bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Social Determinants of Health With COVID‐19 Mortality in Rural and Urban Counties
Authors: Paul Rajib , Arif Ahmed , Pokhrel Kamana , Ghosh Subhanwita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo identify the county‐level effects of social determinants of health (SDoH) on COVID‐19 (corona virus disease 2019) mortality rates by rural–urban residence and estimate county‐level exceedance probabilities for detecting clusters.MethodsThe county‐level data on COVID‐19 death counts as of October 23, 2020, were obtained from the Johns Hopkins University. SDoH data were collected from the County Health Ranking and Roadmaps, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Semiparametric negative binomial regressions with expected counts based on standardized mortality rates as offset variables were fitted using integrated Laplace approximation. Bayesian significance was assessed by 95% credible intervals (CrI) of risk ratios (RR). County‐level mortality hotspots were identified by exceedance probabilities.FindingsThe COVID‐19 mortality rates per 100,000 were 65.43 for the urban and 50.78 for the rural counties. Percent of Blacks, HIV, and diabetes rates were significantly associated with higher mortality in rural and urban counties, whereas the unemployment rate (adjusted RR = 1.479, CrI = 1.171, 1.867) and residential segregation (adjusted RR = 1.034, CrI = 1.019, 1.050) were associated with increased mortality in urban counties. Counties with a higher percentage of college or associate degrees had lower COVID‐19 mortality rates.ConclusionsSDoH plays an important role in explaining differential COVID‐19 mortality rates and should be considered for resource allocations and policy decisions on operational needs for businesses and schools at county levels.
Domain‐General Auditory Processing Partially Explains Second Language Speech Learning in Classroom Settings: A Review and Generalization Study
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Suzukida Yui , Tran Mai , Tierney Adam 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo date, a growing number of studies have shown that domain‐general auditory processing, which prior work has linked to L1 acquisition, could explain various dimensions of naturalistic L2 speech proficiency. The current study examined the generalizability of this topic to L2 speech learning in classroom settings. The spontaneous speech samples of 39 Vietnamese English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners were analyzed for fluent and accurate use of pronunciation and lexicogrammar and linked to a range of variables in their auditory processing profiles. The results identified moderate‐to‐strong correlations between the participants’ accurate use of lexicogrammar and audio‐motor sequence integration scores (i.e., the ability to reproduce melodic/rhythmic information). However, the relationship between phonological proficiency and auditory acuity (i.e., the ability to encode acoustic details of sounds) was nonsignificant. Although the findings support the audition‐acquisition link to classroom L2 speech learning to some degree, they only suggest that this link is robust for the acquisition of lexicogrammar information.
Reading for pleasure: exploring reading culture in an Australian early years classroom
Authors: Vanden Dool Carly , Simpson Alyson 
Published: February 2021

AbstractResearch indicates a powerful correlation between students' reading enjoyment, motivation and achievement. This Australian case study investigates how reading for pleasure (RfP) approaches are demonstrated in the teaching of reading in a Stage 1 (6‐year‐old to 7‐year‐old students) classroom. The methodology was designed to mirror aspects of Cremin's 2014 UK‐based study, Teachers As Readers. Engaging an interpretivist paradigm, the case was analysed through three distinct but intersecting lenses, knowledge, affect and material, to develop a rich and multifaceted insight into the social world of the classroom. The study found that while the teacher's pedagogic practices for teaching reading incorporated many indicators of a RfP approach, this stemmed from personal ideologies rather than explicit knowledge of a RfP pedagogical framework. Hence, while the study indicates the positive impacts of RfP approaches on this classroom's reading culture, the efficacy of this pedagogy could be potentially limited if an explicit understanding of the theoretical framework does not underpin teachers' actions.
A deep learning algorithm proposal to automatic pharyngeal airway detection and segmentation on CBCT images
Authors: Sin Çağla , Akkaya Nurullah , Aksoy Seçil , Orhan Kaan , Öz Ulaş 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate an automatic segmentation algorithm for pharyngeal airway in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using a deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) system.Setting and Sample PopulationArchives of the CBCT images were reviewed, and the data of 306 subjects with the pharyngeal airway were included in this retrospective study.Material and MethodsA machine learning algorithm, based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), did the segmentation of the pharyngeal airway on serial CBCT images. Semi‐automatic software (ITK‐SNAP) was used to manually generate the airway, and the results were compared with artificial intelligence. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Intersection over Union (IoU) were used as the accuracy of segmentation in comparing the measurements of human measurements and artificial intelligence algorithms.ResultsThe human observer found the average volume of the pharyngeal airway to be 18.08 cm3 and artificial intelligence to be 17.32 cm3. For pharyngeal airway segmentation, a dice ratio of 0.919 and a weighted IoU of 0.993 is achieved.ConclusionsIn this study, a successful AI algorithm that automatically segments the pharyngeal airway from CBCT images was created. It can be useful in the quick and easy calculation of pharyngeal airway volume from CBCT images for clinical application.
H3.3 K36M Mutation as a Clinical Diagnosis Method of Suspected Chondroblastoma Cases
Authors: Mu Haoran , Jiang Yafei , Xue Linghang , Hua Yingqi , Lin Jun , Cai Zhengdong 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveWhether H3.3 K36M mutation (H3K36M) could be an approach if the diagnosis of chondroblastoma (CB) patients was indistinct and it was suspected to be unclear clinically.MethodsWe reviewed and compared our clinical experiences of CB cases and some suspected cases, which were not diagnosed distinctly, between 2013 to 2019. A total of 15 male and four female cases included in this study were seperated into two groups, CB group and suspected case (SC) group. The CB group included 13 men and 3 women, with an age range from 9 to 54 (mean age, 22 years old). The SC group included two men and one woman, with the age range from 13 to 25 (mean age, 19 years old). In both groups the patients had been followed‐up until December 2019 and none of the patients had prior treatment history. We evaluated the clinical complaints, radiological features, and clinical‐histological features of the cases and performed an immunohistochemical (IHC) study to detect whether the H3K36M expression of cases was different, consistent with a gene‐mutation analysis.ResultsIn both groups, the radiologic features of both groups appeared as round low‐density shadow with a clear edge, pathologic features showed diffuse proliferation of neoplastic cells with multinuclear giant cells. The radiological tumor size of CB group and SC group showed little difference, which was about 29.0*21.6 mm. Clinical‐immunohistochemical features of both groups showed chondroid matrix inside with naïve tumor cells, multinucleated giant cells, and ground substance cells. Most of them showed chondro‐related antibody positive (12 cases) but some of them showed S‐100 negative (four cases). The clear difference of both groups was the result of H3K36M IHC study and gene analysis. In our cases, the CB group showed diffuse H3K36M positive and the SC group showed negative. The gene mutation analysis revealed that H3K36M‐positive CB patients had K36M mutation, which were not found in the SC group. Sanger sequencing showed an A > T substitution at codon 36 of histone H3F3B. No other types of histone H3 mutation was detected in the CB group. Particularly, one of the suspected cases showed a G34W mutation was confirmed to be a giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB).ConclusionsOur study showed H3K36M immunohistochemistry and gene mutation analysis were specific clinical diagnostic tools to distinguish suspected CB from other giant cell‐rich or cartilage matrix‐diffuse bone tumors. The clinical‐radiological and histomorphological features of patients gave suggestions on whether the H3K36M IHC and gene analysis should be required.
Effects of UV‐filter Photostabilizers in the Photostability and Phototoxicity of Vitamin A Palmitate Combined with Avobenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Authors: Scarpin Marcela Silva , Kawakami Camila Martins , Rangel Karen Cristina , Pereira Karina de Castro , Benevenuto Carolina Gomes , Gaspar Lorena Rigo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA challenge for cosmetic and dermatologic products is to develop new high‐performance and safer anti‐aging products based on new compounds to enhance the stability of retinyl palmitate combined with broad‐spectrum UV‐filters. Consequently, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of three often used avobenzone photostabilizers—ethylhexyl methoxycrylene (EHMCR), tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate (TTMHP) and tris‐biphenyl triazine (TBPT)—on the photostability and phototoxicity of the combination of avobenzone (AVO), octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and retinyl palmitate (RP). The photostability studies were performed by the exposure of formulations to UVA radiation. The phototoxicity was evaluated by the 3T3 neutral red uptake phototoxic assay (OECD TG 432). The addition of EHMCR, TBPT, and TTMHP in the formulations, with/or without RP, improved the photostability of AVO and RP, but EHMCR was the most effective in stabilizing RP. In the phototoxicity assay, the combinations AVO‐OMC containing or not RP showed phototoxic potential. EHMCR and TTMHP reduced the phototoxicity of the combination AVO‐OMC, whereas EHMCR also decreased the phototoxicity of the combination containing RP. Therefore, EHMCR might be used to the photostabilization of formulations of AVO‐OMC with/or not RP, while TTMHP can be added to this photounstable UV‐filter combination.
The effect of Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd: YAG laser on skin barrier and collagen synthesis via miR‐663a to regulate TGFβ1/smad3/p38MAPK pathway
Authors: Yang Zhi , Duan Xiaoxia , Wang Xue , Xu Qi , Guo Birun , Xiang Shunli , Jia Xiaorong , He Li 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOur previous research found that Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd: YAG laser (1064‐QSNYL) induces skin collagen synthesis by activating TGFβ1/Smad3/p38MAPKs pathway. Moreover, a lot of studies shown that MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to regulate collagen synthesis and skin barrier. Therefore, we intend to explore the mechanism of 1064‐QSNYL on collagen synthesis and skin barrier through miRNAs.MethodsWe predicted the upstream miRNAs of TGFβ1 by bioinformatics databases, and verified them through dual‐luciferase reporter genes and Western blotting. The expression of collagen, skin barrier‐related protein K10 and filaggrin, TIMP‐1, and MMP‐2 were detected by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Moreover, we detected moisture content, elasticity value, TEWL value, SOD vitality, and hydroxyproline content to evaluate skin barrier of mice. H&E staining to observe the change of dermis thickness and inflammation and infiltration of mice skin.ResultsThe results shown that TGFβ1 was target gene of miR‐663a. Moreover, we found that 1064‐QSNYL activated TGFβ1/smad3/p38MAPK pathway by down‐regulating the expression of miR‐663a in HaCaT, HDF cells, and mice, thereby promoting expression of Collagen I, Collagen IV, TIMP‐1, K10, and filaggrin and inhibiting MMP‐2. Furthermore, 1064‐QSNYL contributed to moisture content, elasticity, SOD vitality, and hydroxyproline content via miR‐663a to activate TGFβ1/smad3/p38MAPK pathway.ConclusionsIn summary, this study found for the first time that 1064‐QSNYL contributed to collagen synthesis and skin repair via miR‐663a to regulate TGFβ1/smad3/p38MAPK pathway, thereby achieving skin rejuvenation.
Expression of a high‐activity diacylglycerol acetyltransferase results in enhanced synthesis of acetyl‐TAG in camelina seed oil
Authors: Alkotami Linah , Kornacki Catherine , Campbell Shahna , McIntosh Gary , Wilson Cole , Tran Tam N.T. , Durrett Timothy P. 
Published: February 2021

SUMMARYAcetyl‐triacylglycerols (acetyl‐TAG) contain an acetate group in the sn‐3 position instead of the long‐chain fatty acid present in regular triacylglycerol (TAG). The acetate group confers unique physical properties such as reduced viscosity and a lower freezing point to acetyl‐TAG, providing advantages for use as emulsifiers, lubricants, and ‘drop‐in’ biofuels. Previously, the synthesis of acetyl‐TAG in the seeds of the oilseed crop camelina (Camelina sativa) was achieved through the heterologous expression of the diacylglycerol acetyltransferase gene EaDAcT, isolated from Euonymus alatus seeds that naturally accumulate high levels of acetyl‐TAG. Subsequent work identified a similar acetyltransferase, EfDAcT, in the seeds of Euonymus fortunei, that possesses higher in vitro activity compared to EaDAcT. In this study, the seed‐specific expression of EfDAcT in camelina led to a 20 mol% increase in acetyl‐TAG levels over that of EaDAcT. Coupling EfDAcT expression with suppression of the endogenous competing enzyme DGAT1 further enhanced acetyl‐TAG accumulation, up to 90 mol% in the best transgenic lines. Accumulation of high levels of acetyl‐TAG was stable over multiple generations, with minimal effect on seed size, weight, and fatty acid content. Slight delays in germination were noted in transgenic seeds compared to the wild type. EfDAcT transcript and protein levels were correlated during seed development with a limited window of EfDAcT protein accumulation. In high acetyl‐TAG producing lines, EfDAcT protein expression in developing seeds did not reflect the eventual acetyl‐TAG levels in mature seeds, suggesting that other factors limit acetyl‐TAG accumulation.
Different functional roles of RTR complex factors in DNA repair and meiosis in Arabidopsis and tomato
Authors: Whitbread Amy Leanne , Dorn Annika , Röhrig Sarah , Puchta Holger 
Published: February 2021

SUMMARYThe RTR (RecQ/Top3/Rmi1) complex has been elucidated as essential for ensuring genome stability in eukaryotes. Fundamental for the dissolution of Holliday junction (HJ)‐like recombination intermediates, the factors have been shown to play further, partly distinct roles in DNA repair and homologous recombination. Across all kingdoms, disruption of this complex results in characteristic phenotypes including hyper‐recombination and sensitivity to genotoxins. The type IA topoisomerase TOP3α has been shown as essential for viability in various animals. In contrast, in the model plant species Arabidopsis, the top3α mutant is viable. rmi1 mutants are deficient in the repair of DNA damage. Moreover, as opposed to other eukaryotes, TOP3α and RMI1 were found to be indispensable for proper meiotic progression, with mutants showing severe meiotic defects and sterility. We now established mutants of both TOP3α and RMI1 in tomato using CRISPR/Cas technology. Surprisingly, we found phenotypes that differed dramatically from those of Arabidopsis: the top3α mutants proved to be embryo‐lethal, implying an essential role of the topoisomerase in tomato. In contrast, no defect in somatic DNA repair or meiosis was detectable for rmi1 mutants in tomato. This points to a differentiation of function of RTR complex partners between plant species. Our results indicate that there are relevant differences in the roles of basic factors involved in DNA repair and meiosis within dicotyledons, and thus should be taken as a note of caution when generalizing knowledge regarding basic biological processes obtained in the model plant Arabidopsis for the entire plant kingdom.
Coagulation, inflammation, and CD46 transgene expression in neonatal porcine islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Song Mingqing , Fitch Zachary W. , Samy Kannan P. , Martin Benjamin M. , Gao Qimeng , Patrick Davis Robert , Leopardi Francis V. , Huffman Niki , Schmitz Robin , Devi Gayathri R. , Collins Bradley H. , Kirk Allan D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThrombosis is a known consequence of intraportal islet transplantation, particularly for xenogeneic islets. To define the origins of thrombosis after islet xenotransplantation and relate it to early inflammation, we examined porcine islets transplanted into non‐human primates using a dual‐transplant model to directly compare islet characteristics.Methodsα1,3‐Galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) islets with and without expression of the human complement regulatory transgene CD46 (hCD46) were studied. Biologically inert polyethylene microspheres were used to examine the generic pro‐thrombotic effects of particle embolization. Immunohistochemistry was performed 1 and 24 hours after transplantation.ResultsXeno‐islet transplantation activated both extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways. The intrinsic pathway was also initiated by microsphere embolization, while extrinsic pathway tissue factor (TF) and platelet aggregation were more specific to engrafted islets. hCD46 expression significantly reduced TF, platelet, fibrin, and factor XIIIa accumulation in and around islets but did not alter intrinsic factor activation. Layers of TF+ cells emerged around islets within 24 hours, particularly co‐localized with vimentin, and identified as CD3+ and CD68+ cells inflammatory cells.ConclusionsThese findings detail the origins of thrombosis following islet xenotransplantation, relate it to early immune activation, and suggest a role for transgenic hCD46 expression in its mitigation. Layers of TF‐positive inflammatory cells and fibroblasts around islets at 24 hours may have important roles in the progressive events of thrombosis, inflammatory cell recruitment, rejection, and the ultimate outcome of transplanted grafts. These suggest that the strategies targeting these elements could yield more progress toward successful xenogeneic islet engraftment and survival.
Genomic features and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from food in Chile
Authors: Sánchez Fernando , Fuenzalida Verónica , Ramos Romina , Escobar Beatriz , Neira Víctor , Borie Consuelo , Lapierre Lisette , López Paulina , Venegas Lucas , Dettleff Phillip , Johnson Timothy , Fuentes‐Castillo Danny , Lincopan Nilton , Galarce Nicolás 
Published: February 2021

AbstractShiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe illness in humans, often associated with foodborne outbreaks. Antimicrobial resistance among foodborne E. coli has increased over the last decades becoming a public health issue. In this study, the presence and features of STEC were investigated in samples of meat, seafood, vegetables and ready‐to‐eat street‐vended food collected in Chile, using a genomic and microbiological approach. Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined, and serotype, phylogroup, sequence type (ST) and phylogenomics were predicted using bioinformatic tools. Three thousand three hundred samples collected in 2019 were screened, of which 18 were positive for STEC strains (0.5%), with stx2a (61.1%) being the predominant stx subtype. The presence of the virulence genes lpfA (100%), iha and ehaA (94.4%), and ehxA, hlyA and saa (83.3%) was confirmed among the STEC strains; the Locus of adhesion and autoaggregation (LAA) was predicted in 14 (77.8%) strains. Strains displayed resistance to colistin (100%), and intermediate resistance to enrofloxacin (11.1%) and chloramphenicol (5.6%). In this regard, mutations in the two‐component regulatory system genes pmrA (S29G), pmrB (D283G) and phoP (I44L), and the presence of the qnrB19 gene were confirmed. STEC strains belonged to ST11231 (38.9%), ST297 and ST58 (16.7% each), and ST1635, ST11232, ST446, ST442 and ST54 (5.6% each), and the most frequently detected serotypes were O113:H21 (44.4%), O130:H11 and O116:H21 (16.7% each), and O174:H21 (11.1%). Strains belonging to the international ST58 showed genomic relatedness with worldwide strains from human and non‐human sources. Our study reports for the first time the genomic profile of STEC strains isolated from food in Chile, highlighting the presence of international clones and sequence types commonly associated with human infections in different geographical regions, as well as the convergence of virulence and resistance in STEC lineages circulating in this country.
Linear Stability on the Local Thermal Nonequilibrium Model of Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow over a Moving Wedge in a Porous Medium: Viscous Dissipation and Radiation Effects
Authors: S. Shashi Prabha Gogate , M. C. Bharathi , Kudenatti Ramesh B. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper studies the local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) model for two-dimensional mixed convection boundary-layer flow over a wedge, which is embedded in a porous medium in the presence of radiation and viscous dissipation. It is considered that the temperature of the fluid and solid phases is not identical; hence, we require two energy equations: one for each phase. The motion of the mainstream and wedge is approximated by the power of distance from the leading boundary layer. The flow and heat transfer in the LTNE phase is governed by the coupled partial differential equations, which are then reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations via suitable similarity transformations. Numerical simulations show that when the interphase rate of heat transfer is large, the system attains the local thermal equilibrium (LTE) state and so is for porosity scaled conductivity. When LTNE is strong, the fluid phase reacts faster to the mainstream temperature than the corresponding solid phase. The state of LTE rather depends on radiation and viscous dissipation of the model. Further, numerical solutions successfully predicted the upper and lower branch solutions when the velocity ratio is varied. To assess which of these solutions is practically realizable, an asymptotic analysis on unsteady perturbations for a large time leading to linear stability needs to be performed. This shows that the upper branch solutions are always stable and practically realizable. The physical dynamics behind these results are discussed in detail.