Group Size Research Articles

Treatment of mice with maternal intermittent fasting to improve the fertilization rate and reproduction.

Maternal intermittent fasting (MIF) can have significant effects on several tissue and organ systems of the body, but there is a lack of research on the effects on the reproductive system. So, the aim of our study was to analyze the effects of MIF on fertility. B6C3F1Crl (C57BL/6N × C3H/HeN) male and female mice were selected for the first part of the experiments and were analyzed for body weight and fat weight after administration of the MIF intervention, followed by analysis of sperm counts and activation and embryo numbers. Subsequently, two strains of mice, C57BL/6NCrl and BALB/cJRj, were selected and administered MIF to observe the presence or absence of vaginal plugs for the purposes of mating success, sperm and oocyte quality, pregnancy outcome, fertility status and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our results showed a significant reduction in body weight and fat content in mice receiving MIF intervention in B6C3F1Crl mice. Comparing the reproduction of the two strains of mice. However, the number of litters was increased in all MIF interventions in C57BL/6NCrl, but not statistically significant. In BALB/cJRj, there was a significant increase in the number of pregnant females as well as litter size in the MIF treatment group, as well as vaginal plugs, and IVF. There was also an increase in sperm activation and embryo number and the MIF intervention significantly increased sperm count and activation. Our results suggest that MIF interventions may be beneficial for reproduction in mice.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in primary neuroendocrine breast carcinoma versus invasive ductal carcinoma

BackgroundNeuroendocrine breast carcinoma (NECB) is a rare, special histologic type of breast cancer. There are some small sample studies on the clinical outcomes of NECB patients, which are worthy of further discussion.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective case-control study of clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients with primary NECB versus invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST) between November 2004 and November 2017 in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing. NST patients were strictly matched 1:4 during the same period based on the TNM stage. Statistical comparisons were performed to determine the differences in survival between NST and NECB patients and to identify clinical factors that correlate with prognosis.ResultsA total of 121 participants affected by primary NECB were included in our analysis from November 2004 to November 2017. Elderly persons (>60 years of age) were more likely to have primary NECB than young persons (p=0.001). In addition, primary NECB patients had significantly higher odds of having tumors 2-5 cm (36.5%) and >5 cm (6.1%) in size than NST patients. Despite a significant difference in tumor size, the proportion of patients with lymph node metastases showed no difference between the two groups (p=0.021). In addition, the rate of patients with ER-negative tumors in the NECB group (4.2%) was significantly lower than that in the primary NST group (29.8%). Significant differences were noted in the PR-negative (13.3% versus 36.6%, P<0.001) and HER2-negative (90.5% versus 76.4%, P=0.001) expression statuses among these patients. Of 121 primary NECB patients, 11 (9.1%) experienced relapses during the follow-up period. We found that tumor size was an independent risk factor for relapse. For hormone receptors on tumor cells, ER-positive breast cancer patients had significantly lower odds of relapse than receptor-negative patients.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate no significant difference in mortality and relapse between the primary NECB and NST groups. The tumor size in the primary NECB group was significantly larger than that in the NST group. In addition, the absence of ER independently increased the relapse rate for breast carcinoma patients.

C9H7NBrX (X = Cl, Br, NO3): Three Excellent Birefringent Crystals with Distinct Optical Anisotropy Regulated by Anions.

A large optical anisotropy is the most important parameter of birefringent crystals. Integrating π-conjugated groups with large polarizable anisotropy into target compounds is a common strategy for constructing brilliant birefringent crystals. However, the key problem is to enhance the density of the birefringence-active units and further arrange them parallelly. In this study, three novel birefringent crystals, C9H7NBrX (X = Cl, Br, NO3), are successfully synthesized by introducing a new birefringence-active [C9H7NBr]+ unit. Interestingly, these compounds feature similar layered structures but exhibit different optical anisotropies at 550nm (0.277 for C9H7NBrCl, 0.328 for C9H7NBrBr, and 0.401 for C9H7NBrNO3) owing to the different anions in them. Particularly, the small trigonal planar NO3 anions perfectly fill the interstices of the π-conjugated [C9H7NBr]+ groups with large optical anisotropy, with the resulting compound C9H7NBrNO3 showing superior optical properties compared to the others. The above findings provide strategies for designing new optical materials with large birefringence by matching birefringence-active groups of different sizes. Additionally, a new theory for predicting and comparing the polarizability anisotropy of compounds is proposed, which would guide in exploring large birefringent crystals.

Place-Based Measures of Inequity and Vision Difficulty and Blindness

Known social risk factors associated with poor visual and systemic health in the US include segregation, income inequality, and persistent poverty. To investigate the association of vision difficulty, including blindness, in neighborhoods with measures of inequity (Theil H index, Gini index, and persistent poverty). This cross-sectional study used data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey and 2010 US census tracts as well as Theil H index, Gini index, and persistent poverty measures from PolicyMap. Data analysis was completed in July 2023. The main outcome was the number of census tract residents reporting vision difficulty and blindness (VDB) and the association with the Theil H index, Gini index, or persistent poverty, assessed using logistic regression. In total, 73 198 census tracts were analyzed. For every 0.1-unit increase in Theil H index and Gini index, there was an increased odds of VDB after controlling for census tract-level median age, the percentage of the population that identified as female sex, the percentage of the population that identified as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, state, and population size (Theil H index: odds ratio [OR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.14-1.14; P < .001]; Gini index: OR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.15-1.15; P < .001]). Persistent poverty was associated with an increased odds of VDB after controlling for census tract-level median age, the percentage of the population that identified as female sex, the percentage of the population that identified as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, state, and population size compared with nonpersistent poverty (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.35-1.36; P < .001). In this cross-sectional study, residential measures of inequity through segregation, income inequality, or persistent poverty were associated with a greater number of residents living with VDB. It is essential to understand and address how neighborhood characteristics can impact rates of VDB.

Variation in the Quality of Teacher–Child Interactions in Chinese Toddler Classrooms

Variation in the Quality of Teacher–Child Interactions in Chinese Toddler Classrooms

Mixed-species flock sizes and compositions influence flock members' success in three field experiments with novel feeders.

Mixed-species groups and aggregations are quite common and may provide substantial fitness-related benefits to group members. Individuals may benefit from the overall size of the mixed-species group or from the diversity of species present, or both. Here we exposed mixed-species flocks of songbirds (Carolina chickadees, Poecile carolinensis, tufted titmice, Baeolophus bicolor, and the satellite species attracted to these two species) to three different novel feeder experiments to assess the influence of mixed-species flock size and composition on ability to solve the feeder tasks. We also assessed the potential role of habitat density and traffic noise on birds' ability to solve these tasks. We found that likelihood of solving a novel feeder task was associated with mixed-species flock size and composition, though the specific social factor involved depended on the particular species and on the novel feeder. We did not find an influence of habitat density or background traffic noise on likelihood of solving novel feeder tasks. Overall, our results reveal the importance of variation in mixed-species group size and diversity on foraging success in these songbirds.

First-year outcomes of very low birth weight preterm singleton infants with hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with milrinone and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) compared to iNO alone: A nationwide retrospective study.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has a beneficial effect on hypoxemic respiratory failure. The increased use of concurrent iNO and milrinone was observed. We aimed to report the trends of iNO use in the past 15 years in Taiwan and compare the first-year outcomes of combining iNO and milrinone to the iNO alone in very low birth weight preterm (VLBWP) infants under mechanical ventilation. This nationwide cohort study enrolled preterm singleton infants with birth weight <1500g treated with iNO from 2004 to 2019. Infants were divided into two groups, with a combination of intravenous milrinone (Group 2, n = 166) and without milrinone (Group 1, n = 591). After propensity score matching (PSM), each group's sample size is 124. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and the respiratory condition, including ventilator use and duration. The secondary outcomes were preterm morbidities within one year after birth. After PSM, more infants in Group 2 needed inotropes. The mortality rate was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 from one month after birth till 1 year of age (55.1% vs. 13.5%) with the adjusted hazard ratio of 4.25 (95%CI = 2.42-7.47, p <0.001). For infants who died before 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA), Group 2 had longer hospital stays compared to Group 1. For infants who survived after 36 weeks PMA, the incidence of moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. For infants who survived until one year of age, the incidence of pneumonia was significantly higher in Group 2 (28.30%) compared to Group 1 (12.62%) (p = 0.0153). Combined treatment of iNO and milrinone is increasingly applied in VLBWP infants in Taiwan. This retrospective study did not support the benefits of combining iNO and milrinone on one-year survival and BPD prevention. A future prospective study is warranted.

Comparative studies of hair shaft components between healthy and diseased donors.

Globally, the rapid aging of the population is predicted to become even more severe in the second half of the 21st century. Thus, it is expected to establish a growing expectation for innovative, non-invasive health indicators and diagnostic methods to support disease prevention, care, and health promotion efforts. In this study, we aimed to establish a new health index and disease diagnosis method by analyzing the minerals and free amino acid components contained in hair shaft. We first evaluated the range of these components in healthy humans and then conducted a comparative analysis of these components in subjects with diabetes, hypertension, androgenetic alopecia, major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. In the statistical analysis, we first used a student's t test to compare the hair components of healthy people and those of patients with various diseases. However, many minerals and free amino acids showed significant differences in all diseases, because the sample size of the healthy group was very large compared to the sample size of the disease group. Therefore, we attempted a comparative analysis based on effect size, which is not affected by differences in sample size. As a result, we were able to narrow down the minerals and free amino acids for all diseases compared to t test analysis. For diabetes, the t test narrowed down the minerals to 15, whereas the effect size measurement narrowed it down to 3 (Cr, Mn, and Hg). For free amino acids, the t test narrowed it down to 15 minerals. By measuring the effect size, we were able to narrow it down to 7 (Gly, His, Lys, Pro, Ser, Thr, and Val). It is also possible to narrow down the minerals and free amino acids in other diseases, and to identify potential health indicators and disease-related components by using effect size.

Modification Mechanisms of Descriptive Norm Perceptions Toward Vaping: The Role of Behavior Prevalence and Group Size in an Online Setting

ABSTRACT We often rely on descriptive norm perceptions as a mental shortcut for decision making. However, less is known about how such perceptions are shaped and modified by our experiences in day-to-day life. The interactive nature of the current media environment offers opportunities for individuals to access others’ health behavior choices through online user-generated content. Within a setting of online comment boards, the current study examined the descriptive norm perception modification process toward vaping with a large-scale experiment that systematically varied levels of exposure to online commenters’ vaping behavior choice indications. Findings revealed a significant positive effect of behavior prevalence on descriptive norm perceptions, which in turn were positively associated with vaping intention. This set of results was observed only when a sufficient total amount of comment exposures was ensured. The study provided empirical evidence for the underlying mechanism of the “quasi-statistical sense,” which helps people draw conclusions about behavior prevalence and may influence their behavioral decision making. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Ecology and behaviour of the invasive lionfish Pterois miles colonizing coastal areas of the central Mediterranean

Biodiversity redistribution is occurring at an unprecedented pace, with one prominent example being the invasion of the lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea, altering the fish community composition by creating novel interspecific interactions and potentially threatening local biodiversity. Our study attempts to identify patterns in the lionfish distribution and behaviour in the coastal zone of the eastern Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean). Over a 14-month period, visual censuses were conducted along coastal strip transects at six stations, situated in three areas (Mani, Katakolo, Astakos) across a latitudinal gradient. Lionfish density was highest in Mani, the southernmost area. Higher densities were found at two stations experiencing direct anthropogenic pressures: one with structural modifications by port infrastructure, and the other in the vicinity of a fish farm, indicating a potential role of human interventions in facilitating the establishment of invasive populations. Lionfish group size was influenced by overall density, exhibiting variation between the two natural stations. Lionfish activity levels by microhabitat were site-specific, with more inactive individuals in crevices. Temporal activity patterns were similar in the natural stations, with increased activity during spring and summer months; however, temporal activity patterns were not identical in the two anthropogenic sites, suggesting that the specific nature of anthropogenic intervention might possibly influence lionfish activity. Finally, lionfish densities were not significantly different between early morning and late afternoon times of day, in agreement with the crepuscular behaviour already documented for this species.

Automated Detection and Counting of Wild Boar in Camera Trap Images

Camera traps are becoming widely used for wildlife monitoring and management. However, manual analysis of the resulting image sets is labor-intensive, time-consuming and costly. This study shows that automated computer vision techniques can be extremely helpful in this regard, as they can rapidly and automatically extract valuable information from the images. Specific training with a set of 1600 images obtained from a study where wild animals approaching wild boar carcasses were monitored enabled the model to detect five different classes of animals automatically in their natural environment with a mean average precision of 98.11%, namely ‘wild boar’, ‘fox’, ‘raccoon dog’, ‘deer’ and ‘bird’. In addition, sequences of images were automatically analyzed and the number of wild boar visits and respective group sizes were determined. This study may help to improve and speed up the monitoring of the potential spread of African swine fever virus in areas where wild boar are affected.

Lifetime reproductive characteristics of gray wolves

Abstract Female and male cooperative breeders can use different strategies to maximize reproduction and fitness over their lifetimes. Answering questions about fitness in cooperative breeders requires long-term studies as well as complete data on group composition and size which can be exceedingly difficult to obtain. Using a long-term genetic data set of complete group pedigrees, I asked how lifetime reproductive characteristics of female and male gray wolves (Canis lupus) differed. I predicted that genetic relatedness to helpers would be higher for females than males due to philopatric behavior of female wolves, group size would be similar between the sexes, females would inherit breeding positions from within groups more often than males due to differences in dispersal strategies between the sexes, males would have more lifetime mates and produce more young than females because of polygamy, and females would breed for more years than males due to the likelihood that females would still breed (with a new partner) after a mate died or was expelled from the group. I documented complete lifetime breeding histories for 11 male and 18 female wolves in Idaho, United States, 2008 to 2018. Genetic relatedness to helpers, group size, number of mates, pups, and years breeding did not differ between the sexes. Females, however, inherited breeding positions within groups far more often than males. Individuals who secured breeding positions generally reproduced for 2 seasons and commonly had more than 1 partner during their lifetimes if they were able to maintain their breeding position longer. Direct fitness varied greatly within female and male breeding wolves.

Experiments with a set of cooperative enrichment devices used by groups of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Dolphins in the wild cooperate to find food, gain and maintain access to mating partners, look after their young ones, or for the sheer joy of play. Under human care, environmental enrichments provide mental and physical stimulation and opportunities for the dolphins to practice their natural abilities. In this review, I focus on a set of enrichment devices we designed for cooperative problem-solving. They allowed the dolphins to utilize and improve their cognitive skills, leading to improved socialization within the group. While the devices provided appropriate challenges to the dolphins, they also allowed the investigation of the impact of demographic and social factors on the cooperative actions. We found that age and relatedness had no impact on cooperation; in turn, cooperation increased with group size. In addition, during the use of these cognitive enrichments, partner preference and intersexual differences were revealed in cooperative actions. The novel multi-partner devices were not only used by dolphin pairs but also by dolphin trios and quartets, providing evidence for group-level cooperation. In addition, a novel food-sharing device was used prosocially by dolphin pairs. Finally, the introduction of these cognitive enrichments leads to measurable short- and long-term welfare improvement. Thus, the use of these cognitive enrichments paired with systematic data collection bridged science with welfare. Future studies will investigate intersexual differences in independent groups, the emergence and function of cooperative interactions, and the socio-dynamics using cognitive enrichments.

Role of Vascular Function in the Prognosis of Heart Failure Patients.

Background: Blood vessels have the Windkessel effect and are involved in blood circulation. The breakdown of this mechanism is also involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF); however, the relationship between vascular dysfunction and HF prognosis is not fully understood. Methods: We evaluated 214 patients hospitalized for HF at our institution who underwent a cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), which evaluates vascular function, between January 2012 and July 2018. To investigate factors (including CAVI) associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during 1 year after patients with HF were discharged, we evaluated clinical profiles, blood tests, chest X-P, 12-lead electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiographic findings. MACE was defined as cardiovascular death or readmission for HF. Results: The severity of HF between the MACE and non-MACE was not significantly different. Previous HF and chronic kidney disease were significantly more common in the MACE group. CAVI and % mean atrial pressure in the MACE group were statistically higher than those in the non-MACE group. The cardiac shadow as shown by chest X-P and left ventricular size in the MACE group were significantly bigger, and HF preserved ejection fraction (EF) (EF > 50%) was significantly more common in the MACE group. In multivariate analysis, CAVI was an independent predictive factor for the occurrence of MACE (model 1; hazard ratio (HR): 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.68, p = 0.018; model 2; HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07-1.60, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Because high CAVI is associated with poor prognosis of HF, these patients require more careful treatment.

Elevated plasma levels of factor VIII enhance arterial thrombus formation on erosive smooth muscle cell-rich neointima but not normal intima in rabbits

BackgroundPlaque erosion, a type of coronary atherothrombosis, involves superficial injury to smooth muscle cell (SMC)-rich plaques. Elevated levels of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) correlate with an increased ischemic heart disease risk. FVIII may contribute to thrombus formation on eroded plaques. AimsWe aimed to elucidate the role of elevated FVIII in arterial thrombus formation within SMC-rich neointima in rabbits. Methods and resultsWe assessed the effect of recombinant human FVIII (rFVIII) on blood coagulation in vitro and platelet aggregation ex vivo. An SMC-rich neointima was induced through balloon injury to the unilateral femoral artery. Three weeks after the first balloon injury, superficial erosive injury and thrombus formation were initiated with a second balloon injury of the bilateral femoral arteries 45 min after the administration of rFVIII (100 IU/kg) or saline. The thrombus area and contents were histologically measured 15 min after the second balloon injury. rFVIII administration reduced the activated partial thromboplastin time and augmented botrocetin-induced, but not collagen- or adenosine 5′-diphosphate-induced, platelet aggregation. While rFVIII did not influence platelet-thrombus formation in normal intima, it increased thrombus formation on SMC-rich neointima post-superficial erosive injury. Enhanced immunopositivity for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and fibrin was observed in rFVIII-administered SMC-rich neointima. Neutrophil count in the arterial thrombus on the SMC-rich neointima correlated positively with thrombus size in the control group, unlike the rFVIII group. ConclusionsIncreased FVIII contributes to thrombus propagation within erosive SMC-rich neointima, highlighting FVIII's potential role in plaque erosion-related atherothrombosis.

Comparison of two percutaneous nephrolithotomy methods for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones: Mini-PCNL and standard PCNL.

In this study, the aim was to compare the results of mini and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. Data for 128 patients < 18 years of age who underwent mini and standard PCNL due to pediatric kidney stones were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups: mini-PCNL (16-20 Fr) and standard PCNL (26 Fr). Surgery time, number of punctures to the pelvicalyceal system, hospital stay, postoperative hemoglobin drop, complications and stone-free status (SFR) were compared between the groups. Additional surgical intervention (double-J stent, ureterorenoscopy, secondary PCNL) performed after the surgery was recorded. The absence of residual stones or < 3 mm residual stones on kidney, ureter and bladder radiography (KUB) and ultrasonography (USG) performed in the third postoperative month were accepted as success criteria. There were 32 (43.8%) patients in the mini-PCNL group and 41 (56.2%) patients in the standard PCNL group. The mean age was 9.3 ± 4.1 years in the mini-PCNL group and 10.1 ± 5.4 years in the standard PCNL group. Mean stone size in the mini-PCNL group was 2.1 ± 1.2; while for standard PCNL it was 2.3 ± 1.4. The mean surgery time was statistically significantly higher in the mini-PCNL group (p = 0.005). There was no difference between the groups in terms of intraoperative double J stent use, postoperative complications and SFR. A double J stent was inserted in two patients in the mini-PCNL group and in one patient in the standard PCNL group due to urine leakage from the nephrostomy tract in the postoperative period. Although the postoperative hemoglobin drop was found to be significantly higher in standard PCNL (p = 0.001), hematuria and blood transfusion rates were low in both groups. Mean hospital stay was shorter in the mini-PCNL group compared to standard PCNL (3.6 ± 1.2 days vs. 2.5 ± 1.1; p = 0.018). Although mini-PCNL has longer surgery time compared to standard PCNL, it should be preferred for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones due to advantages such as similar success and complication rates to standard PCNL, short hospital stay and less postoperative hemoglobin drop.

Optimizing Educational Efficiency: Exploring the Relationship Between Bulk and Clinical Rotation Group Size in Medical Education Students’ Perspective in Busitema University Uganda

Clinical rotation group size plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality, efficiency, and overall student experience in medical education. Despite its significance, determining the ideal group size remains a daunting task. This research endeavors to delve into the correlation between group size and what is termed as "bulk," representing the comprehensive efficiency and productivity of clinical rotation groups. By examining this relationship, the study aims to offer valuable insights into potential strategies for optimizing group size, thereby enhancing the educational experience for medical students. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of productivity metrics with qualitative assessments of student and faculty perceptions. Surveys, interviews, and observational data were utilized to capture the nuances of group dynamics, learning outcomes, and resource utilization across different group sizes. Statistical techniques such as regression analysis and ANOVA were employed to identify significant correlations and differences. Data were collected from medical students undergoing clinical rotations across multiple specialties. Group sizes varied from small (2-3) and large (4 and more). The study measured bulk using indicators such as patient encounters per student, learning outcomes, and faculty-student interaction. Results indicated a nonlinear relationship between bulk and group size. Smaller groups showed higher individual student engagement, personalized learning experiences, and increased faculty-student interaction. Conversely, larger groups exhibited greater overall productivity due to economies of scale and enhanced peer learning. However, beyond a certain threshold, further increases in group size led to diminishing returns, compromising individualized attention and educational quality. The findings underscore the importance of balancing group size to optimize educational outcomes in clinical rotations. While larger groups may offer efficiency gains, they must be carefully managed to mitigate potential drawbacks such as reduced individualized attention and faculty-student interaction. Smaller groups foster a more personalized learning environment but may lack the resource utilization efficiency of larger cohorts. Institutions should consider contextual factors such as specialty, learning objectives, and available resources when determining optimal group sizes. In conclusion, the relationship between bulk and clinical rotation group size is complex, with both benefits and limitations associated with different group sizes. Institutions should strive to strike a balance between efficiency and educational quality by tailoring group sizes to specific contexts and objectives. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing bulk and to develop targeted interventions for optimizing clinical rotation experiences.

Therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus casei and Chlorella vulgaris in high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated kidney damages: a stereological study.

The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in as many as 25% of adults who are afflicted with metabolic syndrome. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of hepatic and renal injury associated with NAFLD. Therefore, probiotics such as Lactobacillus casei (LBC) and the microalga Chlorella vulgaris (CV) may be beneficial in alleviating kidney injury related to NAFLD. This animal study utilized 30 C57BL/6 mice, which were evenly distributed into five groups: the control group, the NAFLD group, the NAFLD + CV group, the NAFLD + LBC group, and the NAFLD + CV + LBC group. A high-fat diet (HFD) was administered to induce NAFLD for six weeks. The treatments with CV and LBC were continued for an additional 35 days. Biochemical parameters, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the expression of kidney damage marker genes (KIM 1 and NGAL) in serum and kidney tissue were determined, respectively. A stereological analysis was conducted to observe the structural changes in kidney tissues. A liver histopathological examination confirmed the successful induction of NAFLD. Biochemical investigations revealed that the NAFLD group exhibited increased ALT and AST levels, significantly reduced in the therapy groups (p < 0.001). The gene expression levels of KIM-1 and NGAL were elevated in NAFLD but were significantly reduced by CV and LBC therapies (p < 0.001). Stereological examinations revealed reduced kidney size, volume, and tissue composition in the NAFLD group, with significant improvements observed in the treated groups (p < 0.001). This study highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy of C. vulgaris and L. casei in mitigating kidney damage caused by NAFLD. These findings provide valuable insights for developing novel treatment approaches for managing NAFLD and its associated complications.

PSIII-6 Tail damage caused by tail biting in growing-finishing pigs housed in two group sizes

Abstract Tail biting can compromise the welfare of pigs and cause economic losses for pork producers, but little is known about the development of tail biting and its resulting impact on pigs. In this study, we investigated victimization by tail biting and the resulting impacts on the welfare and performance of pigs housed in two group sizes. Pigs (n = 432, initial body weight = 22.0 ± 3.7 kg) with intact tails were housed in large (LG = 18 pigs/pen, 12 pens) or small groups (SG = 9 pigs/pen, 24 pens) in a barn with fully slatted floors for 14 wk until market weight (120.7 ± 11.8 kg). Floor space (0.76 m2/pig) and feeder space (4 feeder spaces/9 pigs) allowance were identical between group sizes, and pigs were stratified by initial body weight and sex across treatment pens. Growth performance, pig removal, and tail damage were monitored throughout the study. Tail damage was assessed for each pig weekly and during tail biting outbreaks, using a subjective scoring system (0 = no damage; 1 = healed lesions with small scabs; 2 = puncture wounds with visible blood; 3 = wounds with signs of infection; 4 = partial or total loss of the tail). The maximal tail score (MTS) each pig received every four weeks and over the entire 14 weeks was summarized. Pigs that received MTS of ≥ 2 were considered victimized by a tail biter. Data were analyzed using Glimmix procedure with logit function and FREQ procedure with chi-square and CMH test of SAS software. Compared with SG, LG had greater MTS during the initial 4 wk (1.1 vs. 0.8, chi-square = 17.9, df = 1; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and reduced MTS during the last 2 wk (0.7 vs. 0.9, chi-square = 4.8, df = 1; P = 0.03), suggesting that tail damage declined as pigs grew in LG, but not in SG. The number of pigs removed for tail biting tended to be less and those removed for death and sickness tended to be greater in LG than in SG (chi-square = 7.4; df = 3; P = 0.06). Across group sizes, 68% of the removed pigs (n = 28) were victimized by tail biters (MTS ≥ 2). Between group sizes, there was no difference in time to first victimization or how often individual pigs were victimized throughout the study. Across group sizes, 45% of pigs were never victimized, but 22%, 16%, and 9% were victimized 1, 2, and 3 times, respectively. Eight percent of pigs were victimized more than three times, including 6% with MTS of 3 or 4. Pigs with MTS of 4 over the entire study period were three times more likely (odds ratios between 3.18 and 3.70; all P ≤ 0.03; Table 1) to have market weight lower than the average compared with other pigs. Based on these results, we suggest that management strategies should prevent multiple victimizations or tail loss to maintain pig welfare and performance.

Cell-penetrating protein-recognizing polymeric nanoparticles through dynamic covalent chemistry and double imprinting

Molecular recognition of proteins is key to their biological functions and processes such as protein–protein interactions (PPIs). The large binding interface involved and an often relatively flat binding surface make the development of selective protein-binding materials extremely challenging. A general method is reported in this work to construct protein-binding polymeric nanoparticles from cross-linked surfactant micelles. Preparation involves first dynamic covalent chemistry that encodes signature surface lysines on a protein template. A double molecular imprinting procedure fixes the binding groups on the nanoparticle for these lysine groups, meanwhile creating a binding interface complementary to the protein in size, shape, and distribution of acidic groups on the surface. These water-soluble nanoparticles possess excellent specificities for target proteins and sufficient affinities to inhibit natural PPIs such as those between cytochrome c (Cytc) and cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). With the ability to enter cells through a combination of energy-dependent and -independent pathways, they intervene apoptosis by inhibiting the PPI between Cytc and the apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF1). Generality of the preparation and the excellent molecular recognition of the materials have the potential to make them powerful tools to probe protein functions in vitro and in cellulo.