bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quercetin Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Testes of Wistar Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: de Oliveira Santos Aline , Quadreli Debora Hipolito , Fernandes Glaura Scantamburlo Alves , de Souza Reis Luis Souza Lima , de Andrade Bernal Fagiani Marcela , Marin Lauren Chrys Soato , Batista Victor Rogério Garcia , Teixeira Giovana Rampazzo , de Lima Paz Patrik Junior , Castilho Caliê , de Oliveira Vidotto Figueiredo Mayara , Giometti Ines Cristina 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTProblemA high‐fat diet (HFD) predisposes animals to glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and testicular oxidative stress, and impairs sperm production in rats. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and lipolytic actions and is a potential supplement to combat the oxidative stress caused by HFD and its harmful effects on reproduction. This study evaluated the effects of quercetin supplementation at doses of 10 and 20 mg/day on reproductive parameters and testicular oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a diet rich in pork fat and fructose.Method of studyThe rats received a basal diet or HFD for 2 months, after which the animals fed the HFD received daily supplementation of 0, 10, or 20 mg of quercetin for another 2 months. Oxidative stress, histological alterations, and the expression of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic mediators in the testes were evaluated.ResultsAnimals fed the HFD had a lower dietary intake and body, epididymis, and duct weights, regardless of the presence of quercetin. There were no changes in testicular weight, germinal epithelium diameter, sperm motility and morphology, or expression of testicular inflammatory genes (p > 0.05). There was a reduction in the oxidative stress index and oxidized glutathione in rats that received the HFD and 20 mg of quercetin compared with the HF group without quercetin. No difference was observed in the expression of BAX, BCL2, TNFα, caspase 3, or AR between the groups.ConclusionDaily quercetin supplementation dose‐dependently reduces testicular oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a diet rich in pork fat and fructose.
Review Article: Rome Foundation Working Team Report: Consensus Statement on the Design and Conduct of Behavioural Clinical Trials for Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction
Authors: Burton‐Murray Helen , Guadagnoli Livia , Kamp Kendra , Trindade Inês A. , Powell Lynda H. , Simrén Magnus , Ljótsson Brjánn , Keefer Laurie 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundBrain–gut behaviour therapies (BGBT) have gained widespread acceptance as therapeutic modalities for the management of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). However, existing treatment evaluation methods in the medical field fail to capture the specific elements of scientific rigour unique to behavioural trial evaluation.AimsTo offer the first consensus on the development and testing of BGBT in DGBI.MethodsAn international, interdisciplinary team of experts developed a consensus statement heavily informed by best practice recommendations for behavioural clinical trials for chronic diseases, organised by a selected treatment development model.ResultsWe suggest an existing behavioural treatment development model that has an iterative progression aligned with the drug development model with nuances specific to BGBT. We describe the iterative phases through initial discovery and experimental work, assembly of a mechanistic pathway and candidate treatment components, treatment refinement and optimisation, initial proof‐of‐concept, feasibility of clinical trials and, finally, confirmatory efficacy and effectiveness testing. We delineate recommendations for and provide examples that lend themselves to gastroenterologists planning to develop or test BGBT, reviewing proposals for or results from BGBT studies or writing management guidelines for DGBI.ConclusionsThis working team report facilitates a shared understanding of the elements of scientific rigour necessary for BGBT development and could support future standards on which BGBT are evaluated in gastroenterology.
Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Properties of 2‐Phenyl‐N‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)acetamides
Authors: Nawrot Daria , Koutníková Barbora , Janďourek Ondřej , Konečná Klára , Novák Martin , Paterová Pavla , Bárta Pavel , Bouz Ghada , Zitko Jan , Doležal Martin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTInfectious diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and viral, have once again gained urgency in the drug development pipeline after the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Tuberculosis (TB) is an old infectious disease for which eradication has not yet been successful. Novel agents are required to have potential activity against both drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of TB. In this study, we present a series of 2‐phenyl‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)acetamides in an attempt to investigate their possible antimycobacterial activity, cytotoxicity on the HepG2 liver cancer cell line, and—as complementary testing—their antibacterial and antifungal properties against a panel of clinically important pathogens. This screening resulted in one compound with promising antimycobacterial activity—compound 12, MICMtb H37Ra = 15.625 μg/mL (56.26 μM). Compounds 17, 24, and 26 were further screened for their antiproliferative activity against human epithelial kidney cancer cell line A498, human prostate cancer cell line PC‐3, and human glioblastoma cell line U‐87MG, where they were found to possess interesting activity worth further exploration in the future.
Evaluating Brain Activity in Patients With Chronic Disorders of Consciousness After Traumatic Brain Injury Using EEG Microstate Analysis During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Xu Long , Wang Jiameng , Wang Cong , Ge Qianqian , Ren Ziqi , He Chen , Liu Yun , Wang Bo , Liu Yaling , Xue Lianbi , He Jianghong , Zhao Xudong , Yu Qiuhong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundHyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is an efficacious intervention for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC). Electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate analysis can provide an assessment of the global state of the brain. Currently, the misdiagnosis rate of consciousness‐level assessments in patients with pDOC is high. Therefore, we aimed to assess the consciousness levels and outcomes of patients by analyzing changes in EEG signals during HBO therapy.MethodsEEG data were collected from 32 patients with traumatic brain injury before and after 20 min of HBO therapy. EEG data were obtained during HBO therapy sessions. Modified k‐means clustering was used to segment EEG signals into microstates. A paired sample t test was used to compare the microstate characteristics before and during HBO therapy.ResultsThe duration, occurrence, and coverage of microstate D significantly increased in the minimally conscious state (MCS) group after therapy. Significant increases in the same parameters were observed in microstate A among patients in the unresponsive wakefulness state group. Furthermore, patients with greater improvements in Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised scores (i.e., improvements of more than three points) showed significant increases in the duration, occurrence, and coverage of microstate D. Both the MCS group and the improvement group presented significant increases in the duration, occurrence, and coverage of microstate D during therapy.ConclusionsMicrostate D may be associated with the recovery of consciousness levels in patients. This study verified the safety and feasibility of real‐time EEG during HBO therapy for patients with pDOC. The changes in EEG microstate characteristics during HBO therapy can serve as a significant complement to electroencephalographic assessment indices for patients with pDOC and may be useful for predicting the recovery of consciousness levels.
Electroacupuncture Pretreatment Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury by Inhibiting the Lactate Production and Its Derived Protein Lactylation Formation
Authors: Pan Xin‐Ru , Zhang Yao‐Dan , Gan Yuan‐Hui , Zhang Jia‐Hang , Gao Su‐Jin , Feng Xiao‐Shuang , Xie Jia‐Xin , Wang Yu‐Fei , Zhang Xin‐Xiao , Wang Peng‐Fei , Yu Shu‐Guang , Tang Yong , Xiong Xiao‐Yi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimGiven that electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment inhibits lactate production and lactate‐derived lysine lactation (Kla) aggravates ischemic brain injury, we aimed to investigate whether the formation of Kla protein is involved in EA pretreatment to alleviate ischemic brain injury.MethodsEA was performed on the Baihui acupoint (GV20) of male C57BL/6J mice before receiving the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) surgery. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining were used to observe neuronal survival, astrocyte activation, and protein Kla levels, and the lactate levels in ischemic brains were assayed with a commercial kit. TTC staining and neurological function scores are performed to evaluate the brain damage in mice.ResultsWe found that the increased lactate content and protein Kla levels were significantly decreased in ischemic brain tissue of mice after receiving EA pretreatment, and accompanied by the reduction of astrocyte activation and neuronal injury and death. Meantime, we found that EA pretreatment was effective in reversing the worsening of ischemic brain injury caused by lactate supplementation. However, EA pretreatment did not further reduce the lactate content and protein Kla levels and ameliorate brain injury in ischemic stroke mice after inhibition of glycolysis.ConclusionOur study reveals that EA pretreatment reduced ischemic brain damage by inhibiting lactate production and its derived protein Kla formation in mice with ischemic stroke.
Sad Art Gives Voice to Our Own Sadness
Authors: Venkatesan Tara , Attie‐Picker Mario , Newman George E. , Knobe Joshua 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPeople tend to show greater liking for expressions of sadness when these expressions are described as art. Why does this effect arise? One obvious hypothesis would be that describing something as art makes people more likely to regard it as fictional, and people prefer expressions of sadness that are not real. We contrast this obvious hypothesis with a hypothesis derived from the philosophical literature. In this alternative hypothesis, describing something as art makes people more inclined to appropriate it, that is, to see it as an expression of their own sadness. Study 1 found that describing the exact same sad text as art (e.g., a monologue) as opposed to not‐art (e.g., a diary entry) led to increased liking for the work. Study 2 showed that this effect is not mediated by fictionality. Study 3 showed that the effect is mediated by appropriation. Study 4 looked at the impact of a manipulation of fictionality. Describing a work as fictional did lead to increased liking, but this effect was completely mediated by appropriation. These results provide at least some initial support for the appropriation hypothesis.
Establishment and Validation of a Machine‐Learning Prediction Nomogram Based on Lymphocyte Subtyping for Intra‐Abdominal Candidiasis in Septic Patients
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Cheng Wei , Li Dongkai , Zhao Guoyu , Lei Xianli , Cui Na 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on lymphocyte subtyping and clinical factors for the early and rapid prediction of Intra‐abdominal candidiasis (IAC) in septic patients. A prospective cohort study of 633 consecutive patients diagnosed with sepsis and intra‐abdominal infection (IAI) was performed. We assessed the clinical characteristics and lymphocyte subsets at the onset of IAI. A machine‐learning random forest model was used to select important variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing IAC. A nomogram model was constructed, and the discrimination, calibration, and clinical effectiveness of the model were verified. High‐dose corticosteroids receipt, the CD4+T/CD8+ T ratio, total parenteral nutrition, gastrointestinal perforation, (1,3)‐β‐D‐glucan (BDG) positivity and broad‐spectrum antibiotics receipt were independent predictors of IAC. Using the above parameters to establish a nomogram, the area under the curve (AUC) values of the nomogram in the derivation and validation cohorts were 0.822 (95% CI 0.777–0.868) and 0.808 (95% CI 0.739–0.876), respectively. The AUC in the derivation cohort was greater than the Candida score [0.822 (95% CI 0.777–0.868) vs. 0.521 (95% CI 0.478–0.563), p < 0.001]. The calibration curve showed good predictive values and observed values of the nomogram; the Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) results showed that the nomogram had high clinical value. In conclusion, we established a nomogram based on the CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell ratio and clinical risk factors that can help clinical physicians quickly rule out IAC or identify patients at greater risk for IAC at the onset of infection.
Learning Curve in the Extraction of Impacted Lower Third Molars: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sánchez‐Torres Alba , Sabreen Eliana , Arias‐Huerta Xavier , Camps‐Font Octavi , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard , Gay‐Escoda Cosme 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionThird molar removal is one of the most common surgical procedures in dentistry. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the learning curve of dentists undergoing surgical training. Thus, the aims of this study were to assess the performance of oral surgery residents in third molar extractions based on operative time and the occurrence of incidents/complications, and to determine which variables are associated with surgical difficulty.Material and MethodsA prospective cohort study was carried out in adults requiring an impacted lower third molar extraction. All procedures were performed by residents of a master's degree in Oral Surgery and Implantology. The outcome variables were operative time and surgeon‐reported difficulty. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsOne hundred and 74 patients were operated on by six students. Similar performance was observed among the surgeons. Although a significant improvement in operative time was seen after 10 cases, a non‐significant decreasing trend of incidents was also found. The multivariate analysis revealed an association between difficulty with crown/root sectioning and impaction against the second molar.ConclusionsAt least 10 lower impacted third molar extractions performed by postgraduate students with experience in tooth extractions are required to improve the operative time. Incidents seem to decrease slightly with the number of procedures performed. Surgical difficulty seems to be related to the need for crown/tooth sectioning and greater impaction against the second molar. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
An Investigation of Isothermal Thermogravimetric Profiles in the Low Temperature Range (60°C–200°C)
Authors: Deng Zizheng , Song Xue , Chen Chong , Arthur Emmanuel , Zhou Hu , Shang Jianying , Tuller Markus 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTKnowledge about the isothermal thermogravimetric (TG) profiles of soils within the low‐temperature range (60°C–200°C) and their relationship to physicochemical properties are limited. The isothermal TG profiles of three typical clay minerals and eight mineral soils with varying clay contents (6%–47%) and clay mineralogies were measured within the temperature range of 60°C–200°C. Except for kaolinite, which showed a linear increase in mass loss (ML) with temperature, the ML of all other samples showed a logarithmic increase with temperature. For clay minerals, the ML was in the order of montmorillonite > illite > kaolinite at different temperature levels. For minerals soils, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) was the important factor affecting soil ML at different temperatures. Soil water content decreased linearly with increasing pF (logarithm of negative water potential) within the temperature range of 60°C–200°C, and the relationship between water content and pF can be well described with the Campbell and Shiozawa (1992) model (R2 = 0.98–1.00). The reciprocal of model parameter SL had a very significant correlation with CEC or specific surface area determined from water vapour adsorption (). Our results implied that the easily measured isothermal TG data have the potential to be used to estimate some important soil properties (e.g., CEC and ).
Causal Inference With Observational Data and Unobserved Confounding Variables
Authors: Byrnes Jarrett E. K. , Dee Laura E. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTExperiments have long been the gold standard for causal inference in Ecology. As Ecology tackles progressively larger problems, however, we are moving beyond the scales at which randomised controlled experiments are feasible. To answer causal questions at scale, we need to also use observational data —something Ecologists tend to view with great scepticism. The major challenge using observational data for causal inference is confounding variables: variables affecting both a causal variable and response of interest. Unmeasured confounders—known or unknown—lead to statistical bias, creating spurious correlations and masking true causal relationships. To combat this omitted variable bias, other disciplines have developed rigorous approaches for causal inference from observational data that flexibly control for broad suites of confounding variables. We show how ecologists can harness some of these methods—causal diagrams to identify confounders coupled with nested sampling and statistical designs—to reduce risks of omitted variable bias. Using an example of estimating warming effects on snails, we show how current methods in Ecology (e.g., mixed models) produce incorrect inferences due to omitted variable bias and how alternative methods can eliminate it, improving causal inferences with weaker assumptions. Our goal is to expand tools for causal inference using observational and imperfect experimental data in Ecology.
On the Relative Significance of Roughness, Printing Defects and Microstructure on the Fatigue Behavior of Electron Beam Melted Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: Bergant Marcos Antonio , Soria Sergio Raúl , Bustos Raúl Ignacio , Soul Hugo Ramón , Yawny Alejandro Andrés 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn contrast, but complementary to previous studies, this study examines the fatigue behavior in Ti‐6Al‐4V obtained by electron beam powder bed fusion, focusing on damage initiation sites, fatigue damage progression, and correlating these with fatigue life curves. Three material conditions were considered: as‐built specimens with original surfaces after printing (AB), as‐built specimens with a machined and polished surface (MP), and hot isostatic pressed specimens with a machined and polished surface (H). Fatigue fracture surface topography was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and surface metrology microscopy. Different fatigue responses were observed, with crack initiation at surface roughness in AB, lack of fusion defects in MP, and phase facet formation in H specimens. Interaction between cracks and manufacturing defects was investigated. Kitagawa‐Takahashi diagrams were applied successfully to AB and MP specimens. This study aims to enhance understanding of crack initiation and interaction mechanisms, improving life prediction capabilities through microstructure and defect‐sensitive modeling.
Microbial Carbon Use Efficiency and Growth Rates in Soil: Global Patterns and Drivers
Authors: Hu Junxi , Cui Yongxing , Manzoni Stefano , Zhou Shixing , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Huang Congde , Schimel Joshua , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCarbon use efficiency (CUE) of microbial communities in soil quantifies the proportion of organic carbon (C) taken up by microorganisms that is allocated to growing microbial biomass as well as used for reparation of cell components. This C amount in microbial biomass is subsequently involved in microbial turnover, partly leading to microbial necromass formation, which can be further stabilized in soil. To unravel the underlying regulatory factors and spatial patterns of CUE on a large scale and across biomes (forests, grasslands, croplands), we evaluated 670 individual CUE data obtained by three commonly used approaches: (i) tracing of a substrate C by 13C (or 14C) incorporation into microbial biomass and respired CO2 (hereafter 13C‐substrate), (ii) incorporation of 18O from water into DNA (18O‐water), and (iii) stoichiometric modelling based on the activities of enzymes responsible for C and nitrogen (N) cycles. The global mean of microbial CUE in soil depends on the approach: 0.59 for the 13C‐substrate approach, and 0.34 for the stoichiometric modelling and for the 18O‐water approaches. Across biomes, microbial CUE was highest in grassland soils, followed by cropland and forest soils. A power‐law relationship was identified between microbial CUE and growth rates, indicating that faster C utilization for growth corresponds to reduced C losses for maintenance and associated with mortality. Microbial growth rate increased with the content of soil organic C, total N, total phosphorus, and fungi/bacteria ratio. Our results contribute to understanding the linkage between microbial growth rates and CUE, thereby offering insights into the impacts of climate change and ecosystem disturbances on microbial physiology with consequences for C cycling.
Evaluation of weight loss and improvement of steatotic liver disease using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Suzuki Yuichiro , Maekawa Shinya , Osawa Leona , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Takada Hitomi , Muraoka Masaru , Sato Mitsuaki , Takano Shinichi , Morisaka Hiroyuki , Onishi Hiroshi , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimWeight loss (WL) is important for improving steatotic liver. However, there have been no sufficient reports comparing WL with liver fibrosis and steatotic changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsThe study included 111 patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease who did not take any new drugs during the study period. They were evaluated using MRI and FibroScan®, and then were given a mild low‐carbohydrate diet. One year later, they were evaluated again, and changes in alanine transaminase (ALT), MRI proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF), and magnetic resonance elastography were examined.ResultsThe patients achieved an average WL of 4.2 kg. MRI‐PDFF was significantly improved by 0.68‐fold for 5%–7% WL, 0.61‐fold for 7–10 %WL, and 0.35‐fold for 10% or more WL (vs. gain: p < 0.01). In patients with a WL of 5% or more, magnetic resonance elastography was decreased. MRI‐PDFF reduction of 30% was observed in 56% of patients with 5%–7% WL, 75 % with 7%–10% WL, and 94% with 10% or more WL (p < 0.01). ALT normalization or 30% reduction was well associated with WL, with 73% for 5%–7% WL, 64% for 7%–10% WL, and 93% for 10% or more WL (p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff for MRI‐PDFF improvement and ALT improvement was 5.3% WL in both tests according to receiver operating characteristic analysis (p < 0.01).ConclusionsMany patients achieved improvement in MRI‐PDFF and ALT with WL. WL of 5.3% can improve MRI‐PDFF and ALT, contributing to a better prognosis for metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease patients.