bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammasomes
Authors: Zheng Huiling , Xia Pengyan , Fu Weiwei , Ding Shigang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes the most prevalent bacterial infection worldwide, and more than half of the world's population is infected with H. pylori. Classified as a group 1 carcinogen of gastric cancer, H. pylori infection causes the most common chronic gastritis, which is able to progress to chronic atrophic gastritis, dysplasia, and even gastric cancer. The inflammasomes are important cytosolic multiprotein complexes to coordinate the host defense against foreign microorganisms and control the inflammatory response. It is also well‐known that inflammasome plays an important role in the occurrence of H. pylori‐induced gastric inflammation. During infection and inflammation, the activation process of inflammasome is tightly regulated by host immune system. However, excessive activation of inflammasome is closely related to the production of excessive cytokines that cause the body injury and resulting in various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we elaborate the activation and assembly mechanisms of inflammasome, the structure of different inflammasome complexes, host factors in vivo and drugs in vitro that regulate inflammasome signaling during H. pylori infection, aiming to provide novel insights and strategies for identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of H. pylori‐associated gastric mucosal diseases.
Paving the way for a non‐antibiotic and microbiota friendly therapy for Helicobacter pylori: In vitro and in vivo performance of lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Seabra Catarina Leal , Pinho A. Sofia , Nunes Cláudia , Amorim Irina , Pedro Nicole , Henriques Patrícia , Monteiro Cláudia , Gomes Joana , Machado Cláudia , Gartner Fátima , Pereira Luísa , Reis Salette , Reis Celso A. , Touati Eliette , Gonçalves Inês C. , Parreira Paula , Martins M. Cristina L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe World Health Organization has identified Helicobacter pylori, a Gram‐negative bacterium responsible for several gastric disorders, as one of the pathogenic bacteria that requires newer non‐antibiotic approaches for its management. We previously demonstrated that nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) loaded with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA‐NLC) have excellent in vitro performance against H. pylori.Materials and MethodsNLC were tested against different H. pylori strains and bacteria representative from human gut microbiota. For H. pylori, resistance development and membrane permeability assays were also performed. In vivo efficacy studies were done using an H. pylori‐infected mouse model. Microbiome analysis (16S rRNA sequencing analysis) was performed on mice feces before and after DHA‐NLC treatment.ResultsNLC specifically killed different H. pylori strains by membrane disruption without inducing bacterial resistance. In vivo studies demonstrated that DHA‐NLC (2 mg/mL containing 50 μM of DHA) reduced 90%–95% of the H. pylori burden and eradicated infection in 50% of the animals when treatment was administrated ad libitum for 14 days. No significant differences were found between the administration procedure (ad libitum vs oral gavage). Also, increasing the DHA‐NLC concentration to 4 and 8 mg/mL did not translate into an improvement in antibacterial performance. Notably, gut microbiome analysis showed no alterations, highlighting the safety to the gut microbiota. Finally, no histopathological changes were reported (stomach/liver sections).ConclusionsOverall, our results emphasize DHA‐NLC as a promising approach for H. pylori infection management, since they can effectively reduce the H. pylori burden without affecting gut microbiota and, in opposition to antibiotics, without anticipating the development of resistance to this treatment.
Conceptualising the role of practice level in language teacher identity construction: An identities‐in‐practice study
Authors: Derakhshan Ali , Moradi Farhang , Nazari Mostafa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLanguage teachers deal with different groups of learners as a natural aspect of their professional careers. However, little is known about how teachers construct their identities in response to various learner groups. This study relies on the concept of identities‐in‐practice and explores how six English‐L2 teachers construct their identities across beginner and advanced levels of teaching. Data were collected from semi‐structured interviews, stimulated recalls, and classroom observations to examine teacher identities across the two practice levels. Data analyses revealed similarities and differences in teacher identities across the two levels, which involved three components: agentic variations, discursive realisations, and extended identities. These findings provide novel implications for understanding language teacher identity construction across different learner groups. The study also provides implications for teachers and teacher educators to pay focal attention to the role identity plays in teachers’ work across different practice levels.
Charting the path of sustainability discourse research: A systematic review of applied linguistic studies
Authors: Nervino Esterina , Cheung Joyce Oiwun , Chen Jiayi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to understand the state‐of‐the‐art of research on sustainability discourse in applied linguistics. The paper adopts a systematic two‐stage review approach. In the first stage, 114 articles were classified into environment, social, and governance (ESG) according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) categories. The second stage involves annotating the dataset using an open‐coding system based on data types explored in the studies, methodologies used, findings, and implications. The findings lead to a comprehensive review of diachronic changes in the investigation of sustainability topics, data types, sampling, frameworks, analytical tools, findings, and implications to ultimately set the grounds for future research on sustainability discourse in applied linguistics and related disciplines—for example, communication studies.
Control beliefs about stress and post‐traumatic growth in nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating roles of basic psychological needs satisfaction and optimism
Authors: Bai Chengzhi , Bai Baoyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between control beliefs about stress and post‐traumatic growth among Chinese nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic and to examine the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction and optimism in this relationship. A total of 692 Chinese nurses participated in this online study, who completed the Beliefs about Stress Scale, Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale and demographic variables between September and October 2020. Results indicate that 48.8% (N = 388) of nurses reported significant post‐traumatic growth related to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Moreover, control beliefs about stress were positively related to post‐traumatic growth (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), basic psychological needs satisfaction (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and optimism (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). In addition, basic psychological needs satisfaction and optimism were both independent and serial mediators of the relationship between control beliefs about stress and post‐traumatic growth. Nurses and hospital administrators should focus on increasing nurses' control beliefs about stress and thereby enhancing their post‐traumatic growth after experiencing events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. To support this process, programs should be designed to meet nurses' basic psychological needs and increase their optimism.
Influence of defect chemistry on the electromechanical strain properties of BNT–ST‐based ternary systems
Authors: Duong Trang An , Nguyen Hoang Thien Khoi , Frömling Till , Ahn Chang Won , Kim Byeong Woo , Han Hyoung‐Su , Lee Jae‐Shin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, the stabilization of ergodicity and electromechanical strain properties of lead‐free ternary 0.75Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3–0.24SrTiO3–0.01ABO3 piezoceramics (BNT–24ST, ABO3 = BaZrO3 (BZ), CaTiO3 (CT), and BiFeO3 (BF)) were investigated. The relaxor state could be stabilized in BZ‐and BF‐modified BNT–24ST ceramics even at room temperature, whereas pure BNT–24ST and CT‐modified ceramics exhibited ferroelectric (FE) behavior. These phenomena were rationalized by analyzing the temperature‐dependent permittivity; detecting the FE‐relaxor phase transition temperature (TF‐R); and investigating features in strain, polarization, and switching current curves. Furthermore, high‐temperature conductivity data showed that relaxor behavior and realization of large strain properties strongly correlated with the concentration of oxygen vacancies in ABO3‐modified BNT–ST ternary systems.
Long‐term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and periodontitis: An observational study using nationally representative survey data
Authors: Li Wenjing , Li Na , Liang Zhisheng , Hou Xingduo , Si Yan , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Sun Shengzhi , Meng Huanxing , Zhang Zhenyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimThe rising prevalence of periodontitis imposes substantial burdens on individuals and society. Identifying environmental risk factors for periodontitis may contribute to tackling the global public health burden of it. This study aimed to assess the association between long‐term exposure to PM2.5 and periodontitis in a nationally representative population from China.Materials and MethodsIn this multi‐centre cross‐sectional study of 372 communities in 31 provinces of Mainland China, we used data from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey of China in 2015–2016, in combination with high‐resolution gridded concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between long‐term PM2.5 exposure and the risk of periodontitis. In addition, we examined whether the association varied by individual characteristics, and estimated the exposure–response relationship and the risk of damaged tooth in each tooth quadrant.ResultsA total of 8391 participants from 96 cities were diagnosed with periodontitis, accounting for 60.04% (8391/13,459) of the participants. For each 10 μg/m3 increment in 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year average concentrations of PM2.5, the risk of total periodontitis increased by 9.0% (95% confidence interval: 6.0%, 12.0%), 8.0% (6.0, 11·0) and 7.0% (5.0, 10.0), respectively. Mild periodontitis was more strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure than moderate and severe periodontitis. The teeth in the lower anterior, lower posterior or upper anterior are more susceptible to the effect of PM2.5 on the periodontal pocket, calculus and bleeding gums.ConclusionsLong‐term exposure to PM2.5 is significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontitis in the nationally representative Chinese population. Considering the rising prevalence of periodontitis, considerable costs of treatment, and substantially adverse effects on individuals and society, these findings suggest that stricter air quality regulations may help ease the burden of periodontal disease.
Consensus for a primary care clinical decision‐making tool for assessing, diagnosing, and managing low back pain in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Eubank Breda H. F. , Martyn Jason , Schneider Geoff M. , McMorland Gord , Lackey Sebastian W. , Zhao Xu Rong , Slomp Mel , Werle Jason R. , Robert Jill , Thomas Kenneth C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common condition causing disability and high healthcare costs. Alberta faces challenges with unnecessary referrals to specialists and long wait times. A province‐wide standardized clinical care pathway based on evidence‐based best practices can improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance patient outcomes. Implementing such pathways has shown success in other areas of healthcare in Alberta. This study developed a clinical decision‐making pathway to standardize care and minimize uncertainty in assessment, diagnosis, and management.MethodsA systematic rapid review identified existing tools and evidence that could support a comprehensive LBP clinical decision‐making tool. Forty‐seven healthcare professionals participated in four rounds of a modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients presenting to primary care with LBP in Alberta, Canada. This project was a collaborative effort between Alberta Health Services’ Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJHSCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI).ResultsA province‐wide expert panel consisting of professionals from different health disciplines and regions collaborated to develop an LBP clinical decision‐making tool. This tool presents clinical care pathways for acute, subacute, and chronic LBP. It also provides guidance for history‐taking, physical examination, patient education, and management.ConclusionsThis clinical decision‐making tool will help to standardize care, provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of LBP, and assist in clinical decision‐making for primary care providers in both public and private sectors.
Healthcare contact days among older adults living with dementia
Authors: Chant Emma D. , Ritchie Christine S. , Orav E. John , Ganguli Ishani 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor older adults with dementia and their care partners, accessing health care outside the home involves substantial time, direct and indirect costs, and other burdens. While prior studies have estimated days spent by these individuals in or out of hospitals and nursing homes, ambulatory care burdens are likely substantial yet poorly understand. Therefore, we characterized “health care contact days”—days spent receiving ambulatory or institutional care—in this population.MethodsWe used 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data linked to claims for community‐dwelling, ≥65‐year‐old adults with dementia in Traditional Medicare. We measured contact days including ambulatory days (with an office visit, test, imaging, procedure, or treatment) and institutional days (spent in an emergency department, hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice facility). We described variation and patterns in contact days. Using multivariable Poisson regression, we identified sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with contact days.ResultsIn weighted analyses, 887 older adults with dementia (weighted: 2.9 million) had mean (SD) 31.1 (33.7) total contact days/year, of which 21.7 (20.6) were ambulatory. Ten percent had ≥68 contact days in the year. One‐third (34%) of ambulatory contact days involved multiple services. In multivariable models, receipt of more ambulatory contact days was associated with younger age (65–74 reference vs. −32.3% [95% CI: −42.2%, −20.7%] for 85+), higher income (>200% Federal Poverty Level [FPL] reference versus −16.6% [95% CI: −26.7%, −5.0%] for ≤200% FPL), and lack of functional impairment (reference versus −14.6% [95% CI: −23.7%, −4.4%]). Each additional chronic condition was associated with 8.2% (95% CI: 6.7%, 9.8%) more ambulatory contact days.ConclusionsOlder adults with dementia spent 31 days a year accessing care which was mostly ambulatory. These days varied widely by both clinical and sociodemographic factors. These results highlight the need to reduce patient burden through strategies such as reducing unneeded care, coordinating care, and shifting care to home settings through telemedicine and home care.
Paleoarchean metamorphism in the Acasta Gneiss Complex: Constraints from phase equilibrium modelling and in situ garnet Lu–Hf geochronology
Authors: Kaempf Jonas , Johnson Tim E. , Clark Chris , Alfing Julian , Brown Michael , Lanari Pierre , Rankenburg Kai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe oldest known evolved (felsic) rocks on Earth (c. 4.03 Ga) are found in the Acasta Gneiss Complex (AGC) in north‐western Canada and represent a fundamental keystone in unravelling the geological processes governing crustal growth and differentiation during the Hadean and early Archean. Although the timing of multiple episodes of magmatism, metamorphism and deformation in these tonalitic gneisses has been investigated extensively, the metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions recorded by the rocks are poorly constrained. Here, we use phase equilibrium modelling coupled with in situ garnet Lu–Hf geochronology and trace element analysis for two garnet‐bearing tonalitic gneisses to decipher the metamorphic history of the AGC. The observed mineral assemblages are consistent with peak metamorphic conditions of T = 725–780°C and P = 4.5–6.2 kbar and the generation of a small amount of melt (<7 vol.%). Garnet geochronology constrains the age of metamorphism to 3.3–3.2 Ga, consistent with previous evidence for a late Paleoarchean tectono‐metamorphic event in the AGC. Subsequent isotopic disturbance of garnet at c. 1.9 Ga is interpreted to correspond to a modification of the primary Lu–Hf systematics in response to garnet resorption/recrystallization during the Paleoproterozoic Wopmay orogeny, resulting in significant scatter between these two age components. Our study adds to the small number of published P–T data for metamorphic rocks older than 2.8 Ga and shows that tonalitic gneisses in the AGC record a high apparent thermal gradient of ~140°C/kbar in the late Paleoarchean. This thermal gradient is the highest among the limited dataset, but is broadly similar to data from other Paleoarchean‐Mesoarchean crustal rocks in recording high T/P ratios (>77.5°C/kbar).
Sirenomelia: An anatomical assessment and genetic sex determination of two cases
Authors: Vander Pol Stephanie L. , MacKenzie Jennifer J. , Harrison Karen J. , Reifel Conrad W. , Smith Roger M. L. , Bale Logan , Pang Stephen C. , Taylor Sherry A. M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe etiology of sirenomelia is currently unknown. Data are limited in comparing external and internal abnormalities using modern imaging technologies and molecular genetic analysis. The purpose of the current study was designed to compare external and internal anatomical defects in two cases of sirenomelia and Potter's sequence. Considered rare, Potter's sequence is a fetal disorder with characteristic features of bilateral renal agenesis, obstructive uropathy, atypical facial appearance, and limb malformations. The internal and external malformations of two term fetuses with sirenomelia and Potter's sequence were compared using assessment of external features, radiography and MRI on internal structures, and molecular genetic studies on sex determination. Data reveal that both fetuses were male and manifested with an overlapping but distinct spectrum of abnormalities. Principal differences were noted in the development of the ears, brain, urogenital system, lower limbs, pelvis, and vertebral column. Defects of the axial mesoderm are likely to underlie the abnormalities seen in both fetuses. The first one, which had only caudal defects, was found to have a spectrum of abnormalities most similar to those associated with more severe forms of the small pelvic outlet syndrome, although the structure and orientation of the sacrum and iliae were different from previously reported cases. The other had both caudal and cranial defects, and was most similar to those described in the axial mesodermal dysplasia syndrome. Defects associated with sirenomelia can be evaluated with standard gross anatomy examination, radiology, MRI, and modified PCR techniques to determine anatomical abnormalities and the sex of preserved specimens, respectively. Evidence indicated that sirenomelia could be developed via various etiologies.
Integrative bioinformatics and experimental validation of hub genetic markers in acne vulgaris: Toward personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Lin Qian , Cai Beichen , Ke Ruonan , Chen Lu , Ni Xuejun , Liu Hekun , Lin Xinjian , Wang Biao , Shan Xiuying 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a widespread chronic inflammatory dermatological condition. The precise molecular and genetic mechanisms of its pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. This research synthesizes existing databases, targeting a comprehensive exploration of core genetic markers.MethodsGene expression datasets (GSE6475, GSE108110, and GSE53795) were retrieved from the GEO. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package. Enrichment analyses were conducted using GSVA for pathway assessment and clusterProfiler for GO and KEGG analyses. PPI networks and immune cell infiltration were analyzed using the STRING database and ssGSEA, respectively. We investigated the correlation between hub gene biomarkers and immune cell infiltration using Spearman's rank analysis. ROC curve analysis validated the hub genes' diagnostic accuracy. miRNet, TarBase v8.0, and ChEA3 identified miRNA/transcription factor–gene interactions, while DrugBank delineated drug–gene interactions. Experiments utilized HaCaT cells stimulated with Propionibacterium acnes, treated with retinoic acid and methotrexate, and evaluated using RT‐qPCR, ELISA, western blot, lentiviral transduction, CCK‐8, wound‐healing, and transwell assays.ResultsThere were 104 genes with consistent differences across the three datasets of paired acne and normal skin. Functional analyses emphasized the significant enrichment of these DEGs in immune‐related pathways. PPI network analysis pinpointed hub genes PTPRC, CXCL8, ITGB2, and MMP9 as central players in acne pathogenesis. Elevated levels of specific immune cell infiltration in acne lesions corroborated the inflammatory nature of the disease. ROC curve analysis identified the acne diagnostic potential of four hub genes. Key miRNAs, particularly hsa‐mir‐124‐3p, and central transcription factors like TFEC were noted as significant regulators. In vitro validation using HaCaT cells confirmed the upregulation of hub genes following Propionibacterium acnes exposure, while CXCL8 knockdown reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation, and migration. DrugBank insights led to the exploration of retinoic acid and methotrexate, both of which mitigated gene expression upsurge and inflammatory mediator secretion.ConclusionThis comprehensive study elucidated pivotal genes associated with acne pathogenesis, notably PTPRC, CXCL8, ITGB2, and MMP9. The findings underscore potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and the therapeutic potential of agents like retinoic acid and methotrexate. The congruence between bioinformatics and experimental validations suggests promising avenues for personalized acne treatments.