bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cresp®: transforming the landscape of chemotherapy-induced anemia - a comprehensive retrospective real-world analysis in 523 Indian patients
Authors: Chandrakanth MV , Agarwala Vivek , Sopory Pranav , Nayak Himadri , Parikh Purvish M. , Roy Minakshi , De Rajib , Narayan Pradeep , Barai Anjuli Tuladhar , Mandal Kaustav , Basu Moinak , Kumar Subhabrata , Uppal Rajdeep Singh , Naqvi Syed Mujtaba Hussain , Desai Rohit
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Anemia, a frequently encountered issue among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, is regrettably underappreciated despite its prevalence and profound impact on their well-being. Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) diminishes the quality of life, causing fatigue, breathlessness, and a decline in the performance status. However, correcting anemia can lead to notable improvements in these parameters. Notably, darbepoetin alpha (DA) has shown efficacy in addressing anemia in this context. This real-world study aims to evaluate the efficacy of DA in the treatment of CIA among Indian cancer patients.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study assessed the effectiveness of DA in treating CIA among advanced/metastatic solid tumor patients on palliative myelosuppressive therapy. The study measured the change in hemoglobin levels after DA administration as the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes including impact on blood transfusion dependence, changes in anemia-related symptoms, and occurrence of adverse events.

Results

A total of 523 patients, with a median age of 55, were included in the study. Patients were categorized based on cancer site, type of chemotherapy, response to therapy, and DA doses. A significant mean increase of 2.28 gm/dl in hemoglobin (Hb) levels from baseline to post-DA administration was observed (8.56±0.45 to 10.84±0.92; 26.6%; P<.001). Each sub-group revealed a significant enhancement of mean hemoglobin from baseline to the end of treatment. Significant improvements were noted from baseline in fatigue, and dyspnea. Adverse drug reactions included hypertension (5.4%), deep vein thrombosis (2.9%), and arrhythmias (0.8%).

Discussion

DA demonstrates impressive efficacy and safety in managing CIA, leading to substantial improvements in mean hemoglobin levels in palliative setting. This has the potential to reduce the need for blood transfusions and enhance the quality of life for patients.
Targeting natural antioxidant polyphenols to protect neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jalouli Maroua , Rahman Md Ataur , Biswas Partha , Rahman Hasanur , Harrath Abdel Halim , Lee In-Seon , Kang Sojin , Choi Jinwon , Park Moon Nyeo , Kim Bonglee
Published: January 2025

Polyphenols, naturally occurring phytonutrients found in plant-based foods, have attracted significant attention for their potential therapeutic effects in neurological diseases and neuroinflammation. These compounds possess diverse neuroprotective capabilities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid properties, which contribute to mitigating the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Stroke, and Huntington’s Disease (HD). Polyphenols have been extensively studied for their ability to regulate inflammatory responses by modulating the activity of pro-inflammatory genes and influencing signal transduction pathways, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Additionally, polyphenols have shown promise in modulating various cellular signaling pathways associated with neuronal viability, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. Epidemiological and clinical studies highlight the potential of polyphenol-rich diets to decrease the risk and alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, polyphenols have demonstrated their therapeutic potential through the regulation of key signaling pathways such as Akt, Nrf2, STAT, and MAPK, which play critical roles in neuroprotection and the body’s immune response. This review emphasizes the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in combating neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, as well as enhancing brain health. Despite the substantial evidence and promising hypotheses, further research and clinical investigations are necessary to fully understand the role of polyphenols and establish them as advanced therapeutic targets for age-related neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammatory conditions.
Identification of retinol dehydrogenase 10 as a shared biomarker for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Fangyu , Li Rui , Deng Hongjun
Published: January 2025

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its early identification and intervention offer opportunities for reversing diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this study, we identified biomarkers for the MASLD dataset (GSE33814, GSE48452) and the T2DM dataset (GSE76895 and GSE89120) by bioinformatics analysis. Next, we constructed weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) for disease module analysis to screen out shared genes strongly associated with diseases. We also analyzed the enriched pathways of shared genes using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Next, hub gene validation was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we used RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and Elisa to validate hub gene expression in MASLD and T2DM mouse models.

Results

This analysis identified 20 genes shared by MASLD and T2DM that were enriched in the bile secretion, phototransduction, cancer, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, cholesterol/glycerol metabolism, and retinol metabolism. The LASSO algorithm and ROC curve identified Retinol Dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) as the best diagnostic gene for MASLD and T2DM. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that RDH10 expression was reduced in the liver and pancreatic islets of MASLD and T2DM model mice. Similarly, serum levels of RDH10 were significantly lower in MASLD and T2DM model mice and humans than in controls.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that RDH10 is a common diagnostic marker for MASLD and T2DM and provides new research directions for the prevention and treatment of MASLD and T2DM.
Advantages of the connective strategic narrative during the Russian–Ukrainian war
Authors: Zakharchenko Artem
Published: January 2025

In this article, we expand the methodological approach to strategic narrative analysis based on the case of the contemporary Russian–Ukrainian war. Namely, we introduce the concept of a “connective strategic narrative.” Such a narrative is not intentionally constructed by elites but created by the “affective public” on social media—emotionally tied social media users, according to Papacharissi’s definition. We argue that the patriotic Ukrainian narrative about the war evolved in social media can be considered a connective strategic narrative that is more comprehensive than the “normal” strategic narrative shaped by authorities, while the pro-Russian social media war narrative is merely a reflection of the official strategic narrative. Based on social media data, we conducted a structural narrative analysis of both strategic narratives used in the ongoing war in Ukraine and deployed in the Ukrainian information space: the offensive pro-Russian narrative and the defensive Ukrainian narrative. The pattern for such analysis is based on Korostelina’s framework for national narrative analysis. Our analysis emphasizes the key differences between these narratives and shows that the Russian one has crucial disadvantages that prevent it from successfully engaging the Ukrainian people. Instead, as it was developed with the significant participation of ordinary citizens, the Ukrainian strategic narrative had the total advantage in the struggle for the attention of Ukrainians at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Adaptive cognitive control in 4 to 7-year-old children and potential effects of school-based yoga-mindfulness interventions: an exploratory study in Italy
Authors: Toffoli Lisa , Stefanelli Giulia , Manca Giulia , Del Popolo Cristaldi Fiorella , Duma Gian Marco , Guidi Michele , Incagli Francesca , Sbernini Luca , Tarantino Vincenza , Mento Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Recent findings showed that adaptive cognitive control (CC) can be instantiated by bottom-up mechanisms, including statistical contingency of event occurrence. However, the developmental evidence in this domain remains limited.

Methods

To address this gap, our study delves into the exploration of different mechanisms underlying adaptive CC in a substantial cohort of young children (211 participants aged between 4 and 7 years). We utilized the Dynamic Temporal Prediction (DTP) task and a modified version of the Flanker task to assess the effect of context predictability on motor preparation/inhibition and interference control, respectively. Furthermore, as part of an exploratory study designed to evaluate the feasibility of a school-based program in Italy, all children underwent a re-testing session after an 8-week intervention involving yoga-mindfulness.

Results

Results suggested that young children can exploit global probabilistic changes to optimize motor preparation/ inhibition while counterbalancing fatigue effects. Moreover, they successfully modulate interference control as a function of environmental contingencies, displaying more optimal conflict resolution when proactive control is engaged. Finally, we observed a post-intervention increase of the capability to implicitly adapt motor preparation/inhibition and a boosting effect on the interference control functions.

Discussion

Overall, these findings confirmed that adaptive CC is already present in preschool-aged children, extending these results to include 4-years-olds. Additionally, school-based yoga-mindfulness programs are feasible and might improve children’s capability to flexibly and proactively adapt to environmental requests promoting cognitive proficiency.
Psychosocial well-being index and sick leave in the workplace: a structural equation modeling of Wittyfit data
Authors: Colin-Chevalier Rémi , Pereira Bruno , Dewavrin Samuel , Cornet Thomas , Baker Julien Steven , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: January 2025

Background

Psychosocial well-being, which assesses emotional, psychological, social, and collective well-being, could help measure risk and duration of sick leave in workers.

Objective

This study aims to build a structural equation model of a psychosocial well-being index based on 10 psychosocial factors and investigate its association with sick leave.

Methods

Data of workers using Wittyfit was collected in 2018. Psychosocial factors (job satisfaction, atmosphere, recognition, work-life balance, meaning, work organization, values, workload, autonomy, and stress) were self-assessed using health-related surveys, while sick leave records were provided by volunteer companies.

Results

A total of 1,399 workers were included in the study (mean age: 39.4 ± 9.4, mean seniority: 9.2 ± 7.7, 49.8% of women, 12.0% managers). The prevalence of absenteeism was 34.5%, with an average of 8.48 ± 28.7 days of sick leave per worker. Structural equation modeling facilitated computation of workers’ psychosocial well-being index (AIC: 123,016.2, BIC: 123,231.2, RMSEA: 0.03). All factors, except workload (p = 0.9), were influential, with meaning (β = 0.72, 95% CI 0.69–0.74), values (0.69, 0.67–0.70) and job satisfaction (0.64, 0.61–0.66) being the main drivers (p < 0.001). Overall, psychosocial well-being was found to be a protective factor for sick leave, with a 2% decreased risk (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.98–0.99, p < 0.001) and duration (IRR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p < 0.001) per psychosocial well-being index point.

Conclusion

The psychosocial well-being index provides a measure of psychosocial well-being and helps predict sick leave in the workplace. This new indicator could be used to analyze the association between psychosocial well-being and other health outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02596737.
Association of biochemical indicators with multimorbidity in 19,624 older adult individuals with chronic diseases: a study from Jindong District, Jinhua City, China
Authors: Yao Qihuan , Chen Guozhong
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic disease multimorbidity is influenced by multiple factors, but with little knowledge on the impact of biochemical indicators. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity of chronic diseases among older adult individuals in the community, as well as the factors related to biochemical indicators associated with chronic disease multimorbidity.

Methods

The study included 19,624 older adult individuals aged 60 and above in Jindong District, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China. Participants completed a national standardized older adult health examination in the community. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were employed to evaluate the potential factors of biochemical indicators related to multimorbidity of chronic diseases.

Results

The multimorbidity rate of chronic diseases in older adult patients is 70.3%. Each chronic disease coexists with one or more other chronic diseases in over 75% of cases. Among the biochemical indicators, hemoglobin (Hb) (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.13–1.90), white blood cell count (WBC) (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.02–1.54), red blood cell count (RBC) (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.10–1.69), urinary protein (U-PRO) (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.02–1.19), urinary glucose (U-GLU) (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.23–1.67), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.39–2.10), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.05–1.41), creatinine (Cr) (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.16–1.42), uric acid (UA) (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.22–1.51), total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.59–1.95), triglycerides (TG) (OR = 2.63, 95%CI: 2.46–2.82), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.60–2.11), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 10.99, 95%CI: 8.12–14.90), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (OR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.74–2.05) are associated with the risk of multimorbidity of chronic diseases (p < 0.05). Among these, lipid parameters demonstrated the strongest associations with multimorbidity risk, with low HDL-C showing an 11-fold increase and elevated TG a 2.63-fold increase.

Conclusion

This study found that the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adult individuals in this region reached 70.3%. Multiple biochemical indicators were significantly associated with multimorbidity, particularly lipid parameters (low HDL-C and elevated TG), glucose parameters (elevated FBG and positive U-GLU), liver function (elevated ALT), and hemoglobin levels. These findings provide important evidence for research on factors associated with multimorbidity in the older adult population.
Exploring the evolution of global beef trade network patterns based on complex network analysis
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Xu Wangfang , Cheng Rongzhu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The global beef trade, as a critical component of the meat trade, plays an important role in balancing beef supply and demand worldwide. However, research on the evolution of its network patterns remains relatively limited. This article aims to explore the evolution of global beef trade network patterns and provide insights into its implications for sustainable development.

Methods

Using complex network theory, this paper constructs weighted and unweighted global beef trade networks based on international trade data and conducts an in-depth analysis of the evolution of global beef trade patterns from 2013 to 2022 across the overall, individual, and clustering levels.

Results

The analysis reveals an increasing trend in connectivity, efficiency, and tightness within the global beef trade network. In the unweighted network, the core beef-importing countries are primarily concentrated in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands. However, in the weighted network, the core importing countries shift to the United States, Japan, and China. Meanwhile, the core beef-exporting countries consistently remain Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand in both network types. Additionally, the analysis identifies clustering and regionalization characteristics within the global beef trade blocks.

Discussion

These findings highlight the evolving dynamics of global beef trade, emphasizing the roles of key countries and the structural shifts in the trade network. The study provides targeted recommendations for promoting sustainable development in the beef trade sector.
Genome-wide association studies with prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs
Authors: Zeng Yu , Feng Cundong , Jiang Zheli , Du Weian , He Shan , Li Xingnuan , Fan Yi , Ouyang Xiao , Huang Bixin , Su Yan , Wang Siyu , Wei Rongxing , Dai Zonghao , Jin Peng , Liu Jianyun , Yang Qianyong
Published: January 2025

Cherry eye, the common name for the prolapse of the third eyelid gland in dogs, is a widespread ophthalmic disease affecting dogs of various breeds. This condition severely affects the quality of life of affected dogs, and its underlying cause remains unresolved. In this study, 170K SNP microarray data were collected from 653 brachycephalic dogs and 788 brachycephalic and mesocephalic dogs. These two datasets were analyzed separately in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 12 dog breeds affected by cherry eye. The GWAS analysis of 653 short-headed dogs revealed that four SNPs in the CFA3:15627075-15983629 bp region exceeded the genome-level significance threshold. Association analysis of this region also indicated that these four SNPs were strongly associated. Gene annotation showed that the region contained genes such as KIAA0825, FAM172A, and NR2F1, of which NR2F1 was associated with eye development. The results showed that GWAS analysis performed on 788 short- and medium-headed dogs identified five SNPs in the CFA22:15627075-15983629 bp region that exceeded the genome-level significance threshold, and association analysis was performed in this region, which showed that these five SNPs were strongly associated. In addition, 104 annotated genes were identified in both GWAS. To explore the genes involved in cherry eyes, we performed GO functional enrichment analysis. The genes involved in the high pathway were DIO3 and TTC8. In addition, an in-depth analysis revealed 33 genes associated with eye development and diseases. Our study provides new perspectives for further understanding cherry eye in dogs.
The Radicalness of Innovation in Nonprofit Community Sport Organizations
Authors: Doherty Alison , Hoeber Larena , Hoeber Orland , Morrison Kristen A. , Wolfe Richard
Published: January 2025

Our study examined and compared the type, process, conditions, and consequences of radical and incremental innovations in community sport organizations (CSOs), which are a type of nonprofit membership association. Interviews were conducted with the president (or representative) of 14 CSOs engaged with both radical and incremental innovations. Radical innovations were reported to be mostly technical (but also administrative), undertaken with the goal of club growth and enhancing club management, adopted and further adapted from outside the organization, influenced by the culture and expertise of the board and the culture and capacity of the CSO at large, and informed by market opportunity and best practices. The radical innovations were reported to be successful in reaching their intended goals, and a wide variety of unanticipated (positive) consequences was also realized. The findings have implications for the management of radical (and incremental) innovation in the focal nonprofit context and contribute to theorizing about the radicalness of organizational innovation.
How Can Middle-of-the-Chain Organizations Improve Farmer Livelihoods and Reduce Food Insecurity?
Authors: Katre Aparna , Raddatz Brianna , Swanson Britta , Turgeon Taylor
Published: January 2025

In the United States, small and beginning (SB) farmers depend on institutional and elite customers to increase their farm income, whereas food-insecure communities lack alternatives for accessing and utilizing healthy local foods. This study examined two middle-of-the-chain organizations attempting to break the demand- and supply-related barriers faced by food-insecure consumers and SB farmers, respectively. The study suggests that deep engagement on both sides can facilitate the creation of a viable local food pathway. One organization serves as an aggregator for SB farmers while preventing the unrealistic expectations of institutional customers. A second organization activates food-insecure consumers’ agencies to conceptualize and transform locally sourced food into acceptable forms. It provides the necessary support to ensure the utilization of healthy, nutritious foods. When the two organizations’ missions are aligned, they can use an emergent, flexible, and adaptable approach with a continuous improvement mindset to increase SB farmer livelihoods and reduce food insecurity. Middle-of-the-chain organizations collectively should have more than one way to make local foods available, accessible, and utilizable by food-insecure consumers. A nonprofit social enterprise model of organizations in the middle seems central to the viability of the community-based food system. The system is still in its early stages. Further research is needed to examine its sustained viability.
The Impact of High-Standard Farmland Construction (HSFC) Policy on Green Agricultural Development (GAD): Evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Huawei , Yuan Ziqi , Li Yuan , Du Yanqiang
Published: January 2025

Studying the policy effectiveness and impact process of the high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) on the green agricultural development (GAD) provides reference for sustainable development of agriculture. Based on the quasi experimental conditions for the sub regional promotion of China’ s HSFC policy and making use of the balanced panel data from 2004 to 2022 in China, this article diagnoses the level and evolution characteristics of GAD in China, empirically tests the effects of the China’s HSFC policy on the GAD level by the continuous difference-in-differences (DID) model, and then further analyzes the mediating roles of horizontal agricultural production division and land management scale efficiency. The research results indicate that (1) the GAD level of China continues to improve form 2004 to 2022; (2) the HSFC policy has been positively influencing the GAD level, and has gone through a significance level test of 0.01; (3) further study reveals that the HSFC policy promotes the GAD level primarily through the agricultural green technology progress (AGTP) and the agricultural green efficiency change (AGEC), with the AGTP being the main contributor; and (4) the HSFC policy positively influences the GAD level by enhancing horizontal agricultural production division and land management scale efficiency. To improve the level of GAD, it is essential to continuously optimize policy for the HSFC, promote the AGTP and the improvement of the AGEC, and effectively improve the horizontal agricultural production division level and land management scale efficiency.
Metabolomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals the Formation Mechanism of Different Colored Flowers of Cosmos bipinnata Cav.
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Yang Xiaodong , Zhou Qi , Meng Xiaohua , Peng Jialin , Hu Yueheng
Published: January 2025

In nature, plants have rich and vivid colors. Flower color can confer economic and ornamental value to ornamental plants, and is one of the target traits for current directed breeding. Therefore, it is essential to understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind flower color formation in ornamental plants. However, in Cosmos bipinnata Cav., one of the most important ornamental plants, the metabolic pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the formation of different flower colors are not yet clear, which greatly restricts the molecular breeding of flower color varieties. We selected three varieties of Cosmos bipinnata Cav. with white, pink, and red flowers as research materials, and identified significantly different metabolites among them through ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Then, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and transcriptome sequencing analysis in different colors flowers were used to reveal that the differential metabolites were enriched in flavonoid metabolic pathways and related structural genes were differentially expressed. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed members of the MYB and bHLH transcription factor families, which play key roles in regulating the anthocyanin biosynthesis. By constructing a phylogenetic tree and performing a joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data, we further elucidated the molecular regulatory network underlying the formation of flower colors in Cosmos bipinnata Cav. This study not only provides a theoretical basis and gene resources for color-oriented breeding and the creation of new color varieties, but also offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms of flower color formation in plants.
Modeling the Performance of a Continuous Durum Wheat Cropping System in a Mediterranean Environment: Carbon and Water Footprint at Different Sowing Dates, Under Rainfed and Irrigated Water Regimes
Authors: Garofalo Pasquale , Cammerino Anna Rita Bernadette
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the environmental impacts and productivity of a continuous durum wheat cropping system under three sowing dates and two water regimes, i.e., rainfed and irrigation at flowering in the Mediterranean context, specifically in the Capitanata plain of Apulia, Italy. AquaCrop-GIS was employed to model the yield response of durum wheat on the different sowing dates (15 October, 1 November, and 15 November) and with different water management practices. In addition, the Carbon and Water Footprint (CWFP) tool was used to quantify the environmental impacts in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and water use, including green, blue, and total water components. Results indicated that the total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2_eq) from wheat production averaged 1201.3 kg CO2_eq ha−1, with fertilization, in particular the application of ammonium nitrate and urea, being the main contributor. Soil management practices contributed 362.9 kg CO2_eq ha−1. Early-November sowing achieved the highest productivity, 5573 kg ha−1 under the rainfed option and 5722 kg ha−1 under irrigated management, while mid-November sowing resulted in lower yields and 21% higher CO2_eq emissions per kilogram of grain compared to early November. Water Footprint analysis revealed that early-November sowing had the highest green water demand, with negligible differences in blue water use between sowing dates. Overall, the integration of these data showed that optimizing sowing dates and irrigation practices can significantly improve yields and reduce environmental impacts.
Conservation Soil Tillage: Bridging Science and Farmer Expectations—An Overview from Southern to Northern Europe
Authors: Jug Danijel , Jug Irena , Brozović Bojana , Šeremešić Srdjan , Dolijanović Željko , Zsembeli Jozsef , Ujj Apolka , Marjanovic Jana , Smutny Vladimir , Dušková Soňa , Neudert Lubomír , Macák Milan , Wilczewski Edward , Đurđević Boris
Published: January 2025

Soil degradation and climate change are the most destructive (human- and/or naturally induced) processes, making agricultural production more challenging than ever before. Traditional tillage methods, characterized by intensive mechanical soil disturbance (dominantly using a plow), have come under question for their role in exacerbating soil erosion, depleting organic matter, and contributing to the decline in soil biodiversity and other soil devastating processes. These practices, while effective in the short term for crop production, undermine the sustainability of agricultural systems, posing a threat to food security and environmental stability. This review examines the adoption and implementation of Conservation Soil Tillage (CST) across six European countries: Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Poland. The main objective is to analyze the historical development, current status, and future prospects of CST in these countries, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from conventional tillage methods. Conservation Soil Tillage (CST) emerges as a promising alternative platform to still dominant conventional plowing tillage approach. By reducing the intensity and frequency of tillage, CST practices aim to maintain adequate soil cover, minimize erosion, and encourage biological activity and organic matter accumulation, thus, ensuring soil productivity and resilience against additional degradation and climate variation. Efforts made by scientists and the government to go over it sometimes are not sufficient. Farmers’ expectations of benefits are the final keystone for the integration of CST as a dominant sustainable practice. Analyses from six European countries pointed to a high level of diversity in readiness and willingness to accept, as well as different levels of knowledge about the adoption of CST. Our study suggested that the adoption of CST is increasing, and it represents a key strategy for soil degradation prevention and climate change mitigation.
Effects of Long-Term Organic Substitution on Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions in a Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plantation in China
Authors: Wu Zhidan , Hua Wei , Ni Kang , Yang Xiangde , Jiang Fuying
Published: January 2025

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a major greenhouse gas (GHG) responsible for global warming. Improper fertilization in agricultural fields, particularly excessive nitrogen (N) application, accelerates soil N2O emissions. Though partial substitution with organic fertilizer has been implemented to mitigate these emissions, the effect on perennial systems, such as tea plantations, remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the present study monitored soil N2O emissions for a year in a tea plantation in South China under the following treatments: no N fertilizer (control, CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), replacing 40% of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer (CF + OF), and organic fertilizer alone (OF). Our results showed that the annual cumulative N2O emissions from the plantation soil ranged from 1.03 to 3.43 kg N2O-N ha−1. The cumulative N2O emissions, the yield-scaled N2O emissions (YSNE), and the N2O-N emission factor (EF) from the soil were the highest under the CF + OF treatment but the lowest under the OF treatment. Further analysis revealed that fertilization, mainly chemical fertilization, increased the soil ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3−-N) levels by 182–387% and 195–258%, respectively, and tea yields by 120–170%. However, tea yield decreased gradually with increasing organic substitution. These results prove that complete organic substitution reduces soil N2O emissions and tea yield and suggest adopting an appropriate substitution rate for optimal effect. Further random forest (RF) modeling identified water-filled pore space (WFPS; 20.27% of total variation), soil temperature (Tsoil; 19.29%), and NH4+-N (18.27%) as the key factors significantly contributing to the changes in soil N2O flux. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing fertilization regimes for sustainable tea production and soil N2O mitigation.
Maternal Injectable Mineral Administration Effects on Calf Growth and Reproductive Parameters
Authors: Brenner Makayla A. , Marques Rodrigo S. , Posbergh Christian J. , Zezeski Abigail L. , Geary Thomas W. , McCoski Sarah R.
Published: January 2025

Limited trace mineral research has focused on the impacts of maternal trace mineral supplementation on offspring fertility. We hypothesized that maternal injectable mineral (INJ) administration during mid/late gestation would improve overall growth and reproductive parameters in offspring. Two-hundred and seventy-eight cows were enrolled in the study and blocked by body weight, parity, and day (d) of gestation, and randomly assigned to a treatment group: a group (MM, n = 138) that received a single INJ (Cu = 15 mg/mL, Mn = 10 mg/mL, Se = 5 mg/mL, and Zn = 60 mg/mL; Axiota, Ft. Collins, CO, USA) or control group (CON, n = 138), which did not. Following calving, adjusted birth weight and weaning weights were recorded. A subset of bulls was developed until one year of age (CON, n = 18; MM, n = 14) when two semen ejaculates were collected for sperm quality. Mineral injection calves were heavier at birth than CON (p = 0.05). A treatment by parity interaction was observed for an increase in progressive motility in MM bulls than CON (p = 0.10). Injectable mineral administration to the pregnant multiparous cow improved sperm progressive motility in bulls, but no improvements were observed when assessed via flow cytometry.
Subcutaneous Furosemide Therapy for Chronic Management of Refractory Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Lombardo Sergio F. , Ferasin Heidi , Ferasin Luca
Published: January 2025

Reduced efficacy of oral diuretics in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) can be secondary to reduced enteral drug absorption. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) furosemide administration to control the signs of refractory CHF in dogs and cats and to assess the feasibility of this route of administration. The clinical records of 13 dogs and 17 cats with a history of refractory CHF treated with subcutaneous (SC) furosemide were reviewed retrospectively. Administration of SC furosemide was offered as an alternative therapy when animals experienced an unsatisfactory clinical response to oral diuretics despite multiple dose adjustments and when, for this reason, pet owners were considering euthanasia. The satisfactory control of the animal’s breathing rate and effort and overall pet owner’s satisfaction were observed in all cases. Following administration of SC furosemide, the median survival time was 106 (95% CI: 22–154) days in dogs and 89 (95% CI: 35 to 749) days in cats. This study showed that furosemide administered subcutaneously appears to be an efficacious and feasible therapeutic option for providing control of the signs of cardiac congestion in both dogs and cats with a previous unsatisfactory response to oral diuresis.
Copper-Induced Enhancement of Glioblastoma Tumorigenicity via Cytochrome C Oxidase
Authors: Oliva Claudia R. , Ali Md Yousuf , Flor Susanne , Griguer Corinne E.
Published: January 2025

Copper is an essential trace element, yet chronic copper exposure can lead to toxicity in humans, and high levels of copper have been found in the blood or tumors of patients with various forms of cancer and may affect cancer severity and response to treatment. Copper is required for the activation of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the mitochondrial complex that facilitates oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-mediated ATP production. We recently reported that the increased activation of CcO underlies the acquisition of treatment resistance in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. However, the potential role of copper in GBM progression or treatment resistance has not been investigated. Here, we present evidence that exposure to 20 µM copper, the maximum allowable limit for public water supplies set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, promotes GBM tumor growth and reduces overall survival in vivo and increases GBM cell resistance to radiation and chemotherapy in vitro. In vitro exposure to 20 µM copper substantially increased the activity of CcO, elevated the rate and level of ATP production, and triggered a metabolic shift to an OXPHOS phenotype in GBM cells. Furthermore, copper exposure led to a substantial increase in the accumulation of glutathione and glutathione precursors in these cells. These findings establish copper as a tumor promoter in GBM and suggest that copper mediates these effects through the upregulation of CcO activity, which enhances OXPHOS metabolism and glutathione production.
A Hybrid Architecture for Safe Human–Robot Industrial Tasks
Authors: Lettera Gaetano , Costa Daniele , Callegari Massimo
Published: January 2025

In the context of Industry 5.0, human–robot collaboration (HRC) is increasingly crucial for enabling safe and efficient operations in shared industrial workspaces. This study aims to implement a hybrid robotic architecture based on the Speed and Separation Monitoring (SSM) collaborative scenario defined in ISO/TS 15066. The system calculates the minimum protective separation distance between the robot and the operators and slows down or stops the robot according to the risk assessment computed in real time. Compared to existing solutions, the approach prevents collisions and maximizes workcell production by reducing the robot speed only when the calculated safety index indicates an imminent risk of collision. The proposed distributed software architecture utilizes the ROS2 framework, integrating three modules: (1) a fast and reliable human tracking module based on the OptiTrack system that considerably reduces latency times or false positives, (2) an intention estimation (IE) module, employing a linear Kalman filter (LKF) to predict the operator’s next position and velocity, thus considering the current scenario and not the worst case, and (3) a robot control module that computes the protective separation distance and assesses the safety index by measuring the Euclidean distance between operators and the robot. This module dynamically adjusts robot speed to maintain safety while minimizing unnecessary slowdowns, ensuring the efficiency of collaborative tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system effectively balances safety and speed, optimizing overall performance in human–robot collaborative industrial environments, with significant improvements in productivity and reduced risk of accidents.
Emerging Practices in Risk-Based Maintenance Management Driven by Industrial Transitions: Multi-Case Studies and Reflections
Authors: El-Thalji Idriss
Published: January 2025

Risk-based maintenance is a well-known maintenance concept in the oil and gas sector, especially in the Norwegian continental shelf and has been supported by the NORSOK Z-008 standard since 2011. Green transition and Industry 4.0 with its digitization and technology transformations have enforced the risk-based maintenance program to be dynamic and emerging. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of Industry 4.0 on risk-based maintenance and define the new emerging version of risk-based maintenance. The study is based on seven case studies that have been conducted between 2017 and 2024 within the Norwegian continental shelf. It is found that Industry 4.0 impacts the entire management loop of risk-based maintenance, it enforces more toward the project phase and built-in features, it enhances the data collection and their fitness to purpose, and it enables reinforcement learning for the entire maintenance management program. On the other hand, it creates a new data flow and increases the system’s complexity, uncertainty, and associated risks.
Prediction of Tuber Damage from Harvesting and Processing Machine Working Units Based on the Recording of Impact Parameters
Authors: Sypuła Michał , Lisowski Aleksander , Klonowski Jacek , Nowakowski Tomasz , Chlebowski Jarosław , Dąbrowska Magdalena
Published: January 2025

The paper presents the development of an empirical mathematical model of the potato tuber damage index that considers the relationship between impact parameters, such as peak acceleration, velocity change, and the experimental coefficient. This coefficient was developed using statistical analysis methods for four isolated surfaces and two potato varieties, Hermes and Saturna. The IRD 400 device was used to measure impacts, which recorded peak accelerations and changes in impact velocity at initial velocities in the 2.43–4.43 m·s−1 range. The study’s results indicate that the variety, type of surface, and initial impact velocity had a statistically significant effect on the tuber damage index; the type of surface and initial impact velocity had a statistically significant effect on the peak acceleration values (p < 0.05). The increase in peak acceleration with increases in the impact velocity confirms the hypothesis that the maximum force and the resulting internal stresses of the tuber are key elements causing damage due to the impact. The highest values of the tuber damage index occurred during impacts with steel surfaces and conveyor bars. The developed model allows for the faster prediction of potential damage in harvesting and post-harvest processing conditions than traditional measurement methods. To fully use the proposed model in Agriculture 4.0, further research should be conducted to improve recording devices for the measurement of impact parameters in real time.
Research on the Dynamic Response Patterns of Layered Slopes Considering Non-Homogeneity Under Blast-Induced Vibration Effects
Authors: Zhao Yong , Liu Yanjie , Jiao Shihui , Yang Tianhong , Deng Wenxue , Wang Shuhong
Published: January 2025

To investigate the dynamic wave propagation characteristics and dynamic response of heterogeneous layered slopes under a blasting vibration, a modeling method considering the slope’s layered dip angle and heterogeneity was proposed. Different dip jointed slope models were established using the Weibull random distribution function introduced to realize the stochastic distribution of rock mechanics parameters, representing heterogeneity. Taking the background project of the Sijiaying Yanshan Open-Pit Iron Mine as an example, through numerical simulation, the effects of different joint dip angles and rock hardness on the slope’s dynamic response were analyzed in detail. The sensitivity of the elastic modulus, cohesion, and friction angle to the slope dynamic response was also investigated. A comparative analysis of the amplification effects between a jointed slope and heterogeneous slope was conducted. Finally, the dynamic stability of the jointed slope and heterogeneous slope under a blasting load was analyzed. The results indicate that the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) of jointed slopes with dip angles of 45° and 60° is generally higher than that of slopes with a 0° dip angle and without joints. The smaller the rock mass heterogeneity, the smaller the PGA at the measuring points, and the less sensitive the PGA is to variations in the three quantities. Under the same physical and mechanical parameters of the rock, the amplification factor of jointed slopes is generally greater than that of heterogeneous slopes. Under the blasting load, the overall dynamic time-series safety factors of both slopes decrease first and then increase, with the safety factor reaching its lowest value at the location of the strongest blasting vibration wave. This study can provide guidance for the blasting design and safety protection of layered dip slopes and serve as a reference for the analysis of blasting impact laws in similar mines.
Perturbation-Theory Machine Learning for Multi-Objective Antibacterial Discovery: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kleandrova Valeria V. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Speck-Planche Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Antibacterial drugs (commonly known as antibiotics) are essential for eradicating bacterial infections. Nowadays, antibacterial discovery has become an imperative need due to the lack of efficacious antibiotics, the ever-increasing development of multi-drug resistance (MDR), and the withdrawal of many pharmaceutical industries from antibacterial discovery programs. Currently, drug discovery is widely recognized as a multi-objective optimization problem where computational approaches could play a pivotal role, enabling the identification of novel and versatile antibacterial agents. Yet, tackling complex phenomena such as the multi-genic nature of bacterial infections and MDR is a major disadvantage of most of the modern computational methods. To the best of our knowledge, perturbation-theory machine learning (PTML) appears to be the only computational approach capable of overcoming the aforementioned limitation. The present review discusses PTML modeling as the most suitable cutting-edge computational approach for multi-objective optimization in antibacterial discovery. In this sense, we focus our attention on the development and application of PTML models for the prediction and/or design of multi-target (multi-protein or multi-strain) antibacterial inhibitors in the context of small organic molecules, peptide design, and metal-containing nanoparticles. Additionally, we highlight future applications of PTML modeling in the context of novel drug-like chemotypes with multi-protein and/or multi-strain antibacterial activity.
Research Status and Development Direction of Formation Damage Prediction and Diagnosis Technologies
Authors: Sun Zhe , Chen Zhangxing
Published: January 2025

Formation damage remains a key challenge in oil and gas exploration and development, requiring effective prediction and diagnostic technologies to mitigate its impact. Despite decades of research, current techniques lack the accuracy and practicality demanded by modern oilfield operations and the future of intelligent oil and gas development. This study systematically reviews advancements in formation damage prediction and diagnostics, focusing on wellsite diagnosis, experimental methods, imaging techniques, analytical approaches, numerical modeling, and artificial intelligence applications. The advantages and limitations of these methods are analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities. The paper emphasizes the need for further research to develop an intelligent expert system that integrates multiple damage factors and accounts for spatial–temporal evolution, paving the way for improved future hydrocarbon production and sustainable energy development.
Causal Factors in Elderly Pedestrian Traffic Injuries Based on Association Analysis
Authors: Fang Tengyuan , Xu Fengxiang , Zou Zhen
Published: January 2025

In traffic accidents, elderly individuals face a significantly higher risk of mortality compared with other age groups. To investigate the factors contributing to elderly pedestrian accidents and their impact on injury severity, 1420 motor vehicle/elderly pedestrian collisions from the 2019–2023 Chinese Traffic Accident Deep Investigation Database were analyzed using the FP-growth algorithm. This analysis identified 5594 association rules across 28 types of variables within 4 categories of influencing factors. Logistic regression results indicate that pedestrian age, collision speed, time of occurrence, and accident location are significant factors affecting the mortality rate of elderly pedestrians in traffic accidents. Specifically, pedestrian age and collision speed significantly influence mortality rates. As collision speed increases, the mortality rate rises markedly. For elderly pedestrians aged 60 and above, the mortality rate increases by 3.7% with each additional year of age. Moreover, accidents occurring at night, in suburban areas, or in villages are associated with a higher mortality rate. This study offers scientific support for the formulation of safety measures aimed at improving the traffic safety of elderly pedestrians.