bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional variation in growth and survival responses to atmospheric nitrogen and sulfur deposition for 140 tree species across the United States
Authors: Dalton Rebecca M. , Miller Jesse N. , Greaver Tara , Sabo Robert D. , Austin Kemen G. , Phelan Jennifer N. , Thomas R. Quinn , Clark Christopher M.
Published: November 2024

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) alter tree demographic processes via changes in nutrient pools, soil acidification, and biotic interactions. Previous work established tree growth and survival response to atmospheric N and S deposition in the conterminous United States (CONUS) data by species; however, it was not possible to evaluate regional variation in response using that approach. In this study, we develop species- and region-specific relationships for growth and survival responses to N and S deposition for roughly 140 species within spatially demarcated regions of the U.S. We calculated responses to N and S deposition separately for 11 United States Forest Service (USFS) Divisions resulting in a total of 241 and 268 species × Division combinations for growth and survival, respectively. We then assigned these relationships into broad categories of vulnerability and used ordinal logistic regressions to explore the covariates associated with vulnerability in growth and survival to N and S deposition. As with earlier studies, we found growth and survival responses to air pollution differed by species; but new to this study, we found 45%−70% of species responses also varied spatially across regions. The regional variation in species responses was not simply related to atmospheric N and S deposition, but was also associated with regional effects from precipitation, soil pH, mycorrhizal association, and deciduousness. A large amount of the variance remained unexplained (total variation explained ranged from 6.8%−13.8%), suggesting that these or additional factors may operate at finer spatial scales. Taken together, our results demonstrate that regional variation in tree species' response has significant implications for setting critical load targets, as critical loads can now be tailored for specific species at management-relevant scales.
RUSNet: Robust fish segmentation in underwater videos based on adaptive selection of optical flow
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yang Zongyi , Yu Hong , Tu Wan , Gao Chencheng , Wang Yue
Published: November 2024

Fish segmentation in underwater videos can be used to accurately determine the silhouette size of fish objects, which provides key information for fish population monitoring and fishery resources survey. Some researchers have utilized underwater optical flow to improve the fish segmentation accuracy of underwater videos. However, the underwater optical flow is not evaluated and screen in existing works, and its predictions are easily disturbed by motion of non-fish. Therefore, in this paper, by analyzing underwater optical flow data, we propose a robust underwater segmentation network, RUSNet, with adaptive screening and fusion of input information. First, to enhance the robustness of the segmentation model to low-quality optical flow inputs, a global optical flow quality evaluation module is proposed for evaluating and aligning the underwater optical flow. Second, a decoder is designed by roughly localizing the fish object and then applying the proposed multidimension attention (MDA) module to iteratively recover the rough localization map from the spatial and edge dimensions of the fish. Finally, a multioutput selective fusion method is proposed in the testing stage, in which the mean absolute error (MAE) of the prediction using a single input is compared with that obtained using multisource input. Then, the information with the highest confidence is selected for predictive fusion, which facilitates the acquisition of the ultimate underwater fish segmentation results. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, we trained and evaluated it using a publicly available joint underwater video dataset and a separate DeepFish public dataset. Compared with the advanced underwater fish segmentation model, the proposed model has greater robustness to low-quality background optical flow in the DeepFish dataset, with the mean pixel accuracy (mPA) and mean intersection over union (mIoU) values reaching 98.77% and 97.65%, respectively. On the joint dataset, the mPA and mIoU of the proposed model are 92.61% and 90.12%, respectively, which are 0.72% and 1.21% higher than those of the advanced underwater video object segmentation model MSGNet. The results indicate that the proposed model can adaptively select the input and accurately segment fish in complex underwater scenes, which provides an effective solution for investigating fishery resources.
Effects of traditional Chinese exercises or their integration with medical treatments on cognitive impairment: a network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiu Jiadong , Kim Sungmin
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to summarize and critically evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese exercises, both in isolation and in combination with medical treatments, on cognitive impairment.

Methods

A systematic search of academic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, was conducted to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated traditional Chinese exercises and their integration with medical treatments for addressing cognitive impairment. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook’s Risk of Bias tool. A total of 24 RCTs involving 1,808 participants were included. The primary outcome measures were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Subgroup analyses were performed to compare the intervention effects.

Results

The network meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture combined with Tai Chi (Aandtaiji) showed the most significant improvement in MOCA scores, followed by Qigong. Tai Chi soft ball exercise (Taijiball) demonstrated the greatest improvement in MMSE scores.

Conclusion

The combination of traditional Chinese exercises with medical treatment is more effective in improving MOCA scores, while traditional exercises alone yield better results to enhance MMSE scores. The extended practice of Tai Chi and Qigong enhances cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment.
Role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in processing temporal anomalies retained in working memory
Authors: Mirino Pierandrea , Quaglieri Alessandro , Scozia Gabriele , Mercuri Sara , Alessi Alessandro , Guariglia Cecilia , Giannini Anna Maria , Doricchi Fabrizio , Pecchinenda Anna
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Time is a crucial abstract construct, allowing us to perceive the duration of events. Working memory (WM) plays an important role in manipulating and storing the different features of environmental stimuli, including temporal features. Different brain structures, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, are involved in time processing.

Methods

Here we investigated the functional aspects of time processing by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess changes in DLPFC activity. A modified version of the “Times Squares Sequences” (TSS) task was used, in which participants are required to match sequences of squares that have fixed or variable durations.

Results

Findings showed that the DLPFC activates when information necessary for later comparison needs to be maintained online, as is common in visuo-spatial WM tasks. Importantly, the DLPFC deactivates when a temporal anomaly is detected.

Discussion

This deactivation occurs because the temporal anomaly does not require ongoing maintenance for later comparison, thus demanding fewer cognitive resources from the DLPFC. This seemingly counterintuitive effect can be attributed to the temporal aspects being irrelevant to the primary task goals. This finding highlights the crucial role of implicit temporal interference and establishes a strong connection between timing and executive cognitive processes.
Diethyl butylmalonate attenuates cognitive deficits and depression in 5×FAD mice
Authors: Yuan Lai , Song Ge , Xu Wangwei , Liu Shuni , Zhang Yongsheng , Pan Wei , Ding Xiaohui , Fu Linlin , Lin Qisi , Sun Fenfen
Published: November 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by cognitive impairment and depression, is currently one of the intractable problems due to the insufficiency of intervention strategies. Diethyl butylmalonate (DBM) has recently attracted extensive interest due to its anti-inflammatory role in macrophages. However, it is still unknown whether DBM has a beneficial effect on cognitive deficits and depression.

Methods

DBM was administrated to 5×FAD and C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection. Novel object recognition, Y-maze spatial memory, Morris water maze and nest building tests were used to evaluate cognitive function. Moreover, the tail suspension test, forced swimming test, open field test and the elevated plus maze test were used to assess depression. Transmission electron microscopy, Golgi-Cox staining, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and western blot were utilized to determine the neuropathological changes in the hippocampus and amygdala of mice.

Results

Multiple behavioral tests showed that DBM effectively mitigated cognitive deficit and depression in 5×FAD mice. Moreover, DBM significantly attenuated synaptic ultrastructure and neurite impairment in the hippocampus of 5×FAD mice, paralleled by the improvement of the deficits of PSD95 and BDNF proteins. In addition, DBM decreased the accumulation of microglia and downregulated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and amygdala of 5×FAD mice.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that DBM ameliorates cognitive deficits and depression via improvement of the impairment of synaptic ultrastructure and neuroinflammation, suggesting that DBM is a potential drug candidate for treating AD-related neurodegeneration.
Association between oxidative balance score and cardiovascular diseases: mediating analysis of methylmalonic acid based on the NHANES database
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Zhang Zisang , Ye Fei , Liu Pengfei , Peng Bo , Wang Teng
Published: November 2024

Aim

To explore the association between oxidative balance score (OBS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with hypertension, and further clarify the mediating role of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the relationship between OBS and CVD risk.

Methods

We included 4,137 participants with hypertension from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohort. The study endpoint was the incidence of CVD in patients with hypertension. OBS was calculated based on 16 dietary and 4 lifestyle components. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were adopted to assess the associations between OBS and CVD risk, OBS and MMA levels, and MMA levels and CVD risk. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. We used distribution-of-product method to test for mediation effect, with a presence of mediation indicated by 95% CI that does not include 0 for the distribution-of-product method and 95% CI that does not include 1 for the indirect effect.

Results

Totally 812 developed CVD. In weighted multivariable logistic regression models, lower OBS category (OBS < 15.72) was associated with increased odds of CVD (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.17–2.01) and MMA levels (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65), respectively, compared with higher OBS category as reference. A positive relationship between higher MMA levels (≥154.90 nmol/L) and CVD risk was observed (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.07–1.68). Importantly, according to the distribution-of-product test, a potential mediating effect of MMA on the relationship between OBS and CVD was found (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01–1.19), with a 95% CI for distribution-of-product of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01–0.17). The mediated proportion was 17.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed a mediating effect of MMA in individuals with dyslipidemia, with a mediated proportion of 14.9%.

Conclusion

MMA plays a critical mediating role in the pathway between OBS and CVD risk.
CXCR6 expression predicts prognosis and immunotherapeutic benefit in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Lu Xiaolin , Ge Li-Ping , Liu Zhaopei , Zhu Yu , Ye Dingwei , Chang Yuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that the CXC chemokine receptor 6 (CXCR6) is involved in tumor progression and the regulation of tumor immunity. However, its role in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Data from 391 MIBC patients in the TCGA, 212 patients from GEO, 131 patients from our center, 195 patients in the IMvigor210 cohort, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from 9 bladder cancer patients (GSE222315) were analyzed. Additionally, data from the GEPIA 2, TISCH2, TIMER2.0, and UALCAN platforms were utilized to investigate the prognostic and immunotherapeutic significance of CXCR6 in MIBC.

Results

We observed that CXCR6 expression was significantly reduced in bladder cancer tumors and correlated with tumor stage and grade. Low CXCR6 expression was associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the TCGA cohort, a finding validated in both the meta-GEO dataset and our center’s cohort. Multivariate analysis confirmed that low CXCR6 expression was an independent predictor of poor OS and RFS. A nomogram incorporating CXCR6 expression and other independent prognostic factors was developed to accurately predict 3- and 5-year OS. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that immune activation-related pathways were significantly enriched in tumors with high CXCR6 expression. CIBERSORT analysis revealed that CXCR6 expression was positively correlated with CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, activated NK cells, M1 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells in TCGA, findings further validated by TIMER2.0. scRNA-seq data showed that CXCR6 was predominantly expressed in T and NK cells and facilitated T/NK-myeloid interaction via the CXCR6-CXCL16 axis. Importantly, CXCL16+ macrophages and dendritic cells recruited CXCR6+ T and NK cells, which exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity, thereby amplifying anti-tumor immunity. Clinically, in the IMvigor210 immunotherapy cohort, higher CXCR6 expression was associated with improved anti-PD-L1 therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight CXCR6 as a critical biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in MIBC.
Investigation of paeonol in dermatological diseases: an animal study review
Authors: Ju Jingyi , Song Tianyu , Shi Jia , Li Jialun
Published: November 2024

Cortex Moutan is the root bark of the buttercup plant Paeonia suffruticosa Andr, of Ranunculaceae family. It has been utilized in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a multitude of diseases, and traditional Chinese documents allege that it has heat-clearing, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and detoxicating properties. Paeonol is a bioactive substance extracted from Cortex Moutan, which is considered to be one of its most effective metabolites. Recent studies have illustrated that paeonol treatment can alleviate skin damage, relieve the inflammatory response in patients with numerous dermatological conditions, and inhibit anomalous proliferation of skin tissue. Accordingly, paeonol may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for a variety of skin conditions. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics of paeonol, and mechanisms of operation in diverse skin diseases, including dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and hyperplasticscar. Additionally, much of the evidence is based on animal experiments. Furthermore, it explores the prospects of enhancing paeonol’s efficacy through extraction, synthesis, and formulation innovations, as well as strategies to overcome its limitations in dermatological therapy. This review aims to provide a more reliable theoretical basis for the clinical application of paeonol.
Enhanced anticancer effect of thymidylate synthase dimer disrupters by promoting intracellular accumulation
Authors: Marverti Gaetano , Moschella Maria Gaetana , Belardo Alice , Lamesta Michele , Mercanile Giada , Tagliazucchi Lorenzo , Aiello Daniele , Venturelli Alberto , Illuminati Davide , Guerrini Remo , Losi Lorena , Ponterini Glauco , Costi Maria Paola , D’Arca Domenico
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Thymidylate synthase (TS) plays a crucial role in cellular growth, proliferation, DNA synthesis, and repair, thus gaining attention for targeted therapies in cancer. TS overexpression and the altered pharmacokinetics of anti-TS drugs are among the most prominent causes of cellular resistance. Decreased drug influx and/or efficient efflux result in reduced drug access to the intracellular targets.

Results

In this study, we have evaluated and demonstrated the increased cytotoxic efficacy of novel TS dimer disrupters (Ddis) in the presence of specific inhibitors of drug efflux protein pumps in ovarian and colon cancer cells, suggesting that these compounds are substrates of the cellular drug extruders. A second strategy adopted to favor intracellular accumulation was to employ, as a drug delivery system, a molecular tool able to help less lipophilic compounds to cross the cell membrane. The Ddis were delivered through the SAINT-Protein transfection agent. The observed cell-killing effects agreed with the reduction of TS protein level and cell cycle perturbation.

Conclusion

Overall, this preclinical study suggests that the innovative TS dimer disrupters can be optimized by increasing their intracellular accumulation by both inhibiting their outflow and/or enhancing cellular uptake.
Breeding and biotechnology approaches to enhance the nutritional quality of rapeseed byproducts for sustainable alternative protein sources- a critical review
Authors: Manikandan Anandhavalli , Muthusamy Saraladevi , Wang Eu Sheng , Ivarson Emelie , Manickam Sudha , Sivakami Rajeswari , Narayanan Manikanda Boopathi , Zhu Li-Hua , Rajasekaran Ravikesavan , Kanagarajan Selvaraju
Published: November 2024

Global protein consumption is increasing exponentially, which requires efficient identification of potential, healthy, and simple protein sources to fulfil the demands. The existing sources of animal proteins are high in fat and low in fiber composition, which might cause serious health risks when consumed regularly. Moreover, protein production from animal sources can negatively affect the environment, as it often requires more energy and natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, finding alternative plant-based protein sources becomes indispensable. Rapeseed is an important oilseed crop and the world’s third leading oil source. Rapeseed byproducts, such as seed cakes or meals, are considered the best alternative protein source after soybean owing to their promising protein profile (30%–60% crude protein) to supplement dietary requirements. After oil extraction, these rapeseed byproducts can be utilized as food for human consumption and animal feed. However, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) like glucosinolates, phytic acid, tannins, and sinapines make them unsuitable for direct consumption. Techniques like microbial fermentation, advanced breeding, and genome editing can improve protein quality, reduce ANFs in rapeseed byproducts, and facilitate their usage in the food and feed industry. This review summarizes these approaches and offers the best bio-nutrition breakthroughs to develop nutrient-rich rapeseed byproducts as plant-based protein sources.
Progressive changes in binocular perception from stereopsis to rivalry
Authors: Hasegawa Yohske , Kondo Hirohito M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The binocular system provides a stereoscopic view from slightly different retinal images and produces perceptual alternations, namely, binocular rivalry, from significantly different retinal images. When we observe a stereogram in which the stimulus configurations induce stereopsis and rivalry simultaneously, the binocular system prefers stereopsis to rivalry. However, changes in visual perception are yet to be investigated by parametrically manipulating the components of a stereogram.

Methods

We examined stereopsis preferences in stereograms with various horizontal disparities. The stereograms of our paradigms included horizontal and vertical bars in one eye and a vertical bar alone in the other. Under experimental conditions, the vertical bar superimposed on the horizontal bar varied its position relative to the opposite vertical bar: range of horizontal disparity, 0.0′ to 42.3′. The superimposed vertical bar was absent under the control condition. Observers were instructed to indicate the disappearance of monocular horizontal bars, that is, targets, from their perception during the 30-s trials.

Results

The total disappearance duration decreased under experimental conditions compared with that under control conditions, and it gradually increased with an increase in the disparity of the stereoscopic vertical bars.

Discussion

These results indicate that the disparity in the stereoscopic components biases binocular perception away from the rivalry between the vertical and horizontal bars toward the stereopsis of the vertical bars. Furthermore, the disappearance duration showed a unimodal and asymmetric distribution across all disparity conditions. This suggests that rivalry processing occurs in parallel when stereopsis is dominant. We found that stereopsis preference is an outcome of binocular perception selection biased by disparity.
Case report: Multicomponent intervention for severe food selectivity in autism spectrum disorder: a single case study
Authors: Maggio Roberta , Turriziani Laura , Suraniti Silvana , Graziano Maria , Patanè Santina , Randazzo Anna Maria , Passantino Claudio , Di Cara Marcella , Quartarone Angelo , Cucinotta Francesca
Published: November 2024

Food selectivity is common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The treatment used can be invasive and difficult to implement, necessitating the exploration of multicomponent approaches. This study presents the case of a 9-year-old autistic girl with severe food selectivity, who ate exclusively liquid and semi-solid foods. A multicomponent intervention protocol was developed, including stimulus fading and positive reinforcement techniques, to increase acceptance of new textures and foods. Treatment sessions showed significant improvement in acceptance of semi-solid and novel foods, with a reduction in problem behaviors associated with mealtime. This study suggests that a multicomponent intervention can significantly improve food acceptance and reduce mealtime distress, proving to be a practical and effective treatment strategy in an autistic child. The intervention led to an increase in food acceptance and a reduction in mealtime-related distress, potentially improving the child and family’s quality of life.
Trajectory shaping guidance for impact angle control of planetary hopping robots
Authors: Mondal Sabyasachi , Upadhyay Saurabh
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a novel optimal trajectory-shaping control concept for a planetary hopping robot. The hopping robot suffers from uncontrolled in-flight and undesired after-landing motions, leading to a position drift at landing. The proposed concept thrives on the Generalized Vector Explicit (GENEX) guidance, which can generate and shape the optimal trajectory and satisfy the end-point constraints like the impact angle of the velocity vector. The proposed concept is used for a thruster-based hopping robot, which achieves a range of impact angles, reduces the position drift at landing due to the undesired in-flight and after-landing motions, and handles the error in initial hopping angles. The proposed approach’s conceptual realization is illustrated by lateral acceleration generated using thruster orientation control. Extensive simulations are carried out on horizontal and sloped surfaces with different initial and impact angle conditions to demonstrate the effect of impact angle on the position drift error and the viability of the proposed approach.
The impact of the EVLP on the lung microbiome and its inflammatory reaction
Authors: Grando Leandro , Boada Marc , Faner Rosa , Gómez-Ollés Susana , Ruiz Victoria , Bohils Marc , Albiol Joaquim , Marrero Ramses , Rosell Laia , Salinas Ivan , Ruiz Daniel , Ruiz Ángel , Rodríguez-Villar Camino , Ureña Anna , Paredes-Zapata David , Guirao Ángela , Sánchez-Etayo Gerard , Molins Laureano , Quiroga Néstor , Gómez-Brey Aroa , Michavila Xavier , Sandiumenge Alberto , Agustí Àlvar , Ramos Ricard , Bello Irene
Published: November 2024

The pulmonary microbiome has emerged as a significant factor in respiratory health and diseases. Despite the sterile conditions maintained during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), the use of antibiotics in the perfuse liquid can lead to dynamic changes in the lung microbiome. Here, we present the design of a study that aims to investigate the hypothesis that EVLP alters the lung microbiome and induces tissue inflammation. This pilot, prospective, controlled study will be conducted in two Spanish donor centers and will include seven organ donors after brain death or after controlled cardiac death. After standardized retrieval, the left lung will be preserved in cold storage and the right lung will be perfused with EVLP. Samples from bronchoalveolar lavage, perfusion and preservation solutions, and lung biopsies will be collected from both lungs and changes in lung microbiome and inflammatory response will be compared.
SMEs in a Digital Era: The Role of Management
Authors: Mladenova Irena
Published: November 2024

This article aims to explore the role of management in translating the external factors’ and internal barriers’ impacts on the level of adoption of digital technologies as a lever for change in business operations and processes in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs face a distinct set of challenges when adopting digital technologies, often lacking resources and knowledge. On the other hand, they have certain characteristics, such as simpler organisational structures and processes, that make them more flexible than larger firms in leveraging technologies into new business models. Data for this study are obtained from 989 SMEs in Bulgaria in the manufacturing and services sectors. A PLS–SEM analysis confirms eight hypotheses raised on the relationships between environmental factors and government support and internal factors (management support, organisational flexibility, and risk-tolerant culture) that impact digital business intensity. Environmental factors’ impact is stronger than government support, while internal barriers are found to have no statistically significant relationship. The research findings highlight the important role of management support in guiding digital transformation through supporting organisational flexibility and promoting a risk-tolerant culture.
Preliminary Functional Analysis of the Gut Microbiome in Colic Horses
Authors: Thomson Pamela , Garrido Daniel , Santibáñez Rodrigo , Lara Felipe
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining horse health, influencing digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, in certain conditions like colic, there is evidence of significant alterations in the microbial community. To analyze the composition of the fecal microbiome and the enriched predicted metabolic functions of horses with colic compared to a control group, 14 horses with colic and 14 control horses were recruited. From a stool sample, DNA extraction was carried out for subsequent 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. The composition of the microbiome was analyzed from the sequences of each sample using the QIIME version 1.8.0 and DADA2 version 1.22 programs. PICRUSt2 was used to predict metabolic functions. Statistical analyses were performed with the Mann–Whitney U test from the Python scipy v1 package. The gut microbiomes of both groups were dominated by Firmicuteota, Bacteroidota, and Pseudomonadota phyla. Colic in horses was associated with reduced diversity, reduced abundance of Fibrobacter, and an increase in Streptococcus. The abundance of Firmicuteota was negatively correlated with Pseudomonadota and Actinobacteriota. The equine colic microbiome was predicted to be enriched in aerobic respiration pathways and fatty acid and amino acid degradation. These observations indicate discrete but important differences in the gut microbiome of colic horses.
Agenda of Early Life Experience and Its Association with Sensitivity to Human Presence and Familiarity in Wild-Born Orphaned Captive Cheetahs
Authors: Gallo Alessandro , Schmidt-Küntzel Anne , Petersen Lea , Moya M. Justin , Marker Laurie , Lemasson Alban , Hausberger Martine
Published: November 2024

It has been argued that domestication explains the ability of domestic animals to use human cues, but similar abilities exist in wild animals repeatedly exposed to humans. Little is known on the importance of the developmental stage of this exposure for developing such abilities. Orphancy and subsequent hand-rearing constitute a quasi-experimental situation for investigating this question. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are interesting as they present a two-step development, spending their first two months of life in a den with occasional visits from the mother, and then accompanying their mother outdoors. Mother loss may occur at any of these stages, and the orphaned cheetahs are then taken under human care. We tested the importance of the stage of development on their long-term perception of humans by comparing the reactions of adult wild-born cheetahs, orphaned at “den-age” (Early-Orphaned, 0–2 months) or at a later stage (Late-Orphaned, 2–6 months), to motionless humans (familiar vs. unfamiliar). The results showed that Early-Orphaned, but not Late-Orphaned cheetahs, produced affiliative calls (purrs) towards humans and discriminated familiar and unfamiliar humans. Taken together, these results suggest that the timing in which an emotional bond is created with the primary caregiver (humans in the case of Early-Orphaned cheetahs and the mother in the case of Late-Orphaned cheetahs) is crucial in determining the reaction towards the species of the early caregiver throughout life.
Effects of Key Rumen Bacteria and Microbial Metabolites on Fatty Acid Deposition in Goat Muscle
Authors: Zeng Yan , Mou Huilong , He Yongmeng , Zhang Danping , Pan Xiao , Zhou Liping , Shen Yujian , E Guangxin
Published: November 2024

In this study, the fatty acid composition in the muscles of Hechuan white goats was correlated with the metabolome and metagenome of their rumen contents, and potential effects of the metabolites and microorganisms in the rumen on host muscle fatty acid deposition were analyzed. The results of the correlation analysis between the rumen content’s metabolome and muscle fatty acid content showed that vitamin-B-related metabolites were significantly correlated with fatty acid content (p < 0.05). Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with stearic acid and negatively correlated with palmitic acid. In accordance with the level of fatty acid content, significant differences were found in the microbial species and abundance among groups at the species level. An abundance of Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae P7, Eubacterium ruminant, and Prevotella in the rumen was significantly correlated with fatty acid content. These results provide data support for the development of targeted feeding management strategies to improve the quality of goat meat.
Genetics of Wool and Cashmere Fibre: Progress, Challenges, and Future Research
Authors: Zhou Huitong , Bai Lingrong , Li Shaobin , Li Wenhao , Wang Jiqing , Tao Jinzhong , Hickford Jon G. H.
Published: November 2024

Wool (sheep) and cashmere (goat) fibres have unique biological, physical, and chemical properties and these fibres are becoming more important as the demand for natural products increases. However, these complex protein fibres are at times compromised by natural variability in their properties, and this can impact their use and value. Genetic improvement via selection and breeding can partly overcome this problem, enabling the farming of sheep and goats that produce more desirable fibre. This review explores the challenges in improving wool and cashmere fibre characteristics using genetics, with a focus on improving our understanding of the key protein components of fibres, wool keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). Despite progress in our knowledge of these proteins, gaining a better understanding of them and how they affect these fibres remains an ongoing challenge. This is not straight-forward, given the large number of similar yet unique genes that produce the proteins and the gaps that remain in their identification and characterisation. More research is required to clarify gene and protein sequence variability and the location and patterns of gene expression, which in turn limits our understanding of fibre growth and variation. Several aspects that currently hinder our progress in this quest include the incomplete identification of all the genes and weaknesses in the approaches used to characterise them, including newer omics technologies. We describe future research directions and challenges, including the need for ongoing gene identification, variation characterisation, and gene expression analysis and association studies to enable further improvement to these valuable natural fibres.
Age Structure, Body Size, and Sexual Dimorphism in a High-Altitude Population of Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771)
Authors: Gül Serkan , Dursun Cantekin , Tabak Ceren , Büyüksofuoğlu Sümeyye , Özdemir Nurhayat
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics and age structure of a P. ridibundus population sampled from a high altitude. For this purpose, a total of 54 adult frogs (33 males and 21 females) were collected from Şavşat district, Artvin province, Türkiye. The samples were aged based on skeletochronology method. Furthermore, von Bertalanffy growth curve models were constructed using SVL and weight data. To assess sexual size and shape dimorphism, the measurements of 23 different morphological characters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. The mean SVL and weight were found to be 78.05 mm and 60.87 g for males and 93.95 mm and 109.61 g for females. The mean age was 3.67 years and 4.05 years for males and females, respectively. The maximum age was found to be 6 years for both sexes. Growth curve models revealed a significant relationship between age, SVL, and weight. A clear female-biased sexual size dimorphism was found in all morphological characters. However, SVL-adjusted values indicated that males had larger head and limb structures resulting from evolutional and sexual pressures associated with reproduction and male–male competition. The shape dimorphism was found only in forelimbs, and it was male-biased and was related to clasping in amplexus.
The Sustainability Coefficient of Urban Open Space Illumination Compliance as a Subjective Indicator of Environmental Comfort
Authors: Rozman Cafuta Melita
Published: November 2024

Smart lighting of public open spaces plays a crucial role in creating sustainable cities. Investing in optimal methods for improving the energy efficiency of urban lighting systems has become strategic for the economic, technological, and social development of cities. In addition to technical considerations such as energy efficiency and photometric measurements, lighting design should also take into account the subjective aspect of visual safety. However, measuring lighting efficiency in terms of human perception can be challenging because people’s perceptions vary and depend on the urban and architectural context. To address this issue, a sustainability coefficient of outdoor lighting ambiences (Sn) is presented to quantify the compliance of urban open spaces with sustainable lighting design. This coefficient combines two subjective factors: illumination likability and perceived illuminance intensity. The study uses the SEC methodology (suitable for everyone, environmentally accepted, cost-effective), which provides insight into the factors that influence the Sn value. The results showed significant correlations between psychological and aesthetic-functional factors and the Sn, while sociological factors had little influence. The validity of the Sn in a realistic environment can be confirmed. The main reasons for certain Sn levels were identified and possible solutions were proposed, ranging from changes in lighting intensity to architectural redesigns, to improve environmental comfort in urban environments. This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of the role of urban lighting in shaping environmental comfort and human behavior.
An Innovative TOPSIS–Mahalanobis Distance Approach to Comprehensive Spatial Prioritization Based on Multi-Dimensional Drought Indicators
Authors: Wang Antao , Sun Linan , Liu Jinping
Published: November 2024

This research explores a new methodological framework that blends the TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) and Mahalanobis Distance methods, allowing for the prioritization of nine major watersheds in China based on the integration of multi-dimensional drought indicators. This integrated approach offers a robust prioritization model by accounting for spatial dependencies between indices, a feature not commonly addressed in traditional multi-criteria decision-making applications in drought studies. This study utilized three drought indices—the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Vegetation Health Index (VHI), and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Over years of significant drought prevalence, three types of droughts occurred simultaneously across various watersheds in multiple years, particularly in 2001, 2002, 2006, and 2009, with respective counts of 16, 17, 19, and 18 concurrent episodes. The weights derived from Shannon’s entropy emphasize the importance of the Potential Drought Severity Index (PDSI) in evaluating drought conditions, with PDSI-D (drought duration) assigned the highest weight of 0.267, closely followed by VHI-D (Vegetation Health Index under drought conditions) at 0.232 and SPEI-F (drought frequency) at 0.183. The results demonstrated considerable spatial variability in drought conditions across the watersheds, with Watersheds 1 and 4 exhibiting the highest drought vulnerability in terms of meteorological and agricultural droughts, while Watersheds 6 and 3 showed significant resilience to hydrological drought after 2012. In particular, the severe meteorological drought conditions at Watershed 1 highlight the urgent need for rainwater harvesting and strict water use policies, and in contrast, the conditions at Watershed 4 show the need for the modernization of irrigation to mitigate agricultural drought impacts. This integrated framework allows for targeted drought management solutions that directly relate to the specific contexts of the watersheds, while being more conducive to planning and prioritizing resource allocations for regions facing the highest drought vulnerability.
The Impact of Climate Variability on the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in an Agricultural Village in the Wider Belfast Area, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Zenda Mashford , Rudolph Michael , Harley Charis
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in South Africa, particularly focusing on the relationship between agriculture and weather patterns. Understanding this connection is crucial for helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and improve their resilience and sustainability. This research analyses 33 years of climate data (1990–2023) from the Belfast weather station to identify long-term climate trends, seasonal shifts, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Statistical analysis, including the Mann–Kendall test, revealed significant changes in temperature, rainfall, and the intensity of extreme weather events, indicating that climate change is already affecting the region. Specifically, the research highlighted significant damage to agricultural infrastructure, such as greenhouses, due to climate-related wind events. This study emphasises the importance of using digital technologies to monitor weather patterns in real-time, aiding in decision-making, and enhancing agricultural efficiency. Additionally, it calls for further research into the social impacts of climate variability, including its effects on community cohesion, migration, and access to social services among smallholder farmers. These findings provide a foundation for developing effective interventions to support the resilience of smallholder farming communities in the face of climate change. Future studies need to consider how climate variability affects farmers’ abilities to access markets, both in terms of transport and product quality.
Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Tarsal Plates with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Evaluation of Meibomian Gland Reconstruction in a Rat Model
Authors: Lee Hyunkyu , Park Yoon Hee , Kang Hyo Jin , Lee Hwa
Published: November 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to develop 3D-bioprinted scaffolds embedded with human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) to reconstruct the tarsal plate in a rat model. Methods: Scaffolds were printed using a 3D bioprinter with a bioink composed of atelocollagen and alginate. hADSCs (5 × 105 cells/mL) were embedded within the bioink. A total of 30 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (300 g) were divided into three groups: group 1 (normal control, n = 10), group 2 (3D-bioprinted scaffolds, n = 10), and group 3 (3D-bioprinted scaffolds with hADSCs, n = 10). Four weeks after surgery, a histopathological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson’s trichrome (MT) staining, and immunofluorescence staining. Gene expression of SREBP-1, PPAR-γ, FADS-2, and FAS was assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: No abnormalities were observed in the operated eyelids of any of the 30 rats. The histopathological analysis revealed lipid-secreting cells resembling meibocytes in both group 2 and group 3, with more pronounced meibocyte-like cells in group 3. Immunofluorescence staining for phalloidin expression showed a significant increase in group 3. Additionally, the RNA expression of SREBP-1, PPAR-γ, FADS-2, and FAS, all related to lipid metabolism, was elevated in group 3. Conclusions: The 3D-printed scaffolds combined with hADSCs were effective for tarsal plate reconstruction, with the hADSCs notably contributing to the generation of cells associated with lipid metabolism.
UCapsNet: A Two-Stage Deep Learning Model Using U-Net and Capsule Network for Breast Cancer Segmentation and Classification in Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Madhu Golla , Meher Bonasi Avinash , Kautish Sandeep , Almazyad Abdulaziz S. , Mohamed Ali Wagdy , Werner Frank , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Shokouhifar Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer remains one of the biggest health challenges for women worldwide, and early detection can be truly lifesaving. Although ultrasound imaging is commonly used to detect tumors, the images are not always of sufficient quality, and, thus, traditional U-Net models often miss the finer details needed for accurate detection. This outcome can result in lower accuracy, making early and precise diagnosis more difficult. Methods: This study presents an enhanced U-Net model integrated with a Capsule Network (called UCapsNet) to overcome the limitations of conventional techniques. Our approach improves segmentation by leveraging higher filter counts and skip connections, while the capsule network enhances classification by preserving spatial hierarchies through dynamic routing. The proposed UCapsNet model operates in two stages: first, it segments tumor regions using an enhanced U-Net, followed by a classification of the segmented images with the capsule network. Results: We have tested our model against well-known pre-trained models, including VGG-19, DenseNet, MobileNet, ResNet-50, and Xception. By properly addressing the limitations found in previous studies and using a capsule network trained on the Breast Ultrasound Image (BUSI) dataset, our model resulted in top-achieving impressive precision, recall, and accuracy rates of 98.12%, 99.52%, and 99.22%, respectively. Conclusions: By combining the U-Net’s powerful segmentation capabilities with the capsule network’s high classification accuracy, UCapsNet boosts diagnostic precision and addresses key weaknesses in existing methods. The findings demonstrate that the proposed model is not only more effective in detecting tumors but also more reliable for practical applications in clinical settings.
Radiotherapy Effects on Airway Management in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Uzun Davut D. , Zimmermann Timo N. , Schmitt Felix C. F. , Plinkert Peter K. , Weigand Markus A. , Debus Juergen , Held Thomas , Uzun-Lang Kristin
Published: November 2024

Background: At present, there is a paucity of data in the literature pertaining to the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on the success of tracheal intubation in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of difficult tracheal intubation in patients with NPC following RT. Methods: Patients with NPC who underwent RT followed by surgery between 2012 and April 2024 at the University Hospital Heidelberg were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients, predominantly males (73.9%) with a mean age of 52.9 years, were enrolled. Overall, 65.2% of the patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class of III. The mean total laryngeal dose was 53.5 Gy for the main and boost plan, and the maximum total laryngeal dose was 66.61 Gy. Direct laryngoscopy was performed in 69.6% of cases, followed by 26.1% videolaryngoscopy, and 4.2% required fiberoptic intubation. In total, 47.8% of the patients had a Cormack/Lehane grade of I, followed by 43.5% with grade II and 8.7% with grade III. Overall, 87% of patients were successfully intubated on the first attempt. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated by previous studies that RT has the potential to enhance complications and difficulties encountered during airway management. While the results must be interpreted with caution, our study provides no evidence of severe impairment in advanced airway management in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who have undergone radiotherapy.