bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of preclinical removable prosthodontics based on multiple‐choice questions: Stakeholders' perceptions
Authors: Shammas Mohammed , Nagda Suhasini , Shah Chinmay , Baxi Gaurang , Gadde Praveen , Sachdeva Shabina , Gupta Deeksha , Wali Othman , Dhall Rupinder Singh , Gajdhar Shaiq 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeItem analysis of multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) is an essential tool for identifying items that can be stored, revised, or discarded to build a quality MCQ bank. This study analyzed MCQs based on item analysis to develop a pool of valid and reliable items and investigate stakeholders’ perceptions regarding MCQs in a written summative assessment (WSA) based on this item analysis.MethodsIn this descriptive study, 55 questions each from 2016 to 2019 of WSA in preclinical removable prosthodontics for fourth‐year undergraduate dentistry students were analyzed for item analysis. Items were categorized according to their difficulty index (DIF I) and discrimination index (DI). Students (2021–2022) were assessed using this question bank. Students’ perceptions of and feedback from faculty members concerning this assessment were collected using a questionnaire with a five‐point Likert scale.ResultsOf 220 items when both indices (DIF I and DI) were combined, 144 (65.5%) were retained in the question bank, 66 (30%) required revision before incorporation into the question bank, and only 10 (4.5%) were discarded. The mean DIF I and DI values were 69% (standard deviation [Std.Dev] = 19) and 0.22 (Std.Dev = 0.16), respectively, for 220 MCQs. The mean scores from the questionnaire for students and feedback from faculty members ranged from 3.50 to 4.04 and from 4 to 5, respectively, indicating that stakeholders tended to agree and strongly agree, respectively, with the proposed statements.ConclusionThis study assisted the prosthodontics department in creating a set of prevalidated questions with known difficulty and discrimination capacity.
Using varied technological agents‐assisted simultaneous prompting for teaching discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Kirsal Ayten Ozkirac , Kahveci Gul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examines the effectiveness of combining simultaneous prompting method with small group teaching through computer projection, SMART board, tablet computer and humanoid robot to teach discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities (CDD). The study included 14 CDD aged 10–15. It utilizes a multiple probe design across behaviors and probe conditions and replicates them across subjects. Each participant is taught discrete skills within a small group teaching arrangement. The study includes daily probes, full probes, teaching sessions, generalization, and follow‐up sessions. It also collects interobserver reliability and application reliability data. Graphical analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of computer‐based simultaneous prompting incorporating different technologies in a small group teaching setting. Additionally, we examined differences in children's responses to different technological agents in teaching discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities. The study provided preliminary data on which of these agents is best. The results demonstrate its effectiveness by showing that participants maintained the learned behaviors and applied them to a variety of tools, equipment, and individuals in the first, third, and fourth weeks after the intervention. Additionally, the study highlights the subjects' high accuracy in acquiring behavior through observational learning. Finally, simple humanoid robots, tablets, smart SMART boards, and computer projections have been effective in teaching discrete skills to CDD, respectively.
Surface characteristics of additively manufactured CoCr and Ti6Al4V dental alloys: The effects of carbon and gold thin film coatings, and alkali‐heat treatment
Authors: Yilmaz Bengi , Ayyildiz Simel , Kalyoncuoglu Ulku Tugba , Tahmasebifar Aydin , Baran Erkan Türker 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of surface modifications on additively manufactured CoCr and Ti6Al4V dental alloys, focusing on surface properties. Thin film carbon (C) and gold (Au) coatings, as well as alkali‐heat treatment, were applied to the high‐ and low‐polished specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that thin film coatings retained the underlying surface topography, while the alkali‐heat treatment induced distinct morphological changes. Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that C‐coating enriched surfaces with C, and Au‐coating introduced detectable amounts of Au. Nevertheless, signs of coating delamination were observed in the high‐polished specimens. Alkali‐heat treatment led to the formation of a sodium titanate layer on Ti6Al4V surfaces, confirmed by sodium presence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showing carbonate bands. Surface roughness measurements with atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that C‐coating increased surface roughness in both high‐ and low‐polished alloys. Au‐coating slightly increased roughness, except for low‐polished Au‐coated Ti6Al4V, where a decrease in roughness was observed compared to low‐polished bare Ti6Al4V, likely due to surface defects present in the latter resulting from the additive manufacturing process. Alkali‐heat treatment led to a pronounced increase in roughness for both alloys, particularly for Ti6Al4V. Both thin film coatings decreased the water contact angles in all specimens in varying magnitudes, indicating an increase in wettability. However, the alkali‐heat treatment caused a substantial decrease in contact angles, resulting in a highly hydrophilic state for Ti6Al4V. These findings underscore the substantial impact of surface modifications on additively manufactured dental alloys, potentially influencing their clinical performance.Research Highlights
Thin film coatings and chemical/heat treatment modify the surface properties of additively manufactured dental alloys.
The surfaces of the alloys get rougher and more hydrophilic after alkali‐heat treatment.
Thin gold coatings exhibit potential adhesion challenges.
Intra and interspecific differences in desiccation tolerance in native and alien Antarctic springtails in geothermal grounds
Authors: Escribano‐Álvarez Pablo , Castro Mario G. , Pertierra Luis R. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe extreme low humidity and temperatures in Antarctica make it one of the harsher areas for life on our planet. In a global change context, environmental barriers that prevented the arrival of alien species in Antarctica are weakening. Deception Island, one of the four active volcanoes of Antarctica, is especially vulnerable to the impacts of alien species. Geothermal areas (GA) in this Island offer unique microclimatic conditions that could differentially affect native and alien soil arthropods. Here we explore the desiccation tolerance of a native (Cryptopygus antarcticus) and an alien (Proisotoma minuta) springtail (Collembola) species to these extreme environmental conditions. GA and non‐geothermal areas (NGA) were selected to evaluate intra‐ and interspecific variation in desiccation tolerance. Populations of P. minuta from GA had greater desiccation tolerance than populations from NGA. However, desiccation tolerance of C. antarcticus did not differ between GA and NGA. This native species had greater desiccation tolerance than the alien P. minuta, but also greater body size. Our findings show that the alien P. minuta responds differently to environmental conditions than the native C. antarcticus. Furthermore, body size may influence desiccation tolerance in these two springtail species.
BIPOC students' paths to genetic counseling: Results from a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Carmichael Nikkola , Zayhowski Kimberly , Diaz Joselyn Saenz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite diversity initiatives, the genetic counseling profession continues to exhibit limited racial and ethnic diversity, with relatively stagnant representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Prior research has found that BIPOC high school and college students are less likely to be aware of genetic counseling and learn about it later than their white peers. Financial barriers and familial discouragement based on a preference for medical school may disproportionately impact BIPOC applicants. Here, we report the first set of results from a longitudinal constructivist grounded theory study exploring the training experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Through reflexive thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews conducted with 26 first‐year BIPOC genetic counseling students, we identified five themes pertaining to participants' paths to enrolling in a genetic counseling program: (1) Deciding to pursue genetic counseling, (2) Family's reaction to genetic counseling, (3) Deciding where to submit applications, (4) Barriers during admissions, and (5) Ranking programs. Participants discovered genetic counseling later in their academic journey, often necessitating gap years to complete admissions requirements. Limited guidance from advisors was commonly cited as a barrier by first‐generation college students. Family support seems to be a key factor in participants' successful pursuit of genetic counseling, but participants described challenges explaining the career, particularly to parents who did not speak English. In addition, some participants encountered resistance about changing prior plans to go to medical school. Finally, while participants prioritized cost and location in their initial decision about where to submit applications, their ranking of programs was heavily influenced by experiences during interviews, where they favored conversational interviews and evaluated if they would “fit in” at the program. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures, such as early exposure initiatives, mentorship programs, and resources to facilitate family support, to promote diversity in genetic counseling.
New quinoxaline‐piperazine‐oxazole conjugates: Synthesis, in vitro anticancer, in silico ADMET, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Ferazoddin Mohammad , Marupati Siddhartha , Dasari Gouthami , Syeda Arshiya Banu , Ali Mohammad Imtiyaz , Manchal Ravinder , Bokkala Karthik , Bandari Srinivas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we describe the synthesis of some new quinoxaline‐piperazine‐oxazole amide conjugates 6a‐n from 3‐chloroquinoxaline‐2‐carbonitrile using well‐known reaction sequences. The synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR,13C NMR, and mass spectral analysis. The compounds were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity toward four different cancer cell lines such as PC‐3, MCF‐7, DU‐145, and A‐549 by MTT method. The compounds, 6c, 6h, 6i, and 6n were found to be more potent than the standard Erlotinib. In vitro tyrosine kinase EGFR inhibition studies using four potent compounds revealed that 6n has double inhibiting tendency with value IC50 of 0.22 μM and 6h with value of IC50 0.27 μM compared to reference compound. Molecular docking studies of active compounds, 6c, 6h, 6i, and 6n on EGFR receptor suggested that all the compounds have more binding energies than that of Erlotinib. Furthermore, the in silico pharmacokinetic profile was accomplished for the active compounds, 6c, 6h, 6i, and 6n using SWISS/ADME and pk CSM, whereas compounds, 6h, 6i, and 6c followed Lipinski rule, Veber rule, Egan rule and Muegge rule. The remaining compound 6n did not follow Lipinski rule, Ghose rule because one common violation, that is, because of high molecular weight (MW > 350).
Dynamics of serum cross‐neutralization capacity against SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant in convalescent COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Nedelcu Iulia , Florian Paula , Daniel Ion George Nicolae , Militaru Eliza , Damalan Anca , Popescu Costin‐Ioan , Hristea Adriana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe magnitude and breadth of the neutralizing antibody response against variants of concern following natural infection would provide valuable insights regarding the immune response induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Herein, 25 patients were followed at 30 ±7 (Visit 1), 90± 15 (Visit 2), and 180 ± 15 (Visit 3) days post symptom onset (PSO). The neutralization titers against both Wuhan‐Hu‐1 (WT) and Delta variant were analyzed in parallel along with anti‐Spike antibodies (anti‐S1/S2 immunoglobulin G [IgG]). The median values of half‐maximal neutralization titer (NT50) for the WT and Delta variants decreased by 75.8% and 82.2% at Visit 2 and by 85.4% and 81.4% at Visit 3, respectively. At Visit 1, the correlation between the anti‐S1/S2 IgG and Nabs titers for the Delta variant was moderate for WT (r = 0.58) and weak for the Delta variant (r = 0.39). However, the correlation coefficient consistently remained above 0.7, with a very strong correlation at Visit 3 for both WT and Delta variants (r = 0.81). The dynamics of anti‐S1/S2 IgG antibodies, NT50, and cross‐neutralization index correlated at different time points PSO. Longitudinal analysis of the cross‐neutralization capacity of immune sera will inform upon the durability of the immune response against SARS CoV‐2 variants.
Landscape of T cell epitopes displays hot mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 variant spikes evading cellular immunity
Authors: Gan Mengze , Cao Jinge , Zhang Yandi , Fu Hui , Lin Xiaosong , Ouyang Qi , Xu Xinyue , Yuan Yin , Fan Xionglin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe continuous evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been accompanied by the emergence of viral mutations that pose a great challenge to existing vaccine strategies. It is not fully understood with regard to the role of mutations on the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein from emerging viral variants in T cell immunity. In the current study, recombinant eukaryotic plasmids were constructed as DNA vaccines to express the spike protein from multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. These DNA vaccines were used to immunize BALB/c mice, and cross‐T cell responses to the spike protein from these viral strains were quantitated using interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) Elispot. Peptides covering the full‐length spike protein from different viral strains were used to detect epitope‐specific IFN‐γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron BA.1 strains were found to have broad T cell cross‐reactivity, followed by the Beta strain. The landscapes of T cell epitopes on the spike protein demonstrated that at least 30 mutations emerging from Alpha to Omicron BA.5 can mediate the escape of T cell immunity. Omicron and its sublineages have 19 out of these 30 mutations, most of which are new, and a few are inherited from ancient circulating variants of concerns. The cross‐T cell immunity between SARS‐CoV‐2 prototype strain and Omicron strains can be attributed to the T cell epitopes located in the N‐terminal domain (181–246 aa [amino acids], 271–318 aa) and C‐terminal domain (1171–1273 aa) of the spike protein. These findings provide in vivo evidence for optimizing vaccine manufacturing and immunization strategies for current or future viral variants.
Characteristics, clinical laboratory, histopathology, and outcomes of glycogenic hepatopathy in children
Authors: Jarasvaraparn Chaowapong , González Iván A. , Tolliver Kyla M. , Haddad Nadine G. , Molleston Jean P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionGlycogenic hepatopathy (GH) is a rare complication of type I diabetes mellitus (DM1), resulting in abnormal deposition of glycogen in the liver due to poor glycemic control. Clinical characteristics and natural history of GH are not completely understood in children. In this study, we investigated clinical, biochemical, histologic parameters and outcomes in children with GH.MethodThis was a retrospective review of patients less than 18 years old diagnosed with GH and DM. GH was confirmed on liver biopsy. Medical records were reviewed for clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and clinical outcomes. Liver biopsy findings were reviewed by a pediatric pathologist (I. A. G.).ResultsNine children were diagnosed with GH and type 1 DM. The median age at diagnosis of GH was 16 (IQR 14.5−17) years. Duration of diagnosis of DM until GH diagnosis was 7 (IQR 5−11) years. The median frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis before GH diagnosis was three times (IQR 2−5.25). Peak Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) ranged from 115 to 797, and 83−389 units/L, respectively. Only two children had mild fibrosis. Seven of nine had steatosis without steatohepatitis. There was no correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or other laboratory tests and liver fibrosis on biopsy. HbA1c was 11.2 (IQR 10.2−12.8) at GH diagnosis and 9.8 (IQR 9.5−10.8) with normalization of liver enzymes.ConclusionGH appears to be related to poor glycemic control in teenagers with long‐term diabetes. GH presents with high to very high aminotransferase especially AST > ALT and resolves with modestly improved glycemic control. Diffuse hepatocyte swelling, steatosis, minimal fibrosis without hepatocyte ballooning or lobular inflammation are most common histological features.
Bone diseases in a Pleistocene South American native ungulate species: the case of Toxodon platensis Owen, 1837 (Mammalia, Notoungulata, Toxodontidae)
Authors: Luna Carlos A. , De S. Barbosa Fernando H. , Gonzalez Romina , Miño‐Boilini Ángel R. , Repetto Carolina , Zurita Alfredo E. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTKnowledge of bone pathologies in South American native ungulates is very scarce, which contrasts with other groups of megamammals such as xenarthrans and proboscideans. In this paper, based on morphological and histological analysis, we describe different bone pathologies in two specimens of Toxodon platensis Owen (Notoungulata), one of the most common taxa in the Late Pleistocene faunistic associations of northeastern Argentina. Subchondral erosions on the metacarpus and magnum, non‐marginal syndesmophytes and enthesitis on the vertebral body, the neural column and the zygapophyseal joint of the lumbar vertebrae, as well as a particular periosteal reaction on the ribs, have been interpreted as manifestations of spondyloarthropathies in one of the analyzed individuals. In the same individual, a process of fusion and bone neoformation is observed in the caudal vertebrae, which seems to correspond both to the aforementioned spondyloarthropathy and to an infectious process. A lesion on the fourth metatarsus of a second individual with an evident cloaca is suggestive of osteomyelitis; this is the first report of this pathology in notoungulates. It seems possible that some of these pathologies may have been facilitated by factors such as body mass, mode of locomotion and/or environment. These findings provide insight into some aspects of the ecology of this particular group of extinct South American megamammals.
High‐Sensitive and Background‐Free Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy Using Delay Modulation
Authors: Wu Fan , Li Shangyu , Chen Xun , Yue Shuhua , Hong Weili , Wang Pu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCoherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has demonstrated a powerful platform for label‐free, non‐invasive, and chemically specific imaging of biological samples. However, the non‐resonant background limits its ability to detect weak Raman signals. Here, an approach to eliminate the non‐resonant background in CARS using delay modulation (DM) is presented, which is enabled by an acousto‐optic modulator and spectral focusing. The results demonstrate that DM‐CARS reduces the non‐resonant background by 10 times and improves detection sensitivity by 100‐fold over normal CARS. It also shows that DM‐CARS has potential applications in tracking heavy water metabolism in bacteria for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and imaging liver tumor tissues. Furthermore, a handheld DM‐CARS device has also demonstrated for in vivo imaging, which can be beneficial in various applications.
Multichannel Linear and Nonlinear Information Encryptions with Malus Metasurfaces
Authors: Sun Yuexin , Geng Guangzhou , Wang Yanchun , Zhang Yuebian , Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Chen Shuqi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe superior capability of wavefront manipulation makes metasurfaces a promising platform for implementing high‐density information storage and multifold optical encryption. Although some metasurfaces have realized information encryption, it is still challenging to implement polarization‐encrypted grayscale images in both linear and nonlinear channels. Here, a novel approach to realize multichannel linear and nonlinear information encryptions is proposed based on nonlinear Malus metasurfaces composed of single‐sized meta‐atoms, in which the polarization states of the linear and nonlinear signals can be decoupled. As a proof of concept, two distinct grayscale images with different polarizations have been encrypted in the fundamental and second harmonic wave channels simultaneously. Besides, by further introducing the nonlinear Pancharatnam‐Berry phase, a tri‐channel polarization encrypted metasurface with a multi‐level grayscale image in the near field and two holographic images in the far field has been experimentally demonstrated at the second harmonic frequency. This work provides more degrees of freedom for multichannel information storage and opens an avenue for optical information encryption in both linear and nonlinear regimes.
Motor and Non‐motor Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation across the Genetic Panorama of Parkinson's Disease: A Multi‐Scale Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Asimakidou Evridiki , Xiromerisiou Georgia , Sidiropoulos Christos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the era of modern medicine, where high‐throughput sequencing techniques are readily available, it is desirable to elucidate the role of genetic background in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Genetic stratification of PD patients undergoing DBS may assist in patient selection and prediction of clinical outcomes and complement existing selection procedures such as levodopa challenge testing.ObjectiveTo capture a broad spectrum of motor and non‐motor DBS outcomes in genetic PD patients with data from the recently updated literature.MethodsA multi‐scale meta‐analysis with 380 genetic PD cases was conducted using the Cochrane Review Manager, JASP software and R.ResultsThis meta‐analysis revealed that overall, patients with genetic PD are good candidates for DBS but the outcomes might differ depending on the presence of specific mutations. PRKN carriers benefited the most regarding motor function, daily dose medication and motor complications. However, GBA carriers appeared to be more prone to cognitive decline after subthalamic nucleus DBS accompanied by a low quality of life with variable severity depending on genetic variants and concomitant alterations in other genes. Apart from GBA, cognitive worsening was also observed in SNCA carriers. Pre‐operative levodopa responsiveness and a younger age of onset are associated with a favorable motor outcome.ConclusionA personalized approach with a variant‐based risk stratification within the emerging field of surgicogenomics is needed. Integration of polygenic risk scores in clinical‐decision making should be encouraged.