bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An intracellular, non-oxidative factor activates in vitro chromatin fragmentation in pig sperm
Authors: Viñolas-Vergés Estel , Yeste Marc , Garriga Ferran , Bonet Sergi , Mateo-Otero Yentel , Ribas-Maynou Jordi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
In vitro incubation of epididymal and vas deferens sperm with Mn2+ induces Sperm Chromatin Fragmentation (SCF), a mechanism that causes double-stranded breaks in toroid-linker regions (TLRs). Whether this mechanism, thought to require the participation of topoisomerases and/or DNAses and thus far only described in epididymal mouse sperm, can be triggered in ejaculated sperm is yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to determine if exposure of pig ejaculated sperm to divalent ions (Mn2+ and Mg2+) activates SCF, and whether this has any impact on sperm function and survival. For this purpose, sperm DNA integrity was evaluated through the Comet assay and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE); sperm motility and agglutination were assessed with computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); and sperm viability and levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxides were determined through flow cytometry.

Results
Incubation with Mn2+/Ca2+ activated SCF in a dose-dependent (P < 0.05) albeit not time-dependent manner (P > 0.05); in contrast, Mg2+/Ca2+ only triggered SCF at high concentrations (50 mM). The PFGE revealed that, when activated by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+, SCF generated DNA fragments of 33–194 Kb, compatible with the size of one or multiple toroids. Besides, Mn2+/Ca2+ affected sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), whereas Mg2+/Ca2+ only impaired this variable at high concentrations (P < 0.05). While this effect on motility was concomitant with an increase of agglutination, neither viability nor ROS levels were affected by Mn2+/Ca2+ or Mg2+/Ca2+ treatments.

Conclusion
Mn2+/Ca2+ and Mn2+/Ca2+ were observed to induce SCF in ejaculated sperm, resulting in DNA cleavage at TLRs. The activation of this mechanism by an intracellular, non-oxidative factor sheds light on the events taking place during sperm cell death.
A review of edible saturniidae (Lepidoptera) caterpillars in Africa
Authors: Kusia Elizabeth Siago , Borgemeister Christian , Subramanian Sevgan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Edible saturniids constitute an important component of traditional diets in sub-Saharan Africa. They are also a source of livelihood for many rural communities both as food and as a source of income.

Main body
This review compiles information on the diversity, distribution, decimating factors, nutrition and conservation concerns of edible saturniids. A compilation of nutritional profiles, amino-acids, mineral and fat content of saturniids is presented. Details of edible saturniids consumption and food plants are listed as well as vernacular names in different parts of Africa. A comparison of collection, processing, storage and trading methods based on available literature is also included. Processing, which is mostly carried out by women, involves tedious and time-consuming methods that need to be improved. Poor handling and storage cause bacterial and fungal contamination that raises food safety concerns. An in-depth discussion of conservation concerns and possible interventions is also provided.

Conclusion
We conclude that edible saturniids are a source of highly nutritious food and incomes to many households in SSA, but wild harvesting is increasingly becoming unsustainable. We also conclude that the seasonal nature of availability limits their potential for profitable trade Further research on rearing edible saturniids is required since wild harvesting is unsustainable. Training women and youth on mass production technologies will ensure continuous supply of the insects and help preserve their natural habitats.
Mechanical thrombectomy in low Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) in hyperacute stroke—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baig Ammad A , Bouslama Mehdi , Turner Ryan C , Aguirre Alexander O , Kuo Cathleen C , Lim Jaims , Malueg Megan D , Donnelly Brianna M , Lai Pui Man Rosalind , Raygor Kunal P , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H 
Published: October 2023

Objective
Major randomized controlled trials of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) failed to include a substantial number of patients presenting with low baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS:0–5). Patients experiencing hyperacute strokes (last known well ≤ 6 h) can potentially benefit most from MT. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to report presentation severity and radiographic and clinical outcomes for hyperacute stroke patients presenting with low-ASPECTS.

Methods:
Our comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to August 31, 2022 included articles reporting patients presenting hyperacutely who underwent MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion AIS with an ASPECTS ≤ 5 on baseline imaging. Pooled averages were calculated for age and presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses for weighted estimation of overall rates were performed. Forest plots were generated for proportions and estimated overall outcome rates.

Results:
18 studies (1958 patients) were included (mean age = 64.1 years; presenting NIHSS = 18.4). Final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3 grade was achieved in 76.4%, with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 12.1%. Good (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) and ambulatory (mRS 0–3) 3-month outcomes were achieved by 27.4 and 46.7%, respectively; 90-day mortality was 26.4%.

Conclusion:
MT in low-ASPECTS hyperacute stroke patients may result in ambulatory clinical outcomes with acceptable hemorrhage risk. Recanalization rates achieved were similar to those in patients presenting with ASPECTS ≥ 6; this did not fully translate to better clinical outcomes.

Advances in knowledge:
MT should be considered for hyperacute strokes with low presenting ASPECTS.
Assessment of CBCT gray value in different regions-of-interest and fields-of-view compared to Hounsfield unit
Authors: Yadegari Atiye , Safi Yaser , Shahbazi Soheil , Yaghoutiazar Sahar , Ghazizadeh Ahsaie Mitra 
Published: October 2023

Objectives:
Different factors can affect the discrepancy between the gray value (GV) measurements obtained from CBCT and the Hounsfield unit (HU) derived from multidetector CT (MDCT), which is considered the gold-standard density scale. This study aimed to explore the impact of region of interest (ROI) location and field of view (FOV) size on the difference between these two scales as a potential source of error.

Methods
Three phantoms, each consisting of a water-filled plastic bin containing a dry dentate human skull, were prepared. CBCT scans were conducted using the NewTom VGi evo system, while MDCT scans were performed using Philips system. Three different FOV sizes (8 × 8 cm, 8 × 12 cm, and 12 × 15 cm) were used, and the GVs obtained from eight distinct ROIs were compared with the HUs from the MDCT scans. The ROIs included dental and bony regions within the anterior and posterior areas of both jaws. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v. 26.

Results
The GVs derived from CBCT images were significantly influenced by both ROI location and FOV size (p &lt; 0.05 for both factors). Following the comparison between GVs and HUs, the anterior mandibular bone ROI represented the minimum error, while the posterior mandibular teeth exhibited the maximum error. Moreover, the 8 × 8 cm and 12 × 15 cm FOVs resulted in the lowest and highest degrees of GV error, respectively.

Conclusions
The ROI location and the FOV size can significantly affect the GVs obtained from CBCT images. It is not recommended to use the GV scale within the posterior mandibular teeth region due to the potential for error. Additionally, selecting smaller FOV sizes, such as 8 × 8 cm, can provide GVs closer to the gold-standard numbers.
The Effect of Variation in Dietary Cation-Anion Difference on Calcium Status, Blood Metabolites and Rumen Activity during the Transition Period of Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Hassanien HEM , Abdel-Raouf EM , Mahmoud AMM , Greene LW 
Published: October 2023

A negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) induces a compensated metabolic acidosis, stimulating calcium (Ca) absorption and mobilization before calving, thereby decreasing clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia postpartum. The study was designed to determine the effects of varying pre- and postpartum DCAD diets on serum total calcium, ionized calcium, blood and ruminal fluid metabolites, and milk production in prepartum and postpartum Holstein cows. Fifty-four multiparous dry Holstein cows n= 54, were enrolled in a completely randomized block experimental design at 29 days prior to expected parturition through 86 days in milk. A 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was utilized. Three DCAD levels were fed precalving (0, -120 and -200 mEq/kg DM), n=18 cows per treatment and two DCAD levels were fed post calving (+200 and +400 mEq/kg DM), n=27 cows per treatment. Prepartum urine pH was lower for cows fed -200 DCAD compared with those fed -120 or 0 DCAD. Postpartum urine pH was higher for cows fed +400 mEq/kg compared to cows fed +200 mEq/kg DCAD. Prepartum serum total calcium, ionized calcium, and hydroxyproline was highest for cows fed -200 DCAD compared to those fed -120 and 0 DCAD. Parathyroid hormone was highest for cows fed 0 DCAD compared to those fed -120 and -200 DCAD. Prepartum dry matter intake (DMI) was lower for -200 and -120 DCAD compared with 0 DCAD. Postpartum DMI was not different among treatments. Pre- and postpartum DCAD treatments did not affect total milk yield or milk fat, percentage of milk protein not affected by different pre-and postpartum DCAD levels. Prepartum anionic diets lowered urine pH and parathyroid hormone and raised serum hydroxyproline, resulting in improved Ca availability after parturition. Postpartum blood metabolites were unaffected in cows given positive DCAD (+200 and +400 mEq/kg DM). Calves born to cows fed low DCAD had no change in calf bieth weight. Colostrum amount and IgG concentrations were unaffected by treatments. No effects of pre-or postpartum DCAD treatments were observed for milk yield and fat-corrected milk. Feeding prepartum an acidogenic diet improved postpartum Ca status in multiparous Holstein cows.
The effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa l..) seed on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels and ileum histomorphology in Japanese quails
Authors: Kazak F , Cimrin T , Alasahan S , Kisacam MA , Kutlu T 
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the effects of supplementation of different doses of black cumin seeds (NS) to quail feeds on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels, and ileum histomorphology. A total of 432 mixed-sex three days old Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups. The groups were fed on either a basal diet alone (Control Group) or a basal diet supplemented with NS at rates of 0.5% (NS-0.5 Group), 1% (NS-1 Group), and 2% (NS-2 Group). It was determined that the back+neck weight in the NS-2 group and head weight and ratio in the NS-1 and NS-2 groups decreased. The thigh rate increased in the NS-0.5 group compared to the control and other NS groups. Kidney glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and male quails' catalase values were increased in NS groups compared to the control group. The kidney vitamin C increased only in the NS-2 group compared to the control. In the NS-2 group, the villus height decreased both on a group basis and in female quails, while the villus width decreased only in female quails. Consequently, it was determined that dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 0.5% increased the thigh rate, dietary supplementation at three different doses of NS were effective in maintaining the kidney oxidant-antioxidant balance, and the ileum histomorphology did not change except for dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 2%. Therefore, it can be stated that black cumin seeds can be used as a natural antioxidant source in the quail diet.
Management of Linguatula serrata infestation in a dog from Greece: a case report
Authors: Lefkaditis M , Zapantes I , Giannouli A 
Published: October 2023

Linguatuliasis is caused by the Arthropod parasite Linguatula serrata (family: Linguatulidae) a parasite with worldwide distribution and zoonotic importance, especially in warm subtropical and temperate regions. Dogs, cats, foxes, jackals, and other carnivores are the final hosts of this Arthropod while any mammal could be a potential intermediate host of this parasite. Adults L. serrata live in the nasopharyngeal region and lower respiratory system, embed their body into the mucosa of nasal pharyngeal cavities. A two year old spayed female dog of undetermined breed, weighting 29 kg that lives in a mountain village called Sella (Prefecture of Achaia, Greece) in a semi-free form, was presented in a veterinary clinic of Patra with history of progressive cough and sneezing, which started about 2 weeks earlier. Along with the dog, the owner brought a parasite that was expelled from the dog’s nose during the intense cough and sneezing the same day. Macroscopic morphological aspects of the parasite, in the laboratory under stereoscope, revealed an arthropod 3,8cm in length identified as L. serrata, also commonly called tongue worm. The dog was treated with Macrocyclice lactone and lavage of nasal cavities. Humans can become infected in two ways: either as an intermediate host (visceral linguatuliasis) or as an accidental final host (nasopharyngeal linguatuliasis), usually as a result of consumption of raw or poorly cooked meat of an infected intermediate host.
The effects of ad - libitum consumption of chitosan oligosaccharide with drinking water on laying quails
Authors: Kiraz C , Buğdayci KE 
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of chitosan oligosaccharide on feed conversion ratio, some egg quality parameters, and some blood parameters in Japanise quails. Chitosan oligosaccharide (ChitO) was added to the drinking water of quails. A total of 192 (7 – 8 weeks old) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) were divided into one control and 3 treatment groups, each consisting of 48 quails. Each group was divided into 6 replicates. While no additive was added to the control group, ChitO was added to the drinking water of the first, second, and third groups at the levels of 0.015, 0.030 and 0.045 g / L, respectively. They were given water and feed ad libitum. At the end of the study, no significant differences were observed between the control and treatment groups, except in their feed consumption and egg shell weight. In the first treatment group (given 0.015 g / L ChitO), it was observed that feed consumption decreased significantly compared to the control group; however, the difference between the other treatment groups was insignificant. The egg shell weight of the second treatment group (0.030 g / L ChitO) was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. In general, consumption of chitosan oligosaccharide with drinking water tended to decrease feed consumption, without adversely affecting feed efficiency, and tended to increase eggshell weight.
Survey on the gastrointestinal parasites in Passeriformes and Psittaciformes with a focus on zoonotic parasites
Authors: Talazadeh F , Razijalali MH , Roshanzadeh N , Davoodi P 
Published: October 2023

Considering the increase in the keeping of pet birds and the importance of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, especially zoonotic parasites, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in different species of Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. In this study, one hundred and twenty fresh fecal samples were collected from different species of captive pet birds in Ahvaz from Apr 2021 to Aug 2021. The collected samples were analyzed using Clayton-Lane methods, Modified Ziehl–Neelsen, and Trichrome staining. Light microscopic morphometry was used for the identification of helminth eggs and oocysts. The results of this study showed that 37 samples (30.83%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Among the helminthic parasites, three samples (2.5%) were infected with Hymenolepis spp.. Among protozoan parasites, 24 samples (20%) were infected with Eimeria spp., three samples (2.5%) were infected with Isospora spp., two samples (1.66%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp., and five samples (4.16%) were infected with Giardia spp.. The results of the present study showed that the highest rate of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was in Passeriformes kept in pet shops and the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was higher in the zebra finch, common mynah, and canary compared to other pet birds. But the highest rate of zoonotic parasitic infection was in Psittaciformes. According to the results, zoonotic parasites are present in pet birds in the Ahvaz area and should be considered by the owners of these pet birds, breeders, veterinarians, and public health organizations.
Silicon-tapered waveguide for mode conversion in metal–insulator–metal waveguide-based plasmonic sensor for refractive index sensing
Authors: Kazanskiy N. L. , Butt M. A. , Khonina S. N. 
Published: October 2023

In this study, we have undertaken a comprehensive numerical investigation of a refractive index sensor designed around a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) plasmonic waveguide. Our approach utilizes the finite element method to thoroughly analyze the sensor’s performance. The sensor’s configuration utilizes a ring resonator design, which has been slightly modified at the coupling segment. This modification enhances the efficiency of light coupling between a bus waveguide and the ring resonator, particularly at the resonance wavelength. This strategic adjustment significantly improves the device’s extinction ratio, a critical factor in its functionality. Remarkably, the sensitivity of this sensor is determined to be approximately 1155.71 nm/RIU, while it possesses a figure of merit of 25.9. Furthermore, our study delves into the intricate mechanism governing the injection of light into the nanoscale MIM waveguide. We achieve this through the incorporation of silicon-tapered waveguides, which play a pivotal role in facilitating the transformation of a dielectric mode into a plasmonic mode, and vice versa. Ultimately, the findings of this research hold significant promise for advancing the field of plasmonic sensing systems based on MIM waveguide technology. The insights gained here pave the way for the practical realization and optimization of highly efficient and precise plasmonic sensors.
2D material platform for overcoming the amplitude–phase tradeoff in ring resonators
Authors: Datta Ipshita , Gil-Molina Andres , Chae Sang Hoon , Zhou Vivian , Hone James , Lipson Michal 
Published: October 2023

Compact and high-speed electro-optic phase modulators play a vital role in various large-scale applications including optical computing, quantum and neural networks, and optical communication links. Conventional electro-refractive phase modulators such as silicon (Si), III-V and graphene on Si suffer from a fundamental tradeoff between device length and optical loss that limits their scaling capabilities. High-finesse ring resonators have been traditionally used as compact intensity modulators, but their use for phase modulation has been limited due to the high insertion loss associated with the phase shift. Here, we show that high-finesse resonators can achieve a strong phase shift with low insertion loss by simultaneous modulation of the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index, to the same extent, i.e., ΔnΔk∼1. To implement this strategy, we demonstrate an active hybrid platform that combines a low-loss SiN ring resonator with 2D materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenide [tungsten disulphide (WSe2)], which induces a strong change in the imaginary and real parts of the index. Our platform consisting of a 25 µm long Gr-Al2O3-WSe2capacitor embedded on a SiN ring of 50 µm radius (∼8% ring coverage) achieves a continuous phase shift of (0.46±0.05)πradians with an insertion loss (IL) of 3.18±0.20 dB and a transmission modulation (ΔTRing) of 1.72±0.15dB at a probe wavelength (λp) of 1646.18 nm. We find that our Gr-Al2O3-WSe2capacitor exhibits a phase modulation efficiency (Vπ2⋅L) of 0.530±0.016V⋅cm and can support an electro-optic bandwidth of 14.9±0.1GHz. We further show that our platform can achieve a phase shift ofπradians with an IL of 5 dB and a minimum ΔTof 0.046 dB. We demonstrate the broadband nature of the binary phase response, by measuring a phase shift of (1.00±0.10)πradians, with an IL of 5.20±0.31dB and a minimal ΔTRingof 0.015±0.006dB for resonances spanning from 1564 to 1650 nm. This SiN–2D hybrid platform provides the design for compact and high-speed reconfigurable circuits with graphene and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers that can enable large-scale photonic systems.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Capital Structure
Authors: Campos-Rasera Paula Pontes de , Passos Gabriela de Abreu , Colauto Romualdo Douglas 
Published: October 2023

Objective: We analyze the effects of capital structure influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, represented by the ESG score. Prior studies have investigated distinct factors to settle CSR adoption. Nonetheless, corporate social responsibility literature has not yet achieved common consent.
Method: This study uses a quantitative research approach. We used a sample of listed companies from the United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Brazil, and Canada. Three estimators were applied in the regression model, OLS pooled, IV 2SLS, and GMM 2SLS.
Results: Our findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between Capital Structure and CSR. Furthermore, we understand that the positive and statistically significant findings in the relationship between market value and corporate social responsibility index are because corporate social responsibility has an intangible asset in its constitution: the corporate reputation. Therefore, these results converge into accepting these practices, which generate a firm’s value, justifying the positive and significant association. Finally, it is essential to highlight that the variations found between countries, especially companies from nations with higher GDP, need a more substantial capital structure than smaller ones to obtain a positive CSR index.
Contributions: The paper argues that the capital structure can be introduced related to adopting corporate social responsibility. It is worth noting that this research aims not to provide an optimal set of factors that affect corporate social responsibility practices but to highlight the intangible effect of corporate reputation generated by the capital structure that other studies can investigate.