bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐29c‐tetrahedral framework nucleic acids: Towards osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and bone regeneration in critical‐sized calvarial defects
Authors: Sun Jiafei , Chen Xingyu , Lin Yunfeng , Cai Xiaoxiao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCertain miRNAs, notably miR29c, demonstrate a remarkable capacity to regulate cellular osteogenic differentiation. However, their application in tissue regeneration is hampered by their inherent instability and susceptibility to degradation. In this study, we developed a novel miR29c delivery system utilising tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), aiming to enhance its stability and endocytosis capability, augment the efficacy of miR29c, foster osteogenesis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and significantly improve the repair of critical‐sized bone defects (CSBDs). We confirmed the successful synthesis and biocompatibility of sticky ends‐modified tFNAs (stFNAs) and miR29c‐modified stFNAs (stFNAs‐miR29c) through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, microscopy scanning, a cell counting kit‐8 assay and so on. The mechanism and osteogenesis effects of stFNAs‐miR29c were explored using immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and reserve transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, the impact of stFNAs‐miR29c on CSBD repair was assessed via micro‐CT and histological staining. The nano‐carrier, stFNAs‐miR29c was successfully synthesised and exhibited exemplary biocompatibility. This nano‐nucleic acid material significantly upregulated osteogenic differentiation‐related markers in BMSCs. After 2 months, stFNAs‐miR29c demonstrated significant bone regeneration and reconstruction in CSBDs. Mechanistically, stFNAs‐miR29c enhanced osteogenesis of BMSCs by upregulating the Wnt signalling pathway, contributing to improved bone tissue regeneration. The development of this novel nucleic acid nano‐carrier, stFNAs‐miR29c, presents a potential new avenue for guided bone regeneration and bone tissue engineering research.
White sardine (Escualosa thoracata) stock status in coastal waters of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Mitu Ranjan , Chan Md. Lal , Alam Mohammed Shahidul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe marine fisheries of Bangladesh have experienced an uncontrolled expansion of fishing over the last few decades. Consequently, most fish stocks became vulnerable to overfishing. Similar to many other fisheries, catch of white sardine (Escualosa thoracata) is rapidly declining. Therefore, three data‐limited approaches (length‐based Bayesian biomass analysis, LBB; length‐based spawning potential ratio, LB‐SPR; and Froese's length‐based indicators, LBIs) were used to estimate growth, mortality, and fisheries reference points to evaluate stock status of the white sardine fishery. Results revealed that the fishery is being overfished: F/M = 1.32 years−1 in LBB and 6.67 years−1 in LB‐SPR. However, the stock biomass is still good with B/B0 = 0.43 and B/BMSY = 1.20. Stock indicators revealed that the fishery was mainly targeting mature fishes, most of which were mega‐spawners (older, larger fish), which suggested stocks were recruitment overfished. Harvesting an optimum size range (6.57 to 8.03 cm) and reducing fishing mortality to a sustainable level (F = M) would sustain a healthy stock biomass.
Unraveling the multifaceted effects of climatic factors on mountain pine beetle and its interaction with fungal symbionts
Authors: Zaman Rashaduz , Shah Aftab , Shah Ateeq , Ullah Aziz , Ishangulyyeva Guncha , Erbilgin Nadir 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMountain pine beetles (MPBs) pose a substantial threat to North American pine forests, causing extensive tree mortality over large areas. Their tree‐killing ability is closely linked to mass aggregation on host trees triggered via pheromones and dependence on their symbiotic fungi. However, the influence of a changing climate on the biology of MPBs and their co‐evolved interactions with their fungal symbionts remains uncertain. To investigate this, male and female pairs of beetles were introduced into freshly cut logs from lodgepole pine trees and placed in controlled climate chambers with manipulated environmental conditions, including two levels of CO2 (ambient vs. 1000 ppm), O3 (ambient vs. 100 ppb) and humidity (33% vs. 65%). The beetle‐infested logs were left in these chambers for 1 month and then returned to ambient conditions until brood emergence. Emerging broods were collected for further analysis. Additionally, three species of fungal symbionts (Grosmannia clavigera, Ophiostoma montium and Leptographium longiclavatum) were subjected to the same CO2, O3 and humidity conditions for 5 days. Lower humidity promoted MPB reproduction and fungal growth. Elevated CO2 accelerated larval growth and emergence while improving brood pheromone production. Elevated O3 had a negative impact on MPB reproduction and brood fitness while improving its immune responses to an entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana). It also inhibited fungal growth and reproduction, whereas elevated CO2 had varied (positive or negative) effects on fungal growth and ergosterol (proxy to fungal mass) production depending on the fungal species. Together, these findings suggest that climate change can potentially alter the interactions between MPBs and their fungal symbionts, highlighting the importance of understanding how climate change affects forest pests and their symbiotic relationships to develop effective management strategies in the future.
Characteristics of acute ischemic stroke and unusual aura in patients with migraine with aura
Authors: Scutelnic Adrian , Sutter Nathalie L. , Beyeler Morin , Meinel Thomas R. , Riederer Franz , Fischer Urs , Arnold Marcel , Mattle Heinrich P. , Jung Simon , Schankin Christoph J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSometimes migraine aura changes from attack to attack, raising the question of whether the change is heralding an ischemic stroke or an unusual aura. Differentiating unusual migraine aura from the onset of an acute ischemic stroke in patients with migraine with aura (MwA) can be challenging.ObjectiveThe aim of this cohort study was to assess clinical characteristics that help distinguish between MwA and minor stroke in patients with a previous history of MwA who presented with suspicion of stroke.MethodsWe interviewed patients with MwA and ischemic stroke (MwA + IS) and patients with MwA and unusual aura, but without ischemic stroke (MwA − IS) from a tertiary hospital using a structured questionnaire. We assessed how symptoms of ischemic stroke or unusual aura differed from usual, that is, the typical aura in each patient. Stroke or exclusion of stroke was verified by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsSeventeen patients with MwA + IS and twelve patients with MwA − IS were included. New focal neurological symptoms (13/17 [76%] vs. 3/12 [25%]), change of the first symptom (10/17 [59%] vs. 1/12 [8%]), and absence of headache (6/15 [40%] vs. 2/10 [20%]) were more often reported during ischemic stroke. The physical examination was normal in 8/17 (47%) MwA + IS and in 6/12 (50%) MwA − IS patients. In 5/17 (29%) patients with MwA + IS, there were unequivocal physical signs suggestive of stroke such as persistent visual loss, ataxia, or paresis.ConclusionThere are clues from the history that might help identify stroke in patients with MwA with changed aura symptoms. These might be particularly useful in patients presenting without physical findings suggestive of stroke.
A randomized, open‐label, 5‐period crossover study evaluating the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single dose of intranasal dihydroergotamine (DHE) powder (STS101), intramuscular DHE mesylate, and liquid nasal spray DHE in healthy adults
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Albrecht Detlef , Bermudez Maria , Hu Jerry , Hussey Elizabeth , Levy Jeff 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of dihydroergotamine (DHE) after administration of intranasal DHE powder (STS101), liquid nasal spray (LNS) DHE mesylate, and intramuscular (IM) DHE mesylate injection in healthy participants.BackgroundDHE is an effective acute migraine treatment; however, self‐administration difficulties have prevented its broader role in the management of migraine.MethodsThis randomized, active‐controlled, five‐period crossover study was conducted over 5 weeks separated by 1‐week washout periods. Three STS101 dosage strengths (5.2, 7.0, 8.6 mg), and one dose each of LNS DHE 2.0 mg, and IM DHE 1.0 mg, were administered to 36 healthy participants. Liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine DHE (including its 8′OH‐DHE metabolite) plasma levels and to calculate PK parameters (Cmax, Tmax, AUC0‐2h, AUC0‐last, AUC0‐inf, and t1/2). Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms, nasal examinations, and laboratory parameters.ResultsThirty‐six participants (mean age 36 years; 19% Hispanic Black and 81% Hispanic White) were enrolled. DHE plasma concentrations rose rapidly after STS101 5.2, 7.0, and 8.6 mg and IM DHE injection, with mean concentrations greater than 2000 pg/mL for all STS101 dose strengths at 20 min. All STS101 dose strengths showed approximately 3‐fold higher Cmax, AUC0‐2h, and AUC0‐inf, than the LNS DHE. The mean AUC0‐inf of STS101 7.0 and 8.6 mg were comparable to IM DHE (12,600 and 13,200 vs. 13,400 h × pg/mL). All STS101 dose strengths showed substantially lower variability (CV%) compared to LNS DHE for Cmax (35%–41% vs. 87%), and AUC0‐inf (37%–46% vs. 65%). STS101 was well tolerated, and all treatment‐emergent AEs were mild and transient.ConclusionSTS101 showed rapid absorption and was well tolerated with mild and transient treatment‐emergent AEs. Achieving effective DHE plasma concentrations within 10 min, STS101 displayed a favorable PK profile relative to the LNS with higher Cmax, AUC0‐2h, and AUC0inf, and with greater response consistency. The AUC0‐inf was comparable to IM DHE.
Primary antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in India over the past two decades: A systematic review
Authors: Dutta Spriha , Jain Surbhi , Das Kunal , Verma Prashant , Som Anup , Das Rajashree 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance has undergone vast changes in the last two decades. No systematic review has been done on the prevalence of antibiotic resistant H. pylori in India in the last two decades. We evaluated the pattern of resistance rates across various regions of India.Materials and MethodsA systematic review of the geographical variations in antibiotic resistance pattern of H. pylori was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, etc. for articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 30, 2023. Random effects‐model‐based Cochran's Q test, I2 statistics, and chi‐squared tests were used to measure heterogeneity.ResultsThe overall resistance was highest against metronidazole (77.65%) followed by amoxicillin (37.78%), levofloxacin (32.8%), clarithromycin (35.64%), furazolidone (12.03%), and tetracycline (11.63%). 14.7% of the H. pylori isolates were multi‐drug resistant. Under meta‐analysis of each antibiotic, high heterogeneity levels were observed having I2 ranges from 86.53% to 97.70% at p < 0.0001. In sub‐group analysis, Metronidazole has a stable rate of resistance as compared to other antibiotics. Other antibiotics have had a downtrend in the last 5 years except for levofloxacin, which has had an uptrend in the resistance rate for the past 5 years. Hence, one should avoid using metronidazole for any kind of first‐line treatment.ConclusionsMetronidazole resistance is high in most regions of India except Assam and Mumbai while clarithromycin is found to be ineffective in South India, Gujarat, and Kashmir. As compared to other antibiotics, resistance to amoxicillin is generally low except in certain regions (Hyderabad, Chennai, and the Gangetic belt of North India). Tetracycline and Furazolidone have the least resistance rates and should be part of anti‐ H. pylori regimens. The resurgence of high single and multidrug resistance to the commonly used drugs suggests the need for newer antibiotics and regular resistance surveillance studies.
Effect of Er2O3/MgO ratio on mechanical and thermal properties of Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Han Zhuoqun , Liu Jia , Wang Weiwei , Zhou Qingxuan , Zhao Zhicheng , Han Yongning , Wang Yingying , Wang Yang , Liu Futian , Li Ling 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSi3N4 ceramics with high mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, exhibiting fine and bimodal microstructure, were prepared by adjusting the Er2O3/MgO ratio and hot‐pressing sintering at 1800°C for 4 h. The microstructure, grain distribution, lattice oxygen content, mechanical properties, and crack propagation process of the sintered bulk samples were systematically investigated. It was found that a low Er2O3/MgO ratio contributed to the densification of Si3N4 ceramics, whereas a high Er2O3/MgO ratio favored the grain growth of Si3N4 ceramics. In this research, the grain size distribution and average diameters as well as their impact on mechanical properties were examined. When the ratio of Er2O3/MgO was 3:1, Si3N4 had a larger average diameter and higher thermal conductivity, but the mechanical properties were somewhat reduced. When the ratio of Er2O3/MgO was 2:2, the sample displayed enhanced mechanical performance, which can be explained by the formation of a bimodal structure. The research indicates that it is feasible to control the microstructure and optimize the mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics by tailoring the sintering additives.
Crystallization and rheology of Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 melt in the vitrification of technological waste
Authors: Perret D. , Sierk A. , Pereira Machado N. , Agullo J. , Laplace A. , Bardez‐Giboire I. , Hugon I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVitrification of solid technological waste is currently under investigation. For this type of waste made up of metals, minerals, and organic matters, formulation studies were carried out in the NCAS (Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2) system in order to define a vitrifying additive to treat the entire waste deposit, while maximizing the waste loading. Main challenge related to this type of waste comes from the presence of alumina in very large quantities in the glass/glass–ceramics melt, enhancing the risk of melt solidification due to a fast and massive crystallization. Melt lock‐up can potentially occur at the operating temperature envisaged for the process (1400°C) and is prohibitive because it would lead to a premature stoppage of the process. The results obtained from casting tests, rheological experiments, and thermodynamic modeling enabled to provide an accurate estimation of the risk of melt lock‐up for NCAS compositions. It was highlighted that the composition had a major influence on the temperature at which massive crystallization might occur. From all the results obtained, the maximum Al2O3 content that could be incorporated in the final material was determined to be close to 50 wt%. The composition of a vitrifying additive was also statistically designed to treat the technological waste of interest.
Analysis of the dermoscopic features of excised melanomas and their relation with tumor thickness in a tertiary hospital in Brazil
Authors: Ávila Ana C. A. , Avancini Joao , Abed Nubia M. , Pincelli Marcella S. , Neto Cyro F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDermoscopy is a non‐invasive, cost‐effective tool useful in the assessment of pigmented lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the dermoscopic features in excised melanomas in a tertiary hospital in Brazil and the influence of Breslow thickness on the dermoscopic features observed.MethodsAn observational, cross‐sectional study in which dermoscopic images of 43 melanomas were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: in situ, thin invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness <1 mm), and thick invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness ≥1 mm).ResultsWe studied 33 patients with 43 melanomas. Twenty‐one (48.8%) were melanoma in situ, 16 (37.2%) were thin melanomas, and 6 (14%) were thick melanomas. The most frequent dermoscopic criteria observed in all cases were atypical pigment network, multiple colors (3 or more), asymmetrical blotches, and peripheral asymmetric dots and globules. There was a statistically significant difference in the three groups regarding the frequency of atypical vessels, white scar areas, blue‐white veil, shiny white structures, and radial streaming. The group of invasive melanomas presented with a higher frequency and statistical significance (P < 0.05) of atypical vessels, white scar areas, blue‐white veil, and shiny white structures when compared to in situ melanomas. The presence of radial streaming and blue‐white veil was more frequent in thick invasive melanomas than in thin invasive melanomas. The presence of a higher number of structures was seen in invasive melanomas, with a median of 5 and 7.5 structures for thin and thick invasive tumors, respectively.ConclusionsIn line with prior data, we identified an association between invasive melanomas and structures linked to fibrosis and tumor vascularity. Specifically, we noted the presence of atypical vessels, scar‐like white areas, a blue‐white veil, and shiny white structures. Also, a higher number of dermoscopic structures was seen in invasive melanomas. In thicker melanomas, we observed additional findings, including a higher frequency of radial streaming and a blue‐white veil.
From welfare to work: The health and material well‐being effects of long‐term employment subsidies in Germany
Authors: Bömmel Nadja , Coban Mustafa , Kasrin Zein , Schiele Maximilian , Wenzig Claudia , Wolff Joachim , Zabel Cordula 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses effects of subsidised, predominantly non‐standard, employment within the German labour market programme ‘participation in the labour market’ for long‐term welfare recipients on their health satisfaction, health‐based quality of life, satisfaction with standard of living and households' actual ownership of important goods (e.g., car or new clothes) or the lack thereof due to financial reasons. We differentiated subgroups by health, age and working hours. Data for participants and non‐participants (but entitled to welfare benefits) stem from the first two waves (2020/2021) of the panel survey ‘Quality of Life and Social Participation’. To identify causal effects, we employed matching methods based on administrative and survey data. Our findings show that 1 and 2 years after programme start, participation had significant positive effects on all indicators of health and standard of living. Thus, for the programme's focus group, subsidised employment, even if non‐standard, can contribute to improving health and material well‐being.
COVID‐19 vaccination: are more jabs needed or are we now immune?
Authors: Giles Michelle L. , Flanagan Katie L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs the COVID‐19 pandemic has progressed, it has become apparent that COVID‐19 vaccination has limited impact on SAR‐CoV‐2 transmission and provides only short‐term protection against acquiring infection, but more robust protection against severe disease and death. As a result, vaccinated people remain susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection but are less likely to experience severe outcomes. Studies show that immunity derived from the combination of vaccination and natural infection, so‐called hybrid immunity, is superior to that provided by vaccination or natural infection alone. Since most Australian adults have received three or more doses of COVID‐19 vaccines and >70% have also been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, we now have a population with high levels of hybrid immunity. This was mostly achieved by receiving original Wuhan strain vaccines and then experiencing Omicron strain infections. The original Wuhan strain of SARS‐CoV‐2 has now disappeared and been replaced with Omicron‐lineage variants globally. The predominance of the Omicron strain initially led to the development of bivalent vaccines containing both the Wuhan strain and Omicron variants. Currently, vaccines containing the original Wuhan strain of spike protein are being phased out, and new COVID‐19 vaccines based exclusively on the Omicron strain XBB have become available in Australia. This article explores the question of whether further doses will be required from 2024 onwards and, if so, who should receive them?
Exploring safety culture within inpatient mental health units: The results from participant observation across three mental health services
Authors: Molloy Luke , Wilson Val , O'Connor Michael , Merrick Tammy Tran , Guha Monica , Eason Michelle , Roche Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn Australia, acute inpatient units within public mental health services have become the last resort for mental health care. This research explored barriers and facilitators to safe, person‐centred, recovery‐oriented mental health care in these settings. It utilised participant observations conducted by mental health nurses in acute inpatient units. These units were located in three distinct facilities, each serving different areas: a large metropolitan suburban area in a State capital, a mid‐sized regional city, and a small city with a large rural catchment area. Our findings highlighted that, in the three inpatient settings, nurses tended to avoid common areas they shared with consumers, except for brief, task‐related visits. The prioritisation of administrative tasks seemed to arise in a situation where nurses lacked awareness of alternative practices and activities. Consumers spent prolonged periods of the day sitting in communal areas, where the main distraction was watching television. Boredom was a common issue across these environments. The nursing team structure in the inpatient units provided a mechanism for promoting a sense of psychological safety for staff and were a key element in how safety culture was sustained.
Association between stroke and venous leg ulcers: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xie Ruiye , Han Zhengyun , Liu Guoqing , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo investigate any potential bidirectional causal relationships between stroke and venous leg ulcers (VLUs), Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were carried out in this study. The exposure factor was stroke, the outcome factor was VLUs. The two‐sample MR study was carried out based on the online analysis platform (http://app.mrbase.org/). The association of stroke and VLUs was analysed via methods of Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR‐Egger and weighted mode. IVW method suggested no association between stroke and VLUs ((β 1.06; SE 9.321; p = 0.9095)). Weighted median estimator (β 5.906; SE 11.99, p = 0.6223), MR‐Egger (β −0.8677; SE 21.89; p = 0.9691) and weighted mode (β 9.336; SE 17.77; p = 0.6089) showed consistent results. Conversely, evidence indicating that the presence of VLUs increased the risk of stroke was lacking. According to this MR study, there is no causal connection between stroke and VLUs, which suggests that therapies targeting stroke may not be effective against VLUs.