Search Results (18,403)

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows poses a significant challenge to the dairy industry, leading to reduced milk yield, altered milk composition, compromised animal health, and substantial economic losses for dairy farmers. A model based on the XGBoost algorithm, optimized with an Improved GOOSE Optimization Algorithm (IGOOSE), is presented in this work as an innovative approach for predicting subclinical mastitis in order to overcome these problems. The Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records of 4154 cows served as the model’s original foundation. A total of 3232 samples with 21 characteristics made up the final dataset, following extensive data cleaning and preprocessing. To overcome the shortcomings of the original GOOSE algorithm in intricate, high-dimensional problem spaces, three significant enhancements were made. First, an elite inverse strategy was implemented to improve population initialization, enhancing the algorithm’s balance between global exploration and local exploitation. Second, an adaptive nonlinear control factor was added to increase the algorithm’s stability and convergence speed. Lastly, a golden sine strategy was adopted to reduce the risk of premature convergence to suboptimal solutions. According to experimental results, the IGOOSE-XGBoost model works better than other models in predicting subclinical mastitis, especially when it comes to recognizing somatic cell scores, which are important markers of the illness. This study provides a strong predictive framework for managing the health of dairy cows, allowing for the prompt identification and treatment of subclinical mastitis, which enhances the efficiency and quality of milk supply. Full article

Background: Small airway dysfunction (SAD) plays a critical role in the management of severe asthma, particularly in patients at risk of requiring biological therapies (BTs). Short-term studies have shown that switching to single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) with extrafine beclomethasone–formoterol–glycopyrronium improves outcomes and helps achieve quiet asthma, a state marked by symptom control, no exacerbations or oral steroids, reduced inflammation, and better small airway function. This study investigated whether, over one year, patients could maintain this state as Steady Quiet Asthma (SQA) and whether baseline measures could predict this sustained response. Methods: Twenty-six patients with severe asthma and SAD were transitioned from open triple-inhaler therapy to a closed, single-inhaler triple therapy containing extrafine beclomethasone–formoterol–glycopyrronium. Assessments at baseline (T0) and at one-year follow-up (T12) included clinical evaluations, spirometry, and impulse oscillometry, with a focus on Fres as a predictor for the need for BT. When prescribed, biologic therapies included mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab. Results: Of the 26 patients, 9 (34.6%) achieved SQA and did not require biologic therapy at the one-year follow-up, while 17 patients (65.4%) initiated biologic treatment. At T0, patients who required biologics had significantly higher median Fres (21 (19.47; 24.58) vs. 17.61 (15.82; 20.63); p = 0.049) compared to those who remained biologic-free. They also exhibited higher residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (%RV/TLC) values and lower forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratios (FEV₁/FVC). At T12, patients spared from BT showed significant reductions in Fres (p = 0.014) and improvements in small airway function (difference in airway resistance between 5 Hz and 20 Hz (R5–20), forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (%FEF25–75), and better asthma control (ACT). In contrast, patients on BT demonstrated less favorable changes in these parameters. Conclusions: Baseline Fres, FEV1/FVC ratio, and %FEV25–75 are valuable predictors of achieving Steady Quiet Asthma (SQA) and sparing biologic therapy. These findings support the use of SITT in severe asthma and highlight the importance of early functional assessments to guide personalized management. Full article

This study investigates the Enzyme Biofilm Method (EBM), a biological wastewater treatment technology previously developed by the authors. EBM employs microbial-derived hydrolytic enzyme groups in the initial treatment stage to break down high-molecular-weight organic matter—such as starch, proteins, and fats—into low-molecular-weight compounds. These compounds enhance the growth of native microorganisms, promoting biofilm formation on carriers and improving treatment efficiency. Over the past decade, EBM has been practically applied in food factory wastewater facilities handling high organic loads. The enzyme groups used in EBM are derived from cultures of Bacillus mojavensis, Saccharomyces cariocanus, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. To clarify the system’s mechanism and ensure its practical viability, this study focused on starch—a prevalent and recalcitrant component of food wastewater—using two evaluation approaches. Verification 1: Field testing at a starch factory showed that adding enzyme groups to the equalization tank effectively reduced biological oxygen demand (BOD) through starch degradation. Verification 2: Laboratory experiments confirmed that the enzyme groups possess both amylase and maltase activities, sequentially breaking down starch into glucose. The resulting glucose supports microbial growth, facilitating biofilm formation and BOD reduction. These findings confirm EBM’s potential as a sustainable and effective solution for treating high-strength food industry wastewater. Full article

This study investigated the possibility of partial replacement of genetically modified soybean meal (SBM) with raw white lupin (WL) seeds in growing pigs’ diets and determined its impact on performance [body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI)], meat quality, and fatty acid profile (FA). A total of 54 male crossbred pigs [(Topigs Large White × Norsvin Landrace) × Duroc], aged 12 weeks, with an initial average BW of 30.30 ± 0.77 kg, were divided into three dietary groups of 18 piglets each. The control group (CON) was fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. In the experimental groups (WL1 and WL2) the SBM was replaced with increasing levels of WL seeds [WL1-5.0% and WL2-10.0% (grower period, 30–60 kg BW), and WL1-7.0% and WL2-14.0% (finisher period, 61–110 kg BW)]. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with similar content of total lysine and sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorus. At the end of 83 days’ fattening trial, the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was sampled for analyses of the physicochemical traits. The results show that increasing the dietary raw WL concentration decreased final BW (p = 0.039), ADG (p < 0.0001), and ADFI (p = 0.004) throughout the experimental period, especially in the second phase of feeding. Dietary treatments did not affect the pigs’ blood biochemical constituents. Concerning LD muscle characteristics, the redness color (a*) and collagen content was higher (p < 0.0001) in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group. Beneficial decrease in the values of some textural attributes (hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience) of LD in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group was registered. The use of WL had a significant effect on the content of FAs, especially for eicosapentaenoic (p = 0.014) and n-3 PUFA (p = 0.045), which were higher than those fed the CON diet. In conclusion, WL could be used as a replacement of SBM in growing–finishing pigs’ diets, with significant improvements in the meat fatty acid profile and technological properties. Full article

The ongoing global climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and complexity of drought events. Pinus yunnanensis, a native tree species in southwest China that possesses significant ecological and economic value, exhibits a high sensitivity to drought stress, particularly in its seedlings. This study investigates the response mechanisms of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs, defined as the sum of soluble sugars and starch) and the stoichiometric characteristics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) to repeated drought conditions in Pinus yunnanensis seedlings. We established three treatment groups in a potting water control experiment involving 2-year-old Pinus yunnanensis seedlings: normal water supply (CK), a single drought (D1), and three drought–rewatering cycles (D3). The findings indicated that the frequency of drought occurrences, organ responses, and their interactions significantly influenced the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content and its fractions, as well as the C/N/P content and its stoichiometric ratios. Under D3 treatment, stem NSC content increased by 24.97% and 29.08% compared to CK and D1 groups (p < 0.05), respectively, while root NSC content increased by 41.35% and 49.46% versus CK and D1 (p < 0.05). The pronounced accumulation of soluble sugars and starch in stems and roots under D3 suggests a potential stress memory effect. Additionally, NSC content in the stems increased significantly by 77.88%, while the roots enhanced their resource acquisition by dynamically regulating the C/P ratio, which increased by 23.26% (p < 0.05). Needle leaf C content decreased (18.77%) but P uptake increased (8%) to maintain basal metabolism (p < 0.05). Seedling growth was N-limited (needle N/P < 14) and the degree of N limitation was exacerbated by repeated droughts. Phenotypic plasticity indices and principal component analysis revealed that needle nitrogen and phosphorus, soluble sugars in needles, stem C/N ratio (0.61), root C/N ratio (0.53), and stem C/P ratio were crucial for drought adaptation. This study elucidates the physiological mechanisms underlying the resilience of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings to recurrent droughts, as evidenced by their organ-specific strategies for allocating carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, alongside the dynamic regulation of nitrogen storage compounds (NSCs). These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for implementing drought-resistant afforestation and ecological restoration initiatives targeting Pinus yunnanensis in southwestern China. Full article

We present a rare case of sympathetic ophthalmia in the fellow eye of a 59-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with untreated malignant choroidal melanoma. Initially identified with a medium-sized choroidal melanoma, the patient declined recommended brachytherapy and did not seek medical attention for two years. Upon returning, he exhibited signs of sympathetic ophthalmia in the contralateral eye. Treatment with corticosteroid-based immunosuppression was initiated. After consenting to treatment for the melanoma, the affected left eye was enucleated, and histopathology confirmed spindle cell choroidal melanoma. This case underscores the uncommon development of sympathetic ophthalmia without prior ocular trauma or surgery, linked to untreated choroidal melanoma. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a diagnosis with a poor prognosis which can be associated with significant distress and may hinder a patient’s ability to understand treatment details. Educating patients based on their learning preferences (LPs) and emotions may allow for personalized, enhanced care. Methods: This prospective project enrolled patients with non-metastatic PC. Phase 1 utilized the Learning Preference Barometer (LPB) and Emotional Journey Barometer (EJB), which are digital instruments co-designed by CANCER101 (C101) and the Health Collaboratory, to assess patient LPs and emotional states. Phase 2 provided information prescriptions aligned with LPs through C101’s Prescription to Learn^® (P2L) platform. Collected data included demographics, treatment, LPs (auditory, kinesthetic, linguistic, visual), patient engagement with P2L, and patient emotional states with qualitative verbal validation. Descriptive variables were used to report outcomes. Results: Primary LPs in the 47 participating patients were as follows: linguistic 45%, visual 34%, auditory 11%, and kinesthetic 9%, with secondary preferences in the majority (53%). Those patients (66%) who accessed P2L had linguistic and visual preferences; the majority accessed 1- 2 resources out of the 25 provided. Resources accessed aligned to 88% of patient LPs. The majority of patients (60%) initiated treatment prior to initial EJB, and 40% were treatment naive. Common baseline emotions were optimistic (47% vs. 36%, respectively), satisfied (11% vs. 25%), acceptance (11% vs. 11%), and overwhelmed (5% vs. 11%). Conclusions: Assessing LPs and emotional state allows for personalized patient education and clinical encounters for PC patients. Future work includes examining the effects of personalized approaches on patient satisfaction, decision-making, health outcomes, and the overall patient–clinician relationship. Full article

The growth potential of Crinum bulbispermum was evaluated on gold mine tailings. The primary objectives were to model the species’ climatic niche in relation to gold mining regions, assess its germination success on tailings, and compare seedling survival and growth on tailings versus other soil types. Species distribution modelling identified the South African Grassland Biome on the Highveld (1000+ m above sea level), where the majority of gold mines are located, as highly suitable for the species. Pot trials demonstrated above 85% germination success across all soil treatments, including gold mine tailings, indicating its potential for restoration through direct seeding. An initial seedling establishment rate of 100% further demonstrated the species’ resilience to mine tailings, which are often seasonally dry, nutrient-poor, and may contain potentially toxic metals. However, while C. bulbispermum was able to germinate and establish in mine tailings, long-term growth potential (over 12 months) was constrained by low organic carbon content (0.11%) and high salinity (194.50 mS/m). These findings underscore the critical role of soil chemistry and organic matter in supporting long-term plant establishment and growth on gold tailings. Building on previous research, this study confirms the ability of this thick-rooted geophyte to tolerate chemically extreme soil conditions. Crinum bulbispermum shows promise for phytostabilization and as a potential medicinal plant crop on tailings. However, future research on microbial community interactions and soil amendment strategies is essential to ensure its long-term sustainability. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently associated with alterations in body composition, including reduced lean mass and increased fat mass. These alterations are thought to be driven by persistent systemic inflammation, which may be influenced by inflammatory activity and by therapeutic interventions. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to provide preliminary data on changes in body composition and inflammatory activity in biologic-naive patients with active RA during the initial 6 months of TNF inhibitor treatment, and to compare baseline body composition with healthy controls. We conducted a single-center, observational, 24-week pilot study of 70 biologic-naive RA patients with moderate-to-severe disease activity and 70 matched healthy controls. Lean mass, fat mass, and lean mass index (LMI) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline for both groups, and after 6 months only in the RA group. Clinical, laboratory, adipokines, and cytokine parameters were also recorded. At baseline, RA patients had lower lean mass and LMI than controls. Over 6 months, RA patients showed significant clinical and laboratory improvement, with a corresponding increase in lean mass and LMI. No statistically significant change was observed in fat mass. The increase in lean mass was paralleled by a reduction in inflammatory markers. The LMI was inversely associated with female sex (β = −0.562) and C-reactive protein (β = −0.432) and directly associated with body mass index (β = 0.570). Similar associations were observed for total lean mass and change in lean mass, as well as for DAS28 (β = −0.333). This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that TNF inhibitor therapy may be associated with increased lean mass and decreased inflammation in RA patients. Owing to the absence of a comparator RA group not receiving TNF inhibitors, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Full article

An adult female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) housed at a public oceanarium presented with acute anorexia and lethargy. A blood analysis demonstrated mild leukocytosis, marked azotemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia suggestive of acute kidney injury or renal insufficiency. Ultrasound examination of the dolphin revealed ascites, pleural effusion, bilateral nephrolithiasis, mild hydronephrosis, and bilateral hydroureter consistent with bilateral post-renal obstruction. Initial treatment consisted of antibiotics, oral fluids, and anti-inflammatory treatment. Further imaging diagnosed bilateral obstructing ureteroliths at both ureteral orifice junctions of the urinary bladder. The dolphin’s azotemia and hyperkalemia were nonresponsive to traditional medical management; therefore, peritoneal dialysis was performed for emergent clinical stabilization. Peritoneal dialysis was conducted over 3 days and facilitated the patient to undergo laser lithotripsy of the offending ureteral obstruction. The dolphin made a full recovery following months of intensive medical treatment for complications from peritoneal dialysis and secondary peritonitis. This is the first documented case of successful, though complicated, peritoneal dialysis in a cetacean. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used polymer whose accumulation in the environment poses a significant pollution challenge. This study explores the degradation of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA)—two monomers commonly produced during PET hydrolysis and widely used as intermediates in PET recycling—through Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) employing KrCl (222 nm) and XeBr (283 nm) excimer lamps in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The effects of the H₂O₂/monomer mass ratio, initial monomer concentrations, and reaction volume on degradation efficiency were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that excimer lamp technology, particularly KrCl, holds promising potential for the effective degradation of both BHET and TPA, and thus represents a viable strategy for PET waste treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study compared overall survival (OS) associated with common real-world treatment sequences in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in the United States. Methods: Utilizing the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database, adult CLL/SLL patients who initiated systemic therapy (JAN2016-NOV2023) and received at least two lines of therapy (LoTs) were analyzed. Treatment regimens were categorized based on drug class, and most frequent (n ≥ 50) sequences (first LoT followed by [→] second LoT) were compared. OS from initiation of the first LoT was compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, and adjusted hazard ratios with 95% CIs were reported. Results: Among 2354 eligible patients, n = 1711 (73%) received the 16 most frequent treatment sequences. Sequencing chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) → CIT (HR: 2.29 [1.23–4.28]), anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD20mab) monotherapy → CIT (1.95 [1.03–3.69]), and covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (cBTKi) monotherapy → anti-CD20mab monotherapy (2.00 [1.07–3.74]) were associated with worse OS compared to patients treated with cBTKi monotherapy → B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitors (BCL2i) + anti-CD20mab (reference). Conclusions: OS associated with other sequences were not significantly different from the reference sequence in adjusted analyses, suggesting a lack of evidence for the optimal standard of care for sequencing the first two LoTs in real-world settings. Future research should reassess sequencing outcomes as novel treatments become adopted into clinical practice. Full article

Background: Behçet’s Disease (BD) was traditionally classified according to the International Study Group (ISG), where oral ulcers were mandatory. The International Team for the Revision of the International Criteria for BD (ICBD) introduced a scoring system instead. Our aim was to assess (a) sensitivity, (b) concordance between ISG and ICDB criteria in global and severe BD cases (ocular, vascular, and neurological), and (c) evaluate their clinical implications. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 142 BD patients diagnosed in a well-defined population in Northern Spain, between January 1980 and November 2023. Both ISG and ICBD criteria were compared, sensitivity and concordance were assessed using Prevalence-Adjusted and Bias-Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) and the unadjusted Kappa. Results: A total of 142 BD patients diagnosed by expert rheumatologists (73 men; mean age of 36.4) were studied. Among them, 84 met ISG criteria, while 116 fulfilled ICBD criteria. Sensitivity of ISG and ICBD criteria in the overall cohort was (59.1% and 81.6%), respectively. Among patients with severe manifestations (ocular, vascular, or neurological), sensitivity increased to 71.2% for ISG and 92.5% for ICBD. Overall concordance was moderate (Kappa = 0.490), with 70.4% of patients classified identically. When adjusting prevalence and bias, concordance improved slightly (PABAK = 0.549). Of the 32 patients classified as BD exclusively by ICBD, 7 were receiving anti-TNF therapy, and 2 were receiving apremilast. Conclusions: The ICBD criteria demonstrated higher sensitivity than the traditional ISG criteria in classifying BD, particularly in severe cases. Classifying these additional patients under ICBD facilitated the initiation of on-label biologic treatments, potentially enhancing BD management, especially for severe cases. Full article

This study developed a new magnetic adsorbent from waste coconut shells using high-temperature carbonization, EDTA-2Na chelation, and Fe₃O₄ magnetic loading. Response surface methodology optimized the preparation conditions to a mass ratio of activated carbon: EDTA-2Na:Fe₃O₄ = 2:0.6:0.2. Characterization (SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and EDS) showed that EDTA-2Na increased the surface carboxyl and amino group density, while Fe₃O₄ loading (Fe concentration 6.83%) provided superior magnetic separation performance. The optimal adsorption conditions of Cu²⁺ by EDTA-2Na-Fe₃O₄-activated carbon composite material are as follows: when pH = 5.0 and the initial concentration is 180 mg/L, the equilibrium adsorption capacity reaches 174.96 mg/g, and the removal rate reaches 97.2%. The optimal adsorption conditions for Pb²⁺ are as follows: when pH = 6.0 and the initial concentration is 160 mg/L, the equilibrium adsorption capacity reaches 157.60 mg/g, and the removal rate reaches 98.5%. The optimal adsorption conditions for Cd²⁺ are pH = 8.0 and an initial concentration of 20 mg/L. The equilibrium adsorption capacity reaches 18.76 mg/g, and the removal rate reaches 93.8%. The adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics (R² > 0.95) and Langmuir/Freundlich isotherm models, indicating chemisorption dominance. Desorption experiments using 0.1 mol/L HCl and EDTA-2Na achieved efficient desorption (>85%), and the material retained over 80% of its adsorption capacity after five cycles. This cost-effective and sustainable adsorbent offers a promising solution for heavy metal wastewater treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its therapeutic properties, particularly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in managing chronic diseases such as arthritis. While CUR application for biomedical purposes is well known, the phytochemical has several restrictions given its poor water solubility, physicochemical instability, and low bioavailability. These limitations have led to innovative formulations, with nanocarriers emerging as a promising alternative. For this reason, this study aimed to address the potential advantages of associating CUR with nanocarrier systems in managing arthritis through a scoping review. Methods: A systematic literature search of preclinical (in vivo) and clinical studies was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (December 2024). General inclusion criteria include using CUR or natural derivatives in nano-based formulations for arthritis treatment. These elements lead to the question: “What is the impact of the association of CUR or derivatives in nanocarriers in treating arthritis?”. Results: From an initial 536 articles, 34 were selected for further analysis (31 preclinical investigations and three randomized clinical trials). Most studies used pure CUR (25/34), associated with organic (30/34) nanocarrier systems. Remarkably, nanoparticles (16/34) and nanoemulsions (5/34) were emphasized. The formulations were primarily presented in liquid form (23/34) and were generally administered to animal models through intra-articular injection (11/31). Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) was the most frequently utilized among the various models to induce arthritis-like joint damage. The findings indicate that associating CUR or its derivatives with nanocarrier systems enhances its pharmacological efficacy through controlled release and enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Moreover, the encapsulation of CUR showed better results in most cases than in its free form. Nonetheless, most studies were restricted to the preclinical model, not providing direct evidence in humans. Additionally, inadequate information and clarity presented considerable challenges for preclinical evidence, which was confirmed by SYRCLE’s bias detection tools. Conclusions: Hence, this scoping review highlights the anti-arthritic effects of CUR nanocarriers as a promising alternative for improved treatment. Full article