bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classifying Units into Homogeneous Groups: Application of a Two-stage Method to District-level Data on Primary Education in India
Authors: Kayal Tamal Krishna 
Published: May 2022

In development studies, classification of units into different homogeneous groups is often required. Arriving at such a classification becomes complicated when a number of variables are taken into consideration. The standard practice of using an aggregate measure for this purpose has several limitations. The present study applies a two-stage method that attempts to overcome these limitations. It has considered data for 10 indicators of outcome of primary education for 161 districts across India. These districts have been classified into three distinct but homogeneous groups. The classification is such that the districts within a particular group are more or less similar in terms of the indicators of educational outcome, but they differ significantly across the three groups. The two-stage method has also revealed the specific area of disadvantage for each group of districts, thus yielding useful information for policy purposes. JEL Codes: C18, C38, I21
The Fatality Rate of COVID-19: How Does Education, Health Infrastructure and Institutional Quality Make a Change?
Authors: Tang Chor Foon , Fakih Ali , Abosedra Salah 
Published: May 2022

This article provides new empirical evidence on the impact of institutional quality in affecting female fatality rates resulting from COVID-19 by grounding our analysis on the marginal effects on other explanatory variables. This strain of research is not well examined in existing literature. We identify the main determinants of these rates and empirically estimate several models using cross-country data for 2020 for 57 countries. Our results show that not allowing for such marginal effects seems to produce imprecise results whereby institutional quality returns to be insignificant in explaining the fatality rates from COVID-19 and thus may have resulted in inappropriate policy recommendations from previous studies. Our results extend recent findings on the role of institutional quality in reducing female fatality rates and imply that benefits expected from improvements in institutional quality are worthy of consideration and implementation. The article offers some recommendations based on the reported results. JEL Codes: C36, I15, I18
Lived Experiences of Mongolian Immigrant Women Seeking Perinatal Care in the United States
Authors: McClellan Coreen , Madler Billie 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: There is inadequate information available about many of the smaller minority groups living in the United States. Mongolian culture has unique traditions that warrant understanding to provide culturally congruent care. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Mongolian immigrants seeking perinatal care in the United States. Method: Using a phenomenological approach, 12 Mongolian women were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The study follows the “consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies” guidelines for qualitative studies. Results: Results focus on successes and failures of the health care system in meeting the needs of these women. Discussion: Cultural communication barriers, disparate health practice beliefs, and limited cultural awareness among providers reduce quality of care. Study findings support practice interventions that enhance provider sensitivity for immigrant women. Relevance to Practice: Improved cultural awareness of Asian cultures increases sensitivity to the needs of Mongolian women and can help providers deliver high-quality care.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, thrombin-antithrombin, and prothrombin fragment F1+2 have higher diagnostic values than D-dimer for venous thromboembolism after TKA
Authors: Yang Yong , Feng Gangning , Yan Jiangbo , Wu Long , Wang Faxuan , Ding Dong , Wang Hui , Jin Qunhua 
Published: May 2022

Objective To investigate the diagnostic values of D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin–antithrombin (TAT), and prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 (F1 + 2) for predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Ultrasonography and CTPA were performed to diagnose VTE in 252 patients who underwent TKAs. Plasma D-dimer, PAI-1, TAT, and F1 + 2 levels were assessed 1–3 days prior to operation (T1), second hour (T2), first (T3), and third day (T4) after the operation. Receiver–operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis was conducted and pairwise compared to evaluate the diagnostic value of those biomarkers. Results Plasma D-dimer levels differed between patients with and without VTE significantly on T4, PAI-1, TAT, and F1 + 2 levels differed on T3 and T4. The areas under ROC of D-dimer, PAI-1, TAT and F1 + 2 levels were 0.645, 0.773, 0.771 and 0.797, respectively. The most feasible cutoff values of D-dimer, PAI-1, TAT and F1 + 2 in predicting VTE after TKA were 2.24 ug/ml, 35.96 ng/ml, 13.36 ng/mg and 11.1 ng/ml, respectively. Pairwise comparison of ROC curves revealed that D-dimer level had the lowest diagnostic accuracy, whereas PAI-1, TAT and F1 + 2 level had similar diagnostic accuracy. There were significant differences in duration of tourniquet time and duration of anesthesia between patients with and without VTE. Conclusion After TKA, using 2.24ug/mL as the threshold value of D-dimer is more accurate than using 0.5ug/mL in the monitoring of VTE, PAI-1, TAT and F1 + 2 are more valuable than D-dimer in predicting VTE. Duration of tourniquet and duration of anesthesia are risk factors for the development of VTE.
The Impact of School Counselor Resources in Elementary and Middle Grades
Authors: Domina Thurston , Akos Patrick , Bastian Kevin C. , Godwin Jeremy 
Published: May 2022

Prior research indicates that the availability of school counselors—as measured by school counselor-to-student ratios—predicts desired student outcomes in high schools. Less is known about the impact of school counselors in elementary and middle schools, where school counselors take on a broad array of responsibilities related to youth development. Using 6 years of student and school staffing data from North Carolina, we estimated school fixed effect models to assess the associations between school counselor-to-student ratios and student achievement, attendance, and disciplinary outcomes in elementary and middle school grades. We found that when elementary and middle schools have more school counselors, mathematics scores rise and absences decline. We found no conditional association between school counselor ratios and student suspensions. School counselors may be particularly helpful for students experiencing poverty and for students of color.
Relationship Between Number of Lateral Intercondylar Ridges and Area of Denser Bone on the Lateral Intercondylar Wall
Authors: Li Zijian , Zhang Wentao , Ren Shiyou , Zhou Ri , Zhang Xintao , You Tian , Bai Lu 
Published: May 2022

Background: A deeper understanding of the anatomy of the intercondylar notch of the femur may help reduce technical errors during anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purposes: To classify the number of ridges on the lateral intercondylar wall, identify factors influencing the number of ridges, and define the relationship between the area of denser bone on the lateral intercondylar wall and the lateral intercondylar ridge. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Included were 89 patients with computed tomography (CT) images of the knee joint. On full lateral view of the lateral femoral condyle, the authors evaluated for the presence of a lateral intercondylar ridge. The height and area of the lateral intercondylar wall (notch height and lateral notch area) and the length of Blumensaat line were calculated. Notch outlet length, axial notch area, notch width index, and transepicondylar length were also calculated using 3-dimensional CT. Maximum intensity projection was used to identify the area of denser bone on the femoral lateral intercondylar wall, and the relationship between this area and the lateral intercondylar ridge was investigated. Results: The lateral intercondylar ridge exhibited 3 types of morphological variations. The invisible type (no ridge) was observed in 20 knees (22.5%); the ridge type (1 ridge), in 23 knees (25.8%); and the plateau type (2 ridges), in 46 knees (51.7%). There were significant differences in notch height, lateral notch area, Blumensaat line length, and denser bone area among the ridge types ( P ≤ .031 for all). The locations of the anterior ridge of the plateau type and of all 23 ridges of the ridge type corresponded to the anterior margin line of the area of denser bone. Conclusion: Significant differences were seen in the 3 types of lateral intercondylar ridges. The anterior margin line of the denser bone area on the lateral intercondylar wall was found to correspond to the anterior border of the plateau type and the ridge type. Clinical Relevance: The variations in the lateral intercondylar ridge may affect measurement accuracy during evaluation of ACL tunnel position while using the ridge as a landmark. The plateau-type ridge and the area of denser bone on the lateral intercondylar wall may provide a new way for surgeons to determine the femoral tunnel.
Investigating the reliability of molecular estimates of evolutionary time when substitution rates and speciation rates vary
Authors: Ritchie Andrew M. , Hua Xia , Bromham Lindell 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAn accurate timescale of evolutionary history is essential to testing hypotheses about the influence of historical events and processes, and the timescale for evolution is increasingly derived from analysis of DNA sequences. But variation in the rate of molecular evolution complicates the inference of time from DNA. Evidence is growing for numerous factors, such as life history and habitat, that are linked both to the molecular processes of mutation and fixation and to rates of macroevolutionary diversification. However, the most widely used methods rely on idealised models of rate variation, such as the uncorrelated and autocorrelated clocks, and molecular dating methods are rarely tested against complex models of rate change. One relationship that is not accounted for in molecular dating is the potential for interaction between molecular substitution rates and speciation, a relationship that has been supported by empirical studies in a growing number of taxa. If these relationships are as widespread as current evidence suggests, they may have a significant influence on molecular dates.ResultsWe simulate phylogenies and molecular sequences under three different realistic rate variation models—one in which speciation rates and substitution rates both vary but are unlinked, one in which they covary continuously and one punctuated model in which molecular change is concentrated in speciation events, using empirical case studies to parameterise realistic simulations. We test three commonly used “relaxed clock” molecular dating methods against these realistic simulations to explore the degree of error in molecular dates under each model. We find average divergence time inference errors ranging from 12% of node age for the unlinked model when reconstructed under an uncorrelated rate prior using BEAST 2, to up to 91% when sequences evolved under the punctuated model are reconstructed under an autocorrelated prior using PAML.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the potential for substantial errors in molecular dates when both speciation rates and substitution rates vary between lineages. This study highlights the need for tests of molecular dating methods against realistic models of rate variation generated from empirical parameters and known relationships.
Identification of key sex-specific pathways and genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue from pigs using WGCNA method
Authors: Wang Huiyu , Wang Xiaoyi , Li Mingli , Wang Shuyan , Chen Qiang , Lu Shaoxiong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Adipose tissues (ATs), including visceral ATs (VATs) and subcutaneous ATs (SATs), are crucial for maintaining energy and metabolic homeostasis. SATs have been found to be closely related to obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disease. Some studies have shown a significant association between subcutaneous fat metabolism and sexes. However, the molecular mechanisms for this association are still unclear. Here, using the pig as a model, we investigated the systematic association between the subcutaneous fat metabolism and sexes, and identified some key sex-specific pathways and genes in the SATs from pigs.

Results
The results revealed that 134 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in female and male pigs from the obese group. A total of 17 coexpression modules were detected, of which six modules were significantly correlated with the sexes (P < 0.01). Among the significant modules, the greenyellow module (cor = 0.68, P < 9e-06) and green module (cor = 0.49, P < 0.003) were most significantly positively correlated with the male and female, respectively. Functional analysis showed that one GO term and four KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the greenyellow module while six GO terms and six KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the green module. Furthermore, a total of five and two key sex-specific genes were identified in the two modules, respectively. Two key sex-specific pathways (Ras-MAPK signaling pathway and type I interferon response) play an important role in the SATs of males and females, respectively.

Conclusions
The present study identified some key sex-specific pathways and genes in the SATs from pigs, which provided some new insights into the molecular mechanism of being involved in fat formation and immunoregulation between pigs of different sexes. These findings may be beneficial to breeding in the pig industry and obesity treatment in medicine.
DNA metabarcoding reveals high relative abundance of trunk disease fungi in grapevines from Marlborough, New Zealand
Authors: Vanga Bhanupratap R. , Panda Preeti , Shah Anish S. , Thompson Sarah , Woolley Rebecca H. , Ridgway Hayley J. , Mundy Dion C. , Bulman Simon 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGrapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a threat to grape production worldwide, with a diverse collection of fungal species implicated in disease onset. Due to the long-term and complex nature of GTDs, simultaneous detection of multiple microbial species can enhance understanding of disease development. We used DNA metabarcoding of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences, supported by specific PCR and microbial isolation, to establish the presence of trunk pathogens across 11 vineyards (11–26 years old) over three years in Marlborough, the largest wine producing region in New Zealand. Using a reference database of trunk pathogen sequences, species previously associated with GTD, such asCadophora luteo-olivacea,Diplodia seriata, Diplodia mutila,Neofusicoccum australe,andSeimatosporium vitis, were identified as highly represented across the vineyard region. The well-known pathogensPhaeomoniella chlamydosporaandEutypa latahad especially high relative abundance across the dataset, withP. chlamydosporareads present between 22 and 84% (average 52%) across the vineyards. Screening of sequences against broader, publicly available databases revealed further fungal species within families and orders known to contain pathogens, many of which appeared to be endemic to New Zealand. The presence of several wood-rotting basidiomycetes (mostly Hymenochaetales) was detected for the first time in the Marlborough vineyard region, notably, the nativeInonotus nothofagiiwhich was present at 1–2% relative abundance in two vineyards.
Quorum quenching of Streptococcus mutans via the nano-quercetin-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as a potential target for cariogenic biofilm
Authors: Pourhajibagher Maryam , Alaeddini Mojgan , Etemad-Moghadam Shahroo , Rahimi Esboei Bahman , Bahrami Rashin , Miri Mousavi Rezvaneh sadat , Bahador Abbas 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Quorum sensing (QS) system can regulate the expression of virulence factors and biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) inhibits quorum quenching (QQ), and can be used to prevent microbial biofilm. We thereby aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm potency and anti-metabolic activity of nano-quercetin (N-QCT)-mediated aPDT against S. mutans. Also, in silico evaluation of the inhibitory effect of N-QCT on the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) of S. mutans was performed to elucidate the impact of aPDT on various QS-regulated genes.

Methods
Cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were assessed following synthesis and confirmation of N-QCT. Subsequently, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of N-QCT against S. mutans and anti-biofilm effects of aPDT were assessed using colorimetric assay and plate counting. Molecular modeling and docking analysis were performed to confirm the connection of QCT to CSP. The metabolic activity of S. mutans and the expression level of various genes involved in QS were evaluated by flow cytometry and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR, respectively.

Results
Successful synthesis of non-toxic N-QCT was confirmed through several characterization tests. The MBIC value of N-QCT against S. mutans was 128 μg/mL. Similar to the crystal violet staining, the results log10 CFU/mL showed a significant degradation of preformed biofilms in the group treated with aPDT compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Following aPDT, metabolic activity of S. mutans also decreased by 85.7% (1/2 × MBIC of N-QCT) and 77.3% (1/4 × MBIC of N-QCT), as compared to the control values (P < 0.05). In silico analysis showed that the QCT molecule was located in the site formed by polypeptide helices of CSP. The relative expression levels of the virulence genes were significantly decreased in the presence of N-QCT-mediated aPDT (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The combination of N-QCT with blue laser as a QQ-strategy leads to maximum ROS generation, disrupts the microbial biofilm of S. mutans, reduces metabolic activity, and downregulates the expression of genes involved in the QS pathway by targeting genes of the QS signaling system of S. mutans.
Physiological and agronomical evaluation of elite rice varieties for adaptation to heat stress
Authors: Ezin Vincent , Ahanchede Wassiou Worou , Ayenan Mathieu Anatole Tele , Ahanchede Adam 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The increasing temperatures due to climate change around the world poses a serious threat to sustainable crop production. The growing adverse effects of heat stress are putting global food security at great risk. Crop improvement for adaptation to increased temperatures is therefore of paramount importance. This study aims at assessing the effects of heat stress in relation to agro-morphological and physiological traits of six rice varieties. The study was carried out in the Township of Glazoué, a rice-growing area in Benin. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design with three replications. Two types of stress were imposed: high-temperature stress in the dry season and optimal temperatures in the rainy season. The calculated mean values of morphological, physiological, and agronomic traits were used to estimate heritability, genetic advance, PCA, and correlation.

Results
The results showed that heat stress had a significant (p ≤ 0.01) influence on plant height, leaf length, number of tillers, number of internodes, days to flowering, and days to maturity, 1000-seed weight, and yield per plant. The heat stress had significantly delayed the flowering of all the varieties when compared to the controls. The highest values of 1000-seed weight (34. 67 g) were recorded for BRIZ-8B while the lowest (25.33 g) were recorded for NERICA-L20. The highest values for the genotypic coefficient of variation (43.05%) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (99.13%) were recorded for yield per plant under heat stress. The topmost broad-sense heritability was recorded for grain width (92.72%), followed by days to maturity (69.33%), days to flowering (68.50%), number of grains per panicle (57.35%), and yield (54.55%).

Conclusions
These results showed that BRIZ-8B and BRIZ-10B were the most tolerant to high temperature amongst the six varieties assessed and potentially could be recommended to farmers for production under high temperature and be used in breeding programs to improve heat tolerance in rice.
Health literacy and medication adherence in psoriasis patients: a survey in Iran
Authors: Avazeh Yasaman , Rezaei Soheila , Bastani Peivand , Mehralian Gholamhossein 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Medication adherence among Psoriasis patients is often inadequate identified as a significant problem in Psoriasis symptoms management. Poor medication adherence could necessitate stronger and more expensive medications, which could place a significant burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, the importance of health literacy assessment as a factor influencing adherence in psoriasis patients cannot be overstated. This study aimed to evaluate the medication adherence level of Iranian Psoriasis patients and its relationship with the patients’ health literacy level and demographic conditions.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study among Iranian psoriasis patients conducted through a web-based questionnaire survey between 26 July 2020 and 5 January 2021 and a total of 575 samples were collected. The questionnaire consisted of 3 sections: First, demographic information and disease characteristics were evaluated. Second, the medication adherence was evaluated by using valid Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), and, finally, the health literacy was evaluated by using Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 22 with descriptive statistics; Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Stepwise multiple linear regression was also used to evaluate the impact of independent variables related on medication adherence score.

Results
Results showed that the mean health literacy score in the study population was 74.3 ± 14.23, and the mean medication adherence score was 4.1 ± 2.18. Out of the total participants, 28.8% had high health literacy, 67.1% had adequate health literacy, and 4% had inadequate health literacy. The majority of the participants (70.7%) reported low adherence, while 24.1% reported moderate and 5.2% reported high adherence. The results of the Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between age, comorbidities, type of treatment, satisfaction with treatment, the experience of adverse effects, and health literacy with medication adherence (P < 0.05 for all). The final constructed model of stepwise multiple linear regression was highly statistically significant. The highest beta coefficient in the final model belonged to the total health literacy score.
Conclusions.
Based on the results, medication adherence among Iranian psoriasis patients is low. Health literacy correlates most strongly with medication adherence and is the best variable to determine it. Improving the access to the internet and the ICTs to enhance the patients` health literacy along with developing the patient education approaches and techniques should be considered by health policymakers.