bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kitchen garden, dietary diversity, and women’s health in rural eastern India: a mixed method study
Authors: Hazra Shrobana , Parida Swayam Pragyan , Giri Prajna Paramita , Behera Binod Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background

Nutrition and food security have been a development priority for decades and remain a major challenge for developing nations like India. Although agriculture is the dominant occupation in India, the rural populations experience poor nutritional outcomes and lag in socio-economic progress. More than half of the Indian women (15–49 years) are anaemic & one-third of the children are stunted. Nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices such as kitchen garden have proven as sustainable methods for reducing undernutrition at affordable costs in different regions. This study aimed to see the relationship between kitchen garden and dietary diversity by using DDS (Dietary Diversity Score) scale in Odisha, India.

Objectives

To assess the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and backyard kitchen garden & other socio-economic (SE) factors and to explore the enablers & barriers associated with developing a kitchen garden (KG) in rural households of Odisha, India.

Methods

The study used simple random sampling to select 150 participants (WRA group: women of reproductive age) from the eligible household lists. The outcome variable for the investigation was DDS, whereas KG and SE indicators served as predictors/exposure variables. Furthermore, the study used purposive sampling to choose members for FGDs (Focus Group Discussions) to explore enablers and constraints related to growing a KG.

Results

Women who did not have a household kitchen garden, had poor dietary outcomes, with DDS <5 (OR: 0.163, p = 0.001). Furthermore, a lack of agricultural land lowered DDS (OR: 0.176, p = 0.008) as well. The remaining SE parameters did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with DDS/diet quality. The enablers and constraints to building a KG were synthesised from 2 FGDs & further classified into four themes: seasonal fluctuation, local government’s initiatives, men’s engagement, and challenges.

Conclusion

Kitchen garden can improve DDS and nutritional outcomes for the WRA group in rural Odisha. However, the distribution of seeds/saplings and small financial assistance from the local government can help with sustainability, particularly in the lower SE strata.
A scoping review of suicide prevention interventions for Latinx adults: strategies, gaps, and future directions
Authors: Martínez Airín D. , Kloft Samantha , Fernandez Pablo , Dezyani Parastoo , Ricci Alandra , Hernández Delvis J. , Cunningham Kelley
Published: February 2025

Suicide rates among Hispanic/Latina/o/x (Latinx) individuals in the United States have escalated significantly, becoming the fifth leading cause of death by 2020. This trend underscores the necessity for culturally responsive suicide prevention (SP) interventions tailored to Latinx persons’ unique sociodemographic characteristics. We synthesized the current literature on suicide prevention (SP) interventions for U.S. Latinx adults (18+ years). Our objective is to identify strategies, culturally sensitive approaches, and interventions that mitigate suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths among Latinx adults. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across six electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, PubMed, PsycINFO, SocAbstracts, Sociology Database, and Web of Science), focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 that described or evaluated SP approaches for Latinx adults (ages 18–64) in the United States. The review was structured according to the 2022 CDC Suicide Prevention Resources for Action, Strategies and Approaches to Suicide Prevention. Our search produced 4,739 articles, of which 155 were included for full-text review. During full-text review, 34 articles were included for the final sample. We randomly selected 10 articles and coded them to check for inter-rater reliability (r = 0.90). Analysis revealed that most SP interventions for U.S. Latinx adults align with the CDC strategy to “Identify and Support People at Risk.” The majority targeted late adolescents and early adults at the individual level. The predominant cultural adaptation was the translation of existing SP interventions into Spanish. These findings highlight the pressing need for more culturally responsive Latinx SP interventions that address other CDC strategies at the community and structural levels. Future research and intervention development should focus on creating comprehensive, culturally nuanced approaches that extend beyond individual-level interventions and language translation to address the complex factors contributing to Latinx adults’ suicide risk.
Use of wearables to measure the effects of long COVID on activities of daily living and their relationship to perceived exertion, occupational performance, and quality of life
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Lucía , Obeso-Benítez Paula , Serrada-Tejeda Sergio , Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza Patricia , Rodríguez-Pérez Ma Pilar , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta , Martínez-Piédrola Rosa María , Martín-Hernández Jorge
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study introduces a novel approach to understanding the impact of long COVID symptoms on daily life by integrating wearable devices to assess their influence on physical and mental quality of life, as well as perceived performance and satisfaction in daily activities.

Methods

By leveraging technology such as accelerometers and pulse oximeters alongside assessment tools like the SF-12 Health Survey, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Borg Scale, this research provides a comprehensive analysis that advances the field of occupational therapy.

Results

An analytical observational study with 10 participants with long COVID and 10 healthy controls revealed that individuals with long COVID took significantly longer to complete tasks such as setting the table, sweeping, and climbing stairs, compared to the control group. Participants with long COVID also reported higher perceived exertion during all activities, as well as significantly worse physical health-related quality of life and lower satisfaction and performance in daily activities. Notably, perceived exertion correlated with reduced physical quality of life and diminished satisfaction and accomplishment in occupational tasks.

Discussion

These findings emphasize the critical need for occupational therapy interventions to reduce perceived exertion, which could improve physical quality of life and enhance performance and satisfaction in daily activities for individuals with long COVID.
The chemicalome profiling of Zishen Yuzhen Pill in vivo and its promoting effect on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Cheng Juanjuan , Meng Xinyue , Fang Daozheng , Zhu Yong , Liu Zhihao , Li Xinyue , Jie Ke , Huang Shiying , Li Huilin , Zhang Shangbin , Chen Jihang , Chen Jianping
Published: February 2025

Zishen Yuzhen Pill (ZYP) is a Chinese herbal product developed by Shenzhen TCM Hospital, which have been frequently used to treat osteoporosis (OP). This study aimed to determine the major chemical components of ZYP and its prototype compounds and metabolites in rat biological samples, as well as explore the potential effect of ZYP-containing serum in MC3T3-E1 cells. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS was used to identify the chemical components. Then, ZYP was orally administered to rat, and samples of plasma, urine, feces, bile, and tissue were collected to identify prototype compounds and metabolites. The viability of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 method after treatment with various concentrations (2%, 4%, and 8%) of ZYP-containing serum. Following treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with ZYP-containing serum, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) were measured, and the levels of Runx2, Opn, Opg and Osterix were quantified using the qPCR and Western blot analysis. And cells were collected for RNA-seq analysis. Results indicated that a total 152 compounds were identified in ZYP, including flavonoids, iridoid, lignans, triterpene saponins, etc. Furthermore, we detected a total of 70 prototype components and 99 metabolites distributed in different tissues. In addition, ZYP-containing serum observably promoted osteogenesis by increasing ALP and ARS activities, as well as up-regulating the expression of Runx2, Opn, Opg and Osterix in MC3T3-E1 cells. RNA-seq results indicated that the beneficial effects may be related to the upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This work provided further support for the traditional application of ZYP in the treatment of OP. And this study can promote the further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological evaluation of ZYP.
Cultural practices, oral health service utilisation and oral health policy and guidelines development in Africa: insights from the yorùbá ethnic group
Authors: Foláyan Moréniké Oluwátóyìn , Bernard Oluwabunmi Tope , Titus Olusegun Stephen , Alade Omolola , Aliyu Taofeek Kolawole , Bhayat Ahmed , Ndembi Nicaise , Fasiku Gbenga , El Tantawi Maha
Published: February 2025

Cultural beliefs and practices influence oral health behaviors in Africa, where traditions around health are deeply woven into daily life and community values. From the symbolism embedded in African art, belief in efficacy of herbs and natural elements, to the communal customs around oral hygiene, culture serves as a lens through which health beliefs and practices related to oral health are cultivated, understood and acted upon. This manuscript discusses rituals and embodied culture practices surrounding oral health among yorùbá, and links this discussion to the implications for oral health policies and interventions in Africa. Yorùbá is a prominent ethnic group in West Africa with oral traditional practices which reflect the community's emphasis on natural remedies, often reducing reliance on professional dental care. Through an analysis of oral health “rituals” embedded in yorùbá songs, proverbs, and Ifá divination poetry, this manuscript argues that cultural expressions reinforce the importance of oral health as a manifestation of spiritual balance and personal oral hygiene. Despite this cultural reverence, the manuscript finds that dental service utilization remains low among the yorùbá, with spiritual and traditional interpretations of oral health concerns often delaying professional intervention. It further suggests that integrating culturally resonant strategies into oral health policies could bridge gaps in service uptake. By analyzing these dynamics, the study offers a culturally informed perspective on oral health research and proposes policy frameworks that integrate indigenous and modern health approaches.
Stimulation of glucose uptake by edible Pholiota nameko (T.Itô) S.Ito & S.Imai extract counteracts palmitate-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Vong Seng-Kai , Chen Chiao-Ming , Das Arpita , Shyur Lie-Fen , Ju Yu-Ming , Hsieh Huei-Mei , Yang Shu-Hui , Varga Viola , Li Sing-Chung
Published: February 2025

Pholiota nameko (P. nameko) was identified as an edible mushroom known for its abundance of bioactive compounds. Previous studies suggested that extracts from this mushroom possess antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of phenolic acids, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) and cinnamic acid (CA). These compounds show promise in potentially ameliorating insulin resistance. In this study, the highest levels of 4-HBA and CA were selected from six P. nameko extracts using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to investigate whether they could improve the glucose uptake resistance induced by palmitate in C2C12 myotubes. Additionally, the protein expression of GLUT4 was examined. The results indicated that P. nameko hot water extract (PN-HW) exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (9.34 ± 0.31 mg GAE/g) and demonstrates strong free radical scavenging ability (77.4 ± 1.1%). Furthermore, PN-HW contains notable amounts of 4-HBA (4.02 ± 0.17 mg/g DW) and CA (2.01 ± 0.09 mg/g DW). Importantly, the cell viability reveals that PN-HW extracts did not have a toxic effect on C2C12 myotubes. PN-HW significantly enhances glucose uptake at doses of 25 μg/mL. Hence, it was suggested that PN-HW might contain elevated levels of phenolic acids, potentially mitigating impaired glucose uptake caused by high-fat content and consequently enhancing the glucose uptake capacity of C2C12 cells.
Comparing computational times for simulations when using PBPK model template and stand-alone implementations of PBPK models
Authors: Bernstein Amanda S. , Schlosser Paul M. , Kapraun Dustin F.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

We previously developed a PBPK model template that consists of a single model “superstructure” with equations and logic found in many physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. Using the template, one can implement PBPK models with different combinations of structures and features.

Methods

To identify factors that influence computational time required for PBPK model simulations, we conducted timing experiments using various implementations of PBPK models for dichloromethane and chloroform, including template and stand-alone implementations, and simulating four different exposure scenarios. For each experiment, we measured the required computational time and evaluated the impacts of including various model features (e.g., number of output variables calculated) and incorporating various design choices (e.g., different methods for estimating blood concentrations).

Results

We observed that model implementations that treat body weight and dependent quantities as constant (fixed) parameters can result in a 30% time savings compared with options that treat body weight and dependent quantities as time-varying. We also observed that decreasing the number of state variables by 36% in our PBPK model template led to a decrease of 20–35% in computational time. Other factors, such as the number of output variables, the method for implementing conditional statements, and the method for estimating blood concentrations, did not have large impacts on simulation time. In general, simulations with PBPK model template implementations of models required more time than simulations with stand-alone implementations, but the flexibility and (human) time savings in preparing and reviewing a model implemented using the PBPK model template may justify the increases in computational time requirements.

Conclusion

Our findings concerning how PBPK model design and implementation decisions impact computational speed can benefit anyone seeking to develop, improve, or apply a PBPK model, with or without the PBPK model template.
Case report: First autochthonous Babesia vulpes infection in a dog from Italy
Authors: Antognoni Maria Teresa , Cremonini Valentina , Misia Ambra Lisa , Gobbo Federica , Toniolo Federica , Miglio Arianna
Published: February 2025

A 10-month-old intact female Cane Corso dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Perugia (PG-VTH) for severe hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The dog had never traveled abroad and was regularly treated with antiparasitic products. On physical examination, the dog showed lethargy, delayed growth, weight loss, pale mucous membranes, and abdominal pain. The temperature was normal, and on examination, no ectoparasites were observed on the animal’s body surface. The main laboratory findings were hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. Babesia infection was initially diagnosed by blood smear evaluation via May–Grünwald–Giemsa staining and then confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis; further sequencing analysis attributed the infection to Babesia vulpes (B. vulpes). An initial treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was only partially effective, while resolution of the infection was reached afterward with a combination of Malarone® and azithromycin therapy. To the authors’ knowledge, this report describes the first case of B. vulpes infection in a dog in Italy.
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and pig major acute phase protein in lame gestating sows
Authors: Jakobsen Nadia , Larsen Inge , Weber Nicolai R. , Heegaard Peter M. H. , Pedersen Ken S.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Lameness is a common clinical issue in gestating sows and a leading cause for early culling and antibiotic treatment. Diagnostic tools are limited, but acute acute phase proteins (APPs) could offer a fast and minimally invasive method for optimizing treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether APP level measurements can be used as a diagnostic tool, and to identify which major acute phase proteins are elevated in lame gestating sows.

Methods

To determine this, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 50 lame and 50 clinically healthy gestating sows from 12 conventional herds. The samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and pig major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP) levels using sandwich ELISA.

Results

C-reactive protein and Pig-MAP were found to be significantly elevated in lame sows compared to clinically healthy sows (p < 0.05). The acute phase protein levels were 22.4 μg/ mL for CRP and 1.19 mg/mL for Pig-MAP in lame sows, compared to 14.7 μg/mL for CRP and 1.06 mg/mL for Pig-MAP in healthy sows.Acute phase protein levels were not associated with clinical signs of inflammation on the affected leg(s), and no differences were seen in hematology parameters between lame and healthy gestating sows.

Conclusion

In this study, lameness was associated with an elevation in C-reactive protein and pig major acute phase protein.
Isolation and molecular characteristics of D2 genotype of Aichivirus D in dairy cattle in China
Authors: Yan Nan , Xu Dongping , Yue Hua , Tang Cheng
Published: February 2025

Aichivirus D (AiV-D), a newly emerging member of the Kobuvirus genus, is associated with diarrhea in cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of AiV-D among dairy cattle in China. From October 2021 to August 2022, 279 fecal samples were collected from diarrheal dairy cattle across seven provinces in China. Among these, 37 samples (13.2%) tested positive for AiV-D by RT-PCR, indicating a wide geographical distribution of AiV-D in Chinese dairy cattle. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete VP1 gene revealed that Chinese dairy cattle AiV-D strains belong to the AiV-D2 genotype, with unique amino acid changes in VP0, VP3, and VP1 that distinguish them from known AiV-D strains. Additionally, an AiV-D strain was successfully isolated, and its complete genome was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome and individual genes confirmed the strain’s classification within the AiV-D2 genotype. This study reports the first detection of the AiV-D2 genotype outside Japan, highlighting the need for future surveillance to better understand the epidemiology and diversity of AiV-D in China.
Solution of Bin Packing Instances in Falkenauer T Class: Not So Hard
Authors: Dósa György , Éles András , Goswami Angshuman Robin , Szalkai István , Tuza Zsolt
Published: February 2025

In this work, the Bin Packing combinatorial optimization problem is studied from the practical side. The focus is on the Falkenauer T benchmark class, which is a collection of 80 problem instances that are considered hard to handle algorithmically. Contrary to this widely accepted view, we show that the instances of this benchmark class can be solved relatively easily, without applying any sophisticated methods like metaheuristics. A new algorithm is proposed, which can operate in two modes: either using backtrack or local search to find optimal packing. In theory, both operating modes are guaranteed to find a solution. Computational results show that all instances of the Falkenauer T benchmark class can be solved in a total of 1.18 s and 2.39 s with the two operating modes alone, or 0.2 s when running in parallel.
Research on the Five-Axis Support-Free Additive Manufacturing Method for Overhanging Parts
Authors: Han Xingguo , Wu Gaofei , Liu Xuan , Li Wenquan , Song Xiaohui , Cui Lixiu
Published: February 2025

When printing overhanging parts with traditional additive manufacturing (AM) equipment, it is necessary to add support structures under the overhanging structure. The process of printing support structures not only wastes materials, but also increases the manufacturing time. Therefore, in order to reduce or eliminate the need for support structures when printing parts with overhanging structures, such as propellers, a five-axis support-free printing method for overhanging parts is proposed for one of the most commonly used processes involving AM technology: fused deposition modeling (FDM). By offsetting the surface of the basic part, the offset surface is intersected with the model to be printed to obtain the spatial surface-layered curve. The contour offset method for the spatial curve is used to obtain the printing path, and continuous path planning is performed on it. While the presented method is targeted specifically at this ideal overhanging part, physical experiments on five-axis FDM equipment are performed. Compared with the traditional three-axis AM method, the time taken to print parts using this support-free five-axis AM method is shortened by 13.76–26.93%, and the printing material required is reduced by 17.24–29.29%. The experimental results show that this method realizes support-free printing of overhanging parts with the five-axis AM equipment, which not only saves materials and time consumed during part of the printing, but also improves the surface quality of the parts.
Flow Characteristics of a Dual Sweeping Jet Impinging on a Flat Surface
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Wen Xin
Published: February 2025

The dual sweeping jet (DSJ)-producing fluidic oscillator is a novel device developed by sharing a feedback channel between two standard fluidic oscillators. This device produces a pair of sweeping jets in the outer domain and has the potential to be used for the better and uniform treatment of impinged surfaces. Therefore, it is important to investigate the extent of the synchronicity of these jets at different Re numbers and various aspect ratios in outer domains, and to comprehend their internal switching mechanism simultaneously. The time-averaged flow fields demonstrated that, at lower Re numbers, both sweeping jets were symmetric about their centerlines and the cores were strong. The strength of the cores deteriorated at higher Re numbers, and the flare regions became wider and stronger. Moreover, the transverse velocities pulled the sweeping jets away from the origin and a high upwash flow formed in-between the jets. The phase-averaged flow fields vividly illustrated the sharing mechanism between the two power nozzles through the formation of left- and right-loops consecutively in the shared feedback channel. These primary loops generated an auxiliary mechanism on both sides of a fluidic oscillator, which actually controlled the synchronicity of the two sweeping jets in the outer domain. Additionally, they also showed that both jets are properly synchronized and have strong cores at lower Re numbers. However, at higher Re numbers, greater velocities were found in the switching and sweeping mechanisms which caused asynchrony between the sweeping jets but nonetheless impinged a larger area and covered the region in-between the jets properly. The power nozzles were also found to self-feed themselves due to the hindrance at the ‘outer shoulders’ of this fluidic oscillator and hence caused the premature formation of a recirculation bubble of vorticity between the power nozzle and its respective outer island. Lastly, the aspect ratio analysis revealed that the asynchrony of DSJ at higher Re numbers can be mitigated by reducing the aspect ratio.
Bibliometric Analysis of Key Variables in Tourism: Destination, Competitiveness, Image, Quality, and Tourist Satisfaction (2000–2023)
Authors: Pereira José Marques , Almeida Paulo , Almeida Giovana Goretti Feijó
Published: February 2025

In the scientific literature on tourism, a set of variables is frequently utilized. The objective of this study is to analyze the scenario of scientific publications on these variables between 2000 and 2023. This analysis employs a bibliometric approach, utilizing data collected from the Scopus database. The bibliometric method was employed, with a focus on five variables (tourism destination, competitiveness, image, quality, and satisfaction) and five indicators (author, year, country, journal, and affiliation) essential for mapping research patterns and identifying key trends in the field of tourism. The findings demonstrate that the five variables under examination are inherently interrelated. The image of the destination is of particular importance, as it influences the quality of life of residents and the experiences of tourists, which in turn affects the competitiveness of the destination. The results also demonstrate the multidimensional nature of these variables in shaping tourism destination dynamics. This study underscores the value of bibliometric analysis as a strategic tool for synthesizing and deepening tourism literature. The findings not only highlight the primary research contributions and trends but also identify gaps and opportunities for future research, thereby promoting continuous advancement in tourism knowledge and best practices.
Aeroacoustic Study of Synchronized Rotors
Authors: Del Duchetto Fabio , Pagliaroli Tiziano , Candeloro Paolo , Rossignol Karl-Stéphane , Yin Jianping
Published: February 2025

The main goal of the present study is to explore the noise mitigation potential using an active control strategy based on rotor phase synchronization. This work is focused on the effects of the inflow velocity on the noise interference effect. The inflow velocity does not affect the phase at which the interference phenomenon is observed, as expected. On the other hand, the intensity of the pressure fluctuations is influenced by the inflow velocity for all of the rotor phase shift conditions investigated. Specifically, as the inflow velocity increases, maintaining a constant rotational speed, in the Overall Sound Pressure Level graphs, a reduction of approximately 10 dB is observed. This effect also applies to cases of destructive interference, highlighting the remarkable versatility of this noise reduction technique.
Transcriptomic Responses of Litchi to the Application of Exogenous Melanin Under Cold Stress
Authors: Shi Fachao , Jiang Yonghua , Liu Hailun , Wen Yingjie , Yan Qian
Published: February 2025

The late spring cold spell severely affects the growth of litchi flower buds. Melatonin, as a signaling molecule, can enhance the plant’s ability to resist abiotic stress by regulating multiple physiological processes. However, there are few studies on the function of melatonin in litchi under cold stress. In the present study, 100 μM of melatonin was selected based on the ABA content in litchi seedlings. To identify genes potentially involved in melatonin and cold stress conditions in litchi, four RNA-seq libraries of litchi leaves under melatonin and cold conditions were constructed. In total, 6.4–8.5 Gb of trimmed bases were generated in each library. Thirty-five genes were randomly selected for qRT-PCR analysis. The results showed a strong positive correlation between the data from qRT-PCR and RNA-seq. A total of 4590 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the treatment of melatonin (1845) and melatonin in cold condition (2745). The expression of several genes belonging to starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormones (auxin, ABA), MAPK, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathways were differentially expressed. The enhanced carbohydrate metabolism might lead to litchi seedlings treated with melatonin to produce more metabolic energy. Abscisic acid can improve cold tolerance. Collectively, our results reveal that pretreatment with melatonin (100 μM) protects litchi seedlings from cold stress through plant hormones and carbohydrate metabolism and provides potential genes for future research.
Dynamic Regulation of HIF1α and Oxygen-Sensing Factors in Cyclic Bovine Corpus Luteum and During LPS Challenge
Authors: Berto Gomes Luiz Antonio , Smith Olivia Eilers , Bollwein Heinrich , Kowalewski Mariusz Pawel
Published: February 2025

Understanding the corpus luteum (CL) and its role in cattle reproduction is crucial, particularly as it is a progesterone source for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Reduced oxygen levels significantly impact these processes. This study investigated the effects of the luteal stage on the spatio-temporal gene expression patterns of HIF1α and oxygen-sensing factors, as well as the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on these factors. Endothelial inflammatory responses were also addressed. The samples included CL collected at the early, mid, and late stages, as well as biopsies from mid-luteal stage cows treated either with saline (controls) or LPS. Samples collected in subsequent cycles assessed potential carryover effects. RT-PCR revealed upregulation of HIF1α, PHD1, PHD3, FIH, and VHL encoding genes in the mid-luteal stage. In situ hybridization revealed the compartmentalization of HIF1α and its regulators within the luteal and endothelial cells, suggesting their cell-specific roles. LPS treatment affected PHD1 and PHD3 expression, while increasing endothelial pro-inflammatory factors ICAM1 and NFκB, suggesting vascular inflammation and modulated oxygen sensing. These findings reveal new insights into the spatio-temporal expression of HIF1α-regulating factors in the CL, highlighting their potential role in controlling luteal function, detailing their cellular compartmentalization, and the effects of LPS-mediated inflammatory responses.
Effect of Centrifuged Chicken Egg Yolk on the Cryopreservation of Boar Semen
Authors: Chang Fuqiang , Zhang Biyu , Liu Haidong , Fan Henglei , Xie Rui , Li Jing , Hu Qianqian , Ruan Chongmei
Published: February 2025

Egg yolk, commonly employed as a cryoprotectant in semen cryopreservation, contains large particle matter that can diminish semen quality post thaw and complicate its quality assessment. For this reason, we designed a centrifugal treatment of chicken egg yolk to evaluate its effect on the cryopreservation of porcine semen. The control group (CG) was prepared with a dilution of chicken egg yolk by conventional mixing treatment, and the experimental group (EG) used a dilution of centrifugally treated chicken egg yolk for the ultra-low-temperature cryopreservation of porcine semen. The freezing process was carried out by conventional freezing methods. The spermatozoa were subsequently assessed for various parameters, including motility, acrosome integrity rate, plasma membrane integrity rate, antioxidant indexes, apoptosis rate, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes. The results showed that, post freeze–thawing, the motility, viability, VSL, and VCL of the spermatozoa in the EG were significantly higher than those observed in the CG (p < 0.05). Additionally, the acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity of the spermatozoa in the EG were significantly enhanced compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the EG exhibited significantly lower MDA content and sperm apoptosis rate (p < 0.05), while demonstrating significantly higher T-AOC and CAT levels (p < 0.05) relative to the CG. In comparison to the CG, the EG exhibited a significant reduction in the gene expression of TNF-a and Bax in the spermatozoa (p < 0.05), whereas the expression levels of CAT and Bcl-2 were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dilution solution formulated through the centrifugal processing of chicken egg yolk demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the quality of porcine spermatozoa following cryopreservation and subsequent thawing.
Comparison of Clinical Features of Intervertebral Disc Extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Dachshunds
Authors: Abouzeid Jad , Grapes Nick , Khan Sam , De Decker Steven , Freeman Paul
Published: February 2025

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological condition in veterinary medicine, with chondrodystrophic breeds being particularly susceptible. Studies have compared breed-related risks and clinical characteristics, but here, we investigate the disease in three common chondrodystrophic breeds, the English cocker spaniel, French bulldog and dachshund, and aim to describe and compare the clinical features and anatomical distribution between them. We performed a multicentre retrospective observational study that included 465 dachshunds, 327 French bulldogs and 145 English cocker spaniels with an imaging confirmed diagnosis of IVDE. The mean age at presentation differed in all three breeds, with the French bulldog presenting youngest and English cocker spaniels presenting oldest. IVDE was most common in the thoracolumbar region in all three breeds, although French bulldogs showed the highest proportion of cervical IVDE, dachshunds the highest proportion of thoracolumbar IVDE, and English cocker spaniels the highest proportion of lumbosacral IVDE. The results of this study suggest a differing clinical presentation for IVDE between these three breeds with regard to both the age of onset and the anatomical region most likely to be affected.
Anthropomorphizing with Critical Reflexivity: The Danger and Potential of Anthropomorphizing in Equine-Facilitated Learning and Psychotherapy
Authors: John Kelsey Dayle , Vincent Aviva L. , Nieforth Leanne O. , Schafroth Jamie
Published: February 2025

This article used an intersectional feminist analytic framework to theorize the role of anthropomorphizing human–equine interactions in the HERD Institute’s modality for practitioners of Equine-facilitated learning and equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFL/P). EFL/P is a traditionally human-centered activity which leverages anthropomorphizing equine behavior and emotions to better understand human selves and dynamics by assigning human emotions to equids and human–equine interactions. Intersectional feminist theories were used to interpret 11 in-depth interviews with EFL/P practitioners. The data analysis identified anthropomorphizing behaviors which were used as the foundation for the creation of two vignettes. The vignettes present different ethical dilemmas of anthropomorphizing that may impact equine welfare in EFL/P explicitly discussed by interlocutors. One vignette examines interpreting and assigning human injustices within equine behavior (e.g., resource guarding) and the second engages with human interpretations of equine choice versus consent in an EFL/P session. The vignettes demonstrate how anthropomorphizing may be used to develop an understanding of human dynamics or equine welfare. The researchers suggest that the use of critical reflexivity when anthropomorphizing may increase attention toward equine welfare in EFL/P settings. As such, it may be beneficial to consider the development and refinement of EFL/P training/certification and continuing education.
Characterization of Neural Network Connectivity and Modularity of Pigeon Nidopallium Caudolaterale During Target Detection
Authors: Wang Zhizhong , Wang Hu , Zhu Juncai , Zhao Deyu , Wang Rui , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Zeng Shaoju , Wang Jiangtao
Published: February 2025

Accurate target detection in natural environments is an important function of the visual systems of vertebrates and has a direct impact on animal survival and environmental adaptation. Existing studies have shown that the mammalian prefrontal cortex plays an important role in target detection. However, target detection mechanisms in brain regions similar to other species, such as the avian nidopallium caudolaterale, have not been well studied. Here, we selected pigeons, known for their excellent target detection ability, as an animal model and studied the dynamic changes in the nidopallium caudolaterale neural network features while they performed a target detection task in a maze. The results showed that the average node degree increased significantly during the target detection process while modularity decreased significantly. This indicated that functional connectivity in pigeon brains was enhanced during the task execution, the frequency of brain interactions increased, and the neural network shifted from distributed processing to more efficient integrated processing. The decoding results based on the average node degree and modularity and the combination of both showed that the accuracy of target decoding corresponding to the combination of both was higher. Taken together, our results confirmed the important role of the above properties for encoding target information. We provided evidence to support the view that the NCL is critical for target detection tasks and that studying key features of its neural network provides a powerful tool for revealing the functional state of the brain.
A National Surveillance of the Antibiotic Susceptibility of Acinetobacter baumannii in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Alharbi Feras S. , Jawah Anas F. , Alghamdi Ammar M. , Miaji Musaab Y. , Alturki Fatimah , Hosin Nehal , Bazuqamah Mohammed , Almutairi Masaad Saeed , Alhamed Hamad , Elhendawy Alaa , Atallah Dalya , Humadi Abdulaziz A. , Alfifi Khalid A. , Alfadel Khadija , Eljaaly Khalid
Published: February 2025

Most surveillance studies in Saudi Arabia have been single-centered or did not use the gold standard broth microdilution (BMD) antimicrobial susceptibility test. This is the first study from Saudi Arabia to evaluate the resistance profiles of Acinetobacter baumannii by using BMD on a national level. Between November 2022 and April 2023, isolates from several infection sites were collected from seven hospitals in seven regions of Saudi Arabia. On testing days, BMD was done following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute standards. Antibiotic susceptibility percentages and MIC50 and MIC90 were calculated. One hundred A. baumannii isolates were included. The highest susceptibility was to tigecycline (39%) and aminoglycosides (22–25%). The MIC90 of all antibiotics were higher than the resistance breakpoint. All isolates (100%) were multidrug-resistant, of which 52% were classified as extensive-drug-resistant, and 42% were identified as pandrug-resistant. The isolates collected from the ear, peritoneal fluid, and the cerebrospinal fluid were all XDR, while 2/3 of the urine isolates (10/15; 66.7%), more than 1/2 of the skin/soft tissue and respiratory isolates (9/16; 56.3% and 22/43; 51.7%, respectively), and 3/8 (37.5%) of the blood isolates met this definition. Conversely, PDR isolates made up 5/8 of blood isolates (62.5%), 8/15 of body fluid isolates (57.14%), and 19/43 (44.2%) of respiratory isolates. A. baumannii showed a surprisingly high resistance to multiple commonly used antibiotics. Infection control policies and antimicrobial stewardship should be implemented by hospitals throughout the country to improve treatment, track resistance trends with local antibiograms, and prevent the development of resistant strains.
Pharmacological Mechanism and Drug Research Prospects of Ginsenoside Rb1 as an Antidepressant
Authors: Zhuang Shuhui , Shi Fuqiang , Cannella Nazzareno , Ubaldi Massimo , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Li Hongwu , Qin Di
Published: February 2025

This review explores the antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rb1, a natural compound in traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The aetiology of depression was reviewed up to 2024, focusing on the pathways and mechanisms through which ginsenoside Rb1 may exert its effects. Notably, ginsenoside Rb1 regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory processes while enhancing neural plasticity by downregulating miR-134 expression and alleviating depressive symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants that act on a single target, ginsenoside Rb1 interacts with multiple pathways, reflecting its potential for broader therapeutic application. To compensate for the current deficiency in animal experiments, clinical data, and research on the side effects of ginsenoside Rb1 in the treatment of depression, we reviewed some clinical data on the use of this component in the treatment of other diseases to explore its relevance to depression. Ginsenoside Rb1 is expected to serve as a novel antidepressant or as a complementary component in combination with other antidepressant compounds. However, further clinical trials and molecular studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and potential side effects.
Unlocking Fertility: How Nitric Oxide Pathways Connect Obesity and Reproductive Health—The Role of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Voros Charalampos , Mavrogianni Despoina , Bananis Kyriakos , Varthaliti Antonia , Papahliou Anthi-Maria , Topalis Vasileios , Kondili Panagiota , Darlas Menelaos , Daskalaki Maria Anastasia , Pantou Agni , Athanasiou Diamantis , Mathiopoulos Dimitris , Theodora Marianna , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis Georgios
Published: February 2025

This study examines the relationship between obesity, oxidative stress, and reproductive dysfunction. It focuses on the effects of sleeve gastrectomy on gene expression and hormone profiles in 29 women with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Pre- and post-surgical investigations revealed significant differences in major gene expressions and hormonal markers. CART expression reduced significantly from 0.27 ± 4.43 to −3.42 ± 1.14 (p < 0.001), while leptin expression decreased from −1.87 ± 1.75 to −0.13 ± 1.55 (p < 0.001), indicating better metabolic regulation. In contrast, eNOS expression increased considerably from −4.87 ± 1.70 to 1.18 ± 2.31 (p = 0.003), indicating improved endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability, which is critical for vascular health and reproduction. Correlation research before surgery indicated no significant relationships between eNOS, CART, or leptin and clinical indicators, implying that these genes function independently in pre-surgical metabolism. While most associations remained negligible after surgery, a significant negative connection between eNOS expression and SHBG levels appeared (r = −0.365, p = 0.049), indicating potential interactions in hormonal regulation pathways following metabolic improvements. These findings emphasize the importance of bariatric surgery in reducing the negative effects of obesity on reproductive health by altering critical cellular pathways. Significant increases in CART, leptin, and eNOS expression indicate reduced oxidative stress, improved vascular tone, and hormonal balance, all of which contribute to increased reproductive capacity. This study sheds light on the molecular processes that link obesity, metabolic health, and fertility, underlining bariatric surgery’s therapeutic potential for women experiencing obesity-related infertility.
Driving Continuous Improvement with Industry 4.0 Technologies: Lessons from Multiple Use Case Analysis
Authors: Bernard Giuliano , Budde Lukas , Hänggi Roman , Friedli Thomas
Published: February 2025

Background: The integration of lean management and Industry 4.0 offers great potential for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of production. However, there is still minimal empirical research on how these two approaches interact in practice, including possible synergies and conflicts. In this paper, we use empirical observations to examine how and why Industry 4.0 technologies can support and enhance the continuous improvement process, a fundamental aspect of lean management. We discuss how these technologies specifically contribute to continuous improvement and their overall impact on operational efficiency. Methods: Our research drew on five case studies, capturing the firsthand experiences of industry professionals—specifically, digitization managers and production managers from manufacturing companies across Europe. We analyzed data using qualitative content analysis, applying a structured approach of coding, summarizing, and cross-case comparison to identify key patterns and insights. Conclusions: Our study has shown that digitalization can contribute to an advanced continuous improvement process in several ways. Through a literature review as well as the analysis of use cases, we were able to develop a new model that describes how I4.0 technologies improve the continuous improvement process, a key lean principle. The model highlights five key areas of impacts: increasing flexibility, transparency, and reliability, as well as improved decision-making and acceptance of change processes.
PE-DOCC: A Novel Periodicity-Enhanced Deep One-Class Classification Framework for Electricity Theft Detection
Authors: Wu Zhijie , Wang Yufeng
Published: February 2025

Electricity theft, emerging as one of the severe cyberattacks in smart grids, causes significant economic losses. Due to the powerful expressive ability of deep neural networks (DNN), supervised and unsupervised DNN-based electricity theft detection (ETD) schemes have experienced widespread deployment. However, existing works have the following weak points: Supervised DNN-based schemes require abundant labeled anomalous samples for training, and even worse, cannot detect unseen theft patterns. To avoid the extensively labor-consuming activity of labeling anomalous samples, unsupervised DNNs-based schemes aim to learn the normality of time-series and infer an anomaly score for each data instance, but they fail to capture periodic features effectively. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel periodicity-enhanced deep one-class classification framework (PE-DOCC) based on a periodicity-enhanced transformer encoder, named Periodicformer encoder. Specifically, within the encoder, a novel criss-cross periodic attention is proposed to capture both horizontal and vertical periodic features. The Periodicformer encoder is pre-trained by reconstructing partially masked input sequences, and the learned latent representations are then fed into a one-class classification for anomaly detection. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate that our proposed PE-DOCC framework outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised ETD methods.
Unlocking the Hidden: Advancing Imaging Techniques in Diagnosing Cancers of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Messineo Daniela , Valentini Filippo , Niccolini Giovanni Francesco , Zoccali Federica , Ripari Francesca , Marotta Enrico , Caratozzolo Marcello , Frisina Pasquale
Published: February 2025

A cancer of unknown primary site of origin (CUP) is a definition for neoplasms whose first—and unique—presentation is of a neck mass. The urgent need to identify and characterize the primary tumor imposes a precise, prompt, and individualized diagnostic pathway to best guide the treatment. For the aim of this work, 5323 patients were identified from case series ranging from the year 2016 to 2023, selecting, from the 605 total cases in 2019, the clinical cases that met the characteristics of a CUP, which concerned 28 individuals. The 5-year follow-up of the 28 patients examined in 2019 revealed that, in more than half of the patients, the site of onset of primary tumors could not be revealed. Of these, 9 patients were classified as being affected by a CUP, and 9 patients died of carcinoma of uncertain origin; in the remaining 10 patients, the investigations were able to reveal the primary tumor. The lack of identification of a primary tumor prevents the patient from being treated with a curative intent. The identification of the primary tumor is achieved through a pathway of investigations that involves several approaches from a multidisciplinary perspective. The contribution of imaging and its increasingly important role, along with the implementation of its techniques and technologies, help make certain diagnoses in less time.