bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of strip based test for detection of urea adulteration in milk
Authors: RR Savaliya , AI Shaikh , SL Parekh , DB Kapadiya , AK Jain , SC Parmar
Published: January 2025

Milk samples spiked with various concentrations of urea ranging from 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08% was used to check the urea detection ability of the developed strip. The LoD in each type of milk viz. raw, pasteurized and boiled was found to be0.07% urea. Further, 121 (nos.) milk samples (cow, buffalo and mixed milk) were analyzed with the Milko Scan FT120 and developed strip for urea content. The urea content of the milk sample obtained using MilkoScan was compared with the colorimetric result of the strips. Both these results were in alignment. Moreover, the data of urea content obtained from MilkoScan and strip were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of the strip which were found to be 90.90,92.00 and 90.09%, respectively. The strip performance was also checked for its effectiveness spectrophotometrically using 10mixed milk samples. The developed strips were found to be stable when stored at room temperature (30-40°C) and refrigeration temperature (7±2°C) up to six months.
Blockchain oracles for decentralized agricultural insurance using trusted IoT data
Authors: T Manoj , Makkithaya Krishnamoorthi , V. G. Narendra , T Vijaya Murari
Published: January 2025

Agricultural insurance is one of the formal and reliable risk management instruments to cope with agrarian risks. Presently, agricultural insurance products rely heavily on centralized systems that lack transparency and traceability, leading to suboptimal risk assessment and delays in payouts. To address these concerns the fintech industry has started to embrace a popular decentralized technology called blockchain. However, blockchain operates as a deterministic and synchronized state system, which means it cannot directly access real-world data for decentralized applications. A mechanism called oracle is required for the trusted access of agricultural risk factor data to smart contracts from external sources such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, web services and databases. Hence, the present study proposes a blockchain-based AgriInsureDON framework with a privacy-preserving decentralized oracle for risk factor data access from trusted IoT devices for agricultural insurance. Initially, a method for computing the direct reputation score of IoT devices based on behavioral and data reputation is illustrated. Next, a privacy preserved decentralized oracle mechanism is designed and implemented using a masked secret sharing and secure aggregation scheme. Later, we demonstrate the working of weather-indexed insurance contracts based on decentralized oracle. Finally, a performance analysis of smart contract transactions w.r.t average latency, throughput, average CPU utilization and total memory usage is conducted on Ganache and Sepolia test networks. The evaluation results of privacy-protected decentralized oracle and an indexed insurance contract within AgriInsureDON framework confirms that transactions are efficient and scalable to meet the requirements of expedited claim settlement.
Temporal and spatial variability of S-wave and coda attenuation in the Central Apennines, Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Simona , Akinci Aybige , Del Pezzo Edoardo
Published: January 2025

The central Apennines are notoriously subject to important seismic sequences, such as the 2009 and 2016–2017, L’Aquila, Amatrice-Visso-Norcia (AVN) sequences, respectively. Here, we examine the temporal and spatial variation of the S-wave attenuation in Central Italy over a period from 2011 to 2017, including the AVN sequence. First, we computed the S-wave attenuation (Qβ) as a function of frequency Q(f) using the coda normalization method. Then, to visualize the spatial variation of the attenuation over time, we calculated the attenuation of coda waves using a novel 2D kernel-based function over the study area. Our results showed a 13% variation in S-wave attenuation between the pre-sequence (2011–2016) and the sequence phase, with a significant 37% decrease in Q (increase in attenuation) detected during the Visso period. Spatially, a high attenuation anomaly aligns with the Monti Sibillini thrust formation, while in time, we observed a northward migration of this high attenuation during the Norcia phase. Temporal variation in the crustal S-wave attenuation and its frequency dependence may be linked to fluid movement and fracturing developed during the AVN sequence. Coda-Q mapping confirmed an increase in attenuation during the sequence within the fault plane zones. Additionally, the broader area of interest reveals a northward extension of high attenuation, following the NS direction of the Monti Sibillini thrust.
Revealing the effects of environmental and spatio-temporal variables on changes in Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) high abundance fishing grounds based on interpretable machine learning approach
Authors: Shi Yongchuang , Yan Lei , Zhang Shengmao , Tang Fenghua , Yang Shenglong , Fan Wei , Han Haibin , Dai Yang
Published: January 2025

The construction of accurate and interpretable predictive model for high abundance fishing ground is conducive to better sustainable fisheries production and carbon reduction. This article used refined statistical maps to visualize the spatial and temporal patterns of catch changes based on the 2014-2021 fishery statistics of the Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus fishery in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Three models (XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost) and two variable importance visualization methods (model built-in (split) and SHAP methods) were used for comparative analysis to determine the optimal modeling and visualization strategies. Results: 1) From 2014 to 2021, the annual catch showed an overall increasing trend and peaked at 220,009.063 tons in 2021; the total monthly catch increased and then decreased, with a peak of 76, 033.4944 tons (July), and the catch was mainly concentrated in the regions of 39.5°-43°N and 146.75°-155.75°E; 2) Catboost model predicted better than LightGBM and XGBoost models, with the highest values of accuracy and F1-score, 73.8% and 75.31%, respectively; 3) the overall importance ranking of the model’s built-in method differed significantly from that in the SHAP method, and the overall importance ranking of the spatial variables in the SHAP method increased. Compared to the built-in method, the SHAP method informs the magnitude and direction of the influence of each variable at the global and local levels. The results of the research help us to select the optimal model and the optimal visualization method to construct a prediction model for the Japanese sardine fishing grounds in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, which will provide a scientific basis for the Japanese sardine fishery to achieve environmental and economically sustainable fishery development.
Interdisciplinary problem-based learning model for standardized dental residency training: from theory to practice in dental trauma management
Authors: Shuting Yang , Haohao Wang , Shida Wang , Liwei Zheng , Mian Wan
Published: January 2025

Objective

Enhancing clinical skills and quality of dental residents is critical for standardized training. Conventional standardized training falls short in exposing residents to diverse scenarios and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, essential for dental trauma management. To address these issues, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University introduced an interdisciplinary problem-based learning (IPBL) model to improve residents’ professional quality and practical abilities.

Methods

Based on the specific needs of dental residents, the hospital established a PBL framework supported by an interdisciplinary collaborative teaching team with a focus on dental trauma diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive assessment followed the IPBL course, which informed subsequent course modifications. In a preliminary study, 134 students voluntarily chose whether to participate in the program. At the end of the study, the scores of both groups were compared.

Primary results

The IPBL model significantly improved the professional ability of dental residents in the diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma, and obtained positive evaluations from residents and mentors. For the quantitative analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed an overall improvement in participants’ scores after completing the course.

Conclusion

This teaching model provides a new way for the standardized training of dental residents, and helps to cultivate dental professionals with high professional and practical abilities.
Aspergillus fumigatus spondylitis in an immunocompetent patient with annular high signal around the intervertebral disks: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Zhihao , Zhu Weijian , Zhou Sirui , Zhao Yuting , Xiang Qi , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2025

Aspergillus fumigatus spondylitis is a rare fungal infection, primarily occurring in immunocompromised patients, although cases in immunocompetent individuals have also been reported. While Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly associated with pulmonary infections, it can also cause spondylitis. Patients typically present with back pain, limb numbness, and neurological compression symptoms. Imaging findings often show vertebral destruction, reduced disk height, and paraspinal abscesses, potentially accompanied by characteristic ring-enhancing lesions. MRI findings can help distinguish Aspergillus fumigatus spondylitis from other conditions such as tuberculous spondylitis. This case involves an immunocompetent patient with Aspergillus fumigatus spondylitis, whose non-specific clinical manifestations can easily be confused with other types of spinal infections, leading to a potential misdiagnosis. Diagnosis requires tissue biopsy and microbiological culture. Voriconazole is the first-line antifungal agent, and studies have shown that it improves patient response and survival rates. For patients with significant spinal compression or neurological symptoms, surgical intervention combined with antifungal treatment should be considered if antifungal therapy alone is ineffective. Although Aspergillus fumigatus spondylitis is rare, it can occur in immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis through imaging and biopsy is crucial, and a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy can help improve prognosis.
Association between Healthy Eating Index-2015 total and metabolic associated fatty liver disease in Americans: a cross-sectional study with U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Xu Genzhong , Ma Ermin , Zhang Weitao , Feng Bo
Published: January 2025

Background

Utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset to investigate the relationship between dietary quality, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), and the prevalence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among adults in the United States, our analysis revealed that an increased dietary quality was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of MAFLD in the American population.

Method

The NHANES dataset, encompassing the years 2017–2018 and comprising 3,557 participants, was incorporated into our analytical framework. Weighted multivariate linear regression model was performed to assess the linear relationship between the HEI-2015 and MAFLD. Dietary intake data were derived from two 24-h dietary recall interviews conducted as part of NHANES.

Results

Following multivariable adjustment, the weighted multivariable linear regression models demonstrated a negative correlation between the HEI-2015 total scores and the risk of MAFLD. The weighted logistic regression models revealed that each unit of increased HEI-2015 total value was associated with a 1.2% (95% CI: 0.9%, 1.5%; P < 0.001) decrease in the risk of f MAFLD. Upon categorization of the HEI-2015 scores into quartiles, the odds ratios (ORs) for the association between the risk of MAFLD and the quartile scores of HEI-2015, in comparison to the baseline quartile, were 0.945 (95% CI: 0.852–1.047; P = 0.279), 0.834 (95% CI: 0.750–0.927; P < 0.001), and 0.723 (95% CI: 0.646–0.811; P < 0.001), respectively. When participants were stratified by age and sex, subgroup analyses showed a similar trend. This pattern was also evident in the smooth curve fitting (SCF) and weighted generalized additive model (GAM).

Conclusion

Elevated dietary quality, as assessed by the total and component food scores of the HEI-2015, was significantly correlated with a diminished risk of MAFLD among participants in the NHANES survey featured in this investigation.
Exploring the association between caffeine intake and benign prostatic hyperplasia: results from the NHANES 2005–2008
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Andong , Tao Junyue , Zhang Meng , Liang Chaozhao
Published: January 2025

Background

Coffee is a physiologically active food component prevalent throughout the world, but the association between caffeine intake and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been limited in extensive epidemiological studies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and BPH in adults in the United States using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008. Caffeine intake (mg/day) was evaluated based on a 24-h dietary recall. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relationship between caffeine intake and BPH, and the results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), subgroup analysis was also performed.

Results

A total of 2,374 participants were analyzed. After fully adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis revealed that higher caffeine intake was associated with a greater risk of BPH (ORT3vs1 = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.27; p = 0.04). In addition, this relationship was consistently observed across different subgroups, including individuals with lower education levels, a poverty income ratio (PIR) of 1.5 to 3.5, former smokers, married/living with partner individuals, those with uric acid levels of 5.5 to 6.5 mg/dL, those with hypertension, and those without cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Conclusion

This study is the first to find a positive correlation between caffeine intake and BPH, but further research is needed to determine the exact causal relationship between these factors.
Associations between body mass index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and depressive symptoms: NHANES 2015-2016
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhen Fengya , Zhang Yaxing , An Cuixia
Published: January 2025

Objective

Studies have shown associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP), and depressive symptoms(DP). However, the complex relationship between them remains uncertain. The objective of this research is to examine the correlation between them in a substantial sample that is representative of the national level.

Methods

Our analysis was based on the 2015-2016National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).DP was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis and stratified analysis, we examined the relationship between BMI, HSCRP, and DP. We applied generalized additive models to explore the non-linear relationships among variables.

Results

This study included a total of 4834 participants. The results revealed that BMI (P=0.002) and HSCRP (P=0.008) were risk factors for DP. The relationship between BMI and DP (P=0.035), BMI and HSCRP (P<0.001) were non-linear. The nonlinear association between HSCRP and DP (P=0.031), BMI and DP (P=9e-04) is significant in females when stratified by gender. No nonlinear association was found between BMI and DP (P =0.677) and between HSCRP and DP (P =0.439) in males. The results of the interaction test reveal a significant interaction between HSCRP and gender.

Conclusions

Research has found both BMI and HSCRP are risk factors for DP and the relationship between them was non-linear. The nonlinear associations between BMI and DP, as well as between HSCRP and DP, are gender-dependent.
Ustne i pisemne gatunki wypowiedzi stosowane na polskich uczelniach w perspektywie glottodydaktycznej
Authors: Jasińska Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

The aim of this article is to present genre as one of the key concepts in teaching Polish for academic purposes. The first part presents the idea of Polish as a foreign language for academic purposes, followed by a definition of genre formulated from a glottodidactic point of view. The analytical section demonstrates the results of a survey conducted at Polish universities. The survey concerned genres employed by Polish academics and their application in groups of foreigners studying in Poland.
Praktyczna składnia języka polskiego do celów akademickich z uwzględnieniem potrzeb użytkowników z pierwszym językiem ukraińskim
Authors: Krawczuk Ałła
Published: January 2025

This article presents the problems of acquisition of practical Polish syntax at higher levels of language proficiency by Ukrainians who may be those undertaking studies in Poland. Issues of acquisition and linguistic normativity are discussed. The educctional needs of advanced Ukrainian speakers of Polish in the acquisition of syntax are highlighted, and attention is drawn to its most difficult areas, including syntactic variants that require more reliable glottodidactic and often normative presentation. The article raises the question of a conceivable loosening sometimes overly strict attitudes towards syntactic correctness in the language education of Ukrainians, as well as in the evaluation of their syntactic skills. There is a visible need for a closer relationship between glottodidactics and the normative and corpus linguistics. The paper proves that a deeper linguistic analysis of syntactic material in line with the contemporary shape of natural Polish norm makes it possible to apply more appropriate approaches to the evaluation of the Polish language as used by foreigners, and to prepare modern teaching aids for Ukrainians learning Polish at advanced levels, including Ukrainian speakers studying or preparing to study in Poland.
Opis operacji mentalnych i procesu badawczego w dyskursie naukowym w perspektywie glottodydaktycznej (propozycja inwentarza leksykalnego)
Authors: Busiło Samanta
Published: January 2025

The article addresses the issue of creating lexical inventories of the Polish language for academic purposes from a glottodidactic perspective. The author presents a proposal for a list of academic words used to describe the process of scientific knowledge acquisition and the research process. Her approach is guided by the criteria of utility and frequency, informed by teaching programmes and textbooks, and based on data from the PELCRA corpus of scientific texts as well as teaching practice. The presented list includes words used in Polish scientific texts to describe mental operations such as defi ning, classifying, analysing, concluding, presenting data, expressing relationships, etc.
Numerical Prediction of Fatigue Life for Landing Gear Considering the Shock Absorber Travel
Authors: Tang Haihong , Liu Panglun , Ding Jianbin , Cheng Jinsong , Jiang Yiyao , Jiang Bingyan
Published: January 2025

Due to the complexity of the landing gear’s (LG) structural integrity and its loads under various static or dynamic working conditions, the fatigue life assessment for LG is a highly challenging task. On the basis of the whole geometric model of a large passenger aircraft’s main landing gear (MLG), the quasi-static finite element model (FEM) of the whole MLG is established, and the high-cycle fatigue issue of the Main Fitting (MF) is studied by considering the variation in shock absorber travel (SAT). Firstly, the ground loads under actual fatigue conditions are equivalently converted into the forces acting on the center of the left and right axles of the MLG, and based on these spatial force decompositions, the magnitude and direction of the load for 12 different basic unit load cases (ULC) are obtained. That is, the stress of the MLG under actual fatigue conditions can be obtained by superimposing these ULCs. Then, considering that the SAT of the MLG varies under different fatigue conditions, and to reduce the number of finite element (FE) simulations, this article simplifies all the SAT experienced by the MLG into seven specific values, so as to establish seven quasi-static FEMs of the MLG with the specified stroke of the shock absorber. In this way, the fatigue stress of the MLG with any actual SAT can be obtained by interpolating the stress components of the seven FEMs. Only 84 FE simulations are needed to efficiently obtain the fatigue stress spectra from the ground load spectra. Finally, according to the material S-N curve and Miner’s damage accumulation criterion, evaluate the fatigue life of the Main Fitting. The results of the stress component interpolation and superposition method show that at least five different SATs of the whole MLG’s FEM are needed to effectively convert the fatigue loads into a stress spectrum. The fatigue life prediction results indicate that the minimum lifespan of the MF is 53164 landings, which means that the fatigue life meets the requirement design.
Research on Inertial Isolation Rotation Modulation of Dual-Axis Inertial Navigation Based on Multi-Error Coupling Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Bo , Hu Changhua , Hou Silin , Zhang Jianxun , Zheng Jianfei , Liu Xuan
Published: January 2025

Currently, research on the rotational modulation of dual-axis inertial navigation for isolated carrier motion does not provide sufficient solutions for the compensation of the gyroscope scale factor error caused by the Earth’s rotation. Moreover, it is primarily applied to ships with low maneuverability and has not yet been implemented in the field of pure inertial guidance weapons. A dual-axis inertial isolation rotation modulation method is proposed to address this issue, taking into account the application characteristics of long-endurance guided weapons. An analysis of the system error characteristics under the coupling of multiple error sources acting on IMU was conducted, and it was found that the angular velocity of the inertial isolation carrier can significantly reduce the output error of the IMU. A dual-axis inertial isolation shaft system installation error compensation algorithm was designed, and an improvement was made based on the traditional sixteen-sequence rotation scheme to compensate for the projection components of the Earth’s rotation and carrier motion on the inner and outer frame rotation axes, achieving the inertial isolation rotation modulation function of dual-axis inertial navigation. Based on the attitude changes in long-range guided weapons, Monte Carlo simulation verification was conducted, and the results showed that this scheme can improve inertial navigation accuracy by 10% to 20%.
Strategies for Selecting Potentially Effective Biofumigant Species for Optimal Biofumigation Outcomes
Authors: Arroyo Juan Manuel , Soler Jose , Linares Rubén , Palmero Daniel
Published: January 2025

Soil-borne diseases threaten sustainable agriculture, traditionally managed by chemical fumigants, whose use is now restricted due to environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates the biofumigation potential of Brassicaceae species, specifically Brassica carinata A. Braun., Brassica juncea (L.) Vassiliĭ Matveievitch Czernajew., Raphanus sativus L., and Sinapis alba L., cultivated in central Spain. Field trials across two growing cycles assessed biomass production, glucosinolate (GSL) concentration, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Biomass production varied across species and sampling dates, with S. alba and R. sativus outperforming other species in shorter cycles, while B. juncea and B. carinata showed a more efficient GSL profile regarding soil-borne disease control, particularly in aliphatic GSLs like sinigrin. Results highlight B. juncea and B. carinata as potent biofumigants due to their high GSL levels, whereas S. alba and R. sativus are more suited to early biomass production. The study also explores the chlorophyll content index (SPAD) as a potential field indicator of GSL concentration, providing a practical approach for optimizing biofumigation timing. These findings support the selection of specific Brassicaceae species adapted to climatic conditions and crop cycles for effective biofumigation in sustainable agricultural practices.
Assessing the Impact of Hermetic Storage Technology on Storage Quantity and Post-Harvest Storage Losses Among Smallholding Maize Farmers in Nepal
Authors: Nepali Deepak Kumar , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: January 2025

Promoting smallholding farmers to use improved storage technology is pivotal to enhance the sustainable agri-food system. Studies suggest that hermetic storage technology reduces post-harvest storage losses, improves grain quality, and enhances food security. However, weak causal evidence is prevalent due to confounding and endogeneity issues in such studies. Hence, this study examines the impact of hermetic storage bags through a randomized encouragement design, using the instrumental variable (IV) approach, among 692 smallholding farmers in Nepal, where maize is one of the major food crops. Farmers were encouraged by offers of 100% and 50% subsidies on the price of up to three Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. We found that an additional unit of the hermetic storage bag increased maize storage by 42.84 kg and reduced post-harvest storage losses by 10 kg (32.92% reduction) for the farmers encouraged with a 100% subsidy. It increased maize storage by 39.2 kg for the farmers encouraged with a 50% subsidy, with no significant effect on post-harvest storage losses in this group compared to the control group. Thus, it is essential to encourage farmers to adopt improved storage technologies to increase storage and reduce post-harvest losses. This can contribute to enhancing local food security.
Comparison of Hybrid Rye and Wheat for Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits Under Less Favourable Environmental Conditions and Two Input Levels
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Lauenstein Sophie , Lieberherr Bärbel
Published: January 2025

Agriculture in the European Union is constantly the subject of public debate, particularly concerning reduced mineral fertilisation and reduced chemical plant protection. Hybrid rye could play a special role in this context, as it usually requires less fertiliser and pesticides than winter wheat and has a high yield potential. In Germany, both crops can be grown on most sites. To test whether hybrid rye is competitive with winter wheat, a trial was conducted with 10 hybrid rye and 20 wheat varieties of all quality levels. The trial was grown for three years (2021, 2022, 2023) on three conventionally managed farms with 40–64 soil points (on a scale of 1–100) in south-west Germany. It was conducted with two input levels: I1, fertilisation (100–120 kg N/ha for hybrid rye; 140–180 kg N/ha for winter wheat), and chemical plant protection including growth regulators; I2, no chemical plant protection, and 20% reduced N fertilisation, one to three harrows. In eight out of nine location × year combinations, hybrid rye was significantly (p < 0.001) superior to winter wheat in terms of grain yield under these conditions. On average, hybrid rye yielded 9.1 and 7.8 t ha−1 for I1 and I2, respectively, compared to 8.0 and 6.8 t ha−1 for wheat, respectively. A close correlation of the cultivar’s grain yield between I1 and I2 for both crops showed a missing cultivar × input level interaction. Under these conditions, hybrid rye produced higher grain yields and better baking quality than wheat in both input regimes, contributing to a more sustainable cropping system.
Can the Adoption of Green Pest Control Technologies Reduce Pesticide Use? Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Haochen , Wang Yubin
Published: January 2025

The widespread use of pesticides has long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, but their overuse has led to several challenges, including increased production costs, food safety risks, and environmental damage. Green pest control technologies (GPCTs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional chemical methods, although their widespread adoption is still in progress, and their environmental and economic impacts require further examination. This study aims to evaluate the adoption of GPCT in apple orchards by employing a rigorous framework to measure pesticide intensity per unit, assess the impact of GPCT on pesticide reduction, and analyze the associated environmental effects in large-scale apple farming systems in China. Based on survey data collected from apple farmers across key production regions in China, we apply an Endogenous Treatment Effect Regression (ETR) model to evaluate the effects of these technologies on pesticide usage and concentration. This model allows for more accurate estimates of the treatment effects by addressing selection bias and accounting for both observable and unobservable factors. Our results show that the adoption of GPCT leads to a significant reduction in pesticide use intensity. Notably, the reductions are more pronounced among specific groups of farmers, particularly those who are less risk-averse and those with larger or more fragmented landholdings. These findings underscore the dual ecological and economic benefits of GPCT, providing strong support for policy initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and encourage land consolidation.
Cervical Tuberculosis Mimicking Cervical Cancer in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Viegas de Carvalho Leda , Soares Nogueira Filipe , Vale Francisco , Nazaré Patrícia , Pereira Elisa , Gaspar Bárbara , Gomes Pinto Daniel
Published: January 2025

Cervical tuberculosis is a rare form of genital tuberculosis. A case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with cervical wall thickening on magnetic resonance imaging, suggesting an invasive malignant neoplasm, is documented. Cervical cone excision was performed for histopathological study. Microscopy showed epithelioid granulomas, without appreciable caseous necrosis, in the wall of the uterine cervix, associated with erosion of the overlying cervical mucosa. Histochemical stains for microorganisms (Ziehl–Neelsen, Grocott, and Warthin–Starry) were negative. Immunohistochemistry for Treponema pallidum revealed scarce, spiral-shaped bacilli, which raised the diagnostic possibility of secondary syphilis. The serological study for syphilis was negative, however. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Treponema pallidum were performed in the formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue and resulted positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and negative for Treponema pallidum, confirming the diagnosis of cervical tuberculosis. Our objective was to report a rare case of cervical tuberculosis, discussing the advantages and limitations of complementary techniques used in the pathological diagnosis of infectious agents and highlighting diagnostic pitfalls. In conclusion, correct microbiological diagnosis requires the implementation of integrated workflows employing complementary techniques in a multidisciplinary setting to improve the accuracy of histopathological examination in infectious diseases.
Effects of Dietary Nano-Composite of Copper and Carbon on Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Cecal Microbiota of Weaned Ira White Rabbits
Authors: Zhou Ying-Huan , Liu Xiao-Ping , Gu Xiao-Ming , Lv Hai-Xuan , Yang Yun , Cai Zai-Xing , Di Bin , Wang Chang-Kang , Gao Yu-Yun , Jin Ling
Published: January 2025

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with nano-composites of copper and carbon (NCCC) on antioxidants, immune functions, and the cecum microbiota of weaned Ira white rabbits. A total of 240 weaned 35-day-old Ira white rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments (n = 6 per treatment, each replicate consisted of eight rabbits) that included the control group (CON) with a basal diet, the SAL group with 60 mg/kg salinomycin (SAL) in addition to the basal diet, and the NCCC I, II, III groups, which were supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg NCCC, respectively, in addition to the basal diet. The test lasted for 28 d. The results showed that dietary NCCC supplementation increased the liver Cu/Zn-SOD content and up-regulated the gene expression of Cu/Zn-SOD (p < 0.05), while also reducing the content of MDA in the liver and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of Ira white rabbits. Moreover, the NCCC diet supplementation reduced the content of IL-6 and down-regulated the relative expression of IL-6 and IL-1β genes in the jejunum of Ira white rabbits (p < 0.05). In addition, the metagenomic analysis of 16 S rRNA showed significant differences in the cecal microbial structure of weaned Ira white rabbits in the NCCC III group compared with the CON, NCCC I, and NCCC II groups (p < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla of cecal microorganisms in weaned Ira rabbits in the NCCC diet groups. The dominant genera included unidentified Eubacteriaceae, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, and Ruminococcus. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus in the NCCC I and II groups was lower than that in the CON group in the cecum of Ira white rabbits (p < 0.05). In summary, our results showed that diet supplementation with NCCC could enhance the antioxidant capacity in the liver, alleviate intestinal inflammation, and regulate the structure of intestinal flora, improving the health of Ira white rabbits.
The Role of Nutrition Across Production Stages to Improve Sow Longevity
Authors: Monteiro Matheus Saliba , Carnevale Rafaella Fernandes , Muro Bruno Bracco Donatelli , Mezzina Ana Lígia Braga , Carnino Bruno Braga , Poor André Pegoraro , Matajira Carlos Emilio Cabrera , Garbossa Cesar Augusto Pospissil
Published: January 2025

Modern hyperprolific sows are increasingly susceptible to health challenges. Their rapid growth rates predispose them to locomotor disorders, while high metabolic demands, reduced backfat thickness, and increased protein accretion heighten their vulnerability to heat stress and dystocia. Additionally, prolonged farrowing negatively affects the oxidative and inflammatory status of these females. Additionally, prevalent conditions such as gastric ulcers and cystitis raise ethical, welfare, and economic concerns. Despite the several studies related to sow nutrition, there are no studies which compile and extrapolate nutrition approaches from the rearing period and their impact on sows’ health and longevity. Also, the aim of our review was to shed light on gaps that require further investigation. Controlling body condition scores is crucial for maximizing productivity in sows. During gestation, high-fiber diets help maintain optimal body condition and prevent constipation, particularly during the peripartum period. Antioxidants offer a range of beneficial effects during this critical phase. Additionally, probiotics and acidifiers can enhance gut health and lower the risk of genitourinary infections. On the day of farrowing, energy supplementation emerges as a promising strategy to reduce farrowing duration. Collectively, these strategies address major health challenges, enhancing welfare and promoting sow’s longevity.
Rumen Bacterial Community Responses to Three DHA Supplements: A Comparative In Vitro Study
Authors: Zou Jianmin , Ba Genna , Wang Dian , Li Mengmeng , Jin Shaohong , Chen Chong , Tan Wei , He Jian , Du Hengsheng , Wang Pengjie , Zhu Yinhua
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the loss of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from three supplements (two powders and one oil) after digestion (rumen and gastrointestinal) and their effects on the number and composition of rumen bacteria, using an in vitro approach. The concentration of supplements has a significant impact on the DHA loss rate and algal oil exhibited the highest rate of loss, but bioaccessibility was not significantly different from the other supplements. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that three DHA supplements altered the bacterial composition of in vitro batch cultures inoculated with rumen microorganisms from cows, and caused changes in the relative abundance of important bacterial phyla, families, and genera. DHA supplements altered the abundance of bacterial species, including Prevotella, Ruminobacter, Succiniclassicum, Succinivibrio, Lachnospiraceae, and Muribaculaceae. Importantly, these changes may be associated with the ruminal response in biohydrogenation. Algal oil has the most significant impact on rumen microbiota by reducing the richness and diversity of rumen microbiota, and significantly altering the composition of multiple important microbiota.
Association Between Deforestation and the Incidence of Snakebites in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seoheui , Lee Junyeong , Min Kyung-Duk
Published: January 2025

Snakebites are a significant global health concern; despite various known risk factors, the role of environmental changes, such as deforestation, remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the association between deforestation and snakebite incidence in South Korea. Aggregated data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) from 2014 to 2021. The main explanatory variable was the level of deforestation by district and year. Additional covariates included altitude, average temperature, population size, proportion of urban land cover, proportion of agricultural land cover, and level of ecological preservation. Twelve statistical models were employed to assess the association between deforestation and snakebite incidence. The odds ratios and relative risks ranged between 1.217 and 1.452 and between 1.078 and 1.175, indicating a significant positive association between these two factors. These findings suggest that deforestation notably increases snakebite risk; collectively, our findings can help develop targeted preventive measures and healthcare strategies to reduce snakebite risk globally.
Cinnamic Acid Compounds (p-Coumaric, Ferulic, and p-Methoxycinnamic Acid) as Effective Antibacterial Agents Against Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Korkut Alaaddin , Özkaya Gül Serap , Aydemir Esra , Er Hakan , Odabaş Köse Elif
Published: January 2025

Colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (COLR-Ab) is an opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with nosocomial infections, and it is difficult to treat with current antibiotics. Therefore, new antimicrobial agents need to be developed for treatment. Based on this information, we investigated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and combination activities of p-coumaric acid (p-CA), ferulic acid (FA), and p-methoxycinnamic acid (p-MCA) against five COLR-Ab isolates. p-CA, FA, and p-MCA exhibited antimicrobial activity against COLR-Ab isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 256–128 µg/mL, 1024–512 µg/mL, and 512–128 µg/mL, respectively. The combination effects of the compounds with colistin (COL) were evaluated using a checkerboard synergy test. The combinations exhibited a synergistic effect and caused a 128- to 16-fold decrease in COL MIC values. In addition, the biofilm production capacities of the COLR-Ab isolates and the antibiofilm activities of the compounds were determined using the microtitre plate-based crystal violet (CV) technique. The compounds showed effective antibiofilm activity against strong and moderate biofilm-producing isolates, inhibiting biofilm formation by 77.5% and 19.7%. Spectrometric measurements were used to examine the effect of compounds on membrane permeability; 1.9-, 1.66-, and 1.34-fold increases in absorbance values were observed at MIC concentrations of p-CA, FA, and p-MCA, respectively. Furthermore, morphological changes caused by the compounds in the isolate were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. According to the WST assay, the compounds did not show any statistically significant cytotoxic effect on the cells (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that p-CA, FA, and p-MCA may be potential new alternative candidates against resistant A. baumannii.
Silent Carriers: The Hidden Threat of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Retail Seafood Across Poland’s Tri-City Area
Authors: Kukułowicz Anita , Steinka Izabela , Szelągowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Background/objectives: Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant risk to food safety and public health, particularly through the consumption of contaminated seafood. This study aimed to assess the presence and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus in seafood sold in the Tri-City area of Poland, addressing a knowledge gap regarding the region. Methods: Seafood samples (n = 89) were categorized according to their origin: domestic—Poland (PL), European countries (ECs), and Asian countries (ACs). S. aureus was isolated using ISO 6888-1 methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted against three antibiotics: erythromycin, clindamycin, and gentamicin, following CLSI guidelines. Results: Of the 89 samples, 68.5% were contaminated with S. aureus. The highest resistance rates were found for erythromycin (30.5%), with gentamicin showing the lowest resistance (8.3%).No significant correlation (p > 0.05) was found between resistance patterns and fish origin or processing level. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the widespread occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus in fish sold in the Tri-City area, with a notable prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Linear and Cyclic Peptides Containing Arginine, Tryptophan, and Diphenylalanine
Authors: Salehi David , Mohammed Eman H. M. , Helmy Naiera M. , Parang Keykavous
Published: January 2025

Background. We have previously reported peptides composed of sequential arginine (R) residues paired with tryptophan (W) or 3,3-diphenyl-L-alanine residues (Dip), such as cyclic peptides [R4W4] and [R4(Dip)3], as antibacterial agents. Results. Herein, we report antibacterial and antifungal activities of five linear peptides, namely ((DipR)4(WR)), ((DipR)3(WR)2), ((DipR)2(WR)3), ((DipR)(WR)4), and (DipR)4R, and five cyclic peptides [(DipR)4(WR)], [(DipR)3(WR)2], [(DipR)2(WR)3], [(DipR)(WR)4], and [DipR]5, containing alternate positively charged R and hydrophobic W and Dip residues against fungal, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of all peptides were determined by the micro-broth dilution method against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus subtilis. Fungal organisms were Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. [DipR]5 and ((DipR)2(WR)3) showed MIC values of 0.39–25 µM and 0.78–12.5 µM against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains, respectively. The highest activity was observed against S. pneumoniae with MIC values of 0.39–0.78 µM among tested compounds. [DipR]5 demonstrated MIC values of 6.6 µM against C. parapsilosis and 1.6 µM against A. fumigatus, whereas fluconazole showed MIC values of 3.3 µM and >209 µM, respectively. Conclusions. These findings highlight the potential of these peptides as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.
CCL5 Induces a Sarcopenic-like Phenotype via the CCR5 Receptor
Authors: Aguirre Francisco , Tacchi Franco , Valero-Breton Mayalen , Orozco-Aguilar Josué , Conejeros-Lillo Sabrina , Bonicioli Josefa , Iturriaga-Jofré Renata , Cabrera Daniel , Soto Jorge A. , Castro-Sepúlveda Mauricio , Portal-Rodríguez Marianny , Elorza Álvaro A. , Matamoros Andrea , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio
Published: January 2025

Sarcopenia corresponds to a decrease in muscle mass and strength. CCL5 is a new myokine whose expression, along with the CCR5 receptor, is increased in sarcopenic muscle. Therefore, we evaluated whether CCL5 and CCR5 induce a sarcopenic-like effect on skeletal muscle tissue and cultured muscle cells. Electroporation in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of mice was used to overexpress CCL5. The TA muscles were analyzed by measuring the fiber diameter, the content of sarcomeric proteins, and the gene expression of E3-ligases. C2C12 myotubes and single-isolated flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers were also treated with recombinant CCL5 (rCCL5). The participation of CCR5 was evaluated using the antagonist maraviroc (MVC). Protein and structural analyses were performed. The results showed that TA overexpression of CCL5 led to sarcopenia by reducing muscle strength and mass, muscle-fiber diameter, and sarcomeric protein content, and by upregulating E3-ligases. The same sarcopenic phenotype was observed in myotubes and FDB fibers. We showed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and carbonylated proteins, denoting oxidative stress induced by CCL5. When the CCR5 was antagonized, the effects produced by rCCL5 were prevented. In conclusion, we report for the first time that CCL5 is a novel myokine that exerts a sarcopenic-like effect through the CCR5 receptor.
Explainable AI-Enhanced Human Activity Recognition for Human–Robot Collaboration in Agriculture
Authors: Benos Lefteris , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios , Tagarakis Aristotelis C. , Kateris Dimitrios , Busato Patrizia , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: January 2025

This study addresses a critical gap in human activity recognition (HAR) research by enhancing both the explainability and efficiency of activity classification in collaborative human–robot systems, particularly in agricultural environments. While traditional HAR models often prioritize improving overall classification accuracy, they typically lack transparency in how sensor data contribute to decision-making. To fill this gap, this study integrates explainable artificial intelligence, specifically SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), thus enhancing the interpretability of the model. Data were collected from 20 participants who wore five inertial measurement units (IMUs) at various body positions while performing material handling tasks involving an unmanned ground vehicle in a field collaborative harvesting scenario. The results highlight the central role of torso-mounted sensors, particularly in the lumbar region, cervix, and chest, in capturing core movements, while wrist sensors provided useful complementary information, especially for load-related activities. The XGBoost-based model, selected mainly for allowing an in-depth analysis of feature contributions by considerably reducing the complexity of calculations, demonstrated strong performance in HAR. The findings indicate that future research should focus on enlarging the dataset, investigating the use of additional sensors and sensor placements, and performing real-world trials to enhance the model’s generalizability and adaptability for practical agricultural applications.