bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observational study: effect of varying transport durations and feed withdrawal on the physiological status and health of dairy calves
Authors: van Dijk Luca L. , Siegmann Susanne , Field Niamh L. , Sugrue Katie , van Reenen Cornelis G. , Bokkers Eddie A. M. , Conneely Muireann , Sayers Gearoid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Long-distance transport and associated fasting of unweaned calves have the potential to compromise the animals’ welfare. This observational study aimed to determine how transport and fasting durations impacted the physiology and health of 115 transported calves in three transport groups; IRE (n = 20, mean age 29.8d; short road transport (~ 29 h incl. resting time) and short feed deprivation (~ 11 h)), INT (n = 65, mean age 24.9d; long road/ferry transport (~ 79 h incl. resting times) and long feed deprivation (~ 28 h and 25 h)), and NLD (n = 30, mean age 17.7d; short road transport (~ 28 h incl. resting time) and long feed deprivation (> 18 h)). All calves travelled through an assembly centre. Each calf was blood sampled (arrival at destination farm, 1-week and 3-weeks post-arrival), health scored (arrival, 1, 3, 7, 8, 20d post-arrival) and weighed (farm/mart of origin [IRE and INT only], arrival, and 3-weeks post-arrival). (Generalised) linear mixed models were used to analyse differences in blood variables, weight, and health scores on arrival and during recovery (all other timepoints). Despite differing transport durations, both INT and NLD calves exhibited glucose, beta-hydroxy-butyrate, non-esterified-fatty-acids and sodium levels outside reference limits upon arrival, which were different from values observed in IRE calves (p < 0.05). Lactate and potassium were above reference range for INT calves on arrival, and higher than in IRE and NLD groups (p < 0.05). One- and three-weeks post arrival, most variables returned to within reference ranges, and differences between groups were minimal and not clearly associated with either transport duration or fasting during transport. Health scores did not differ between transport groups at arrival, and differences were minimal during the three-week recovery period. INT calves lost more weight during the journey than IRE calves (p < 0.01), while INT and NLD calves gained similar weight in the 3-weeks post-arrival, but less than IRE calves (both p < 0.01). Overall, changes in the physiological status of calves post transport appeared to relate more to the duration of feed deprivation than to the duration of transport, except for potassium and lactate (muscle fatigue), which were impacted more for INT calves. Most variables showed clear signs of recovery to within reference levels for all groups within three weeks. Minimizing the duration of feed deprivation during transport should be a key consideration for the dairy industry to reduce the impact of transport on calf welfare.
In vivo antidiabetic and ex-vivo antioxidant activities of dichloromethane extract of Xerophyta spekei
Authors: Ndile Michael Musila , Makori Wycliffe Arika , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti , Ngugi Mathew Piero 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The medicinal plant Xerophyta spekei is used among Embu and Mbeere communities to manage diabetes mellitus. However, its efficacy has never been evaluated in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate its quantitative phytochemical and antidiabetic potential. Extraction was done using Dichloromethane (DCM). Quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted using GC-MS. To evaluate antidiabetic activity, groups of mice which included normal control, diabetic control, positive control, and extract-administered groups (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) were used. Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes. Blood glucose of the mice was determined hourly for the first six hours, and once after 12 and 24 h on the first day. Thereafter, the blood glucose in mice was determined once a week for three weeks. During the experimental period of three weeks, body weights were determined. After 21 days, lipid profiles, kidney and liver function tests as well as ex vivo antioxidant assays were carried out.

Results
The phytochemicals classes identified included flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols and alkaloids. Stigmasterol had the highest concentration (12.99 ± 2.56 mg/g). The extract decreased blood glucose dose-dependently, with 200 mg/kg bw dose resulting in the highest % mean change (40.10 ± 0.95). The extract gradually decreased blood glucose during 21 days of treatment. It attenuated loss of body weight and aberrant biochemical parameters including liver and renal function tests as well as lipid profiles in diabetic mice. Furthermore, it reduced levels of malondialdehyde and enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities in diabetic mice.

Conclusions
The study confirms that DCM extract X. spekei contains phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The findings authenticate the folkloric use of X. spekei in managing diabetes mellitus. The medicinal plant also serves as a potential source for developing antidiabetic agents.
The impact of the cognitive-emotive dialectic on L2 development of English majors in the free teacher education program in China: a perezhivanie perspective
Authors: Li Wei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The field of second language acquisition (SLA) research had long been governed by a paradigm that prioritized cognition over emotion. Recently, increased attention has been drawn to the role of perezhivanie in language development as Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (SCT) brought together emotion and cognition, thereby offering an analytical tool to explore the interplay of emotion and cognition in a holistic way. The present study seeks to explore and capture the notion of perezhivanie in three Chinese learners of L2 English in the free teacher education program and its link for their language development. Utilizing multiple sources of data, including questionnaires, narrative frames and interviews, this study conducts a thematic analysis of the cognitive and emotive elements in the data. The study reveals that the three participants shared the same purpose in learning English: to become English teachers in either primary or high schools. It also demonstrates that during the language learning process, predominantly negative emotions, while not inevitably hindering progress, can slow down the pace of language development, whereas positive emotions consistently foster language development.
A combination of low-temperature radiofrequency thermocoagulation and pulsed radiofrequency of the bilateral Gasserian ganglion for bilateral trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Tamura Mihoko , Nakagawa Masayuki , Abe Yoichiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia secondary to multiple sclerosis is an extremely rare condition. When Gasserian ganglion block is performed, it is necessary to achieve reliable long-term analgesic effects while avoiding treatment-related complications.

Case presentation
A 49-year-old male with multiple sclerosis exhibited persistent dull pain and paroxysmal electric shock-like pain in his bilateral maxillary molars and mandible. He was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis. Due to severe side effects, it was difficult to achieve adequate pain control with medication alone. By performing low-temperature radiofrequency thermocoagulation and pulsed radiofrequency of the Gasserian ganglion while monitoring masseter muscle contraction, a satisfactory and rapid analgesic effect was obtained without masticatory atonia.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis in which low-temperature radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with pulsed radiofrequency was successfully performed for pain relief without masticatory atonia.
The internal conflicts and contemporary dilemmas of America’s national characteristics
Authors: Zhou Shaoqing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since the twenty-first century, the political landscape of the United States has undergone dramatic changes. One of the key manifestations is the rise of evangelical Christian nationalism and its significant internal and external political consequences. While the causes behind the rise of evangelical Christian nationalism in the United States and its resulting political effects are multifaceted, fundamentally, these developments are closely linked to issues that have existed throughout the history of the American nation-building process, such as the ambiguity of national objectives and the conflict of value systems. The root cause lies in the instability and multifaceted nature of the American national characteristics. Since its founding, the U.S. has consistently wavered in its national characteristics, presenting three competing models of the modern American state: the empire of liberty, the liberal civic state, and the Anglo-Saxon Protestant nation. The positioning of these three national characteristics, which are seemingly contradictory yet often coexisting, has, on the one hand, shaped the unique character of the United States, while on the other hand, it has exposed the U.S. to periodic conflicts and crises. It is important to note that the rise of evangelical Christian nationalism in the twenty-first century, coupled with the increasing polarization of American politics, may disrupt the previously existing balance of conflicting yet coexisting national identities. With the continuous decline in the population of the white majority, this balance is likely to break down further, potentially resulting in prolonged internal strife within the U.S.
Nedl1 knockout ameliorates cognitive impairment and improves epilepsy threshold in pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice
Authors: Lu Qian , Liu Mengjia , Guo Shufang , Wang Yangyang , Zou Liping 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. The homologous to E6-AP carboxy terminus (HECT) E3 ligase is associated with epilepsy. NEDD4-like ubiquitin protein ligase-1 (NEDL1) is a HECT E3 ligase that is highly expressed in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of NEDL1 in epilepsy and the potential effect of NEDL1 on the cognitive ability.

Methods
The pilocarpine-induced epileptic mouse model was used to assess cognitive functions in Barnes maze, the pathological changes, and the activation of astrocytes and microglia in wild-type (Nedl1
+/+) and Nedl1 knockout (Nedl1

−/−
) mice. The RNA-seq method was used to analyze differentially expressed genes and explore the brain pathophysiology after epilepsy development.

Results

Nedl1 knockout resulted in a protective effect against epilepsy. The Nedl1

−/−
mice showed improved spatial learning and memory, alleviation of pathological damage in the hippocampus induced by epilepsy, and reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of differentially expressed genes also revealed several prominently enriched T-cell-related pathways.

Conclusions

Nedl1 knockout reduces seizures and alleviates neuroinflammation. The potential functional link between NEDL1 and epilepsy provides a new approach to the treatment and intervention of epilepsy.
Comparing prediction accuracy for 30-day readmission following primary total knee arthroplasty: the ACS-NSQIP risk calculator versus a novel artificial neural network model
Authors: Buddhiraju Anirudh , Shimizu Michelle Riyo , Chen Tony Lin-Wei , Seo Henry Hojoon , Bacevich Blake M. , Xiao Pengwei , Kwon Young-Min 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Unplanned readmission, a measure of surgical quality, occurs after 4.8% of primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Although the prediction of individualized readmission risk may inform appropriate preoperative interventions, current predictive models, such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator (SRC), have limited utility. This study aims to compare the predictive accuracy of the SRC with a novel artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm for 30-day readmission after primary TKA, using the same set of clinical variables from a large national database.

Methods
Patients undergoing primary TKA between 2013 and 2020 were identified from the ACS-NSQIP database and randomly stratified into training and validation cohorts. The ANN was developed using data from the training cohort with fivefold cross-validation performed five times. ANN and SRC performance were subsequently evaluated in the distinct validation cohort, and predictive performance was compared on the basis of discrimination, calibration, accuracy, and clinical utility.

Results
The overall cohort consisted of 365,394 patients (trainingN = 362,559; validationN = 2835), with 11,392 (3.1%) readmitted within 30 days. While the ANN demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (area under the curve (AUC)ANN = 0.72, slope = 1.32, intercept = −0.09) in the validation cohort, the SRC demonstrated poor discrimination (AUCSRC = 0.55) and underestimated readmission risk (slope = −0.21, intercept = 0.04). Although both models possessed similar accuracy (Brier score: ANN = 0.03; SRC = 0.02), only the ANN demonstrated a higher net benefit than intervening in all or no patients on the decision curve analysis. The strongest predictors of readmission were body mass index (> 33.5 kg/m2), age (> 69 years), and male sex.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the superior predictive ability and potential clinical utility of the ANN over the conventional SRC when constrained to the same variables. By identifying the most important predictors of readmission following TKA, our findings may assist in the development of novel clinical decision support tools, potentially improving preoperative counseling and postoperative monitoring practices in at-risk patients.
Importance of early use of tolvaptan in hyponatremic acutely decompensated heart failure patients, a retrospective study
Authors: Soerarso Rarsari , Yonas Emir , Sirait Silfi Pauline , Hasanah Dian Yaniarti , Raharjo Sunu Budhi , Siswanto Bambang Budi , Cramer Maarten J. , van der Harst Pim , Oerlemans Marish I. F. J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Hyponatremia is one of the complicating findings in acute decompensated heart failure. Decrease in cardiac output and systemic blood pressure triggers activation of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, antidiuretic hormone, and norepinephrine due to the perceived hypovolemia. Fluid-overloaded heart failure patients are commonly treated with loop diuretics, acutely decompensated heart failure patients tend to be less responsive to conventional oral doses of a loop diuretic, while other different diuretics could work in different part of nephron circulation system. In this study, we aim to further examine the role of tolvaptan, a vasopressin receptor antagonist, in the treatment of hyponatremia secondary to acutely decompensated heart failure.

Results
A total of 71 patients with hyponatremia secondary to ADHF were included, and all patients were given tolvaptan. 37 patients were administered tolvaptan early (up until 5 th day of admission). 34 patients received tolvaptan after 5 th day of admission mean administration as 6.86 th day, and median administration was 5 th day. Analysis showed lower length of stay in patients receiving early administration of tolvaptan compared to late administration (8.86 ± 5.06 vs 18.5 ± 9.05 p0.001, respectively). Patients with early initiation of tolvaptan also achieved a larger net increase in sodium levels at discharge compared to admission (6.46 ± 6.69 vs 3.68 ± 4.70 p0.048, respectively).

Conclusions
Early administration of tolvaptan in treating hyponatremia in acutely decompensated heart failure patients is associated with a lower length of hospitalization and a higher increase in serum sodium of patients in hyponatremic ADHF patients.
Risk factors for the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Gonghao , Zhao Yanli , Peng Zhongxing , Zhao Yunfeng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The rate at which atrial fibrillation (AF) patients experience a return of symptoms after catheter ablation is significant, and there are multiple risk factors involved. This research intends to perform a meta-analysis to explore the risk factors connected to the recurrence of AF in patients following catheter ablation.

Methods
The PubMed, Cochrane Library, WOS, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were explored for studies from January 1, 2000 to August 10, 2021, and research meeting the established inclusion requirements was chosen. Two authors separately gathered details regarding the study structure. The strength of the link between various risk factors and AF returning after CA was evaluated using odds ratios. All statistical evaluations were conducted with RevMan5.3 software.

Results
In total, 44 articles and 62,674 patients were included. The OR for AF recurrence in patients with diabetes was 2.04 compared with the reference group (95% CI 1.51–2.76, p < 0.00001); that of lower left ventricular ejection fraction was 1.38 (95% CI 1.25–1.52, p < 0.00001); that of female was 1.34 (95% CI 1.18–1.52, p < 0.00001); that of increased age was 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04, p < 0.00001); that of persistent AF was 1.72 (95% CI 1.58–1.87, p < 0.00001); that of AF duration over 2 years was 1.17 (95% CI 1.08–1.26, p < 0.00001); that of increased left atrial diameter (LAD) was 1.12 (95% CI 1.08–1.17, p < 0.00001); that of larger left atrial volume index (LAVi) was 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.03, p < 0.00001); that of higher hs-CRP was 1.19 (95% CI 1.04–1.36, p = 0.04); that of early recurrence (ER) was 3.22 (95% CI 2.74–3.77, p < 0.00001); and that of long ablation duration was 1.00 (95% CI 0.98–1.02, p = 0.72). Heterogeneity and slight publication bias were observed for each factor.

Conclusions
Evidence indicates that diabetes, low left ventricular ejection fraction, being female, older age, longer duration of atrial fibrillation, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, large left atrial dimension, large left atrial volume index, persistent atrial fibrillation, and exercise rehabilitation are factors that increase the chances of getting atrial fibrillation again after catheter ablation. However, the length of the ablation procedure does not relate to the recurrence of AF.
Seismic evaluation and retrofit of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Shendkar Mangeshkumar R. , Tantri Adithya , Rao Asha Udaya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The destructive earthquakes in the world clearly reveal the importance of the seismic behavior of the structures. The current study proposes and numerically investigates a systematic technique for the seismic assessment and retrofit of reinforced-concrete buildings according to both material strain limit approach and Quadrants assessment method. In this study numerical analysis were made for two three-dimensional building models, namely a single-storey 30 years old existing RC building in Koyna-Warna area (Zone-IV) in India, and an earthquake-resistant designed 4-story RC building. The structural analyses were performed for two 3-D models of the selected buildings are analysed. Nonlinear static adaptive pushover analysis method was used in Seismostruct software program for two different buildings. While one of the buildings is an existing building, the other is chosen as a new building. Structural characteristics and deficiencies of the investigated single-storey existing reinforced-concrete structure necessitated seismic evaluation. The deficiencies include pitched roofs, re-entrant corners, and structural distress such as structural element cracking and cover concrete spalling, among others. The single-story RC building is retrofitted with RC jacketing and fiber-reinforced polymer sheet wrapping, while the four-storey RC building does not need to be retrofitted based on the Quadrants assessment method. Also, the significant seismic design parameters are evaluated before and after the retrofit. The results show that the material strain limit technique when combined with the Quadrants assessment method makes a more efficient technique for seismic assessment and retrofit purpose. Also, the ultimate capacity and over strength factor of the retrofitted single-storey RC existing building are found 2.04 times and 1.82 times increased in X and Y direction as compared to the building without retrofit, because of the RC jacketing and FRP sheet wrapping.
The influence of adding B. subtilis bacteria on the mechanical and chemical properties of cement mortar
Authors: Ibrahim Osama Ahmed , Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim Hassanin , Ibrahim Wael , Abd-Al Ftah Raghda Osama , Hamed Shimaa R. , Abd-Elnaby Sherif Fakhry M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
This study investigated the effect of B. Subtilis bacteria on the properties of cement mortar. This was done by using soil samples from Sharkia, Egypt, to isolate 48 bacterial strains, after which they were cultured using the Johnson method and various media. Bacteria were then added to the cement mortar in amounts of 5% and 10% by weight to evaluate their effect on the mechanical and chemical properties of the modified mortar.

Results
The study examined the compressive and flexural strength of the modified mortar over time, as well as its microscopic properties and chemical composition after 28 days. The results indicated that bacterial additions of 5% and 10% increased the compressive strength of the mortar after 28 and 56 days compared to the control. A 5% bacteria concentration resulted in significant improvements in strength, showing the best concentration for increasing mortar strength. The addition of 5% bacteria significantly enhanced the early flexure strength, while the 10% showed superior long-term strength after 56 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed high CaCO3 deposits in the bacterial samples, indicating microbial-induced calcite precipitation that filled the small cracks and increased strength. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonate, and silicate groups, with bacterial samples having a higher carbonate content, indicating an increase in calcium carbonate formation and microstructure.

Conclusions
The ideal bacterial concentration was 5% as it improved the compressive and flexural strength while also promoting a more flexible microstructure. This study supports the employment of microorganisms in the production of more durable and environmentally friendly building materials, enhancing the sustainability of building practices.