bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interview: At Home on the Road: A Conversation between Ursula Deser Friedman and Ha Jin
Authors: Jin Ha , Friedman Ursula Deser 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In conversation with Ursula Deser Friedman, Ha Jin reflects upon the process of “rewriting” his poetry and prose, branching into philosophical reflections on the (un-) translatability of these respective genres, the Sisyphean quest for “home,” and literary multilingualism as an antidote to political censorship. Jin’s observations on carving out a hybrid linguistic niche paint (self-)translation as creative transmediation across mediums, languages, genres, and temporalities. Jin elaborates on his campaign to democratize English by writing against the grain, while reflecting upon multilingual literary creation and his immigrant identity at large. Jin’s foreignized linguistic aesthetics destabilizes the hegemony of English globalese by challenging the assumption that birthright automatically bestows a superior command over one’s “native” language. Jin’s reflections on writing, translation, wandering, exile, and immigration paint the Self as a cosmopolitan subject occupying an interstitial Transwriting Zone at the crossroads between multivalent linguistic and cultural identities.
Physicochemical and antimicrobial characteristics of polypropylene-based nanocomposite containing SiO2-Ag nanoparticles prepared by gamma irradiation
Authors: Fathy ES , Abdel-Fatah Sobhy S , Bekhit Mohamad 
Published: May 2024

This article evaluates the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties when silver-coated silica (SiO2-Ag) nanoparticles as active nanofiller are incorporated into the polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic matrix. The silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation method using sodium silicate. After that, silver-coated silica (SiO2-Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized by gamma radiation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis clarified the formation of SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. SiO2-Ag nanoparticles has a particle size with an average of 70 nm. The melt mixing procedure operated to fabricate PP thermoplastic nanocomposites with various ratios of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 part per hundred resin (phr) of the SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. To examine the effect of ionizing radiation on the prepared PP/SiO2-Ag nanocomposites, the samples were exposed to 20 kGy of gamma-irradiation. FTIR, XRD, mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized to characterize the physico-chemical alterations of the PP when loaded with SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. It is found that PP/1.0 phr SiO2-Ag nanocomposite revealed superior physico-chemical characteristics than the other two components. The irradiated specimens revealed superior tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) over unirradiated ones, whereas inverse effects were predominant in case elongation at break (E%). Tmax of the native PP increased from 335°C to nearly 370°C of PP/1.0 phr SiO2-Ag nanocomposite. It is established that the fabricated PP/SiO2-Ag nanocomposites exhibited potent antimicrobial activity and can be a good candidate for food packaging applications.
The lack of Tex44 causes severe subfertility with flagellar abnormalities in male mice
Authors: Dupuis Sophie , Girault Marie-Sophie , Le Beulze Morgane , Ialy-Radio Côme , Bermúdez-Guzmán Luis , Ziyyat Ahmed , Barbaux Sandrine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBy analyzing a mouse Interspecific Recombinant Congenic Strain (IRCS), we previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL), calledMafq1on mouse chromosome 1, that is associated with male hypofertility and ultrastructural sperm abnormalities. Within this locus, we identified a new candidate gene that could be implicated in a reproductive phenotype:Tex44(Testis-expressed protein 44). We thus performed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated complete deletion of this gene in mice in order to study its function.Tex44-KO males were severely hypofertile in vivo and in vitro due to a drastic reduction of sperm motility which itself resulted from important morphological sperm abnormalities. Namely,Tex44-KO sperm showed a disorganized junction between the midpiece and the principal piece of the flagellum, leading to a 180° flagellar bending in this region. In addition, the loss of some axonemal microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers in the flagellum’s principal piece has been observed. Our results suggest that, in mice, TEX44 is implicated in the correct set-up of the sperm flagellum during spermiogenesis and its absence leads to flagellar abnormalities and consequently to severe male hypofertility.Graphical Abstract
Maize miRNAs and their putative target genes involved in chilling stress response in 5-day old seedlings
Authors: Božić Manja , Ignjatović Micić Dragana , Delić Nenad , Nikolić Ana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
In the context of early sowing of maize as a promising adaptation strategy that could significantly reduce the negative effects of climate change, an in-depth understanding of mechanisms underlying plant response to low-temperature stress is demanded. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as key regulators of plant stress response, research on their role in chilling tolerance of maize during early seedling stages is scarce. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore chilling-responsive miRNAs, reveal their expression patterns and associated target genes, as well as to examine the possible functions of the conserved and novel miRNAs. In this study, the role of miRNAs was examined in 5d-old maize seedlings of one tolerant and one sensitive inbred line exposed to chilling (10/8 °C) stress for 6 h and 24 h, by applying high throughput sequencing.

Results
A total of 145 annotated known miRNAs belonging to 30 families and 876 potentially novel miRNAs were identified. Differential expression (DE) analysis between control and stress conditions identified 98 common miRNAs for both genotypes at one time point and eight miRNAs at both time points. Target prediction and enrichment analysis showed that the DE zma-miR396, zma-miR156, zma-miR319, and zma-miR159 miRNAs modulate growth and development. Furthermore, it was found that several other DE miRNAs were involved in abiotic stress response: antioxidative mechanisms (zma-miR398), signal transduction (zma-miR156, zma-miR167, zma-miR169) and regulation of water content (zma-miR164, zma-miR394, zma-miR396). The results underline the zma-miRNAs involvement in the modulation of their target genes expression as an important aspect of the plant’s survival strategy and acclimation to chilling stress conditions.

Conclusions
To our understanding, this is the first study on miRNAs in 5-d old seedlings’ response to chilling stress, providing data on the role of known and novel miRNAs post-transcriptional regulation of expressed genes and contributing a possible platform for further network and functional analysis.
Cervical length screening among low-risk women; relationship of body mass index on cervical length and risk of preterm birth
Authors: Basri Nurul Iftida , Dasrilsyah Rima Anggrena , Jamil Amilia Afzan Mohd , Leong Charmaine Sook Yee 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Preterm birth (PTB) contributes to nearly 11% of all deliveries in the world. The majority of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) remains unexplained. Risk factors include abnormal body mass index (BMI), short cervical length, comorbidities and many more. However, there is limited study on the association between body mass index, cervical length and preterm birth in Malaysia among low-risk women. Hence, we aim to examine the relationship between body mass index, cervical length and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.

Method
In this prospective cohort study, pregnant women between 16 and 24 weeks who fulfilled the criteria were recruited. Women with history of preterm birth were excluded. Demographic and clinical data (age, BMI, ethnicity, education level and parity) were obtained. Cervical length was measured using transvaginal scan. Patients were then followed up till delivery to determine their delivery gestation and outcome of delivery.

Results
Out of 153 women who participated in this study, 146 women had cervical length of more than 30 mm, six had cervical length between 25 mm and 30 mm and one had cervical length of 24 mm. There were nine (9) cases of sPTB, with all of them being late preterm with normal midtrimester cervical length. Almost half of them (44%) were overweight/obese. A significant association was found between age, cervical length, and parity compared to BMI. Nevertheless, no significant association was seen between the BMI and risk of sPTB.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates a higher BMI is associated with longer cervical length, but it is not necessarily protective against sPTB. Hence, we concluded there is a limited role in cervical length screening among low-risk women regardless of their BMI in predicting sPTB.
Lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for stillbirth by region of residence in South Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bowman Anneka , Sullivan Thomas , Makrides Maria , Flenady Vicki , Shepherd Emily , Hawke Karen , Stuart-Butler Deanna , Leane Cathy , Middleton Philippa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Stillbirth rates remain a global priority and in Australia, progress has been slow. Risk factors of stillbirth are unique in Australia due to large areas of remoteness, and limited resource availability affecting the ability to identify areas of need and prevalence of factors associated with stillbirth. This retrospective cohort study describes lifestyle and sociodemographic factors associated with stillbirth in South Australia (SA), between 1998 and 2016.

Methods
All restigered births in SA between 1998 ad 2016 are included. The primary outcome was stillbirth (birth with no signs of life ≥ 20 weeks gestation or ≥ 400 g if gestational age was not reported). Associations between stillbirth and lifestyle and sociodemographic factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and described using adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results
A total of 363,959 births (including 1767 stillbirths) were included. Inadequate antenatal care access (assessed against the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines) was associated with the highest odds of stillbirth (aOR 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.41–4.52). Other factors with important associations with stillbirth were plant/machine operation (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16–2.45), birthing person age ≥ 40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.50–2.45), partner reported as a pensioner (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12–2.99), Asian country of birth (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19–2.10) and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20–1.88). The odds of stillbirth were increased in regional/remote areas in association with inadequate antenatal care (aOR, 4.64; 95% CI, 2.98–7.23), birthing age 35–40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02–3.64), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12–3.21), paternal occupations: tradesperson (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17–6.16) and unemployment (aOR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.41–11.73).

Conclusion
Factors identified as independently associated with stillbirth odds include factors that could be addressed through timely access to adequate antenatal care and are likely relevant throughout Australia. The identified factors should be the target of stillbirth prevention strategies/efforts. SThe stillbirth rate in Australia is a national concern. Reducing preventable stillbirths remains a global priority.
Longitudinal analysis of vitamin D levels considering sunshine duration and suggestion for a standardised approach for vitamin D supplementation in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Wechsung Katja , Schnabel Dirk , Wiegand Susanna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Children with obesity have low 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D3) levels compared to lean children. Recommendations on when to start vitamin D supplementation differ largely between countries. Longitudinal data on 25-OH-D3 levels to guide treatment decisions are scarce since they are largely influenced by solar radiation and are difficult to compare.

Methods
We carried out a retrospective analysis of multiple 25-OH-D3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements in a cohort of 543 patients without vitamin D supplementation. All measurements were taken at the local paediatric obesity clinic as documented in the German-Austrian-Swiss APV (Prospective Documentation of Overweight Children and Adolescents) registry from 2009 to 2019. Serial 25-OH-D3 and PTH levels were adjusted for sunshine duration over the last 30 days to account for seasonal variation, as well as for sex and body mass index (BMI). We further performed an exploratory analysis of the association of sunshine duration, sex, BMI SDS (standard deviation score), abnormal lipid levels or dysglycemia with the 25-OH-D3 trend.

Results
229 obese patients (mean BMI SDS: 2,58 (± 0,56), 53% females, mean age: 12 (± 3) years, range: 2–21 years) with two, 115 with three and 96 with four repeated 25-OH-D3 measurements were identified. Mean adjusted 25-OH-D3 (48.2 nmol/l) and PTH (34.9 ng/l) levels remained stable over 120 weeks. 5% of the patients had an elevated PTH > 65 ng/l. High total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl and high triglycerides ≥ 130 mg/dl were associated with higher 25-OH-D3 levels.

Conclusion
We propose a simple method to include sunshine duration in the analysis of 25-OH-D3 levels to minimise the bias of seasonal variation. Based on our data we established the pragmatic strategy of limiting vitamin D supplementation to patients with biochemical signs of mineralisation disorders such as elevated PTH and alkaline phosphatase (AP). In children with normal PTH and AP we recommend adjustment of calcium intake and increase of outdoor activity instead.
Biodegradable tracheal stents: our ten-year experience with adult patients
Authors: Stehlik Ludek , Guha Debarya , Anandakumar Sheetal , Taskova Alice , Vasakova Martina Koziar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Biodegradable (BD) stents made from polydioxanone have been used only in human airways. These stents combine the advantages of classical tracheal stents, and fewer side effects are expected due to their biocompatibility and their time-limited presence in airways. However, new clinical consequences have arisen. Here, the authors share their experiences with BD stents for tracheal indications, focusing on their safety and efficacy.

Methods
This was a retrospective review of a collected database of adult patients who underwent implantation of biodegradable tracheal stents between September 2013 and December 2022 at the Department of Respiratory Medicine of the 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague and Thomayer University Hospital. The indications included functionally significant nonmalignant tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia. Self-expandable, biodegradable, polydioxanone tracheal stents manufactured by ELLA-CS Ltd. (Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic) were implanted during rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia. All patients were followed up in the department and were provided with the necessary care. The main efficacy and safety parameters and relationships were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher´s exact, Wilcoxon and Kruskal‒Wallis tests.

Results
A total of 65 stents were implanted in 47 adult patients. During the first two months after implantation, when adequate function was expected, the stent was found to be effective in 26 out of 39 patients who completed this period (66.7%). The clinical effectiveness reached 89.7%, as early restenoses were mostly mild and necessitated treatment in only 4 patients. The frequencies of significant mucostasis, migration and granulation tissue growth were 2.6%, 7.5% and 23.1%, respectively, during this period. Thirty-four participants completed the half-year follow-up period after the first or second stent insertion, and some were followed up beyond this period. Poor control of symptoms, the development of restenosis and the need for interventions were characteristic of this period as the stents degraded. Twenty-two patients who experienced remodelling or stabilization of the tracheal lumen achieved a stent-free state. Seven patients underwent subsequent surgical treatment.

Conclusions
BD stents are safe and provide adequate tracheal support until they begin to degrade. The use of BD stents necessitates close monitoring of patients and accurate treatment of possible restenosis.

Trial registration
Based on project NT14146 – Biodegradable stents in the management of the large airways (2013–2015, MZ0/NT), registered on May 1, 2013, in the Research and Development and Innovation Information System of the Czech Republic and at ClinicalTrials.gov (reg. no. NCT02620319, December 2, 2015).
Nutritional composition, lipid profile and stability, antioxidant activities and sensory evaluation of pasta enriched by linseed flour and linseed oil
Authors: Amri Zahra , Bhouri Amira Mnari , Dhibi Madiha , Hammami Mohamed , Hammami Sonia , Mechri Beligh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPasta assortments fortified with high quality foods are a modern nutritional trends. This study, explored the effects of fortification with linseed flour (LF) and linseed oil (LO) on durum wheat pasta characteristics. Wheat flour semolina was replaced with 5%, 10% and 15% of LF or 1%, 2.5% and 5% of LO. Control pasta CP (without LF or LO addition), LF-enriched pasta LFP 5%, LFP 10% and LFP 15% and LO-enriched pasta LOP 1%, LOP 2.5% and LOP 5% was compared for the proteins, fat and phenolic contents and fatty acids (FA) profile. Impact on lipid oxidation and sensory evaluation were also determined. Fortification of pasta with LF improved significantly (p < 0.05) the contents of protein, fat and phenolic compared to CP whereas the enrichment of pasta with LO resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the content of fat and a significant decrease in protein and phenolic contents. All the formulations decreased the saturated FA percent and increased the polyunsaturated FA percent with enhancement of omega-3 FA content. Antioxidant activity measured by FRAP and DPPH assays was improved after the fortification. For lipid oxidation, the replacement of semolina by LF or LO promoted an increase (p < 0.05) on TBARS values in level-dependent manner. Regarding sensory evaluation, the two types of fortification did not affect the taste; flavor and aroma of cooked pasta, but LOP 5% showed the highest score of the overall acceptability. The results recommended the possibility of producing pasta supplemented with LF or LO (even at a level of 15% and 5% respectively) as a functional food.
A model approach to show that monocytes can enter microporous β-TCP ceramics
Authors: Waldmann Marco , Bohner Marc , Le Long-Quan R. V. , Baghnavi Anna , Riedel Bianca , Seidenstuecker Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstractβ-TCP ceramics are versatile bone substitute materials and show many interactions with cells of the monocyte-macrophage-lineage. The possibility of monocytes entering microporous β-TCP ceramics has however not yet been researched. In this study, we used a model approach to investigate whether monocytes might enter β-TCP, providing a possible explanation for the origin of CD68-positive osteoclast-like giant cells found in earlier works.We used flow chambers to unidirectionally load BC, PRP, or PPP into slice models of either 2 mm or 6 mm β-TCP. Immunofluorescence for CD68 and live/dead staining was performed after the loading process.Our results show that monocytes were present in a relevant number of PRP and BC slices representing the inside of our 2 mm slice model and also present on the actual inside of our 6 mm model. For PPP, monocytes were not found beyond the surface in either model.Our results indicate the possibility of a new and so far neglected constituent in β-TCP degradation, perhaps causing the process of ceramic degradation also starting from inside the ceramics as opposed to the current understanding. We also demonstrated flow chambers as a possible new in vitro model for interactions between blood and β-TCP.
Comparative effect of physical health training and psychological training of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) model on the life quality of patients with diabetes in Tehran, Iran: utilization of message texting
Authors: Sadeghi Donya , Motlagh Maryam Karbasi , Darvish Asieh , Daryaafzoon Mona , Mohamadnejad Esmaeil , Molaei Alireza , Montazerlotf Parastoo , Hosseini Reyhaneh Sadat Seyed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background and purpose
Providing physical health and mental health training promotion is necessary for a sustainable change in attitude and lifestyle of diabetic patients. The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of physical health training and psychological training of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) model on the life quality of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
This experimental study was conducted in 2022 with two intervention groups and one control group consisting of 129 patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. Over the course of one month, each individual in intervention group 1 received 15 text messages focusing on physical health, while intervention group 2 received 15 psychological text messages related to the TRA. The control group did not receive any text messages during this period. The data collection tool used was the “Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL)” questionnaire, which was completed by the participants before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software at a statistical significance level of 0.05.

Results
In the intervention-1 group, the average life quality score was 8.51 units (P < 0.001), while in the intervention-2 group, it was 19.25 units (P < 0.001) higher than the control group. The psychological training group had a 17.62 units (P < 0.05) lower average fasting blood sugar (FBS) and a 10.74 units (P < 0.001) higher average quality of life compared to the physical training group.

Conclusion
The results of this study showed that the effectiveness of psychological training of the TRA model in improving life quality and reducing FBS in patients with diabetes is greater than physical health training. It is suggested that policy makers and health managers base future plans on physical health promotion training along with TRA model mental health training for the development of education in patients with diabetes. Specialists and healthcare workers can also act to improve personal health characteristics, especially those related to reducing FBS and increasing the quality of life of patients with diabetes, by using training through mobile phone text messages, particularly with psychological content TRA based.