression also inhibited signaling through the EGFR, potentially via regulation of the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma ubiquitin E3 ligase. Consistent with this model, LGR4 could be coimmunoprecipitated with a complex that contained EGFR and was capable of inhibiting EGFR ubiquitination. The implications of this work and how it challenges our understanding of the contributions of Wnt signaling and EGFR signaling in cancer are discussed as our several interesting future directions.
See related article by Yue et al., p. 4441
Cardiovascular Health Research in the Workplace: A Workshop Report
Authors: Calitz Chris , Pratt Charlotte , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Fulton Janet E. , Jinnett Kimberly , Thorndike Anne N. , Addou Ebyan , Arena Ross , Brown Alison G. M. , Chang Chia‐Chia , Latts Lisa , Lerner Debra , Majors Michiel , Mancuso Michelle , Mills Drew , Sanchez Eduardo , Goff David 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively. Employers have a unique opportunity to promote cardiovascular health, because >60% of US adults are employed, and most spend half of their waking hours at work. Despite the scope of the opportunity, <1 in 5 businesses implement evidence‐based, comprehensive workplace health programs, policies, and practices. Integrated, systems‐based workplace health approaches that harness data science and technology may have the potential to reach more employees and be cost‐effective for employers. To evaluate the role of the workplace in promoting cardiovascular health across the lifespan, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the American Heart Association convened a workshop on March 7, 2019, to share best practices, and to discuss current evidence and knowledge gaps, practical application, and dissemination of the evidence, and the need for innovation in workplace health research and practice. This report presents the broad themes discussed at the workshop and considerations for promoting worker cardiovascular health, including opportunities for future research.
Exosomal Micro‐RNA‐96 Derived From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Doxorubicin‐Induced Myocardial Toxicity by Inhibiting the Rac1/Nuclear Factor‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lei Bo , Wu Xiaohong , Xia Kexin , Sun Hui , Wang Jinsong 
Published: August 2021

Background
Exosomes are small membranous structures released from cells into the blood, regulating various biological processes. However, the role of exosomes in cardiotoxicity remains largely unclear. This study investigated the functional mechanism of exosomal microRNA‐96 (miR‐96) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in myocardial toxicity induced by doxorubicin.

Methods and Results
BMSCs were transfected with miR‐96 mimic, miR‐96 inhibitor, or the negative control before exosome isolation. The functional mechanism of BMSC‐derived exosomal miR‐96 was investigated in doxorubicin‐induced cell and rat models. The cardiac function, histological morphology, and fiber content of myocardium were examined. The expression levels of the following biomarkers were measured for assessment of cardiac injury: creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, cardiac troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide, soluble suppression of tumorigenesis‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was used to measure the survival rate of cardiomyocytes. The expressions of miR‐96, Rac1, p‐IKKα/IKKα, p‐IKKβ/IKKβ, p‐IκBα/IκBα and p‐p65/p65 in myocardium and cardiomyocytes were also assessed. The targeting relationship between miR‐96 and Rac1 was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. miR‐96 was downregulated, Rac1 was upregulated and the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway was activated in doxorubicin‐induced cell and animal models. Doxorubicin decreased antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and increased myocardial injury biomarkers (creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, cardiac troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide), proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6), malondialdehyde, and myocardial fibers. Exosomes derived from BMSCs ameliorated doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injuries. Overexpression of miR‐96 in exosomes derived from BMSCs further enhanced the protection of myocardium and cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin‐induced toxicity while miR‐96 knockdown abolished the protective effects of exosomes derived from BMSCs. Rac1 was a target gene of miR‐96. Rac1 inhibition could downregulate the expression of the nuclear factor‐κB signaling and further reverse the promotion of miR‐96 knockdown on doxorubicin‐induced myocardial toxicity.

Conclusions
BMSC‐derived exosomal miR‐96 protects myocardium against doxorubicin‐induced toxicity by inhibiting the Rac/nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway.
Estimating the Population Benefits of Blood Pressure Lowering: A Wide‐Angled Mendelian Randomization Study in UK Biobank
Authors: Higgins Hannah , Mason Amy M. , Larsson Susanna C. , Gill Dipender , Langenberg Claudia , Burgess Stephen 
Published: August 2021

Background
The causal relevance of elevated blood pressure for several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is uncertain, as is the population impact of blood pressure lowering. This study systematically assesses evidence of causality for various CVDs in a 2‐sample Mendelian randomization framework, and estimates the potential reduction in the prevalence of these diseases attributable to long‐term population shifts in the distribution of systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Methods and Results

We investigated associations of genetically predicted SBP as predicted by 256 genetic variants with 21 CVDs in UK Biobank, a population‐based cohort of UK residents. The sample consisted of 376 703 participants of European ancestry, aged 40 to 69 years at recruitment. Genetically predicted SBP was positively associated with 14 of the outcomes (
P
<0.002), including dilated cardiomyopathy, endocarditis, peripheral vascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease. Using genetic variation to estimate the long‐term impact of blood pressure lowering on disease in a middle‐aged to early late‐aged UK‐based population, population reductions in SBP were predicted to result in an overall 16.9% (95% CI, 12.2%–21.3%) decrease in morbidity for a 5–mm Hg decrease from a population mean of 137.7 mm Hg, 30.8% (95% CI, 22.8%–38.0%) decrease for a 10–mm Hg decrease, and 56.2% (95% CI, 43.7%–65.9%) decrease for a 22.7–mm Hg decrease in SBP (22.7 mm Hg represents a shift from the current mean SBP to 115 mm Hg).

Conclusions
Risk of many CVDs is influenced by long‐term differences in SBP. The burden of a broad range of CVDs could be substantially reduced by long‐term population‐wide reductions in the distribution of blood pressure.