bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Molecular characterization of adult atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor and review of the literature
Authors: Hernandez-Rovira Miguel A. , Connor Michelle , Osorio Robert C. , Russler-Germain Emilie , Schmidt Robert , Johnson Gabrielle W. , Silverstein Julie , Dahiya Sonika , Farrell Nyssa Fox , Weiss Mia C. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Huang Jiayi , Mathios Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Background and importance

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) are typically aggressive pediatric tumors with a median survival of 11 months. Due to the paucity of cases in adults, the clinical behavior of these pathologies is not well understood. Here we present the case of a 41-year-old female patient with postoperative hyperprogression of a sellar ATRT and provide a detailed description of the molecular composition of this tumor, the protocol used to treat this patient, and the ultimate outcome of this patient.

Clinical presentation

The patient is a 41-year-old woman who presented with headaches and double vision. MRI revealed a sellar/suprasellar mass with involvement of bilateral cavernous sinuses. Following the quick symptom progression, resection of the tumor with exploration of the bilateral cavernous sinuses was performed, with a final pathologic diagnosis of ATRT-MYC, a known subtype of ATRT. The tumor recurred within 1 month of surgery, attaining a size equivalent to its preoperative state. Postoperatively, the patient received craniospinal radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy with an excellent response but had a recurrence of the tumor in the brainstem 1 year after her diagnosis and died 13 months after presentation.

Discussion

Sellar ATRT in adults is an exceedingly rare entity. The detailed description of our case highlights the aggressiveness of these tumors and the utility of postoperative chemotherapy and radiation, but also the inevitable progression of these tumors along the craniospinal axis.

Conclusion

Sellar ATRTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a sellar/suprasellar mass, especially in women in their 40s. Emphasis should be placed on accurate diagnosis and quick postoperative recovery with early initiation of adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.
Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management
Authors: Barnosky Victoria , Brown Matthew , Bagchi Somnath , Blain Remy , Husejnovic Demir , Johnson Sandra , Mackworth-Praed Meredith
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This research aims to better delineate how intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are incorporated into the oncology care continuum and highlight the need for further awareness of interventional options for pain management of cancer patients in the United Kingdom. The study focuses on exploring the knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding IDDS as a treatment option for managing chronic refractory pain in cancer patients.

Methodology

A thematic coding using inductive analysis was employed to achieve the research objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare professionals in various specialties, including oncology, neurosurgery, pain management, and palliative care. The interviews were transcribed, and a two-phased qualitative inductive coding approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

The findings of the study revealed four major themes: Education, Barriers & Benefits, Technical & Administrative, and Patient-Centered Care. The theme of Education highlighted the need for increased knowledge and awareness of IDDS among healthcare professionals. Barriers & Benefits encompassed concerns about infection risk, suitability for patients with a short life expectancy, and the challenges and advantages of IDDS use. The Technical & Administrative theme addressed cost considerations, device management, and the need for improved guidelines. Patient-Centered Care emphasized the importance of involving patients in decision-making and considering their physical and emotional well-being throughout the treatment pathway.

Conclusions

This research identifies several areas of unmet need in the management of refractory pain in cancer patients, including the development of more inclusive guidelines, greater awareness among clinicians and patients, and the role of medical technology companies in supporting effective pain management. The findings underscore the impact of IDDS on improving pain control and highlight the potential importance of early intervention and comprehensive pain management in influencing the trajectory of oncological diseases.
Using estrogen and progesterone to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postnatal depression and menopausal depression
Authors: Mu Eveline , Chiu Lauren , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: February 2025

Female gonadal hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are not only central to reproductive health but also play a crucial role in regulating mood, cognition, and overall brain health. These hormones have a significant impact on the central nervous system, influencing key processes such as neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and brain development. Increasing evidence shows that hormonal fluctuations contribute to the onset and progression of mental health disorders that disproportionately affect women, particularly premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postnatal depression (PND), and menopausal depression. This paper explores the current evidence regarding the neurobiological effects of female hormones on the brain and discusses the therapeutic approaches in conditions such as PMDD, PND, and menopausal depression.
“Distribution of dominant wavelengths predicts jackdaw (Corvus monedula) color discrimination performance”
Authors: Lingstädt Farina , Apostel Aylin , Rose Jonas
Published: February 2025

Color vision is an important perceptual ability in most species and a crucial capacity underlying any cognitive task working with color stimuli. Birds are known for their outstanding vision and tetrachromacy. Two jackdaws were trained to indicate whether they perceive two colors as same or different. The dominant wavelengths of the experimental colors were assessed to relate the birds’ performance to the physical qualities of the stimuli. The results indicate that the differences or similarities in dominant wavelengths of the colors had a strong influence on the behavioral data. Colors related to a reduced discriminatory performance were colors of particularly close wavelengths, whereas differences in saturation or brightness were less relevant. Overall, jackdaws mostly relied on hue to discriminate color pairs, and their behavior strongly reflected the physical composition of the color set. These findings show that when working with color stimuli, not only the perceptual abilities of the particular species, but also the technical aspects concerning the color presentation have to be considered carefully.
Elevated root-zone P and nutrient concentration do not increase yield or cannabinoids in medical cannabis
Authors: Hershkowitz Julie A. , Westmoreland F. Mitchell , Bugbee Bruce
Published: February 2025

Elevating nutrient input is thought to increase yield and cannabinoid concentration of medical cannabis, but increased legalization has heightened awareness of the environmental impact of overfertilization. Elevated levels of phosphorus (P) are of particular concern. Here we report the effects of increasing P above levels adequate for other crops (15, 30, 45, 60, or 90 mg per L) and the interactive effects of elevated P with elevated nutrient solution concentration (electrical conductivity; 2 and 4 mS per cm). We used closed-system hydroponics to continuously quantify rootzone nutrient concentrations. The concentration of P in leaf tissue doubled and flower P concentration increased 70% when the P input increased from 15 to 90 mg per L but there was no difference in yield or quality among treatments. Doubling nutrient input from 2 to 4 mS per cm increased nutrient accumulation in solution but did not significantly increase yield or quality. Reducing P in the refill solution from 90 to 15 mg per L reduced P in solution at harvest from 300 to less than 0.1 mg per L. Despite the low steady-state concentration of P in solution in the 15 mg per L treatment, there was no difference in yield or quality among treatments, regardless of the concentration of other elements. Despite the high nutrient concentrations in the rootzone solution there was no leaf necrosis or other visual effects among treatments. These data indicate cannabis tolerates high nutrient concentrations, but neither excessive P nor excessive fertilization improves yield or quality.
Effects of elevated atmospheric ozone concentration on biomass and non-structural carbohydrates allocation of cherry radish
Authors: Li Li , Yang Bingkai , Li Jinling , Wang Xiaoke , Ullah Sami
Published: February 2025

Regional increases in atmospheric O3 have phytotoxicity due to its strong oxidizing properties. Cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.), with its sensitivity to O3 and rapid growth cycle, serves as an excellent model for investigating the effects of elevated O3 on plant physiological responses. To determine the response of cherry radish to elevated O3 levels, we used nine open-top chambers with three O3 concentrations (Ambient-LO; 70 ppb O3 above ambient-MO; 140 ppb O3 above ambient−HO) in Beijing, China to examine the MDA, chlorophyll contents, biomass, soluble sugar, and starch contents in response to O3 exposure. The results showed that: 1) elevated O3 (EO3) did not affect leaf chlorophyll contents but increased carotenoid contents; (2). The total biomass, hypocotyl biomass and hypocotyl size were significantly decreased by 41% and 49%, 51% and 37%, 53% and 40% by MO and HO, respectively. The above-to-below-ground biomass ratio (A/B) increased by 49% and 61% under MO and HO treatments; (3). HO and MO significantly increased leaf fructose, sucrose, and glucose contents by 192% and 79%, 40% and 37%, 110% and 45%, respectively; (4). leaf soluble sugar biomass proportion increased by 75% and 99% under HO and MO mainly contributed by fructose biomass proportion increase; (5). radish plant allocated more soluble sugar, starch and NSC biomass proportion to leaf but not hypocotyl under EO3. In conclusion, radishes exposed to O3 allocate more nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) to the leaf at the expense of a great loss of hypocotyl biomass. This is possible mainly due to compensation of O3-induced damage via the sugar transport pathways, where transport is blocked so that the inefficient conversion of soluble sugars into starch can lead to reduced biomass accumulation and ultimately lower crop yields of radish. The role of radish fructose in protecting against or responding to O3 risks may be underestimated as it affects the overall sugar metabolism and transport within the plant.
The psychological resilience of teenagers in terms of their everyday emotional balance and the impact of emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Yu Zengyan , Liu Wen
Published: February 2025

Objective

Adolescents are also more vulnerable to the effects of everyday life stimuli and exhibit a range of negative emotional states that can develop into severe affective disorders. However, Psychological resilience maybe enable the prevention of emotional problems associated with daily stress rather than intervening treating the problem after it has occurred.

Methods

A total of 104 individuals (54 participants in the high psychological resilience group and 50 participants in the low psychological resilience group) were first identified. Then, the 8-day experiential sampling method was used to determine the characteristics of adolescents with different psychological resilience levels in terms of emotional balance under daily stress. Further combined with diary method research, a multilayered linear model was used to explore the predictive effects of six emotion regulation strategies on adolescents’ emotional balance.

Results

The obtained Results show that high psychological resilience adolescents demonstrated higher levels of emotional balance and positive rates and lower rates of change in emotional balance than low psychological resilience adolescents. In terms of facilitating emotion regulation strategies, high psychological resilience was associated with greater use of cognitive reappraisal and social sharing strategies (which positively predicted emotional balance under daily stress) and less use of expression suppression and rumination strategies (which negatively predicted levels of emotional balance).

Conclusion

Adolescents with high psychological resilience exhibit good adaptive emotional states in daily stressful situations, which is closely related to their use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal and social sharing and may be useful for further intervention research.
Factors that influence participation in physical activity in Chinese teenagers: perspective of school educators and parents in respect of the social ecology model
Authors: Hu Donglin , Zhou Shi , Crowley-McHattan Zachary J. , Liu Zhiyun
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The objective of this study was to explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and administrators on the factors influencing adolescent physical activity in China.

Methods

The study employed semi-structured interviews with school teachers, school principals, government officers, and parents. Twenty-five participants were recruited from Jiangsu Province, China, and completed the interview.

Results

The data collected were analysed using grounded theory within the social ecology model framework. The analysis identified 49 concepts across 19 subcategories and five main categories.

Discussion

The resulting theoretical model, constructed using grounded theory, integrated five main categories: individual factors, family environment, school environment, community environment, and policy. This model provides a foundational understanding of the multifaceted influencing factors of adolescent physical activity in China.
Spatiotemporal prevalence of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants in Africa
Authors: Gao Li-Ping , Zheng Can-Jun , Tian Ting-Ting , Brima Tia Alie , Abdulai Michael K. , Xiao Kang , Chen Cao , Liang Dong-Lin , Shi Qi , Liu Zhi-Guo , Dong Xiao-Ping
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant public health and socioeconomic crises across Africa; however, the prevalent patterns of COVID-19 and the circulating characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in the continent remain insufficiently documented.

Methods

In this study, national data on case numbers, infection incidences, mortality rates, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and key health indexes were collected from various official and professional sources between January 2020 and December 2023 were analyzed with SaTScan and geographically weighted regression (GWR).

Results

The prevalent profiles and circulating features of SARS-CoV-2 across the African continent, including its five regions and all African countries, were analyzed. Four major waves of the epidemic were observed. The first wave was closely associated with the introduction of the early SARS-CoV-2 strain while the subsequent waves were linked to the emergence of specific variants, including variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, variants of interest (VOIs) Eta (second wave), VOC Delta (third wave), and VOC Omicron (fourth wave). SaTScan analysis identified four large spatiotemporal clusters that affected various countries. A significant number of countries (50 out of 56) reported their first cases during February 2020 and March 2020, predominantly involving individuals with confirmed cross-continental travel histories, mainly from Europe. In total, 12 distinct SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and VOIs were identified, with the most prevalent being VOCs Omicron, Delta, Beta, Alpha, and VOI Eta. Unlike the dominance of VOC Delta during the third wave and Omicron during the fourth wave, VOC Alpha was relatively rare in the Southern regions but more common in the other four regions. At the same time, Beta predominated in the Southern region and Eta in the Western region during the second wave. Additionally, relatively higher COVID-19 case incidences and mortalities were reported in the Southern and Northern African regions. Spearman rank correlation and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analyses of COVID-19 incidences against health indexes in 52 African countries indicate that countries with higher national health expenditures and better personnel indexes tended to report higher case incidences.

Discussion

This study offers a detailed overview of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Strengthening the capacity of health institutions across African countries is essential for the timely detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and, consequently, for preparedness against future COVID-19 pandemics and other potentially infectious disease outbreaks.
Bridging the Gap: Parental Supervision as a Mediator Between Home Environment and Unintentional Injuries in Children Under 3 Years
Authors: Ji Jianlin , Yang Hanlin , Zeng Chengxi , Chen Ouyao , Lu Qunfeng
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Unintentional home injuries pose a serious risk to children under 3 years. While parental supervision and home environment are key factors influencing these injuries, few studies have explored the correlation between them. This study aimed to examine the relationship between home environment, parental supervision, and unintentional home injuries, and to investigate whether parental supervision mediates this relationship.

Methods

This study, conducted in Shanghai, China from June to August in 2023, using a convenience sample. Paper questionnaires were distributed to 600 parents of children, assessing unintentional injuries, parent supervision (using parent supervision attributes profile questionnaire), in-home environmental risk scale and demographic variables. A bootstrap test was applied to assess the mediating role of parental supervision.

Results

Both in-home environment risks and parental supervision were significantly related to unintentional home injuries in children under 3. Moreover, parental supervision was found to partially mediate the relationship between environmental risks and injuries, explaining 14.2% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Children under 3 were highly vulnerable to unintentional home injuries. Enhancing parental supervision may reduce the impact of environmental risks on injury occurrence. These findings offer practical guidance for health practitioners, underscoring the value of community-based interventions and tailored educational programs for injury prevention. Future research should explore intervention effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
The Views of Syrian Immigrant Women on Family Planning and Unplanned Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yakıt Ak Eda , Tandoğan Özden , Aslan Ergül
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the views of Syrian immigrant women on family planning and unplanned pregnancies.

Methods

The study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. The study data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and an “inductive content analysis technique” was used to analyze the data.

Results

The study identified four main themes. The first theme, “The Meaning of Having Children,” reveals that women view children as the essence of their lives and as a source of security for the future. The second theme, “Opinions on the Number of Children,” highlights that financial concerns and pressure from family and the surrounding environment play a significant role in decisions regarding the number of children. The third theme, “Views on Family Planning,” shows that while women are aware of family planning methods, their use is often limited due to economic, cultural, and religious factors. Lastly, the fourth theme, “Views on Unplanned Pregnancies,” indicates that unplanned pregnancies are commonly regarded as “God’s will,” and abortion is generally deemed inappropriate due to religious beliefs.

Conclusion

Cultural, religious, and economic factors significantly affect women’s access to and use of family planning services.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Soybean GS3-Family Genes and Functional Characterization of GmGS3-1 Responses to Saline and Drought Stresses
Authors: Jin Ting , Zhang Kai , Hao Xiaoshuai , Zhang Xiujie , Wang Shichao , Long Weihua
Published: February 2025

The GS3 protein is a G protein widely conserved in plants, playing a pivotal role in growth, development, and stress responses. With the protein sequence of the AT1/GS3 gene in sorghum as a query, this study identified five GS3 gene family members in the soybean genome database and designated GmGS3-1 to GmGS3-5. Promoter cis-element analysis suggested that soybean GS3 is implicated in responses to abiotic stress. Additionally, collinearity analysis indicated that soybean GS3 genes are subject to purifying selection. Transcriptomic data of the five soybean GS3 genes revealed that the nuclear-localized gene GmGS3-1 is highly expressed in root tissues and significantly upregulated under salt and drought stress, as confirmed by qRT-PCR assays. Functional validation for salt and drought tolerance demonstrated that transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited higher fresh weight compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Furthermore, GmGS3-1 was found to interact with multiple G proteins, suggesting its synergistic role in the abiotic stress tolerance of soybean. These findings establish a theoretical framework for understanding the functional role of the GS3 gene family in soybean stress tolerance and development.
Weighted Kernel Ridge Regression to Improve Genomic Prediction
Authors: Diao Chenguang , Zhuo Yue , Mao Ruihan , Li Weining , Du Heng , Zhou Lei , Liu Jianfeng
Published: February 2025

Nonparametric models have recently been receiving increased attention due to their effectiveness in genomic prediction for complex traits. However, regular nonparametric models cannot effectively differentiate the relative importance of various SNPs, which significantly impedes the further application of these methods for genomic prediction. To enhance the fitting ability of nonparametric models and improve genomic prediction accuracy, a weighted kernel ridge regression model (WKRR) was proposed in this study. For this new method, different weights were assigned to different SNPs according to the p-values from GWAS, and then a KRR model based on these weighted SNPs was constructed for genomic prediction. Cross-validation was further adopted to choose appropriate hyper-parameters during the weighting and prediction process for generalization. We compared the predictive accuracy of WKRR with the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), BayesR, and unweighted KRR using both simulated and real datasets. The results showed that WKRR outperformed unweighted KRR in all simulated scenarios. Additionally, WKRR achieved an average improvement of 1.70% in accuracies across all traits in a mice dataset and 2.17% for three lactation-related traits in a cattle dataset compared to GBLUP, and yielded competitive results compared to BayesR. These findings demonstrated the great potential of weighted nonparametric models for genomic prediction.
Use of New Technologies to Determine the Locomotion Energy Expenditure and Livestock Activity Patterns of Free-Grazing Sheep in Mountain Pastures
Authors: Larraz Virginia , Barrantes Olivia , Reiné Ramón
Published: February 2025

This study assessed the daily energy expenditure and activity of sheep in mountain pastures in the Pyrenees (Spain), using Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometer data. Sheep traveled an average of 9.6 km daily, and the average daily energy expenditure due to locomotion was 3.20 MJ.day−1. Activity exhibited a bimodal grazing pattern, peaking in early morning and late afternoon, with reduced movement at midday and night. Despite an average loss of 0.65 points of the body condition score (BCS), most sheep remained within the optimal range. This study demonstrates the substantial energy demands of sheep grazing in the rugged terrain of mountain pastures and the effectiveness of GPS and accelerometer technology in capturing detailed activity patterns, providing insights for optimizing grazing strategies and livestock management.
Systemic Uptake of Rhodamine Tracers Quantified by Fluorescence Imaging: Applications for Enhanced Crop–Weed Detection
Authors: Jiang Yu , Amirkhani Masoume , Lewis Ethan , Sosnoskie Lynn , Taylor Alan
Published: February 2025

Systemic fluorescence tracers introduced into crop plants provide an active signal for crop–weed differentiation that can be exploited for precision weed management. Rhodamine B (RB), a widely used tracer for seeds and seedlings, possesses desirable properties; however, its application as a seed treatment has been limited due to potential phytotoxic effects on seedling growth. Therefore, investigating mitigation strategies or alternative systemic tracers is necessary to fully leverage active signaling for crop–weed differentiation. This study aimed to identify and address the phytotoxicity concerns associated with Rhodamine B and evaluate Rhodamine WT and Sulforhodamine B as potential alternatives. A custom 2D fluorescence imaging system, along with analytical methods, was developed to optimize fluorescence imaging quality and facilitate quantitative characterization of fluorescence intensity and patterns in plant seedlings, individual leaves, and leaf disc samples. Rhodamine compounds were applied as seed treatments or in-furrow (soil application). Rhodamine B phytotoxicity was mitigated by growing in a sand and perlite media due to the adsorption of RB to perlite. Additionally, in-furrow and seed treatment methods were tested for Rhodamine WT and Sulforhodamine B to evaluate their efficacy as non-phytotoxic alternatives. Experimental results demonstrated that Rhodamine B applied via seed pelleting and Rhodamine WT used as a direct seed treatment were the most effective approaches. A case study was conducted to assess fluorescence signal intensity for crop–weed differentiation at a crop–weed seed distance of 2.5 cm (1 inch). Results indicated that fluorescence from both Rhodamine B via seed pelleting and Rhodamine WT as seed treatment was clearly detected in plant tissues and was ~10× higher than that from neighboring weed plant tissues. These findings suggest that RB ap-plied via seed pelleting effectively differentiates plant seedlings from weeds with reduced phytotoxicity, while Rhodamine WT as seed treatment offers a viable, non-phytotoxic alternative. In conclusion, the combination of the developed fluorescence imaging system and RB seed pelleting presents a promising technology for crop–weed differentiation and precision weed management. Additionally, Rhodamine WT, when used as a seed treatment, provides satisfactory efficacy as a non-phytotoxic alternative, further expanding the options for fluorescence-based crop–weed differentiation in weed management.
Evaluation of the Effects of Acorns on the Meat Quality and Transcriptome Profile of Finishing Yuxi Pigs
Authors: Zhang Jinzhou , Zhang Chuankuan , Meng Shuaitao , Wang Heming , Liu Dongyang , Guo Liping , Miao Zhiguo
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explored the effects of dietary acorn on the meat quality and transcriptome profile of finishing Yuxi pigs. A total of 90 pigs (99.60 ± 1.63 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group fed a commercial diet (CN), and two treatment groups fed 100 (AC1) and 300 (AC2) g/kg of acorns, respectively. Each group contained five replicates with six pigs per replicate. After a 120-day treatment period, the AC2 group showed significantly higher pH24h, a*, intramuscular fat, and umami amino acid and significantly lower L*, cooking loss, and shear force than the CN group (p < 0.05). Further, the AC2 group showed significantly increased glycogen, ATP, and ADP, creatine kinase activity, and myofiber density and significantly decreased glycolytic potential, lactic acid, and lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase muscle, and pyruvate kinase activities (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of MYH7, MYH2, and MYH1 were significantly upregulated in the AC2 group (p < 0.05). A transcriptome analysis further revealed significant differences in gene expression patterns between the AC2 and CN groups. These findings suggest that dietary acorns at 300 g/kg improve pork quality by inducing the conversion of myofiber types and regulating glycolysis.
Thiamine Pyrophosphate Effects on Newborn Piglets as a Measure of Vitality and Survival Indicators
Authors: Islas-Fabila Paloma , Bonilla-Jaime Herlinda , Roldán-Santiago Patricia , de la Cruz-Cruz Luis Alberto , Limón-Morales Ofelia , Jiménez-Collado Carlos Antonio , Orozco-Gregorio Héctor
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) on the vitality scores of piglets based on their behavior and survival. A total of 149 piglets born from 15 multiparous sows were evaluated. The sows were randomly divided into two groups, control and TPP, with treatments administered 24 and 12 h before the expected farrowing date. The duration of farrowing was recorded. Furthermore, for all newborns, the Apgar vitality scale, teat suckling, newborn weight and weight at weaning, piglet vitality based on behavior (at birth and at 24 h), and skin temperature (at birth and at 24 h) were evaluated. The results indicated that the sows treated with TPP presented a lower farrowing duration (p = 0.0060) and their piglets exhibited a higher percentage in the piglet vitality-based behavior score (>50%). In addition, the newborn piglets of TPP-treated sows, which exhibited higher scores in behavior parameters, also displayed higher scores (>80%) in the Apgar vitality scale (>8), suckled on the teat for longer periods of time, and had higher daily weight gain (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that administering TPP at the end of gestation may shorten labor while also increasing the vitality of newborns. Therefore, it could be considered that, in practice, the administration of this treatment could have an impact on the energy that sows need during the farrowing process for the initiation of uterine contractions and abdominal effort. Therefore, this treatment could have an impact on the productivity and well-being of sows with a history of dystocic farrowing, which can increase the incidence of endometritis, vulvar discharge, placental retention, or mastitis–metritis–agalactia syndrome—alterations that can result in the reduced growth of piglets and a higher mortality before weaning. Therefore, the application of this treatment could not only reduce the probability of sows presenting these problems but perhaps also increase the probability of their offspring surviving in the first days after birth.
Effects of Brown Algae (Laminaria japonica) Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Health of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Shen Jiajia , Liu Hongxiang , Wang Mengran , Lu Bo , Ke Ke , Wei Yunyong , Gao Feng , Wang Qiaozhen , Huang Shushi , Ma Yanqun
Published: February 2025

This study used largemouth bass (initial average weight: 33.33 ± 1.8 g) to explore the effects of adding different brown algae extracts to feed on the fish’s growth, immunity and intestinal health. Six groups were set up: a control (Group A), 0.1% sodium alginate (Group B), 0.1% oligotriosaccharide I (Group C), 0.1% oligotriosaccharide II (Group D), 0.2% brown algae powder (Group E) and 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product (Group F), with three replicates of 35 fish each, and a 56-day feeding experiment. Results: Compared to Group A, Groups C, D and F had a higher specific growth rate and lower feed coefficient (p < 0.05). Group D had enhanced serum SOD activity; Group F had increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased MDA content (p < 0.05). All experimental groups had higher serum LZM levels (p < 0.05), with no IgM difference (p > 0.05). In the intestine, treatment groups had higher α-amylase activity (p < 0.05) and no lipase difference (p > 0.05), and Groups C, D and F had higher trypsin activity (p < 0.05). Group F had the tallest villi, Group B had the thickest muscular layer (p < 0.05), and villus width was similar among groups (p > 0.05). The experimental groups had fewer intestinal pathogenic bacteria, and Group F had improved intestinal microorganism diversity and richness (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 0.1% oligotriosaccharide and 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product to feed can promote largemouth bass growth, antioxidant capacity and immunity. The 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product is better for intestinal development and flora improvement.
An Investigation into the Effect of Body Condition and Other Gilt Characteristics on Estrus Responses Post Altrenogest Treatment and on Reproductive Performance
Authors: Krause Sandra , Bauske Nina , Sigmarsson Haukur L. , Grahofer Alexander , Tietje Hendrik , Sperling Daniel , Kauffold Johannes
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of body condition (BC) and other characteristics on estrus responses post altrenogest treatment and on reproductive performance in 161 gilts, bred artificially, treated with 20 mg altrenogest orally for 18 consecutive days. Parameters recorded at the beginning of altrenogest treatment included age and body weight. Backfat (BFT) and muscle thickness (MT), both defining BC, puberty status and uterine size (UtS, based on cross-sectional areas of the uterine horns) were recorded by real-time-ultrasound (RTU), and BFT, along with MT together with ovary status, were recorded again at the end of altrenogest treatment. Estrus rate (ER), interval of last altrenogest treatment onset of estrus (ATOE), conception (CR) and farrowing (FR) rates, litter size characteristics (total, life, and still born piglets; TB, LB, SB) and individual piglet birth weights (IPWs) were recorded. Average age and weight were 252.6 ± 7.5 days and 153.0 ± 12.4 kg, respectively. BFT and MT were 0.9 ± 0.2 and 6.0 ± 0.4 cm, respectively, at the beginning of altrenogest treatment, and similar at the end. 147 gilts were determined as pubertal (PUB) and 14 prepubertal (PRE). All gilts only had follicles of 3.2 ± 0.4 mm on average at the end of altrenogest treatment. ER, ATOE, CR, FR, TB, LB, SB and IPW were 99.4%, 5.9 ± 0.5 days, 100%, 95.6%, 18.1 ± 2.6, 17.4 ± 2.5, 0.7 ± 1.0, 1.3 ± 0.2 kg, respectively. PUB and PRE did not differ, or only marginally differed, in all recorded parameters. BC or pubertal status did not have a great impact on the efficacy of altrenogest treatment or reproductive performance. However, UtS was significantly smaller in PRE than in PUB (0.51 ± 0.15 cm2 and 1.63 ± 0.48 cm2, respectively). There was a very slight significant relationship between UtS and LB (r = 0.19, p = 0.03) and a tendency towards TB (r = 0.15, p = 0.09). In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, BC, age and pubertal status did not have an effect on the efficacy of altrenogest or the reproductive performance of hyper-prolific gilts of Danish genetic origin, but uterine size may have had a positive effect.
Fault Detection Method Using Auto-Associative Shared Nearest Neighbor Kernel Regression for Industrial Processes
Authors: Kim Minseok , Kim Eunkyeong , Jung Seunghwan , Kim Baekcheon , Kim Jinyong , Kim Sungshin
Published: February 2025

As industrial systems grow larger and more interconnected, timely fault detection is essential to minimize downtime, enhance reliability, and reduce costs. However, conventional methods focus on reactive maintenance, limiting their ability to detect faults before escalation. Additionally, fault propagation in large-scale systems can degrade detection performance. To address these challenges, we propose an auto-associative shared nearest neighbor kernel regression method for fault detection in complex industrial processes. Inspired by attention mechanisms, the proposed approach assigns higher weights to relevant training data. Shared nearest neighbor is used to assess similarity between faults and training data, rescaling distances accordingly. These adjusted distances are then utilized in auto-associative kernel regression for fault detection. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by applying it to benchmark data from the Tennessee Eastman Process and a real-world, unplanned shutdown case concerning a circulating fluidized bed boiler. The experimental results show that the proposed method can detect anomalies up to 2 h earlier than conventional fault detection methods.
The Development of a Highly Sensitive Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Method for the Validation of Flualprazolam and Isotonitazene in Serum
Authors: Akbaba Murat , Isir Aysun Baransel
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of flualprazolam and isotonitazene in serum samples to address critical gaps in forensic and clinical toxicology. Materials and Methods: A single-center validation study was conducted using serum samples spiked with analyte standards. Analytical parameters, including linearity, precision, recovery, the limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantification (LOQ), were evaluated in accordance with international guidelines. The LC-MS/MS method employed a Shimadzu Triple Quadrupole™ MS 8045 system with solid-phase extraction (SPE) for sample preparation. Results: The method exhibited high linearity for flualprazolam (r2 = 0.997) and isotonitazene (r2 = 0.999) over a concentration range of 1–100 ng/mL. The LODs were determined as 0.608 ng/mL and 0.192 ng/mL, and the LOQs were 1.842 ng/mL and 0.584 ng/mL for flualprazolam and isotonitazene, respectively. Recovery tests yielded results within the acceptable range of 70–120%. Flualprazolam demonstrated recovery rates of 98.0% and 97.0% at theoretical concentrations of 10 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL, respectively. In contrast, the isotonitazene recovery rates were slightly lower, measuring 75.5% at 10 ng/mL and 71.9% at 50 ng/mL, suggesting minor matrix effects that could influence its quantification. Precision analysis, including both repeatability and reproducibility, highlighted the reliability of the method. The %RSD values for flualprazolam were consistently below 7.07%, with mean concentrations closely aligning with theoretical values across fortification levels. For isotonitazene, the %RSD values remained below 6.24%, although recoveries at higher concentrations indicated potential challenges in matrix interaction. Conclusions: This validated LC-MS/MS method offers high sensitivity, precision, and recovery for detecting flualprazolam and isotonitazene in serum, filling a critical need in toxicological investigations. Further validation in other biological matrices is recommended to broaden its applicability.
Discrete Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Algorithm Applied to Dynamic Distributed Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Variable Processing Times
Authors: Chen Jiapeng , Wang Chun , Xu Binzi , Liu Sheng
Published: February 2025

Uncertainty in processing times is a key issue in distributed production; it severely affects scheduling accuracy. In this study, we investigate a dynamic distributed flexible job shop scheduling problem with variable processing times (DDFJSP-VPT), in which the processing time follows a normal distribution. First, the mathematical model is established by simultaneously considering the makespan, tardiness, and total factory load. Second, a chance-constrained approach is employed to predict uncertain processing times to generate a robust initial schedule. Then, a heuristic scheduling method which involves a left-shift strategy, an insertion-based local adjustment strategy, and a DMOGWO-based global rescheduling strategy is developed to dynamically adjust the scheduling plan in response to the context of uncertainty. Moreover, a hybrid initialization scheme, discrete crossover, and mutation operations are designed to generate a high-quality initial population and update the wolf pack, enabling GWO to effectively solve the distributed flexible job shop scheduling problem. Based on the parameter sensitivity study and a comparison with four algorithms, the algorithm’s stability and effectiveness in both static and dynamic environments are demonstrated. Finally, the experimental results show that our method can achieve much better performance than other rules-based reactive scheduling methods and the hybrid-shift strategy. The utility of the prediction strategy is also validated.
Random Forest-Based Retrieval of XCO2 Concentration from Satellite-Borne Shortwave Infrared Hyperspectral
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Wang Zhengyong , Li Tong , Li Bo , Li Yao , Han Zhihua
Published: February 2025

As carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations continue to rise, climate change, characterized by global warming, presents a significant challenge to global sustainable development. Currently, most global shortwave infrared CO2 retrievals rely on fully physical retrieval algorithms, for which complex calculations are necessary. This paper proposes a method to predict the concentration of column-averaged CO2 (XCO2) from shortwave infrared hyperspectral satellite data, using machine learning to avoid the iterative computations of the physical method. The training dataset is constructed using the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) spectral data, XCO2 retrievals from OCO-2, surface albedo data, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements for 2019. This study employed a variety of machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM, for the analysis. The results showed that Random Forest outperforms the other models, achieving a correlation of 0.933 with satellite products, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.713 ppm, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.147 ppm. This model was then applied to retrieve CO2 column concentrations for 2020. The results showed a correlation of 0.760 with Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) measurements, which is higher than the correlation of 0.739 with satellite product data, verifying the effectiveness of the retrieval method.
Humanoid Robots like Tesla Optimus and the Future of Supply Chains: Enhancing Efficiency, Sustainability, and Workforce Dynamics
Authors: Shamsuddoha Mohammad , Nasir Tasnuba , Fawaaz Mohammad Saifuddoha
Published: February 2025

Integrating futuristic humanoids like Tesla Optimus into supply chain operations represents groundbreaking automation and workforce efficiency innovation. This study investigates the potential of humanoids to address critical supply chain challenges, such as labor shortages, rising operational costs, and the demand for sustainable practices. Considering its ability to handle worker-intensive, hazardous, and repetitive duties, humanoids could offer an alternative to business challenges like inefficient operations, health and safety concerns, and worker shortages. Intelligent robotics plays an essential role in improving productivity, supporting sustainability, and transforming workforce dynamics as supply chains become increasingly complex. The study examines the effects of humanoids on workforce reallocation, manufacturing sustainability, and supply chain productivity. The current research reviews the usefulness, advantages, and downsides of integrating humanoids into supply chains. This study uses a mixed-method approach, incorporating case studies, qualitative productivity data, and expert interviews. According to Tesla, Optimus could significantly enhance supply chain efficiency by reducing error rates, streamlining workflows, and enabling 24/7 operations. It could also help meet sustainability goals by lowering waste and energy consumption. The study limits Tesla’s experience, modern technologies, and inadequate information from various industrial and geographical contexts. However, this study will be eye-opening for industries requiring such humanoid robots for their operations. Additional studies need to deal with factors like high implementation expenses, potential job displacement, and flexibility in changing supply chain demands. While focused on Tesla, this study provides insights that can inform broader applications of humanoid robotics in supply chains across industries. This study presents an in-depth review of humanoid involvement in developing future supply chain models. It also offers helpful knowledge that will assist industries in considering adopting comparable robotic integration as a strategic decision.
An Artificial Intelligence-Based Fuzzy Logic System for Periodontitis Risk Assessment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Scrobota Ioana , Iova Gilda Mihaela , Marcu Olivia Andreea , Sachelarie Liliana , Vlad Siviu , Duncea Ioana Monica , Blaga Florin
Published: February 2025

Background: Since periodontitis prevalence has increased globally and there is a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM), new methods of preventing and screening involving DM biomarkers could impact periodontitis management. We aimed to develop a fuzzy system to estimate the risk of periodontitis in patients with DM. Methods: Body mass index (BMI), glycemia (G), total cholesterol (C), and triglyceride (T) measurements were collected from 87 patients diagnosed with DM. Oral examinations were performed, and the number of the periodontal pockets (nrPPs) was determined. A fuzzy system was developed: BMI and G as inputs resulted in Periodontitis Risk 1 (PRisk1) output; C and T as inputs resulted in Periodontitis Risk 2 (PRisk2) output. From PRisk1 and PRisk2, the cumulative periodontitis risk (PCRisk) was assessed. Linguistic terms and linguistic grades (very small, small, medium, big, and very big) were assigned to the numerical variables by using 25 different membership functions. PCRisk and nrPP values were statistically processed. Results: In our developed fuzzy system, BMI, G, C, and T as input data resulted in periodontitis risk estimation. PCRisk was correlated with nrPP: when PCRisk increased by 1.881 units, nrPP increased by 1 unit. The fuzzy logic-based system effectively estimated periodontitis risk in type 2 diabetes patients, showing a significant correlation with the number of periodontal pockets. These findings highlight its potential for early diagnosis and improved interdisciplinary care.