bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenome-assembled genome reveals species and functional composition of Jianghan chicken gut microbiota and isolation of Pediococcus acidilactic with probiotic properties
Authors: Shen Hongye , Wang Tinghui , Dong Weiwei , Sun Guoping , Liu Jun , Peng Nan , Zhao Shumiao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Chickens are one of the most widely farmed animals worldwide and play a crucial role in meat and egg production. Gut microbiota is essential for chickens’ health, disease, growth, and egg production. However, native chickens such as Jianghan chickens have better meat and egg production quality than centralized chickens, their intestinal microbial diversity is richer, and the potential gut microbial resources may bring health benefits to the host.

Results
The bacterial species composition in the gut microbiota of Jianghan chickens is similar to that of other chicken breeds, with Phocaeicola and Bacteroides being the most abundant bacterial genera. The LEfSe analysis revealed significant differences in species composition and functional profiles between samples from Jingzhou and the other three groups. Functional annotation indicated that the gut microbiota of Jianghan chickens were dominated by metabolic genes, with the highest number of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Several antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were found, and the composition of ARGs was similar to that of factory-farmed chickens, suggesting that antibiotics were widely present in the gut microbiota of Jianghan chickens. The resistance genes of Jianghan chickens are mainly carried by microorganisms of the Bacteroidota and Bacillota phylum. In addition, more than 829 isolates were selected from the microbiota of Jianghan chickens. Following three rounds of acid and bile tolerance experiments performed on all the isolated strains, it was determined that six strains of Pediococcus acidilactici exhibited consistent tolerance. Further experiments confirmed that three of these strains (A4, B9, and C2) held substantial probiotic potential, with P. acidilactici B9 displaying the highest probiotic potential.

Conclusions
This study elucidates the composition of the intestinal microbiota and functional gene repertoire in Jianghan chickens. Despite the absence of antibiotic supplementation, the intestinal microbial community of Jianghan chickens still demonstrates a profile of antibiotic resistance genes similar to that of intensively reared chickens, suggesting resistance genes are prevalent in free-ranging poultry. Moreover, Jianghan and intensively reared chickens host major resistance genes differently, an aspect seldom explored between free-range and pastured chickens. Furthermore, among the 829 isolates, three strains of P. acidilatici exhibited strong probiotic potential. These findings provide insights into the unique gut microbiota of Jianghan chickens and highlight potential probiotic strains offering benefits to the host.
In masks we trust: explicit and implicit reactions to masked faces vary by political orientation
Authors: Ingram Gordon P. D. , Chuquichambi Erick G. , Jimenez-Leal William , Rosa Antonio Olivera-La 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrevious studies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic indicated that wearing a medical-style mask affects whether a stranger’s face is judged as more trustworthy, socially desirable, or likely to be ill. However, given political controversies around mask use, these effects might vary by political orientation. In a pre-registered online experiment, we measured evaluations of trustworthiness, social desirability and perceived illness in masked and unmasked faces by 1241 British and US participants. We included questions on political orientation, along with the implicit online-VAAST approach/avoid task to test reaction times to masked/unmasked faces. There was a medium-sized effect of masks on trustworthiness and a significant interaction with political orientation, in that conservatives found masked faces less trustworthy than did liberals. Participants were quicker to approach masked than unmasked faces, but conservatives were relatively slower than liberals. The effects on trustworthiness suggest that differential moralization of novel social norms can affect how their adherents are evaluated in terms of their suitability for social interactions. Furthermore, the congruence between implicit and explicit methods implies that such differences can have deep-seated effects on reactions.
The use of predominance area diagrams (PAD) to determine the oxygen and sulfur fugacities prevailing during historical metallurgical processes: the case of fifteenth to seventeenth century copper slags from Polichno (Old Polish industrial district)
Authors: Kupczak Krzysztof , Warchulski Rafał , Gawęda Aleksandra , Ślęzak Marta , Migas Piotr 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study presents the first use of predominance area diagrams (PADs) to determine oxidation–reduction conditions during reconstructing historical copper smelting processes. The smelting temperature and oxygen and sulfur fugacities during smelting were determined based on experiments and the geochemical (ICP-MS/ES, XRF) and mineralogical (SEM, EPMA) analyses of the fifteenth to seventeenth century slags from Polichno (Holy Cross Mountains, Poland). Results obtained during high-temperature experiments allowed to determine the slags' solidus and liquidus temperatures. The liquidus temperature was in the range of 1100–1200 °C, and the solidus temperature was in the range of 800–1100 °C. Data on temperature conditions were used in thermodynamic calculations to construct predominance area diagrams and then to determine the ranges of oxygen and sulfur fugacities in which the formation of slags was possible. Slags from Polichno were formed with the oxygen fugacity in the range of

$$\text{logP}_{{\text{O}}_2}$$

logP

O
2

= − 4.30 (POL1, POL4 at 1200 °C) to − 14.08 atm. (POL3 at 1090 °C). In turn, the sulfur fugacity during slag formation ranged from

$$\text{logP}_{{\text{S}}_2}$$

logP

S
2

= − 2.50 (POL5 at 1200 °C) to − 6.92 (POL4 at 1060 °C) atm. The relatively high sulfur availability confirms using sulfide ores without prior roasting. The wide range of sulfur and oxygen fugacity indicates the process's heterogeneity.
Analysis of forage quality, volatile organic compounds and metabolic pathways in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different stages based on electronic nose and GC-MS
Authors: Liu Yichao , Wang Zhijun , Sun Lin , Bao Jian , Si Qiang , Liu Mingjian , Sun Pengbo , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Liu Tingyu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe odor of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), the most extensively cultivated forage, can interfere with livestock feeding. This study used an electronic nose in conjunction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to examine the quality, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metabolic pathways of alfalfa at budding (X), early flowering (C), and full flowering (S) stages. Results showed that terpenoids increased first and then decreased with growth and development, heterocyclic substances decreased continuously, and alcohols and ketones increased. The crude protein and ether extract decreased and were positively correlated with terpenoids, heterocycles, and nitrogen and sulfur compounds, while the dry matter content, soluble carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber increased and were positively correlated with alcohols and ketones. The VOCs were most accumulated in the early flowering stages, which had more sweet and fruity flavors, and the main substances that differed from the budding stage and the full flowering stage were methyl heptanoate, butyl butyrate, β-ionone, and other esters and terpenoids. The monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and triterpene pathways were up-regulated in the early flowering stage, and the phenyl-propylene synthesis pathway was up-regulated in the full flowering stage. These substances and pathways were key to further improving alfalfa odor, grade and utilization.
Graphical Abstract
PAM trial protocol: a randomised feasibility study of psychedelic microdosing–assisted meaning-centred psychotherapy in advanced stage cancer patients
Authors: Wells Alesha , Muthukumaraswamy A. P. Suresh , Morunga Eva , Evans Will , Cavadino Alana , Bansal Mahima , Lawrence Nicola J. , Ashley Amanda , Hoeh Nicholas R. , Sundram Frederick , Applebaum Allison J. , Parkinson Hineatua , Reynolds Lisa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
An advanced cancer diagnosis can be associated with a significant profile of distress. Psychedelic compounds have shown clinically significant effects in the treatment of psychological distress in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Given the challenges of delivering timely and effective intervention in the advanced cancer context, it is possible that an alternative, more pragmatic, approach lies in psychedelic ‘microdosing’. Microdosing refers to repeated administration of psychedelics in sub-hallucinogenic doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial comparing psychedelic microdose-assisted–meaning-centred psychotherapy (PA-MCP) to standard meaning-centred psychotherapy (MCP) in New Zealand indigenous (Māori) and non-indigenous people with advanced cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Although MCP is a well-established psychotherapeutic treatment in advanced cancer populations, the potential efficacy and effectiveness of this therapy when delivered alongside a standardised microdose regimen of a psychedelic compound have not been investigated.

Methods
Participants with advanced-stage cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (N = 40; 20 Māori, 20 non-Māori) will be randomised under double-blind conditions to receive 7 sessions of MCP alongside 13 doses of either an LSD microdose (4–20 µg) (PA–MCP) or inactive placebo (placebo-MCP). The feasibility, acceptability, and safety of this intervention and physiological and psychological measures will be recorded at baseline, at each session of MCP, and at a 1-month and 6-month follow-up.

Discussion
Our findings will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a larger randomised controlled trial and provide an initial indication of the potential benefits of psychedelic microdosing for psychological distress in advanced-stage indigenous and non-indigenous cancer patients.

Trial Registration
NZCTR, ACTRN12623000478617. Registered 11 May 2023. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385810&isReview=true.
How do residents respond to uncertainty with peers and supervisors in multidisciplinary teams? Insights from simulations with epistemic fidelity
Authors: Blissett Sarah , Skinner Jamila , Banner Harrison , Cristancho Sayra , Taylor Taryn 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Residents struggle to express clinical uncertainty, often exhibiting negative cognitive, behavioral, and emotional responses to uncertainty when engaging with patients or supervisors. However, the Integrative Model of Uncertainty Tolerance posits that individuals may have positive or negative responses to perceived uncertainty. Situational characteristics, such as interactions with other health professionals, can impact whether the response is positive or negative. The team context in which residents interact with resident peers and supervisors could represent varying situational characteristics that enable a spectrum of responses to uncertainty. Understanding the situational characteristics of multidisciplinary teams that allow residents to display positive responses to perceived uncertainty could inform strategies to foster positive responses to uncertainty in other contexts. We explored resident responses to perceived uncertainty in a simulated multidisciplinary team context.

Methods
A simulation-primed qualitative inquiry approach was used. Fourteen residents from Cardiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology participated in simulation scenarios involving pregnant patients with heart disease. We incorporated epistemic fidelity through the deliberate inclusion of ambiguity and complexity to prompt uncertainty. Audio recordings of debriefing sessions were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results
Residents recognized that uncertainty is unavoidable, and positive responses to uncertainty are crucial to team dynamics and patient safety. While residents had positive responses to expressing uncertainty to peers, they had predominantly negative responses to expressing uncertainty to supervisors. Predominant negative response to supervisors related to judgement from supervisors, and impacts on perceived trustworthiness or independence. Although residents recognized expressing uncertainty to a supervisor could identify opportunities for learning and resolve their uncertainty, the negative responses overshadowed the positive responses. Residents highly valued instances in which supervisors were forthcoming about their own uncertainty.

Conclusions
Through participation in simulations with epistemic fidelity, residents reflected on how they perceive and respond to uncertainty in multidisciplinary teams. Our findings emphasize the role of situational characteristics, particularly peers and supervisors, in moderating responses to perceived uncertainty. The productive discussions around responses to uncertainty in debriefing sessions suggest further studies of multidisciplinary simulations could enhance our understanding of how uncertainty is expressed, and potentially be used as an instructional intervention to promote positive responses to uncertainty.
Artificial intelligence for assessment of vascular involvement and tumor resectability on CT in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Bereska Jacqueline I. , Janssen Boris V. , Nio C. Yung , Kop Marnix P. M. , Kazemier Geert , Busch Olivier R. , Struik Femke , Marquering Henk A. , Stoker Jaap , Besselink Marc G. , Verpalen Inez M. ,   for the Pancreatobiliary and Hepatic Artificial Intelligence Research (PHAIR) consortium
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to develop and evaluate an automatic model using artificial intelligence (AI) for quantifying vascular involvement and classifying tumor resectability stage in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), primarily to support radiologists in referral centers. Resectability of PDAC is determined by the degree of vascular involvement on computed tomography scans (CTs), which is associated with considerable inter-observer variability.

Methods
We developed a semisupervised machine learning segmentation model to segment the PDAC and surrounding vasculature using 613 CTs of 467 patients with pancreatic tumors and 50 control patients. After segmenting the relevant structures, our model quantifies vascular involvement by measuring the degree of the vessel wall that is in contact with the tumor using AI-segmented CTs. Based on these measurements, the model classifies the resectability stage using the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group criteria as either resectable, borderline resectable, or locally advanced (LA).

Results
We evaluated the performance of the model using a test set containing 60 CTs from 60 patients, consisting of 20 resectable, 20 borderline resectable, and 20 locally advanced cases, by comparing the automated analysis obtained from the model to expert visual vascular involvement assessments. The model concurred with the radiologists on 227/300 (76%) vessels for determining vascular involvement. The model’s resectability classification agreed with the radiologists on 17/20 (85%) resectable, 16/20 (80%) for borderline resectable, and 15/20 (75%) for locally advanced cases.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that an AI model may allow automatic quantification of vascular involvement and classification of resectability for PDAC.

Relevance statement
This AI model enables automated vascular involvement quantification and resectability classification for pancreatic cancer, aiding radiologists in treatment decisions, and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Key points
• High inter-observer variability exists in determining vascular involvement and resectability for PDAC.
• Artificial intelligence accurately quantifies vascular involvement and classifies resectability for PDAC.
• Artificial intelligence can aid radiologists by automating vascular involvement and resectability assessments.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of a strict facial-mask policy on the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland during the early phase of the pandemic
Authors: Nussli Emanuel , Hediger Simon , Spohn Meta-Lina , Maathuis Marloes H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDuring several weeks in the second half of the year 2020, the cantons of Switzerland could choose to adopt the government-determined facial-mask policy, corresponding to mandatory facial-mask wearing on public transport, or a strict facial-mask policy, corresponding to mandatory facial-mask wearing on public transport and in all public or shared spaces where social distancing was not possible. We estimate the effect of introducing the strict facial-mask policy on the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland during this first phase of the pandemic in 2020, using the cantonal heterogeneity in facial-mask policies. We adjust for social distancing behavior, weather, other non-pharmaceutical policies and further variables. We estimate a significant reduction in the expected spread of COVID-19 in the early pandemic if the strict facial-mask policy is adopted.
A case report of X-linked CDKL5 gene variant in monozygotic twins associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy-2
Authors: Gupta Aayushi , Utage Prashant , Utage Aparna Prashant , Aman Nadir , Pujar Akhilesh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
CDKL5 (Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase Like-5) deficiency disorder (CDD; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database 300203, 300672) is a rare neurologic disorder, which is caused by mutation in CDKL5 gene, situated on the X chromosome. Therefore, this condition is inherited in an X-linked dominant pattern. In general, this gene provides instruction for making a protein that is essential for normal brain development and plays an important regulatory role in neuronal function.

Case presentation
We report a case of 2.5-year-old monozygotic twins (female), Twin-1 is found to be affected with CDKL5 deficiency disorder; development and epileptic encephalopathy-2; DEE2. The symptoms started at approximately 4 months of age.

Conclusion
Current study aims to stratify risk using NGS (next generation sequencing) in both the parents and Twin-2. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing in patients with genetic disorder for proper diagnosis, for better treatment/management and to understand the prognosis of the condition. Together with the clinical and genetic information, genetic counselling of the patient/patient’s parents can help them in taking informed decision.
Does preoperative bone marrow edema affect clinical outcomes after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy?
Authors: Kim Hee-June , Shin Ji-Yeon , Lee Hyun-Joo , Kim Dong-Hyun , Jo Yeonggwon , Kim Joon-Woo , Oh Chang-Wug , Kyung Hee-Soo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in patients with bone marrow edema (BME) and assess the effect of factors on the subsequent results.

Methods
A total of 138 patients who underwent medial open-wedge HTO using locking plate were included in this study. BME was observed in 108 patients using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical results were evaluated before HTO and postoperatively at 12 months. Moreover, we evaluated the factors affecting the clinical results.

Results
The clinical scores were all significantly improved regardless of the presence of BME. There were no differences in improvement of clinical scores between patients with BME and without BME. Patients with BME showed higher postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) stiffness scores than patients without BME. Furthermore, patients with BME on both the femur and tibia showed lower Knee Society function scores than patients with BME on either the femur or the tibia. Patients with large BME lesions exhibited a lower Hospital for Special Surgery score and WOMAC pain scores, postoperatively. In patients with BME, patients with undercorrection showed significantly lower improvement in WOMAC pain scores compared with patients with acceptable correction.

Conclusions
The clinical improvement after HTO in patients with varus and medial osteoarthritis was not different regardless of the presence or absence of BME. However, accurate alignment should be considered essential for achieving better clinical outcomes in patients with preoperative BME.
Significance of OCT3/4 and SOX2 antigens expression by leukemic blast cells in adult acute leukemia
Authors: Aref Salah , Khaled Omnyia , Menshawy Nadia El , Azmy Emad , Aref Mohamed , Salama Osama , Khaled Nada 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to address the prognostic impact of SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression on adult acute leukemia patients’ outcomes.

Methods
SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression by blast cells were evaluated by flow cytometry in 80 acute leukemia patients and 8 healthy controls.

Results
Baseline SOX2 and OCT3/4 expression were significantly higher in both ALL (P = < 0.001, P = 0.005 respectively) and AML patients (P < 0.001, P = 0.003 respectively) as compared to control, and decline at complete remission (CR) and elevated again at relapse. High SOX2 and OCT3/4 levels were significantly correlated with the presence of adverse risk stratification parameters.

Conclusion
Our findings indicated that both SOX2 and OCT3/4 could serve as biomarkers that could improve risk stratification of acute leukemia patients. Also, both SOX2 and OCT3/4 might be a therapeutic target, especially in resistant acute leukemia.
Pharmaceutical significance of Schiff bases: an overview
Authors: Mushtaq Irfan , Ahmad Maqbool , Saleem Muhammad , Ahmed Adnan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSchiff bases are a diverse group of organic compounds with great pharmaceutical importance due to the presence of carbon–nitrogen double bonds (–C=N–). These compounds are synthesized by the condensation reaction between a primary amine and an aldehyde or ketone in a suitable solvent such as methanol. These compounds have shown antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which have garnered the attention of organic chemists in synthesizing these compounds. Recent advances have been summarized in this review paper mainly including compounds with potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Synthetic schemes are included to provide a better understanding of the Schiff base synthesis mechanism. This review paper will provide a way forward for the pharmaceutical chemist to synthesize new compounds with potential biological activities.Graphical abstract