bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of the external genitals in female human embryos and foetuses. Part 1: Perineal thick skin, clitoris and labia
Authors: Hülsman Cindy J. M. , Gao Hui , Kruepunga Nutmethee , Mommen Greet M. C. , Köhler S. Eleonore , Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Lamers Wouter H. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConcomitant with the rupture of the cloacal membrane in the 6th week of development, the intermediate layer of the perineal‐skin epithelium thickens. We investigated its distribution and the development of the corresponding subcutaneous compartments in serial sections of female human embryos and foetuses and prepared 3D reconstructions to establish topographic relations. The thick‐skin area becomes restricted to the outlets of the genital and intestinal tracts. The clitoris and labia majora become identifiable at ~7 weeks. The mesenchymal mass inside the clitoris soon divides into the glans and the cavernous bodies. The clitoral hood forms between 10 and 14 weeks as a fold of tissue that extends from proximal to distal over the glans. Due to the caudal bending of the clitoral shaft, the labia majora gradually cover the clitoris after ~14 weeks. The labia minora form at ~8 weeks from the ridges of thick‐skin epithelium that flank the genital exit. They are continuous ventrolaterally with the clitoral hood and ventromedially with the apex of the cavernous body. Dorsally, their dense subcutaneous mesenchymal core extends to the anal canal. Between 8 and 14 weeks, the urethra lengthens axially, while the vaginal vestibule extends ventrally. In this period, the urethral plate of female embryos is mitotically active but does not increase in volume, which suggests that it contributes to vestibular growth. In conclusion, we observed a temporal correlation between the development of the thick‐skin epithelium and that of the external genitals, with a distribution that is reminiscent of the dihydrotestosterone‐sensitive skin.
Factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age: Focusing on newborn feeding behaviours in a Japanese maternity hospital
Authors: Tomita Aya , Tahara‐Sasagawa Emi , Yonezawa Kaori , Usui Yuriko , Haruna Megumi 
Published: October 2024

AimThis study investigated the relationship between newborn feeding behaviour and feeding type among month‐old babies and explored maternal and neonatal factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age.MethodsThis observational study was conducted in Japan with healthy mothers and full‐term newborns. Newborn feeding behaviours were assessed using the Japanese Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) within approximately 1 day of birth. Obstetric and newborn characteristics, including newborn feeding behaviours, were investigated in relation feeding type (breast milk or mixed milk) at 1 month of age.ResultsThis study included 176 mother–newborn pairs. IBFAT scores were significantly higher in the breast‐milk group (Median (M) = 10.5, Interquartile Ranges (IQR): 9.0–11.0) than in the mixed‐milk group (M = 10.0, IQR: 7.5–11.0) (P = 0.046). Additionally, the sucking pattern of breastfeeding was showing a greater distribution of higher scores in the breast‐milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 2.0–2.5) than in the mixed‐milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 1.5–2.5) (P = 0.015). Compared to mothers who received epidural analgesia or synthetic oxytocin, primiparas who did not receive them were more likely to breastfeed (epidural analgesia: (33.3% vs. 65.8%, P = 0.004); synthetic oxytocin: (42.0% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.018)). For multiparas, Apgar and IBFAT scores were associated with feeding type at 1 month of age.ConclusionsThis study found that newborns' effective and sustained sucking within 1 day of birth is an important factor for breastfeeding at 1 month of age. When assessing feeding type, maternal factors such as epidural analgesia should be the focus for primiparas, while neonatal factors such as feeding behaviour should be prioritised for multiparas.
Association between obesogenic environments and childhood overweight/obesity across the United States: Differences by rurality
Authors: Davis Kara , Abshire Demetrius A. , Monroe Courtney , Rudisill Caroline , Kaczynski Andrew T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeChildhood obesity is more prevalent in rural compared to urban communities and may be related to urban‐rural differences in environmental factors known to affect obesity. However, understanding of how environmental factors impact childhood obesity in rural settings remains limited. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the relationship between obesogenic environments and childhood overweight/obesity rates, including variations across the urban‐rural continuum.MethodsThis study analyzed data for counties in the United States (N = 3140). Linear regression models were employed to examine the relationship between the Childhood Obesogenic Environment Index, which consisted of ten variables from a variety of sources associated with physical activity and healthy eating, and childhood overweight/obesity rates estimates derived from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. County rurality was categorized using Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes and a moderation analysis was conducted to identify potential variations by rurality.FindingsThere was a significant positive association between the COEI and childhood overweight/obesity rates nationally, with notable variations across the urban‐rural continuum for specific index components. Neighborhood walkability showed a significant positive association across rurality, indicating that childhood overweight/obesity rates were higher in less walkable communities. Full‐service restaurants exhibited an inverse relationship with childhood overweight/obesity rates across all RUCC levels.ConclusionsThese results underscore the obesogenic environmental factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity rates nationally and how they vary across the urban‐rural continuum. This study highlights the importance of considering these variations when designing interventions to address childhood obesity.
Using concept mapping to co‐create implementation strategies to address maternal–child food insecurity during the first 1000 days of life
Authors: Saragosa Amanda C. , Flatt Jason D. , Buccini Gabriela 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFood insecurity (FI) has short‐ and long‐term effects on maternal and child health, with persistent inequities within under‐resourced communities of colour (e.g., Hispanic and Non‐Hispanic Black). Interventions to mitigate maternal–child FI must engage the voices of under‐resourced communities of colour to improve implementation and tackle socio‐ecological drivers of inequities, leading to positive maternal–child outcomes. This exploratory sequential mixed‐methods study aimed to co‐create implementation strategies to tailor a culturally sensitive intervention to address FI during the first 1000 days of life in under‐resourced communities of colour in Las Vegas. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) engaged in a two‐step participatory process. First, through the concept mapping, hierarchical cluster analysis organized 125 strategies into seven thematic areas: policy and advocacy, access to food and resources, built environment, education across systems, social and peer support, cultural congruency and trust, and wellness and mental health. Second, through consensus‐building, strategies were combined by similarity (n = 94) and excluded if unrelated to health and nutrition (n = 9). The CAB reached a consensus on 22 strategies classified across three socio‐ecological levels. Examples of strategies at the community level (n = 16) included increasing utilization of federal nutrition assistance programmes; at the service level (n = 4), integrating FI screenings and referral coordination systems across services; and at the individual level (n = 2), providing mentorship, education, and support for families and moms. The co‐creation of a culturally sensitive intervention to reduce inequities in maternal‐child FI during the first 1000 days of life requires multi‐level strategies across three socio‐ecological levels in under‐resourced communities of colour in Las Vegas.
A virulent milRNA inhibits host immunity by silencing a host receptor‐like kinase MaLYK3 and facilitates infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Authors: He Jiahui , Zhong Jiaqi , Jin Longqi , Long Yike , Situ Junjian , He Chengcheng , Kong Guanghui , Jiang Zide , Li Minhui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMicroRNA‐like RNAs (milRNAs) play a significant role in the infection process by plant‐pathogenic fungi. However, the specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of fungal milRNAs remain insufficiently elucidated. This study investigated the function of Foc‐milR138, an infection‐induced milRNA secreted by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), which is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana. Initially, through precursor gene knockout and phenotypic assessments, we confirmed that Foc‐milR138 acts as a virulent milRNA prominently upregulated during the early stages of Foc infection. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses and transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves identified a host receptor‐like kinase gene, MaLYK3, as the direct target of Foc‐milR138. Functional investigations of MaLYK3 revealed its pivotal role in triggering immune responses of N. benthamiana by upregulating a suite of resistance genes, bolstering reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and callose deposition, thereby fortifying disease resistance. This response was markedly subdued upon co‐expression with Foc‐milR138. Expression pattern analysis further verified the specific suppression of MaLYK3 by Foc‐milR138 during the early root infection by Foc. In conclusion, Foc secretes a virulent milRNA (Foc‐milR138) to enter the host banana cells and inhibit the expression of the plant surface receptor‐like kinase MaLYK3, subverting the disease resistance activated by MaLYK3, and ultimately facilitating pathogen invasion. These findings shed light on the roles of fungal milRNAs and their targets in resistance and pathogenicity, offering promising avenues for the development of disease‐resistant banana cultivars.
NELL‐1 membranous nephropathy due to mercury exposure from fairness cream: Report of two cases
Authors: Jawandhiya Pankaj , Gupta Ankur 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMercury contained in beauty‐enhancing cosmetics can cause chronic poisoning and membranous nephropathy (MN). We report two cases of nephrotic syndrome caused by MN with evidence of mercury poisoning due to the application of fairness cream in a short duration of a few months. The individuals were positive for neural epidermal growth factor‐like 1 [NELL‐1]. Discontinuation of the use of cosmetic products and modified Ponticelli regimen improved the nephrotic state in these individuals. We suggest that mercury poisoning should be considered in NELL‐1‐positive individuals with a history of application of beauty products.
Acylsugars, Nicotine and a Protease Inhibitor Provide Variable Protection for Nicotiana benthamiana in a Natural Setting
Authors: Negin Boaz , Wang Fumin , Fischer Hillary D. , Jander Georg 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPlants produce an immense diversity of defensive specialized metabolites. However, despite extensive functional characterization, the relative importance of different defensive compounds is rarely examined in natural settings. Here, we compare the efficacy of three Nicotiana benthamiana defensive compounds, nicotine, acylsugars and a serine protease inhibitor, by growing plants with combinations of knockout mutations in a natural setting, quantifying invertebrate interactions and comparing relative plant performance. Among the three tested compounds, acylsugars had the greatest defensive capacity, affecting aphids, leafhoppers, spiders and flies. Nicotine mutants displayed increased leafhopper feeding and aphid colonization. Plants lacking both nicotine and acylsugars were more susceptible to flea beetles and thrips. By contrast, knockout of the serine protease inhibitor did not affect insect herbivory in the field. Complementary experiments under controlled laboratory conditions with caterpillars, grasshoppers and aphids confirmed results obtained in a natural setting. We conclude that the three metabolite groups collectively provide broad‐spectrum protection to N. benthamiana. However, there is a gradient in their effects on the interacting invertebrates present in the field. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, even if individual metabolites do not have a measurable defensive benefit on their own, they can have an additive effect when combined with other defensive compounds.
Evolutionary Conserved and Divergent Responses to Copper Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Inhibition in Plants
Authors: Frohn Stephanie , Haas Fabian B. , Chavez Benjamin G. , Dreyer Bernd H. , Reiss Erik V. , Ziplys Anne , Weichert Heiko , Hiltemann Saskia , Ugalde José M. , Meyer Andreas J. , D'Auria John C. , Rensing Stefan A. , Schippers Jos H. M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAfter an initial evolution in a reducing environment, life got successively challenged by reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially during the great oxidation event (GOE) that followed the development of photosynthesis. Therefore, ROS are deeply intertwined into the physiological, morphological and transcriptional responses of most present‐day organisms. Copper‐zinc superoxide dismutases (CuZnSODs) evolved during the GOE and are present in charophytes and extant land plants, but nearly absent from chlorophytes. The chemical inhibitor of CuZnSOD, lung cancer screen 1 (LCS‐1), could greatly facilitate the study of SODs in diverse plants. Here, we determined the impact of chemical inhibition of plant CuZnSOD activity, on plant growth, transcription and metabolism. We followed a comparative approach by using different plant species, including Marchantia Polymorpha and Physcomitrium patens, representing bryophytes, the sister lineage to vascular plants, and Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that LCS‐1 causes oxidative stress in plants and that the inhibition of CuZnSODs provoked a similar core response that mainly impacted glutathione homoeostasis in all plant species analysed. That said, Physcomitrium and Arabidopsis, which contain multiple CuZnSOD isoforms showed a more complex and exacerbated response. In addition, an untargeted metabolomics approach revealed a specific metabolic signature for each plant species. Our comparative analysis exposes a conserved core response at the physiological and transcriptional level towards LCS‐1, while the metabolic response largely varies. These differences correlate with the number and localization of the CuZnSOD isoforms present in each species.
Bovine serum albumin inclusion in the thawing extender improves boar sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez Manuel , Nieto‐Cristobal Helena , de Mercado Eduardo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of bovine serum albumin (BSA) inclusion in the thawing extender on boar sperm quality. Thawing protocols in sperm cryopreservation are vital, yet underexplored. It has been determined that BSA can interact with membranes, stabilizing them and preventing damage during the freezing process, for this reason it could also have a beneficial effect during thawing. Our study explores modifications in the conventional Beltsville thawing solution, incorporating BSA at different concentrations (0.005, 0.01, 0.025 and 0.050 g/mL), and evaluating the sperm quality after up to 150 min post‐thawing incubation (37°C). All BSA concentrations preserved plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, relative to control (BSA absence). In addition, 0.025 g/mL BSA group preserves acrosome integrity over time without compromising motility or kinetic parameters. Our study suggests that BSA inclusion in thawing extenders should be considered as an additive for improving post‐thaw boar sperm quality.
Prolonged incubation of frozen–thawed equine spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization: A preliminary study using low temperature and INRA96 medium
Authors: Luis‐Calero Marcos , Muñoz‐García Carmen C. , Fernández‐Hernández Pablo , Macías‐García Beatriz , González‐Fernández Lauro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA protocol for conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in horses using fresh semen has been described, using a prolonged incubation in FERT‐TALP medium (22 h) at 38.2°C in the presence of penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE). Our work aimed to develop a protocol that maintains quality parameters in frozen–thawed equine spermatozoa incubated for 22 h in the presence of PHE using different media (FERT‐TALP and INRA96) and incubation temperatures (30 and 38.2°C). Twelve frozen ejaculates from four stallions were thawed and then incubated in either FERT‐TALP or INRA96 with PHE at 30 or 38.2°C for 22 h. Following incubation, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), viability and acrosome integrity were evaluated. The results showed that TM was significantly higher (p < .001) at 30°C in both media, while PM was higher for INRA96 at 30°C compared to 38°C (p < .05). Moreover, INRA96 at 30°C exhibited higher sperm viability and acrosome integrity (p < .001) compared to the other experimental groups. These preliminary results suggest that incubating thawed equine spermatozoa at 30°C with PHE in INRA96 successfully maintains motility, viability and acrosome integrity in equine spermatozoa, indicating its potential use for conventional equine IVF.
Impact of semen cryopreservation season on in vitro embryo production of prepubertal goat oocytes
Authors: Ferrer‐Roda Mònica , Catalán Jaime , Izquierdo Dolors , Oliveira Maria Emilia Franco , Paramio Maria‐Teresa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGoat production is affected by reproductive seasonality. In vitro embryo production (IVEP) could overcome this effect. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the season of semen collection/freezing on IVEP of prepubertal goat oocytes and on sperm quality and functionality concerning capacitation. Semen from six fertile bucks was collected, pooled and cryopreserved in spring and autumn and used for IVEP of oocytes recovered during the breeding season. Oocytes were IVM in TCM‐199 with hormones, EGF and cysteamine; fertilized and cultured in BO‐IVF and BO‐IVC media (IVF Bioscience, UK). Semen samples were assessed at 0 and 3 h after culture in capacitating (BO‐IVF, CAP) and non‐capacitating conditions for sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular calcium and plasma membrane lipid disorder. Blastocyst production was higher with spring sperm compared to autumn (12.0% vs. 2.1%, respectively; p < .05). After CAP, acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium were higher (p < .05) in spring than autumn sperm. No differences were found in other sperm parameters. In conclusion, seasonal variations in the IVEP of prepubertal goats could be linked to differences in sperm ability to undergo in vitro capacitation.
The Cryotop vitrification system is competent for the simultaneous cryopreservation of large numbers of pig in vitro‐produced blastocysts
Authors: González‐Plaza A. , Garcia‐Canovas M. , Parrilla I. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H. , Gil M. A. , Martinez E. A. , Cuello C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness, in terms of viability and quality post‐warming, when vitrifying in vitro‐produced (IVP) pig blastocysts with either a modified Cryotop (n = 161; 20 blastocysts/device) or the conventional Superfine Open Pulled Straw (SOPS; n=160; 5‐6 blastocysts/device systems. Blastocyst viability, morphology, and apoptosis parameters were evaluated after 24 h of in vitro culture. The Cryotop system yields better results in terms of higher embryo viability and total cell numbers (p < .05) and lower apoptosis (p < .05) parameters than the SOPS procedure, defining a high effectiveness to simultaneously vitrify 20 pig IVP blastocysts at one time, thus increasing the yield of IVP blastocysts readily available for embryo transfer.
Impact of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine on spindle morphology and reactive oxygen species in vitrified/warmed in vitro matured bovine oocytes
Authors: Gago Sonia , Diaz‐Muñoz Judith , Mogas Teresa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLow developmental potential of vitrified in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes is frequently attributed to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal spindle assembly. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), a cell‐permeating antioxidant, added to IVM medium in reducing ROS and preserving spindle configuration of vitrified/warmed IVM bovine oocytes. Oocytes collected from abattoir ovaries were either cultured in IVM medium or in IVM medium supplemented with 1 mM NAC for the initial 8 h of IVM. Half of the oocytes of each group were vitrified/warmed, and spindle morphology and ROS production were assessed at 24 h of IVM. Results indicated that fresh oocytes IVM with NAC improved spindle configuration, with significantly lower ROS levels compared to the control group. Vitrification resulted in lower percentages of bovine oocytes reaching the metaphase II stage but similar ROS levels to non‐vitrified oocytes, regardless of NAC supplementation. However, the supplementation of NAC during maturation had no effect on spindle or chromosome configuration of vitrified oocytes. These findings emphasize NAC's potential in enhancing the quality of IVM bovine oocytes but its addition at 1 mM for 8 h to IVM medium did not decrease levels of ROS nor improve spindle assembly after vitrification.
A new hormonal protocol supports early development of in vitro‐produced embryos after transfer to anoestrus mares
Authors: Muñoz‐García Carmen C. , Luis‐Calero Marcos , Fernández‐Hernández Pablo , Pizarro‐Hernández Alba , Fernández‐González Raúl , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Sánchez‐Calabuig María Jesús , Cuervo‐Arango Juan , González‐Fernández Lauro , Macías‐García Beatriz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate whether primed anoestrus mares are suitable recipients for embryos produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Anoestrus was confirmed in four mares and daily doses of oestradiol benzoate (6 mg in total) over 5 days were administered; after 3 days of rest, oral altrenogest was administered at 0.088 mg/kg and embryos (1 to 5 embryos per mare; 15 in total) were transferred 3.5 days after progesterone onset. Uterine lavage was conducted 48 h after transfer. The results revealed an 80% embryo recovery rate, and among the retrieved embryos, 67% showed evident intrauterine development. Hence, ICSI‐derived embryos can be successfully transferred to primed anoestrus mares, but more studies are required to ensure further embryo development and foaling.
Prevalence of pseudopregnancy in bitch attending a veterinary teaching hospital in Spain
Authors: Falceto Maria Victoria , Garrido Ana Maria , Bueno Marta , Tejedor Maria Teresa , Cantin Julia , Garza‐Moreno Laura , Mitjana Olga 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPseudopregnancy (PSG) is one of the most common syndromes diagnosed after oestrous cycle in female dogs. We found a diagnosed prevalence of PSG at 30.81% among reproductive pathologies in bitch. Concentrated oestrous occurrences in spring and autumn influence PSG distribution. PSG onset is marked by behavioural changes, followed by physical signs (mammary enlargement and galactorrhea). The last oestrous‐PSG onset interval ranged from 1 to 6 months (median = 3.0 months) and the median for the interval spaying‐PSG onset was 7.0 days. Half of the cases were discharged after 16 days, surpassing recommended treatment periods for cabergoline (4–6 days) and metergoline (8 days). Although Elizabethan collars were recommended, actual compliance stood at two‐thirds of cases. Our study highlights the possible underestimation of the PSG prevalence, probably due to lack of identification of clinical signs by owners. Further research is warranted to better understand possible risk factors, preventive measures or therapeutic options.