bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sea cucumber, Neostichopus grammatus, density and tank cleaning frequency affect abalone, Haliotis midae, growth in integrated multitrophic aquaculture
Authors: Onomu Abigail John , Slater Matthew James , Vine Niall Gordon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) of sea cucumber and abalone has been proposed as a potential bioremediation tool that stimulates increased abalone growth. This study assessed the role of sea cucumber stocking density and frequency of tank cleaning in IMTA on growth, water, and sludge bioremediation. The study was conducted for 16 weeks and was made of four treatments and four replicates; abalone cocultured with sea cucumber (low density—27: 1 g [abalone (ab): sea cucumber (sc)]) with tanks cleaned once a week (L1); abalone cocultured with sea cucumber (low density) with tanks cleaned twice a week (L2); abalone cocultured with sea cucumber (high density—15:1 g [ab:sc]) with tanks cleaned once a week (H1) and abalone cocultured with sea cucumber (high density) with tanks cleaned twice a week (H2). Rearing water nitrite was significantly lower (p = 0.001) at high stocking density of sea cucumbers, but sludge was unaffected. Tanks cleaned once weekly had higher sludge organic matter (p = 0.015) and sludge sulfur content (p = 0.020) and lower sludge carbon (p = 0.003) and nitrogen content (p = 0.049). At the end of the experiment, the stocking density of sea cucumber and frequency of tank cleaning affected abalone mean weight [p = 0.047; p = 0.011, respectively] without a significant interaction (p = 0.517). Abalone in H1 had a higher mean weight and shell length than abalone in L2 and H2 but was similar to those in L1. The stocking density and frequency of cleaning used in this study had no effect on the growth of sea cucumbers [p = 0.150; p = 0.470, respectively]. This study has shown that in an abalone–sea cucumber IMTA system, the stocking density of sea cucumber and the frequency at which tanks are cleaned influence abalone growth and bioremediation of the rearing water. Our result suggests H1 as the best density (ab:sc) and cleaning frequency. The tank cleaning frequency alone affects the tank sludge quality; tanks need not be washed too frequently as, in addition to causing animal stress, cleaning markedly increased carbon and nitrogen level of tank sludge. Both these effects are likely to negatively impact abalone growth.
Bolt loosening assessment using ensemble vision models for automatic localization and feature extraction with target‐free perspective adaptation
Authors: Pan Xiao , Yang T. Y. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBolt loosening assessment is crucial to identify early warnings of structural degradation and prevent catastrophic events. This paper proposes an automatic bolt loosening assessment methodology. First, a novel end‐to‐end ensemble vision model, Bolt‐FP‐Net, is proposed to reason the locations of bolts and their hexagonal feature patterns concurrently. Second, an adaptive target‐free perspective correction method is proposed to correct perspective distortion and enhance assessment accuracy. Finally, an iterative bolt loosening quantification is developed to estimate and refine the bolt loosening rotation. Experimental parametric studies indicated that the proposed Bolt‐FP‐Net can achieve excellent performance under different environmental conditions. Finally, a case study was conducted on steel bolt connections, which shows the proposed methodology can achieve high accuracy and real‐time speed in bolt loosening assessment.
Perception of Utility and Efficacy of Implementation of TEC‐MED Model of Care for Frail Older People and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lommi Marzia , D'Agostino Fabio , Esposito Giuseppe , Belsito Romina , Ciccacci Fausto , Pellicciari Maria Concetta , Porcel‐Gálvez Ana Maria , Lima‐Serrano Marta , Giannetta Noemi , Ivziku Dhurata 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe global population is ageing, and healthcare systems continue to adopt outdated social models of ageing that do not respond to older people's needs. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of participants in the implementation of the Transcultural social‐ethical‐care (TEC‐MED) model for integrated community care.MethodsA qualitative descriptive research study was conducted. Qualitative data were collected through individual interviews and focus groups with purposive sampling.ResultsWe gathered experiences from five older people, five informal caregivers, two training agents (nurses), six healthcare professionals and eight stakeholders (senior management of businesses, public administrators, researchers and educators). Four themes were extracted: TEC‐MED as a new model of home care, TEC‐MED model outcome, key role of training agent and platform and resources. Overall, all the participants were satisfied with the model and various positive outcomes were found. The TEC‐MED model of care was inclusive and personalised and bridged the communication and integration gaps between different services for the care of dependent older people and their caregivers in the community. Recommendations were made for improvements to the model.ConclusionNew models of care that are inclusive, personalised and integrated are necessary to respond to the multiple needs of the older people. A model that integrates the multiple skills of healthcare professionals is an optimum solution in the care of the older people and their caregivers in Mediterranean countries. Similar research is imperative for other healthcare systems to help them prepare adequately to respond effectively to the needs of present and new generations of older people.Implications for PracticeThe TEC‐MED model presents a promising approach to addressing the complex care needs of older people and their caregivers by fostering inclusivity, personalisation and integration across services. For nursing practice, this model emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the role of nurses in facilitating the adoption of new care strategies. Implementing such models in everyday practice could improve the quality of care provided to older adults, enhancing communication between healthcare providers and ensuring that care is more aligned with the individual needs of patients. Furthermore, integrating digital platforms and targeted resources, as highlighted in the TEC‐MED model, can aid in overcoming existing barriers in healthcare systems, improving the coordination of care at the community level.
The relationship between ON–OFF function and OCT structural and angiographic parameters in early diabetic retinal disease
Authors: Tang Vanessa T. S. , Symons Robert C. A. , Fourlanos Spiros , Guest Daryl , McKendrick Allison M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study measured associations between ON and OFF functional indicators and structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) markers in diabetic retinal disease.MethodsFifty‐four participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (mean age = 34.1 years; range 18–60) and 48 age‐matched controls (mean age = 35.4 years, range 18–59) underwent visual psychophysical testing, OCT and OCTA retinal imaging. Psychophysical tasks measuring (A) contrast increment and decrement sensitivity and (B) response times to increment and decrement targets were assessed as surrogate measures of ON and OFF retinal ganglion cell function.ResultsThe group with diabetes had worse foveal contrast increment and decrement thresholds (p = 0.04) and were slower to search for increment and decrement targets relative to controls (p = 0.009). Individuals with diabetes had a less circular foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (p < 0.001) but did not differ from controls in foveal vessel density and FAZ area. Functional and structural outcome measures related to the peripheral retina were also comparable between those with and without diabetes. Functional responses to increments and decrements were not significantly correlated with FAZ circularity or vessel density in individuals with diabetes.ConclusionsDiabetic retinal disease results in impaired performance on measures of inferred ON and OFF pathway function in addition to vascular deficits measurable with OCTA. Future longitudinal studies may determine the temporal relationship between these deficits, and whether they predict future diabetic retinopathy.
A Polyphonic Debate on Social Equity Budgeting
Authors: McDonald Bruce D. , Ferry Laurence , McCandless Sean A. , Jordan Meagan M. , Steccolini Ileana , Bartle John R. , Ahrens Thomas , Haslam Jim , Joyce Philip G. , Polzer Tobias 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper is polyphonic (i.e., a debate involving multiple perspectives) and highlights emerging interdisciplinary thoughts on past, current, and future social equity budgeting (SEB). We present a vision for the field and emphasize the potential impact of this paper. We hope to enliven debates regarding context, underpinning philosophies, and methods, thus fostering a greater theoretical and practical reconsideration of SEB. The impact of this paper is significant, as it leads to a fundamental rethinking of SEB and related research, profoundly influencing the field. To do so, this paper has brought together 10 international scholars to foster an interdisciplinary approach regarding views and strategies. The richness of looking at a plurality of perspectives enables exploring developments that open the potential for a much greater theoretical and practical reconsideration of SEB and related research. The paper shows that while there is much convergence on the importance of ongoing research on gender, race, and class, there can also be more research on areas such as SEB's philosophical, theoretical, and empirical underpinnings that need further development.
Identification and Characterization of Innate Immunity in Actinidia melanandra in Response to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae
Authors: Hemara Lauren M. , Chatterjee Abhishek , Yeh Shin‐Mei , Chen Ronan K. Y. , Hilario Elena , Lievre Liam Le , Crowhurst Ross N. , Bohne Deborah , Arshed Saadiah , Patterson Haileigh R. , Barrett‐Manako Kelvina , Thomson Susan , Allan Andrew C. , Brendolise Cyril , Chagné David , Templeton Matthew D. , Tahir Jibran , Jayaraman Jay 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) has decimated kiwifruit orchards growing susceptible kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis varieties. Effector loss has occurred recently in Psa3 isolates from resistant kiwifruit germplasm, resulting in strains capable of partially overcoming resistance present in kiwiberry vines (Actinidia arguta, Actinidia polygama, and Actinidia melanandra). Diploid male A. melanandra recognises several effectors, sharing recognition of at least one avirulence effector (HopAW1a) with previously studied tetraploid kiwiberry vines. Sequencing and assembly of the A. melanandra genome enabled the characterisation of the transcriptomic response of this non‐host to wild‐type and genetic mutants of Psa3. A. melanandra appears to mount a classic effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) response to wildtype Psa3 V‐13, as expected. Surprisingly, the type III secretion (T3SS) system‐lacking Psa3 V‐13 ∆hrcC strain did not appear to trigger pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) despite lacking the ability to deliver immunity‐suppressing effectors. Contrasting the A. melanandra responses to an effectorless Psa3 V‐13 ∆33E strain and to Psa3 V‐13 ∆hrcC suggested that PTI triggered by Psa3 V‐13 was based on the recognition of the T3SS itself. The characterisation of both ETI and PTI branches of innate immunity responses within A. melanandra further enables breeding for durable resistance in future kiwifruit cultivars.
A Novel Secreted Protein of Fusarium oxysporum Promotes Infection by Inhibiting PR‐5 Protein in Plant
Authors: Qian Hengwei , Xiao Zhiliang , Cheng Lirui , Geng Ruimei , Ma Yan , Bi Yanxiao , Liang Wenxing , Yang Aiguo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFusarium oxysporum, an important soilborne fungal pathogen that causes serious Fusarium wilt disease, secretes diverse effectors during the infection. In this study, we identified a novel secreted cysteine‐rich protein, FolSCP1, which contains unknown protein functional domain. Here, we characterized FolSCP1 as a secreted virulence factor that promotes the pathogen infection of host plants by inhibiting diverse plant defence responses. FolSCP1 interacted with the pathogenesis‐related 5 (PR‐5) protein SlPR5, a positive regulator of tomato plant immunity against multiple tomato pathogens, and effectively attenuated the antifungal activity of the tomato PR‐5 protein. FoSCP1, a homologue of FolSCP1, was secreted by a F. oxysporum isolate from infected tobacco and targeted the tobacco PR‐5 protein NtPR5 to suppress plant defence for further infection. In summary, our study revealed a fungal virulence strategy in which F. oxysporum secrete effectors that interfere with plant immunity by binding to the PR‐5 protein of the host plant and inhibiting its biological activity, thereby promoting fungal infection.
Couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality in Chinese couples
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Tong Wei , Li Qingyin , He Qiong , Ma Shanshan , Fang Xiaoyi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAffection plays a crucial role in romantic relationships, as individuals exchange affection with each other to build and maintain relationships. This study applied affection exchange theory (AET) to examine affection exchange patterns within marital dyads, employing couple‐centered approaches. The aim was to identify different types of couple affection exchange profiles based on both partners' affection given and received. The sample consisted of 668 Chinese heterosexual couples. Additionally, this study explored the association between couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality. Through latent profile analysis, three distinct profiles were identified: reserved (47.1%), invisible (10.5%), and highly affectionate (42.4%). Further between‐profile comparisons regarding marital quality indicated that couples in the highly affectionate profile report the most satisfying marriages, whereas the invisible profile represents the least desirable outcome. The findings highlight the diverse nature of couple affection exchange and offer valuable insights for couple therapy interventions focused on affection.
The effect of photobiomodulation therapy on implant stability: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Arshad Mahnaz , Mazidi Yekta , Chiniforush Nasim , Shirvani Armin , Bassir Seyed Hossein 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study was designed to determine the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on dental implant stability. A complete systematic search was performed in PUBMED/MEDLINE, COCHRANE library databases, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases on articles published until June 2024. All the RCTs and CCTs reported the solo impact of photobiomodulation on dental implant stability in humans were included. The means and standard deviation for implant stability and sample size were extracted for the meta‐analysis. The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 17 software, and random effect models were applied to assess the source of heterogeneity. The I2 statistic was used to estimate the significance of any discrepancies in the therapy result. After a full‐text inspection, 17 articles were qualified for systematic review, and 14 were included in the meta‐analysis. Statically significant differences in implant stability were observed between the laser and the control groups on weeks 2 in ISQ reporting groups (p = 0.01, CI 95%) and weeks 4 and 8 in PTV reporting groups (p < 0.001, CI 95%). Despite limitations, the study suggests that PBM therapy benefits patients with dental implants at different periods, particularly during the early phases of healing.
Linking brain–heart interactions to emotional arousal in immersive virtual reality
Authors: Fourcade A. , Klotzsche F. , Hofmann S. M. , Mariola A. , Nikulin V. V. , Villringer A. , Gaebler M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe subjective experience of emotions is linked to the contextualized perception and appraisal of changes in bodily (e.g., heart) activity. Increased emotional arousal has been related to attenuated high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV), lower EEG parieto‐occipital alpha power, and higher heartbeat‐evoked potential (HEP) amplitudes. We studied emotional arousal‐related brain–heart interactions using immersive virtual reality (VR) for naturalistic yet controlled emotion induction. Twenty‐nine healthy adults (13 women, age: 26 ± 3) completed a VR experience that included rollercoasters while EEG and ECG were recorded. Continuous emotional arousal ratings were collected during a video replay immediately after. We analyzed emotional arousal‐related changes in HF‐HRV as well as in BHIs using HEPs. Additionally, we used the oscillatory information in the ECG and the EEG to model the directional information flows between the brain and heart activity. We found that higher emotional arousal was associated with lower HEP amplitudes in a left fronto‐central electrode cluster. While parasympathetic modulation of the heart (HF‐HRV) and parieto‐occipital EEG alpha power were reduced during higher emotional arousal, there was no evidence for the hypothesized emotional arousal‐related changes in bidirectional information flow between them. Whole‐brain exploratory analyses in additional EEG (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) and HRV (low‐frequency, LF, and HF) frequency bands revealed a temporo‐occipital cluster, in which higher emotional arousal was linked to decreased brain‐to‐heart (i.e., gamma→HF‐HRV) and increased heart‐to‐brain (i.e., LF‐HRV → gamma) information flow. Our results confirm previous findings from less naturalistic experiments and suggest a link between emotional arousal and brain–heart interactions in temporo‐occipital gamma power.
Influence of free and microencapsulated recombinant rabbit nerve growth factor with chitosan on rabbit sperm quality parameters
Authors: Gimeno‐Martos Silvia , Bosa Luigia , Lorenzo Pedro Luis , Arias‐Alvarez María , Castellini Cesare , García‐Rebollar Pilar , García‐García Rosa María 
Published: October 2024

Abstractβ‐nerve growth factor (βNGF) plays a crucial role in reproductive physiology and sperm quality. Enzymatic activity of seminal plasma and vaginal fluids reduces available βNGF and it has been demonstrated that chitosan microspheres could protect rrβNGF from degradation. This study examined the effects of microencapsulated rrbNGF with chitosan on rabbit sperm viability, motility and capacitation status. Results showed that 0.5 and 1 μg/mL of microencapsulated rrβNGF, as well as free rrβNGF or empty microspheres, did not adversely affect sperm viability or total motility after 2 h of incubation. However, the highest progressivity kinetic parameters were observed with 1 μg/mL free rrβNGF, while the highest curvilinear velocity (VCL) occurred with 0.5 μg/mL microencapsulated rrβNGF. Empty chitosan microspheres did not induce acrosome reaction (AR), but both concentrations of free and rrβNGFch favoured AR during in vitro incubation. The study suggests that using chitosan spheres did not show any adverse effects on sperm traits, unlike free rβNGF and rrβNGFch promoted capacitation and AR. Further research is needed to explore the potential of rrβNGFch in modifying in vitro capacitation and inducing ovulation during artificial insemination.
Why choose the rabbit to work in reproductive technology?
Authors: Marco‐Jiménez Francisco , Viudes‐de‐Castro María Pilar , Vicente José Salvador 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRabbits have played a significant role in both livestock production and the advancement of reproductive scientific research. Their unique biological traits, including induced ovulation and a reproductive process that closely mirrors that of humans, have been pivotal in their use as a model. Moreover, their body size is perfectly aligned with the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Consequently, techniques for gamete collection and embryo recovery, followed by their use in artificial insemination or embryo transfer, are characterized by being minimally invasive. However, refining in vitro fertilization and embryo culture techniques continues to present challenges. The incorporation of cutting‐edge genomic editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, has reestablished rabbits as essential models in genetic and biomedical research, driving scientific progress. This review aims to describe the most effective reproductive biotechnologies for both male and female rabbits and how these methodologies are in line with the 3Rs principles—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—highlighting their significance in conducting ethical research.
Enhancing felid conservation: Exploring the impact of in vitro culture media on domestic cat blastocyst production
Authors: Munoz‐Maceda Ana , Priego‐Gonzalez Andrea , Núñez‐Puente Carolina , Rizos Dimitrios , Cerdeira‐Lozano Joaquín , Sanchez‐Rodriguez Ana , Roldan Eduardo R. S. , Sánchez‐Calabuig Maria Jesus 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the optimization of assisted reproductive techniques for wild felid conservation, focusing on in vitro procedures using the domestic cat as a model species. The research evaluated the impact of three different in vitro culture media on blastocyst formation. Oocytes and spermatozoa were collected and processed, followed by in vitro fertilization and culture. Results returned a similar blastocyst rate (ANOVA, p > .05), over 16% across all groups. While demonstrating the potential of these techniques, further investigations are warranted to evaluate embryo quality to refine optimal protocols and their applicability in felid conservation efforts.
In vitro exposure of porcine sperm to functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Garrappa Gabriela , Martínez‐López Cristina , Jiménez‐Movilla María , García‐Vázquez Francisco A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNanotechnology and its applications have advanced significantly in recent decades, contributing to various fields, including reproduction. This study introduces a novel method to label porcine oocytes with nanoparticles (NPs) bound to oviductin (OVGP1, Ov) for use in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). Despite promising developments, concerns about NP toxicity in gametes necessitate thorough investigation. This research aims to assess the impact of functionalized NPs (NPOv) on sperm functionality. Boar sperm were co‐incubated with NPOv for 0, 0.5 and 1 h in two media: BTS (semen dilution and conservation) and TALP (sperm capacitation and in vitro fertilization‐IVF). Sperm quality parameters (viability, motility and kinematics) showed no significant differences in TALP medium (p > .05). In BTS, although some kinetic parameters were altered, motility, progressive motility and viability remained unaffected (p > .05). Additionally, NPs presence on the zona pellucida (ZP) of oocytes did not affect sperm attachment (p > .05). In conclusion, in vitro exposure of boar sperm to OVGP1‐functionalized NPs in IVF medium or attached to the ZP surface of matured oocytes does not impair sperm functionality, including their binding ability to the ZP.