bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plausibility, not science, has dominated public discussions of the COVID pandemic
Authors: Risch Harvey A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCOVID‐19 put to the test the understanding of the meaning of “science” by the medical profession, the media, and the public. Unfortunately, the vast majority of individuals were misled by those who spoke on behalf of science but who confused plausible stories with scientific explanation. Scientific understanding comes from theories, which generate hypotheses, which are, in turn, confirmed or disconfirmed by empirical evidence that is evaluated using statistical methods. In our daily lives, we may judge the validity of a hypothesis based on its plausibility, and for most trivial cases that is sufficient. But it is a mistake to imagine that science can proceed on that basis. Yet, scientists themselves are often confused about the foundations of the scientific method. “Evidence‐based medicine” is now being used to discredit all medical evidence other than randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the supposed “gold standard” of medical research. This insistence on a single method that is deemed “best practice” has the ironic effect of replacing science with plausibility in medicine. RCTs fail to live up to their vaunted status because of frequent insufficiencies in randomization related to confounding errors and their magnitudes. When randomized trials were compared with observational studies in a meta‐analysis of thousands of studies, the differences in conclusions were negligible. The entire framework of COVID‐19 policy has been based on plausible hypotheses, not backed by genuine scientific evidence. Critics are correct in claiming that COVID‐19 policies have been based on politics, not science.
Exploring rat corpus cavernosum alterations induced by finasteride treatment and withdrawal
Authors: Diviccaro Silvia , Herian Monika , Cioffi Lucia , Audano Matteo , Mitro Nico , Caruso Donatella , Giatti Silvia , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDespite its efficacy for treating androgenetic alopecia, finasteride, an inhibitor of 5α‐reductase (i.e., the enzyme converting testosterone, T, into dihydrotestosterone, DHT), is associated with several side effects including sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction). These side effects may persist after drug suspension, inducing the so‐called post‐finasteride syndrome (PFS). The effects of subchronic treatment with finasteride (i.e., 20 days) and its withdrawal (i.e., 1 month) in rat corpus cavernosum have been explored here. Data obtained show that the treatment was able to decrease the levels of the enzyme 5α‐reductase type II in the rat corpus cavernosum with increased T and decreased DHT levels. This local change in T metabolism was linked to mechanisms associated with erectile dysfunction. Indeed, by targeted metabolomics, we reported a decrease in the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, measured by the citrulline/arginine ratio and confirmed by the decrease in NO2 levels, and a decrease in ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity, measured by citrulline/ornithine ratio. Interestingly, the T levels are negatively correlated with NOS activity, while those of DHT are positively correlated with OTC activity. Finasteride treatment also induced alterations in the levels of other molecules involved in the control of penile erection, such as norepinephrine and its metabolite, epinephrine. Indeed, plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, suggesting an impairment of these mediators. Interestingly, these modifications were restored by suspension of the drug. Altogether, the results reported here indicate that finasteride treatment, but not its withdrawal, affects T metabolism in the rat corpus cavernosum, and this alteration was linked to mechanisms associated with erectile dysfunction. Data here reported could also suggest that the PFS sexual side effects are more related to dysfunction in a sexual central control rather than peripheral compromised condition.
Double filtration plasmapheresis combined with rituximab for donor‐specific antibody desensitization in haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Ji Xinyu , Zhu Panpan , Yang Luxin , Shi Jimin , Zhao Yanmin , Lai Xiaoyu , Yu Jian , Fu Huarui , Ye Yishan , Wu Yibo , Ying Jinping , Huang He , Luo Yi 
Published: August 2023

SummaryDonor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) are a major cause of engraftment failure in patients receiving haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo‐HSCT). Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) avoids the unnecessary loss of plasma proteins and increases the efficiency of purification. To investigate the effectiveness of the desensitization protocol including DFPP and rituximab, we conducted a nested case–control study. Thirty‐three patients who had positive DSA were desensitized by the protocol and 99 patients with negative DSA were randomly matched as control. The median DSA mean fluorescence intensity values before and after DFPP treatment were 7505.88 ± 4424.38 versus 2013.29 ± 4067.22 (p < 0.001). All patients in DSA group achieved haematopoietic reconstitution and the median neutrophils and platelets engraftment times were 13 (10–21) and 13 (10–29) days respectively. Although the cumulative incidence of II–IV aGVHD (41.4% vs. 28.1%) and 3‐year moderate to severe cGVHD (16.8% vs. 7.2%) were higher in DSA cohort than in the control, no statistical significance was observed. The 3‐year non‐relapse mortality and the overall survival were 6.39% and 72.0%, respectively, in the DSA cohort, which were comparable to the negative control. In conclusion, DFPP and rituximab could be effectively used for desensitization and overcome the negative effects of DSA in Haplo‐HSCT.
Resveratrol alleviates amyloid β‐induced neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress by circ_0050263/miR‐361‐3p/PDE4A axis during Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Yanchun , Chen Deqiang , Tian Rui , Yan Xinyue , Zhou Yingwen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractResveratrol (Res) has been identified to reduce neurodegeneration. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable noncoding RNAs that are considered to be ideal biomarkers for molecular targeting treatment. Here, this study focused on investigating the function and relationship of circ_0050263 and Res in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Human neuroblastoma cell line SK‐N‐SH was exposed to amyloid‐β (Aβ) to induce AD cell model in vitro. Cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory reaction were evaluated by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometery, and ELISA analysis. The oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were determined by detecting related markers. Levels of genes and proteins were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was adopted to verify the binding between miR‐361‐3p and circ_0050263 or PDE4A (Phosphodiesterase 4A). Subsequently, we found that Res treatment alleviated Aβ‐induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ERS in SK‐N‐SH cells. Circ_0050263 is a stable circRNA, which was increased by Aβ, but decreased by Res in SK‐N‐SH cells. Circ_0050263 overexpression reversed Res‐induced neuroprotective effects. Mechanistically, circ_0050263 acted as a sponge for miR‐361‐3p, which targeted PDE4A. Circ_0050263 silencing abated Aβ‐induced neuronal injury, which were counteracted by following PDE4A overexpression. Moreover, PDE4A upregulation could attenuate Res‐mediated neuroprotective effects. In all, Res alleviated Aβ‐induced neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ERS via circ_0050263/miR‐361‐3p/PDE4A axis, providing new insights for AD therapy.
Abnormal white matter structural network topological property in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Ai Haiming , Yang Chunlan , Lu Min , Ren Jiechuan , Li Zhimei , Zhang Yining 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have demonstrated white matter (WM) abnormalities in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, alterations in the topological properties of the WM structural network in patients with TLE remain unclear. Graph theoretical analysis provides a new perspective for evaluating the connectivity of WM structural networks.MethodsDTI was used to map the structural networks of 18 patients with TLE (10 males and 8 females) and 29 (17 males and 12 females) age‐ and gender‐matched normal controls (NC). Graph theory was used to analyze the whole‐brain networks and their topological properties between the two groups. Finally, partial correlation analyses were performed on the weighted network properties and clinical characteristics, namely, duration of epilepsy, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), and performance IQ.ResultsPatients with TLE exhibited reduced global efficiency and increased characteristic path length. A total of 31 regions with nodal efficiency alterations were detected in the fractional anisotropy_ weighted network of the patients. Communication hubs, such as the middle temporal gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus, left calcarine, and right superior parietal gyrus, were also differently distributed in the patients compared with the NC. Several node regions showed close relationships with duration of epilepsy, verbal IQ, and performance IQ.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the disruption of the WM structural network in TLE patients. This study may contribute to the further understanding of the pathological mechanism of TLE.
Investigation of the dyeability and various performance properties of fabrics produced from flax and hemp fibres and their blends with cotton in comparison with cotton
Authors: Atav Rıza , Dilden Durul Büşra , Keskin Seda , Ergünay Uğur 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, it is aimed to provide alternative fibres to cotton with enhanced comfort level, environmentally friendly and colour‐enriched in the cellulosic knitted fabric field. For this purpose, in addition to 100% cotton, 100% linen, 100% hemp yarns, knitted fabrics were produced from 70% cotton/30% linen and 70% cotton/30% hemp yarns. First of all, the properties of yarns such as tenacity, elongation at break, yarn unevenness, thin places, thick places and neps were examined comparatively. Then, pique fabrics were produced from these yarns and dyed with a reactive dye to a selected colour. Afterwards, physical (weight, wale/course density), mechanical (bursting strength, pilling, abrasion resistance) and comfort (air permeability and water vapour permeability) properties of all fabric samples, both in raw form and after dyeing and finishing processes, were compared. Furthermore, dyeing properties (colour, dye‐uptake, dyeing levelness, fastness) of fabric samples were also investigated. The dye uptake (%) values of the yarns decrease in the order of cotton > cotton/hemp > cotton/linen > hemp > linen. However, fastness values of dyed fabrics were nearly identical. Physical and mechanical properties of fabrics were very similar, while the air permeability of the fabrics decrease in the order of hemp > linen > cotton/hemp > cotton/linen > cotton. As a result of the study, it has been possible to produce knitted fabrics with superior performance characteristics (dyeability, comfort, etc.) from yarns produced via blending natural cellulosic fibres (flax and hemp) with certain proportions of cotton fibres, which contribute to sustainable production.
Can we model autism using zebrafish?
Authors: Washbourne Philip 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common, heritable neuropsychiatric disorders in the world, affecting almost 1% of the population. The core symptoms used to diagnose ASD are decreased social interaction and increased repetitive behaviors. Despite the large number of affected individuals, the precise mechanisms that cause this disorder remain unclear. The identification of genes and environmental factors associated with ASD allows the study of the underlying mechanisms in animal models. Although ASD presents as a human disorder, based on recent advances in understanding their brain anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary conservation of neuronal cell types, I propose that zebrafish may provide novel insights into the etiology.
Efficacy and safety of the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor empagliflozin in elderly Japanese adults (≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 52‐week clinical trial (EMPA‐ELDERLY)
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Shiki Kosuke , Homma Gosuke , Meinicke Thomas , Ogura Yuji , Seino Yutaka ,   EMPA‐ELDERLY Investigators
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimUse of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) for glycaemic control is increasing in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for their additional benefits on heart failure and chronic kidney disease. However, SGLT2is generally reduce body weight, which might promote sarcopenia in older individuals. We evaluated the effects of the SGLT2i empagliflozin on muscle mass and strength in addition to glucose control in elderly adults with T2D.Materials and MethodsIndividuals with T2D aged ≥65 years with body mass index ≥22 kg/m2 and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0%‐10.0% were randomized 1:1 to once‐daily empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at week 52. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in muscle mass and strength.ResultsOf the 129 individuals randomized, 72.4% were men, mean age 74.1 years, body mass index 25.6 kg/m2 and HbA1c 7.6%. The placebo‐adjusted mean change from baseline in HbA1c at week 52 with empagliflozin was −0.57% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.78, −0.36]. Change in body weight was −3.26 kg and −0.90 kg with empagliflozin and placebo, respectively (placebo‐adjusted difference: −2.37 kg; 95% CI −3.07, −1.68). Placebo‐adjusted change in muscle mass was −0.61 kg (95% CI −1.61, 0.39), fat mass −1.84 kg (95% CI −2.65, −1.04) and grip strength −0.3 kg (95% CI −1.1, 0.5).ConclusionsEmpagliflozin improved glucose control and reduced body weight without compromising muscle mass or strength in elderly adults with T2D in this trial.
Interventricular septal dissecting aneurysm resulting from congenital coronary fistula: A case report
Authors: Tekinhatun Muhammed , Cihan Fatih , Demir Muhammed 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDissected interventricular septal aneurysm is a rare complication that occurs in conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, sinus valsalva aneurysm, infective endocarditis, thoracic trauma, pericardiocentesis and balloon angioplasty. Only two cases of dissected interventricular septal aneurysm secondary to coronary fistula have been described in the literature. Here, we present a case of dissected interventricular septal aneurysm secondary to congenital coronary fistula.
Variable diet plasticity in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis): Current versus seasonal food uptake
Authors: Vejříková Ivana , Vejřík Lukáš , Čech Martin , Blabolil Petr , Peterka Jiří 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDiet plasticity is often studied in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a species commonly described as having generalist populations composed of specialised individuals. Perch diet was examined using gut content analysis (GCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA), and individual specialisation was calculated in two study lakes within 2 years. Mostly only one diet category was present in the perch stomach, with more variation in the diet in the Most lake compared to the Milada lake between 2013 and 2014. The calculated degree of individual specialisation indicated higher specialisation in the Most lake. Interestingly, despite the different or almost uniform diet composition between the years, the total niche width (based on SIA) of the population remained similar in both lakes. This suggests that the overall variation in the sources utilised by the entire population remained consistent between the years. GCA mostly indicated zooplankton as the prevailing food source, whereas SIA indicated significant utilisation of YOY fish earlier that year, an information that was completely missed by the GCA of fish caught in September. The differences between GCA and SIA results could be attributed to the different time intervals reflected by the methods, but possibly to the conversion of the diet into the body tissues that is reflected by SIA and may depend on the diet's nutritional values rather than the proportion of different prey consumed.
From a common empire to colonial rule: Commodity market disintegration in the Near East
Authors: Panza Laura 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of the disruption of the Ottoman Empire on the integration of regional and colonial commodity markets in the Near East. Exploiting a novel dataset on commodity prices in Syria, Egypt, Turkey, France, and the United Kingdom covering the 1787–1939 period, it assesses the extent of price dispersion across markets before and after the end of the Ottoman Empire and investigates the causes behind the change in market integration. The results indicate that, while regional markets disintegrated during 1923–39, reflecting the anti‐global environment of the interwar era, colonial market linkages strengthened. The empirical findings also highlight that border effects, rather the rise of protection per se, were the main drivers behind the increase of regional price dispersion.
Soil properties affect crop yield changes under conservation agriculture: A systematic analysis
Authors: Ren Xiaohua , Zou Wenjing , Jiao Juying , Stewart Ryan , Jian Jinshi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractConservation agriculture (CA) has the potential to sustain soil productivity and benefit agroecosystems, yet it is not fully understood how yield responses of different cropping systems are affected by inherent soil characteristics, for example, texture and dynamic soil properties, such as aggregation, nutrients and erosion. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to compare crop yield from cropland with conventional management versus different CA practices, specifically reduced‐ or no‐tillage, agroforestry, organic farming and cover crops. The data were first analysed for different climatic regions, soil textures and cash crop types. We then quantified how yield responses correlated with soil properties change under different CA practices. The results showed that CA practices were associated with an overall mean crop yield increase of 12%. This response was primarily driven by corn, which had a mean yield increase of almost 41% after CA implementation, whereas other cash crops did not have significant yield responses or showed slight decreases, as rotation with mixtures of multiple cash crops had a mean decrease of 6% when using CA. The increase in corn yield after CA may be related to the enhanced ability of that crop to absorb nutrient elements (e.g. nitrogen) and reduce nutrient leaching. Agroforestry increased crop yield by 66% and cover cropping increased yield by 11%, likely due to increases in soil water content and nutrient availability and decreases in erosion and surface runoff. However, other agricultural systems showed no significant increase after CA compared with conventional row cropping practices. Using CA practices had the greatest yield benefit in tropical climates and when farming in coarse‐textured soils. In addition, legumes and grass‐legume mixtures resulted in significant cash crop yield increases, possibly because legumes promoted the increase of soil nitrogen and depleted soil moisture less compared with other cover crops. The results provide new insight into how interactions between soil properties and CA practices affect crop yield and at the same time can help guide the development of practical, evidence‐based guidelines for using conservation practices to improve yield in corn and other cash crops.
Measurement Efficiency for Technology‐Enhanced and Multiple‐Choice Items in a K–12 Mathematics Accountability Assessment
Authors: Ersan Ozge , Berry Yufeng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe increasing use of computerization in the testing industry and the need for items potentially measuring higher‐order skills have led educational measurement communities to develop technology‐enhanced (TE) items and conduct validity studies on the use of TE items. Parallel to this goal, the purpose of this study was to collect validity evidence comparing item information functions, expected information values, and measurement efficiencies (item information per time unit) between multiple‐choice (MC) and technology‐enhanced (TE) items. The data came from K–12 mathematics large‐scale accountability assessments. The study results were mainly interpreted descriptively, and the presence of specific patterns between MC and TE items was examined across grades and depth of knowledge levels. Although many earlier researchers pointed out that TE items were not as efficient as MC items, the results from the study point to ways that TE items might provide more information and were more than or equally efficient as MC items overall.
Minimally invasive repair of congenital inguinal hernias in nine foals using an automated laparoscopic suturing device and barbed suture
Authors: Maurer Thimo , McEntee Tony M. , O'Brien Tom , Coleridge Matthew , Brünisholz Hervé P. , Petruccione Ilaria , Koch Christoph 
Published: August 2023

SummaryBackgroundLaparoscopic herniorrhaphy using staples or smooth suture has been shown to be safe and effective for the surgical treatment of congenital inguinal hernia in colts and gives the possibility to spare the testicles. An automated laparoscopic suturing device combined with barbed suture reduces the technical challenges of laparoscopic suturing.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to describe the application of the Endo Stitch™ automated suturing device in combination with V‐Loc™ unidirectional barbed suture for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy in foals with congenital inguinal hernia, share experiences and provide long‐term follow‐up regarding the outcome.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of all foals that had laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using the Endo Stitch™ combined with V‐Loc™ unidirectional barbed suture at two equine referral hospitals between May 2015 and July 2022 were reviewed. Long‐term follow‐up was conducted by telephone interviews with the owners using a standardised questionnaire.ResultsNine foals aged 0.5–13 weeks suffering from unilateral (seven cases) or bilateral (two cases) indirect inguinal hernia underwent unilateral (two cases) or bilateral (seven cases) laparoscopic herniorrhaphy using the described technique. In two animals, the testicles were spared, five animals were bilaterally castrated, and two were unilaterally castrated at the time of herniorrhaphy. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, foals were bright and alert and none of them had significant complications attributable to the surgery. Median long‐term follow‐up was 8 months. No re‐herniation was observed in any of the cases at any time postoperatively.Main limitationsRetrospective study design and follow‐up period of less than 6 months in three cases.ConclusionsLaparoscopic herniorrhaphy using the Endo Stitch™ laparoscopic suturing device and V‐Loc™ barbed suture is technically less demanding than previously described laparoscopic techniques and effective in preventing re‐herniation in foals suffering from congenital inguinal hernia. A fast and uncomplicated postoperative recovery can be expected.