bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive divergence in reproductive seasonality and underlying physiological features fit Rattus norvegicus to live as opportunistic breeders
Authors: LI Xixuan , LI Ning , YAO Dandan , LIU Yu , SONG Ying , WANG Dawei , FENG Zhiyong , LIU Xiaohui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHow organisms respond to complex environments is one of the unsolved problems in ecology. Life history patterns of a species provide essential information on how different populations may respond and adapt to environmental changes. Compared to typical seasonal breeders, which have limited distributions, the worldwide distribution of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) across highly complex and divergent habitats suggests they exhibit exceptional adaptiveness. However, the difference in physiological mechanisms by which brown rats respond and adapt to markedly different environments is seldom investigated. Here, we reveal a significant divergence in reproductive seasonality and environmental responses between two brown rat subspecies: one subspecies, R. n. caraco, lives in the temperate zone, and another subspecies, R. n. norvegicus, lives in the subtropical region. Although R. n. caraco displayed a significantly higher reproductive seasonality than R. n. norvegicus, both subspecies adapted to sub‐optimal breeding conditions mainly by regulating the seminal vesicle rather than testis development. Especially in responding to severe winter conditions in high‐latitude regions, bodyweight‐dependent recovery of testicular development in adults enables R. n. caraco to initiate reproduction more rapidly when conditions are suited. These findings elucidate a regulatory process of how brown rats live as opportunistic breeders by benefiting from enhanced semen production.
Optimization of extraction process of polysaccharide from Phylloporia fontanesiae and its simulated digestion in vitro
Authors: Ju Hao , Fang Wei , Li Hai‐Huang , Fu Ze , Gong Pi‐Xian , Liu Yang , Lu Siqi , Wu Yan‐Chao , Li Hui‐Jing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, Phylloporia fontanesiae polysaccharide was successfully isolated through a sequential water extraction and alcohol precipitation process. Utilizing the Box–Behnken design, the extraction process was optimized based on single‐factor experiments, considering variables such as the material‐to‐liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, and the number of extractions. The polysaccharide composition of P. fontanesiae is predominantly composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, and galactose, with a molar mass ratio of 4.31:4.10:36.83:1, along with minor amounts of aminoglucose and fucose. The polysaccharide fraction of P. fontanesiae comprises two distinct components, possessing relative molecular masses of 8.85 kDa and 134.03 kDa. Notably, the polysaccharide exhibited significant antioxidant activity. After undergoing simulated gastrointestinal digestion, no significant changes were observed in its antioxidant activity, molecular weight, or monosaccharide composition. This study not only enhanced the extraction efficiency of P. fontanesiae polysaccharide but also provided valuable insights into its composition, structure, and digestion characteristics.Practical ApplicationThe optimum extraction process, stability, and antioxidant activity of Phylloporia fontanesiae polysaccharide during simulated digestion of gastrointestinal tract were studied. The results provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of this polysaccharide in the field of food and health products.
Quinoa sourdough fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964, a powerful tool to enhance the nutritional features of quinoa snacks
Authors: Sandez Penidez Sergio Hernan , Velasco Manini Marina Andrea , Gerez Carla Luciana , Rollán Graciela Celestina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe remarkable nutritional attributes and potential health advantages of quinoa make it an important candidate for developing innovative ready‐to‐eat food products. This work aimed to develop a functional ready‐to‐eat snack based on quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum CRL 1964. Phytate, phosphates, and soluble mineral content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg, Ca, and P) were determined in snacks formulated with sourdough and control doughs. An in vitro digestion model was performed on quinoa snacks to assess their mineral bioaccessibility and dialyzability. Phytate content was significantly lower (ca. 42.3%) while phosphates were higher (ca. eightfold) in quinoa‐based sourdough and sourdough‐based snacks (S1964) than in controls. Soluble minerals were higher (10.2%–32.0%) in S1964 than in controls. Mineral bioaccessibility and mineral dialyzability were also higher (ca. 24.5%) among S1964 and control snacks. The developed quinoa snack made from sourdough fermented by L. plantarum CRL 1964 had less phytate concentration and high bioaccessibility of minerals. These findings underscore the relevance of this innovative technology in creating food products that are not only highly nutritious but also represent a valuable contribution to the market of healthy foods.Practical ApplicationIn this study, a novel snack based on quinoa sourdough with improved nutritional properties was developed. The addition of quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964 to the preparation of quinoa snacks resulted in a product with a lower concentration of phytate and a higher content of phosphates and minerals (soluble, bioaccessible, and dialyzable). These results underline the efficacy of the new snack as a promising alternative to conventional mineral fortification methods. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing nutritional deficiencies and the demand for healthy snack options in today's market.
Impact of synbiotics on disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mirfeizi Zahra , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , jokar Mohammad Hassan , Sahebari Maryam , Noori Elmira , Mehrad‐Majd Hasan , Barati Mehdi , Faridzadeh Arezoo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects various organs in the body. In SLE, inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory process. Synbiotics may help modulate these inflammatory cytokines. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of synbiotics intervention on interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) levels, disease activity, and inflammatory factors in patients with SLE. Fifty SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard therapy plus synbiotics (consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides) or standard therapy alone for 2 months. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in both protein and mRNA levels of IL‐17A, as well as in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score, within the synbiotics group after the intervention compared to baseline. In contrast, the placebo group did not experience significant changes in IL‐17A levels or disease activity. Synbiotic supplementation shows potential as an adjunctive therapeutic approach for SLE management; however, further research is needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.Practical ApplicationThis study explores the use of synbiotics as a supplementary treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is typically managed with immunosuppressive therapies.
“Showing up to the conversation”: Qualitative reflections from a diversity, equity, and inclusion book club with emergency medicine leadership
Authors: Alexander Andreia B. , Palmer Megan , Palmer Dajanae , Pettit Katie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in health care fosters many positive outcomes including improved patient care. DEI initiatives are often created by or require buy‐in from departmental leaders with low DEI literacy. Book clubs are one way to develop DEI literacy. The purpose of this paper is to describe how leaders in the department of emergency medicine (DEM) process the information gained from reading a DEI book through discussion in a book club setting and explore how participation enhances their DEI literacy and fosters self‐reflection.MethodsThis was a qualitative exploratory study based on a constructivist approach. Data were analyzed by four researchers using inductive thematic analysis techniques.ResultsSixty‐eight leaders within the DEM participated in 11 book clubs. Nine themes were identified (examination of privilege, initial reaction to discussion about racism, discomfort, worry, self‐reflection, release, role recognition, readiness, and education). After prompted examination of their own privilege participants moved through a model of perceived readiness to act. Participants started with feeling paralyzed by the work's enormity or becoming defensive. They then moved toward discomfort with discussions of racism and systemic racism and progressed to discussions around worrying that they were contributing to noninclusive environments. After a period of self‐reflection, participants tended to release their paralysis, push aside their defensiveness, accept the role of discomfort, and express the importance of education on these issues. Participants then recognized their role in creating inclusive environments and started discussing what they can do about it, which, for many, was to show up to the conversation. An underlying driver of movement through this model was the education that was provided through the book.ConclusionsBy addressing privilege and systemic inequities through the reflective practice and dialogue of a book club, participants demonstrated a growing commitment and perceived readiness to advancing inclusive practices within medicine.
Benchmarks defining high‐quality sperm in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Sadeghi Niloofar , Mustoe Aaryn , Ross Corinna N. , McCarrey John R. , Hermann Brian P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundCommon marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are increasingly recognized as valuable nonhuman primates (NHPs) for biomedical research due to their small size and short reproductive cycle and lifespan relative to other NHP species. Maximizing the utility of captive research marmosets, including genetically manipulated animals, will require the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including manipulation, storage, and sharing of marmoset sperm. Here, we identify characteristics of high‐quality semen samples and validate a simple method for selecting high‐quality sperm.MethodsComputer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to evaluate sperm quality in semen samples collected from 44 marmosets and assessed the use of the swim‐up method for the selection of high‐quality sperm was also tested in half the samples as a potential means to optimize in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.ResultsFor each reference parameter, samples at or below the 5th percentile were categorized as abnormal sperm, while those above the 5th percentile were considered to be normal. Among normal samples, those at or above the 50th percentile were categorized as high‐quality. High‐quality semen samples exhibited the following characteristics: semen volume ≥ 30 µL; sperm count ≥ 107/ejaculate; total motility ≥ 35%; and normal morphology ≥ 5%. Sperm isolated by swim‐up exhibited superior sperm progressive motility (19.7% ± 4.5 vs. 5.6% ± 2.1; P = 0.01) and normal morphology (13.1 ± 1.59 vs. 7.65 ± 1.1; P < 0.001) compared with unselected sperm.ConclusionThis study defines robust, statistically supported reference values for evaluating marmoset semen samples to assist with the identification of optimal sperm donors and the selection of high‐quality sperm samples for assisted reproduction. Ultimately, these reference values combined with a validated selection method will contribute to consistent standards for the international sharing of genetically diverse and/or gene‐edited marmoset sperm for research and reproduction.
Performance evaluation of an automatically controlled transcutaneous energy transfer system powering left ventricular assist device
Authors: Nair Sarath S. , Nagesh D. S. , Shenoy Sachin J. , Harikrishnan S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe survival rate of LVAD recipients may be improved by eliminating the infection failure mode at the percutaneous lead entry site. Wireless powering through a Transcutaneous Energy Transfer System (TETS) is a promising solution for achieving this. However, automatic controls need to be employed to compensate for the variations in efficiency and power transfer due to changes in load and coil‐to‐coil gaps.MethodsThis article discusses the results of in vitro and animal models performance evaluation of an automatically controlled TETS for powering a Left Ventricular Assist Device.ResultsIt was found that power up to 20 W could be transferred at an axial gap of 30 mm. A 5% variation in speed and a 2% change in flow rate are observed with the change in tissue thickness, in porcine carcass model.ConclusionsThe LVAD could be operated at the required RPM irrespective of the change in axial positions.
Nicorandil treatment improves survival and spatial learning in aged granulin knockout mice
Authors: Niedowicz Dana M. , Wang Wang‐Xia , Prajapati Paresh , Zhong Yu , Fister Shuling , Rogers Colin B. , Sompol Pradoldej , Powell David K. , Patel Indumati , Norris Christopher M. , Saatman Kathryn E. , Nelson Peter T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMutations in the human granulin (GRN) gene are associated with multiple diseases, including dementia disorders such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy (LATE). We studied a Grn knockout (Grn‐KO) mouse model in order to evaluate a potential therapeutic strategy for these diseases using nicorandil, a commercially available agonist for the ABCC9/Abcc9‐encoded regulatory subunit of the “K+ATP” channel that is well‐tolerated in humans. Aged (13 months) Grn‐KO and wild‐type (WT) mice were treated as controls or with nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 7 months, then tested for neurobehavioral performance, neuropathology, and gene expression. Mortality was significantly higher for aged Grn‐KO mice (particularly females), but there was a conspicuous improvement in survival for both sexes treated with nicorandil. Grn‐KO mice performed worse on some cognitive tests than WT mice, but Morris Water Maze performance was improved with nicorandil treatment. Neuropathologically, Grn‐KO mice had significantly increased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐immunoreactive astrocytosis but not ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA‐1)‐immunoreactive microgliosis, indicating cell‐specific inflammation in the brain. Expression of several astrocyte‐enriched genes, including Gfap, were also elevated in the Grn‐KO brain. Nicorandil treatment was associated with a subtle shift in a subset of detected brain transcript levels, mostly related to attenuated inflammatory markers. Nicorandil treatment improved survival outcomes, cognition, and inflammation in aged Grn‐KO mice.
Social Relationships and Tooth Loss in Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yoshida‐Kohno Eiko , Fueki Kenji , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Cudjoe Thomas K. M. , Aida Jun 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo systematically assess current evidence on the extent to which social relationships are associated with tooth loss in adults aged 60 years and older.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies published from 1966 up to March 2024. Cross‐sectional or cohort studies investigating the association between structural, functional and/or combined (structural and functional) components of social relationships and the number of remaining teeth or edentulism among community‐dwelling or institutionalised older adults were included. Data were extracted on participants' and study characteristics, including study design, the type of measures used to assess social relationships (structural, functional, and combined), outcome measures and association estimates. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies and the adapted NOS for cross‐sectional studies. The reported association between social relationships and the number of remaining teeth or edentulism was summarised using meta‐analysis with robust variance estimation.ResultsTwenty studies were included in the review and 12 studies (125 553 participants) in the meta‐analysis. Across the 12 studies, the average odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.15 (1.01–1.32), indicating a 15% higher likelihood of having a lower number of teeth or edentulism for those with weaker social relationships. The GRADE certainty of the body of evidence was low.ConclusionsWeak social relationships were associated with a lower number of teeth or edentulism in older adults. Our findings may inform potential public health approaches that target and modify social relationships to prevent and address older adults' oral diseases. Still, the directionality and the underlying mechanisms connecting social relationships and tooth loss need to be further explored by longitudinal studies with follow‐up long enough for oral health outcomes or changes in social relationships to occur.Trial RegistrationProtocol Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42023417845)
A Frameshift Variant in ANKRD24 Implicates Its Role in Human Non‐Syndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Kazemi Negar , Rezvani Rezvandeh Raziye , Zare Ashrafi Farzane , Shokouhian Ebrahim , Edizadeh Masoud , Booth Kevin T. A. , Kahrizi Kimia , Najmabadi Hossein , Mohseni Marzieh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHearing loss (HL) is the most prevalent sensorineural disorders, affecting about one in 1000 newborns. Over half of the cases are attributed to genetic factors; however, due to the extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity, many cases remain without a conclusive genetic diagnosis. The advent of next‐generation sequencing methodologies in recent years has greatly helped unravel the genetic etiology of HL by identifying numerous genes and causative variants. Despite this, much remains to be uncovered about the genetic basis of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Here, we report an Iranian consanguineous family with postlingual, moderate‐to‐severe autosomal recessive SNHL. After first excluding plausible variants in known deafness‐causing genes using whole exome sequencing, we reanalyzed the data, using a gene/variant prioritization pipeline established for novel gene discovery for HL. This approach identified a novel homozygous frameshift variant c.1934_1937del; (p.Thr645Lysfs*52) in ANKRD24, which segregated with the HL phenotype in the family. Recently, ANKRD24 has been shown to be a pivotal constituent of the stereocilia rootlet in cochlea hair cells and interacts with TRIOBP, a protein already implicated in human deafness. Our data implicate for the first time, ANKRD24 in human nonsyndromic HL (NSHL) and expands the genetic spectrum of HL.
Efficient Environment Map Rendering Based on Decomposition
Authors: Wu Yu‐Ting 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper presents an efficient environment map sampling algorithm designed to render high‐quality, low‐noise images with only a few light samples, making it ideal for real‐time applications. We observe that bright pixels in the environment map produce high‐frequency shading effects, such as sharp shadows and shading, while the rest influence the overall tone of the scene. Building on this insight, our approach differs from existing techniques by categorizing the pixels in an environment map into emissive and non‐emissive regions and developing specialized algorithms tailored to the distinct properties of each region. By decomposing the environment lighting, we ensure that light sources are deposited on bright pixels, leading to more accurate shadows and specular highlights. Additionally, this strategy allows us to exploit the smoothness in the low‐frequency component by rendering a smaller image with more lights, thereby enhancing shading accuracy. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method significantly reduces shadow artefacts and image noise compared to previous techniques, while also achieving lower numerical errors across a range of illumination types, particularly under limited sample conditions.
Spinal Adhesive Arachnoidopathy, the Disorder More Than Simply Adhesive Arachnoiditis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 510 Cases
Authors: Zhang Weikang , Liu Zhenlei , Wang Kai , Zhang Lei , Liu Shaocheng , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Yutian , He Kun , Wu Hao 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSpinal adhesive arachnoidopathy (SAA) is a chronic pathology associated with persistent inflammatory responses in the arachnoid. Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is one of the major forms of SAA, with accompanying secondary complications. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review both clinical and animal model studies related to SAA to gain a deeper understanding of this unique pathology.MethodsA literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve relevant publications up to October 2022. Clinical manifestations, etiologies, imaging modalities, treatments, and prognosis in patients with SAA were collected. Data from animal experiments related to SAA were also extracted.ResultsA total of 176 studies, including 147 clinical and 29 animal model studies, with a total of 510 patients were enrolled in this study. Pain (37.5%), abnormal nerve sensations (39.58%), and abnormal motor function (78.75%) were the top three common symptoms of SAA. Major etiologies included trauma (22.7%), infection (17.73%), surgery (15.37%), and hemorrhage (13.48%). MRI was widely used to confirm the diagnosis. AA could be involved in cervical (96/606, 15.84%), thoracic (297/606, 49.01%), lumbar (174/606, 28.71%), and sacrococcygeal (39/606, 6.44%) vertebral segments. Patients with AA in cervical segments had a higher post‐surgery recovery rate (p = 0.016) compared to that of other segments. The common pathological diagnoses of SAA were AA (80.82%), AA combined with arachnoid cyst (12.79%), arachnoid calcification/scars (3.43%), and arachnoid web/fibrosis (2.97%). Patients with AA were more likely to develop syringomyelia, compared with patients with other forms of SAA (p < 0.001). Animal studies mainly focused on new AA therapeutic agents (n = 14), the pathomechanism of AA (n = 14), and the development of new MRI sequences for improved diagnosis (n = 1).ConclusionsThe pathological consequences of SAA are more complex than AA and manifest in different forms, such as AA combined with arachnoid cyst, arachnoid calcification/scars, and arachnoid web/fibrosis. In many instances, AA was associated with secondary syringomyelia. Unspecific clinical manifestations of SAA may easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Although SAA may result from multiple etiologies, including spinal trauma, meningitis, spinal surgery, and hemorrhage, the pathogenesis and treatment of SAA have still not been standardized.