bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Measures and Business Cycles: Evidence From the US
Authors: Chen Haining , Vitenu-Sackey Prince Asare , Bathuure Isaac Akpemah 
Published: April 2024

Most of the macro-literature on uncertainty has focused on macro-uncertainty caused by real activity as a source of economic fluctuations. Economic uncertainty reduces total demand in the economy via a conventional channel that is associated with real option theory. Given the findings of the existing literature, financial uncertainty other than macroeconomic uncertainty matters more for business cycle fluctuations. This study seeks to answer the following questions: Is uncertainty the primary cause of the business cycle’s fluctuations? Alternatively, does it matter what kind of uncertainty exists? The research utilized the generalized linear model (GLM) and the Bayesian generalized linear model (BGLM) to analyze a dataset covering the time from July 1960 to April 2015 in the United States. Elevated levels of macroeconomic uncertainty, akin to real uncertainty, and economic policy uncertainty, as measured by news sources, demonstrate a counter-cyclical pattern in relation to business cycles. Low levels of uncertainty have a positive impact on business cycles, leading to an increase in industrial production. Conversely, high levels of uncertainty have a negative effect on business cycles, causing a decline in industrial output. We are of the opinion that high levels of macroeconomic uncertainty have a ripple effect on the entire economy, which may stifle investments, reduce consumption, and create unemployment, which is likely to influence labor participation. JEL Classification: D81, E23, E32, E44, G14.
Translucency and Color Difference of Monolithic Zirconia Restorations: The Effect of Surface Finishing on Background Color
Authors: Arslan Emel , Deg˘irmenci Kübra 
Published: April 2024

Aim: This study evaluates the effect of different surface finishing procedures on the color and translucency values of monolithic zirconia materials on three different colored composite backgrounds. Materials and Methods: Sixty monolithic zirconia blocks of three different translucency levels were prepared in vitro using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. The correlation between repeat measurements was 0.5, resulting in a sample size of nine samples per group to detect a medium effect size, f = 0.25. Half of the zirconia blocks in each group were subjected to glazing, while the other half were polished ( n = 10). Composite blocks of three different colors were prepared to simulate dental substrates, and the zirconia specimens were placed on these composite backgrounds. The color parameters of the specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer on gray, black, and white backgrounds. Three-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to assess the interaction between the three independent variables (zirconia brand, surface finishing technique, and background color) and the effects of each tested variable on the changes in color and translucency. Results: The surface finishing techniques had a significant effect on the color and translucency of the monolithic zirconia materials. Glazing resulted in higher color differences and lower translucency values compared to polishing. For backgrounds of the same color, no significant differences were detected between the glazed zirconia groups for the same condition ( p > .016). Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrated the importance of selecting the appropriate surface finishing technique and translucency property of the monolithic zirconia materials to obtain the optimal esthetic results in dental restorations.
Lower Extremity Surfing Injuries Seen at United States Emergency Departments From 2002 to 2022
Authors: Obana Kyle K. , Hasegawa Morgan E. , Mueller John D. , Berk Alexander N. , Rimm Julian B. , Horng Jonathan C. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Parisien Robert L. , Lee Lorrin S.K. , Trofa David P. 
Published: April 2024

Background: Surfing is an increasingly popular sport with a high propensity for both traumatic and atraumatic injuries. Purpose: To analyze the trends, etiologies, and diagnoses of lower extremity orthopaedic-related surfing injuries presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs) within a 21-year study period. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for data on lower extremity surfing injuries presenting to US EDs from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Data collected included year, injury mechanism, injury location, diagnosis, and disposition. The raw data were used to calculate national estimates (NEs) based on each hospital’s assigned statistical sample weight. Linear regressions were performed to analyze annual trends. Results: A total of 776 lower extremity surfing injuries were included (NE = 49,218 injuries). The mean age of the patients was 29.4 ± 13.6 years. The most common injured areas were the foot (NE = 17,411; 35.4%), lower leg (NE = 8673, 17.6%), and knee (NE = 8139; 16.5%). The most common mechanism of injury was impact with board (NE = 17,144; 34.8%), and the most common fracture locations were the lower leg (NE = 1195; 29.5%), ankle (NE = 1594; 24.5%), and foot (NE = 1495; 23.0%). There were statistically significant decreases in weighted estimates for lower extremity surfing injuries by 108 per year ( P < .001), for lacerations by 76 per year ( P < .001), and for sprains by 18 per year ( P = .01). Impact-with-board injuries decreased by 59 injuries per year ( P < .001) and constituted 63.5% of lacerations and 12.1% of fractures. Only 3.9% of patients were admitted for hospitalization. Conclusion: There was a decreasing trend in lower extremity surfing injuries presenting to US EDs during the 21-year study period.
Quadriceps Tendon Autograft ACL Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation: Safe Results Based on Minimum 2-Year Follow-up MRI
Authors: Smith Patrick A. , Daniel Adam V. , Stensby James D. , Cook Corey S. , Wijdicks Coen A. 
Published: April 2024

Background: The potential intra-articular effects of ≥1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with independent suture tape augmentation (STA) are not fully understood. Purpose: To investigate whether incorporating suture tape in an all–soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft (QTA) ACLR leads to satisfactory patient outcomes while having no intra-articular side effects as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 25 patients with a mean age of 19.9 years (95% CI, 17.3-22.5 years) who underwent QTA ACLR with STA between 2016 and 2019. All patients underwent MRI at ≥1 year postoperatively and had at least a 2-year follow-up (mean, 28 months [95% CI, 26.5-29.5 months]) that included physical examination with anterior laxity testing with KT-1000 arthrometer, radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). At the final follow-up, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for applicable PROMs were applied to each patient. Postoperative graft and joint integrity were assessed using the Howell classification and the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) joint effusion/synovitis grade. The Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the chi-square or the Fisher exact test for categorical variables were used for statistical analyses. Results: The MRI assessment of the grafts demonstrated intact grafts in all patients. Overall, 96% of patients demonstrated grades 0 or 1 MOAKS for joint effusion/synovitis. All patient outcomes significantly improved from preoperatively to the final follow-up ( P < .001), except for the Marx score, which decreased significantly (14.2 [95% CI, 12.7-15.8] vs 9.72 [95% CI, 7.3-12.2]; P = .0014). At least 68% of the patients achieved the MCID threshold, and 92% achieved the PASS threshold for all applicable PROMs. Conclusion: QTA ACLR with STA did not demonstrate adverse intra-articular changes on MRI at ≥1 year postoperatively. In addition, STA did not appear to negatively affect PROMs.
Notch1 regulates hepatic thrombopoietin production
Authors: Sun Yueyue , Tong Huan , Chu Xiang , Li Yingying , Zhang Jie , Ding Yangyang , Zhang Sixuan , Gui Xiang , Chen Chong , Xu Mengdi , Li Zhenyu , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Andrews Robert K. , Zeng Lingyu , Xu Kailin , Qiao Jianlin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Notch signaling regulates cell-fate decisions in several developmental processes and cell functions. However, the role of Notch in hepatic thrombopoietin (TPO) production remains unclear. We noted thrombocytopenia in mice with hepatic Notch1 deficiency and so investigated TPO production and other features of platelets in these mice. We found that the liver ultrastructure and hepatocyte function were comparable between control and Notch1-deficient mice. However, the Notch1-deficient mice had significantly lower plasma TPO and hepatic TPO messenger RNA levels, concomitant with lower numbers of platelets and impaired megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation, which were rescued by addition of exogenous TPO. Additionally, JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly inhibited in Notch1-deficient hepatocytes, consistent with the RNA-sequencing analysis. JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and TPO production was also impaired in cultured Notch1-deficient hepatocytes after treatment with desialylated platelets. Consistently, hepatocyte-specific Notch1 deletion inhibited JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and hepatic TPO production induced by administration of desialylated platelets in vivo. Interestingly, Notch1 deficiency downregulated the expression of HES5 but not HES1. Moreover, desialylated platelets promoted the binding of HES5 to JAK2/STAT3, leading to JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and pathway activation in hepatocytes. Hepatocyte Ashwell-Morell receptor (AMR), a heterodimer of asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 [ASGR1] and ASGR2, physically associates with Notch1, and inhibition of AMR impaired Notch1 signaling activation and hepatic TPO production. Furthermore, blockage of Delta-like 4 on desialylated platelets inhibited hepatocyte Notch1 activation and HES5 expression, JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, and subsequent TPO production. In conclusion, our study identifies a novel regulatory role of Notch1 in hepatic TPO production, indicating that it might be a target for modulating TPO level.
GM-CSF receptor expression determines opposing innate memory phenotypes at different stages of myelopoiesis
Authors: Guerrero Paula , Bono Cristina , Sobén María , Guiu Andrea , Cheng Quen J. , Gil M. Luisa , Yáñez Alberto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Inflammatory responses must be tightly coordinated with the activation of emergency myelopoiesis to produce potent myeloid cells that fight infection without causing excessive host damage. Here, we show that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) programs myeloid-committed progenitors to produce trained macrophages (increased cytokine response), but programs the upstream noncommitted LKS+ progenitors (defined as Lin− c-Kit+ Sca-1+ cells) to produce tolerized macrophages (decreased cytokine response). In myeloid progenitors, GM-CSF strongly activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), Ras-Raf-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and Akt-mTOR signaling pathways, which are essential to establish a training program, whereas in LKS+ progenitors, GM-CSF induces NF-κB translocation to the nucleus to establish a tolerization program. These differences arise from higher GM-CSF receptor expression in myeloid progenitors compared with LKS+ cells. We demonstrate that β-catenin regulation of NF-κB nuclear translocation is central in this process. In myeloid progenitors, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inactivation by strong ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling increases cytoplasmic β-catenin levels to block NF-κB nuclear translocation. In contrast, when ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling are weak, active GSK3 causes a decrease in β-catenin, allowing NF-κB nuclear translocation in LKS+ progenitors. Finally, GM-CSF-induced LKS+ tolerization takes place in several murine models of trained immunity and in human CD34+ CD38− progenitors. Our study reveals that in addition to activating myelopoiesis, GM-CSF also programs early and immediate myeloid progenitors to produce opposing immune memory phenotypes. We propose that the inflammatory response from immediate myeloid progenitors may be balanced by the tolerized phenotype of early progenitors, thus providing a mechanism for appropriate resolution of inflammation and protection against a prolonged cytokine storm.
KEGG orthology prediction of bacterial proteins using natural language processing
Authors: Chen Jing , Wu Haoyu , Wang Ning 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The advent of high-throughput technologies has led to an exponential increase in uncharacterized bacterial protein sequences, surpassing the capacity of manual curation. A large number of bacterial protein sequences remain unannotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology, making it necessary to use auto annotation tools. These tools are now indispensable in the biological research landscape, bridging the gap between the vastness of unannotated sequences and meaningful biological insights.

Results
In this work, we propose a novel pipeline for KEGG orthology annotation of bacterial protein sequences that uses natural language processing and deep learning. To assess the effectiveness of our pipeline, we conducted evaluations using the genomes of two randomly selected species from the KEGG database. In our evaluation, we obtain competitive results on precision, recall, and F1 score, with values of 0.948, 0.947, and 0.947, respectively.

Conclusions
Our experimental results suggest that our pipeline demonstrates performance comparable to traditional methods and excels in identifying distant relatives with low sequence identity. This demonstrates the potential of our pipeline to significantly improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of KEGG orthology annotation, thereby advancing our understanding of functional relationships within biological systems.
Exogenous application of salicylic acid ameliorates salinity stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Hanif Shazia , Mahmood Athar , Javed Talha , Bibi Safura , Zia Muhammad Anjum , Asghar Saima , Naeem Zunaira , Ercisli Sezai , Rahimi Mehdi , Ali Baber 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBarley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a significant cereal crop belonging to Poaceae that is essential for human food and animal feeding. The production of barley grains was around 142.37 million tons in 2017/2018. However, the growth of barley was influenced by salinity which was enhanced by applying a foliar spray of salicylic acid. The current study investigated to evaluated the potential effect of SA on the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants under salinity stress and its possible effects on physiological, biochemical, and growth responses. The experiment was conducted at Postgraduate Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture; Faisalabad to assess the influence of salicylic acid on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under highly saline conditions. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replicates. In plastic pots containing 8 kg of properly cleaned sand, two different types of barley (Sultan and Jau-17) were planted. The plants were then watered with a half-strength solution of Hoagland’s nutritional solution. After the establishment of seedlings, two salt treatments (0 mM and 120 mM NaCl) were applied in combining three levels of exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA) (0, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1). Data about morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes was recorded using standard procedure after three weeks of treatment. The morpho-physiological fresh weight of the shoot and root (48%), the dry mass of the shoot and root (66%), the plant height (18%), the chlorophyll a (30%), the chlorophyll b (22%), and the carotenoids (22%), all showed significant decreases. Salinity also decreased yield parameters and the chl. ratio (both at 29% and 26% of the total chl. leaf area index). Compared to the control parameters, the following data was recorded under salt stress: spike length, number of spikes, number of spikelets, number of tillers, biological yield, and harvest index. Salicylic acid was used as a foliar spray to lessen the effects of salinity stress, and 1 mg L-1 of salicylic acid proved more effective than 0.5 mg L-1. Both varieties show better growth by applying salicylic acid (0 mg L-1) as a control, showing normal growth. By increasing its level to (0.5 mg L-1), it shows better growth but maximized growth occurred at a higher level (1 mg L-1). Barley sultan (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the best variety as compared to Jau-17 performs more growth to mitigate salt stress (0mM and 120mM NaCl) by improving morpho-physiological parameters by enhancing plan height, Root and shoot fresh and dry weights, as well as root and shoot lengths, photosynthetic pigments, area of the leaves and their index, and yield attributes and reduce sodium ions.
Empowering patients in primary care: a qualitative exploration of the usability and utility of an online diabetes self-management tool
Authors: Choo Jeremy Wei Song , Moosa Aminath Shiwaza , Koh Jeremy Wei Mei , Ng Chirk Jenn , Tan Ngiap Chuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite the potential advantages of Internet-based diabetes self-management education, its adoption was not widespread among Singapore’s public primary care clinics (polyclinics). An interactive online tool was thus developed to help educate patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and was now ready for user testing before implementation.

Aim
To explore the perceived utility and usability of the educational tool in patients with suboptimally-controlled T2DM in a Singapore primary care setting.

Methods
In-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data from multi-ethnic Asian adults who had suboptimally-controlled T2DM. A total of 17 IDIs were conducted between April 2022 to March 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emergent themes via thematic analysis.

Results
Regarding utility, users found the educational tool useful because it provided them with information that was comprehensive, accessible, reliable, and manageable. Regarding usability, the majority of users reported that the educational tool was easy to use, and suggested ways to improve navigational cues, visual clarity, readability and user engagement.

Conclusion
Participants generally found the educational tool useful and easy to use. A revised educational tool will be developed based on their feedback and implemented in clinical practice.
Association of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine with motoric cognitive risk in elderly Chinese people: RUGAO longevity and aging cross-sectional study
Authors: Dai Qingqing , Ma Yajun , Liu Chang , Zhao Ruixue , Chen Qi , Chen Weijia , Wang Xiaofeng , Jiang Xiaoyan , Li Shujuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Motor cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) represents a critical pre-dementia and disability state characterized by a combination of objectively measured slow walking speed and subjective memory complaints (SMCs). This study aims to identify risk factors for MCR and investigate the relationship between plasma levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and MCR among Chinese community-dwelling elderly populations.

Methods
A total of 1312 participants were involved in this study based on the data of the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study (RuLAS). The MCR was characterized by SMCs and slow walking speed. The SCCs were defined as a positive answer to the question ‘Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?’ in a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Slow walking speed was determined by one standard deviation or more below the mean value of the patient’s age and gender group. The plasma of 8-OHdG were measured by a technician in the biochemistry laboratory of the Rugao People’s Hospital during the morning of the survey.

Results
The prevalence of MCR was found to be 7.9%. After adjusting for covariates, significant associations with MCR were observed in older age (OR 1.057; p = 0.018), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.155; p = 0.010), and elevated 8-OHdG levels (OR 1.007; p = 0.003).

Conclusions
This study indicated the elevated plasma 8-OHdG is significantly associated with increased MCR risk in the elderly, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for early detection and intervention in MCR. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring oxidative DNA damage markers in predicting cognitive and motor function declines, offering new avenues for research and preventive strategies in aging populations.
Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines, associated factors and reasons for not taking a vaccine: a cross sectional study among persons aged 13–80 years in Wakiso, Central Uganda
Authors: Daama Alex , Rashid Naziru , Asani Kasango , Nalwoga Grace Kigozi , Nalugoda Fred , Bulamba Robert , Kyasanku Emmanuel , Nakigozi Gertrude , Kigozi Godfrey , Kagaayi Joseph , Mugamba Stephen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Vaccination has been recommended as one of the approaches for the control of COVID-19 pandemic. However, adequate vaccine coverage is critical to the effectiveness of the vaccine at population level. Data on acceptability of the vaccine in Ugandan urban areas are limited. This study examined the prevalence, factors associated with willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine including reasons for not taking COVID-19 vaccine in a predominantly urban population of Wakiso, central Uganda.

Methods
Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted between March 1st, 2021 and September 30th, 2021 in the urban population-based cohort of the Africa Medical and behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO). A Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals of willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.

Results
A total of 1,903 participants were enrolled in this study; 61% of whom were females. About 63% of participants indicated their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Persons aged 13–19 years (aPR = 0.79; [95% CI: 0.74, 0.84]) or 20-29years (aPR = 0.93; [95% CI: 0.88, 0.98]) were less likely to accept the vaccine compared to persons aged 40–49 years. Persons with post-primary level of education (aPR = 1.05; [95% CI: 1.02, 1.09]) were more likely to accept the vaccine compared to persons with primary level of education. Additionally, students or individuals working in government (aPR = 1.13; [95% CI: 1.04, 1.23]) were more likely to accept the vaccine compared to individuals doing construction and Mechanic work as their main occupation. Reported reasons for not taking a COVID-19 vaccine included; concerns about side effects of the vaccine 154(57.0%), 64(23.7%) did not think the vaccines were effective, while 32(11.9%) did not like the vaccines.

Conclusion
A substantial proportion of individuals were not willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Health education campaigns on vaccination within urban communities could help reduce COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions in the urban populations more especially the young and persons with low levels of formal education.