bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian analysis of coupled cellular and nuclear trajectories for cell migration
Authors: Chakraborty Saptarshi , Lan Tian , Tseng Yiider , Wong Samuel W.K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, plays crucial roles in many biological events. While much research has been devoted to understand the process, most statistical cell migration models rely on using time‐lapse microscopy data from cell trajectories alone. However, the cell and its associated nucleus work together to orchestrate cell movement, which motivates a joint analysis of coupled cell–nucleus trajectories. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical model for analyzing cell migration. We incorporate a bivariate angular distribution to handle the coupled cell–nucleus trajectories and introduce latent motility status indicators to model a cell's motility as a time‐dependent characteristic. A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is provided for practical implementation of our model, which is used on real experimental data from MDA‐MB‐231 and NIH 3T3 cells. Through the fitted models, deeper insights into the migratory patterns of these experimental cell populations are gained and their differences are quantified.
Policy and politics: Trade adjustment assistance in the crossfire
Authors: Laincz Christopher , Matschke Xenia , Yotov Yoto V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAt a time when trade and globalization are subject to extremely polarized political debates, we study the interplay between politics and the certification outcome of trade adjustment assistance (TAA), a US national policy meant to buffer the domestic labour market from adverse effects of increased international trade. To this end, we capitalize on the unique design, implementation and detailed data collection efforts of the US TAA program. We employ a rich multi‐dimensional data set to quantify the effects of political influence on the TAA certification process, controlling for a variety of fixed effects, in particular at the industry level. We find that political factors such as party affiliation of the president, congressional voting outcomes at the state and district levels and whether a petition was filed in a presidential election year influence the TAA certification probability as well as the decision time.
Adverse reactions to COVID‐19 vaccines: A practical approach
Authors: Rutkowski Krzysztof , Mirakian Rita , Till Stephen , Rutkowski Ryszard , Wagner Annette 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19‐related mortality in high‐risk individuals is substantial and current treatment options are limited. There is convincing evidence that the COVID‐19 vaccines reduce the severity of infection and prevent deaths. Three COVID‐19 vaccines are approved in the United Kingdom with many more in development. There are limited data on the triggers and mechanisms of anaphylaxis to these vaccines. We review the potential allergenic compounds in the COVID‐19 vaccines and describe an innovative allergy support model for the vaccination hubs that allows most patients with severe allergy be immunized. Finally, we propose a practical algorithm for the investigations of anaphylaxis to these vaccines.
Role of non‐thyroidal illness syndrome in predicting adverse outcomes in COVID‐19 patients predominantly of mild‐to‐moderate severity
Authors: Lui David Tak Wai , Lee Chi Ho , Chow Wing Sun , Lee Alan Chun Hong , Tam Anthony Raymond , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Law Chun Yiu , Leung Eunice Ka Hong , To Kelvin Kai Wang , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Woo Yu Cho , Lam Ching Wan , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Lam Karen Siu Ling 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveExisting studies reported the potential prognostic role of non‐thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), characterized by low triiodothyronine (T3) with normal/low thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), mainly in severe COVID‐19. None considered the significant impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load on adverse outcomes. We aimed to clarify the prognostic role of NTIS among predominantly mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 patients.DesignA prospective study of COVID‐19 patients.Patients and MeasurementsConsecutive adults admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for confirmed COVID‐19 from July to December 2020 were prospectively recruited. SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load was represented by cycle threshold (Ct) values from real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction of the respiratory specimen on admission. Serum TSH, free thyroxine and free T3 were measured on admission. The outcome was deterioration in clinical severity, defined as worsening in ≥1 category of clinical severity according to the Chinese National Health Commission guideline.ResultsWe recruited 367 patients. At baseline, 75.2% had mild disease, and 27 patients (7.4%) had NTIS. Fifty‐three patients (14.4%) had clinical deterioration. Patients with NTIS were older, had more comorbidities, worse symptomatology, higher SARS‐CoV‐2 viral loads and worse profiles of inflammatory and tissue injury markers. They were more likely to have clinical deterioration (p < .001). In multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis, NTIS independently predicted clinical deterioration (adjusted odds ratio 3.19, p = .017), in addition to Ct value <25 (p < .001), elevated C‐reactive protein (p = .004), age >50 years (p = .011) and elevated creatine kinase (p = .017).ConclusionsNon‐thyroidal illness syndrome was not uncommon even in mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 patients. NTIS on admission could predict clinical deterioration in COVID‐19, independent of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load, age and markers of inflammation and tissue injury.
Changes in skin characteristics after using respiratory protective equipment (medical masks and respirators) in the COVID‐19 pandemic among healthcare workers
Authors: Han Hye Sung , Shin Sun Hye , Park Jae Wan , Li Kapsok , Kim Beom Joon , Yoo Kwang Ho 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak has presented unique dermatologic challenges due to respiratory protective equipment (RPE)–related skin conditions.ObjectiveTo objectively evaluate the effects of RPE including medical masks and respirators on the skin barrier by measuring various physiological properties of the skin.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was designed. Twenty healthy healthcare workers were included in this study. Skin parameters including skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, sebum secretion, pH, and skin temperature were measured in the RPE‐covered and RPE‐uncovered areas of the face 4 and 8 hours after wearing RPE and 14 hours after not wearing RPE.ResultsSkin hydration, TEWL, erythema, pH, and skin temperature increased in the RPE‐covered areas after wearing RPE for 4 and 8 hours. By contrast, in the RPE‐uncovered areas, skin hydration decreased and TEWL, erythema, and pH showed minimal changes over time. Based on the repeated‐measure analysis, the changes in skin physiological properties over time were significantly different between RPE‐covered and RPE‐uncovered areas.ConclusionWe observed that skin physiological characteristics change with the prolonged use of RPE such as medical masks and respirators. These changes may lead to various adverse skin reactions after long‐term use.
Reproductive decision‐making in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy
Authors: Nakamura Jacquelyn , Sorge Shawn T. , Winawer Melodie R. , Phelan Jo C. , Chung Wendy K. , Ottman Ruth 
Published: April 2021

SummaryObjectiveThis study evaluated factors influencing reproductive decision‐making in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy.MethodsOne hundred forty‐nine adults with epilepsy and 149 adult biological relatives without epilepsy from families containing multiple affected individuals completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Participants answered questions regarding their belief in a genetic cause of epilepsy (genetic attribution) and estimated risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected person. Participants rated factors for their influence on their reproductive plans, with responses ranging from “much more likely” to “much less likely” to want to have a child. Those with epilepsy were asked, “Do you think you would have wanted more (or any) children if you had not had epilepsy?”ResultsParticipants with epilepsy had fewer offspring than their unaffected relatives (mean = 1.2 vs. 1.9, p = .002), and this difference persisted among persons who had been married. Estimates of risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected parent were higher among participants with epilepsy than among relatives without epilepsy (mean = 27.2 vs. 19.6, p = .002). Nineteen percent of participants with epilepsy responded that they would have wanted more children if they had not had epilepsy. Twenty‐five percent of participants with epilepsy responded that “the chance of having a child with epilepsy” or “having epilepsy in your family” made them less likely to want to have a child. Having these genetic concerns was significantly associated with greater genetic attribution and estimated risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected parent.SignificancePeople with epilepsy have fewer children than their biological relatives without epilepsy. Beliefs about genetic causes of epilepsy contribute to concerns and decisions to limit childbearing. These beliefs should be addressed in genetic counseling to ensure that true risks to offspring and reproductive options are well understood.
Complement factor I upregulates expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 and ‐2 and promotes invasion of cutaneous squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Rahmati Nezhad Pegah , Riihilä Pilvi , Piipponen Minna , Kallajoki Markku , Meri Seppo , Nissinen Liisa , Kähäri Veli‐Matti 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is increasing globally. Here, we have studied the functional role of complement factor I (CFI) in the progression of cSCC. CFI was knocked down in cSCC cells, and RNA‐seq analysis was performed. Significant downregulation of genes in IPA biofunction categories Proliferation of cells and Growth of malignant tumor, in Gene Ontology (GO) terms Metallopeptidase activity and Extracellular matrix component, as well as Reactome Degradation of extracellular matrix was detected after CFI knockdown. Further analysis of the latter three networks, revealed downregulation of several genes coding for invasion‐associated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after CFI knockdown. The downregulation of MMP‐13 and MMP‐2 was confirmed at mRNA, protein and tissue levels by qRT‐qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Knockdown of CFI decreased the invasion of cSCC cells through type I collagen. Overexpression of CFI in cSCC cells resulted in enhanced production of MMP‐13 and MMP‐2 and increased invasion through type I collagen and Matrigel, and in increased ERK1/2 activation and cell proliferation. Altogether, these findings identify a novel mechanism of action of CFI in upregulation of MMP‐13 and MMP‐2 expression and cSCC invasion. These results identify CFI as a prospective molecular marker for invasion and metastasis of cSCC.
14–3‐3γ prevents centrosome duplication by inhibiting NPM1 function
Authors: Bose Arunabha , Modi Kruti , Dey Suchismita , Dalvi Somavally , Nadkarni Prafful , Sudarshan Mukund , Kundu Tapas K. , Venkatraman Prasanna , Dalal Sorab N. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract14–3–3 proteins bind to ligands via phospho‐serine containing consensus motifs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying complex formation and dissociation between 14–3–3 proteins and their ligands remain unclear. We identified two conserved acidic residues in the 14–3–3 peptide‐binding pocket (D129 and E136) that potentially regulate complex formation and dissociation. Altering these residues to alanine led to opposing effects on centrosome duplication. D129A inhibited centrosome duplication, whereas E136A stimulated centrosome amplification. These results were due to the differing abilities of these mutant proteins to form a complex with NPM1. Inhibiting complex formation between NPM1 and 14–3‐3γ led to an increase in centrosome duplication and over‐rode the ability of D129A to inhibit centrosome duplication. We identify a novel role of 14–3‐3γ in regulating centrosome licensing and a novel mechanism underlying the formation and dissociation of 14–3–3 ligand complexes dictated by conserved residues in the 14–3–3 family.
From imperialism to inpatient care: Work differences of Filipino and White registered nurses in the United States and implications for COVID‐19 through an intersectional lens
Authors: Nazareno Jennifer , Yoshioka Emily , Adia Alexander C , Restar Arjee , Operario Don , Choy Catherine Ceniza 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the United States, nursing is the largest healthcare profession, with over 3.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide and comprised of mostly women. Foreign‐trained RNs make up 15 percent of the RN workforce. For over half a century, the U.S. healthcare industry has recruited these RNs in response to nurse shortages in hospitals and nursing homes. Philippines‐trained RNs make up 1 out of 20 RNs in this country and continue to be the largest group of foreign‐trained nurses today. Recently, the news media has publicized the many deaths of Filipino RNs as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Given the imperial historical ties between these two countries in the context of the nursing profession and the enduring labor inequities that persist, this nationally representative study is one of the few to our knowledge to not only quantitatively examine the current work differences in characteristics and experiences of Philippines‐trained RNs and U.S.‐trained white RNs practicing in the United States today, but to also do so from an intersectionality lens. The overall aim of this paper is to illuminate how these differences may serve as potential factors contributing to the disproportionate number of Filipino nurses' COVID‐19 related vulnerability and deaths in the workplace.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 drives divergent immunomodulatory functions in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases
Authors: Islam S.M. Touhidul , Won Jeseong , Khan Mushfiquddin , Mannie Mark D. , Singh Inderjit 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is a heterodimeric (HIF‐1α/ HIF‐1β) transcription factor in which the oxygen‐sensitive HIF‐1α subunit regulates gene transcription to mediate adaptive tissue responses to hypoxia. HIF‐1 is a key mediator in both regulatory and pathogenic immune responses, because ongoing inflammation in localized tissues causes increased oxygen consumption and consequent hypoxia within the inflammatory lesions. In autoimmune diseases, HIF‐1 plays complex and divergent roles within localized inflammatory lesions by orchestrating a critical immune interplay sponsoring the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we have summarized the role of HIF‐1 in lymphoid and myeloid immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases. HIF‐1 drives inflammation by controlling the Th17/Treg/Tr1 balance through the tipping of the differentiation of CD4+ T cells in favour of pro‐inflammatory Th17 cells while suppressing the development of anti‐inflammatory Treg/Tr1 cells. On the other hand, HIF‐1 plays a protective role by facilitating the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in and expansion of CD1dhiCD5+ B cells, known as regulatory B cells or B10 cells. Apart from lymphoid cells, HIF‐1 also controls the activation of macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells, thus eventually further influences the activation and development of effector/regulatory T cells by facilitating the creation of a pro/anti‐inflammatory microenvironment within the autoinflammatory lesions. Based on the critical immunomodulatory roles that HIF‐1 plays, this master transcription factor seems to be a potent druggable target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Tablet assessment of word comprehension reveals coarse word representations in 18–⁠20‐month‐old toddlers
Authors: Lo Chang Huan , Rosslund Audun , Chai Jun Ho , Mayor Julien , Kartushina Natalia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present study explores the viability of using tablets in assessing early word comprehension by means of a two‐alternative forced‐choice task. Forty‐nine 18–20‐month‐old Norwegian toddlers performed a touch‐based word recognition task, in which they were prompted to identify the labeled target out of two displayed items on a touchscreen tablet. In each trial, the distractor item was either semantically related (e.g., dog–cat) or unrelated (e.g., dog–airplane) to the target. Our results show that toddlers as young as 18 months can engage meaningfully with a tablet‐based assessment, with minimal verbal instruction and child–administrator interaction. Toddlers performed better in the semantically unrelated condition than in the related condition, suggesting that their word representations are still semantically coarse at this age. Furthermore, parental reports of comprehension, using the Norwegian version of the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories, predicted toddlers’ performance, with parent–child agreement stronger in the semantically unrelated condition, indicating that parents declare a word to be known by their child if it is understood at a coarse representational level. This study provides among the earliest evidence that remote data collection in 18‐20 month‐old toddlers is viable, as comparable results were observed from both in‐laboratory and online administration of the touchscreen recognition task.
Reactive sintered highly transparent AlON ceramics with Y2O3‐MgAl2O4‐H3BO3 ternary additive
Authors: Yang Shuixian , Li Jianmin , Guo Hao , Mao Xiaojian , Tian Run , Zhang Jian , Wang Shiwei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, highly transparent aluminate oxynitride (AlON) ceramics were prepared via the reactive sintering of Al2O3 and AlN powders using a Y2O3‐MgAl2O4‐H3BO3 ternary sintering additive. The ternary doping process resulted in the efficient preparation of transparent AlON ceramics with small grains and high transmittance as compared to the binary doping (Y2O3‐MgAl2O4) process. The addition of 0.1 wt.% Y2O3‐0.4 wt.% MgAl2O4‐0.12 wt.% H3BO3 resulted in the formation of a 4‐mm‐thick AlON ceramic with high transmittance (81% at 600 nm) and low haze (3.46%). This is the best performance in terms of the thickness and transmittance reported for AlON transparent ceramics prepared by the reactive sintering method.
Diabetes modifies the association of prehypertension with cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Ren Yanlong , Zuo Yingting , Wang Anxin , Chen Shuohua , Tian Xue , Li Haibin , He Yan , Wu Shouling , Ma Changsheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrehypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality. However, it is unclear whether prehypertension combined with diabetes associate with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between prehypertension and the risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality was different among individuals with or without diabetes. In the prospective community‐based Kailuan study, 67 344 participants without hypertension or a history of CVD at baseline (2006) were included. Prehypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of 120–139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of 80–89 mmHg. The outcomes were CVD and all‐cause mortality were followed up through December 31, 2017. We performed Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the relationships between prehypertension and CVD and all‐cause mortality by diabetes status. During a median follow‐up of 11.03 years, 2981 CVD events and 4655 all‐cause mortality occurred. After adjusting age, sex, and other factors, the associations of prehypertension with risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality were significant in participants without diabetes (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.54 [1.38–1.71] and 1.27 [1.17–1.38]), but not in participants with diabetes (1.20 [0.93–1.56] and 0.88 [0.73–1.07]). The interactions between prehypertension and diabetes for the risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality were all significant (all p < .05). Prehypertension was only associated with an increased risk for CVD and all‐cause mortality in non‐diabetes participants. Diabetes modifies the relation of prehypertension with the risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality.
The avian lightweights: Trans‐Saharan migrants show lower lean body mass than short‐/medium‐distance migrants
Authors: Kelsey Natalie A. , Schmaljohann Heiko , Bairlein Franz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAvian trans‐Saharan migrants travelling long distances and crossing ecological barriers experience different constraints in terms of time, energy and safety than short‐/medium‐distance migrants without barrier‐crossings. As such, natural selection shapes the aerodynamic properties of these groups differently. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, we lack information on whether natural selection has contributed to reducing energetic flight costs through generally lower body mass in trans‐Saharan migrants. To fill parts of this gap, we investigated this eco‐morphological pattern in 5,410 individuals of 22 Palearctic songbird species ranging from short‐/medium‐distance to trans‐Saharan migrants. We used individual size‐independent scaled lean body mass values based on wing length as a measure of body size and, for the first time, precisely determined lean body mass values by direct measurements via quantitative magnetic resonance technology. Scaled lean body mass for a given body size was significantly higher in short‐/medium‐distance migrants than in trans‐Saharan migrants. Although scaled lean body mass significantly decreased with increasing migration distance in short‐/medium‐distance migrants, no such effect was found in trans‐Saharan migrants. Our results thus show an eco‐morphological pattern relating species’ lean body mass not only to migration distance but also to migration group. This suggests that selective effects of the presence/absence of ecological barriers and/or of a threshold level for migration distance on migrant birds may be more important than the linear continuum of migration distance per se.
Laser removal of tattoos in vegan and omnivore patients
Authors: Fusano Marta , Galimberti Michela Gianna , Bencini Pier Luca 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical outcomes of tattoo removal vary widely among different patients; it is known that tattoo‐related features (such as pigments' type or quality, the use of multicolored inks, tattoo location size, location, layering, and duration) and personal habits (as smoking or skin phototype) could influence the clinical response to treatment, the possible role of nutrition in affecting the laser treatment of tattoos has never been investigated.AimsThis study aims to compare the clinical response of tattoos removal between omnivore and vegan patients treated with Q‐switched laser (QSL).Patients/MethodsTwenty omnivore and twenty vegan patients treated for professional black tattoo removal with Nd:YAG QSL were enrolled in this study. The number of laser sessions and the median days required for complete healing were recorded; clinical improvement was evaluated 4 weeks after the last laser session.ResultsThe two groups were not different at the baseline in terms of sex, age, skin phototype, tattoos’ age, location, and density. Vegans needed more laser sessions (p < 0.001) to achieve the best outcome, showed worst clinical responses (p = 0.001) and needed more days for complete healing (p = 0.006) compared to omnivores.ConclusionThe results of this study point out the influence of vegan diet on QLS removal of tattoos.