bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Mix of Probiotic Strains Prevents Hepatic Steatosis, and Improves Oxidative Stress Status and Gut Microbiota Composition in Obese Mice
Authors: Guo Chenglin , He Shengduo , Le Barz Mélanie , Binda Sylvie , Wang Huahong 
Published: October 2024

ScopeThe gut microbiota plays a role in fat accumulation and energy homeostasis. Therefore, probiotic supplementation may improve metabolic parameters and control body weight.Methods and resultsIn this study, mice are fed either a high‐fat diet (HFD) or an HFD supplemented with oral gavage of a mixture of three probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94, Lactobacillus plantarum HA‐119, and Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks. It finds that probiotic supplementation modulates body weight gain, food energy efficiency, and fat accumulation caused by the HFD. This probiotic mix prevents liver damage and lipid metabolic disorders in HFD‐fed obese mice. The probiotic supplementation significantly downregulates the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and upregulated catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) expression. Mice supplemented with the probiotic mix also show different microbiota compositions, with an increase in Clostridia_UCG‐014 and Lachnospiraceae_nk4a136_group and a decrease in the Dubosiella genus compared with those in mice fed only an HFD. Finally, the amounts of fecal pentanoic acid and the three bile acid species increase in mice with probiotic supplementation.ConclusionTreatment with a combination of a mixture of three probiotic strains, B. lactis Lafti B94, L. plantarum HA‐119, and L. helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks, ameliorates the effects of HFD induced obesity in mice.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Improves Endometrial Homeostasis in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Decreasing Insulin Resistance and Regulating the Glylytic Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Zhang Jiaming , Xue Haoxuan , Chen Xi , Li Meixiang , Chen Shenghua , Li Zhiling , Sechi Leonardo Antonio , Wang Qian , Capobianco Giampiero , Lei Xiaocan 
Published: October 2024

ScopePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to insulin resistance (IR) and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, resulting in an imbalance in the endometrial environment, which is unfavorable for embryo implantation of PCOS. This study aims to investigate whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improves the stability of the endometrium in a rat model of PCOS and identifies whether it is related to reduce IR and increase glycolysis levels and its potential signaling pathway.Methods and resultsFemale Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats are fed letrozole and a high‐fat diet (HFD) to form the PCOS model, then the model rats are treated with or without NMN. It randomly divided into control, PCOS, and PCOS‐NMN groups according to the feeding and treating method. Compared with the PCOS group, the regular estrous cycles are restored, the serum androgen (p<0.01) and fasting insulin levels (p<0.05) are reduced, and endometrial morphology (p<0.05) is improved in NMN‐PCOS group. Furthermore, NMN inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis, improves endometrial decidualization transition, reduces IR, restores the expression of glycolysis rate‐limiting enzymes, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway in the uterus.ConclusionsThese results suggest that NMN enhances endometrial tissue homeostasis by decreasing uterine IR and regulating the glycolysis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Implementation and validation of a very‐high‐energy electron model in the matRad treatment planning system
Authors: Sitarz Mateusz , Ronga Maria Grazia , Gesualdi Flavia , Bonfrate Anthony , Wahl Niklas , De Marzi Ludovic 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile electron beams of up to 20 MeV are commonly used in radiotherapy, the use of very‐high‐energy electrons (VHEEs) in the range of 100–200 MeV is now becoming a realistic option thanks to the recent advancements in accelerator technology. Indeed, VHEE offers several clinically attractive features and can be delivered using various conformation methods (including scanning, collimation, and focussing) at ultra‐high dose rates. To date, there is a lack of research tools for fast simulation of treatment plans using VHEE beams.PurposeThis work aims to implement and validate a simple and fast dose calculation algorithm based on the Fermi–Eyges theory of multiple Coulomb scattering for VHEE radiation therapy, with energies up to 200 MeV. A treatment planning system (TPS) toolkit with VHEE modality would indeed allow for further preclinical investigations, including treatment plan optimization and evaluation, and thus contribute to the gradual introduction of VHEE radiotherapy in clinical practice.MethodsA VHEE pencil beam scanning double Gaussian model was introduced into the open‐source TPS matRad environment along with new functions and options dedicated to VHEE dose calculations. Various geometries and field configurations were then calculated in matRad (up to 200 MeV and 15 × 15 cm2, with complex bone or lung heterogeneities) and the results were compared to Monte Carlo simulations in the TOPAS/Geant4 toolkit. Two types of beam model (divergent or focused) were also tested. Examples of clinical treatment plans were computed, and the results were compared between the two codes.ResultsVHEE modality was fully implemented in matRad with GUI capabilities while preserving all original TPS features. New relevant options such as the importation of specific spot‐lists or adjustment of the lateral dose calculation cutoff to optimize the calculation speed were validated. Single spot and square field dose distributions were validated in water alone as well as in clinically relevant inhomogeneities. Dose maps from the VHEE model in matRad were in good agreement with TOPAS (2D gamma index [2%/1 mm] with passing rates superior to 90%, <6% mean dose differences), except for large interface heterogeneities.ConclusionsThis work describes the implementation of a simple but efficient VHEE simulation model in matRad. A few configurations were studied in order to validate the model against accurate Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating its usefulness for carrying out preliminary studies involving VHEE radiotherapy.
Novel Genes of the Male Reproductive System: Potential Roles in Male Reproduction and as Non‐hormonal Male Contraceptive Targets
Authors: Garcia Thomas X. , Matzuk Martin M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe development of novel non‐hormonal male contraceptives represents a pivotal frontier in reproductive health, driven by the need for safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive methods. This comprehensive review explores the genetic underpinnings of male fertility, emphasizing the crucial roles of specific genes and structural variants (SVs) identified through advanced sequencing technologies such as long‐read sequencing (LRS). LRS has revolutionized the detection of structural variants and complex genomic regions, offering unprecedented precision and resolution over traditional next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Key genetic targets, including those implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm motility, are highlighted, showcasing their potential as non‐hormonal contraceptive targets. The review delves into the systematic identification and validation of male reproductive tract‐specific genes, utilizing advanced transcriptomics and genomics studies with validation using novel knockout mouse models. We discuss the innovative application of small molecule inhibitors, developed through platforms like DNA‐encoded chemistry technology (DEC‐Tec), which have shown significant promise in preclinical models. Notable examples include inhibitors targeting serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and bromodomain testis associated (BRDT), each demonstrating nanomolar affinity and potential for reversible and specific inhibition of male fertility. This review also honors the contributions of Dr. David L. Garbers whose foundational work has paved the way for these advancements. The integration of genomic, proteomic, and chemical biology approaches, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, is poised to transform male contraceptive development. Future perspectives emphasize the need for continued innovation and rigorous testing to bring these novel contraceptives from the laboratory to clinical application, promising a new era of male reproductive health management.
Effectiveness of Muscle Energy and Joint Mobilisation Techniques on Range of Motion, Pain and Functional Ability in Adults With Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gupta Mrigna , Vats Manju , Ramprabhu K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis investigation assessed the effectiveness of muscle energy and joint mobilisation techniques on range of motion, pain and functional ability in adults with frozen shoulder.MethodsRelevant RCTs from a 10‐year period, or from 2013 to September 28, 2023, were looked for in databases including PubMed, PEDro, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and a third reviewer intervened to resolve the conflict. Risk of Bias assessment was done by the PEDro scale and the certainty of evidence was checked using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation at three time points. The final articles were systematically summarised.ResultsA total of 9 studies comprising 439 subjects were selected for data extraction. Overall joint mobilisation technique and muscle energy technique both tended to be more effective than conservative management but there was a low to very low level of certainty for the effectiveness of muscle energy technique and joint mobilisation technique for frozen shoulder at short term, medium term and long‐term time points.ConclusionThis review indicates that current evidence for managing frozen shoulder with joint mobilisation and muscle energy techniques is limited and of low quality. However, positive outcomes in most studies suggest potential benefits in pain relief, range of motion, and function, suggesting they could be useful adjuncts to conventional treatment.
Morphological study of the bony labyrinth of the last hunter‐gatherers in Portugal: Insights from the Moita do Sebastião shell midden
Authors: Pujol Arbona Marina , Umbelino Cláudia , Coutinho‐Nogueira Dany 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe bony labyrinth is often studied in paleoanthropology for the taxonomic identification of hominins with a special focus on the differentiation between Neanderthals and modern humans. Although the variability of Pleistocene populations is now well studied, the variability of Early and Middle Holocene modern human hunter‐gatherers is still poorly known. Thus, this study focuses on the analysis of the bony labyrinth morphology of nine Late Mesolithic individuals from Moita do Sebastião in the Tagus Valley (Portugal). The results show a significant intra‐site variability in the Middle Holocene sample, confirming previous studies on the variability of early modern humans. The analysis also revealed morphological differences in the inner ear structures between European individuals associated with an Upper Paleolithic context (Gravettian) from the Vézère Valley and the Mesolithic individuals from Moita do Sebastião. Interestingly, the only Late Pleistocene individual from Portugal shows some similarities with the Middle Holocene ones, posing the possibility of an eventual local biological continuity.
Model predictive control for space robot manipulator modeled by switched systems: A data‐driven approach
Authors: Chen Qixin , Zhu Yanzheng , Zhang Jian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the data‐driven based model predictive control (MPC) problem for a class of space robot manipulator (SRM). First, the SRM system is modeled as a class of discrete‐time switched system to reflect more system characteristics. Second, only the input‐state data are used for end‐to‐end controller design, and the system identification process is avoided. In order to meet the real‐time requirements of the manipulator arm angles, a kind of constrained predictive control method is designed to prevent the overheating or damage of SRM motor, optimizing the cost function for each decision cycle under the safe control input constraints. Then, based on the average dwell time method, the asymptotic stability is assured for the presented SRM system. The design conditions for data‐driven based MPC are provided in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness and advantage for the developed data‐driven based MPC strategy are validated via a case study of SRM system.
Amphiphilic block‐copolymer exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides as novel epoxy toughening agents
Authors: Venu Gopika , Jayan Jitha S. , Krishnapriya R. C. , Saritha Appukuttan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractExcited by the effect of amphiphilic block copolymer Polyethylene glycol‐b‐Polypropylene Glycol‐b‐Polyethylene Glycol, a triblock copolymer (TBCP) in the virgin state as well as in the grafted form with graphene oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotube in epoxy toughening, the effect of the same block copolymer in the exfoliation of graphene analogous Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) was studied. Even though epoxy resin has several advantages, its inherent brittleness and flammability limit its application in several areas. So, there is a need for the efficient toughening of epoxy resin to make it appropriate for high‐end applications. In the present work, epoxy resin was toughened with exfoliated TMDs, especially Molybdenum sulfide and Tungsten disulfide (MoS2 and WS2). TBCP was used in the exfoliation of TMDs where the effect of these exfoliated TMDs in enhancing the properties of epoxy was evaluated. TBCP exfoliated MoS2 and WS2 exhibit fracture toughness of 483% and 636%, respectively in epoxy composites without compromising the tensile properties, which enhances the efficacy of epoxy resins towards high‐end applications. The improvement in toughness is evident from the fractography of the crack surfaces. The role of TBCP exfoliated TMDs in tuning the mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties is portrayed in the manuscript, thereby unveiling the potential of yet another unique class of materials in epoxy toughening.Highlights
The efficiency of amphiphilic block copolymer in exfoliating TMDs is analyzed.
The effect of TBCP‐exfoliated TMDs as a toughener for the epoxy matrix is portrayed.
483% and 636% improvement in the toughness compared to neat epoxy was obtained for TBCP exfoliated MoS2 and WS2 reinforced epoxy respectively.
Improved tensile properties after incorporation of TBCP exfoliated TMDs in epoxy matrix.
The plasticizing effect of TBCP compromises the thermal properties.
Association Between Oral Fluoroquinolones and Neuropsychiatric Events: Self‐Controlled Case Series With Active Comparator Design
Authors: Zhang Yin , Fan Min , Tsie Natalie T. Y. , Lee Edwin H. M. , Chang W. C. , Chen Eric Y. H. , Chan Esther W. , Wong Ian C. K. , Chui Celine S. L. , Wong Angel Y. S. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeThe evidence of the neuropsychiatric effects associated with fluoroquinolones is mainly supported by case reports. Population‐based evidence remains largely limited. We aimed to investigate the association between the use of fluoroquinolones and hospitalization or Accident & Emergency department visits for acute neuropsychiatric events using a self‐controlled case series (SCCS) and active comparator to reduce confounding.MethodsWe conducted a SCCS with a recently described active comparator design using all public outpatient clinics, hospitalization, and Accident and Emergency department records from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, Hong Kong from 2001 to 2013. Among 166 325 people with an oral fluoroquinolone prescription, 4287 people who had an incident neuropsychiatric event were included. We then estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of acute neuropsychiatric events during periods before and after fluoroquinolone prescription, versus baseline. We repeated the analysis for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid users as an active comparator. We then estimated the comparator‐adjusted estimates by dividing the IRR for fluoroquinolone by the IRR for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The primary outcome was neuropsychiatric events. Secondary outcomes were psychotic events and cognitive impairment.ResultsAn increased risk of neuropsychiatric events was observed in the current use of fluoroquinolone [IRR: 2.11 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58–2.83)] and 1–7 days after the end of fluoroquinolone prescription [IRR: 1.90 (95% CI: 1.30–2.75)] versus baseline. No increased risk was observed in other risk periods versus baseline. Similar patterns were observed in the current use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid [IRR: 1.92 (95% CI: 1.19–3.11)] and 1–7 days after the end of fluoroquinolone prescription [IRR: 1.81 (95% CI: 1.11–2.97)] versus baseline. Similar results were found for secondary outcomes. Using the active comparator design, comparator‐adjusted estimates were 1.10 (95% CI: 0.63–1.93) in current use of fluoroquinolones and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.57–1.95) in 1–7 days postexposure to fluoroquinolones versus baseline.ConclusionsAlthough our study showed a higher incidence of neuropsychiatric events in the current use of fluoroquinolones and 7 days after the end of fluoroquinolones prescriptions compared with baseline, a similar temporal pattern was also found for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid users. Using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid as the active comparator, we found no difference in the risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with fluoroquinolone compared with baseline. Therefore, the risk of neuropsychiatric events may not need to influence the decision to prescribe either fluoroquinolones or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid based on the evidence in this study.
Diversity and distribution of Mdace mutations involved in propoxur resistance in the house fly (Musca domestica L.) in China
Authors: You Chunmei , Zhang Lulu , Song Jiajia , Zhen Congai , Ji Xiangyun , Zhang Lei , Gao Xiwu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe house fly is a public health pest due to its ability to transmit various pathogens worldwide. The suppression of house flies is frequently controlled by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, but recurrent selection has led to the mutated target. To understand the spread and evolution of Mdace mutations in house flies, we sampled flies in eight different China provinces, sequenced, and then estimated the frequencies of mutations.RESULTSThe inhibition of AChE towards propoxur varied geographically and was lowest in the Heilongjiang field population, and highest in Jiangsu population. The overall frequencies of the different Mdace mutations (V260L, G342A, G342V, F407Y) varied considerably between populations. Strong positive correlations were found between acetylcholinesterase (AChE) insensitivity and the frequencies of G342V allele, 342A/V genotype and combination (260V/L‐342A/V‐407Y/Y) for the field populations. Eighteen combinations of Mdace at three sites (V260L, G342A/V, F407Y) were observed, with the majority of flies being categorized into the combination (260V/L‐342A/V‐407Y/Y), ranging in frequency from 24% (in field populations in Hubei and Hainan) to 96% (Jiangsu).CONCLUSIONBased on comparison with historical data, the mutations responsible for the extremely high resistance to the level of insecticide resistance spread widely, propoxur should be limited to use for house fly control in China. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Model Reference‐Based Neural Controller for Transmission Line Inspection Robot
Authors: Karagöz Zehra , Ekren Nazmi , Demir Uğur , Baba Ahmet Fevzi , Şahin Mustafa 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe regular inspection of the power transmission lines is essential for the uninterrupted transmission of electrical energy to demand points. This quickly requires actions with economically, efficiently, and safely. Therefore, the transmission line inspection robots are inevitable solution as an alternative to existing line inspection methods. This study present design and control of a transmission line inspection robot (I‐Robot). Since the I‐Robot exhibits nonlinear behavior and has multiple inputs and multiple outputs, a model reference‐based neural controller is determined to achieve nonlinear control. The robot design process consists of four stages which are kinematic modelling, dynamic modelling, actuator modelling and controller design. To meet inspection requirements, the conceptual design of the I‐Robot is performed, and the kinematic model are calculated in terms of the transformation matrices. According to the design requirements and system constraints, the dynamic model of the I‐Robot is created. To provide desired motions and trajectory tracking, the actuator models are determined. Then, the I‐Robot is prototyped. According to the dynamics of joint, robot and constraints, the system identification is performed to create reference model. During the system identification, the logged data are used the train the reference model. Finally, the desired trajectory for the driving cycles is created by manual excitation of the I‐Robot. During the manual excitation, the logged data are used to train the neural network (NN)‐based controller. Eventually, the I‐Robot is assessed under the test scenarios in term of the trajectory tracking performance as regression value and mean squared errors. According to the experiments, the neuron numbers and the training algorithm of the NN controller are determined. It was observed that the controller is quickly optimized with the adapting algorithm designed for the NN reference model. As a result, the performance of the model reference‐based neural controller was determined as 99%.
Causal Inference for Continuous Multiple Time Point Interventions
Authors: Schomaker Michael , McIlleron Helen , Denti Paolo , Díaz Iván 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThere are limited options to estimate the treatment effects of variables which are continuous and measured at multiple time points, particularly if the true dose–response curve should be estimated as closely as possible. However, these situations may be of relevance: in pharmacology, one may be interested in how outcomes of people living with—and treated for—HIV, such as viral failure, would vary for time‐varying interventions such as different drug concentration trajectories. A challenge for doing causal inference with continuous interventions is that the positivity assumption is typically violated. To address positivity violations, we develop projection functions, which reweigh and redefine the estimand of interest based on functions of the conditional support for the respective interventions. With these functions, we obtain the desired dose–response curve in areas of enough support, and otherwise a meaningful estimand that does not require the positivity assumption. We develop ‐computation type plug‐in estimators for this case. Those are contrasted with g‐computation estimators which are applied to continuous interventions without specifically addressing positivity violations, which we propose to be presented with diagnostics. The ideas are illustrated with longitudinal data from HIV positive children treated with an efavirenz‐based regimen as part of the CHAPAS‐3 trial, which enrolled children years in Zambia/Uganda. Simulations show in which situations a standard g‐computation approach is appropriate, and in which it leads to bias and how the proposed weighted estimation approach then recovers the alternative estimand of interest.