bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of Chronic Oxidative Stress‐Induced Testicular and Epididymal Dysfunction by Oral Intake of Lepidium meyenii in New Zealand Rabbits
Authors: Sayed Mohamed A. M. , Hussein Manal T. , Mustafa Fatma El‐Zahraa A. , Abdelhefeez Enas , Hussein Ahmed M. A. , Abdelfattah Mostafa G. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that has nutritional benefits and increases the effectiveness of male reproduction. In this study, oxidative stress‐exposed New Zealand rabbits were used to assess the ameliorative effects of daily Maca ingestion on testicular and epididymal tissues as well as the quality of fresh and frozen/thawed sperm. Twenty‐four 40‐week‐old, healthy New Zealand white male rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group consumed tap water and served as a control. The second group was given 300 mg of Maca daily in capsules. The third group drank water containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a concentration of 1%. Finally, the fourth group consumed H2O2 and Maca daily. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, vitality, motility and velocity of the H2O2 group were considerably lower than those of the other groups. Frozen/thawed spermatozoa showed more dramatic decreases in motility and velocity as a result of H2O2 consumption. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and total antioxidant capacity were also lowest in the H2O2‐treated rabbits, while malondialdehyde levels were highest. Exposure to H2O2 increased collagen deposition between ST and epididymal ducts which induced testicular and epididymis fibrosis. In addition, the spermatogenic and epididymal epithelial cells exhibited signs of apoptosis, degeneration, vacuolation and a reduction in height. Maca intake attenuated most of the damaging effects of H2O2 ingestion‐induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, H2O2‐treated rabbits had modest nuclear androgen receptor positivity, unlike those in the Maca group. The number of Leydig cells significantly increased with daily Maca intake. In conclusion, daily intake of Maca improved reproductive performance and mitigated the damaging effects of oxidative stress on testicular and epididymal functions in New Zealand rabbits.
Prednisolone pharmacokinetics in dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy
Authors: Jablonski Sara A. , Strohmeyer Jessica L. , Buchweitz John P. , Lehner Andreas F. , Langlois Daniel K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is unknown if glucocorticoid malabsorption contributes to the approximate 50% treatment failure rate in dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE).ObjectiveTo compare pharmacokinetics (PK) of orally administered prednisolone in dogs with PLE vs healthy controls.AnimalsFourteen dogs with well‐characterized PLE and 7 control dogs.MethodsProspective case‐controlled study. Dogs were treated with 1 mg/kg prednisolone PO once daily for approximately 3 weeks. Venous blood samples were collected at set timepoints before and after prednisolone administration on the first (T1) and final (T2) study days. Total and non‐protein bound serum prednisolone concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetics variables were derived from the drug concentration data. Pharmacokinetics variables were compared between PLE and control dogs and between PLE short‐term responders and non‐responders.ResultsThe PLE dogs had a shorter half‐life of the terminal slope than control dogs (harmonic mean of 1.3 vs 1.8 hours; P = .05) whereas the percentage of serum prednisolone that was non‐protein bound was higher in PLE dogs than in control dogs (median of 15.7% vs 6.7%; P = .02) at T1. Total prednisolone drug exposures and maximum total serum drug concentrations did not differ between PLE and control dogs at T1 or T2, nor did they differ between short‐term responders and non‐responders within the PLE population (P > .05 for all comparisons).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOverall drug exposures are similar between PLE dogs and healthy controls. Glucocorticoid malabsorption is unlikely to be a common cause of treatment failure in dogs with PLE.
Effect of refrigeration, room temperature, and processing time on serum immunofluorescent antibody titers for Sarcocystis neurona
Authors: Valderrama‐Martinez Claudia , Packham Andrea , Zheng Shichen , Smith Woutrina , Plancarte Magdalena , Aleman Monica 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundEvaluating antibody titers for Sarcocystis neurona for the diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis from serum samples is a common practice. However, ensuring timely and proper refrigeration is not always possible.ObjectivesTo evaluate immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) titers for S. neurona from serum samples stored at room temperature and 4°C.SamplesTwenty‐two serum samples.MethodsProspective longitudinal study. Two serum aliquots of 1 mL each were stored at room temperature (20‐23.3°C) and 4°C. The unrefrigerated aliquot was immediately tested for IFA titers. Both aliquots were retested on Days 5 and 10 after collection. A paired t test was used to compare IFA titers at different time points.ResultsThere was no significant difference between IFA titers from baseline with those stored at room temperature at Days 5 (P = .741, 95% CI [−56.83, 78.65]), 10 (P = .677, 95% CI [−50.01, 75.46]), and between 5 and 10 days (P = 0.949, 95% CI [−57.50, 61.14]). There was no significant difference from baseline with those stored at 4°C for Days 5 (P = .964, 95% CI [−81.81, 85.45]), 10 (P = 0.573, 95% CI [−109.4, 62.15]), and between 5 and 10 days (P = .5, 95% CI [−102.6, 51.67]). There was no statistical difference between samples stored at room temperature and 4°C (P = .688, CI [−55.51, 37.33]) on Days 5 and 10 (P = .104, CI [−80.8, 8.07]).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceImmunofluorescent antibody test titers for S. neurona are stable for up to 10 days at room temperature and 4°C.
Evaluation of texture, sensory, and fillet color traits in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), and the hybrid catfish (channel catfish ♀ × blue catfish ♂)
Authors: Johnson Andrew , Morey Amit , Su Baofeng , Coogan Michael , Hettiarachchi Darshika , Alston Veronica , Xing De , Wang Jinhai , Li Shangjia , Hasin Tasnuba , Lu Cuiyu , Wang Wenwen , Shang Mei , Bern Logan , Dunham Rex 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDespite catfish being the dominant freshwater aquaculture product in the United States, catfish texture and sensory evaluation are understudied compared with other aquaculture species, and very few studies have been conducted to evaluate these traits in catfish. Texture, sensory, carcass yield, flavor, visceral fat deposition, gonadal development, and fillet color analyses were conducted on four size classes, small (<0.68 kg), medium (0.68–0.92 kg), large (0.93–1.75 kg), and extra‐large (>1.75 kg), for channel catfish (n = 456) (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (n = 78) (I. furcatus), and hybrid catfish (n = 195) (channel catfish ♀ × blue catfish ♂). Within genetic type comparisons indicated that the texture traits, hardness, and chewiness and the sensory trait toughness increased with increasing size in hybrid catfish and channel catfish but were the most pronounced in channel catfish. Overall, channel catfish had the firmest fillets based on several attributes. Blue catfish were found to have differences among texture traits between the extra‐large size class and the three remaining size classes, but overall size had less of an effect compared with the channel catfish and hybrid catfish. A trend of paternal predominance was observed as the hybrid catfish was more similar to the blue catfish than the channel catfish. Hybrid catfish had the highest fillet percentage. This study is the first large‐scale analysis of texture and sensory traits within two catfish species and their interspecific hybrid at different sizes and highlights the differences in commercially important texture and sensory traits.
The role of Intellectual Property as a tool for business development in the informal economy of Ghana
Authors: Sackey Nancy Ama , Boahen Eunice Adu , Sackey Emmanuel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInnovation has become one of the main drivers of economic growth and development making its protection the focus of contemporary economic strategies. Intellectual Property (IP) protects and promotes innovation. The IP system strives to create an environment where creativity and innovation thrive by finding a suitable equilibrium between the interests of innovators and the broader public interest. Although IP has been shown to play a particularly important role in formal‐economy innovation, its role in the informal economy (IE) has been less explored. This study therefore sought to interrogate the utilisation of IP in the IE of Ghana and the role it plays in business development and competitiveness. This was achieved by determining innovative capacity, IP knowledge uptake/awareness, utilisation and challenges as well as discussing the policy approaches and institutional mechanisms necessary to promote growth and development of the IE for national gain. A qualitative research design was adopted and using the purposive sampling method, a sample of 100 respondents from two metropolitan districts in Ghana was selected. The findings revealed that 72% of the informal businesses studied had developed new products, processes or methods. Although 53% of the respondents had heard of or were conscious of the existence of some words relating to IP such as ‘copyright’ and ‘trademarks’, the respondents had little practical understanding of IP as a subject matter relevant for business. Only 19% out of the total number of respondents had acquired formal IP rights while most of the businesses employed other appropriation mechanisms outside of the use of conventional IP tools in protecting knowledge and innovation. Challenges to IP acquisition identified include financial constraints, lack of appreciation for the value of IP for business and the difficulty in meeting registration requirements. The study concluded that the IE is innovative and the utilisation of various IP tools such as trademarks, industrial designs, copyright and utility models were identified to be desirable to be employed in the pursuit for business development. It is recommended that decision making bodies such as the national IP office must establish effective policies aimed at promoting awareness and utilisation of IP rights in the IE. The government should also institute incentives such as cost waivers that are needed to stimulate innovation and creativity and create an enabling environment that supports the acquisition of IP for development and growth of the IE.
Tick‐borne pathogens from ruminant ticks in a Mediterranean ecosystem from Eastern Spain
Authors: Masià‐Castillo María Teresa , Maiques‐Rodriguez Enrique , Martínez‐Alfaro Ángela , García‐Bacete Iris , Ingresa‐Capaccioni Sofía , Ahuir‐Baraja Ana Elena , Alarcón‐Elbal Pedro María , Garijo‐Toledo María Magdalena , Sansano‐Maestre Jose 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVector‐borne diseases represent various sicknesses that are increasingly significant in human and veterinary health. Among the zoonotic agents transmitted by ticks, infections caused by the intracellular pathogens from the Anaplasmataceae family and piroplasmids (Babesia/Theileria spp.) are particularly notable due to the substantial economic losses they cause in the livestock sector. A study was carried out to assess the prevalence of these pathogens in ticks from ruminants in the province of Valencia (Eastern Iberian Peninsula). Between 2019 and 2022, 1674 ticks were collected from 163 domestic and wild ruminants. The tick species were identified using molecular and morphological features and included Rhipicephalus spp. (Rhipicephalus bursa and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) (88.7%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (5.9%), Ixodes ricinus (3.6%) and Dermacentor marginatum (1.2%). The Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) was found to be at greater risk of infestation by Haemaphysalis compared to other ruminants. Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis was performed on 108 individual ticks from different hosts, with 16.7% testing positive for members of the Anaplasmataceae family and 39.8% for Theileria spp. Sequencing of 10 positive samples from each pathogen group revealed the presence of Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia spp., Theileria ovis and Theileria capreoli. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Babesia spp. were detected. Further research is essential for improved management of ticks and the diseases they transmit in the study area.
Behavior‐change lifestyle interventions for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents: A scoping review
Authors: Li Liubai , Sun Feng , Du Jian , Li Zhixia , Chen Tianjiao , Shi Xuanyu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBehavior‐change lifestyle interventions are fundamental in children and adolescent obesity management. This scoping review discusses optimal behavior‐change lifestyle interventions in the treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. A literature search on diet, physical activity, and behavioral intervention for obesity treatment in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from June 2016 to November 2022 were retrieved to identify recent advancements. Obesity outcomes included body weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score, and fat percentage, among others. The 28 located reviews included: four studies on diet therapy; five on physical activity (exercise training); one on sedentary activities; 18 on multicomponent behavior‐change lifestyle interventions, including three that incorporated gaming; three with eHealth, mobile health (mHealth), or telehealth, with one in each category; and two on motivational interviewing. Behavior‐change lifestyle interventions to reduce obesity in children and adolescents were associated with moderate effects, with low‐quality evidence for diet therapy and high‐quality evidence for exercise training, both for weight or BMI reduction. Long‐term intensive multicomponent behavioral interventions with parental involvement demonstrated better effects.
Computer‐Aided High Tibial Osteotomy—A Comparative Study of Commonly Used 3D Printing Technology and Navigation Application
Authors: Chui Elvis Chun‐Sing , Mak Kyle Ka‐Kwan , Ng Randy Hin‐Ting , Fung Ericsson Chun‐Hai , Chan Mei‐Shuen , Yue Kai , Lau Lawrence Chun‐Man , Chan Clifford Long‐Fung , Yau Edmond Wing‐Fung , Zhao Wei , Su Xiuyun , Zhang Jin , Xu Jianglong , Sang Hongxun , Pei Guoxian , Cheung Louis Wing‐Hoi , Law Sheung‐Wai , Ong Michael Tim‐Yun , Yung Patrick Shu‐Hang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHigh tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure for treating certain knee conditions. Proper execution of HTO can preserve joint function and delay or avoid the need for total knee replacement. This study compared different 3D printing techniques (fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, and direct metal laser sintering) and a navigation system for their suitability in assisting HTO surgeries.MethodsTibial saw‐bones were used as models, and surgical guides and the navigation system were employed during the procedures. Six parameters (planning time, manufacturing time, delivery time, material cost, operation time, and accuracy) were evaluated. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t‐test were used for the analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the metal surgical guides had the highest accuracy (angle differences mean, 2.4°) and operation time (mean 9.75 min), followed by plastic guides, classic guides, and the navigation system. The differences in accuracy were attributed to factors like rigidity, melting point, and errors during incisions.ConclusionsThe study recommended metal surgical guides as the best option for assisting HTO due to their accuracy and operation time. And the results have implications for orthopedic surgeons performing HTO surgeries, as they can use this information to improve postoperative outcomes, such as mechanical axis alignment and quality of life for HTO patients.
Utilization of 3D‐Printed Customized Uncemented Stem Prostheses for Revision of Aseptic Loosening in the Distal Femoral Cemented Prostheses: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Hou Zi‐Wei , Zheng Kai , Xu Ming , Yu Xiu‐Chun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAseptic loosening (AL) is a common mechanical complication following reconstruction of the distal femoral cemented prosthesis (DFCP), often resulting in severe bone loss, which complicates prosthesis revision. 3D‐printed personalized implants represent an emerging solution for the reconstruction of complex bone defects. This study aimed to investigate the early therapeutic effects of using a 3D‐printed, customized, uncemented stem prosthesis for revising aseptic AL in DFCP.MethodsFrom June 2021 to December 2022, a retrospective review was conducted on six consecutive patients who underwent revision surgery due to AL of the DFCP with a 3D‐printed customized uncemented stem prosthesis. The study included four male and two female patients, with an average age of 58 ± 11 (range: 46–75) years. All six patients had previously undergone limb salvage surgery using a cemented megaprosthesis after tumor resection. Preoperative imaging evaluation was performed for all patients, and the personalized design of the prostheses was achieved through 3D printing based on CT imaging data. Regular clinical and radiographic follow‐up was conducted postoperatively, with the main outcome measures being oncological outcomes, prosthesis survival, osseointegration, complications, and lower limb function.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent surgery and were followed up for a mean duration of 30.33 ± 6.15 (range: 24–38) months. All patients were alive at the last follow‐up, with no tumor recurrence or distant metastasis. No complications such as infection, loosening, or fracture of the prosthesis occurred. Osseointegration was satisfactory, with a mean MSTS score of 26 (range: 20–28) points.Conclusion3D‐printed, customized, uncemented stem prosthesis exhibit immediate initial stability and reliable biocompatibility. Early clinical outcomes are satisfactory, making them an effective method for revision AL of DFCP.
Curve Behavior of Distal Segments After Posterior‐Only Hemivertebra Resection for Congenital Cervicothoracic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Zezhang , Liu Wanyou , Mao Saihu , Liu Zhen , Sun Xu , Qiu Yong , Shi Benlong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTStudy DesignA retrospective and consecutive study.ObjectiveTo demonstrate the curve evolution of distal non‐structural compensatory curves in patients with congenital cervicothoracic hemivertebra (CTH) scoliosis undergoing posterior‐only hemivertebra resection and to propose the possible mechanisms of this specific phenomenon.Summary of Background DataThough the spinal alignment could be well corrected via posterior hemivertebra resection in CTH patients, the high prevalence of distal curve progression was remarkable. However, the curve behavior of distal non‐structural compensatory curves and its possible mechanisms were unclear.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of CTH patients undergoing posterior‐only hemivertebra resection with a minimum 24 months follow‐up. The parameters measured in coronal plane included local scoliosis, clavicle angle, head shift, and the Cobb angle of distal unfused segments. The distal curve was considered as an emerging scoliosis (ES) if with more than 20° progression and the apex of distal curve no less than 2 levels away from the lower instrumented vertebra.ResultsA total of 51 CTH patients with a mean age of 8.5 ± 3.8 years at surgery and a mean 38.0 ± 5.3 months follow‐up were recruited. The correction of local scoliosis and clavicle angle was statistically significant (p < 0.05 for all). The distal compensatory curve was 11.8 ± 5.3° before surgery and 6.5° ± 4.1° after surgery (p < 0.001), which was slightly increased to 11.6° ± 10.9° (p = 0.002) at the latest follow‐up. During follow‐up, the increase of distal compensatory curve was significantly correlated with the change in clavicle angle (r = 0.49, p = 0.038). The ES was observed in 10 patients (19.6%) with an average value of 28.0 ± 2.1° at diagnosis, including 7 patients within 6 months and 3 patients after 5 years postoperatively. The mean value of ES was 31.9° ± 3.1° at the latest follow‐up, while no patients required revision surgery. The ES was classified into compensatory and idiopathic types according to the typical curve behaviors. The compensatory ES usually presented within 6 months after operation and was responsible for further reconstruction of head and shoulder balance. While the idiopathic ES occurred at adolescent which may be related to the rapid body growth.ConclusionsDistal compensatory curve had a tendency toward slight progression during follow‐up in CTH patients with posterior hemivertebra resection surgery. The prevalence of emerging scoliosis was 19.6% and the typical compensatory and idiopathic curve behavior were firstly proposed. Close and longitudinal follow‐up was thus highly recommended for CTH patients with posterior HV resection surgery.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: Insights From Systematic Reviews
Authors: Li Xuehua , Zhang He , Yang He , Song Yingli , Zhang Fengpei , Wang Aiping 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo conduct a comprehensive review of reversible factors associated with breast cancer, with the aim of offering insights for the creation of early intervention strategies for breast cancer prevention.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were systematically searched to collect systematic reviews and meta‐analyses related to breast cancer risk. Searches were limited to literature published from the inception of each database up to May 1, 2024. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality and evidence synthesis of the studies included in our review.ResultsWe included 31 systematic reviews in our analysis, and breast cancer risk factors were divided into four categories: diet and lifestyle habits, reproductive and familial factors, body weight and physical activity, and environmental and miscellaneous factors.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a high‐fat diet, low intake of dietary fiber, alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Conversely, physical activity and breastfeeding appear to lower breast cancer risk. However, the methodological and evidence quality of the reviewed studies was generally low, necessitating caution in the application of these findings. Additionally, there is a need for more research into lifestyle interventions to better develop and advocate for effective breast cancer prevention strategies.