bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an explainable machine learning prediction model of hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in stroke
Authors: Lin Yanan , Li Yan , Luo Yayin , Han Jie
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop and validate an explainable machine learning (ML) model predicting the risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) thrombolysis within 4.5 h after symptom onset to form the original modeling cohort. HT was defined as any hemorrhage on head CT scan completed within 48 h after IV-tPA administration. We utilized the Random Forest (RF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), and Gaussian Naive Bayes (GauNB) algorithms to develop ML-HT models. The models' predictive performance was evaluated using confusion matrix (including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score), and discriminative analysis (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve, ROC-AUC) in the original cohort, followed by validation in an independent external cohort. The models' explainability was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) global feature plot, SHAP Summary Plot, and Partial Dependence Plot.

Results

A total of 1,007 patients were included in the original modeling cohort, with an HT incidence of 8.94%. The RF-based ML-HT model showed metrics of 0.874 (accuracy), 0.972 (precision), 0.890 (recall), 0.929 (F1 score); with ROC-AUC of 0.7847 in the original cohort and 0.7119 in the external validation cohort. The MLP model showed 0.878, 0.967, 0.989, 0.978, 0.7710, and 0.6768, respectively. The AdaBoost model showed 0.907, 0.967, 0.989, 0.978, 0.7798, and 0.6606, respectively. The GauNB model showed 0.848, 0.983, 0.598, 0.716, 0.6953, and 0.6289, respectively. The explainable analysis of the RF-based ML model indicated that the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, age, platelet count, and atrial fibrillation were the primary determinants for HT following IV-tPA thrombolysis.

Conclusion

The RF-based explainable ML model demonstrated promising predictive ability for estimating the risk of HT after IV-tPA thrombolysis and may have the potential to assist the clinical decision-making in emergency settings.
Tracking changes in autonomic function by coupled analysis of wavelet-based dispersion of heart rate variability and gastrointestinal symptom severity in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Mathena Sarah A. , Allen Robert M. , Laukaitis Christina , Andrews Jennifer G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

People with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) experience multisystemic dysfunction with varying severity and unpredictability of flare occurrence. Cohort studies suggest that individuals with hEDS have a higher risk for autonomic dysfunction. The gold standard for assessing autonomic function, clinically, is the heart rate variability (HRV) assessment from 24-h Holter monitor electrocardiogram data, but this is expensive and can only be performed in short durations. Since their advent, biometric devices have been a non-invasive method for tracking HRV to assess autonomic function. This study aimed to understand the intra- and inter-individual variability in autonomic function and to associate this variability with gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with hEDS using wearable devices.

Methods

We studied 122 days of biometric device data from 26 individuals, including 35 days highlighted as high gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and 48 days as low GI dysfunction. Utilizing wavelet analysis to assess the frequency domains of heart rate signals, we compared participants’ HRV data for high, low, very low (VLF), and ultralow (ULF) frequency domains associated with physiological differences.

Results

We found a significant difference between the VLF and ULF signals on high-GI symptom days compared with low-symptoms days for 92 and 76% of the signals sampled, respectively.

Discussion

Our pilot data show a change in HRV for individuals with hEDS experiencing a flare day for a single-body system. Future research will focus on evaluating the relationship between longitudinal multisystemic symptom severity fluctuations and HRV.
Case report: 10-year follow-up of a patient with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease and a literature review
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Kaga Tomotsugu , Hosoyama Sachiko , Niwa Jun-ichi , Sone Jun , Mabuchi Naoki
Published: January 2025

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease with variable clinical manifestations. High signals on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) along the corticomedullary junction (CMJ) are a specific feature of NIID. Only a few reports have observed patients for a long period and demonstrated a relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical manifestations. Herein, we present a case of a patient with NIID who underwent a 10-year brain MRI follow-up study and a literature review. A 78-year-old woman presented with severe cognitive dysfunction and disturbances of consciousness. Her brain MRI DWI signal intensity gradually increased over 10 years, and her cognitive function progressively declined. The DWI signal changes were related to the clinical manifestations in this case. In the literature review, we analyzed patients with NIID by classifying them into subgroups and found that high signals on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and DWI were related to dementia. Although high DWI signals along the CMJ are specific to NIID, many patients also show high signals on FLAIR in the deep subcortical white matter. In our literature review, dementia could have some correlation to MRI signals. In our case with longitudinal follow up, the DWI high intensity signal expansion could have correlation to cognitive decline. We found dementia and the dementia progression may have some relation to expansion of DWI with intensity signals from the CMJ to the deep subcortical white matter. Our report highlights that DWI signal changes are strongly correlated with the clinical manifestations of NIID.
Unveiling hotspots of emerging research in the miRNA-related mechanism underlying cancer through comprehensive bibliometric analysis with implications for precision medicine and non-invasive diagnostics
Authors: Zhang Zhirui , Song Wenhuan , Chen Wenyu , Cui Wenze , Chen Wenyi , Zhang Qinheng , Ji Wenwen , Wang Yinglin , Wang Jiayi , Yu Wenhao , Yu Mingkun , Hao Tao , Jiang Hong
Published: January 2025

Background and objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cancer by exerting roles in tumor growth, metastasis, and even drug resistance. The general trends of miRNA research in diverse cancers are not fully understood. In this work, miRNA-related research in colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and brain tumors was analyzed in search of key research trends with clinical potential.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of articles, spanning from 2014 to 2024, was carried out with the major focus laid on four types of cancers. The Co-citation network analysis, keyword bursts, and the collaborative pattern were done in VOSviewer and CiteSpace, respectively.

Results

Colorectal cancer had the highest publication volume, with research primarily focusing on gene expression, extracellular vesicles, and non-coding RNAs. Prostate cancer showed a shift toward clinical applications, while leukemia and brain tumor research, though less extensive, highlighted miRNA’s potential in early diagnosis and treatment. Co-citation analysis identified emerging research collaborations and key contributors.

Conclusion

miRNA plays a pivotal role in cancer diagnosis, biomarker development, and therapeutic interventions. With advancements in non-invasive diagnostics and personalized medicine, miRNA offers significant potential for clinical applications. Future research should focus on miRNA’s role in drug resistance and combination therapies to accelerate its clinical translation.
Case report: Tocilizumab for hypersensitivity reaction after oxaliplatin in a patient with NK/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Liao Juanyan , Jiang Ming
Published: January 2025

Oxaliplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are commonly encountered in first-line therapies for various malignancies. Recent research indicates that these reactions can include cytokine release reactions (CRRs), which are characterized by a marked increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, sometimes rising as much as 40-fold. Standard management strategies for HSRs typically involve desensitization protocols and routine treatments. However, these conventional approaches may be insufficient for managing CRRs. Preliminary studies suggest that tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antagonist, may play a crucial role in mitigating CRRs. In our case, a 65-year-old male with stage IV extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma developed a severe HSR on day 1 following the infusion of oxaliplatin during his fourth chemotherapy cycle. This reaction was marked by a substantial increase in IL-6 levels. Despite the administration of standard treatments, including epinephrine and corticosteroids, the patient required ventilatory support and vasopressors on day 1. On day 2, tocilizumab was administered, resulting in a rapid and significant reduction in IL-6 levels. Subsequently, the patient’s symptoms, including fever, dyspnea, and hypotension, resolved, and he was discharged on day 5. This case demonstrates that tocilizumab can be an effective intervention in managing severe HSRs associated with CRRs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of tocilizumab successfully salvaging a patient experiencing oxaliplatin-induced HSR. Nevertheless, further research is required to validate the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating oxaliplatin-induced HSRs.
Pharmacokinetics of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone in neonatal mice with hypoxia-ischemia related brain injury
Authors: Lim Sin Yin , Scarlett Cameron O. , Yapici Sefer , Ferrazzano Peter , Cengiz Pelin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a promising translational therapy in several brain injury models, including the neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) model in mice. However, the neuroprotective effect of 7,8-DHF was only observed in female, but not male, neonatal mice with HI brain injury. It is unknown whether HI-induced physiological changes affect brain distribution of 7,8-DHF differently for male versus female mice. We aimed to evaluate the impact of sex on the pharmacokinetics of 7,8-DHF in plasma and brain neonatal mice following experimentally induced HI brain injury.

Methods

Left-sided HI brain injury was induced in postnatal day 9 (P9) mice, followed by a 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-DHF. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantitate the drug concentration in plasma samples, as well as in samples from the left and right brain hemispheres. A nonlinear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the plasma and brain concentration-time data. A semi-quantitative approach was used to evaluate the concentrations of two active O-methylated metabolites of 7,8-DHF (8H7M-flavone and 7H8M-flavone) in both plasma and brain samples.

Results

Our PK analyses show that plasma 7,8-DHF concentrations followed a two-compartment PK model, with more than 95% eliminated by 3 h after the IP injection. Sex was not significantly associated with the PK of 7,8-DHF; however, HI brain injury was associated with a 21% reduction in clearance (p < 0.01). The distribution of 7,8-DHF to the brain was rapid; however, the extent of brain distribution was low with the right and left brain-to-plasma partition coefficients being 8.6% and 9.9%, respectively. Additionally, both O-methylated metabolites of 7,8-DHF were detected in the plasma and brain.

Conclusion

The plasma and brain PK of 7,8-DHF in neonatal mice were similar between males and females. The low extent of 7,8-DHF brain distribution and the potential effects of the active metabolites should be considered in future studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of 7,8-DHF.
Identification of the AHP family reveals their critical response to cytokinin regulation during adventitious root formation in apple rootstock
Authors: Li Ke , Li Huan , Liang Wei Ling , Liu Jing Ju , Tian Hui Yue , Wang Li Hu , Wei Yan Hong
Published: January 2025

Adventitious root (AR) formation is a bottleneck for vegetative proliferation. In this study, 13 AHP genes (MdAHPs) were identified in the apple genome. Phylogenetic analysis grouped them into 3 clusters (I, II, III), with 4, 4, and 5 genes respectively. The 13 MdAHPs family members were named MdAHP1 to MdAHP13 by chromosome positions. The physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationship, motifs, and elements of their proteins were also analyzed. The amino acid quantity varied from 60~189 aa, isoelectric point lay between 4.10 and 8.93, and there were 3~7 protein-conserving motifs. Excluding MdAHP6, other members’ promoter sequences behaved 2-4 CTK response elements. Additionally, the expression characteristics of MdAHPs family members at key stages of AR formation and in different tissues were also examined with exogenous 6-BA and Lov treatments. The results showed that MdAHP3 might be a key member in AR formation. GUS staining indicated that the activity of the MdAHP3 promoter was also significantly enhanced by CTK treatment. The protein interactions of MdAHP3/MdAHP1 and MdAHP3/MdAHP6 were verified. Compared with WT, 35S::MdAHP3 transgenic poplars inhibited AR formation. The above experimental results suggested that MdAHP3, as a key family member, interacts with MdAHP1 and MdAHP6 proteins to jointly mediate AR formation in apple rootstocks.
Characteristics of vocal cues, facial action units, and emotions that distinguish high from low self-protection participants engaged in self-protective response to self-criticizing
Authors: Vráblová Viktória , Halamová Júlia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Self-protection, also called protective anger or assertive anger, is a key factor in mental health. Thus, far, researchers have focused mainly on the qualitative analysis of self-protection.

Methods

Therefore, we investigated facial action units, emotions, and vocal cues in low and high self-protective groups of participants in order to detect any differences. The total sample consisted of 239 participants. Using the Performance factor in the Short version of the Scale for Interpersonal Behavior (lower 15th percentile and upper 15th percentile) we selected 33 high self-protective participants (11 men, 22 women) and 25 low self-protective participants (eight men, 17 women). The self-protective dialogue was recorded using the two-chair technique script from Emotion Focused Therapy. The subsequent analysis was performed using iMotions software (for action units and emotions) and Praat software (for vocal cues of pitch and intensity). We used multilevel models in program R for the statistical analysis.

Results

Compared to low self-protective participants, high self-protective participants exhibited more contempt and fear and less surprise and joy. Compared to low self-protective participants, high self-protective participants expressed the action units the following action units less often: Mouth Open (AU25), Smile (AU12), Brow Raise (AU2), Cheek Raise (AU6), Inner Brow Raise (AU1), and more often Brow Furrow (AU4), Chin Raise (AU17), Smirk (AU12), Upper Lip Raise (AU10), and Nose Wrinkle (AU9). We found no differences between the two groups in the use of vocal cues.

Discussion

These findings bring us closer to understanding and diagnosing self-protection.
Peer rejection and internet gaming disorder: the mediating role of relative deprivation and the moderating role of grit
Authors: Li Jingjing , Wei Chang , Lu Jiachen
Published: January 2025

Background

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a new behavioral addiction. A large number of empirical studies have shown that Internet Gaming Disorder has a high level of comorbidity with other diseases, including depression, anxiety, obesity, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, however, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The current study adopted a three-time longitudinal study investing the mediating effect of relative deprivation on the association between peer rejection and IGD, and whether this mediating effect was moderated by the grit.

Methods

A total of 1,065 students in China anonymously completed three-time longitudinal study questionnaires. The average age was 10.19 years (SD = 0.75) and the interval between measurements was 6 months.PROCESS for SPSS proposed by Hayes was used to test a moderated mediation model, with gender, age as covariates.

Results

T1 peer rejection positively predicted T3 Internet Gaming Disorder. Relative deprivation at T2 plays a complete mediating role between peer rejection at T1 and Internet gaming disorder at T3. At the same time, it was found that the personality trait of T3 grit plays a moderating role in the relationship between T2 relative deprivation and T3 Internet gaming disorder. This suggests that peer rejection is an important predictor of Internet Gaming Disorder, and that individuals with high levels of grit are less likely to become addicted to Internet games even if they experience relative deprivation.

Limitations

Measures of study variables were self-reported. Affected by factors such as social desirability, the research results may be biased.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize relative deprivation as a potential mechanism linking peer rejection IGD. Grit was an important protective factor to weaken this indirect effect. Intervention programs aimed at reducing IGD may benefit from the current research.
Cybervictimization and emotional symptoms in adolescents: mediating role of psychological flexibility versus inflexibility
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Martos Martínez África , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , del Pino Salvador Rosa María , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: January 2025

Background

Cyberbullying significantly affects adolescents, increasing the risk of negative emotional symptoms. This study explores how psychological flexibility and inflexibility may mediate this relationship, focusing on adolescent mental health in the context of cyberbullying.

Methods

A sample of 2,171 secondary school students, aged 11–18 years, was used to assess cyberbullying, emotional symptoms, and levels of psychological flexibility and inflexibility.

Results

Cybervictimization showed a direct relationship with emotional symptoms and psychological inflexibility. Psychological flexibility was negatively associated with cybervictimization and positively associated with mental health, acting as a protective mediator against the association of cyberbullying.

Conclusion

Psychological flexibility emerges as a key factor in reducing the negative association of cybervictimization in adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of developing strategies to improve psychological flexibility in young people as a means to strengthen their resilience in the face of cyberbullying and its emotional consequences.
HIV-1 drug resistance and genetic transmission networks among patients with sexually transmitted HIV in Ningxia, China
Authors: Pei Jianxin , Wu Zhonglan , Si Bingqian , Ma Chunhua , Liu Yichang , Ma Xiaofa , Kuai Wenhe , Zhang Yinhao , Li Yong
Published: January 2025

Background

Over the past decade, sexual transmission has become a dominant source of new HIV-1 infection in China. However, very few studies have been conducted to characterize the two sexual transmissions, homosexual and heterosexual transmission. This study was conducted to better understand the relationship between genotypes, drug resistance, and molecular transmission networks in two groups of sexually transmitted HIV-1 in Ningxia, China.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS patients in Ningxia between 2020 and 2021 for RNA extraction followed by HIV-1 genome sequencing, genotype and drug resistance analyses. The TN93 model in HyPhy2.2.4 with 1.25% as the threshold, was used to calculate the gene distance, and Cytoscape3.7.0 was used to generate a visual molecular transmission network.

Results

A total of 269 samples were successfully sequenced, and 10 HIV-1 subtypes were detected. The two most common subtypes were CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. All 10 subtypes were detected in heterosexually transmitted patients, and 7 subtypes were found in homosexually transmitted patients who were exclusively men sex with men (MSM). The drug resistance rates of heterosexual individuals and MSMs were 45.34 and 33.33%, respectively. Sequences from 120 patients entered the molecular transmission network, forming 35 clusters. The clustering rate for MSM (52.78%) was higher than that of heterosexual individuals (39.13%). Some MSM and HSTs were involved in the same cluster and might act as bridges for transmission between the two populations.

Conclusion

Our data showed that heterosexually transmitted HIV-1 was more likely to be a drug-resistant virus, whereas MSM was more likely to contract viruses through network connection. It is strongly recommended that resistance testing be conducted before ART to improve effective treatment and reduce the spread of resistant viruses. Molecular networks can help to identify transmission clusters and provide more precise interventions.
Development of photodynamic therapy in treating oral diseases
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Qiang , Liu Dan
Published: January 2025

The morbidity of oral disorders, including gingivitis, caries, endodontic-periodontal diseases, and oral cancer, is relatively high globally. Pathogenic cells are the root cause of many oral disorders, and oral therapies depend on eradicating them. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established as a potential and non-invasive local adjuvant treatment for oral disorders. PDT consists of three essential components: photosensitizer (PS), a light source with a certain wavelength, and oxygen dissolved in the cells. These three components can interact to cause damage to proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biological components within diseased tissues. Herein, we aimed to provide a detailed understanding of PDT and how it can treat oral diseases. Concerns about PDT and potential remedies are also a factor. PDT has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be an efficient supplementary therapy that can reduce pathogenic cells. The PDT has great potential for dental applications, including treating bacterial and fungal infections during root canal therapy and preventing oral cancer, potentially malignant disorders, periodontitis, dental caries, and peri-implant disorders. Although PDT has been promoted as having significant potential and utility in dentistry, more clinical research must be conducted before being used broadly.
Hidden blood loss and risk factors after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Ge Meng , Zhu Fangbing , Du Weibin , Ye Zhengcong , Xiong Zhenfei , Zhang Lukai , Zhou Hua , Yang Jun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to assess the occurrence of hidden blood loss (HBL) and its associated risk factors in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF).

Methods

Sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, and medical history including hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis were recorded. The duration of symptoms, preoperative lumbar subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (measured using midsagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging), lumbar disc degeneration grade, and other basic patient information were also documented. The levels of fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, and platelet count as well as the pre- and postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were collected. In addition, the number of fusion levels, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Total blood loss (TBL) was calculated using the gross formula, and HBL was calculated based on the TBL and visible blood loss. The risk factors were analyzed using single-factor correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

Of the 83 patients, there were 42 males and 41 females. Hypertension (P = 0.003), fusion level (P < 0.001), and surgery time (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with HBL via a single-factor correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fusion level (P < 0.001) and surgery time (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for HBL.

Conclusion

In patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated with Endo-TLIF, HBL accounts for a large proportion of TBL. A large number of fusion segments and prolonged operation time are risk factors for increased perioperative HBL during Endo-TLIF. Increased attention should be paid to the presence of HBL to ensure the safety of perioperative patients.
Effects of UV-B light exposure during automatic milking on vitamin D levels in Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Hodnik Jaka Jakob , Jankovec Marko , Ježek Jožica , Krušič Žiga , Mitterhofer Stefan , Starič Jože
Published: January 2025

Vitamin D is essential for cattle and can be synthesized in the skin under ultraviolet irradiation. This study investigated the effects of narrow-band UV-B irradiation during automatic milking on blood vitamin D concentration and the influence of hair and black skin areas on cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in Holstein Friesian cows. Fifty-one cows were stratified by milk yield, days after calving, and percentage of black skin, then divided into three groups: shaved and irradiated (80 J/m2), unshaved and irradiated (129–305 J/m2), and a control group. A custom UV-B light (peak radiation at 295 nm) was installed in the milking robot. Blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured at baseline, and 7, 30, and 60 days post-exposure using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. UV-B exposure significantly (p < 0.001) increased 25(OH)D levels in shaved (13.4 ng/mL), unshaved (10 ng/mL), and control groups (5.1 ng/mL). Despite receiving less than half the UV-B dose, the shaved group had superior 25(OH)D synthesis compared to the unshaved group (p < 0.05), highlighting hair’s role in reducing UV-B absorption. Cutaneous synthesis correlated with black skin area in shaved cows but not in unshaved cows. UV-B irradiation also increased daily milk production by 2.2 kg (shaved) and 2.9 kg (unshaved) compared to controls (p < 0.001). UV-B exposure during automatic milking offers a novel, non-disruptive method for enhancing vitamin D levels in dairy cows.
Assessing the detection and interaction of Lawsonia intracellularis and porcine circovirus 2 in low and high-performance wean-to-finish pig groups in different porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus detection scenarios
Authors: Cezar Guilherme , Leite Fernando L. , Fano Eduardo , Phillips Reid , Waddell John , Dion Kate , Magalhães Edison , Trevisan Giovani , Silva Gustavo , Linhares Daniel C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Effective disease management strategies are essential for achieving optimal pig performance, ensuring high-quality animal health and welfare, and maintaining the economic viability of swine systems. Thus, understanding factors that lead to more or less severe disease are critically important. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) are endemic pathogens in the U.S., affecting herds with varying degrees of subclinical and clinical disease and impact on performance. While these are common pathogens, their interaction with PRRSV and performance has seldom been investigated. This study investigated the detection dynamics of L. intracellularis, PRRSV, and PCV2, and their association with productivity impacts in wean-to-finish groups within a Midwest U.S. production system.

Methodology

This observational field study involved batches of growing pigs from PRRSV-stable or PRRSV-negative sow farms. Oral fluids were collected longitudinally from weaning until market age, and tested using quantitative PCR for each of the aforementioned pathogens. The study included 36 batches with a total of 46,446 growing pigs, resulting in 4,000 oral fluid samples. Then, batches were categorized based on key performance indicators (mortality and average daily gain), PRRSV detection timing and total genomic copies of each pathogen.

Results

Nineteen groups were characterized as high-performance and seventeen as low-performance. Mortality ranged from 5 to 9% in high-performance groups and 10.3–20.9% in low-performance groups. Average daily gain ranged from 0.68–0.86 kg in high-performance groups and 0.63–0.81 kg in low-performance groups. L. intracellularis and PCV2 were detected in most groups, with significant differences in detection rates between high and low-performance groups. Groups with relatively high genomic copies of PCV2 and L. intracellularis that had PRRSV detection presented higher mortality rates (15.75%).

Discussion

This study expanded our understanding of PRRSV, PCV2, and L. intracellularis co-detections and their impact on swine populations.
Globalna polityka klimatyczna i religia – kazus Papieża Franciszka
Authors: Tomaszewski Krzysztof
Published: January 2025

The climate crisis and environmental problems are topics that arise today in both the political and religious spheres. Effective action in this area, in order to counter global problems, requires synchronization of the actions of both political and religious communities. Christians generate more than half of the world’s GDP, although they account for only 23 percent of the global population. Given this fact, it is impossible not to see how significant the influence of Christians on the global economy and politics is. The research objective of this article is a systemic analysis of the interaction between politics and religion, using the example of the faith community led by Pope Francis. The study undertaken serves to verify the following hypothesis: the fusion of political and religious activities contributes to the promotion of environmental and climate goals and the growth of public awareness.
Development of Spherical Actuator with L-Shaped Yoke
Authors: Huang Yu-Wen , Chung Hao-Wen , Chen Yu-Ming , Liu Chien-Sheng , Chen Ming-Fu
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a two-DOF L-shaped yoke spherical actuator based on the principle of traditional voice coil actuators is developed. By utilizing the shape characteristics of the yoke and the magnetization direction of the magnet, the magnetic flux is concentrated and the magnet is shared, thereby improving the performance of the actuator. In the design process, SOLIDWORKS 2018 software is used for design modeling and assembly simulation, ANSYS Maxwell 2018 software is employed for magnetic circuit analysis and electromagnetic simulation, while MATLAB is utilized for analyzing the dynamic characteristics through a mathematical model. A prototype was also fabricated, and torque measurement experiments were conducted to verify the performance and feasibility of the proposed design.
Toxic Leadership and Turnover Intentions: Emotional Intelligence as a Moderator of This Relationship
Authors: Lopes Teresa , Soares Annelyse , Palma-Moreira Ana
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between toxic leadership and turnover intentions and whether this relationship was moderated by emotional intelligence. The sample consisted of 202 participants working in organizations based in Portugal. The results show that toxic leadership is positively and significantly associated with turnover intentions. Regarding emotional intelligence, only the dimensions of the use of emotions and the emotions of others are positively and significantly associated with turnover intentions. As for the moderating effect, only the use of emotions and emotion regulation dimensions moderate the relationship between toxic leadership and turnover intentions. Participants with high levels of emotion use and emotion regulation, when compared to participants with low levels of emotion use and emotion regulation, found that toxic leadership was relevant in boosting their turnover intentions. It can be concluded that participants use their emotional capacities to move away from toxic environments in search of new and better working conditions.
Construction and Optimization of Integrated Yield Prediction Model Based on Phenotypic Characteristics of Rice Grown in Small–Scale Plantations
Authors: Sun Jihong , Tian Peng , Li Zhaowen , Wang Xinrui , Zhang Haokai , Chen Jiangquan , Qian Ye
Published: January 2025

An intelligent prediction model for rice yield in small-scale cultivation areas can provide precise forecasting results for farmers, rice planting enterprises, and researchers, holding significant importance for agricultural industries and crop science research within small regions. Although machine learning can handle complex nonlinear problems to enhance prediction accuracy, further improvements in models are still needed to accurately predict rice yields in small areas facing complex planting environments, thereby enhancing model performance. This study employs four rice phenotypic traits, namely, panicle angle, panicle length, total branch length, and grain number, along with seven machine learning methods—multiple linear regression, support vector machine, MLP, random forest, GBR, XGBoost, and LightGBM—to construct a yield prediction model group. Subsequently, the top three models with the best performance in individual model predictions are integrated using voting and stacking ensemble methods to obtain the optimal integrated model. Finally, the impact of different rice phenotypic traits on the performance of the stacked ensemble model is explored. Experimental results indicate that the random forest model performs best after individual machine learning modeling, with RMSE, R2, and MAPE values of 0.2777, 0.9062, and 17.04%, respectively. After model integration, Stacking–3m demonstrates the best performance, with RMSE, R2, and MAPE values of 0.2483, 0.9250, and 6.90%, respectively. Compared to the performance after random forest modeling, the RMSE decreased by 10.58%, R2 increased by 1.88%, and MAPE decreased by 0.76%, indicating improved model performance after stacking ensemble. The Stacking–3m model, which demonstrated the best comprehensive evaluation metrics, was selected for model validation, and the validation results were satisfactory, with MAE, R2, and MAPE values of 8.3384, 0.9285, and 0.2689, respectively. The above research findings demonstrate that this integrated model possesses high practical value and fills a gap in precise yield prediction for small-scale rice cultivation in the Yunnan Plateau region.
DualTransAttNet: A Hybrid Model with a Dual Attention Mechanism for Corn Seed Classification
Authors: Pan Fei , He Dawei , Xiang Pengjun , Hu Mengdie , Yang Daizhuang , Huang Fang , Peng Changmeng
Published: January 2025

Varietal purity is a critical quality indicator for seeds, yet various production processes can lead to the mixing of seeds from different varieties. Consequently, seed variety classification is an essential step in seed production. Existing classification algorithms often suffer from limitations such as reliance on single information sources, constrained feature extraction capabilities, time consumption, low accuracy, and the potential to cause irreversible damage to seeds. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a fast and non-destructive classification method for corn seeds, named DualTransAttNet, based on multi-source image information and hybrid feature extraction. High-resolution hyperspectral images of various corn varieties were collected, and a sliding sampling approach was employed to capture feature information across all spectral bands, resulting in the construction of a hyperspectral dataset for corn seed classification. Hyperspectral and RGB image data were then integrated to complement one another’s information and mitigate the insufficient feature diversity caused by single-source data. The proposed method leverages the strengths of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers to extract both local and global features, effectively capturing spectral and image characteristics. The experimental results demonstrate that the DualTransAttNet model can achieve a compact size of only 1.758 MB and an inference time of 0.019 ms. Compared to typical machine learning and deep learning models, the proposed model exhibits superior performance with an overall accuracy, F1-score, and Kappa coefficient of 90.01%, 88.9%, and 88.4%, respectively. The model’s rapid inference capability and low parameter count make it an excellent technical solution for agricultural automation and intelligent systems, thereby enhancing the efficiency and profitability of agricultural production.
Influence of Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens Infection on Growth Performance and Toltrazuril Residues in Chickens
Authors: Pietruk Konrad , Karamon Jacek , Jedziniak Piotr , Tokarzewski Stanisław , Olejnik Małgorzata
Published: January 2025

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis are among the most common diseases affecting poultry, with economic impact due to reduced production and the costs of treatment and prevention. Eimeria invasion contributes to gut damage that promotes the growth of other harmful pathogens, such as Clostridium perfringens. Coccidiostats, with toltrazuril as an example, are widely used to control these infections. In this study, we assessed the effects of Eimeria spp. infection and coinfection with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens on chicken weight and toltrazuril concentrations, along with two metabolites—toltrazuril sulfoxide and toltrazuril sulfone—using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The analysis of liver and muscle samples showed lower levels of residues in groups challenged with Eimeria spp. In the case of combined Eimeria and C. perfringens infection, no significant differences were observed. These findings suggest that the combination of Eimeria and C. perfringens does not significantly alter the residue levels of toltrazuril and its metabolites, providing valuable insight into the pharmacokinetics of toltrazuril in poultry under infection conditions. This research contributes to optimizing drug use and residue management in poultry production.
Farming of Indigenous Crayfish in Russia: A Mini-Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Dvoretsky Alexander G. , Dvoretsky Vladimir G.
Published: January 2025

Natural populations of crayfish in Europe have experienced significant declines due to the spread of crayfish plague, overfishing, competition with invasive crayfish species, and habitat degradation. Consequently, crayfish farming has gained importance in meeting the increasing demand for crayfish products. Although Russia boasts abundant water resources, the development of crayfish aquaculture remains nascent. In this review, we consolidate recent studies by Russian researchers that focus on various aspects of crayfish cultivation. Extensive cultivation in open ponds is the most suitable method, owing to its accessibility and lower costs; however, it necessitates suitable environmental conditions within the water bodies. The production cycle encompasses pond preparation, stocking, exploration, restoration, and monitoring. Controlled cultivation of egg-bearing females is essential for producing high-quality seedstock for subsequent rearing. Experimental evidence suggests that crayfish exhibit high adaptability to artificial conditions, with formulated diets comprising artificial feeds for sturgeon and powdered dried beef by-products demonstrating promising results in terms of growth performance. Plastic tangled threads and mink shelters are recommended to reduce cannibalism. Short-term grow-out of juvenile crayfish can yield a profit margin of 17%, while a complete two-year production cycle is projected to achieve financial break-even over three years. The primary challenges confronting the industry include disease management, cannibalism, the need for skilled technical personnel, and insufficient financial and policy support.
Effect of FABP4 Gene Polymorphisms on Fatty Acid Composition, Chemical Composition, and Carcass Traits in Sonid Sheep
Authors: Xiang Jiada , Li Haofan , Guo Zhaoxin , Li Terigele , Yamada Takahisa , Li Xihe , Bao Siqin , Da Lai , Borjigin Gerelt , Cang Ming , Tong Bin
Published: January 2025

Fatty acids (FAs) are a group of organic compounds that are regulated by polygenic and environmental factors and affect the taste, nutritional value, and quality of meat. Lamb meat is rich in FAs required by the human body, which has directed more attention to sheep research and meat production. The fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) gene is considered a candidate gene that can affect FA composition in livestock. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen for genetic polymorphisms of FABP4 and confirm the association between these polymorphisms and FAs, chemical composition, and carcass traits in Sonid lambs. The results of the association study showed that g.57764667T>C, g.57764436T>G, g.57764242G>A, and g.57757988A>G were associated with the composition of certain long-chain FAs, and g.57764242G>A, g.57764436T>G, and g.57758026G>A were associated with free amino acid levels. In addition, g.57764667T>C and g.57757988A>G were associated with carcass weight and live weight in Sonid lambs. Therefore, the polymorphisms of the FABP4 gene are expected to be a genetic selection marker for superior traits in Sonid sheep breeding, which also provides new insights into how the ovine FABP4 gene affects traits of lamb quality.
Cobalt Protoporphyrin Downregulates Hyperglycemia-Induced Inflammation and Enhances Mitochondrial Respiration in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Fang Peng-Hsiang , Lin Tzu-Yu , Huang Chiu-Chen , Lin Yung-Chang , Lai Cheng-Hung , Cheng Bill
Published: January 2025

Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by hyperglycemic retinal pigment epithelial cells that secrete excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines and VEGF, leading to retinal damage and vision loss. Cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) is a compound that can reduce inflammatory responses by inducing high levels of HO-1. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of CoPP were examined in ARPE-19 cells under hyperglycemia. ARPE-19 cells were incubated in culture media containing either 5.5 mM (NG) or 25 mM (HG) glucose, with or without the addition of 0.1 µM CoPP. Protein expressions in samples were determined by either Western blotting or immunostaining. A Seahorse metabolic analyzer was used to assess the impact of CoPP treatment on mitochondrial respiration in ARPE-19 cells in NG or HG media. ARPE-19 cells cultured in NG media displayed different cell morphology than those cultured in HG media. CoPP treatment induced high HO-1 expressions and significantly enhanced the viability of ARPE-19 cells under hyperglycemia. Moreover, CoPP significantly downregulated expressions of inflammatory and apoptotic markers and significantly upregulated mitochondrial respiration in APRPE-19 cells under hyperglycemia. CoPP treatment significantly enhanced cell viability in ARPE-19 cells under hyperglycemia. The treatment also downregulated the expressions of pro-inflammatory and upregulated mitochondrial respiration in the hyperglycemic cells.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach for the Kinodynamically Feasible Trajectory Planning of a Car-like Vehicle
Authors: Nardi Vito Antonio , Lanza Marianna , Ruffa Filippo , Scordamaglia Valerio
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the possibility to improve the computational efficiency of a set-based method for the trajectory planning of a car-like vehicle through artificial intelligence. Planning is performed on a graph that represents the operating scenario in which the vehicle moves, and the kinodynamic feasibility of the trajectories is guaranteed through a series of set-based arguments, which involve the solution of semi-definite programming problems. Navigation in the graph is performed through a hybrid A* algorithm whose performance metrics are improved through a properly trained classificator, which can forecast whether a candidate trajectory segment is feasible or not. The proposed solution is validated through numerical simulations, with a focus on the effects of different classificators features and by using two different kinds of artificial intelligence: a support vector machine (SVM) and a long-short term memory (LSTM). Results show up to a 28% reduction in computational effort and the importance of lowering the false negative rate in classification for achieving good planning performance outcomes.
Seismic Mitigation Effect and Mechanism Analysis of Split Columns in Underground Structures in Sites with Weak Interlayers
Authors: Xu Zigang , Xia Zongyao
Published: January 2025

The seismic damage of underground structures has been extensively investigated, and it has been demonstrated that underground structures located at weak interlayer sites are more prone to damage. In this study, a two-story two-span rectangular frame subway station structure is analyzed. A two-dimensional soil-underground structure model is developed using the large-scale finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The equivalent linear soil-underground structure dynamic time-history analysis method is employed to examine the seismic response of underground structures at weak interlayer sites. Variations in the thickness and shear wave velocity of the weak interlayer soil are analyzed. The seismic mitigation effects of split columns and prototype columns in underground structures at weak interlayer sites are systematically compared. The findings indicate that the relative displacement and internal force of key structural components significantly increase when the weak interlayer intersects the underground structure. Furthermore, as the thickness of the interlayer increases, the displacement and internal force also escalate. When the thickness of the weak interlayer remains constant and the shear wave velocity decreases, the relative displacement and internal force of the key structural components gradually intensify. Replacing ordinary columns with split columns substantially reduces the internal force of the middle column, providing an effective seismic mitigation measure for underground structures.
Vision-Based Damage Detection Method Using Multi-Scale Local Information Entropy and Data Fusion
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Xu Zili , Li Guang , Xin Cun
Published: January 2025

Low-spatial-resolution measurements from contact sensors and excessive measurement noise have impeded the implementation of vibration-based damage detection. To tackle these challenges, we propose a novel vision-based damage detection method combining multi-scale signal analysis theory and data fusion algorithm. For high-spatial-resolution vibration measurements, phase-based optical flow estimation algorithm is adopted to deploy virtual sensors on the structure, yielding reliable mode shapes. We then introduce the concept of entropy into damage detection. A novel damage index, defined in Gaussian multi-scale space and named multi-scale local information entropy (MS-LIE), is proposed. The MS-LIE integrates the multi-scale analysis component and the entropy analysis component, addressing both the issue of detection sensitivity and noise immunity, thereby showcasing enhanced performance. Moreover, a data fusion technique for multi-scale damage information is developed to further mitigate the noise-induced uncertainty and pinpoint damage locations. A series of numerical and experimental scenarios are designed to validate the method, and the results indicate that the proposed method accurately detects single and multiple damages in noisy environments, obviating the need for baseline data as a reference.