bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the relationship between IL17A, IL17F and ILR1N polymorphisms and COVID‐19 severity: The predictive role of IL17A rs2275913 polymorphism in the clinical course of COVID‐19
Authors: Cakmak Genc Gunes , Karakas Celik Sevim , Yilmaz Busra , Piskin Nihal , Altinsoy Bulent , Dursun Ahmet 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Although the mortality rate of the disease has been relatively under control as of 2022, more than 15 million confirmed COVID‐19 cases have been detected in Turkey to date, causing more than 100,000 deaths. The clinical manifestation of the disease varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome causing death. The immune response mechanisms have an important impact on the fine adjustment between healing and enhanced tissue damage. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the variants of the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), interleukin 17A (IL17A), and interleukin 17F (IL17F) genes and COVID‐19 severity. The study population comprised 202 confirmed COVID‐19 cases divided into three groups according to severity. The IL1RN variable number of a tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 polymorphisms were genotyped by the PCR‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between IL17A rs2275913 variant and COVID‐19 severity. The AA genotype and the A allele of IL17A rs2275913 were found significant in the severe group. Additionally, we found a significant relationship between haplotype frequency distributions and severity of COVID‐19 for the IL17F rs763780/rs2397084 (p = 0.044) and a combination of IL17F rs763780/rs2397084/ IL17A rs2275913 (p = 0.04). The CG and CGA haplotype frequencies were significantly higher in the severe group. IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 variants appear to have important effects on the immune response in COVID‐19. In conclusion, variants of IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 may be the predictive markers for the clinical course and potential immunomodulatory treatment options in COVID‐19, a disease that has placed a significant burden on our country.
Extending the metal to insulator transitions of rare‐earth nickelates towards low temperature ranges
Authors: Zhong Jian , Li Ziang , Zheng Yunqi , Jiang Peiheng , Zhang Fang , Zhang Ting , Cui Yuchen , Zhong Zhicheng , Chen Nuofu , Chen Jikun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAlthough the d‐band correlated rare‐earth nickelates (ReNiO3) exhibit broadly adjustable metal to insulator transitions (MIT) that enables emerging correlated electronic applications, it is yet difficult to regulate their associated critical temperature (TMIT) below 100 K. Herein, we extend the lower limit in TMIT of ReNiO3 down to 83 K while maintaining an abrupt switch in resistivity via partial La‐substitution of PrNiO3. The near edge X‐ray fine structure analysis and density function theory calculations indicate the strengthening in the metallic orbital configuration and reduction in the ground state band gap via La‐substitution of Re in NdNiO3 and PrNiO3. In contrast, analogous Ce substitution cannot reduce the TMIT of ReNiO3 owing to its valance variability toward +4, while La partial substitution of ReNiO3 with middle or heavy rare‐earth (e.g., Sm) easily disturb the co‐occupation of the Re‐site by the two rare‐earths as one dispersive phase.
Effects of AR‐ and VR‐based wearables in teaching English: The application of an ARCS model‐based learning design to improve elementary school students' learning motivation and performance
Authors: Hung Cheng‐Yu , Lin Yen‐Ting , Yu Shih‐Jou , Sun Jerry Chih‐Yuan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has examined the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in English language teaching. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the earlier studies that investigated integrating AR and VR “wearables” into teaching and learning English based on the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model compared the differences in learning motivation and performance between traditional teaching methods and those using AR‐ and VR‐based using wearables.ObjectivesTo create a thematic learning environment based on learners' lived experiences and provide them with an immersive English course that extends textbook knowledge using a technology‐assisted real‐life learning context.MethodThis study used a quasi‐experimental research design. A total of 119 participants were spilt into three learning groups based on teaching tools: traditional methods and AR‐ and VR‐based wearable devices. The performance of each group was evaluated through three stages using appropriate educational tools for traditional, AR‐, and VR‐based classrooms, followed by semistructured interviews. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the inference learning performance (remembering and analysing) of the four ARCS dimensions with the three teaching methods.ResultsThe results showed that confidence and relevance were positively correlated with learning performance in the VR‐based wearable group. In the context of the ARCS model, learners' confidence predicted learning performance and the remembering subdimension when VR‐based learning materials were used.ImplicationsThese results suggest that, compared to traditional teaching methods, VR‐based wearables make it easier to create a highly immersive learning environment and are more likely to help learners find the correct words, improve their accuracy, and increase their confidence and sense of accomplishment in the entire learning process.
Association of dietary calcium with mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in people with hypertension
Authors: Lin Ruilang , Feng Wen , Yang Yating , Xu Jiaqin , Yang Hui , Wu Jingyi , Li Jiong , Qin Guoyou , Yu Yongfu , Chen Jiaohua 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAssociation between calcium intake and premature mortality in the general population has been well studied, but little is known about the association among specific populations. The authors aim to evaluate the association among people with hypertension and to provide a proper reference range of dietary calcium intake. This prospective cohort study included 8534 US adults with hypertension from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2003–2014. Dietary calcium intakes were self‐reported and mortality status was ascertained by National Death Index records. During a median follow‐up of 5.9 years, 1357 death occurred. Compared with participants of dietary calcium intake in quintile 1, participants in quintiles 2 and 4 had a 27% (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60–0.89) and a 29% lower risk (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.88) of all‐cause mortality respectively. The authors also observed a 34% lower risk (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45–0.97) of CVD death among participants in quintile 3 and a 37% lower risk (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40–0.99) of cancer‐related death in participants in quintile 4 respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression revealed a consistent protective effect of dietary calcium in participants with a daily intake of over 1000 mg, but a daily intake over 1200 mg fails to show further protective effect. Our findings suggest that elevated dietary calcium was associated with lower mortality risk from all‐causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, and supplying sufficient dietary calcium intake, between 1000 and 1200 mg per day, in people with hypertension may be considered cost‐effective to decrease risk of premature death.
An empirical analysis of sentencing of “Access to Information” computer crimes
Authors: Graves James T. , Acquisti Alessandro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThere is a widespread perception that computer crime sentencing is too harsh. But this criticism has occurred in the absence of comprehensive, multi‐year data on how computer crimes are actually sentenced and how those sentences compare to other, purportedly similar crimes, such as trespass, burglary, or fraud. This article uses an analysis of real‐world sentencing data to examine how the computer crimes are actually sentenced. We combined court filings and U.S. Sentencing Commission data files to build a custom data set of 1095 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) sentences from 2005 through 1998. Our results show that CFAA sentences are sentenced differently from trespass, burglary, or non‐CFAA fraud crimes; that sentences in which the defendant exceeded authorized access have declined over the years; and that the “sophisticated means” and “special skills” enhancements have been less routinely applied than has been assumed. These results have policy implications for how CFAA crimes are sentenced.
Effect of tooth brushing simulation on the surface properties of various resin‐matrix computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing ceramics
Authors: Ximinis Evangelos , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Tournavitis Alexandros , Konstantinidis Avraam , Naka Olga 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose was to investigate the alterations in surface properties of different resin‐matrix CAD/CAM ceramics following tooth brushing simulation (TBS) and compare them with a direct resin composite and a glass ceramic CAD/CAM material.Materials and methodsFour resin‐based CAD/CAM restoratives (Brilliant Crios—BR, Lava™ Ultimate—LV, Grandio Blocs—GR and Shofu Block HC—SH), a leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic (IPS Empress® CAD—EC) and a resin composite (Filtek™ Z250—FZ) for direct restorations were tested. In particular, surface loss, hardness, roughness and morphology were investigated utilizing confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation tester. TBS was conducted for 4 × 15 min on the surface of the samples and then the changes in their surface properties were evaluated.ResultsAfter TBS, all the experimental groups exhibited surface loss to different extent. FZ and BR presented the highest surface loss, while EC and GR the lowest (p < 0.05). Regarding surface roughness, all the tested materials exhibited increase after TBS (p < 0.05), except LV (p = 0.099). EC presented the lowest Sa values, while FZ and BR the highest (p < 0.05). Changes in surface morphology were in compliance with the results of surface roughness and also surface hardness was correlated with surface loss.ConclusionsThe tested resin‐matrix CAD/CAM ceramic restorative materials showed a competent behavior against abrasive forces applied during TBS. Surface loss and roughness changes were material dependent and superior compared to a resin composite for direct restorations, while in comparison with a leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic exhibited inferior properties.Clinical significanceTooth brushing affected differently the surface of the tested restorative materials. However, the abrasive wear that was induced was negligible. Clinical studies are necessary to ascertain if there is clinical significance of these surface alterations that may demand repair of such restorations.
Tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase suppresses ABA signaling via sulfation of SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Chunyan , Wang Tianrun , Zhang Shizhong , Yan Kang , Yang Guodong , Wu Changai , Zheng Chengchao , Huang Jinguang 
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYPhytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays vital roles in stress tolerance, while long‐term overactivation of ABA signaling suppresses plant growth and development. However, the braking mechanism of ABA responses is not clear. Protein tyrosine sulfation catalyzed by tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST) is a critical post‐translational modification. Through genetic screening, we identified a tpst mutant in Arabidopsis that was hypersensitive to ABA. In‐depth analysis revealed that TPST could interact with and sulfate SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6, which accelerated their degradation and weakened the ABA signaling. Taken together, these findings uncovered a novel mechanism of desensitizing ABA responses via protein sulfation.
Stress‐related neuropeptide systems as targets for treatment of alcohol addiction: A clinical perspective
Authors: Heilig Markus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAlcohol use is a major cause of disability and death globally. These negative consequences disproportionately affect people who develop alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing condition characterized by increased motivation to use alcohol, choice of alcohol over healthy, natural rewards, and continued use despite negative consequences. Available pharmacotherapies for alcohol addiction are few, have effect sizes in need of improvement, and remain infrequently prescribed. Research aimed at developing novel therapeutics has in large part focused on attenuating pleasurable or “rewarding” properties of alcohol, but this targets processes that primarily play a role as initiation factors. As clinical alcohol addiction develops, long‐term changes in brain function result in a shift of affective homeostasis, and rewarding alcohol effects become progressively reduced. Instead, increased stress sensitivity and negative affective states emerge in the absence of alcohol and create powerful incentives for relapse and continued use through negative reinforcement, or “relief.” Based on research in animal models, several neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play an important role in this shift, suggesting that these systems could be targeted by novel medications. Two mechanisms in this category, antagonism at corticotropin‐releasing factor type 1, and neurokinin 1/substance P receptors, have been subject to initial evaluation in humans. A third, kappa‐opioid receptor antagonism, has been evaluated in nicotine addiction and could soon be tested for alcohol. This paper discusses findings with these mechanisms to date, and their prospects as future targets for novel medications.
Impact of physical and mental training on dental students' fine motor skills
Authors: Uziel Nir , lugassy Diva , Ghanaym Khaled , Meari Hiba , Brosh Tamar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundMental training can be beneficial when learning new motor skills.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether a combination of physical and mental training can replace physical training.MethodsSixty dental students were randomly divided into six groups, which were assigned different regimens of physical and mental training: A. 75% mental 25% physical; B. 50% mental 50% physical; C. 75% physical 25% mental; D. 100% mental; E. 100% physical; F. control, no practice. The physical training comprised eight different tasks performed on the Purdue Pegboard: four tasks with direct vision (PD) and four tasks with indirect vision (PIND). The mental training involved listening to a recording explaining the actions to be performed. The tests were performed twice: T0, before training; and T1, at 24 h after training. The non‐parametric Mann–Whitney test was used to detect differences between the groups. Changes between T0 and T1 within a group were analysed by Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups at T0. At T1, members of Groups A, B, C, and E had improved at five to eight tasks, while Groups D and F had improved at two tasks. Notably, Group D improved in the assembly tasks. Ranking the extent of improvement at T1, indicated that For PD Groups B, E > F, D while for PIND B, C, E > A, F and E > D.ConclusionSubstituting some physical training by mental training can provide similar improvements in fine motor skills, although the optimal combination remains to be determined. Mental training may be more effective for cognitive tasks.
Impact of theCOVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric Medicaid dental claims in Arizona
Authors: Mommaerts Katherine , Roy Indrakshi , Helm Denise Muesch 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the role COVID‐19 had on access to dental services among children in Arizona by comparing paid pediatric dental claims made before and during the pandemic.MethodsIn a retrospective descriptive study, we examined Medicaid paid claims for dental services among pediatric patients from March through December 2019 and during the outbreak in 2020. Using dental claims data obtained from the Centers for Health Information and Research at Arizona State University (ASU), we analyzed Medicaid (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System [AHCCCS]) reimbursed dental services.ResultsDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, paid preventive dental claims for children aged birth to 21 years decreased in 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. Pediatric patients in Arizona utilized fewer dental services and had less access to credentialed Medicaid dental providers during the pandemic. Further, rural counties had statistically significant fewer preventive, minor restorative, major restorative, and endodontic claims compared to urban counties. Arizona rural counties also had fewer providers who were paid $10,000 or more per year during 2020 than in 2019.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 has had a detrimental impact on pediatric dental service utilization. While dental services were provided during the COVID‐19 pandemic, preventive and restorative dental claims dropped for rural Arizona children aged birth to 21 years. This reveals potential negative impacts on oral health. Further research should examine the direct and indirect impact the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on dental service utilization and oral health for the general pediatric population.
Comparison of Cirrus spectral domain OCT with disc–macula distance to disc diameter ratio in diagnosing congenital optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Pang Yi , Frantz Kelly A. , Yin Huizi Kelly 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPurposeDiagnosis of congenital optic nerve hypoplasia (CONH) can be challenging in children or uncooperative individuals. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment; thus, it is important to identify an objective and reliable measurement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Cirrus spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) is a valid test for diagnosing CONH by comparing it to the disc–macula distance to disc diameter (DM:DD) ratio.MethodsA total of 93 participants (64 controls and 29 CONH) underwent comprehensive eye examinations, fundus photography and Cirrus SD‐OCT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the DM:DD ratio and OCT disc area were constructed for CONH and control eyes.ResultsMean (±SD) OCT disc area was 1.46 (±0.42) mm2 and 1.89 (±0.38) mm2 for CONH and control eyes, respectively (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve for the DM:DD ratio was 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.99) and 0.79 for OCT disc area (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.86), which were significantly different (p = 0.0005). The optimal cut‐off value for OCT disc area was 1.66 mm2 (76% sensitivity, 70% specificity), while the optimal cut‐off for DM:DD ratio was 3.10 (85% sensitivity and 95% specificity). The Cirrus SD‐OCT showed a tendency to overestimate disc size, especially in cases with no light perception (NLP) or segmental CONH.ConclusionsAlthough the DM:DD ratio is superior to OCT in diagnosing CONH with a higher sensitivity and specificity, the ratio is subject to inter‐examiner variability and can be challenging to obtain. We found the Cirrus SD‐OCT to be a valid objective test for diagnosing CONH. Caution is advised when using SD‐OCT in segmental CONH or in an eye with NLP. We suggest 1.66 mm2 as the optimal cut‐off value for Cirrus SD‐OCT disc area to differentiate a hypoplastic from a normal optic disc.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Platelet‐Rich Plasma for Epicondylitis, Elbow: Simultaneous Lateral and Medial Versus Lateral Versus Medial
Authors: Park Hyung‐Seok , Jo Sung Min , Dasari Srivanth , Moon Young Lae 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveLateral and medial epicondylitis are relatively common diseases, but they do not improve quickly and are known to reduce patients' quality of life. Much research has been done on Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis, but research on medial epicondylitis is lacking. The purpose of this study is to compare: (i) the pain intensity; and (ii) the functional outcome between the simultaneous treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis and the treatment of only lateral or medial epicondylitis using PRP.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 209 patients treated with PRP on epicondylitis between March 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled. Simultaneous treatment was underwent 68 patients (group I). Seventy patients were treated for lateral epicondylitis (group II). The remaining 71 patients were treated for medial epicondylitis (group III). The visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were evaluated for clinical outcomes at the initial visit and 6 months after injection.ResultsVAS for pain and MEPS showed significant improvement in all three groups compared to before treatment. There was no significant difference between three groups on –ΔVAS (P > 0.05). However, in case of ΔMEPS, group III showed significantly lower compared to groups II and III (P < 0.05). No patients showed worsening of symptoms or complications during the treatment.ConclusionPRP injection for the patient with elbow medial and lateral epicondylitis can be treated effectively simultaneously in terms of pain. From a functional point of view, the effect of simultaneous treatment may be lessened than in the case of only lateral and medial treatment.
Genome‐wide association study of grain iron and zinc concentration in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Gelaw Yonas Moges , Eleblu John S. Y. , Ofori Kwadwo , Fenta Berhanu Amsalu , Mukankusi Clare , Offei Samuel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCommon bean is one of the widely consumed food security crop in Africa, Asia and South America. It is a rich source of protein, minerals and micronutrients. High genotype by environment interaction is one of the main challenge in breeding for high grain micronutrient concentration. The objective of this study was to estimate SNP markers associated with grain Fe and Zn concentration using 289 common bean genotypes and 11,480 SNP markers. The study revealed that 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were associated with grain Fe and Zn concentration. Five quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), that is, QTN Fe_1.1, QTN Fe_6.3, QTN Fe_6.5, QTN Fe_10.3 and QTN Fe_11.6 were detected both at Haramaya and Melkassa locations. Two of the markers, that is, QTN Fe_6.3 and QTN Fe_6.5, were located on chromosome 06 while QTN Fe_1.1, QTN Fe_10.3 and QTN Fe_ 11.6 were residing on chromosomes 01, 10 and 11, respectively. Among these, QTN Fe_11.6 had a large and positive consistent effect across locations. The five stable QTNs along with the potential candidate genes could be used for Fe biofortification through marker assisted selection.