bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing the effect of a remedial mathematics course by switching to an online format during the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from a German university
Authors: Büchele Stefan , Liebendörfer Michael , Lankeit Elisa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many courses have been offered digitally. Using data from n = 1,173 business students participating in a preparatory mathematics course at a German university that covered the same content as in 2018, 2019 and 2020, we examine how students’ participation and the effect of the preparatory course changed. The data show that the participation rate has fallen slightly, but students’ participation is rather similar to preceding years. Interestingly, students have participated more intensively. There are clear signs of dishonesty in the self-test (use of a calculator) and significant changes in predictors of performance. In particular, the effect of students’ engagement in the course on their performance substantially increased. Further, we found a gender gap in performance affecting women. Finally, the data show that digital courses can be as effective as on-campus courses.
Microorganisms Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Outborn Neonates in Northern India: A Hospital-Based Observational Study
Authors: Dhir Shashi Kant , Sundaram Venkataseshan , Gautam Vikas , Munda Vimal Singh , Tiewsoh Jutang Babat Ain , Angurana Suresh Kumar , Kumar Jogender , Saini Shiv Sajan , Dutta Sourabh , Kumar Praveen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Neonates born somewhere else (outborn) and treated in a referral centre have different microbiological profile. We report the microorganism’s profile and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in blood culture proven sepsis in outborn neonates.

Methods
Culture positive neonatal sepsis from a neonatal unit of a referral institute catering to outborn neonates was studied over an 18 months duration. Data from the hospital information system were used to analyse the culture positivity rates, the spectrum of the microorganisms isolated and AMR pattern.

Results
Out of 5258 admitted neonates, 3687 blood samples were sent for suspect sepsis. The blood cultures were positive in 537 (14.6%) samples from 514 neonates. Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were the most common [240 (45%)] followed by gram-negative bacilli (GNB) [233 (43.4%)] and fungi [64 (11.9%)]. Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) contributed to two-thirds of GPC followed by Klebsiella [93 (17.3%)] and Acinetobacter species [52 (9.7%)]. In 403 (75%) neonates, organisms grew in the samples sent at or within 24 h of admission. The case fatality rate was significantly higher in those with culture positive sepsis. The resistance to meropenem and imipenem was documented in 57.1% and 49.7%, respectively and 48% of the GNB was multidrug resistant.

Conclusions
CONS followed by Klebsiella species were the most common organisms isolated. Three-fourths of the neonates had organisms grown at or within 24 h from admission. More than half of the GNB were multidrug resistant. The case fatality rate was significantly higher in those with culture positive sepsis.
A Novel Forkhead Box L2 Missense Mutation, c.1068G>C, in a Chinese Family With Blepharophimosis/Ptosis/ Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome
Authors: Wang Shaoyun , Ge Shengfang , Zhuang Ai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to report a novel forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) missense mutation in a Chinese blepharophimosis/ ptosis/epicanthus inversus syndrome family. Three generations of the Chinese family with blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicanthus inversus syndrome were enrolled in this study. Blood samples from patients of this family were collected and then analyzed by whole-exome sequencing. Confocal microscopy was performed to detect the subcellular location of FOXL2. Transactivation studies were performed and verified with real time polymerase chain reaction. A novel mutation (c.1068G>C) located in the downstream of deoxyribonucleic acid-binding forkhead domain was identified. Confocal photos showed the novel mutation did not disturb FOXL2 function, and the mutant protein could still transactivate steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, a key regulator of primary ovarian failure (POF). Our study revealed a novel missense mutation (c.1068G>C) and expanded the spectrum of FOXL2 gene mutations.
Chronic Expanding Hematoma on Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap Donor Site Grown Over 17 Years
Authors: Müstakim Kezia Rachellea , Sodnom-Ish Buyanbileg , Lee Hyun Jong , Yoon Hye-Jung , Kim Soung Min 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The latissimus dorsi free flap (LDFF), that provides long vascular pedicle with rich vascularization and adequate bulk for maxillofacial defect coverage, is utilized in microvascular surgery for maxilla-mandibular reconstruction with high success rate, less morbidity, and ability to provide facial symmetry. In addition, it can reduce the risk of adjuvant therapies, such as radiotherapy. Seroma formation at the donor site following LDFF harvest has been reported as a common postoperative sequela. On the other hand, chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) in an LDFF donor site is a rare postoperative complication. in this case report, the authors describe a rare occurrence of a solidified CEH on an LDFF donor site in a male patient 17 years after mandible reconstruction surgery. For treatment, the patient underwent mass resection with drain placement and quilting suture, resulting in reduction of the hematoma and faster healing.
Combinedin situhybridization chain reaction and immunostaining to visualize gene expression in whole-mountDrosophilacentral nervous systems
Authors: Duckhorn Julia C. , Junker Ian , Ding Yun , Shirangi Troy R. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTMethods to visualize gene expression in theDrosophilacentral nervous system are important in fly neurogenetic studies. In this chapter, we describe a detailed protocol that sequentially combinesin situhybridization chain reaction (HCR) and immunostaining to detect mRNA and protein expression in whole-mountDrosophilalarval and adult central nervous systems. We demonstrate the application ofin situHCR in comparisons of nervous system gene expression betweenDrosophilaspecies, and in the validation of single-cell RNA-Seq results in the fly nervous system. Our protocol provides a simple, robust, multiplexable, and relatively affordable means to quantitatively visualize gene expression in the nervous system of flies, facilitating its general use in fly neurogenetic studies.
Infected surfaces as a source of transmissible material in healthcare settings dealing with COVID-19 patients
Authors: Khedkar GD , Bajaj Pramod , Kalyankar Amol , Deolalikar Rajeshree , Khilare Vikram , Khedkar Aniket , Bajaj Rahul , Khedkar Chandraprakash , Prakash Bharathi , Khedkar Chaitali , Chavan Sunil , Jyosthna P. , Niranjan Vidya , Jilla Manju , Takalkar Unmesh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe disease COVID-19 has turned out to be a tremendous slayer and has had some of the most devastating impacts on human beings ever seen in history. To overcome this major public health crisis, an understanding of the transmission of the virus underlying this disease is of paramount importance. Evidence suggests that the most common route of transmission for the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely via direct contact in person-to-person encounter with aerosol droplets. However, the possibility of transmission via contact with fomites from surfaces is a possible route of infection as well. Environmental contamination in rooms with COVID-19 patient has been widely observed due to viral shedding from both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Also, in hospitals, SARS-CoV-2 is known to survive on various surfaces for extended periods of time. Because repetitive contact cycles can spread the virus from one surface to the other in healthcare settings, here we evaluated contamination on different types of surfaces commonly found in healthcare settings. Also, based on various datasets, we analyzed the importance of various surfaces in transmission modalities. Based on the findings of this study, decontamination of surfaces that frequently are in touch contact throughout all segments of the healthcare system should constitute an important part of the infection control and prevention of COVID-19. We also recommend the selection of a non-reactive disinfectant for hospital monitors, devices, ventilators and computers so that active surface disinfection can be effected without damage to the devices.
Development and assessment of a machine learning tool for predicting emergency admission in Scotland
Authors: Liley James , Bohner Gergo , Emerson Samuel R. , Mateen Bilal A. , Borland Katie , Carr David , Heald Scott , Oduro Samuel D. , Ireland Jill , Moffat Keith , Porteous Rachel , Riddell Stephen , Rogers Simon , Thoma Ioanna , Cunningham Nathan , Holmes Chris , Payne Katrina , Vollmer Sebastian J. , Vallejos Catalina A. , Aslett Louis J. M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEmergency admissions (EA), where a patient requires urgent in-hospital care, are a major challenge for healthcare systems. The development of risk prediction models can partly alleviate this problem by supporting primary care interventions and public health planning. Here, we introduce SPARRAv4, a predictive score for EA risk that will be deployed nationwide in Scotland. SPARRAv4 was derived using supervised and unsupervised machine-learning methods applied to routinely collected electronic health records from approximately 4.8M Scottish residents (2013-18). We demonstrate improvements in discrimination and calibration with respect to previous scores deployed in Scotland, as well as stability over a 3-year timeframe. Our analysis also provides insights about the epidemiology of EA risk in Scotland, by studying predictive performance across different population sub-groups and reasons for admission, as well as by quantifying the effect of individual input features. Finally, we discuss broader challenges including reproducibility and how to safely update risk prediction models that are already deployed at population level.
Strain-resolved analysis in a randomized trial of antibiotic pretreatment and maintenance dose delivery mode with fecal microbiota transplant for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Smith Byron J. , Piceno Yvette , Zydek Martin , Zhang Bing , Syriani Lara Aboud , Terdiman Jonathan P. , Kassam Zain , Ma Averil , Lynch Susan V. , Pollard Katherine S. , El-Nachef Najwa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFecal microbiota transplant is a promising therapy for ulcerative colitis. Parameters maximizing effectiveness and tolerability are not yet clear, and it is not known how import the transmission of donor microbes to patients is. Here (clinicaltrails.gov: NCT03006809) we have tested the effects of antibiotic pretreatment and compared two modes of maintenance dose delivery, capsules versus enema, in a randomized, pilot, open-label, 2×2 factorial design with 22 patients analyzed with mild to moderate UC. Clinically, the treatment was well-tolerated with favorable safety profile. Of patients who received antibiotic pretreatment, 6 of 11 experienced remission after six weeks of treatment, versus 2 of 11 non-pretreated patients (odds ratio: 1.69, 95% confidence interval: -0.25 to 3.62). No significant differences were found between maintenance dosing via capsules versus enema. In exploratory analyses, microbiome turnover at both the species and strain levels was extensive and significantly more pronounced in the pretreated patients. Associations were also revealed between taxonomic turnover and changes in the composition of primary and secondary bile acids. Together these findings suggest that antibiotic pretreatment contributes to microbiome engraftment and possibly clinical effectiveness, and validate longitudinal strain tracking as a powerful way to monitor the dynamics and impact of microbiota transfer.
Mesoderm-Derived PDGFRA+Cells Regulate the Emergence of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in the Dorsal Aorta
Authors: Chandrakanthan Vashe , Rorimpandey Prunella , Zanini Fabio , Chacon Diego , Kang Young Chan , Knezevic Kathy , Huang Yizhou , Qiao Qiao , Oliver Rema A. , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Carter Daniel R. , Lee Brendan , Brownlee Chris , Power Carl , Mendez-Ferrer Simon , Enikolopov Grigori , Walsh William , Göttgens Berthold , Taoudi Samir , Beck Dominik , Pimanda John E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) first emerge at embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) on the ventral surface of the dorsal aorta, by endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). We investigated whether cells with mesenchymal stem cell-like activity, which provide an essential niche for long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) in the bone marrow, reside in the aorta- gonad-mesonephros (AGM) and contribute to the structural development of the dorsal aorta and EHT. Using transgenic mice, we demonstrate a lineage hierarchy for AGM stromal cells and traced the E10.5/E11.5 aortic endothelium and HSCs to mesoderm derived (Mesp1) PDGFRA+stromal cells (Mesp1derPSCs).Mesp1derPSCs dominate the sub-endothelial and ventral stroma in the E10.5–E11.5 AGM but by E13.5 were replaced by neural crest (Wnt1) derived PDGFRA+stromal cells (Wnt1derPSCs). Co-aggregating non-hemogenic embryonic and adult endothelial cells withMesp1derPSCs but not withWnt1derPSCs resulted in activation of a hematopoietic transcriptional program in endothelial cells accompanied by EHT and generation of LT-HSCs. Dose-dependent inhibition of PDGFRA signalling or BMP, WNT, NOTCH signalling interrupted this reprogramming event. This partnership between endothelial cells and AGMMesp1derPSCs could potentially be harnessed to manufacture LT-HSCs from endothelium.
Development of Functional Connectome Gradients during Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Xia Yunman , Xia Mingrui , Liu Jin , Liao Xuhong , Lei Tianyuan , Liang Xinyu , Zhao Tengda , Shi Ziyi , Sun Lianglong , Chen Xiaodan , Men Weiwei , Wang Yanpei , Pan Zhiying , Luo Jie , Peng Siya , Chen Menglu , Hao Lei , Tan Shuping , Gao Jiahong , Qin Shaozheng , Gong Gaolang , Tao Sha , Dong Qi , He Yong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConnectome mapping studies have documented a principal primary-to-transmodal gradient in the adult brain network, capturing a functional spectrum which ranges from perception and action to abstract cognition. However, how this gradient pattern develops and whether its development is linked to cognitive growth, topological reorganization, and gene expression profiles remain largely unknown. Using longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 305 children (ages 6-14), we describe substantial changes in the primary-to-transmodal gradient between childhood and adolescence, including emergence as the principal gradient, expansion of global topography, and focal tuning in primary and default-mode regions. These gradient changes are mediated by developmental changes in network integration and segregation, and are associated with abstract processing functions such as working memory and expression levels of calcium ion regulated exocytosis, synaptic transmission, and axon and synapse part related genes. Our findings have implications for understanding connectome maturation principles in normal development and developmental disorders.TeaserOur study reported the maturation of the core connectome gradient and its association with cognitions and genes expression.
Antibody-mediated neutralization of authentic SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 variants harboring L452R and T478K/E484Q
Authors: Wilhelm Alexander , Toptan Tuna , Pallas Christiane , Wolf Timo , Goetsch Udo , Gottschalk Rene , Vehreschild Maria JGT , Ciesek Sandra , Widera Marek 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe capacity of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants is currently of high relevance to assess the protection against infections.We performed a cell culture-based neutralization assay focusing on authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.617.1 (Kappa), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon), all harboring the spike substitution L452R.We found that authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring L452R had reduced susceptibility to convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera and mAbs. Compared to B.1, Kappa and Delta showed a reduced neutralization by convalescent sera by a factor of 8.00 and 5.33, respectively, which constitutes a 2-fold greater reduction when compared to Epsilon. BNT2b2 and mRNA1273 vaccine-elicited sera were less effective against Kappa, Delta, and Epsilon compared to B.1. No difference was observed between Kappa and Delta towards vaccine-elicited sera, whereas convalescent sera were 1.5-fold less effective against Delta, respectively. Both B.1.617 variants Kappa (+E484Q) and Delta (+T478K) were less susceptible to either casirivimab or imdevimab.In conclusion, in contrast to the parallel circulating Kappa variant, the neutralization efficiency of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera against Delta was moderately reduced. Delta was resistant to imdevimab, which however, might be circumvented by a combination therapy with casirivimab together.
Interpretable multi-stream ensemble learning for radiographic pattern recognition
Authors: Ferreira José Raniery , Cardenas Diego Armando Cardona 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTChest radiography (CXR) remains an essential component to evaluate lung diseases. However, it is crucial nowadays to include computer-based tools to aid physicians in the early detection of chest abnormalities. Therefore, this work proposed deep ensemble models to improve the CXR evaluation, interpretability, and reproducibility. Five convolutional neural networks and six different processed image inputs yielded an AUC of 0.982. Furthermore, ensemble learning could produce more reliable outcomes as it did not consider the information of only one method. Moreover, the ensemble strategy balanced the most critical factors from each model to perform a more consistent classification. Finally, class activation and gradient propagation maps allowed locally visualizing CXR regions that most activate neurons from the trained models and explaining practically which areas of the CXR correlated to the model output.
Slow expanders invade by forming dented fronts in microbial colonies
Authors: Lee Hyunseok , Gore Jeff , Korolev Kirill S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMost organisms grow in space, whether they are viruses spreading within a host tissue or invasive species colonizing a new continent. Evolution typically selects for higher expansion rates during spatial growth, but it has been suggested that slower expanders can take over under certain conditions. Here, we report an experimental observation of such population dynamics. We demonstrate that the slower mutants win not only when the two types are intermixed at the front but also when they are spatially segregated into sectors. The latter was thought to be impossible because previous studies focused exclusively on the global competitions mediated by expansion velocities but overlooked the local competitions at sector boundaries. We developed a theory of sector geometry that accounts for both local and global competitions and describes all possible sector shapes. In particular, the theory predicted that a slower, but more competitive, mutant forms a dented V-shaped sector as it takes over the expansion front. Such sectors were indeed observed experimentally and their shapes matched up quantitatively with the theory. In simulations, we further explored several mechanism that could provide slow expanders with a local competitive advantage and showed that they are all well-described by our theory. Taken together, our results shed light on previously unexplored outcomes of spatial competition and establish a universal framework to understand evolutionary and ecological dynamics in expanding populations.SignificanceLiving organisms never cease to evolve, so there is a significant interest in predicting and controlling evolution in all branches of life sciences from medicine to agriculture. The most basic question is whether a trait should increase or decrease in a given environment. The answer seems to be trivial for traits such as the growth rate in a bioreactor or the expansion rate of a tumor. Yet, it has been suggested that such traits can decrease rather than increase during evolution. Here, we report a mutant that outcompeted the ancestor despite having a slower expansion velocity. To explain this observation, we developed and validated a theory that describes spatial competition between organisms with different expansion rates and arbitrary competitive interactions.
Hotair and Malat1 Long Noncoding RNAs regulate Bdnf Expression and Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Differentiation
Authors: Khani-Habibabadi Fatemeh , Zare Leila , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Javan Mohammad , Behmanesh Mehrdad 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBDNF has remarkable protective roles in the central nervous system to ensure neurons and glial cells survival and proper functions. The regulatory processes behind the BDNF expression have not been revealed completely. Here, it was explored whetherMalat1andHotairlncRNAs play roles in the regulation ofBdnfexpression level, modification of fingolimod downstream pathway, and oligodendrocytes precursor cells maturation. ByHotairandMalat1downregulation, their regulatory mechanism onBdnfexpression was investigated. Immunostaining and RT-qPCR assays were employed to assess the effects of fingolimod and lncRNAs on OPCs maturation. The results represented thatHotairandMalat1lncRNAs may regulate Bdnf expression in primary glial cells significantly, and also can coordinate fingolimod stimulatory effect onBdnfexpression. Furthermore,Malat1may have a role in the last stages of the intrinsic oligodendrocyte myelination. Here it was demonstrated that these lncRNAs have critical roles in theBdnflevel, fingolimod mechanism of action, and OPCs maturation. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of neurotrophins leads to a better comprehension of the neurodegenerative disorders pathogenesis and designing more effective treatments.