Discuss Social isolation induces intestinal barrier disorder and imbalances gut microbiota in mice

In this study, there was no explicit mention of factors the study was matched on or specific confounders that were controlled for. However, the authors mentioned that male mice were used based on scientific justifications, which implies a consideration of sex as a potential confounding factor. They stated their decision to use male mice was due to male mice exhibiting more pronounced behavioural and physiological changes due to stress which makes it more easier to compare the study to existing literature.