bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells: a novel therapeutic approach for feline inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xie Qiyun , Gong Saisai , Cao Jintao , Li Aoyun , Kulyar Md. F. , Wang Bingyun , Li Jiakui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a significant and growing global health challenge, affecting both humans and domestic cats. Research on feline IBD has not kept pace with its widespread prevalence in human populations. This study aimed to develop a model of feline IBD by incorporating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSCs and to elucidate the mechanisms that enhance their action.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive clinical assessment, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopy, and histopathological examination. Additionally, alterations in intestinal microbiota were characterized by 16 S rDNA sequencing, and the influence of MSCs on IBD-related gene expression was investigated through transcriptome analysis.

Results
According to our findings, MSC treatment significantly mitigated DSS-induced clinical manifestations, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased the production of inflammatory mediators, and promoted mucosal repair. Regarding the intestinal microbiota, MSC intervention effectively corrected the DSS-induced dysbiosis, increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Transcriptome analysis revealed the ability of MSCs to modulate various inflammatory and immune-related signaling pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, TLR signaling pathways, and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusion
The collective findings indicate that MSCs exert multifaceted therapeutic effects on IBD, including the regulation of intestinal microbiota balance, suppression of inflammatory responses, enhancement of intestinal barrier repair, and modulation of immune responses. These insights provide a solid scientific foundation for employing MSCs as an innovative therapeutic strategy for IBD and pave the way for future clinical explorations.
Sex differences in the human brain related to visual motion perception
Authors: Liu Dong-Yu , Li Ming , Yu Juan , Gao Yuan , Zhang Xiaotong , Hu Dewen , Northoff Georg , Song Xue Mei , Zhu Junming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have found that the temporal duration required for males to perceive visual motion direction is significantly shorter than that for females. However, the neural correlates of such shortened duration perception remain yet unclear. Given that motion perception is primarily associated with the neural activity of the middle temporal visual complex (MT+), we here test the novel hypothesis that the neural mechanism of these behavioral sex differences is mainly related to the MT+ region.

Methods
We utilized ultra-high field (UHF) MRI to investigate sex differences in the MT+ brain region. A total of 95 subjects (48 females) participated in two separate studies. Cohort 1, consisting of 33 subjects (16 females), completed task-fMRI (drafting grating stimuli) experiment. Cohort 2, comprising 62 subjects (32 females), engaged in a psychophysical experiment measuring motion perception along different temporal thresholds as well as conducting structural and functional MRI scanning of MT+.

Results
Our findings show pronounced sex differences in major brain parameters within the left MT+ (but not the right MT+, i.e., laterality). In particular, males demonstrate (i) larger gray matter volume (GMV) and higher brain’s spontaneous activity at the fastest infra-slow frequency band in the left MT+; and (ii) stronger functional connectivity between the left MT+ and the left centromedial amygdala (CM). Meanwhile, both female and male participants exhibited comparable correlations between motion perception ability and the multimodal imaging indexes of the MT+ region, i.e., larger GMV, higher brain’s spontaneous activity, and faster motion discrimination.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal sex differences of imaging indicators of structure and function in the MT+ region, which also relate to the temporal threshold of motion discrimination. Overall, these results show how behavioral sex differences in visual motion perception are generated, and advocate considering sex as a crucial biological variable in both human brain and behavioral research.
The introduction of a highly virulent PRRSV strain in pig farms is associated with a change in the pattern of influenza A virus infection in nurseries
Authors: Domingo-Carreño Ivan , Serena Maria Soledad , Martín-Valls Gerard Eduard , Clilverd Hepzibar , Aguirre Laia , Cortey Martí , Mateu Enric 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine the dynamics of influenza A virus (IAV) infection in two endemically infected farms (F1 and F2), where a longitudinal follow-up of piglets was performed from birth to 8–12 weeks of age. During the study, a highly virulent isolate of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was introduced on both farms. This allowed us to examine the impact of such introduction on the patterns of infection, disease, and the antibody response of pigs to IAV infection. The introduction of the new PRRSV strain coincided with a change in the dynamics of IAV infection on both farms. In F1, the cumulative incidence of IAV increased from 20% before the outbreak to 67.5%, together with the existence of animals that tested positive for IAV (RT‒qPCR) in nasal swabs for two or more consecutive samples. In F2, the cumulative incidence of IAV increased from 50% before the PRRSV outbreak to 70%, and the proportion of prolonged IAV shedders increased sharply. Additionally, some animals were infected with the same IAV twice during the observation period. In contrast to previous reports, our study revealed that prolonged shedding was not related to the titres of maternally derived antibodies at the time of infection but was significantly (p < 0.05) related to PRRSV infection status. Notably, both before and after the PRRSV outbreak, a high proportion of IAV-infected piglets did not seroconvert, which was significantly (p < 0.05) related to the hemagglutination inhibition titres against IAV when infected.
Potassium channels in depression: emerging roles and potential targets
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Zhu Yao , Zhang Meng , Yan Jinglan , Zheng Yuanjia , Yao Lin , Li Ziwei , Shao Zihan , Chen Yongjun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPotassium ion channels play a fundamental role in regulating cell membrane repolarization, modulating the frequency and shape of action potentials, and maintaining the resting membrane potential. A growing number of studies have indicated that dysfunction in potassium channels associates with the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. However, the involvement of potassium channels in the onset and treatment of depression has not been thoroughly summarized. In this review, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the association between multiple potassium channels and their roles in depression, and compiles the SNP loci of potassium channels associated with depression, as well as antidepressant drugs that target these channels. We discussed the pivotal role of potassium channels in the treatment of depression, provide valuable insights into new therapeutic targets for antidepressant treatment and critical clues to future drug discovery.
Israeli dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding smoking cessation care
Authors: Vishnevsky Tamar , Aperman-Itzhak Tal , Tayeb Itzhak , Bar-Zeev Yael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The 5A’s model for brief smoking cessation care (SCC) is recommended for dentists to reduce the negative impacts of smoking on oral health. This study investigates Israeli dentists' adherence to the 5A’s guidelines and explores factors influencing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Israeli dentists during June–August 2020. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, smoking, and professional characteristics; knowledge (10 true/false statements); attitudes regarding SCC [based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)] using 13 statements (1–5 Likert scale), for a composite mean attitude score; and 5A’s performance (1–5 Likert scale, never to always). Two primary outcomes were analysed: (1) performing all of the 5A’s ‘often or always’; and (2) performing ‘always’ the first two steps (“Ask” and “Advise”). Multivariable logistic regression explored the association between the various characteristics and the primary outcomes.

Results
Overall, n = 410 responded. Mean knowledge score was 2.58 (SD = 1.51). Mean attitude score was 2.65 (SD = 0.60). Performance of all 5A’s was low with 14.1% (n = 57) reporting completing all 5A’s ‘often or always’, while 34.1% (n = 139) reported ‘always’ performing ‘Ask’ and ‘Advise’. Specialists had better odds of ‘often or always’ performing the 5A’s (adjusted OR = 2.01, p = .022) and ‘always’ performing ‘Ask and Advise’ (adjusted OR = 1.71, p = .022).

Conclusions
This study highlights the insufficient performance of SCC among Israeli dentists, revealing gaps in knowledge and attitudes related to SCC. Various measures, such as training, automatic referral systems, and integrating SCC as quality measures, may improve SCC provision among Israeli dentists.
Involvement of family caregivers in dementia care research: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Jagoda Franziska Anushi , Hirt Julian , Mueller Claudia , Halek Margareta 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Family caregivers of people with dementia are a distinct group due to the particularly stressful and time-intensive care situation at home. Despite these challenges, involving them in research is crucial to better understand and address their specific needs. However, little evidence exists regarding a tailored approach for researchers for this group considering their situation at home.

Methods
A scoping review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance, including the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus (Elsevier), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). The review will include family caregivers of people with dementia, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, who have been actively involved in research throughout the research process. Moreover, sources of evidence from any country in both English and German are eligible for inclusion. Sources will be screened by two independent reviewers. Results will be extracted using a tailored charting tool and presented in the final report according to the research questions and objectives.

Discussion
Developing a tailored approach to involve family caregivers of people with dementia in research and development has profound importance to both the scientific community and the target group itself.

Systematic review registration
Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PMZYV.
Understanding soil and ecosystem respiration in a dune-meadow cascade ecosystem
Authors: Kang Xueer , Liu Tingxi , Hao Lina , Duan Limin , Wu Rong , Tong Xin , Bao Yongzhi , Wang Yixuan , Gong Yu , Cao Wenmei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractArid and semi-arid regions, which account for more than 30% of the Earth's land area, increasingly dominate the spatiotemporal trends in global carbon fluxes. The Horqin Sandy Land is a typical semi-arid fragile ecosystem in northern China. Understanding the components of the carbon budget in ecosystems under conditions of extreme soil moisture limitations provides a foundation for comprehending the carbon balance in semi-arid ecosystems. The seasonal and diurnal variations in soil respiration (Rs) in semi-mobile dune (SD) and meadow wetland (MW) ecosystems of the Horqin Sandy Land were examined, and the sources of CO2 emissions from Rs were identified using stable carbon isotopes. The responses of Rs and ecosystem respiration (Reco) to environmental temperature, moisture and leaf area index (LAI) were revealed. The results showed that on a seasonal scale, in SD with soil moisture content (Ms) below field capacity (FC), Ms had a greater influence on Rs than soil temperature (Ts) during the growing season. Changes in the LAI during the middle and late growth period affected Rs by altering root carbon supply. In MW, the most favorable Ms for Rs was near FC. The increase in LAI before mowing could effectively promote root and soil microbial respiration, and the decomposition of litter driven by Ts was the main form of Rs at this time. After mowing, root respiration and soil microbial respiration were the main processes contributing to CO2 emissions. On a daily scale, relative humidity (RH) dominated the Rs variation under dry conditions, whereas in other conditions, the Rs was adequately explained by temperature in SD and MW. The overall Reco was larger than Rs, but occasionally Rs was greater than Reco. The effects of temperature, moisture and LAI on Reco and Rs varied with growing season. Adding factors, such as ecosystem type, vegetation growth, water, and heat, to the carbon cycle model can improve predictions of carbon emissions, and aid in further management decisions in arid and semi-arid areas.
Seed market dynamics and diffusion of new wheat varieties in Bihar, India: a supply-side perspective
Authors: Kala-Satheesh Hari Krishnan , Kuriyedath Drisya , Jaleel Jesna , Rahman E. P. Nihal , Sathyan Archana Raghavan , Khed Vijayalaxmi D. , Cariappa A. G. Adeeth , Krishna Vijesh V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAn examination of the dynamics of seed markets in Bihar, India, reveals a paradox—despite an influx of wheat varieties bred by public and private sectors and the proliferation of seed market networks in rural villages, older wheat varieties remain prevalent—necessitating a thorough investigation of the seed distribution system. Unlike most empirical studies that examine the adoption of new and improved crop varieties from a farmer's perspective, our study shifts the focus to the seed supply side. We analyse data collected from 200 private seed dealers who cater to the needs of over 163,000 farmers spread across 10 districts in Bihar. We use descriptive statistics alongside dealer-level and varietal-level regression models to examine the relationship between seed sales and varietal age. Findings indicate that the number of varieties available with a dealer (varietal richness) is positively associated with the number of seed buyers (dealer’s reach) and the total quantity of seeds sold. Private varieties are in demand despite their higher prices. Dealer-level models showed that varietal age affects neither the reach nor the sales, allowing older public-sector varieties to coexist with more recent private-sector ones. However, the varietal-level regression models show that dealers rank the new varieties higher as the ones being sold more. To explore the potential of private seed markets to reduce the proliferation of old wheat varieties that are more susceptible to evolving biotic and abiotic stress factors, we recommend strengthening the varietal registration and seed certification processes, implementing better seed traceability systems, and fostering public–private partnerships in variety development and seed dissemination. Investing in market experiments to incentivize seed dealers to engage in quality assurance can help refine strategies and ensure efficient and inclusive dissemination of promising wheat varieties.
Dietary supplementation with citrus peel extract in transition period improves rumen microbial composition and ameliorates energy metabolism and lactation performance of dairy cows
Authors: Ju Lingxue , Shao Qi , Fang Zhiyuan , Trevisi Erminio , Chen Meng , Song Yuxiang , Gao Wenwen , Lei Lin , Li Xinwei , Liu Guowen , Du Xiliang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
During the transition period, excessive negative energy balance (NEB) lead to metabolic disorders and reduced milk yield. Rumen microbes are responsible for resolving plant material and producing volatile fatty acids (VFA), which are the primary energy source for cows. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of citrus peel extract (CPE) supplementation on rumen microbiota composition, energy metabolism and milk performance of peripartum dairy cows.

Methods
Dairy cows were fed either a basal diet (CON group) or the same basal diet supplemented with CPE via intragastric administration (4 g/d, CPE group) for 6 weeks (3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving; n = 15 per group). Samples of serum, milk, rumen fluid, adipose tissue, and liver were collected to assess the effects of CPE on rumen microbiota composition, rumen fermentation parameters, milk performance, and energy metabolic status of dairy cows.

Results
CPE supplementation led to an increase in milk yield, milk protein and lactose contents, and serum glucose levels, while reduced serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and haptoglobin during the first month of lactation. CPE supplementation also increased the content of ruminal VFA. Compared to the CON group, the abundance of Prevotellaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, Bacteroidales_RF16_group, and Selenomonadaceae was found increased, while the abundance of Oscillospiraceae, F082, Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Muribaculaceae UCG-011, Saccharimonadaceae, Hungateiclostridiaceae, and Spirochaetaceae in the CPE group was found decreased. In adipose tissue, CPE supplementation decreased lipolysis, and inflammatory response, while increased insulin sensitivity. In the liver, CPE supplementation decreased lipid accumulation, increased insulin sensitivity, and upregulated expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that CPE supplementation during the peripartum period altered rumen microbiota composition and increased ruminal VFA contents, which further improved NEB and lactation performance, alleviated lipolysis and inflammatory response in adipose tissue, reduced lipid accumulation and promoted gluconeogenesis in liver. Thus, CPE might contribute to improve energy metabolism and consequently lactation performance of dairy cows during the transition period.
Spatial heterogeneity analysis on distribution patterns and underlying determinants of historical rural settlements: a case study in Taihang Baxing
Authors: Yuan Sinan , Mu Nanshuo , Bai Jinni , Zhang Han 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
As vital carriers of cultural heritage, rural areas are facing the threats of degradation and urbanization during rapid urbanization processes. In recent years, China has formulated and implemented a series of national policies, regulations, and heritage protection lists to safeguard and perpetuate the traditional patterns and historical features of rural heritage. However, these rural heritage listings exhibit significant macro-level distributional imbalances and generally lack consideration of regional characteristics. This study uses the Taihang Baxing (THBX) in China as a case study, initially employing historical local documents and maps as base data. It utilizes the stability in the evolution of Chinese characters to compare historical and contemporary village names, filtering out existing historical rural settlements (HRS) to construct a dataset. Further, a multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model is applied to analysis the impacts of natural, economic, and social factors on the concentration of HRS (CHRS). The study reveals that the CHRS in the region is markedly characterized by clustering, with evident spatial heterogeneity in the impacts of various factors. Slope (SLP), total annual precipitation (TP), and potential crop yield (PCY) significantly influence the CHRS globally, while elevation (ELV), distance to ancient path (DAP) and surface runoff (DSR), gross domestic product (GDP), and road density (RD) have significant local impacts. This research offers a methodological framework for HRS data compilation and provides theoretical and methodological references for national and local levels of rural heritage protection, optimization of rural spatial patterns, prediction of rural evolution pathways, and implementation of China’s rural revitalization strategy.
Simulating urban evolution by H-GIS and H-BIM: a temporal and spatial study of Pingjiang map
Authors: Mu Pania Yanjie , Fraser Sarah E. , Peng Maolin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Historical maps provide insights into the morphology, cultural, and political shifts of ancient societies. Pingjiang Map is one of the earliest comprehensive ancient Chinese maps, depicting the heritage water city of Suzhou. This study takes it as the subject to examine the temporal and spatial reconstructions of Suzhou city after its devastation in the Song-Jin wars during the twelfth–thirteenth centuries. It uses historical geographical information system (H-GIS) and historical building information management (H-BIM) to simulate Suzhou city in the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) and the city’s subsequent modernization to the present. By comparing and contrasting Pingjiang Map, the Song dynasty Suzhou, and the current city in the configuration of clusters such as urban wall, canal, street, government and citadel, temple, and residential ward, we establish evolutionary links between Pingjiang Map and the city, providing insights to the mechanism underlying urban transformation. Through H-BIM, we conducted a temporal and spatial analysis of the twelfth–thirteenth centuries’ citadel of Suzhou, simulating the construction sequence of palatial artefacts. Our research argues that Pingjiang Map stele forged an imperial vision, serving both for documentation and planning. It encoded building information for the central government to manage post-war reconstruction. The research establishes the workflow of ‘SQS’—spatialization, quantitative analysis, and simulation—to investigate the evolution of imperial cities and their cartography.
Development of a new device for CO2 microdiffusion analysis of fluid samples from volcanic areas without using a fixative
Authors: Yaguchi Muga , Ohba Takeshi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe propose a new reaction device for the microdiffusion analysis of CO2 in fluid samples from volcanic areas to improve the conventional analysis procedure, which requires a fixative and good handling skills. To accomplish this, a small resin reaction cell for the sample solution and acid (initiator for CO2 liberation) was devised and placed in a commercially available air-tight glass container with a Petri dish to form a microdiffusion analysis unit. The analysis was based on the principles of the conventional manual titration method that uses Ba(OH)2 as the CO2 absorbent. Using the new device, 99.5% recovery, with a relative standard deviation of 4.5% (n = 8), was achieved in a test analysis for 0.03 mmol of CO2 liberated from a Na2CO3 solution as a simulated sample. The analytical performance of the new device was almost comparable to that of conventional units under the experimental conditions of this study. Applying this new device for analyzing fluid samples from volcanic areas will contribute to enhancing the performance by reducing the possibility of CO2 contamination and by simplifying the process by eliminating the need for preparatory cleaning for fixative application.
Graphical Abstract