bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of bone marrow and dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells for motor functional recovery in rat sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Uzunlu Elgin Orçum , Oğurtan Zeki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study delves into the impact of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM‐MSCs) and those sourced from dental pulp (DP‐MSCs) on the recovery of motor function and morphological aspects of the rat's sciatic nerve after crush injuries. The findings highlight that the groups treated with BM‐MSCs, DP‐MSCs or a combination of both (BM + DP‐MSCs) displayed enhanced sciatic functional index values when juxtaposed with the sham group. This points to bettered motor functionalities. A deeper morphological analysis showed that all the groups had retained perineurium structure and fascicular arrangement. Notably, the sham and BM‐MSCs groups had very few inconsistencies. All groups showed standard vascular density. Remarkably, the combined treatment group (BM + DP‐MSCs) presented diminished oedema and a lower count of inflammatory cells. Through immunohistochemical methods, the presence of S100 expression was noted in the groups that underwent treatment. In summation, the study suggests that both BM‐MSCs and DP‐MSCs, whether used singly or in combination, can significantly aid in motor function restoration and morphological enhancements. An interesting observation from our research and earlier studies is that stem cells from dental pulp, which are sourced with less discomfort from milk and wisdom teeth, show a heightened propensity to evolve into nerve cells. This is in contrast to the more uncomfortably acquired BM‐MSCs.
Single cell sequencing data identify distinct B cell and fibroblast populations in stricturing Crohn's disease
Authors: Humphreys David T. , Lewis Amy , Pan‐Castillo Belen , Berti Giulio , Mein Charles , Wozniak Eva , Gordon Hannah , Gadhok Radha , Minicozzi Annamaria , ChinAleong Joanna , Feakins Roger , Giannoulatou Eleni , James Louisa K. , Stagg Andrew J. , Lindsay James Oliver , Silver Andrew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSingle cell RNA sequencing of human full thickness Crohn's disease (CD) small bowel resection specimens was used to identify potential therapeutic targets for stricturing (S) CD. Using an unbiased approach, 16 cell lineages were assigned within 14,539 sequenced cells from patient‐matched SCD and non‐stricturing (NSCD) preparations. SCD and NSCD contained identical cell types. Amongst immune cells, B cells and plasma cells were selectively increased in SCD samples. B cell subsets suggested formation of tertiary lymphoid tissue in SCD and compared with NSCD there was an increase in IgG, and a decrease in IgA plasma cells, consistent with their potential role in CD fibrosis. Two Lumican‐positive fibroblast subtypes were identified and subclassified based on expression of selectively enriched genes as fibroblast clusters (C) 12 and C9. Cells within these clusters expressed the profibrotic genes Decorin (C12) and JUN (C9). C9 cells expressed ACTA2; ECM genes COL4A1, COL4A2, COL15A1, COL6A3, COL18A1 and ADAMDEC1; LAMB1 and GREM1. GO and KEGG Biological terms showed extracellular matrix and stricture organization associated with C12 and C9, and regulation of WNT pathway genes with C9. Trajectory and differential gene analysis of C12 and C9 identified four sub‐clusters. Intra sub‐cluster gene analysis detected 13 co‐regulated gene modules that aligned along predicted pseudotime trajectories. CXCL14 and ADAMDEC1 were key markers in module 1. Our findings support further investigation of fibroblast heterogeneity and interactions with local and circulating immune cells at earlier time points in fibrosis progression. Breaking these interactions by targeting one or other population may improve therapeutic management for SCD.
Neutralizing the political: Language ideology as censorship in Esperanto youth media during the Cold War
Authors: Fians Guilherme 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article takes a magazine for Esperanto youth as an entryway to explore the links between language ideologies and censorial practices. During the Cold War, Esperanto print media sought a connection with the Third World to present Esperanto as an alternative to US‐led English and USSR‐led Russian. With anti‐imperialism gaining ground in these magazines, their editors struggled to adhere to the ideology that posits Esperanto as a neutral and international language. Analyzing the editorial work behind the magazine Kontakto, I explore how partly silencing anti‐colonial perspectives worked to safeguard Esperanto's neutrality, ultimately asking: how can language ideologies act as mechanisms of censorship?
A novel test for hyposalivation using a sugar cube
Authors: Spyraki Foteini , Maniewicz Sabrina , Mojon Philippe , Müller Frauke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyposalivation is a highly prevalent condition in old persons.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess a novel tool for the diagnosis of hyposalivation using a sugar cube and to compare its reliability to other validated test methods.MethodsFive tests were performed: unstimulated salivary flow test by draining method (USFT), oral moisture device Mucus® (MCS), sugar cube test (SCT), stimulated salivary flow test by chewing gum (CG) and Saxon test (SX). The sugar cube test consisted in measuring the time needed to disintegrate a standard‐sized sugar cube N°4 (5.6 g) placed beneath the tongue. Bivariate correlation analyses were performed. ROC curve analysis and the Youden Index were used to determine the cut‐off value. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated according to the determined cut‐off point.ResultsA total of 121 participants were recruited, with an average age of 49.8 ± 18.2 years. The USFT was best correlated with the SCT. No correlation was found between SCT and the stimulated saliva tests (CG, SX) as well as the MCS test. According to the Youden index, 140 s is appropriate to diagnose hyposalivation. Sensitivity of .64 and specificity of .91 were found for SCT using USFT as gold standard. The mean subjective evaluation score of the SCT was 3.1 ± 1, significantly higher than USFT 2.6 ± 1.1 (p < .05).ConclusionsThe sugar cube test proved to be a useful method for assessing unstimulated salivation, reducing test execution time and causing less participant discomfort than the gold standard unstimulated salivary flow test.
Changes in masticatory performance and bite force after treatment with mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium–zirconium mini implants: One‐year randomised clinical trial
Authors: Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Curado Thalita Fernandes Fleury , Nascimento Lays Noleto , Silva Jesio Rodrigues , de Paula Marcella Silva , McKenna Gerald , Schimmel Martin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis prospective study is part of a randomised clinical trial and reports the changes in masticatory performance (MP) and bite force, and explores their influential factors, 1 year after the provision of mandibular overdentures retained by four titanium–zirconium mini implants.MethodsEdentulous patients received conventional complete dentures, followed by placement of four mini implants (Straumann® Mini Implant System) in the anterior mandible and converting the conventional prosthesis into a mandibular overdenture. Treatment protocols were randomised using a 2×2 factorial design combining different surgical (flapped vs. flapless) and loading (immediate vs. delayed) protocols. MP was assessed using a two‐colour mixing ability test and a colorimetric analysis to measure the level of colour mixing (Variance of Hue–VoH). Maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) was measured by a digital gnathodynamometer in the posterior and anterior regions. Sex, age, surgical and loading protocols and ridge morphology were tested as independent variables. MP and MBF tests were performed at baseline (pre‐treatment) and the 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month after implant loading. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐test, and linear mixed‐effect model (LMM) regression were used for data analysis.ResultsSeventy‐four participants were assessed and 73 completed the 1‐year follow‐up. Statistically significant improvements in functional parameters were observed in all follow‐up periods compared to baseline (p < .001). The flapless protocol was associated with higher improvement in MP at the 3‐month follow‐up (p = .004), while less resorbed ridges were associated with better MP (p = .038) and higher MBF (p < .001).ConclusionThe mandibular overdenture protocol using four titanium–zirconium mini implants was effective in improving MP and MBF of edentulous patients, compared to pre‐treatment values. The findings also suggest that improvements in chewing function and bite force are impacted by clinical factors since better outcomes were observed for flapless surgeries and less resorbed edentulous ridges.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04760457.
Impact origin of lunar zircon melt inclusions in Apollo impact melt breccia 14311
Authors: Crow Carolyn A. , Tong Cynthia , Erickson Timmons M. , Moser Desmond E. , Bell Aaron S. , Kelly Nigel M. , Prissel Tabb C. , Hyde Brendt C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInvestigations of trapped melt inclusions in minerals can yield insights into the compositions and conditions of parent magmas. These insights are particularly important for detrital grains like many of the lunar zircons found in samples returned by the Apollo missions. However, unlike their terrestrial counterparts, lunar zircons have potentially been exposed to billions of years of impact bombardment. Samples from terrestrial impact structures and impact shock experiments have revealed that deformation during an impact event produces melt and glass blebs that can mimic igneous melt inclusions in both morphology and composition. We have undertaken a geochemical and textural investigation of zircons from Apollo impact melt breccia 14311 to assess their formation mechanisms. The association of trapped melts with shock microtwins and monomineralic melt compositions suggests some inclusions formed as a result of the high pressures and temperatures of impact shock. All other inclusions in this study are associated with curviplanar features, planar features, crystal plastic deformation, or embayments (large regions in contact with adjacent melts or minerals) suggesting that they are not igneous melt inclusions. While these textures can be produced in tectonic environments, impacts are a likely formation mechanism since impacts are the main driver of tectonics on the Moon. The results of this study demonstrate that a combination of textural and compositional analyses can be employed distinguish between igneous melt inclusions and melt blebs in zircons from impact environments.
A smoothness control method for kilometer‐span railway bridges with analysis of track characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yuxiao , Shi Jin , Tan Shehui , Wang Yingjie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSignificant dynamic deformations during the operation of kilometer‐span high‐speed railway bridges adversely affect track maintenance. This paper proposes a three‐stage smoothness control method based on a comprehensive analysis of track alignment characteristics to address this issue. In the method, historical measured data are grouped into multicategories, and reference alignments for each category are reconstructed. Then, the reference alignment category to which the track to be adjusted belongs is accurately matched. Finally, a novel smoothness optimization algorithm is designed to use the 60 m chord as the optimization unit, and the 10 m and 30 m combined chords within the unit constrain the midchord offset and vector distance difference. The proposed method was applied to formulate the maintenance scheme for the Shanghai–Suzhou–Nantong Yangtze River Bridge. The result indicates that the track smoothness improved by more than 79.7%, and the high‐speed train operational performance improved by over 64.3%, effectively enhancing the maintenance quality.
What is the purpose of nurse education (and what should it be)?
Authors: Collier‐Sewell Freya , Monteux Sebastian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCan we take the purpose of nurse education for granted, and, more importantly, should we? That is the issue at stake in this paper. The question of purpose is conspicuously absent in the nursing literature; our aim here is to urge that it not be overlooked by demonstrating its importance to the future of nursing. We approach the question of nurse education's purpose in concrete and speculative terms through two distinct yet interrelated questions: what is the purpose of nurse education? and what should it be? Amidst the complexity and uncertainty of our time, we cast doubt on the adequacy of manualised and regulated approaches—ubiquitous in nurse education—to prepare nurses who can meet the challenges of contemporary practice. We also assert that transgressive approaches to education, as the antithesis of manualisation, reach the same impasse by (over)predetermining what the educational ‘output’ will be. To move beyond this impasse, we draw on the theory of Gert Biesta and Ron Barnett to contrast cultivation and existential‐type education. In so doing, we do not seek to provide ‘answers’ to nurse education's purpose but, rather, raise the profile of what we believe is a right and proper question for the discipline to grapple with.
Molecular farming for sustainable production of clinical‐grade antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Chaudhary Shahid , Ali Zahir , Mahfouz Magdy 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as next‐generation therapeutics due to their broad‐spectrum activity against drug‐resistant bacterial strains and their ability to eradicate biofilms, modulate immune responses, exert anti‐inflammatory effects and improve disease management. They are produced through solid‐phase peptide synthesis or in bacterial or yeast cells. Molecular farming, i.e. the production of biologics in plants, offers a low‐cost, non‐toxic, scalable and simple alternative platform to produce AMPs at a sustainable cost. In this review, we discuss the advantages of molecular farming for producing clinical‐grade AMPs, advances in expression and purification systems and the cost advantage for industrial‐scale production. We further review how ‘green’ production is filling the sustainability gap, streamlining patent and regulatory approvals and enabling successful clinical translations that demonstrate the future potential of AMPs produced by molecular farming. Finally, we discuss the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of molecular farming‐based AMP production for therapeutics.
The relationship between acrochordons, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Greene Rachel K. , Gangidi Suma , Zhao Raymond , Nelson Jessie M. , Harms Kelly , Nakamura Mio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcrochordons or skin tags are common benign skin growths. Several studies explored the relationship between obesity and metabolic syndrome in adults but remains unexplored in children.MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective cohort study of outpatient dermatology patients between 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2021. Children under 18 years old diagnosed with acrochordons using diagnostic codes International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10) L91.8 and 9th Revision (ICD‐9) 701.8 were included. We collected patient demographics, past medical history, laboratory values, vital signs, and physical exam. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and stratified into categories based on the Center for Disease Control's BMI‐for‐Age Growth Charts. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed when three of the five criteria were met. Data were propensity‐matched and compared with NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), which offered a generalizable sample to the US population.ResultsFifty‐five patients under 18 years old with a diagnosis of acrochordons were mostly Caucasian (76%) and female (64%). The mean BMI was 27.3, with 49.5% categorized as obese and 20% as overweight. The mean age of diagnosis was 10.1 years. Acrochordon predominantly appeared in the axilla. In our cohort, three patients (5.5%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of obesity (42% vs. 21%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (4.8% vs. 0.6%), hyperlipidemia (8.1% vs. 0%), and hypertension (1.6% vs. 0%) was greater in our cohort compared with NHANES.ConclusionsLike the adult population, acrochordons may serve as marker for metabolic disease in the pediatric population.
Tailoring regulatory components for metabolic engineering in cyanobacteria
Authors: Bolay Paul , Dodge Nadia , Janssen Kim , Jensen Poul Erik , Lindberg Pia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe looming climate crisis has prompted an ever‐growing interest in cyanobacteria due to their potential as sustainable production platforms for the synthesis of energy carriers and value‐added chemicals from CO2 and sunlight. Nonetheless, cyanobacteria are yet to compete with heterotrophic systems in terms of space‐time yields and consequently production costs. One major drawback leading to the low production performance observed in cyanobacteria is the limited ability to utilize the full capacity of the photosynthetic apparatus and its associated systems, i.e. CO2 fixation and the directly connected metabolism. In this review, novel insights into various levels of metabolic regulation of cyanobacteria are discussed, including the potential of targeting these regulatory mechanisms to create a chassis with a phenotype favorable for photoautotrophic production. Compared to conventional metabolic engineering approaches, minor perturbations of regulatory mechanisms can have wide‐ranging effects.
Spermidine regulates wheat grain weight at high planting density by promoting the synthesis of sucrose and starch in inferior grains
Authors: Li Juan , Liang Zimeng , Feng Jingyi , Hu Huihui , Nangia Vinay , Mo Fei , Liu Yang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIncreasing density is an effective way to enhance wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield under limited cultivated areas. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying the reduction in grain weight when density increased are still unclear. Three field experiments were conducted during the 2014–2019 growing seasons to explore the physiological mechanisms by which polyamines affect grain weight formation. The results showed that when wheat planting density exceeded 450 × 104 seedlings ha−1 and 525 × 104 seedlings ha−1, wheat yield tended to decrease. Compared to moderate density (DM, 450 × 104 seedlings ha−1), the filling rate of inferior grains was reduced before 25 days after anthesis (DAA) and the active filling period was shortened by 6.4%–7.4% under high density (DH, 600 × 104 seedlings ha−1), resulting in a loss of 1000‐grain weight by 5.4%–8.1%. DH significantly reduced sucrose and starch content in inferior grains at the filling stage. Meanwhile, DH inhibited the activity of key enzymes involved in polyamine synthesis [SAMDC (EC 4.1.1.50) and SpdSy (EC 2.5.1.16)] and induced the activity of ethylene (ETH) precursor synthase, resulting in a significant decrease in endogenous spermidine (Spd) content in inferior grains, but a significant increase in ETH release rate. Post‐flowering application of exogenous Spd increased the accumulation of sucrose and starch in the inferior grains and positively regulated the filling and grain weight of the inferior grains, whereas exogenous ETH had a negative effect. Overall, Spd may affect wheat grain weight at high planting density by promoting the synthesis of sucrose and starch in inferior grains.
Optimum planting density of Amorpha fruticosa promotes the recovery of understory vegetation and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in plantations in arid coal mining areas
Authors: Bi Yinli , Wang Xiao , Xiao Linfei , Christie Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEstablishment of plantations may be a useful means of vegetation reconstruction in coal mining areas, especially in fragile environments. However, the influence of shrub planting on the relationship between understory vegetation and soil microorganisms remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a field experiment in which the relationships between understory vegetation and soil microorganisms under different planting densities of Amorpha fruticosa L. (A. fruticosa) were investigated. Compared with areas allowed to recover naturally, shrub planting changed the community and increased the biomass of understory vegetation and soil microbes, especially of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Planting density was also a key factor that influenced understory vegetation and the soil AMF community and biomass. The maximum diversity of understory vegetation and the AMF community occurred at an intermediate density of introduced shrubs, which was considered to be the optimum density of A. fruticosa. The major soil nutrient cycles that influence understory vegetation and the AMF community were also investigated. An optimum density of introduced shrubs was important in the ecological reconstruction of vegetation in the coal mining area. There may also have been an optimum relationship between the understory vegetation and soil microorganisms especially with AMF in the experimental conditions.
Computed tomographic features of canine prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Urlings Pascal , Gramer Irina , Jones Coleen , Dirrig Helen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCanine prostatic carcinoma (PC) has incompletely defined CT features. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective case series was to assess prostatic, regional, and distant findings of PC. Thirty dogs were enrolled. Consistent prostatic features included postcontrast heterogeneity with hypoattenuating, nonenhancing areas (30/30), capsular distortion (29/30), prostatic urethral effacement, displacement, or invasion (28/30), precontrast heterogeneity (27/30), and mineralization (24/30) which was always within or at the margin of the hypoattenuating areas. Consistent extraprostatic features included medial iliac lymph node enlargement (20/30), internal iliac lymph node enlargement (15/30), and periprostatic fat streaking or fluid (15/29). In a minority of dogs, there was lymph node mineralization, bladder trigone invasion, ureteral dilation, ductus deferens invasion, and bony changes consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy. Strongly suspected and potential bony metastases were noted infrequently (8/26), all in vertebrae regional to the prostate. In conclusion, these findings provide guidance on the expected CT features of canine PC.