bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forewarned Is Forearmed: Documentation on the Invasion Risk of Asclepias speciosa in Greece and Europe
Authors: Krigas Nikos , Dijon Catherine , Samartza Ioulietta , Avtzis Dimitrios N. , Anestis Ioannis , Pipinis Elias , Gudžinskas Zigmantas
Published: February 2025

Biological invasions threaten biodiversity and agroecosystems, and early warning systems can minimise the spread of invasive alien species with limited resources. This study documents the presence of the alien plant Asclepias speciosa Torr., native to North America, that was first discovered in 2022 on Mount Vrontou, Central Macedonia, Northern Greece. This is the second European record of this alien species, after Lithuania, confirming its adaptability to contrasting European biogeographical regions. To enable future monitoring, this study provided new data on morphological traits of the species (above-ground parts), climatic tolerance (precipitation and temperature regimes), habitats with co-occurring species, pollinators, current reproductive potential, and seed germination at controlled temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C). The high probability of misidentification with the highly invasive A. syriaca in European inventories supports the theory that A. speciosa may have been present in Europe long before it was officially reported. The lack of an EU-mandated reassessment of A. syriaca monitoring raises concerns regarding the potential invasion risk of A. speciosa in European natural and semi-natural areas or agricultural lands. Inspection mechanisms, early warning systems, and preventive measures are therefore essential to protect local biodiversity and agriculture from potential A. speciosa invasion, a risk that may be exacerbated by climate change.
Precision Agriculture: Temporal and Spatial Modeling of Wheat Canopy Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Hou Liang , Lv Liangjie , Qi Hao , Sun Haifang , Zhang Xinshi , Li Si , Min Jianan , Liu Yanwen , Tang Yuanyuan , Liao Yao
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the dynamic changes in wheat canopy spectral characteristics across seven critical growth stages (Tillering, Pre-Jointing, Jointing, Post-Jointing, Booting, Flowering, and Ripening) using UAV-based multispectral remote sensing. By analyzing four key spectral bands—green (G), red (R), red-edge (RE), and near-infrared (NIR)—and their combinations, we identify spectral features that reflect changes in canopy activity, health, and structure. Results show that the green band is highly sensitive to chlorophyll activity and low canopy coverage during the Tillering stage, while the NIR band captures structural complexity and canopy density during the Jointing and Booting stages. The combination of G and NIR bands reveals increased canopy density and spectral concentration during the Booting stage, while the RE band effectively detects plant senescence and reduced spectral uniformity during the ripening stage. Time-series analysis of spectral data across growth stages improves the accuracy of growth stage identification, with dynamic spectral changes offering insights into growth inflection points. Spatially, the study demonstrates the potential for identifying field-level anomalies, such as water stress or disease, providing actionable data for targeted interventions. This comprehensive spatio-temporal monitoring framework improves crop management and offers a cost-effective, precise solution for disease prediction, yield forecasting, and resource optimization. The study paves the way for integrating UAV remote sensing into precision agriculture practices, with future research focusing on hyperspectral data integration to enhance monitoring models.
Research on the Sugarcane Stubble Chopping Mechanism of an Ultra-Deep Vertical Rotary Tillage Cutter Based on FEM-SPH Coupling Method
Authors: Yang Wang , Lu Huangsheng , Xiao Xiong , Luo Zhengkai , Dai Weilong , Lu Zhiheng
Published: February 2025

After existing ultra-deep vertical rotary tillers work in sugarcane stubble fields, the stubble chopping performance is poor, and the reason for this is unknown. To solve this, this paper develops a simulation model of ultra-deep vertical rotary tillage (UDVRT) in a sugarcane stubble field using the FEM-SPH coupling method and physical testing. The simulation model is used to investigate the rotary tillage process in the stubble field and the stubble chopping mechanism of the UDVRT cutter, identifying the causes of inadequate stubble chopping effectiveness. The results show that, when comparing the simulation with the field test, the magnitude and variation of the cutter’s torque curves are relatively consistent, the relative error of the topsoil fragmentation rate is 9.5%, the entire cultivated layer of soil fragmentation rate is 11.3%, and the average number of times the stubble stem was cut off is closer; thus, the modeling method of the simulation model is reasonable and accurate. When the cutter cuts the soil and the stubble simultaneously, the soil’s constraint on the stubble is gradually weakened, the velocity difference between the blade and the stem becomes smaller, the tilt of the stems becomes larger, and the number of times the blade can cut the stems reduces, leading to the poor chopping effect of stubble. The cutter cuts the stubble in the order of the blade from top to bottom, with the blade cutting the stem first and then the root, which is an effective measure to increase the stubble fragmentation rate. The findings of this paper can provide a reliable theoretical basis for the optimal design of a UDVRT cutter.
Automated Fixed System Specifically Designed for Agrochemical Applications in Protected Crops
Authors: Benalia Souraya , Mantella Antonio , Sbaglia Matteo , Abenavoli Lorenzo M. M. , Bernardi Bruno
Published: February 2025

Protected crops are intensive production systems characterized by high vegetation density, high temperatures, and high moisture, making them favorable environments for the development of pests and diseases. Consequently, these systems often require several interventions with agrochemicals to maintain profitable yields and high produce quality. However, the application of plant protection products (PPPs) in such systems is not efficient and poses environmental concerns. This study aims at analysing spray behaviour, particularly in terms of foliar deposition and losses to the ground according to spraying equipment and foliage height, focusing on a specifically designed and developed system for agrochemical application in protected crops, and comparing it with a commonly used spraying system, namely, the cannon sprayer. Such a system consists in a fixed net of tubing and anti-drip nozzles positioned at the top of the greenhouse’s apex, connected to a pneumatic sprayer ‘Special Serre 2000’ outside the greenhouse. Findings revealed a significant effect of the spraying system (Kruskal–Wallis χ2 = 12.239, df = 1, and p-value = 0.0004681) on normalized foliar deposition, with higher values obtained using the fixed spraying system. In addition, a simulation of the spatial distribution based on the principle of inverse distance weighting (IDW) was performed for qualitative spray assessment, confirming the heterogeneity of foliar deposition over the greenhouse with both of the used equipment. In addition, losses to the ground were affected by both spraying equipment and captor position.
Maintaining Silage Corn Production Under Sodic Irrigation Water Conditions in a Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Moghbel Farzam , Fazel Forough , Aguilar Jonathan , Mostafazadeh-Fard Behrouz , Mosaedi Abolfazl , Howell Nathan
Published: February 2025

The Zayandeh-Rud watershed of Iran has had water scarcity for decades, giving rise to pressures toward limiting water allocation for the agriculture sector. Marginal waters can be an alternative source for irrigated agriculture in water-scarce regions if adequately managed. One of the critical hazards for sustainable agriculture and the environment is the accumulated salinity–sodicity problem as a consequence of irrigating with unconventional waters. Applying additional water beyond the crop water requirement, known as leaching application, has been suggested as a solution to this problem. A physical model was built to investigate the effects of the severe sodicity and salinity conditions of irrigation water by creating 250 mm diameter soil columns (27 columns) filled with sandy clay loam soil. The severity of the irrigation water’s sodicity (sodium adsorption ratios (SAR): 5.27, 16.56, and 28.57) and its interactions with various leaching fractions (0%, 15%, and 30%) on critical soil chemical characteristics and corn yield were studied. Implementing a 30% leaching fraction reduced the SAR and salinity in the soil’s first layer (0–10 cm) when irrigating with saline–hyper-sodic water (SAR = 28.57 and ECiw = 9 dS/m). However, an elevated level of sodicity accumulation in the soil profile was observed, emphasizing the importance of adding calcium and magnesium amendments during the irrigation season. A noticeable increase in the efficiency of leaching applications in reducing accumulated salts and the sodicity level in the corn rootzone was detected with higher levels of irrigation water sodicity. The reduction in the accumulated salinity and sodium in the first soil layer due to implementing a 30% leaching fraction resulted in a 223.3% increase in the total biomass of silage corn. Applying a 30% leaching fraction also increased the corn biomass by 58% and 114.56% when irrigating with waters with 5.57 and 16.56 SAR values. The effectiveness of a 15% leaching fraction for enhancing the soil and crop conditions was significantly lower than that of the 30% leaching fraction. Nevertheless, in case of unavailability of sufficient water supply for irrigation purposes, applying a 15% leaching fraction could mitigate the consequences of sodic water irrigation. The results demonstrate that in the absence of the proper calcium amendments, the implementation of leaching management could still be effective in enhancing corn production under sodic water irrigation conditions.
The Detection and Counting of Olive Tree Fruits Using Deep Learning Models in Tacna, Perú
Authors: Osco-Mamani Erbert , Santana-Carbajal Oliver , Chaparro-Cruz Israel , Ochoa-Donoso Daniel , Alcazar-Alay Sylvia
Published: February 2025

Predicting crop performance is key to decision making for farmers and business owners. Tacna is the main olive-producing region in Perú, with an annual yield of 6.4 t/ha, mainly of the Sevillana variety. Recently, olive production levels have fluctuated due to severe weather conditions and disease outbreaks. These climatic phenomena are expected to continue in the coming years. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the model in natural and specific environments of the olive grove and counting olive fruits using CNNs from images. Among the models evaluated, YOLOv8m proved to be the most effective (94.960), followed by YOLOv8s, Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet. For the mAP50-95 metric, YOLOv8m was also the most effective (0.775). YOLOv8m achieved the best performance with an RMSE of 402.458 and a coefficient of determination R2 of (0.944), indicating a high correlation with the actual fruit count. As part of this study, a novel olive fruit dataset was developed to capture the variability under different fruit conditions. Concluded that the predicting crop from images requires consideration of field imaging conditions, color tones, and the similarity between olives and leaves.
Performance Comparison of Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction and Four Machine Learning Models for Estimating Genomic Breeding Values in Working Dogs
Authors: Thorsrud Joseph A. , Evans Katy M. , Quigley Kyle C. , Srikanth Krishnamoorthy , Huson Heather J.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the efficacy of various genomic prediction models—Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)—in predicting genomic breeding values (gEBVs). The phenotypic data include three binary health traits (anodontia, distichiasis, oral papillomatosis) and one behavioral trait (distraction) in a population of guide dogs. These traits impact the potential for success in guide dogs and are therefore routinely characterized but were chosen based on differences in heritability and case counts specifically to assess gEBV model performance. Utilizing a dataset from The Seeing Eye organization, which includes German Shepherds (n = 482), Golden Retrievers (n = 239), Labrador Retrievers (n = 1188), and Labrador and Golden Retriever crosses (n = 111), we assessed model performance within and across different breeds, trait heritability, case counts, and SNP marker densities. Our results indicate that no significant differences were found in model performance across varying heritabilities, case counts, or SNP densities, with all models performing similarly. Given its lack of need for parameter optimization, GBLUP was the most efficient model. Distichiasis showed the highest overall predictive performance, likely due to its higher heritability, while anodontia and distraction exhibited moderate accuracy, and oral papillomatosis had the lowest accuracy, correlating with its low heritability. These findings underscore that lower density SNP datasets can effectively construct gEBVs, suggesting that high-cost, high-density genotyping may not always be necessary. Additionally, the similar performance of all models indicates that simpler models like GBLUP, which requires less fine tuning, may be sufficient for genomic prediction in canine breeding programs. The research highlights the importance of standardized phenotypic assessments and carefully constructed reference populations to optimize the utility of genomic selection in canine breeding programs.
Pathologic Findings of Cranial Abscesses Involving the Pituitary Gland in Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania
Authors: Timmons Jack , Shaub Matthew , Scherer Luke , Gereg Ian , Maxwell Lauren , Potts Lane , Stevens Madison , Vile Madeline , Miller Erica A. , Niedringhaus Kevin D.
Published: February 2025

Intracranial abscesses are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in neurologic free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). These infections are typically attributed to Trueperella pyogenes and occur most often in adult males with concurrent antler and skull infections. A subset of intracranial abscesses in white-tailed deer are localized to the pituitary gland, with previously described reports in five white-tailed deer. In this case series, five additional free-ranging white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania were diagnosed with pituitary abscesses at necropsy. Two cases were female deer, and four cases were yearling or juvenile deer. Two cases presented with conjunctivitis and keratitis due to extension of pituitary abscesses into the retrobulbar and peri-orbital spaces. One case had a concurrent liver abscess. This case series demonstrates a unique clinical presentation of keratitis and conjunctivitis and emphasizes the potentially unique pathogenesis for pituitary abscesses compared to other intracranial abscesses described in white-tailed deer.
Integrating Significant SNPs Identified by GWAS for Genomic Prediction of the Number of Ribs and Carcass Length in Suhuai Pigs
Authors: Liu Kaiyue , Yin Yanzhen , Wang Binbin , Liu Chenxi , Zhou Wuduo , Niu Peipei , Huang Ruihua , Li Pinghua , Zhao Qingbo
Published: February 2025

The number of ribs (NRs) and the carcass length (CL) are important economic traits. The traits are usually measured after slaughter. To improve the prediction performance of genomic selection (GS) for NRs and CL, one strategy is to integrate the significant loci identified from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data by genome-wide association study (GWAS) into the genomic prediction (GP) model. This study investigated the GP of different genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian models using chip genotype data, imputed WGS (iWGS) data and modeling significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different ways for the GP of NRs and CL in the Suhuai pig population. The prediction accuracy, bias and running time of 15 different GP models were evaluated by 10-fold cross-validation. The prediction accuracy of GBLUP using chip data for NRs and CL was 0.314 ± 0.022 and 0.194 ± 0.040, respectively. For NRs, based on the iWGS data, treating the most significant SNP as fixed effects in the GBLUP model had the highest predictive performance, with a prediction accuracy of 0.528 ± 0.023. For CL, based on the chip data, the model that added all the significant SNPs identified by imputed data by GWAS into the multi-trait GBLUP as the second random additive effect was the highest predictive performance, with a prediction accuracy of 0.305 ± 0.027. This study provides insights into optimizing GP models for small populations with phenotypes that are difficult to measure.
Trilostane: Beyond Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Olaimat Ali R. , Jafarzadehbalagafsheh Parastoo , Gol Mohammad , Costa Anna-Maria , Biagini Giuseppe , Lucchi Chiara
Published: February 2025

Trilostane is a drug able to block the synthesis of progesterone from pregnenolone, dependent on the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5−4 isomerase. As a consequence of this effect, it is used to treat endocrinological diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome, especially in dogs. Because of the modulatory effects of trilostane on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, trilostane administration causes an increase in brain levels of neurosteroids with anticonvulsant properties, as in the case of allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone is also of interest in curing depression, suggesting that trilostane might represent a tool to address neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we investigated the historical development of this drug and its current use, mechanisms, and possible developments. By searching the literature from 1978 to 2025, we identified 101 papers describing studies with trilostane. Precisely, 55 were about dogs and trilostane, 3 were on cats, and 23 were with other animals. Some studies (15) were also designed with human patients. The main disease treatment with trilostane was hyperadrenocorticism. However, we also found two preclinical papers on trilostane’s potential use in psychiatric diseases and three on trilostane’s potential use in neurological disorders. Moreover, few clinical and preclinical studies suggested the involvement of neurosteroids modulated by trilostane in different neurological disorders, thus opening a possible new perspective for the use of this drug.
Unlocking Gut Health: The Potent Role of Stilbenoids in Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Meng Tiantian , Wen Ziwei , Cheng Xiaofang , Li Cencen , Zhang Pengpeng , Xiao Dingfu , Xu Yongjie
Published: February 2025

Stilbenoids are a class of naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in various plant species, characterized by a stilbene backbone with diverse substituents that confer a range of biological activities. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them promising candidates for improving intestinal health. The intestinal tract plays a critical role in nutrient digestion, absorption, and immune defense, and maintaining its integrity is vital for animal growth. Stilbenoids contribute to gut health by enhancing intestinal morphology, supporting mucosal immune responses, regulating gut microbiota composition, modulating metabolic pathways, and maintaining mitochondrial health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of key stilbenoids, including resveratrol, pterostilbene, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol, focusing on their biological effects and regulatory mechanisms. By highlighting their roles in mitigating intestinal inflammation and promoting gut function, this review provides a basis for the practical application of stilbenoids in animal health and husbandry.
Reproductive Traits and Hatchling Characteristics of the Endemic Sardinian Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica cetti): First Field Data, with Screening for Ophidiomyces ophidiicola
Authors: Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Colla Luca , Mezzadri Sergio , Cerullo Anna , Esposito Giuseppe , Pastorino Paolo , Paolino Giovanni , Acutis Pierluigi , Marini Daniele , Faraone Francesco Paolo
Published: February 2025

The Sardinian grass snake, Natrix helvetica cetti, is an island-endemic subspecies with a restricted and highly fragmented distribution confined to Sardinia, Italy. Information on its reproductive biology and wild offspring remain scarce in the scientific literature. This present study reports the first recorded data on a clutch of eggs laid by a wild melanistic female N. h. cetti that exhibited lethargy when observed basking, prompting a brief period of health monitoring and screening for the presence of the pathogenic fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo). The clutch yielded nine hatchlings, for which phenotypic data are provided and compared with existing information on the Natrix natrix complex. Both the adult female and its offspring tested negative in the Oo screening. The body size of the adult grass snake, specifically its snout-to-vent length of 48.3 cm, is the smallest ever recorded for a gravid female N. helvetica. This may indicate that maturity is reached at particularly small sizes, a distinctive trait of this intriguing island subspecies, suggesting the need for further investigation.
The Impact of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Organisational Justice on Global Health and Turnover Intentions in Animal Care Workers
Authors: Lezon Remi , Rohlf Vanessa , Rayment Diana , Howell Tiffani J.
Published: February 2025

Animal care workers in sheltering, rescue, and management are exposed to occupational stressors which negatively impact health. While the negative mental health impacts have been previously documented in this population, physical health, and its contributing factors, have not. This study investigated how job demands, job resources, and organisational justice relate to mental and physical health, and how they subsequently affect turnover intentions. Of the 285 participants, aged 19 to 94 years, who completed the online anonymous questionnaire, below average mental and physical health was reported. Mental health, but not physical health, was inversely related to intentions to leave. After controlling for age, hierarchical multiple regressions showed high emotional demands and direct euthanasia exposure significantly predicted poorer mental and physical health, while high levels of social support predicted better mental and physical health. No additional variance in either health domain was accounted for by organisational justice. It was concluded that both physical and mental health may be negatively impacted in those who work in shelter, rescue, and management environments which could lead to high turnover and poor outcomes for individuals and organisations. Monitoring through ongoing health records to enable early intervention and accommodations should be considered to promote the health of these workers.
Gene Editing for Enhanced Swine Production: Current Advances and Prospects
Authors: Ju Won Seok , Kim Seokho , Lee Jae-Yeong , Lee Haesun , No Jingu , Lee Seunghoon , Oh Keonbong
Published: February 2025

Traditional pig breeding has improved production traits but faces limitations in genetic diversity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation. Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing, enable precise genetic modifications, overcoming these limitations and expanding applications to biomedical research. Here, we reviewed the advancements in gene editing technologies in pigs and explored pathways toward optimized swine genetics for a resilient and adaptive livestock industry. This review synthesizes recent research on gene editing tools applied to pigs, focusing on CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives. It examines their impact on critical swine production traits and their role as human disease models. Significant advancements have been made in targeting genes for disease resistance, such as those conferring immunity to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses. Additionally, gene-edited pigs are increasingly used as models for human diseases, demonstrating the technology’s broader applications. However, challenges such as off-target effects, ethical concerns, and varying regulatory frameworks remain. Gene editing holds substantial potential for sustainable and productive livestock production by enhancing key traits and supporting biomedical applications. Addressing technical and ethical challenges through integrated approaches will be essential to realize its full potential, ensuring a resilient, ethical, and productive livestock sector for future generations
Relationship Between CRISPR–Cas Systems and Acquisition of Tetracycline Resistance in Non-Clinical Enterococcus Populations in Bulgaria
Authors: Pandova Maria , Kizheva Yoana , Hristova Petya
Published: February 2025

Non-clinical enterococci are relatively poorly studied by means of acquired antibiotic resistance to tetracycline and by the distribution, functionality and role of their CRISPR systems. Background: In our study, 72 enterococcal strains, isolated from various non-clinical origins, were investigated for their phenotypic and genotypic (tet(M), tet(O), tet(S), tet(L), tet(K), tet(T) and tet(W)) tetracycline resistance. Methods: The genetic determinants for HGT (MGEs (Int-Tn and prgW), inducible pheromones (cpd, cop and cff), aggregation substances (agg, asa1, prgB and asa373) and CRISPR–Cas systems were characterized by PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Results: Four tet genes (tetM, tetO, tetS and tetT) were detected in 39% (n = 28) of our enterococcal population, with tetM (31%) being dominant. The gene location was linked to the Tn6009 transposon. All strains that contained tet genes also had genes for HGT. No tet genes were found in E. casseliflavus and E. gilvus. In our study, 79% of all tet-positive strains correlated with non-functional CRISPR systems. The strain E. faecalis BM15 was the only one containing a combination of a functional CRISPR system (cas1, cas2, csn2 and csn1/cas9) and tet genes. The CRISPR subtype repeats II-A, III-B, IV-A2 and VI-B1 were identified among E. faecalis strains (CM4-II-A, III-B and VI-B1; BM5-IV-A2, II-A and III-B; BM12 and BM15-II-A). The subtype II-A was the most present. These repeats enclosed a great number of spacers (1–10 spacers) with lengths of 31 to 36 bp. One CRISPR locus was identified in plasmid (p.Firmicutes1 in strain E. faecalis BM5). We described the presence of CRISPR loci in the species E. pseudoavium, E. pallens and E. devriesei and their lack in E. gilvus, E. malodoratus and E. mundtii. Conclusions: Our findings generally describe the acquisition of foreign DNA as a consequence of CRISPR inactivation, and self-targeting spacers as the main cause.
Automatic Identification of Rock Discontinuity Sets by a Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Method Based on Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Li Peng , Chen Tianqi , Liu Yan , Cai Meifeng , Sun Liang , Wang Peitao , Wang Yu , Zhang Xuepeng
Published: February 2025

The identification and classification of rock discontinuities are crucial for studying rock mechanical properties and rock engineering optimization design and safety assessment. An improved artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed and combined with the fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering method to develop an FCM clustering method for automatically identifying rock discontinuity sets based on the ABC algorithm (FCM-ABC method). All the equations of the method are fully developed, and the methodology is presented in its entirety. Moreover, the rock structural planes are investigated in a gold mine in China using a ShapeMetriX 3D system. Based on the measured structural plane data, the specific calculation process, selection of parameters, effectiveness of grouping, and the dominant orientation of the proposed method for structural plane occurrence classification are analyzed and discussed, and satisfactory clustering results are achieved. This validates the validity and reliability of the method. Furthermore, multiple aspects of the excellent performance of this method for the identification of structural plane sets compared to traditional clustering methods are demonstrated. In addition, the significance of structural plane identification in the prevention and control of rock engineering disasters is discussed. This new method theoretically expands the technology of rock mass structural plane identification and has important application value in practical engineering.
Assessing the Relationship Between Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Oxygen and Redox Cytochrome C Oxidase During Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Soltani Nima , Mohindra Rohit , Lin Steve , Toronov Vladislav
Published: February 2025

Evaluating brain oxygen metabolism during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for improving neurological outcomes and guiding clinical interventions in high-stress medical emergencies. This study focused on two key indicators of brain oxygen metabolism: the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and the oxidation state of redox cytochrome c oxidase (rCCO). Using advanced techniques such as hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy (hNIRS) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of their relationship in pigs during and after cardiac arrest and CPR. Both the entire duration of these experiments and specific time intervals were investigated, providing a detailed view of how these metrics interact. The data reveal a non-linear relationship between rCCO and CMRO2. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how the brain manages oxygen during critical episodes, potentially guiding future interventions in neurological care and improving outcomes in emergency medical settings.
Integrated AI System for Real-Time Sports Broadcasting: Player Behavior, Game Event Recognition, and Generative AI Commentary in Basketball Games
Authors: Jung Sunghoon , Kim Hanmoe , Park Hyunseo , Choi Ahyoung
Published: February 2025

This study presents an AI-based sports broadcasting system capable of real-time game analysis and automated commentary. The model first acquires essential background knowledge, including the court layout, game rules, team information, and player details. YOLO model-based segmentation is applied for a local camera view to enhance court recognition accuracy. Player’s actions and ball tracking is performed through YOLO algorithms. In each frame, the YOLO detection model is used to detect the bounding boxes of the players. Then, we proposed our tracking algorithm, which computed the IoU from previous frames and linked together to track the movement paths of the players. Player behavior is achieved via the R(2+1)D action recognition model including player actions such as running, dribbling, shooting, and blocking. The system demonstrates high performance, achieving an average accuracy of 97% in court calibration, 92.5% in player and object detection, and 85.04% in action recognition. Key game events are identified based on positional and action data, with broadcast lines generated using GPT APIs and converted to natural audio commentary via Text-to-Speech (TTS). This system offers a comprehensive framework for automating sports broadcasting with advanced AI techniques.
Not All Forms of Exercise Lead to Positive Affect: A Comparative Monitoring Between an Imposed and Self-Adjusted Prescription in Recreational Runners—A Cross-Sectional Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Monturil Izabela Linhares Campos , Sales Marcelo Magalhães , Inacio Pedro Augusto , Aprigliano Vicente , Leonardo Patricia Sardinha , Oliveira-Silva Iransé , Cunha Raphael Martins , Chiappa Gaspar R. , Fajemiroye James Oluwagbamigbe , Vieira Rodolfo P. , Lopes-Martins Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão , Sá Filho Alberto Souza
Published: February 2025

Objective: To evaluate the affective responses to running with imposed velocity or self-selected time trials in runners, as well as the effects on volume load (VL) and training impulse (TRIMP). Anxiety was also determined. We established the level of association between the dependent variables. Methods: Three visits were carried out. The 1st visit consisted of a maximum running effort test (VO2Max). In the 2nd and 3rd visits, participants were divided between the time limit (TLim) or time trial 1000 m running at self-selected intensity (T1000). Participants responded to the felt arousal, feeling, and anxiety SUDS scale before, during, and after TLim and T1000. Results: TLim vs. T1000 (p < 0.001) and VPeak × V1000 (p = 0.013) showed differences, but did not influence VLTLim vs. VL1000 (3181.34 ± 872.22 vs. 3570.60 ± 323.3; p = 0.062). TRIMP showed no differences (p = 0.068). Arousal did not differ between the pre-exercise (p = 0.772) and post-exercise (p = 0.083) conditions but was different during (p = 0.035). There were differences between groups in the pre-exercise (p = 0.012), during (p < 0.001), and post-exercise (p < 0.001) conditions for feeling and anxiety scores. The correlation between TRIMP and affective scores showed an association with TLim (r = 0.46; p = 0.043). Conclusion: The self-selected exercise generated positive affective responses, but the same did not occur for the imposed TLim. VL and TRIMP presented equality. There was association between TRIMP and the TLim feeling scale. TLim significantly increased anxiety scores.
Elucidating the Capacity and Mechanism of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Synthesizing Essential Amino Acids from Non-Essential Amino Acids in a Novel Severely Deficient Medium
Authors: Duc Tran Quang , Uebanso Takashi , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira
Published: February 2025

The gut microbiota plays a vital role in human physiology and nutrient metabolism. However, its capacity to synthesize essential amino acids (EAAs) as a nutrient source remains insufficiently characterized, with genomic evidence suggesting this potential but lacking direct in vitro validation. To address this, we developed an artificial medium comprising 78 components, enabling Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ATCC 8014) to achieve growth comparable to that in conventional MRS broth. Through systematic depletion of individual and multiple EAAs, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine were identified as critical for the survival and proliferation of this strain. Subsequent analysis revealed that lysine and threonine were synthesized and secreted into the medium after 48 h of culturing in medium lacking these EAAs, using aspartic acid as a major precursor. Notably, in response to methionine deficiency, cysteine seemed to be converted to methionine via the transsulfuration pathway, with vitamin B6 serving as an essential cofactor. Collectively, our findings demonstrated the ability of L. plantarum to synthesize and provide lysine and threonine in these EAA-restricted conditions. This ability to serve EAAs to the environment provides a basis for future studies to further investigate the role of intestinal microbiota as a potential source of EAAs in host animals.
Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Baru Nut Oil (Dipteryx alata Vogel) Nanoemulsion in Human Cells
Authors: Queiroz José , Figueredo Arthur , Sá Bruno Silva , Moreira Daniel Carneiro , Bueno Nunes João , Eaton Peter , Leite José Roberto Souza de Almeida , Vasconcelos Andreanne Gomes
Published: February 2025

Baru nut oil (Dipteryx alata Vogel) is a lipidic extract from a species endemic to the Cerrado biome, renowned for its antioxidant potential. This study aimed to develop a nanoemulsion containing baru nut oil (BNON) using lecithin and polysorbate 80, and to evaluate its antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. The physicochemical properties of BNON were characterized, and its cytotoxicity was assessed in human erythrocytes and keratinocytes. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method and inhibition of AAPH-induced hemolysis. BNON exhibited a droplet size of 530.1 ± 20.48 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.496 ± 0.057, and a zeta potential of −35.7 ± 2.19 mV. Free baru nut oil showed no cytotoxicity to keratinocytes or erythrocytes within the concentration ranges tested (1.0–0.031 mg/mL and 0.8–0.006 mg/mL, respectively). In contrast, BNON displayed cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes and erythrocytes only at the highest tested concentration. Atomic force microscopy analysis of erythrocytes from the hemolysis assay revealed normal morphology for cells treated with free oil at 0.8 mg/mL, whereas cells treated with BNON at the same concentration exhibited a slightly widened concave center. Free oil at 0.8 mg/mL significantly protected erythrocytes from AAPH-induced hemolysis, while BNON did not. However, BNON (5 mg/mL) demonstrated free radical scavenging activity, quantified at 0.0074 mg Trolox equivalents/mg via the DPPH assay. These findings suggest that baru nut oil has potential as an antioxidant product, although further optimization of the nanoformulation is required.
Modular Robotics Configurator: A MATLAB Model-Based Development Approach
Authors: Grosz Ernest Andrei , Borzan Marian
Published: February 2025

In recent years, modularity has become increasingly present in the field of robotics and mechatronics. The need to easily calculate and generate modular robots in an easier and faster way and for a wide range of robotics projects has increased. This paper aims to present a new modular software development method for an automatic configurator of serial robots through the model-based development technique using the MATLAB Simulink R2024b software. Using this functionality, the user has the possibility to configure, generate, and analyze serial robots, starting from a kinematic scheme that complies with the development requirements of the project. Having a high degree of flexibility and avoiding multiple instances of debugging, caused by the need to use different environments, as well as connectivity problems between them or a lack of support in development, the user has the possibility to configure and reconfigure serial robots, easily adapting to the high degree of dynamism in the development of current projects. Because of the modularity on which the software development is based, the user has the possibility to optimize and improve the quality and performance of the system, along with easy adaptation to the speed of technological advancement.
Conformal Solutions of Static Plane Symmetric Cosmological Models in Cases of a Perfect Fluid and a Cosmic String Cloud
Authors: Gad Ragab M. , Al-Jedani Awatif , Alsulami Shahad T.
Published: February 2025

In this work, we obtained exact solutions of Einstein’s field equations for plane symmetric cosmological models by assuming that they admit conformal motion. The space-time geometry of these solutions is found to be nonsingular, non-vacuum and conformally flat. We have shown that in the case of a perfect fluid, these solutions have an energy-momentum tensor possessing dark energy with negative pressure and the energy equation of state is ρ+p=0. We have shown that a fluid has acceleration, rotation, shear-free, vanishing expansion, and rotation. In the case of a cosmic string cloud, we found that the tension density and particle density decrease as the fluid moves along the direction of the strings, then vanish at infinity. We shown that the exact conformal solution for a static plane symmetric model reduces to the well-known anti-De Sitter space-time. We obtained that the space-time under consideration admits a conformal vector field orthogonal to the 4-velocity vector and does not admits a vector parallel to the 4-velocity vector. Some physical and kinematic properties of the resulting models are also discussed.
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys: Potential Primate Paradigm in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Wang Yan , Li Jiaxuan , Li Nianlong , Zhou Wenhui , Wang Chengliang , Li Baoguo
Published: February 2025

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder, affecting approximately 25–35% of individuals exposed to significant psychological trauma. Despite extensive research, the underlying biological mechanisms of PTSD remain poorly understood, and the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapeutic interventions is limited. To date, animal studies investigating trauma responses have primarily relied on rodent models, with the potential contributions of non-human primates relatively neglected. In this study, matched-control observations were employed to examine maternal caregiving behaviors, prosocial interactions, and responses to alarm calls in free-ranging golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) before and after an infanticide event. Results indicated a significant decrease in prosocial behaviors among some mothers, accompanied by significant increases in caregiving behaviors, heightened responsiveness to alarm calls, and indications of low mood. These findings provide evidence of trauma-related behavioral changes in golden snub-nosed monkeys, underscoring their utility as a model for studying PTSD given the similarity to trauma responses observed in humans. Overall, this study provides a foundation for further investigation into the evolutionary and biological aspects of PTSD, as well as the interactions between species-specific trauma responses. Future research should explore the use of non-human primate models to deepen our understanding of PTSD mechanisms.
Activity Evaluation and Mode of Action of ICA Against Toxoplasma gondii In Vitro
Authors: Qiu Yanhua , Wang Weiwei , Wang Qing , Xu Jing , Dai Guonian , Bai Yubin , Zhang Jiyu
Published: February 2025

Toxoplasmosis is a significant zoonotic parasitic disease. Currently, there is no effective vaccine available to prevent human infection, and treatment primarily relies on chemotherapy. However, the lack of specific therapeutic agents and the limitations of existing drugs highlight the urgent need for novel, safe, and effective anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) medications. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of ICA (N-(pyridin-2-yl)-4-(pyridine-2-yl)thiazol-2-amine) to host cells and assessed its inhibitory and anti-proliferative effects on T. gondii tachyzoites. We further investigated the impact of ICA on the ultrastructure of T. gondii using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, we measured alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, superoxide levels, and ATP levels in T. gondii to assess the effect of ICA on mitochondrial function. Our findings demonstrated that ICA exhibits a safe and effective inhibitory effect on T. gondii, with a selectivity index (SI) of 258.25. Notably, ICA demonstrated a more potent anti-proliferative effect than pyrimethamine (PYR). Ultrastructural observations revealed that ICA induces mitochondrial swelling and membrane rupture in T. gondii. Further investigations confirmed that ICA leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in T. gondii. In conclusion, our results suggest that ICA possesses the potential to serve as a lead compound for the development of novel anti-T. gondii therapies.
60 Years of Studies into the Initiation of Chromosome Replication in Bacteria
Authors: Herrick John , Norris Vic , Kohiyama Masamichi
Published: February 2025

The Replicon Theory has guided the way experiments into DNA replication have been designed and interpreted for 60 years. As part of the related, explanatory package guiding experiments, it is thought that the timing of the cell cycle depends in some way on a critical mass for initiation, Mi, as licensed by a variety of macromolecules and molecules reflecting the state of the cell. To help in the re-interpretation of this data, we focus mainly on the roles of DnaA, RNA polymerase, SeqA, and ribonucleotide reductase in the context of the “nucleotypic effect”.
APOL1 Dynamics in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Hypertension
Authors: Singhal Pravin C. , Skorecki Karl
Published: February 2025

APOL1 Renal Risk Variants (APOL1RRVs, G1, and G2) are known to be toxic to glomerular podocytes and causally associated with an enhanced prevalence and progression of many different etiologies of chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to the delineation of a new disease designation of APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD). Notably, APOL1RRVs have not consistently been shown to increase the prevalence or severity of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression, which is the most common cause of End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). While this apparent discrepancy seems perplexing, its clarification should provide important mechanistic and therapeutic insights. Activation of the Renin–Angiotensin System (RAS) plays a critical role in the development and progression of DKD. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies also demonstrated that RAS activation contributes to kidney cell injury in AMKD experimental models. Both high glucose, as well as APOL1RRVs escalate the podocyte expression of miR193a, a known mediator of glomerulosclerosis, including idiopathic Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS) and DKD. We propose that either the RAS and/or miR193a levels in the diabetic milieu are already maximally conducive to kidney target cell injury and, therefore, are agnostic to further injury in response to APOL1RRVs. Similarly, the contributory role of hypertension (which is frequently reported as the second most common cause of ESKD) in the progression of AMKD remains a controversial issue. Since several clinical reports have shown that controlling hypertension does not consistently slow the progression of AMKD, this has led to a formulation wherein APOL1-RRVs primarily lead to kidney injury with accompanying hypertension. Notably, half a decade later, the notion that hypertension is not a cause but rather a consequence of kidney injury was contested by investigators analyzing the Mount Sinai BioMe repository, a comprehensive clinical and genetic database including participants with APOL1RRVs. These investigators observed that hypertension predated the observed decline in GFR in individuals with APOL1RRVs by ten years. In the present study, we discuss the mechanistic forces that may underpin the gaps in these clinical manifestations, which did not allow the temporal association of hypertension with AMKD to be translated into causation and may also dissociate DKD and AMKD. We have hypothesized models that need to be validated in future experimental studies.