bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lactobacillus Reuteri in Children with Chronic Functional Constipation: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pourrostami Kumars , Mohammadi Masoud Aman , Forgani Ali , Matani Rahman , Ansari Fereshteh , Pourjafar Hadi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri in treating chronic functional constipation in children aged 2 to 14 years. Constipation, affecting up to 25% of the pediatric population, is often functional in nature and challenging to manage with standard treatments such as laxatives and dietary modifications. Given the emerging interest in probiotics, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of Lactobacillus reuteri as a complementary treatment alongside polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Eighty children diagnosed with chronic functional constipation were randomly assigned to receive either Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 or a placebo, in combination with PEG. Participants were monitored over 7 weeks, with assessments conducted on bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, straining during defecation, abdominal pain, and fecal incontinence.
Results demonstrated that the probiotic group experienced significant improvements in bowel movement frequency (mean increase of 2.4 ± 1.1 per week) compared to the placebo group (1.2 ± 0.9; p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes, including stool consistency, straining, and abdominal pain, as well showed notable improvements in the probiotic group. Additionally, fecal incontinence episodes decreased more in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (p = 0.008), with fewer adverse events reported.
In conclusion, Lactobacillus reuteri combined with PEG significantly improved constipation symptoms, offering a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for children with chronic functional constipation. These findings suggest that incorporating probiotics into conventional treatment protocols may enhance clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for pediatric patients.
Functional Hydrogels Promote Chronic Infectious Wound Healing by Re-rousing Macrophage M1 and Inducing Bacterial Copper-Like Death
Authors: Xiang Chao , Pu Chaoyu , Zhong XueMei , Wang Yong , Song Weiyong , Wang Xingkuan , Chen Kemiao , Li Kai , Luo Yue , Jiang Ke , Jiang Dianming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Traditional antibiotics are often ineffective against biofilm-associated infections, and biofilm-induced macrophage immune evasion directly halts the wound healing process. Disrupting biofilms and regulating macrophage immune functions are critical to improving wound healing.
Results: In this study, we synthesized g-C3N4 with peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity via thermal polymerization and copper alginate microspheres (CAM) via gas cutting. These were co-encapsulated into GelMA hydrogels to form a functionalized wound repair system (GelMA/CAM@g-C3N4) with both anti-biofilm and local immune microenvironment remodeling capabilities. In vitro, this system exhibited excellent biocompatibility and promoted endothelial cell migration, vascular formation, and CD31 expression. It also polarized macrophages toward the M1 phenotype, restoring their pro-inflammatory functions, upregulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), and inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In vivo, the system suppressed S. aureus growth, promoted angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and reshaped the pathological microenvironment to achieve wound repair and regeneration.
Conclusions: This system offers a new therapeutic strategy for chronic infectious wounds.
Identification of key genes associated with infertile endometriosis based on bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaocong , Ye Hongjuan , Xie Xin , Wang Yang , Cheng Jie , Yang Hui , Chang Linlin , Xue Songguo , Shi Liya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a common disease among women of childbearing age. However, the molecular mechanism behind it is still unknown. Therefore, new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertile women.
Methods: Microarray datasets GSE7305, GSE7307, and GSE51981 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and endometriosis. The STRING database and Cytoscape software constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) and hub gene networks. At the same time, the three data sets were screened for co-differentially expressed genes related to mitosis. Subsequently, we identified mitosis-related hub genes (MRHGs) associated with both mitosis-related genes and hub genes. Next, enrichment analysis for target genes was performed by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and the mRNA-miRNA network was constructed. Finally, GSE25628 and GSE6364 were used to verify the expression of MRHGs individually, while GSE120103 was employed to ascertain the influence of mitosis-related genes on female fertility.
Results: A total of 93 DEGs were identified in the endometriosis datasets. Then, we placed 11 potential mitosis-related downregulated hub genes, among which eight showed good diagnostic properties of endometriosis, and two showed good diagnostic properties of infertile endometriosis. The main enriched GO functions revealed that the cell cycle mitotic pathway may be the critical pathway in endometriosis. Meanwhile, mRNA-miRNA interaction networks were constructed by choosing co-expressed mRNAs and miRNAs. Furthermore, cordycepin showed high drug-targeting relevance in infertile endometriosis.
Conclusions: We identified eight mitosis-related hub genes as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. CENPE and CCNA2 might be associated with infertile endometriosis by affecting the endometrial secretory phase transition. In addition, cordycepin may be a potential clinical treatment for people with infertility-related endometriosis.
Optical assessment of lignin-containing nanocellulose films under extended sunlight exposure
Authors: Nizamov Rustem , Kaschuk Joice , Haj Yazan Al , Nyberg Mikael , Imani Monireh , Pasquier Eva , Rojas Orlando , Abitbol Tiffany , Vapaavuori Jaana , Miettunen Kati 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the stability of various cellulose substrates and their UV-blocking properties from the perspective of optoelectronic applications that are obliged to endure prolonged periods under sunlight. The application of cellulose substrates to optoelectronic applications, such as solar cells, has gained traction thanks to cellulose films’ ability to function as a sustainable alternative that can be modified and functionalized optically in various ways. Here, the films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF), with and without lignin, were tested under 1000 hours of exposure to artificial sunlight. The literature to date provides no quantitative analysis of such films’ stability. As such, this contribution examines how the films age with respect to their optical and mechanical performance and their retention of their UV protective qualities. While UV-blocking properties of lignin are well known, films containing residual lignin (LignoCNF and LignoTOCNF), and lignin nanoparticles (CNF-LNP and TOCNF-LNP) demonstrated remarkable UV-blocking stability; even after the aging transmittance of LignoCNF and CNF-LNP films remained lower than 1% below 390 nm. Most lignin-containing films exhibited increased transmittance between 400 and 600 nm after aging, except for LignoTOCNF, which showed a decrease in transmittance that was comparable to that displayed by non-lignin films. Mechanical testing revealed increased brittleness in both CNF and LignoCNF, while films with lignin nanoparticles exhibited reduced strain at the break. The observed changes were linked to the potential oxidation of COO- groups and structural modifications in both cellulose and lignin. Color changes were also observed, with TOCNF films darkening significantly after aging, while the lignin-containing films exhibited varied behaviors: while LignoCNF, CNF-LNP, and TOCNF-LNP became lighter, LignoTOCNF darkened. Overall, the incorporation of lignin into nanocellulose films enhances their durability, UV protection, and mechanical stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable optoelectronic applications.
Analysis of Mixed Composition Cold Plasmas by Optical Emission Diagnostics and Simulations
Authors: Lavan Shani Har , Atlas Sharona , Kaplan Amir , Lehrer Avi , Rozenberg Illya , Zhao Hao , Baraban Joshua H. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The behavior of mixed composition cold non-equilibrium plasmas was investigated in a low-pressure capacitively coupled reactor using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). By fitting experimental data to simulations of the Second Positive System (C3 Πu-B3Πg) of N2, rotational and vibrational temperatures were determined for various Ar/N2 mixtures as a function of plasma input power (40-100 W) and pressure (300-700 mTorr). Simulations of the plasma were performed for comparison. For pure N2, the observed trends revealed that both the rotational and vibrational temperatures increased with input power, (Trot of v=0 increased from 369-396 K and Tvib from 5938-6542 K, at 40-100 W, 100 SCCM and 293 mTorr) but both temperatures showed minimal response to the applied changes in pressure. The rotational and vibrational temperatures for the mixed composition Ar/N2 plasmas were significantly higher compared to the pure N2 plasmas (e.g. Trot of 1308 K and Tvib of 7279 K for 1.8% of N2 in Ar; at 50 W, 4 SCCM of N2, 220 SCCM of Ar for a total pressure of 587 mTorr). Moreover, the addition of Ar caused a larger separation between the rotational and vibrational temperatures compared to the pure N2 case. These phenomena illustrate the effects of Ar on the non-equilibrium energy distribution and more generally the influence that the gas mixture composition may have on the plasma reactivity.
Leptocheliidae Diversity: Indicators of Environmental Change in Threatened Habitats
Authors: Stępień Anna , Saeedi Hanieh , Błażewicz Magdalena 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Current environmental changes due to increased human activities are impacting biodiversity and distribution of marine organisms. Understanding species diversity is essential for assessing threats, predicting impacts, and guiding conservation planning. Our study focuses on the family Leptocheliidae (Crustacea: Tanaidacea), a suitable model for investigating diversity and distribution in low-mobility crustaceans. This family, abundant in shallow waters and sensitive to environmental shifts, was analyzed globally using literature, databases, and unpublished data from Australian coral reefs. We calculated species richness, estimated richness, and sampling effort, organizing data into latitudinal bands and ca. 800,000 km2 hexagonal cells. Cluster analysis by biogeographic provinces helped identify distinct species assemblages.
Generalized Linear and Additive Models (GLM, GAM) assessed environmental drivers, including temperature, productivity, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, salinity, silicate, phytoplankton, nitrate, and phosphate. Results revealed a bimodal species richness pattern, with diversity peaking in lower latitudes but declining at the equator. Biodiversity hotspots were identified in the Indo-Australian region, Central Indo-Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, with high estimated richness in the Mediterranean, and SE Australia. The subantarctic region displayed distinct, but low-diversity assemblages.
Among the environmental variables, dissolved oxygen was identified as the most important factor influencing species diversity and estimated diversity across latitudes, followed by temperature. Models incorporating salinity, combinations of multiple factors, and dissolved oxygen were the most reliable for species diversity within hexagonal regions, while combinations of several environmental factors, followed by temperature, were the best predictors for estimated diversity.
Gene expression responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) to the early phase of acute infection by Flavobacterium oreochromis
Authors: Pereira Carolina Souza , Mastrochirico-Filho Vito Antonio , Pereira Elcimara Cardoso , Butzge Arno Juliano , Cáceres Pablo , Porto-Foresti Fabio , Yáñez José Manuel , Gallani Silvia Umeda , Hashimoto Diogo Teruo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Flavobacterium oreochromis, is associated with high mortality rates in the early stages of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) production. This study investigated the genetic effects caused by F. oreochromis infection in tambaqui juveniles by comparing gene expression levels between symptomatic (IS) and asymptomatic (IA) individuals. A bacterial challenge was conducted by intraperitoneal infection of F. oreochromis. A control group (CT) was established where individuals were injected with PBS. During the bacterial challenge, 5 skin samples from IA animals and 4 samples from the IS group were extracted for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). A pool formed from samples of 5 CT individuals was also sequenced. Approximately 21 million reads per library were aligned to the tambaqui genome (GCA_904425465.1). A differential expression analysis was performed to compare gene expression levels between IA and IS. To control false discovery rates, p-values were adjusted to q-values < 0.05. A total of 2,470 overexpressed genes and 1,305 underexpressed genes were identified in IS, while 1,358 overexpressed genes and 488 underexpressed genes were generated in IA. Genes overexpressed in both conditions were related to autophagy (ATG4B and ULK2) and oxidative stress (KLF9, DDT1, and TXNIP) regulated by the proteasome mechanism. The results suggest that autophagy and oxidative stress are important components of homeostasis and immune defense in tambaqui during the acute phase of F. oreochromis infection. We suggest that the progression of efficient immune mechanisms is limited, possibly due to an imbalance of molecular mechanisms. Further studies are needed to better understand the host-pathogen interaction.
Manipulating molecular conformation of charge-transfer cocrystal for NIR-II absorption and light/thermal-responsive imaging
Authors: Zhuo Ming-Peng , Rong Yun , Chen Si-Qi , Zhao Yu-Dong , Zhuo Sheng , Li Yuan-Yuan , Liu Jin-Zhuo , Ju Yi-Yi , Xie Yue-Min , Liao Liang-Sheng , Zhang Ke-Qin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Organic photothermal materials, renowned for their efficient light-to-heat conversion and high flexibility, have garnered significant interest in stimuli-responsive applications. However, challenges such as complex synthesis, restricted absorption, poor stability, and low photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) terribly impede their practical application. This study presents an organic charge-transfer (CT) cocrystal with a broad NIR-II response (250 to 2050 nm), which was synthesized using a tetrathiafulvalene donor with a freely rotating π-conjugate group. This cocrystal is integrated into polyurethane to create scalable photothermal nanofiber membranes via cost-effective electrospinning technology. The free rotation of the benzene ring enhances nonradiative recombination, leading to a high PCEs of 81.7 % for the CT cocrystals, and 62.8 % for the resulting nanofiber membrane. Furthermore, coating with reversible thermochromic microcapsules endows the nanofiber membrane with sensitive color changes from reddish-brown to light yellow under sunlight, or temperatures above 45 °C, suggesting promising applications in smart fibers for real-time photo-/thermos-stimuli-responsive imaging.
Intravenous human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for ischemic stroke (MERIT): a prospective, single arm, phase I trial
Authors: Hao Junwei , Cui Lili , Xiao Ming , Zhang Qian , Liu Haijie , Reb Yi , Ma Gaoting , Zhou Da , Ma Qingfeng , Yao Hui , Lin Ming , Gao Daiquan , Ye Linlin , Cui Yadong , Wang Ran , Wang Yelin , Zahng Lan , Zhong Lianmei , Gao Ge , Jolkkonen Jukka , Boltze Johannes 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) hold a significant promise as an innovative therapy for ischemic stroke, but the optimal transplantation strategy remains to be explored. This open label, single arm, phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05697718) included 18 patients with subacute ischemic stroke, who exhibited a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 6-20 (median 9, interquartile range 8-12). The patients received a single intravenous transplantation of 50, 100, or 200 million UC-MSCs (n=6 for each dose), and were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the safety profile, and secondary outcome was the preliminary efficacy, with exploration on immunological changes. Possible treatment-related adverse events were dizziness, nausea, sweating, fatigue, and epilepsy. No serious adverse events occurred. A reduction in NIHSS score by 1~5 points was observed in 14 patients at the final follow-up. In conclusion, intravenous transplantation of UC-MSCs were well-tolerated in the stroke patients.
Spintwistronics: Photonic bilayer topological lattices tuning extreme spin-orbit interactions
Authors: Yuan Xiaocong , Shi Peng , Gou Xinxin , Zhang Qiang , Wei Weiyu , Wu Haijun , Li Songze , Zhu Zhi-Han , Shen Yijie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Twistronics, the manipulation of Moiré superlattices via the twisting of two layers of two-dimensional (2D) materials to control diverse and nontrivial properties, has recently revolutionized the condensed matter and materials physics1-6. Here, we introduce the principles of twistronics to spin photonics, coining this emerging field spintwistronics. In spintwistronics, instead of 2D materials, the two layers consist of photonic topological spin lattices on a surface plasmonic polariton (SPP) platform. Each 2D SPP wave supports the construction of topological lattices formed by photonic spins with stable skyrmion topology governed by rotational symmetry. By introducing spintwistronics into plasmonics, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that two layers of photonic spin lattices can produce Moiré spin superlattices at specific magic angles. These superlattices, modulated periodically by the quantum number of total angular momentum, exhibit novel properties-including new spin quasiparticle topologies, multiple fractal patterns, extremely slow-light control, and more-that cannot be achieved in conventional plasmonic systems. As a result, they open up multiple degrees of freedom for practical applications in quantum information, optical data storage and chiral light-matter interactions.
State-feedback control of vehicle lateral motion subjected to hybrid time-delays in the loop: stability and gain-optimization
Authors: LU HANGYU , Denes Takacs , Lu Jianwei , Wu Xiaodong , Stepan Gabor 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Vehicle stability control (VSC) plays a central role both in the current traffic safety and in the way toward autonomy. Multiple types of time delays inevitably appear within the control loop affecting the performance and even the stability of the system. These delays can be classified as discrete and continuous ones, which together result in so-called hybrid delay effects. A vehicle model is introduced with transient and combined tire slip properties to accurately reflect the dynamics and controllability of a vehicle negotiating cornering. A semi-discretization (SD) method for the hybrid delay condition is proposed, which presents stability charts in the parameter space of control gains. The charts are validated by means of the analytical delay-averaging (DA) method constructed for the limited cases of continuous delay. Introducing the decay rate of settling as the optimization goal, the stable domain is further divided into regions characterized by the degrees of robustness against state perturbations. These optimal conditions are analyzed further for various delay hybridizations. The results are also validated by simulations carried out with the mechanical model of a vehicle which was identified experimentally. The cases with multiple hybrid delays reveal that the control performance essentially depends on the ratio of the hybrid delays rather than just on an averaged delay. Finally, conclusions regarding various gain-tuning strategies w.r.t different delay hybridization are given.
Adaptive Contextual Modulation for Token Prediction with Dynamic Semantic Weighting
Authors: Lefpar Alexander , Thackeray Yorick , Miller David , Ellington Montgomery , Lee Kenneth 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The increasing complexity and diversity of language tasks require models capable of maintaining contextual integrity over extended sequences. Addressing such challenges, Adaptive Contextual Modulation (ACM) introduces a dynamic mechanism that adjusts semantic weighting during token generation, thereby enhancing context preservation and prediction accuracy. Through integration with an open-source Large Language Model (LLM), ACM demonstrates significant improvements in token prediction accuracy, contextual coherence, and computational efficiency. Quantitative evaluations reveal that ACM-augmented models achieve higher BERTScores and Distinct-n metrics, indicating superior semantic alignment and response diversity. Additionally, the enhanced handling of ambiguous queries and long-form content generation underscores ACM's potential to advance LLM development and applications requiring high context fidelity.
Intercomparison of machine learning methods for statistical downscaling of daily temperature under CMIP6 scenarios: a case study from Iran
Authors: Goodarzi Mohammad Reza , Hashemipour Zaynab , Saremi Amir , Niazkar Majid 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

General Circulation Models (GCMs) represent a contemporary and advanced tool designed to simulate the response of climate systems to alterations in greenhouse gas levels. Increasing spatial resolutions of the outputs of GCMs on a regional scale requires a downscaling process. This study applied six Machine Learning (ML) models, named decision tree regression (DTR), support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural networks (ANN), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), Light Gradient-Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Stochastic Gradient Descent Regressor (SGDRegressor), to downscale daily temperature data from CMIP6 models in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Iran. Observations from Nazmakan station were used for training (1995 -2009) and testing (2009 -2015). In addition, future temperature projections during 2015 -2045 were made under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Results showed that LightGBM and KNN developed the most reliable results. Mann-Kendall's analysis confirmed a significant upward trend, predicting cooler summers and warmer winters. The predicted data was also validated against observations from the period 2015 -2022. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of nonlinear ML techniques and emphasizes the need for further research to enhance predictive accuracy and spatial resolution in statistical downscaling.