bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of oral synbiotics on the gut microbiota and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cosier Denelle J , Lambert Kelly , Neale Elizabeth P , Probst Yasmine , Charlton Karen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Context
Prior research has explored the effect of synbiotics, the combination of probiotics and prebiotics, on the gut microbiota in clinical populations. However, evidence related to the effect of synbiotics on the gut microbiota in healthy adults has not been reviewed to date.

Objective
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively investigate the effect of synbiotics on the gut microbiota and inflammatory markers in populations of healthy adults.

Data Sources
Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve randomized controlled trials examining the primary outcome of gut microbiota or intestinal permeability changes after synbiotic consumption in healthy adults. Secondary outcomes of interest were short-chain fatty acids, inflammatory biomarkers, and gut microbiota diversity.

Data Extraction
Weighted (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) outcome data were pooled in restricted maximum likelihood models using random effects. Twenty-seven articles reporting on 26 studies met the eligibility criteria (n = 1319).

Data Analysis
Meta-analyses of 16 studies showed synbiotics resulted in a significant increase in Lactobacillus cell count (SMD, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15, 1.33; P = 0.01) and propionate concentration (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.43; P = 0.03) compared with controls. A trend for an increase in Bifidobacterium relative abundance (WMD, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.42, 2.52; P = 0.10) and cell count (SMD, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.13, 1.88; P = 0.06) was seen. No significant differences in α-diversity, acetate, butyrate, zonulin, IL-6, CRP, or endotoxins were observed.

Conclusion
This review demonstrates that synbiotics modulate the gut microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and propionate across various healthy adult populations, and may result in increased Bifidobacterium. Significant variations in synbiotic type, dose, and duration should be considered as limitations when applying findings to clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO no. CRD42021284033.
Lost options commitment: how short-term policies affect long-term scope of action
Authors: Martínez Montero Marina , Brede Nuria , Couplet Victor , Crucifix Michel , Botta Nicola , Wieners Claudia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We propose to explore the sustainability of climate policies based on a novel commitment metric. This metric allows to quantify how future generations’ scope of action is affected by short-term climate policy. In an example application, we show that following a moderate emission scenario like SSP2-4.5 will commit future generations to heavily rely on carbon dioxide removal or/and solar radiation modification to avoid unmanageable sea level rise.
PTFE as a viable sealing material for lightweight mass spectrometry ovens in dusty extraterrestrial environments
Authors: Abernethy Feargus A J , Chinnery Hannah , Lindner Robert , Barber Simeon J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ever increasing interest in the Moon, not only for scientific but also commercial and prospecting purposes, requires a more streamlined and reproducible approach to issues such as the sealing of sample handling ovens, in contrast to the mission-specific mechanisms which have tended to prevail in the past. A test breadboard has been designed and built in order to evaluate the leak rates of different oven sealing concepts and materials within the context of the PROSPECT Sample Processing and Analysis (ProSPA) instrument being developed for the European Space Agency. Sealing surface geometries based on a simple 90° knife-edge, and two widely used vacuum fitting standards (VCR® and ConFlat®) have been tested using PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) gaskets in vacuum across a temperature range of −100 to 320°C, equivalent to a projected −100 to 1000°C sample heating range in the ProSPA ovens. The impact of using glass- and carbon-filled PTFE has also been investigated, as has the effect of dust coverage of JSC-1A lunar simulant up to 9 per cent by area. The best combination of properties appears to be unfilled PTFE, compressed between two 90° knife-edges with a confining force of ∼400 N. This can produce a leak rates within the 10−7 Pa m3 s−1 range or better regardless of the level of dust applied within the experimental constraints. A strong temperature-dependence on the leak rate is identified, meaning that careful oven design will be required to minimize the temperature at the seal interface even within the operational temperature range PTFE itself.
Gall inducer Dasineura sp. alters the polyphenol profile and antioxidant activity of Peumus boldus stems
Authors: Guedes Lubia M , Aguilera Narciso , Torres Solange , Gavilán Elvis , Rosales Natacha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Peumus boldus, a tree native to Chile, is extensively used for medicinal purposes due to its richness in alkaloids and antioxidant polyphenols. A species of galling insect, Dasineura sp. induces structural and chemical changes on P. boldus stems while its galls are established and developed. Taking into account the antioxidant properties of P. boldus polyphenols, it would be expected that Dasineura sp. induces changes in the accumulation sites, chemical profile, and antioxidant activity of the P. boldus stem polyphenols, related to different reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels during gall development. Dasineura sp. induces changes in the accumulation sites of total polyphenols, flavonols, and lignin, redirecting their accumulation toward the sites of greatest production of H2O2 and O2.−. Although changes in total polyphenol content would be expected, this did not vary significantly between non-galled and galled stems. However, the galling insect induced changes in the profile and concentration of soluble polyphenols, leading to the gall extracts’ antioxidant capacity decreasing significantly during the maturation and senescence stages. Additionally, during the maturation stage, lignin deposition increases in the more peripheral gall tissues, which also contributes to ROS dissipation. The differences in the different gall developmental stages’ antioxidant activity could be related to the identity and concentration of phenolic compounds in each gall extract, rather than to the total phenol content. Regardless of the mechanisms involved, the dissipation of the ROS generated by Dasineura sp. activity occurs, restoring the redox balance in galls and guaranteeing the success of the inducer.
The association of depressive symptoms and female sexual functioning in the menopause transition: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stevens Emily B. , Wolfman Wendy , Hernandez-Galan Leticia , Shea Alison K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Sexual dysfunction is very common among middle-aged females. Several factors are considered to influence sexual functioning, including reproductive aging and associated physiological changes as well as life stressors, mental health, and other socioeconomic influences. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of current depressive symptoms on sexual functioning during menopause and to further analyze whether socioeconomic status, age, and antidepressant usage impact this association.

Methods
Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years seeking treatment from a specialized menopause clinic completed a self-report survey with the main outcome measure being the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index quantifying sexual dysfunction. We used the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to estimate a major depressive episode. Statistical analyses were completed to assess the potential associations of socioeconomic factors, age, and antidepressant usage.

Results
Of the 269 participants, 61.3% met criteria for a major depressive episode and 67.0% had low sexual function. As predicted, women currently experiencing depressive symptoms had a greater risk of low sexual function during perimenopause and postmenopause. Antidepressant usage, low household income, being postmenopausal, and age also predicted low sexual function.

Conclusions
Among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, current depressive symptoms were associated with low sexual function. A biopsychosocial approach should be considered when exploring effective treatment strategies for sexual concerns among midlife women.
Propulsive forces and muscle activation during gait: comparisons between premenopausal and postmenopausal midlife women
Authors: Tomaz Giovanni Gondim , Souza Markus Vinicius Campos , Carneiro Marcelo Augusto da Silva , Lima Mariana Luíza de , Assumpção Claudio Oliveira , Orsatti Fábio Lera 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a reduction in propulsive force during gait in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women.

Methods
Forty-four women (21 premenopausal and 23 postmenopausal women) aged 40 to 55 years were selected. The ability to reach peak propulsive forces was assessed during the step execution test. The test was performed at the usual speed on 2 nonconsecutive days, with two attempts per day, using a force platform. Four temporal parameters were defined and calculated: initiation phase, preparation phase, swing phase, and total time. Peak force (anteroposterior and vertical) and time to reach peak force were obtained in both preparation and swing phases. The rate of force development was defined as peak force divided by time to reach peak force.

Results
The postmenopausal women group presented a longer time in the preparation phase (540.6 ± 77 ms vs 482.5 ± 93 ms, P = 0.024) and consequently a longer total time in the step execution test (1,191 ± 106.4 ms vs 1,129 ± 114.3 ms, P = 0.045). There were differences between the groups for the rate of force development in the anteroposterior (postmenopausal women, 142.5 ± 38.1 N/s vs premenopausal women, 174.7 ± 70.5 N/s; P = 0.022) and vertical directions in the preparation phase (postmenopausal women, 102.7 ± 62.3 N/s vs premenopausal women, 145.3 ± 71 N/s; P = 0.012). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in force, time to peak force, and rate of force development during the swing phase. In addition, there were no observed differences in surface electromyography of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the preparation phase and swing phase of the step execution test between the two groups.

Conclusions
Postmenopausal women exhibited lower ability to generate propulsive force rapidly (rates of force development) in both the anteroposterior and vertical directions during the preparation phase of gait compared with premenopausal women. This indicates that postmenopausal women experience a reduction in propulsive force during gait.
Comparison of 6 tests for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy and predicting clinical outcome: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Ehrenbauer Alena F. , Egge Julius F.M. , Gabriel Maria M. , Tiede Anja , Dirks Meike , Witt Jennifer , Wedemeyer Heiner , Maasoumy Benjamin , Weissenborn Karin 
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:
Current guidelines recommend the assessment for minimal HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Various efforts were made to find tools that simplify the diagnosis. Here, we compare the 6 most frequently used tests for their validity and their predictive value for overt hepatic encephalopathy (oHE), rehospitalization, and death.

Approach and Results:
One hundred thirty-two patients with cirrhosis underwent the Portosystemic Encephalopathy-Syndrome-Test yielding the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), Animal Naming Test (ANT), Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF), Inhibitory Control Test (ICT), EncephalApp (Stroop), and Continuous Reaction Time Test (CRT). Patients were monitored for 365 days regarding oHE development, rehospitalization, and death. Twenty-three patients showed clinical signs of HE grade 1-2 at baseline. Of the remaining 109 neurologically unimpaired patients, 35.8% had abnormal PHES and 44% abnormal CRT. Percentage of abnormal Stroop (79.8% vs. 52.3%), ANT (19.3% vs. 51.4%), ICT (28.4% vs. 36.7%), and CFF results (18.3% vs. 25.7%) changed significantly when adjusted norms were used for evaluation instead of fixed cutoffs. All test results correlated significantly with each other (p<0.05), except for CFF. During follow-up, 24 patients developed oHE, 58 were readmitted to the hospital, and 20 died. Abnormal PHES results were linked to oHE development in the multivariable model. No other adjusted test demonstrated predictive value for any of the investigated endpoints.

Conclusions:
Where applicable, the diagnosis of minimal HE should be made based on adjusted norm values for the tests, exclusively. The minimal HE tests cannot be equated with one another and have an overall limited value in predicting clinical outcomes.
A novel technique of reverse-sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy with direct-to-implant breast reconstruction: medium-term oncological safety outcomes and feasibility of 24-hour discharge for breast cancer patients
Authors: Jiao Zhou , Xie Yanyan , Liang Faqing , Feng Yu , Yang Huanzuo , Qiu Mengxue , Zhang Qing , Chung Kawun , Dai Hui , Liu Yang , Liang Peng , Du Zhenggui 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Due to the short operation time and no need for special instruments, reverse-sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-E-NSM) with direct-to-implant breast reconstruction (DIBR) has been rapidly becoming popular in the last three years. However, there has yet to be an evaluation of its oncologic safety or the feasibility of discharging patients within 24 hours.

Materials and Methods:
In this single-center retrospective cohort study, individuals diagnosed with stage 0–III breast cancer between May 2020 and April 2022 who underwent traditional open mastectomy or R-E-NSM with DIBR were included. Follow-up started on the date of surgery and ended in December 2023. Data, including demographics, tumor characteristics, medium-term oncological outcomes, and postoperative complications, were collected and analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize selection bias.

Results:
This study included 1679 patients (median [IQR] age, 50 [44-57] years). Of these, 344 patients underwent R-E-NSM with DIBR (RE-R group), and 1335 patients underwent traditional open mastectomy (TOM group). The median [IQR] follow-up time was 30 [24-36] months (29 [23-33] months in the RE-R group and 30 [24-36] months in the TOM group). Regarding before or after PSM, the P value of local recurrence-free survival (LRFS, 0.910 and 0.450), regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS, 0.780 and 0.620), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, 0.061 and 0.130), overall survival (OS, 0.260 and 0.620), disease-free survival (DFS, 0.120 and 0.330) were not significantly different between the RE-R group and the TOM group. The 3y-LRFS and 3y-DFS rates were 99.0% and 97.1% for the RE-R group and 99.5% and 95.3% for the TOM group, respectively. The rates of any complications and major complications were not significantly different between the RE-R patients who were discharged within 24 hours and the RE-R patients who were not discharged within 24 hours (P=0.290, P=0.665, respectively) or the TOM patients who were discharged within 24 hours (P =0.133, P=0.136, respectively).

Conclusions:
R-E-NSM with DIBR is an innovative oncologic surgical procedure that not only improves cosmetic outcomes but also ensures reliable oncologic safety and fewer complications, enabling patients to be safely discharged within 24 hours. A long-term prospective multicenter assessment will be supporting.
Distribution of coronal plane alignment of the knee classification in Chinese osteoarthritic and healthy population: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Gao Yu-Hang , Qi Yu-Meng , Huang Pei-Hong , Zhao Xing-Yu , Qi Xin 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Few studies have reported the coronal constitutional alignment of the lower limbs in mainland China. This study aimed to analyse the distribution of the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification in the osteoarthritic and healthy Chinese populations.

Materials and Methods:
The CPAK distributions of 246 patients (477 knees) with osteoarthritis (OA) and 107 healthy individuals (214 knees) were retrospectively examined using long-leg radiographs. Radiological measurements and CPAK classification of different Kellgren–Lawrence grades in patients with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were compared. The clinical outcomes of patients with CPAK type I who underwent mechanical alignment or restricted kinematic alignment during TKA were examined.

Results:
The most common distributions in the OA and healthy groups were type I and type II, respectively. In patients who underwent unilateral TKA, the most common distribution of knees graded as Kellgren–Lawrence 3–4 was type I. However, the most common distributions of contralateral knees graded as Grade 0–2 were type I and II. For patients with CPAK type I, the mechanical alignment and restricted kinematic alignment groups did not differ significantly concerning postoperative clinical outcomes at three months.

Conclusion:
The most common distributions in Chinese osteoarthritic and healthy populations were types I and II, respectively. In addition, OA progression may lead to changes in the CPAK classification.
A CT-based deep learning model predicts overall survival in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Zongjie , Xv Yingjie , Liu Huayun , Li Yang , Yin Siwen , Xie Yongpeng , Chen Yong , Lv Fajin , Jiang Qing , Li Feng , Xiao Mingzhao 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a poor prognosis even after radical cystectomy (RC). Postoperative survival stratification based on radiomics and deep learning algorithms may be useful for treatment decision-making and follow-up management. This study was aimed to develop and validate a deep learning (DL) model based on preoperative CT for predicting post-cystectomy overall survival in patients with MIBC.

Methods:
MIBC patients who underwent RC were retrospectively included from four centers, and divided into the training, internal validation and external validation sets. A deep learning model incorporated the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) was built for predicting overall survival using preoperative CT images. We assessed the prognostic accuracy of the DL model and compared it with classic handcrafted radiomics model and clinical model. Then, a deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) was developed by combining clinicopathological factors, radiomics score (Rad-score) and deep learning score (DL-score). Model performance was assessed by C-index, KM curve, and time-dependent ROC curve.

Results:
A total of 405 patients with MIBC were included in this study. The DL-score achieved a much higher C-index than Rad-score and clinical model (0.690 vs. 0.652 vs. 0.618 in the internal validation set, and 0.658 vs. 0.601 vs. 0.610 in the external validation set). After adjusting for clinicopathologic variables, the DL-score was identified as a significantly independent risk factor for OS by the multivariate Cox regression analysis in all sets (all P<0.01). The DLRN further improved the performance, with a C-index of 0.713 (95%CI: 0.627-0.798) in the internal validation set and 0.685 (95%CI: 0.586-0.765) in external validation set, respectively.

Conclusions:
A DL model based on preoperative CT can predict survival outcome of patients with MIBC, which may help in risk stratification and guide treatment decision-making and follow-up management.
Performance-Based Outcomes after Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Professional Pitchers
Authors: Malige Ajith , Uquillas Carlos 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
To compare performance in baseball pitchers before and after revision ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery using performance metrics.

Design:
Case series.

Setting:
Public online database.

Patients (or Participants):
Players who underwent revision UCL surgery between 2015 and 2021 were identified. Players were included if they were Minor League (MiLB) or Major League (Major League baseball [MLB]) pitchers. Players were excluded if they were not pitchers, if they underwent their revision surgery as an amateur, or if there is no record of their primary reconstruction surgery.

Interventions:
Revision UCL surgery (repair or reconstruction).

Main Outcome Measures:
Return to sport (RTS) rate, RTS time, pitch velocity, and pitch spin rate.

Results:
Sixty-five pitchers underwent revision UCL surgery. MiLB pitchers had a shorter RTS time after their primary surgery (15.62 vs 20.77 months, P < 0.01) compared with MLB pitchers but similar RTS times after their revision reconstruction (19.64 vs 18.48 months, P = 0.44). There was also no difference in return to play (RTP) rate overall after primary versus revision reconstruction (P = 1.00). Major League baseball pitchers also had decreased RTS time after primary compared with revision reconstruction (15.62 vs 19.64 months, P < 0.01) but similar RTP rates (P = 0.28). Finally, MLB pitchers had similar pitch breakdowns, velocities, and spin rates before and after their primary and revision repair or reconstruction.

Conclusions:
Both revision UCL repair and reconstruction can return pitchers to preinjury performance levels. Pitchers and teams should be properly counseled on realistic RTP times and postsurgery performance when discussing revision UCL surgeries.
Transimpedance Matrix Can Be Used to Estimate Electrode Positions Intraoperatively and to Monitor Their Positional Changes Postoperatively in Cochlear Implant Patients
Authors: Zhang Lichun , Schmidt Florian Herrmann , Oberhoffner Tobias , Ehrt Karsten , Cantré Daniel , Großmann Wilma , Schraven Sebastian P. , Mlynski Robert 
Published: February 2024

Objective
Accurate positioning of the electrode array during cochlear implant (CI) surgery is crucial for achieving optimal hearing outcomes. Traditionally, postoperative radiological imaging has been used to assess electrode position. Transimpedance matrix (TIM) measurements have also emerged as a promising method for assessing electrode position. This involves utilizing electric field imaging to create an electric distance matrix by analyzing voltage variations among adjacent electrodes. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using intraoperative TIM measurements to estimate electrode position and monitor postoperative changes.

Study Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting
University Medical center, tertiary academic referral center.

Patients
Patients undergoing CI (CI622) surgery between January 2019 and June 2022.

Intervention
CI electrode positions and maximal angular insertion depths (maxAID) were determined using X-ray imaging according to Stenvers' projection. The mean gradient phase (MGP) was extracted from the TIM, and a correlation between the MGP and maxAID was examined. A model was then built to estimate the maxAID using the MGP, and changes in electrode location over time were assessed using this model.

Main Outcome Measures
Twenty-four patients were included in this study. A positive correlation between the maxAID and the MGP (R = 0.7, p = 0.0001) was found. The established model was able to predict the maxAID with an accuracy of 27.7 ± 4.4°. Comparing intraoperative and postoperative TIM measurements, a decrease of 24.1° ± 10.7° in maxAID over time was observed.

Conclusion
TIM measurements are useful for estimating the insertion depth of the electrode and monitoring changes in the electrode's position over time.