bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing cross‐country (2008–2018)
Authors: Bennet Euan D. , Cameron‐Whytock Heather , Parkin Tim D. H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Equestrian eventing involves competing in three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross‐country. Competitors are ranked by number of penalties accrued—with those who have fewer penalties ranked higher. Completing the cross‐country phase with zero obstacle penalties is commonly referred to as ‘running clear’. Understanding factors associated with running clear can help athletes plan strategically for success, while also helping governing bodies to refine qualification criteria for elite levels.

Objectives

This study was carried out to identify factors associated with running clear in the cross‐country phase of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) eventing.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study of 107 348 horse starts worldwide in all FEI competitions between January 2008 and December 2018.

Methods

Multivariable logistic regression models constructed stepwise using a bi‐directional process. Two study cohorts were assessed: a complete cohort that met all inclusion requirements and separately, a cohort that included only horses starting at the level above their previous start.

Results

Sixteen factors were associated with running clear. Factors associated with increased likelihood of doing so included lower event level, lower dressage score earlier in the event, fewer recent FEI event starts, and more clear runs in their previous three FEI events. For horses that had stepped up an event level, 14 of these factors were still associated with running clear.

Main limitations

Data available covered only FEI events, no national federation competitions were available for inclusion in horse histories. No prior veterinary information or data on training were available.

Conclusions

This study provides a framework that allows stakeholders to potentially better understand the appropriate level of competition for any particular horse/rider combination, given the combination's recent history. This could provide an additional direct benefit in terms of safety by reducing the likelihood of a combination falling during cross‐country.
From molecular basis to clinical insights: a challenging future for the vitamin D endocrine system in colorectal cancer
Authors: Pereira Fábio , Fernández‐Barral Asunción , Larriba María Jesús , Barbáchano Antonio , González‐Sancho José Manuel
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most life‐threatening neoplasias in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of CRC. 1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the most active vitamin D metabolite, is a pleiotropic hormone that, through its binding to a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a major regulator of the human genome. 1,25(OH)2D3 acts on colon carcinoma and stromal cells and displays tumor protective actions. Here, we review the variety of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in CRC, which affect multiple processes that are dysregulated during tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, we discuss the epidemiological data that associate vitamin D deficiency and CRC, and the most relevant randomized controlled trials of vitamin D3 supplementation conducted in both healthy individuals and CRC patients.
The effects of terrestrial dissolved organic matter on phytoplankton biomass and productivity in boreal lakes
Authors: Sherbo Bryanna A. H. , Tonin Joseph , Paterson Michael J. , Hann Brenda J. , Kozak Julia , Higgins Scott N.
Published: September 2023

Allochthonous dissolved organic matter (DOM) structures many physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes including key variables that control productivity at the base of freshwater food webs. A growing number of studies have documented increasing DOM concentrations within lakes across Europe and North America, including boreal lakes. Such increases are associated with the recovery of catchment soils from acid rain and rising precipitation linked to climate change.

We examined phytoplankton biomass, productivity, and their drivers across eight pristine boreal lakes with DOM ranging from 3.5 to 9.5 mg dissolved organic carbon/L. Physical and chemical properties were assessed using standard limnological methods. Phytoplankton biomass was assessed using both chlorophyll a (Chl‐a) and via microscopy. Phytoplankton productivity was assessed using change in partial pressure of carbon dioxide within in vitro incubations.

Increases in DOM were associated with significant increases in epilimnetic nitrogen, phosphorus and Chl‐a concentrations suggesting that nutrients associated with DOM stimulated phytoplankton biomass and productivity. Such results were misleading; there was no significant relationship between Chl‐a and phytoplankton biomass. Chl‐a:biomass and Chl‐a:carbon ratios indicated that increases in Chl‐a with DOM were driven by photo‐acclimation to declining light availability. Further, results presented as epilimnetic concentrations would not account for concurrent declines in thermocline depth or euphotic depth driven by DOM.

Increases in DOM led to large declines in thermocline (c. 50%) and euphotic (c. 75%) depths, and depth‐integrated phytoplankton biomass (c. 70%) and primary production (c. 70%).

Our results indicate that DOM plays a structuring role for key physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes, including productivity, at a landscape level. Further, practitioners should be cautious when using Chl‐a as an indicator of phytoplankton biomass in studies using DOM or water clarity gradients, report results using depth integrated units due to changes in volumes of thermal layers induced by DOM, and incorporate estimates of sub‐epilimnetic productivity when evaluating DOM effects.
Characterization of four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments: Design, metallurgy, mechanical performance, and irrigation flow patterns
Authors: Martins Jorge N. R. , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Marques Duarte , Pinto Ricardo , Francisco Helena , Ajuz Natasha , Rito Pereira Mário , Braz Fernandes Francisco Manuel , Versiani Marco Aurélio
Published: September 2023

Aim

To compare the design, metallurgy, and mechanical properties of four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments coupled with the evaluation of the irrigation flow using an in silico model.

Methodology

New EdgeOne Fire Primary, Easy‐File Flex Regular 25, WaveOne Gold Primary and Reciproc Blue R25 instruments (n = 124) were initially evaluated regarding their design through stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and 3D surface scanning. In addition, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was utilized to determine their elemental composition, and differential scanning calorimetry tests to evaluate their phase transformation temperatures. Their mechanical performance was further assessed through torsional and bending tests. Using scans obtained from a real tooth and the instruments, a computational fluid dynamics assessment was conducted to determine the irrigation flow pattern, apical pressure, and wall shear stress in simulated canal preparation. Mood's median and One‐way anova post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical comparisons (α = 5%).

Results

Reciproc Blue exhibited a superior number of blades (n = 8), whereas EdgeOne Fire had the highest overall volume (4.38 mm3) and surface area (32.32 mm2). At the 3‐mm axial level, EdgeOne Fire displayed the lowest core diameter (0.13 mm), while Reciproc Blue had the highest (0.16 mm). All blades were symmetrical, and the tips of the instruments were non‐active but differed from each other. The most irregular surfaces were observed in EdgeOne Fire and Easy‐File Flex. All instruments were manufactured from nickel–titanium alloys and exhibited distinct phase transformation temperatures. WaveOne Gold and Reciproc Blue demonstrated the highest maximum torque values (1.87 and 1.62 N cm, respectively), while the lowest was observed on EdgeOne Fire (1.21 N cm) (p < .05). The most flexible (p < .05) were EdgeOne Fire (angle of rotation: 602.6°; maximum bending load: 251.4 g.f) and Reciproc Blue (533.2° and 235.6 g.f). There were no significant differences observed in the irrigation flow among the four domains generated by the tested instruments.

Conclusions

Despite observing variations in the design, phase transformation temperatures, and in the torsional and bending test outcomes among the four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments, no significant differences were found in the irrigation flow pattern among the different groups in the simulated root canal preparations.
Therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐rich fibrin on surgical site wound healing in patients undergoing oral carcinoma resection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Tian , Li Changkai , Xu Fan , Xiao Junwen
Published: September 2023

Oral carcinoma, a prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity, often results in surgical site wounds post‐resection. The therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in wound healing and scar formation has garnered significant attention. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the role of PRF in promoting surgical site wound healing and reducing scar formation following oral carcinoma resection. A systematic search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted across multiple databases. The primary outcomes assessed were the Landry, Turnbull and Howley (LTH) wound healing index and the Manchester scar scale (MSS). Statistical evaluations were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Six studies were incorporated, involving 93 patients treated with PRF and 97 in the control group. For the LTH index, significant improvements in wound healing were observed in the PRF group with I2 = 74%, (Random: SMD: 3.70, 95% CIs: 2.66 to 4.75, p < 0.01). The Manchester scar scale assessment, which included 60 PRF‐treated patients and 60 controls, indicated a significant reduction in scar formation in the PRF group I2 = 79%, (Random: SMD: 9.13, 95% CIs: 6.06 to 12.20, p < 0.01). PRF demonstrates promising therapeutic potential in enhancing surgical site wound healing and reducing scar formation post oral carcinoma resection. The application of PRF has been associated with improved wound healing metrics and diminished scar severity. However, further high‐quality studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 heterojunction coupled with MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co3S4/ nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow nanobox
Authors: Rostami Mojtaba , Jourshabani Milad , Davar Fatemeh , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Badiei Alireza
Published: September 2023

In this research, the ultrasound (US) technique was applied as a facile synthesis method for preparing the black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 type II heterojunction, coupled with a Schottky junction MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived x wt% Co3S4/nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) (x = 3, 10, and 15) with hollow nanobox (HNB) morphology, as a smart nanoheteroarchitecture (NHA) photocatalyst to enhance visible‐light photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the solvothermal synthesis route was employed to fabricate the MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co3S4/NC cubic hollow nanoboxes (CHNBs) before the pyrolysis process. The black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 wt% Co3S4/NC (TiCN‐15% CoS/NC) NHAs exhibited high photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue. The synergetic effect of all components in black TiCN‐x wt% CoS/NC NHAs resulted in efficient electron‐hole pair separation and charge mobility on Co3S4/NC HNB and g‐C3N4 surfaces, which led to a highly effective recombination rate of charge carriers and an excellent improvement in photocatalytic performance.
Benefits of Volunteerism: From Extracurricular to Service Learning and Beyond
Authors: Young Barbara
Published: September 2023

Faculty continue to support extracurricular activities, co‐curricular activities and service learning for the long‐term student's benefits that outweigh obstacles present in community engagement. This case study describes relationship building between a community partner and an interior design programme through extra‐ and co‐curricular activities which led to more robust projects for service learning and engaged research. The programme was able to initially engage students with the community through a student volunteer charrette led by the student organisation. This extracurricular service activity resulted in continued engagement with one invested undergraduate student through a faculty‐supervised independent study that centred on research for the design of place‐based recovery spaces. The student and faculty continued to work with the organisation for ongoing spatial needs after the semester, including an abrupt re‐thinking of the space due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The narrative analysis of the case will demonstrate the benefits, challenges and impact of extra‐ and co‐curricular engaged activities as well as advocate for best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion to be explicit within existing frameworks for service learning.
CCL2 is a key regulator and therapeutic target for periodontitis
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Xu Tao , Song Zhanming , Wang Xuekang , Yuan Shasha , Li Qingqing , Wei Yiping , Wang Cui , Yang Gang , Cao Jie , Mo Yaqian , Liu Zhongtian , Li Ning , Li Siqi , Lv Ping , Zhang Yu , Wang Ying , Hu Wenjie
Published: September 2023

Aim

Our previous study revealed that the C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is a promising target for periodontitis prevention and treatment. However, CCR2 is a receptor with multiple C‐C motif chemokine ligands (CCLs), including CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13 and CCL16, and which of these ligands plays a key role in periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the key functional ligand of CCR2 in periodontitis and to evaluate the potential of the functional ligand as a therapeutic target for periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

The expression levels and clinical relevance of CCR2, CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13 and CCL16 were studied using human samples. The role of CCL2 in periodontitis was evaluated by using CCL2 knockout mice and overexpressing CCL2 in the periodontium. The effect of local administration of bindarit in periodontitis was evaluated by preventive and therapeutic medication in a mouse periodontitis model. Microcomputed tomography, haematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, bead‐based immunoassays and flow cytometry were used for histomorphology, molecular biology and cytology analysis.

Results

Among different ligands of CCR2, only CCL2 was significantly up‐regulated in periodontitis gingival tissues and was positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Mice lacking CCL2 showed milder inflammation and less bone resorption than wild‐type mice, which was accompanied by a reduction in monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Adeno‐associated virus‐2 vectors overexpressing CCL2 in Ccl2−/− mice gingiva reversed the attenuation of periodontitis in a CCR2‐dependent manner. In ligation‐induced experimental periodontitis, preventive or therapeutic administration of bindarit, a CCL2 synthesis inhibitor, significantly inhibited the production of CCL2, decreased the osteoclast number and bone loss and reduced the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β.

Conclusions

CCL2 is a pivotal chemokine that binds to CCR2 during the progression of periodontitis, and targeting CCL2 may be a feasible option for controlling periodontitis.
Ecological variation in invasive brown trout (Salmo trutta) within a remote coastal river catchment in northern Patagonia complicates estimates of invasion impact
Authors: Bahamonde Paulina Andrea , Chiang Gustavo , Mancilla Gabriela , Contador Tamara , Quezada‐Romegialli Caudio , Munkittrick Kelly Roland , Harrod Chris
Published: September 2023

Salmonids were first introduced into the Chilean fresh waters in the 1880s, and c. 140 years later, they are ubiquitous across Chilean rivers, especially in the southern pristine fresh waters. This study examined the brown trout (Salmo trutta) and native taxa ecology in two adjacent but contrasting rivers of Chilean Patagonia. During spring 2016 and spring–fall 2017 we examined the variation in benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community composition and characterized fish size structure, stomach contents, and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to understand population structure, fish diet, and trophic interactions between S. trutta and native taxa. The native Galaxias maculatus (puye) dominated the fish community (74% of abundance). S. trutta was less abundant (16% of survey catch) but dominated the fish community (over 53%) in terms of biomass. S. trutta showed distinct diets (stomach content analysis) in the two rivers, and individuals from the larger river were notably more piscivorous, consuming native fish with a relatively small body size (<100‐mm total length). Native fishes were isotopically distinct from S. trutta, which showed a wider isotopic niche in the smaller river, indicating that their trophic role was more variable than in the larger river (piscivorous). This study provides data from the unstudied pristine coastal rivers in Patagonia and reveals that interactions between native and introduced species can vary at very local spatial scales.
Neuromuscular control of masticatory muscles in people with intellectual disability, middle‐aged adults and older adults
Authors: Cruz‐Montecinos C. , Valderrama‐Mejías J. , Martínez‐Arnau F. M. , Carrasco J. J. , Núñez‐Cortés R. , Cortés‐Amador S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Motor control issues are common for people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), resulting in difficulties with basic activities of daily living, including eating. Mastication, which is crucial for digestion and overall health, is poorly understood in this population. PWID shows frailty similar to older people, highlighting the importance of comparing masticatory motor control with older adults. This study compared the neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscles in middle‐aged, PWID and older adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analytical design was used. During the mastication task of a carrot piece (2 cm in diameter and weighing 0.5 g), surface electromyography was used to record muscle activity patterns from the right and left masseter and temporalis muscles. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess neuromuscular control. A z‐score normalisation of the first component's variance from PCA to identify those individuals with altered neuromuscular control. A mixed ANOVA was performed to assess the interaction between principal components, groups and body composition.

Results

Thirty PWIDs (aged 35–55 years), middle‐aged adults and 32 older adults were recruited. PWID and older adults showed decreased neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscles compared to middle‐aged control adults (P < 0.05). PWID had the highest proportion of individuals with altered neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscle (53%) compared to older adults (19%) and middle‐aged adults (0%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PWID and older adults have reduced neuromuscular control compared to middle‐aged adults. Notably, a significant proportion of the PWID showed altered masticatory muscle control compared to older adults. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of masticatory muscle training for PWID.
Handheld cross‐polarised microscope for imaging individual pigmented cells in human skin in vivo
Authors: Romero Rafael , Zhao Jingwei , Stratton Delaney , Marcelino Kenneth , Sugimura Momoka , Nichols Alia , Gonzalez Salvador , Jain Manu , Curiel‐Lewandrowski Clara , Kang Dongkyun
Published: September 2023

We present the development of a simple, handheld cross‐polarised microscope (CPM) and demonstration of imaging individual pigmented cells in human skin in vivo. In the CPM device, the cross‐polarised detection approach is used to reduce the specular reflection from the skin surface and preferentially detect multiply‐scattered light. The multiply‐scattered light works as back illumination from within the tissue towards the skin surface, and superficial pigment such as intraepidermal melanin absorbs some spectral bands of the multiply‐scattered light and cast coloured shadows. Since the light that interacted with the superficial pigment only needs to travel a short distance before it exits the skin surface, microscopic details of the pigment can be preserved. The CPM device uses a water‐immersion objective lens with a high numerical aperture to image the microscopic details with minimal spherical aberrations and a small depth of focus. Preliminary results from a pilot study of imaging skin lesions in vivo showed that the CPM device could reveal three‐dimensional distribution of pigmented cells and intracellular distribution of pigment. Co‐registered CPM and reflectance confocal microscopy images showed good correspondence between dark, brown cells in CPM images and bright, melanin‐containing cells in reflectance confocal microscopy images.
Automated tilt compensation in acoustic microscopy
Authors: Gupta Shubham Kumar , Habib Anowarul , Kumar Prakhar , Melandsø Frank , Ahmad Azeem
Published: September 2023

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is a potent and nondestructive technique capable of producing three‐dimensional topographic and tomographic images of specimens. This is achieved by measuring the differences in time of flight (ToF) of acoustic signals emitted from various regions of the sample. The measurement accuracy of SAM strongly depends on the ToF measurement, which is affected by tilt in either the scanning stage or the sample stage. Hence, compensating for the ToF shift resulting from sample tilt is imperative for obtaining precise topographic and tomographic profiles of the samples in a SAM. In the present work, we propose an automated tilt compensation in ToF of acoustic signal based on proposed curve fitting method. Unlike the conventional method, the proposed approach does not demand manually choosing three separate coordinate points from SAM's time domain data. The effectiveness of the proposed curve fitting method is demonstrated by compensating time shifts in ToF data of a coin due to the presence of tilt. The method is implemented for the correction of different amounts of tilt in the coin corresponding to angles 6.67°, 12.65° and 15.95°. It is observed that the present method can perform time offset correction in the time domain data of SAM with an accuracy of 45 arcsec. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the suggested tilt compensation technique in SAM, indicating its potential for future applications.
A tribute to John Edmond: His leadership role in founding the International Conference on Brain Energy Metabolism (ICBEM) meetings and key contributions to substrate metabolism in brain cells
Authors: McKenna Mary C.
Published: September 2023

This is a tribute to John Edmond, professor emeritus of biological chemistry in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a renowned neurochemist who had a leadership role in founding the ICBEM meeting series in 1993. John was known for his very warm and engaging personality and his innovative approaches to studying the developing brain and auditory system. He was a brilliant scientist and a fun and delightful person. Without John Edmond's enthusiasm and contributions, we would not have the biennial ICBEM meetings which as noted by Dienel et al. “have had a high impact on conceptual and experimental advances” … “in the energetics and metabolism underlying neural functions”… and “on promoting collaborative interactions among neuroscientists.” Sadly, John Edmond passed away on February 18, 2022, following a cerebral hemorrhage. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends.

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Effects of Schumann resonance on the proliferation and migration of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1
Authors: Sugiwaki Hidemi , Kotani Mayumi , Fujita Akihito , Moriwaki Shinichi
Published: September 2023

Background

When the skin is damaged and its barrier function is disrupted, the proliferation and migration of epidermal keratinocytes are vital for repairing the damaged area. The Schumann resonance at 7.8 Hz has been reported to protect rat cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress and inhibit the proliferation of B16 mouse melanoma cells. However, its effect on the skin is unknown.

Aims

In this study, we applied 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves to normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration, β‐defensin (DEFB1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression.

Methods

We performed cell proliferation assay, cell migrationassay and gene expression analysis of DEFB1 and SIRT1.

Results

We found that the application of 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves caused a 2.8‐fold increase in NHEK proliferation, enhanced cell migration, and increased the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1 by 2.4‐fold and 4.9‐fold, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the application of 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves may contribute to improving the skin barrier function and skin ulcer.
Measures of treatment burden in dialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Caton Emma , Sharma Shivani , Vilar Enric , Farrington Ken
Published: September 2023

Background

Dialysis is a life‐sustaining treatment for patients with advanced kidney failure, but it is extremely burdensome. Despite this, there are very few tools available to assess treatment burden within the dialysis population.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of generic and disease‐specific measures of treatment burden in chronic kidney disease, and assess their suitability for use within the dialysis population.

Design

We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for kidney disease‐specific measures of treatment burden. Studies were initially included if they described the development, validation or use of a treatment burden measure or associated concept (e.g., measures of treatment satisfaction, quality of life, illness intrusiveness, disease burden etc.) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease. We also updated a previous scoping review exploring measures of treatment burden in chronic disease to identify generic treatment burden measures.

Results

One‐hundred and two measures of treatment burden or associated concepts were identified. Four direct measures and two indirect measures of treatment burden were assessed, using adapted established criteria, for suitability for use within the dialysis population. The researchers outlined eight key dimensions of treatment burden: medication, financial, administrative, lifestyle, health care, time/travel, dialysis‐specific factors, and health inequality. None of the measures adequately assessed all dimensions of treatment burden.

Conclusion

Current measures of treatment burden in dialysis are inadequate to capture the spectrum of issues that matter to patients. There is a need for dialysis‐specific burdens and health inequality to be assessed when exploring treatment burden to advance patient care.
In ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers: A comprehensive meta‐analysis of hatchability and growth performance
Authors: Ncho Chris Major , Bakhsh Allah , Goel Akshat
Published: September 2023

In ovo feeding has been introduced as a cost‐effective method to improve hatchability and broiler performance. Specifically, several studies have focused on the impact of vitamins. However, due to variations in experimental conditions across all trials, drawing general conclusions appears challenging. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 17 published papers, including a maximum of 134 sample size to evaluate the potential effects of in ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers. Studies were retrieved by consulting scientific repositories such as Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A binary logistic model was used to determine the parameters influencing hatchability. To assess variations in hatchling weight and growth parameters based on the vitamin category, a mixed model analysis of variance was performed, considering the study as a random effect and the vitamin category as a fixed effect. Finally, a linear mixed model was used to develop equations that explain the evolution of growth parameters based on vitamin concentration, volume, and day of injection. The results revealed that for better hatchability, it is preferable to consider heavier eggs (p = 0.007), lower volumes (p = 0.039), and late injection (p = 0.022). Vitamin E was associated with higher hatchling weight (p = 0.037), while vitamin C exhibited the lowest overall feed conversion ratio (p = 0.042). Interactions were observed between the day of injection and vitamin concentration or volume of injection for all studied growth parameters. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that hatchability during in ovo feeding is influenced by technique‐related parameters, whereas growth parameters can be modulated by the category of vitamin injected. Consequently, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations assessing the effects of in ovo feeding in broilers, as it highlights the relationship between the methodology and potential outcomes.
Pinecone oil supplemented to multiparous sows from 107 days prenatal to 21 days postpartum improves reproductive performance and milk composition and affects serum parameters
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Cho Sungbo , Kim Baeyoung , Kim In Ho
Published: September 2023

Pinecone oil (PO) of Pinus koraiensis mainly contains α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene that may ameliorate animal well‐being and growth performance. This study evaluated its effects on feed intake, milk composition and yield, serum parameters, and litter growth of sows. Twenty‐seven pregnant sows (parity 2–4) were distributed to three dietary treatments. The trial started on Day 107 of gestation and ended on Day 21 of lactation. Sows were given either a basal diet or the basal diet + 200 or 400 mg/kg PO. Each treatment contained nine sows and each sow was considered an experimental unit. Results showed that the average daily gain and weaned body weight of piglets from the sows fed 400 mg/kg PO supplements were higher (p < 0.05) than the piglets from the control sows. Lactose content in colostrum samples and fat content in milk samples were higher (p < 0.05) in 400 mg/kg PO‐treated sows, respectively, than those from the sows fed basal diet. Additionally, cortisol concentration and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in sow serum was lowered (p < 0.05) by 400 mg/kg PO on Day 21 of lactation. In conclusion, supplementation of 400 mg/kg PO during late gestation and lactation contributed to greater offspring growth performance, possibly by enhanced milk quality and alleviated maternal stress.
Prospects for Clinical Reports on Selective Mutism Conducted in Japan: A Scoping Review1
Authors: Iimura Daichi , Tsujita Natsuki , Hagihara Hiromichi
Published: September 2023

This scoping review examined clinical reports for selective mutism (SM) in Japan, the progress of literature, participants' demographic characteristics, and achievements of interventions. Multiple online databases were used to identify articles published before May 2021; a total of 175 articles and 218 participants were selected. The majority of articles followed a single‐case design, and there has been an increase in the number of articles published over the last few decades. The participants' ages and genders were similar across different countries. Only 20.2% of participants were diagnosed with SM; 31.7% had comorbidities, with SM symptoms being the most common complaint. The most common intervention program was a weekly hour‐long treatment session and less than a year of intervention. About half of the participants used assessment tools, with 21.6% reporting a quantitative outcome. The most commonly used intervention methods were behavioral therapy and play therapy. This review systematically maps SM research in Japan and advocates further high‐quality research.
Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals
Authors: Coll‐Roman Lisette M. , Cabrera Catalina , VanderBroek Ashley R. , Bauck Anje G. , Kelleman Audrey A. , Pozor Malgorzata A. , Stockler Jenna W. , Wiley Caitlin , Scully Clare , Mackay Evelyn E. , Depenbrock Sarah M. , Fecteau Marie‐Eve , Abraham Michelle , Leduc Laurence , Noll Charlene V. , Hernandez Jorge A. , Luethy Daniela
Published: September 2023

Background

Goats are increasingly popular as both production animals and pets. The frequency of and factors associated with periparturient reproductive complications in goats are largely unreported.

Objectives

(1) To report the frequency of periparturient reproductive complications in does presented to university veterinary hospitals and (2) to identify factors associated with uterine tears in the study population.

Animals

A total of 198 periparturient does presented to 9 university veterinary hospitals from October 2021 to June 2022.

Methods

Multicenter, cross‐sectional study, with data collected from questionnaires completed by attending veterinarians. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diagnosis of uterine tears.

Results

Ninety‐three (47%) does had at least 1 periparturient reproductive complication. Periparturient complications included retained fetal membranes (n = 38, 26%), vaginal or perineal trauma (n = 33, 19%), uterine tears (n = 32, 18%), metritis (n = 22, 13%), uterine or vaginal hemorrhage (n = 8, 5%), Cesarean section complications (n = 8, 8%), and uterine prolapse (n = 1, 0.5%). A positive interaction effect was found between small breeds (Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy) and manipulation on the farm by a layperson upon diagnosis of uterine tears (odd ratios [OR], 5.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41, 21.25;P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Periparturient reproductive complications were common. Small breed combined with manipulation on the farm by layperson was associated with diagnosis of uterine tears. Clients should be educated that in the event of dystocia, small breed does are at greater risk of uterine tears and prompt veterinary intervention is critical.
Stronger evidence for genetic ancestry than environmental conditions in shaping the evolution of a complex signalling trait during biological invasion
Authors: Pita‐Aquino Jessica N. , Bock Dan G. , Baeckens Simon , Losos Jonathan B. , Kolbe Jason J.
Published: September 2023

Introductions of invasive species to new environments often result in rapid rates of trait evolution. While in some cases these evolutionary transitions are adaptive and driven by natural selection, they can also result from patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation associated with the invasion history. Here, we examined the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), a widespread invasive lizard for which genetic data have helped trace the sources of non‐native populations. We focused on the dewlap, a complex signalling trait known to be subject to multiple selective pressures. We measured dewlap reflectance, pattern and size in 30 non‐native populations across the southeastern United States. As well, we quantified environmental variables known to influence dewlap signal effectiveness, such as canopy openness. Further, we used genome‐wide data to estimate genetic ancestry, perform association mapping and test for signatures of selection. We found that among‐population variation in dewlap characteristics was best explained by genetic ancestry. This result was supported by genome‐wide association mapping, which identified several ancestry‐specific loci associated with dewlap traits. Despite the strong imprint of this aspect of the invasion history on dewlap variation, we also detected significant relationships between dewlap traits and local environmental conditions. However, we found limited evidence that dewlap‐associated genetic variants have been subject to selection. Our study emphasizes the importance of genetic ancestry and admixture in shaping phenotypes during biological invasion, while leaving the role of selection unresolved, likely due to the polygenic genetic architecture of dewlaps and selection acting on many genes of small effect.
Care under capitalism: The crisis of “women's work”
Authors: Hester Helen
Published: September 2023

Who cares? Helen Hester explores the integrated crisis of work, home, and community, exploring the feminisation of care in reproductive labour, paid and unpaid, as we enter the era of the care economy.
Behind the hashtags and the ‘hysteria’
Authors: Evans Bonnie
Published: September 2023

There is a long and chequered history when it comes to women and mental health. Bonnie Evans takes a long view across history of women – from witches and hysteria, via mad women in the attic, through to the high numbers of women experiencing mental health problems today. She asks: is it time we stopped ignoring the past when considering women's mental health?
Seed resurrection study unearths evolution of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Kottler Ezra
Published: September 2023

This article is a Commentary on Vahsen et al. (2023b), 240: 2121–2136.
Does energy consumption improve human capital development? Empirical evidence from panel non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag in Africa
Authors: Dramani John Bosco , Tetteh Bright , Sulemana Mahawiya , Aawarr Godfred
Published: September 2023

The contributions of human capital to improvement in socio‐economic outcomes have generated significant interest in its determinants. On one hand, there is the orthodox view which states that energy consumption does not promote human capital development. In contrast, the heterodoxies argue that energy consumption is an essential driver of human capital development. Thus, we explore the asymmetric effects of energy consumption on human capital development for 22 African countries from 2000 to 2018 within the framework of panel non‐linear ARDL (NARDL). The long‐run results indicate that energy consumption is vital for human capital development. Specifically, in the long‐run, positive and negative shocks to energy consumption significantly improve human development. In addition, we find that economic growth, government effectiveness and foreign direct investment improve human capital only in the long‐run, while carbon dioxide emission retards it in both the long‐ and short‐runs. We found similar results for oil and non‐oil producing countries, ECOWAS, SADC, CEN‐SAD and COMESA countries.
Long noncoding RNA from Betula platyphylla, BplncSIR1, confers salt tolerance by regulating BpNAC2 to mediate reactive oxygen species scavenging and stomatal movement
Authors: Jia Yaqi , Zhao Huimin , Niu Yani , Wang Yucheng
Published: September 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in abiotic stress tolerance. However, their function in conferring abiotic stress tolerance is still unclear. Herein, we characterized the function of a salt‐responsive nuclear lncRNA (BplncSIR1) from Betula platyphylla (birch). Birch plants overexpressing and knocking out for BplncSIR1 were generated. BplncSIR1 was found to improve salt tolerance by inducing antioxidant activity and stomatal closure, and also accelerate plant growth. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) combined with RNA sequencing indicated that BplncSIR1 binds to the promoter of BpNAC2 (encoding NAC domain‐containing protein 2) to activate its expression. Plants overexpressing and knocking out for BpNAC2 were generated. Consistent with that of BplncSIR1, overexpression of BpNAC2 also accelerated plant growth and conferred salt tolerance. In addition, BpNAC2 binds to different cis‐acting elements, such as G‐box and ‘CCAAT’ sequences, to regulate the genes involved in salt tolerance, resulting in reduced ROS accumulation and decreased water loss rate by stomatal closure. Taken together, BplncSIR1 serves as the regulator of BpNAC2 to induce its expression in response to salt stress, and activated BpNAC2 accelerates plant growth and improves salt tolerance. Therefore, BplncSIR1 might be a candidate gene for molecular breeding to cultivate plants with both a high growth rate and improved salt tolerance.
Transplant renal vein stent placement complicated by obstructive hematuria: A case report
Authors: Reis Joseph , Bogart Aaron M. , Healey Patrick J. , Dick Andre A. S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Renal vein stenosis is uncommon following transplantation. We report acute renal vein stenosis post‐transplant treated with an endovascular stent and complicated by urinary obstruction from clot formation.

Methods

Retrospective case report.

Results

A 16‐year‐old female 3 years post‐transplant suffered anuria post‐stenting with renal ultrasound demonstrating obstructive clot in the collecting system, a previously unreported complication. Subsequent nephroureteral JJ stent placement resulted in high‐volume urine output.

Conclusion

This article underscores the high index of suspicion required for renal vein stenosis following transplantation and the need to monitor urine output closely following stent placement.
Continuous allocation: The problem with EPTS and pediatric kidney candidates
Authors: Engen Rachel M. , Weiss Samantha , Peterson Caitlin G.
Published: September 2023

Background

The 2014 Kidney Allocation System (KAS) introduced longevity matching for adult candidates using the Estimated Post‐Transplant Survival (EPTS) score, which includes candidate age, time on dialysis, diabetes status, and number of previous solid organ transplants. The proposed continuous distribution framework may expand the use of this attribute to pediatric candidates, but there is no data on its performance among pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 6800 pediatric kidney transplant recipients from 2001 to 2011 using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data. EPTS score was calculated for each patient and compared to reported patient survival to estimate the validity of the score in children.

Results

The median age of patients was 14.01 years (IQR 9.29–16.37 years), and dialysis vintage was 0.67 years (IQR 0–1.82 years). 18.2% of the cohort had a prior transplant and 1% had diabetes. Median EPTS score was 2 (IQR 1–2). Seven percent of patients died during the study period and 54.7% of the cohort was censored prior to 10 years. The c‐statistic was 0.505 (95% CI: 0.49–0.53).

Conclusion

Overall, EPTS is not a valid predictor of patient survival among pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Shades of phototoxicity in fluorescent imaging agents (that are not supposed to be phototoxic)
Authors: Essang Serah , Greer Alexander
Published: September 2023

This article is a highlight of the paper by Huang et al. in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology. It describes shades of phototoxicity in fluorescent imaging agents that are not intended to be phototoxic. Phototoxicity was assessed using a modified neutral red uptake (NRU) in vitro assay with mean photo‐effects (MPE) for the fluorescent agents IRdye800, indocyanine green (ICG), proflavine, and methylene blue (MB), with comparisons to known phototoxic agents benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) and rose bengal (RB). The experimental conditions were aimed to mimic clinical settings, using not only visible light, but also near‐infrared light for insight to photosafety and deep tissue damage. Molecular mechanisms underlying the phototoxicities were not sought, but IRdye800 and ICG were mainly deemed to be safe, whereas proflavine and MB would require precautions since phototoxicity can overshadow their utility as fluorescent imaging agents.
Auxin and abscisic acid play important roles in promoting glucose metabolism of reactivated young kernels of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Du Kang , Zhao Wenqing , Lv Zhiwei , Liu Lin , Ali Saif , Chen Binglin , Hu Wei , Zhou Zhiguo , Wang Youhua
Published: September 2023

In maize, young kernels that are less competitive and have poor sink activity often abort. Studies have indicated that such poor competitiveness depends, in part, on the regulation by auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. We used pollination‐blocking and hand‐pollination treatments accompanied by multi‐omics and physiological tests, to identify underlying mechanism by which IAA and ABA, along with sugar signaling affect kernel development. Results showed that preventing pollination of the primary ears reactivated kernels in the secondary ears and altered both sugar metabolism and hormone signaling pathways. This was accompanied by increased enzyme activities in carbon metabolism and concentrations of glucose and starch, as well as increased levels of IAA and decreased levels of ABA in the reactivated kernels. Positive and negative correlations were observed between IAA, ABA contents and cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity, and glucose contents, respectively. In vitro culture revealed that the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization was upregulated by IAA, but downregulated by ABA. IAA could promote the expression of ABA signaling genes ZmPP2C9 and ZmPP2C13 but downregulated the expression of Zmnced5, an ABA biosynthesis gene, and ZmSnRK2.10, which is involved in ABA signal transduction. However, these genes showed opposite trends when IAA transport was inhibited. To summarize, we suggest a regulatory model for how IAA inhibits ABA metabolism by promoting the smooth utilization of glucose in reactivated young kernels. Our findings highlight the importance of IAA in ABA signaling by regulating glucose production and transport in maize.
Improving the developmental competences of porcine parthenogenetic embryos by Notoginsenoside R1‐induced enhancement of mitochondrial activity and alleviation of proapoptotic events
Authors: He Sheng‐Yan , Liu Rong‐Ping , Wang Chao‐Rui , Wang Xin‐Qin , Wang Jing , Xu Yong‐Nan , Kim Nam‐Hyung , Han Dong‐Wook , Li Ying‐Hua
Published: September 2023

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), derived from the Panax notoginseng root and rhizome, exhibits diverse pharmacological influences on the brain, neurons, and osteoblasts, such as antioxidant effects, mitochondrial function protection, energy metabolism regulation, and inhibition of oxygen radicals, apoptosis, and cellular autophagy. However, its effect on early porcine embryonic development remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated NGR1's effects on blastocyst quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial function, and embryonic development‐related gene expression in porcine embryos by introducing NGR1 during the in vitro culture (IVC) of early porcine embryos. Our results indicate that an addition of 1 μM NGR1 significantly increased glutathione (GSH) levels, blastocyst formation rate, and total cell number and proliferation capacity; decreased ROS levels and apoptosis rates in orphan‐activated porcine embryos; and improved intracellular mitochondrial distribution, enhanced membrane potential, and reduced autophagy. In addition, pluripotency‐related factor levels were elevated (NANOG and octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 [OCT4]), antioxidant‐related genes were upregulated (nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 [NRF2]), and apoptosis‐ (caspase 3 [CAS3]) and autophagy‐related genes (light chain 3 [LC3B]) were downregulated. These results indicate that NGR1 can enhance early porcine embryonic development by protecting mitochondrial function.