bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The coming future: The role of the oral–microbiota–brain axis in aroma release and perception
Authors: Xi Yu , Yu Meihong , Li Xuejie , Zeng Xiangquan , Li Jian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe field of aroma release and perception during the oral process has been well studied. However, the traditional approaches have not fully explored the integration of oral biology, microbiology, and neurology to further understand aroma release and perception mechanisms. Herein, to address the existing challenges in this field, we introduce the oral–microbiota–brain axis (OMBA), an innovative framework that encapsulates the interactive relationships among saliva and the oral mucosa, the oral microbiota, and the brain in aroma release and perception. This review introduces the OMBA and highlights its role as a key interface facilitating the sensory experience of aroma. Based on a comprehensive literature survey, the specific roles of the oral mucosa, oral microbiota, saliva, and brain in the OMBA are discussed. This integrated approach reveals the importance of each component and the interconnected relationships within this axis in the overall process of aroma release and perception. Saliva and the oral mucosa play fundamental roles in aroma release and perception; the oral microbiota regulates aroma release and impacts olfactory perception; and the brain's intricate neural circuitry is central to the decoding and interpretation of aroma signals. The components of this axis are interdependent, and imbalances can disrupt aroma perception. The OMBA framework not only enhances our comprehension of aroma release and perception but also paves the way for innovative applications that could heighten sensory experiences.
Effectiveness and safety of Moluodan in the treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zou Tian Hui , Gao Qin Yan , Liu Si De , Li Yan Qing , Meng Xiang Jun , Zhang Guo Xin , Tian Zi Bin , Zou Xiao Ping , He Song , Hou Xiao Hua , Lin Rong , Li Jing Nan , Zhou Zhong Yin , Li Yan , Wang Meng Chun , Wang Bang Mao , Tian De An , Chen Shu Jie , Cao Qian , Li Liang Ping , Wang Zhi Rong , Shen Xi Zhong , Liu Bing Rong , Yan Xiao Yan , Chen Ying Xuan , Fang Jing‐Yuan 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical potential and safety of Moluodan to reverse gastric precancerous lesions.MethodsPatients aged 18–70 years diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe atrophy and/or moderate‐to‐severe intestinal metaplasia, with or without low‐grade dysplasia, and negative for Helicobacter pylori were recruited in this randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled trial. The primary outcome was the improvement of global histological diagnosis at 1‐year follow‐up endoscopy using the operative link for gastritis assessment, the operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment, and the disappearance rate of dysplasia.ResultsBetween November 3, 2017 and January 27, 2021, 166 subjects were randomly assigned to the Moluodan group, 168 to the folic acid group, 84 to the combination group, and 84 to the high‐dose Moluodan group. The improvement in global histological diagnosis was achieved in 60 (39.5%) subjects receiving Moluodan, 59 (37.8%) receiving folic acid, 26 (32.1%) receiving the combined drugs, and 36 (47.4%) receiving high‐dose Moluodan. Moluodan was non‐inferior to folic acid (95% confidence interval: −9.2 to 12.5; P = 0.02). High‐dose Moluodan had a trend for better protective efficacy, though there was no statistical significance. The disappearance rate of dysplasia was 82.8% in the Moluodan group, which was superior to folic acid (53.9%; P = 0.006). No drug‐related serious adverse events were observed.ConclusionsOne pack of Moluodan three times daily for 1 year was safe and effective in reversing gastric precancerous lesions, especially dysplasia. Doubling its dose showed a better efficacy trend.
Unlocking the potential of bacterial endophytes from medicinal plants for drug discovery
Authors: Zotchev Sergey B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmong the plant‐associated microorganisms, the so‐called endophytes continue to attract much attention because of their ability not only to protect host plants from biotic and abiotic stress factors, but also the potential to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. The latter property can elicit growth‐promoting effects on plants, as well as boost the production of plant‐specific secondary metabolites with valuable pharmacological properties. In addition, endophyte‐derived secondary metabolites may be a rich source for the discovery of drugs to treat various diseases, including infections and cancer. However, the full potential of endophytes to produce bioactive secondary metabolites is often not revealed upon conventional cultivation in the laboratory. New advances in genomics and metabolic engineering offer exciting opportunities for the exploration and exploitation of endophytes' biosynthetic potential. This review focuses on bacterial endophytes of medicinal plants, some of their secondary metabolites and recent advances in deciphering their biosynthesis. The latter may assist in genetic engineering efforts aimed at the discovery of novel bioactive compounds with the potential to be developed into drugs.
Subcontracting requirements and the cost of government procurement
Authors: Rosa Benjamin V 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGovernment procurement contracts are frequently subject to policies that specify a subcontracting requirement for the utilization of historically disadvantaged firms. I study how such subcontracting policies affect procurement auctions using data from New Mexico's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Theoretically, subcontracting requirements reduce prime contractors' private information on their costs by requiring them to select their subcontractors from a common pool of disadvantaged firms. This feature mitigates cost increases from using more costly subcontractors by causing prime contractors to strategically lower their markups. My estimated model reveals that New Mexico's past subcontracting requirements led to minor increases in procurement costs.
Towards identification of new genetic determinants for post‐weaning diarrhea in piglets
Authors: Ibragimov Emil , Eriksen Esben Østergaard , Nielsen Jens Peter , Jørgensen Claus B. , Fredholm Merete , Karlskov‐Mortensen Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPost‐weaning diarrhea in pigs is a considerable challenge in the pig farming industry due to its effect on animal welfare and production costs, as well as the large volume of antibiotics, which are used to treat diarrhea in pigs after weaning. Previous studies have revealed loci on SSC6 and SSC13 associated with susceptibility to specific diarrhea causing pathogens. This study aimed to identify new genetic loci for resistance to diarrhea based on phenotypic data. In depth clinical characterization of diarrhea was performed in 257 pigs belonging to two herds during the first 14 days post weaning. The daily diarrhea assessments were used for the classification of pigs into case and control groups. Pigs were assigned to case and control groups based only on the incidence of diarrhea in the second week of the study in order to differentiate between differences in etiology. Genome‐wide association studies and metabolomics association analysis were performed in order to identify new biological determinants for diarrhea susceptibility. With the present work, we revealed a new locus for diarrhea resistance on SSC16. Furthermore, studies of metabolomics in the same pigs revealed one metabolite associated with diarrhea.
Is varicocoelectomy indicated in infertile men with isolated teratozoospermia? a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dursun Murat , Beşiroğlu Hüseyin , Aydın Reşat , Kaçan Turgay , Sevinç Ahmet Halil , Kadıoğlu Ateş 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundClinical palpable varicocoeles in conjunction with isolated teratozoospermia are rarely observed. Therefore, the effects of varicocoelectomy on sperm morphology are not clear. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to compile studies that assess the effectiveness of varicocoelectomy in isolated teratozoospermia to reach a more consistent and reliable conclusion.Material‐MethodsThe present meta‐analysis was registered to PROSPERO (CRD42023467933). We utilized the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guideline to report the outcomes. Articles published before 1 October 2023 were included in the study. The search terms used were teratozoospermia, isolated teratozoospermia, varicocoelectomy for isolated teratozoospermia, and semen analysis after varicocoelectomy in isolated teratozoospermia.ResultsWe identified 1,013 studies in full publications or abstracts using the methodology and the search terms. Five studies were included for systematic review, while four were included for meta‐analysis. The five studies (10–14) included 348 patients aged 18–44 years. The pooled analysis revealed a significant improvement in sperm morphology in isolated teratozoospermia patients undergoing varicocoelectomy (Q = 199.42, p < 0.0001; I2 = 98.49%). The pooled analysis revealed no significant improvement in sperm concentration in isolated teratozoospermia patients undergoing varicocoelectomy (Q = 5.69, p = 0.058; I2 = 64.85%). Three of the examined studies provided information regarding pregnancy rate and it was high in all studies. According to the Newcastle–Ottowa scale (NOS) assessment, the total quality score of all studies was 7. The funnel plot test demonstrated a visible asymmetry, and Begg and Mazumdar's rank correlation test confirmed the publication bias (p = 0.04).DiscussionVaricocoelectomy can be an effective and reliable treatment option in patients with isolated morphology abnormalities and clinically palpable varicocoele.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis reported that varicocoelectomy may increase pregnancy rates by improving semen parameters in infertile men with isolated teratozoospermia, although this conclusion requires further evidence.
Healthcare sustainability in cardiothoracic surgery
Authors: Leow Lowell , Tam John Kit Chung , Kee Poh Pei , Zain Amanda 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundClimate change is the greatest threat to human health. Cardiothoracic patients suffer direct consequences from poor environmental health and we have a vested interest to address this in our practice. As leaders of complex high‐end surgery, we are uniquely positioned to effect practical and immediate changes to significantly pare down emissions within the operating theatre, outside the operating theatre and beyond the confines of the hospital.MethodsWe aim to spotlight this pressing issue, take stock of our current efforts, and encourage fellow specialists to drive this agenda.ResultsSustainability in healthcare needs to be formalized as part of the core curriculum in surgical training and awareness generated via carbon audits and life cycle analyses. Practical actions such as reducing unnecessary equipment usage, choosing reusable equipment over single use disposables, judicious use of investigations rooted in clinical reasoning and sharing of resources across services and health systems help reduce the carbon output of our specialty.ConclusionThe ‘Triple Bottom Line’ serves as a good template to calibrate efforts that balance quality against environmental costs. More can be done to advocate for and find solutions for sustainable healthcare with cardiothoracic surgery.
Cause of death and making end‐of‐life decisions in preterm infants has not changed over time: A mortality follow‐back survey
Authors: Goossens Linde , Dombrecht Laure , Chambaere Kenneth , Beernaert Kim , Cools Filip 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate changes over time in cause of death and making end‐of‐life decisions in preterm infants.MethodsA follow‐back survey was conducted of all preterm infants who died between September 2016 and December 2017 in Flanders and Brussels, Belgium. Cause of death was obtained from the death certificate and information on end‐of‐life decisions (ELDs) through an anonymous questionnaire of the certifying physician. Results were compared with a previous study performed between August 1999 and July 2000.ResultsIn the cohort 1999–2000 and 2016–2017, respectively, 150 and 135 deaths were included. A significantly higher proportion of infants born before 26 weeks of gestation was found in the 2016–2017 cohort (53% vs. 24% in 1999–2000, p < 0.001). Extreme immaturity (<26 weeks) remained the most prevalent cause with a significant increase in the 2016–2017 cohort (48% vs. 28% in 1999–2000, p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of ELDs was similar across study periods (61%). Non‐treatment decisions remained the most common ELD (36% and 37%).ConclusionInfants born at the limits of viability have become more prevalent among infant deaths, possibly due to a change in attitude towards periviable births. Neither the process of making ELDs nor the cause of death has changed over time.
Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 307 small‐breed dogs (2000–2021): Breed‐characteristic features and disc‐associated vertebral instability
Authors: Aikawa T , Miyazaki Y , Kihara S , Muyama H , Nishimura M 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the breed‐characteristic features of cervical intervertebral disc disease (C‐IVDD) and associated vertebral instability in small‐breed dogs and to present the concept of intervertebral disc degeneration and associated instability stage, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.AnimalsIn total, 307 client‐owned dogs with C‐IVDD treated with spinal cord decompression with or without vertebral stabilization (2000–2021).MethodsInformation on age, sex, affected sites, stabilized sites, diagnostic methods for vertebral instability and outcomes were retrieved. The patient's age, affected sites (cranial vs caudal discs), and frequency of vertebral stabilization were compared in six CD and five NCD breed. Multivariable analyses of the chondrodystrophic (CD) vs non‐CD (NCD) groups, and vertebral stabilization (dogs stabilized vs dogs not stabilized) were performed.ResultsIn total, 222 (72.3%) and 77 (25.1%) were CD and NCD breeds, respectively. Vertebral instabilities were diagnosed based on the survey radiographs with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2), dynamic myelography (n = 29), intraoperative spinal manipulation (n = 11) or second surgery in dogs with persistent postoperative paraspinal pain (n = 3). Of these dogs, 295 (96.1%) recovered (median follow‐up: 8.5 [range, 1–119] months). Significant differences in age, affected sites and frequency of stabilization were noted among the breeds. Older age and frequent vertebral stabilization were the associated factors for the NCD breed dogs. Male dogs, caudal discs affected (C5–T1) and the NCD breed dogs were risk factors for the dogs with vertebral stabilization.ConclusionVertebral stabilization is indicated for small‐breed dogs with cervical disc‐associated vertebral instability.
Prognostic impact of histological discordance between transurethral resection and radical cystectomy
Authors: Matsuda Ayumu , Taoka Rikiya , Miki Jun , Saito Ryoichi , Fukuokaya Wataru , Hatakeyama Shingo , Kawahara Takashi , Fujii Yoichi , Kato Minoru , Sazuka Tomokazu , Sano Takeshi , Urabe Fumihiko , Kashima Soki , Naito Hirohito , Murakami Yoji , Miyake Makito , Daizumoto Kei , Matsushita Yuto , Hayashi Takuji , Inokuchi Junichi , Sugino Yusuke , Shiga Kenichiro , Yamaguchi Noriya , Iio Hiroyuki , Yasue Keiji , Abe Takashige , Nakanishi Shotaro , Matsumura Masafumi , Fujii Masato , Nishihara Kiyoaki , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Tatarano Shuichi , Wada Koichiro , Sekito Sho , Maruyama Ryo , Nishiyama Naotaka , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Matsui Yoshiyuki ,   the Japanese Urological Oncology Group
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo analyse the impact of histological discordance of subtypes (subtypes or divergent differentiation [DD]) in specimens from transurethral resection (TUR) and radical cystectomy (RC) on the outcome of the patients with bladder cancer receiving RC.Patients and methodsWe analysed data for 2570 patients from a Japanese nationwide cohort with bladder cancer treated with RC between January 2013 and December 2019 at 36 institutions. The non‐urinary tract recurrence‐free survival (NUTR‐FS) and overall survival (OS) stratified by TUR or RC specimen histology were determined. We also elucidated the predictive factors for OS in patients with subtype/DD bladder cancer.ResultsAt median follow‐up of 36.9 months, 835 (32.4%) patients had NUTR, and 691 (26.9%) died. No statistically significant disparities in OS or NUTR‐FS were observed when TUR specimens were classified as pure‐urothelial carcinoma (UC), subtypes, DD, or non‐UC. Among 2449 patients diagnosed with pure‐UC or subtype/DD in their TUR specimens, there was discordance between the pathological diagnosis in TUR and RC specimens. Histological subtypes in RC specimens had a significant prognostic impact. When we focused on 345 patients with subtype/DD in TUR specimens, a multivariate Cox regression analysis identified pre‐RC neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and pathological stage as independent prognostic factors for OS (P = 0.016 and P = 0.001, respectively). The presence of sarcomatoid subtype in TUR specimens and lymphovascular invasion in RC specimens had a marginal effect (P = 0.069 and P = 0.056, respectively).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the presence of subtype/DD in RC specimens but not in TUR specimens indicated a poor prognosis. In patients with subtype/DD in TUR specimens, pre‐RC neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and pathological stage were independent prognostic factors for OS.
Why classical receptor theory, which ignores allostery, can effectively measure the strength of an allosteric effect as agonist's efficacy
Authors: Onaran H. Ongun , Costa Tommaso 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe classical theory of receptor action has been used for decades as a powerful tool to estimate molecular determinants of ligand‐induced receptor activation (i.e., affinity and efficacy) from experimentally observable biological responses. However, it is also a well‐recognized fact that the receptor‐binding and activation mechanisms, and the parameters thereof, described in the classical theory contradict with the modern view of receptor activation based on allosteric principles.Experimental ApproachWe used mathematical analysis, along with some numerical simulations, to answer the key question as to what extent the classical theory is compatible—if at all—with the modern understanding of receptor activation.Key ResultsHere, we showed conclusively that (1) receptor activation equations based on allosteric principles contain the logic of the classical theory in disguise, and therefore, (2) estimates of “intrinsic efficacy” (ε) obtained by means of classical techniques (i.e., null methods or fitting the operational model to concentration‐response data) are equivalent to the allosteric coupling factors that represent the molecular efficacy of ligands.Conclusion and ImplicationsThus, we conclude that despite the justified criticisms it has received so far, the classical theory may continue to be useful in estimating ligand efficacy from experimental data, if used properly. Here, we also provide rigorous criteria for the proper use of the theory. These findings not only have implications for ligand classification but also resolve some long lasting discussions in the field of bias agonism in GPCR, which requires reasonable estimates of relative ligand efficacies at different signalling pathways.
Ecological restoration and rewilding: two approaches with complementary goals?
Authors: Mutillod Clémentine , Buisson Élise , Mahy Gregory , Jaunatre Renaud , Bullock James M. , Tatin Laurent , Dutoit Thierry 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTAs we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and address the urgent need to protect and restore ecosystems and their ecological functions at large scales, rewilding has been brought into the limelight. Interest in this discipline is thus increasing, with a large number of conceptual scientific papers published in recent years. Increasing enthusiasm has led to discussions and debates in the scientific community about the differences between ecological restoration and rewilding. The main goal of this review is to compare and clarify the position of each field. Our results show that despite some differences (e.g. top‐down versus bottom‐up and functional versus taxonomic approaches) and notably with distinct goals – recovery of a defined historically determined target ecosystem versus recovery of natural processes with often no target endpoint – ecological restoration and rewilding have a common scope: the recovery of ecosystems following anthropogenic degradation. The goals of ecological restoration and rewilding have expanded with the progress of each field. However, it is unclear whether there is a paradigm shift with ecological restoration moving towards rewilding or vice versa. We underline the complementarity in time and in space of ecological restoration and rewilding. To conclude, we argue that reconciliation of these two fields of nature conservation to ensure complementarity could create a synergy to achieve their common scope.
Unhoused women in Niagara: Lived expertise of homelessness in community‐engaged research
Authors: Heritz Joanne 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHow do we apply a gender lens to the housing needs of vulnerable women? The YWCA Niagara Region (YWCA) asked this question. Brock University's Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) partnered with the YWCA to identify the barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing in Niagara, with priority placed on community engagement and inclusive access to housing. The article has a two‐fold purpose. First, it provides an overview of community‐engaged research, focusing on the key principles and practices involved in listening to stories of women with lived expertise of homelessness facing discrimination or disadvantage compounded by intersectional identities of Indigeneity, race, gender and ability. Second, it reports on the making of a policy brief and video clip designed as advocacy tools for increasing awareness of the need for increased equitable access to safe and affordable housing for women and gender diverse peoples in Niagara.