Large-scale CRISPR/Cas9 deletions within the WFDC gene cluster uncover gene functionality and critical roles in mammalian reproduction.

Despite 96 million years of evolution separating humans and rodents, 11 closely related reproductive tract-specific genes in humans-, , , , , , , , , , and -and the 13 reproductive tract-specific orthologous genes in mice, form highly conserved syntenic gene clusters indicative of conserved, combined critical functions. Further, despite significant progress toward a nonhormonal male contraceptive targeting the protein encoded by one of these genes, epididymal peptidase inhibitor (EPPIN), and associations found between mutations in and an increased risk of male infertility, neither EPPIN nor any closely related whey acidic protein four-disulfide core (WFDC) gene have been explored functionally. To clarify the involvement of WFDC genes in male fertility, we strategically used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mice lacking 13, 10, 5, or 4 genes within the cluster and demonstrated that males with deletions of 13, 10, or 4 genes (Wfdc6a, Eppin, Wfdc8, and Wfdc6a) were sterile due to an arrest in spermatogenesis, preventing formation beyond round spermatids.

Animal-Assisted Mental Health Education for Veterinary Students.

Veterinary students often face mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their studies and the pressures of adopting to their future profession. To address this issue, an animal-assisted education in mental health (AAE-MH) program was developed and implemented at a veterinary school in Hong Kong. The primary goal of the AAE-MH program was to enhance students' mental health literacy, raise awareness of mental health topics, and improve their help-seeking behavior and overall well-being.

Part I: examining the broken history of manual therapy across professions. A survey-based analysis.

The historical development of manual therapy is an area of ongoing debate impacting clinical practice, education, and practice regulations. Primary professions utilizing manual therapy include chiropractic, manual medicine, osteopathy, and physiotherapy. A survey was developed to explore perceptions, experiences, and opinions across professions, and was disseminated globally.

Part II: Beyond Broken Histories: Reframing Professional Identity and the Historical Genesis of Manual Therapy. Interviews across professions.

Background: Perspectives on the historical genesis of manual therapy for chiropractic, manual medicine, osteopathy, and physiotherapy are limited.

Objective: This study sought to identify themes and narratives related to the genesis of manual therapy; the potential of a common root for manual therapy in 19 century Northern Europe; and the potential impact of a current 'broken history' for manual therapy.

Methods: An exploratory phenomenological approach was utilized, based upon structured one-hour interviews of 21 professionals across four professions who had previously completed a survey on the historical genesis of manual therapy.

Development and Integration of Models for Teaching Ram Breeding Soundness Examinations in Veterinary Education.

Proficiency with ram breeding soundness examinations requires competency with palpation, a skill that can be difficult to teach and assess. There are limited small ruminant clinical skills models available, despite the advantages they offer in veterinary education. We developed reusable models for teaching ram breeding soundness examinations, focusing on scrotal assessment and palpation.