bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study assessing the impact of probiotic supplementation on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in females
Authors: Mullish B. H. , Michael D. R. , Dabcheva M. , Webberley T. S. , Coates N. , John D. A. , Wang D. , Luo Y. , Plummer S. F. , Marchesi J. R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundA previous exploratory study demonstrated the ability of the Lab4 probiotic to alleviate the symptoms of IBS, and post hoc data analysis indicated greatest improvements in the female subgroup. The aim of this study is to confirm the impact of this multistrain probiotic on IBS symptom severity in females.MethodsAn 8‐week, single‐center, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, superiority study in 70 females with Rome IV‐diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) receiving the Lab4 probiotic (25 billion colony‐forming units) daily or a matched placebo. Changes from baseline in the IBS‐symptom severity score (IBS‐SSS), daily bowel habits, anxiety, depression, IBS‐related control, and avoidance behavior, executive function, and the fecal microbiota composition were assessed. The study was prospectively registered: ISRCTN 14866272 (registration date 20/07/22).Key ResultsAt the end of the study, there were significant between‐group reductions in IBS‐SSS (−85.0, p < 0.0001), anxiety and depression scores (−1.9, p = 0.0002 and −2.4, p < 0.0001, respectively), and the IBS‐related control and avoidance behavior score (−7.5, p = 0.0002), all favoring the probiotic group. A higher proportion of the participants in the probiotic group had normal stool form (p = 0.0106) and/or fewer defecations with loose stool form (p = 0.0311). There was little impact on the overall diversity of the fecal microbiota but there were significant differences in Roseburia, Holdemanella, Blautia, Agathobacter, Ruminococcus, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Anaerostipes between the probiotic and placebo groups at the end of the study.Conclusions & InferencesDaily supplementation with this probiotic may represent an option to be considered in the management of IBS.
Commonsense morality and contact with value
Authors: Lovett Adam , Riedener Stefan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThere seem to be many kinds of moral duties. We should keep our promises; we should pay our debts of gratitude; we should compensate those we've wronged; we should avoid doing or intending harm; we should help those in need. These constitute, some worry, an unconnected heap of duties: the realm of commonsense morality is a disorganized mess. In this paper, we outline a strategy for unifying commonsense moral duties. We argue that they can be understood in terms of contact with value. You are in contact with a value when you are manifest in it or when it is manifest in you. You have reason to get in contact with the good and avoid contact with evil. And when you're in contact with a value, the weight of the reasons it grounds are amplified for you. These ideas, we argue, can bring order to the chaos of commonsense morality.
Cautious or marginalized? Perceptions of the riskiness of engaging in corruption and gender differences in corruptness
Authors: Malmberg Fredrik G. , Saikkonen Inga A.‐L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPrevious studies suggest that women are often perceived as less corrupt and more risk averse, possibly due to longstanding asymmetries in power and marginalization that reproduce certain gender stereotypes. However, much remains unclear regarding the origins of these perceptions. Why are some individuals and societies more prone to perceive women as less corrupt than men? We present the first cross‐country examination of these questions utilizing data from the latest wave of the World Values Survey, covering a total of 49 countries. Our results suggest that both perceived riskiness of corruption and attitude toward gender equality, in addition to the overall level of gender inequality in society, matter in explaining a stronger belief in gender differences in corruptness. However, the positive association between a higher perceived riskiness and the perception that women are less corrupt is mostly limited to societies with high levels of corruption and gender inequality.Related ArticlesCaillier, James. 2010. “Citizen Trust, Political Corruption, and Voting Behavior: Connecting the Dots.” Politics & Policy 38(5): 1015–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00267.Malmberg, Fredrik G., and Henrik Serup Christensen. 2021. “Voting Women, Protesting Men: A Multilevel Analysis of Corruption, Gender, and Political Participation.” Politics & Policy 49(1): 126–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12393.Tusalem, Rollin F. 2022. “Does Gendered Representation in National Legislatures Promote Substantive Representation and Human Development? Evidence from the Developing World.” Politics & Policy 50(6): 1096–137. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12503.
High throughput phenotyping of functional traits and key indices for selection of salt tolerant Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] genotypes
Authors: Kumawat Gayatri , Jakhar Mohan Lal , Singh Vijayata , Singh Jogendra , Gothwal Dinesh Kumar , Yadava Devendra Kumar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe current scanty knowledge about the salt tolerance mechanism underlying the ability of plants to tolerate salt stress hinders the potential production of numerous crops, including Indian mustard. To explore the traits and mechanism for salt tolerance, high throughput phenotyping of 250 stabilized F7:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) mapping population of Indian mustard were conducted under control and salinity (ECiw 12 dS m−1) for 54 morpho‐physio‐seed‐quality traits. Most of the traits were reduced with variable percentages under salt stress. The stress tolerance index (STI) of YPP showed a significant negative association with Na+ concentration of root (RNa), indicating that RILs with low Na+ concentration have high seed yield and a positive significant association with STI of yield‐related traits, photosynthesis rate (Pn), intrinsic water use efficiency (inWUE), fresh weight of upper leaf (USFW), fresh weight of branches (BrFW), fresh weight of basal leaf (BLFW), and fresh weight of middle leaf (MLFW) revealed that by improving these traits seed yield per plant (YPP) was improved. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) of 54 STI and new index composite selection index (CSI), RILs viz., R114, R150, R164, R170, and R206 were identified as stable performers which can be exploited for quantitative trait loci (QTLs)/gene discovery and serve as potential donors to combat salt stress. Our research will serve to determine the relative importance of different functional traits of salt tolerance mechanisms that can be used to screen colossal germplasm.
Efficacy of mentalization‐based therapy in treating self‐harm: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hajek Gross Carola , Oehlke Sofia‐Marie , Prillinger Karin , Goreis Andreas , Plener Paul L. , Kothgassner Oswald D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionMentalization‐based therapy (MBT) and its adapted version for adolescents (MBT‐A) are repeatedly highlighted as promising treatments for reducing self‐harm, particularly in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Despite the availability of publications providing evidence of their efficacy in reducing self‐harm, recent meta‐analyses have yielded mixed results. To inform best‐practice clinical decision‐making, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We aimed to disentangle findings for both adolescents and adults on the efficacy of MBT(‐A) in reducing self‐harm (primary outcome) and symptoms of BPD and depression (secondary outcomes).MethodsWeb of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane Review Database were searched for eligible studies published until September 2022. In total, 14 studies were identified, comprising 612 participants from nine MBT studies (six pre–post, three RCTs) and five MBT‐A studies (two pre–post, three RCTs). Aggregated effect sizes were estimated using random‐effects models. Meta‐regressions were conducted to assess the effect of moderator variables (treatment duration, drop‐out rates, and age) on effect sizes.ResultsOverall, both MBT and MBT‐A demonstrated promising effects in reducing self‐harm (g = −0.82, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.50), borderline personality disorder (g = −1.08, 95% CI −1.38 to −0.77), and depression (g = −1.1, 95% CI −1.52 to −0.68) symptoms. However, when compared to control interventions (TAU, SCM), MBT(‐A) did not prove to be more efficacious, with the exception of MBT showing superior effects on BPD symptoms in adults (g = −0.56, 95% CI −0.88 to −0.24).ConclusionAlthough the pre–post evaluations seem promising, this analysis, including RCTs, showed no superiority of MBT(‐A) to control conditions, so that prioritizing the application of MBT (‐A) for the treatment of self‐harm is not supported. Possible explanations and further implications are discussed.
Survival analysis of comprehensive treatment in Chinese patients with metastatic melanoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Qianqi , Zhao Yan , Li Pupu , Duan Jiangman , Fu Xiaohong , Tang Yueqiang , Ma Yinan , Zhou Qiming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundMost of the current progression of immune checkpoint inhibitors for malignant melanoma is based on data from Caucasians in Western countries, but the benefit of Chinese patients is limited, mainly due to different pathological subtypes. The patients in western countries are mainly skin melanoma (about 90%), while the acral and mucosal types are dominant in China, accounting for 41.8% and 22.6% respectively. Acral and mucosal melanoma have lower response rates to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.ObjectiveWhether immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve the survival of Chinese patients with malignant melanoma, therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis.MethodsWe analyzed 53 patients with metastatic melanoma treated in our hospital to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD‐1 mAb in Chinese patients with metastatic melanoma, and performed univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors that may affect overall survival (OS).ResultsIn a study of 125 patients with advanced malignant melanoma, 53 patients participated, with a median follow‐up of 16 months. Among these, 69.8% died, and 30.2% remained on treatment. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 6 months, and median OS was 19 months. Patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors had improved outcomes, with a median PFS of 7 months and a median OS of 24 months. Patients with bone metastasis and aberrant Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) post‐treatment had worse prognoses, while immunotherapy was a protective factor. Subgroup analysis showed the benefits of immunotherapy across various patient characteristics. No unexpected toxicities were observed.ConclusionThe study highlights the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD‐1 mAb, in improving survival outcomes for Chinese patients with metastatic melanoma.
Lateral facial thread lifting procedure with temporal anchoring in deep temporal fascia: Anatomical perspectives of superficial temporal artery
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Oh Seung‐Min 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThread lifting is a non‐surgical cosmetic procedure that utilizes threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face. In Lateral face lifting with anchoring technique, the threads are inserted into the skin and anchored in place to provide support to the skin at artery free zone. This technique utilizes a long cog thread, allowing for stronger fixation points. The optimal location for thread anchoring is in the fascia of the treatment area.Method and materialsThe study was performed with twelve cadavers with twenty‐four specimens of head from cadavers and was processed using phosphotungstic acid‐based contrast enhancement micro‐computed tomography and conventional computed tomography. The superficial temporal artery with branches of parietal and temporal were then observed with image Slicer program to analyze the safe anchoring place for the deep temporal fascia. The main branch was selected with diameter over 0.3 mm and less than 0.3 mm was regarded as arteriole. Additionally, a case of deep temporal tagging with the Secret Miracle (Hyundae Meditech Co., Ltd., South Korea) has been used for lifting procedures.ResultThe main branch of the parietal branch located posteriorly was located mean of ‐13 mm (range of +5.5 mm to ‐23 mm). And the temporal artery ran most anteriorly had mean of 44 mm anteriorly (range of 32 to 59 mm). The safe area for the tagging is at the deep temporal fascia between the superior temporal line and inferior temporal line. The safe range of deep temporal fascia is a vertical line crossing tragus from 1 to 3 cm anteriorly.ConclusionBy analyzing the result of the superficial temporal artery of parietal and temporal branches the ideal tagging place for the thread anchoring area has been suggested.
Computed tomography features and prevalence of focal diaphragmatic mineralization in 300 dogs
Authors: Ororbia Alejandro , Orts‐Porcar Marc , Fina Caroline , Anselmi Carlo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA focal area of mineral attenuation is commonly observed in the diaphragmatic crura of canine patients undergoing a thoracic CT. There is no mention of this finding in either the human or veterinary medicine literature. This retrospective study evaluates 300 canine thoracic CT studies with the aim of describing the CT appearance of this finding and establishing a prevalence in a large cohort of dogs. The presence of the mineral focus and its CT characteristics, including length, attenuation, and appearance, were recorded and correlated with the patient's signalments and anamnesis. The focus was observed in 43 of 300 studies (14.3%). The most common appearance was a thin, millimetric, toothpick‐like mineral attenuating structure in the confluence of the diaphragmatic crura, just ventral to the aorta. There was no association with adjacent potentially pathological changes. A significant correlation was found between the presence of the focus and the patient's body weight (P = .03), as well as with a brachycephalic conformation (P = .03). This focus of mineralization represents a relatively common incidental finding in the canine diaphragm and has no evident association with pathology.
Comparison of two‐dimensional imaging to three‐dimensional modeling of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts using computed tomography angiography
Authors: Jackson Erin , Markovic Lauren E. , Perlini Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractComputed tomography angiography (CTA) is used for the diagnosis of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS). When planning for transcatheter intervention, caudal vena cava (CVC) measurements are typically obtained from two‐dimensional (2D) imaging to aid in stent selection. We hypothesized that clinically applicable three‐dimensional (3D) IHPSS models can be generated, and CVC measurements will not differ between 2D images and 3D models. Computed tomography angiography datasets from client‐owned dogs with IHPSS at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2016 to 2022 were analyzed. Materialise Mimics 25.0 and 3‐matic 17.0 were used for 3D modeling. Caudal vena cava diameters were measured in 2D dorsal and transverse planes 20 mm cranial and caudal from the shunt ostium and were compared with CVC diameters from 3D models. Length was measured in the 2D dorsal plane between midpoints of each diameter and compared to the 3D model length. Data are presented as mean (SD), and intraclass correlation coefficients were performed. Three‐dimensional models were generated for 32 IHPSS (15 right‐, 12 left‐, and five central‐divisional). Two‐dimensional dorsal and transverse area‐associated diameter measurements were 16.7 mm (5.6) and 15.5 mm (4.2) cranial; 14.9 mm (4.2) and 14.3 mm (3.7) caudal. Three‐dimensional area‐associated diameter measurements were 15.3 mm (4.4) cranial and 14.0 mm (3.6) caudal. The 2D length was 61.5 mm (7.1) compared with 3D 59.9 mm (7.2). Intraclass correlation coefficients comparing 2D and 3D diameters were all >0.80, indicating very good agreement, with good agreement (>0.60) for length. Clinically applicable 3D IHPSS models can be generated using engineering software. Measurements from 3D models are consistent with 2D planar imaging. Both 2D CTA and 3D virtual models can be utilized for preprocedural planning, depending on clinician preference.
Guided Wave-Based Early-Stage Debonding Detection and Assessment in Stiffened Panel Using Machine Learning With Deep Auto-Encoded Features
Authors: Kumar Abhijeet , Banerjee Sauvik , Guha Anirban 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Debonding between stiffener and base plate is a very common type of damage in stiffened panels. Numerous efforts have been made for debonding assessment in the stiffened panel structure using guided wave-based techniques. However, these studies are limited to the detection of through-the-flange-width debonding (i.e., full debonding). This paper attempts to develop a methodology for the detection and assessment of early-stage debonding (i.e., partial debonding) in the stiffened panel using machine learning (ML) algorithms. An experimentally validated finite element (FE) simulation model is used to create an initial guided wave dataset containing several debonding scenarios. This dataset is processed through a data augmentation process, followed by feature extraction involving higher harmonics of guided waves. Thereafter, the extracted feature is compressed using a deep autoencoder model. The compressed feature is used for hyperparameter tuning, training, and testing of several supervised ML algorithms, and their performance in the identification of debonding zone and prediction of its size is analyzed. Finally, the trained ML algorithms are tested with experimental data showing that the ML algorithms closely predict the zones of debonding and their sizes. The proposed methodology is an advancement in debonding assessment, specifically addressing early-stage debonding in stiffened panels.
In vitro
model of human mammary gland microbial colonization (MAGIC) demonstrates distinctive cytokine response to imbalanced human milk microbiota
Authors: Treven Primož , Paveljšek Diana , Kostanjšek Rok , Golob Majda , Bogovič Matijašič Bojana , Mohar Lorbeg Petra 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Despite the established concept of the human mammary gland (MG) as a habitat with its own microbiota, the exact mechanism of MG colonization is still elusive and a well-characterized
in vitro
model would reinforce studies of the MG microbiota development. We aimed to establish and characterize an
in vitro
cell model for studying MAmmary Gland mIcrobial Colonization (MAGIC) model. We used the immortalized cell line MCF10A, which expresses the strong polarized phenotype similar to MG ductal epithelium when cultured on a permeable support (Transwell). We analyzed the surface properties of the MAGIC model by gene expression analysis of E-cadherin, tight junction proteins, and mucins and by scanning electron microscopy. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, we tested the adhesion capability of the whole human milk (HM) microbial community and the cellular response of the model when challenged directly with raw HM samples. MCF10A on permeable supports differentiated and formed a tight barrier, by upregulation of CLDN8, MUC1, MUC4, and MUC20 genes. The surface of the model was covered with mucins and morphologically diverse with at least two cell types and two types of microvilli. Cells in the MAGIC model withstood the challenge with heat-treated HM samples and responded differently to the imbalanced HM microbiota by distinctive cytokine response. The microbial profile of the bacteria adhered on the MAGIC model reflected the microbiological profile of the input HM samples. The well-studied MAGIC model could be useful for studies of bacterial attachment to the MG and for
in vitro
studies of biofilm formation and microbiota development.

IMPORTANCE

The MAGIC model may be particularly useful for studies of bacterial attachment to the surface of the mammary ducts and for
in vitro
studies of biofilm formation and the development of the human mammary gland (MG) microbiota. The model is also useful for immunological studies of the interaction between bacteria and MG cells. We obtained pioneering information on which of the bacteria present in the raw human milk (HM) were able to attach to the epithelium treated directly with raw HM, as well as on the effects of bacteria on the MG epithelial cells. The MAGIC cell model also offers new opportunities for research in other areas of MG physiology, such as the effects of bioactive milk components on microbial colonization of the MG, mastitis prevention, and studies of probiotic development. Since resident MG bacteria may be an important factor in breast cancer development, the MAGIC
in vitro
tool also offers new opportunities for cancer research.
Genome-centric analyses of 165 metagenomes show that mobile genetic elements are crucial for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes to pathogens in activated sludge and wastewater
Authors: Abdulkadir Nafi’u , Saraiva Joao Pedro , Zhang Junya , Stolte Stefan , Gillor Osnat , Harms Hauke , Rocha Ulisses 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Wastewater is considered a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), where the abundant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and mobile genetic elements facilitate horizontal gene transfer. However, the prevalence and extent of these phenomena in different taxonomic groups that inhabit wastewater are still not fully understood. Here, we determined the presence of ARGs in metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and evaluated the risks of MAG-carrying ARGs in potential human pathogens. The potential of these ARGs to be transmitted horizontally or vertically was also determined. A total of 5,916 MAGs (completeness >50%, contamination <10%) were recovered, covering 68 phyla and 279 genera. MAGs were dereplicated into 1,204 genome operational taxonomic units (gOTUs) as a proxy for species ( average nucleotide identity >0.95). The dominant ARG classes detected were bacitracin, multi-drug, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS), glycopeptide, and aminoglycoside, and 10.26% of them were located on plasmids. The main hosts of ARGs belonged to
Escherichia
,
Klebsiella
,
Acinetobacter
,
Gresbergeria
,
Mycobacterium
, and
Thauera
. Our data showed that 253 MAGs carried virulence factor genes (VFGs) divided into 44 gOTUs, of which 45 MAGs were carriers of ARGs, indicating that potential human pathogens carried ARGs. Alarmingly, the MAG assigned as
Escherichia coli
contained 159 VFGs, of which 95 were located on chromosomes and 10 on plasmids. In addition to shedding light on the prevalence of ARGs in individual genomes recovered from activated sludge and wastewater, our study demonstrates a workflow that can identify antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in complex microbial communities.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the health of humans, animals, and natural ecosystems. In our study, an analysis of 165 metagenomes from wastewater revealed antibiotic-targeted alteration, efflux, and inactivation as the most prevalent AMR mechanisms. We identified several genera correlated with multiple ARGs, including
Klebsiella
,
Escherichia
,
Acinetobacter
,
Nitrospira
,
Ottowia
,
Pseudomonas
, and
Thauera
, which could have significant implications for AMR transmission. The abundance of
bacA
,
mexL
, and
aph(3")-I
in the genomes calls for their urgent management in wastewater. Our approach could be applied to different ecosystems to assess the risk of potential pathogens containing ARGs. Our findings highlight the importance of managing AMR in wastewater and can help design measures to reduce the transmission and evolution of AMR in these systems.