Peer-reviewed (in-press) study finds serum-based antibody tests align, but milk results vary—calling for improved milk-specific diagnostics to strengthen herd surveillance and profitability

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pictor Holdings Inc. today announced new peer-reviewed data showing close agreement between commercial antibody tests when used on serum, but higher variability when used on milk—findings that highlight the need for milk-specific diagnostic standards to scale Johne’s disease surveillance.

Johne’s disease costs the U.S. dairy industry an estimated $198 million annually (Journal of Dairy Science, Rasmussen et al., 2021). The disease, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), progressively damages the gut of infected cattle, reducing nutrient absorption and milk yield. It spreads primarily through contaminated feces, milk or feed.

Key Findings:

• Serum results align strongly: Two commercial antibody tests demonstrated good agreement when used on serum (κ = 0.84–0.94), showing that serum yields consistent and comparable data across kits for herd surveillance.
• Milk results show greater variability: Agreement between the different kits on milk samples was lower (κ = 0.59–0.82), reinforcing the need for purpose-built milk assays with standardized cutoff values to ensure diagnostic reliability.
• ELISA and PCR are complementary: The study reported moderate to substantial agreement between ELISA and fecal PCR results (κ = 0.43–0.74). Each method detects a distinct biomarker—ELISA detects host antibodies to MAP exposure, while PCR identifies MAP genetic material–providing complimentary insights for herd management.

Why It Matters:
Milk is a cost-effective and practical specimen type for dairy herd level surveillance, since milk sample collection is already routine. Improving the performance of milk-based antibody tests and standardizing cutoff values could make early Johne’s disease detection more consistent and scalable–without relying on more invasive or higher-cost testing methods.

“Johne’s disease remains one of the most under-recognized burdens in global dairy production. Even at subclinical levels, it quietly erodes milk yield, herd health, and producer profitability,” said Dr. John Bannantine, retired USDA-ARS Research Microbiologist. “The wider impact reaches beyond economics—this is a disease that challenges both animal welfare and, potentially, human health. Our research is focused on finding faster, more reliable ways to detect infection early, because every day of delay compounds the loss.”

“Veterinarians, dairy farmers, and dairy testing laboratories need cost-effective tests developed specifically for milk,” said Dr Jamie Platt, CEO of Pictor Holdings, Inc. “Repurposing serum-based assays is not optimal and this study underscores why milk-specific test design is needed for reliable herd monitoring.”  

Implications for the Dairy Industry:
The study’s findings support three key actions for advancing Johne’s disease control:

• Adopt milk-first surveillance strategies using assays specifically developed for milk to maintain cost and scale advantages.
• Drive industry alignment on standardized milk test cutoff values to improve result consistency and strengthen confidence in herd management decisions.
• Integrate milk antibody testing for herd screening, complemented by fecal PCR in higher-risk herds to enhance overall diagnostic accuracy.

About the Study
The paper, “A comparative study between milk- and serum-based antibody detection assays for Johne’s disease in New Zealand dairy cattle,” analyzed samples from four dairy herds in New Zealand. Researchers compared two commercial diagnostic kits on paired milk and serum samples, with a subset also tested using fecal PCR. The study was co-funded by Pictor Ltd. (a Pictor Holdings company) and Massey Ventures Ltd.

Although conducted in New Zealand’s pasture system, these findings are relevant to dairy operations across North and South America, Europe, and Australasia. Pictor’s multiplex diagnostic platform supports veterinary labs and providers with validated, off-the-shelf serum assays as examined in this study.

The abstract is now live, with the full paper set to be published soon in Tuberculosis (Elsevier). Media can request the full paper, figure pack, or interviews with co-authors and Pictor’s technical team using the contact information below.

About Pictor
Pictor is a global leader in flexible and targeted proteomics, delivering next-generation multiplex diagnostics that empower clinical labs, diagnostic manufacturers, and veterinary providers. Its patented PictArray^™ platform, PictImager^™, and AI-powered Pictorial™ software enable faster, deeper insights from a single sample—helping improve outcomes in both human and animal health.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, Pictor Holdings Inc. is committed to transforming diagnostics through scalable, high-performance solutions. Learn more at www.pictordx.com.

Media Contact:
Kelly Krueger
415-235-5031
kelly.krueger@audacityhealth.com 

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Co-hosted by the China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry (CABCI) and Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd., Bakery ASEAN Talk 2025 Jakarta successfully took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts Indonesia in Jakarta.

As a key international extension of Bakery China—the world’s largest professional trade platform for the bakery and confectionery sector—the program drives sustained knowledge exchange and collaboration across global bakery markets. In recent years, Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia—has experienced rapid growth, with China–Indonesia partnerships in bakery and confectionery deepening through expanded industrial connectivity and technology sharing, creating strong new business opportunities.

Bakery ASEAN Talk 2025 advanced three pillars in industry development: strengthening cross-border industry connections, showcasing cutting-edge market innovations, and facilitating high-value business partnerships.

During the event, Zhang Jiukui, President of China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry delivered the opening speech which has clearly defined the direction and confidence for the cooperation in the baking industry between China and Indonesia. From the “Industry Overview” session, Managing Director of Bakery China Lin Li and Mr. Chen Jinlong, Chairman of the Indonesia Pastry and Bakery Association interpreted the current development status and future trends of the industry from the perspectives of China and Indonesia’s perspective respectively. In terms of enhancing industry ties, the event hosted a Round table Dialogue moderated by Miao Zhuqun, Vice Chairman of the China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry. The participating guests included Song Lei, General Manager of Angel Yeast’s East Asia & Southeast Asia Region; Luwei Lin, Production Director of Dali Group’s North China Region; Liu Yongzheng, Co-Partner of AOKA; Kevin Yang, Director of Nanyang Dashifu Indonesia; and Dani Solichin, Director of Prambanan Kencana.

Focused on the theme of “China–Indonesia Bakery and Confectionery Industry Development and Exchange”, the dialogue pointed out that China and Indonesia are highly complementary in supply chain resources, product innovation and equipment manufacturing. As bilateral cooperation mechanisms continue to improve, the bakery sectors of both nations are poised to build a more connected, innovative, and sustainable industrial ecosystem together.

On the innovation front, the event gathered 13 leading supply chain enterprises, including industry heavyweights such as Angel Yeast, Shanghai Xinrong Food, Xishu Food, Beiyi Company, Baisheng Food, Tianhua Technology, Namchow Food Group, Honest Food, Hongtailiangzheng Electric, Wilmar International, Niubaishi Dairy, Liangyan Food Tech, Yi Shi Zhi Dao. These companies showcased their latest ingredient innovations and product application solutions, offering a firsthand look at the industry’s technological advancements.

The lineup of on-site guests also highlighted the deep industry linkage between China and Indonesia. The heads or founders of many baking brand enterprises that have landed or are preparing to enter the Indonesian market, such as Dali Group, Panpan Group, AOKA, and Nan Yang Master Baker, were present onsite. At the same time, the event also attracted the core decision-makers and senior executives of over a hundred well-known local chain brands, food manufacturers and distributors in Indonesia, including Indofood, J.CO, Gardenia Makmur Selaras, and AJ Bakery.

Additionally, the champion mentor team from China’s Wangsen Education Group has led live demonstrations and technical seminars focused on over 30 bakery and pastry creations, equipping participants with insights to stay ahead of market developments.

This comprehensive event has emerged as a key nexus for driving collaboration, innovation, and growth across the Chinese and Indonesian bakery and confectionery industries, delivering tangible value for industry stakeholders seeking to expand their market reach and competitive edge developments.

Mark your calendars for the next milestone:

The 28th Edition of Bakery China will attract more than 2,200 brand manufacturers from 30 countries and regions, and over 400,000 visits from 130 countries and regions, exploring new opportunities for industry development. The exhibition will span 330,000 square meters, underscoring its continued growth and global influence.

• Date: May 20-23, 2026
• Venue: NECC, Shanghai

SHANGHAI, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boqii Holding Limited (“Boqii” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced that Yoken, its private label, is joining hands with a number of pet-friendly hotels to continue exploring the development of a pet-friendly ecosystem.

As “traveling with pets” has evolved from a niche demand to a mainstream consumption trend, the pet tourism market has seen a continuous release of demand. However, the issue of “pseudo-friendliness” has become an industry shortcoming—some businesses use “pet allowance” as a label to attract customers, lacking supporting services such as pet-specific supplies and cleaning tools, which fails to meet the actual needs of pet-owners. Against this backdrop, Yoken, a domestic pet brand deeply rooted in the pet industry, has promoted the standardization of industry services through a series of solid initiatives.

In 2025, Yoken focused on daily pet-friendly travel scenarios and deepened its collaboration in high-end cultural and tourism ventures. It has successively entered into co-branding partnerships with some well-known high-end luxury hotels, including Banyan Tree Sanya, the flagship store of Banyan Tree Hotel in China, Langham Xintiandi Shanghai under Langham Hotels International, and Fuchun Resort Hangzhou. Together with these partner hotels, Yoken has launched professional custom rooms suitable for pets’ stay. These guest rooms integrate pet-appropriate decorative designs to create a warm living atmosphere for stays with pets. Additionally, Yoken has developed exclusive customized travel kits containing essential items for pets during travel, such as pet-specific wet wipes, deodorizing sprays, pet training pads, and teeth-cleaning finger cots. This initiative has significantly reduced the travel burden of pet owners, and further conveyed the concept of “pets as family members” through detailed services, filling the gap in pet services at high-end hotels.

“Taking pets out used to feel like moving house, but now the hotel even prepares pet pads in advance. The feeling of being understood and valued really makes me want to choose this place again,” said a pet owner who experienced the co-branded hotel service by Yoken. This feedback serves as a vivid testament to Yoken’s service reputation.

As a seasoned player in the pet industry, Yoken’s series of initiatives not only accurately align with Gen Z consumers’ demand for “services with a human touch” but also drive pet-friendly services from “superficial labeling” toward “professionalization,” setting a service benchmark for the pet tourism industry. In the future, as Yoken continues to explore the development of a pet-friendly ecosystem, traveling with pets will become more convenient, and pet travel will enter a new stage of higher-quality development.

About Boqii Holding Limited 

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE American: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. It is the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with a broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and its own private label, Yoken, Mocare and D-cat, offered at competitive prices. Boqii’s online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e- commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Its Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com

Early dealer commitments of more than $1.5 million and upcoming PGA Show appearance highlight strong momentum for the 2026 MVR Series

GARLAND, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO), a manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles and products, today announces strong initial dealer demand for its new MVR Golf Cart and MVR Cargo Max Electric Utility Cart, following the recent launch of the company’s Vietnam production partnership and new Lithium-Ion power options.

Since announcing the new production and product updates, Massimo has already received more than $1.5 million in initial dealer commitments, signaling early confidence in the company’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.

“Our dealer network’s response has been tremendous,” said David Shan, Chief Executive Officer of Massimo Group. “To see this level of enthusiasm and commitment so quickly after launch validates our product strategy and the strength of our global manufacturing partnerships. We’re confident the MVR Series will be a major success in both recreational and utility markets.”

The MVR Series, available with 48V 105Ah Lithium-Ion power systems, delivers improved range, faster charging, and extended battery life compared to traditional lead-acid platforms—providing a premium electric experience for end users and fleet operators alike.

Massimo will showcase the MVR Golf Cart and MVR Cargo Max Utility Cart at the upcoming PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, giving dealers, investors, and industry professionals the opportunity to experience the new lineup firsthand.

The early dealer momentum follows the company’s recent Vietnam manufacturing partnership, which enhances supply chain flexibility, and supports scalable international growth.

“These initial results highlight the excitement surrounding our new MVR models and our broader push into advanced electric mobility,” Shan added. “We believe this is just the beginning of a very strong 2026.”

About Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO)

Massimo Group is a manufacturer and distributor of powersports and electric vehicles headquartered in Garland, Texas. The company’s portfolio includes UTVs, ATVs, e-bikes, and electric utility vehicles known for performance, reliability, and value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to Massimo Group. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Massimo Group’s future results of operations and financial position, Massimo Group’s business strategy, prospective costs, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, future results of current and anticipated operations of Massimo Group are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “seek,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “plan,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, risks relating to Massimo Group which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth economically and hire and retain key employees; costs; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Massimo Group may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties, including those under “Risk Factors” in filings with the SEC made by Massimo Group. Moreover, Massimo Group operates in very competitive and rapidly changing environments. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond Massimo Group’s control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. No assurance can be given regarding the forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those as indicated. Massimo Group undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Contacts

Company
Dr. Yunhao Chen
Chief Financial Officer
Massimo Group
ir@massimomotor.com

Corporate Communications
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a move reflecting the growing collaboration between joint venture automakers and Chinese AI technology providers, smart announced its first plug-in hybrid model, the smart #5 EHD, featuring DeepRoute.ai’s assisted driving technology, selected specifically for its safety, human-like driving behavior, and mass-production scalability. A joint test drive conducted by Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai, and Yang Jun, Global CTO of smart, achieved zero takeovers across 30.9 kilometers of complex urban driving—demonstrating the technology’s maturity and smart’s vision for the future of intelligent mobility.

This road test shows the assisted driving system navigating real-world urban conditions and challenging scenarios including unprotected left turns, construction zones, dense traffic, and sections without lane markings. The system demonstrated precise recognition of pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles, and dynamic obstacles whilst maintaining smooth, confident driving behavior that mirrored human-like decision making.

“We believe the future of autonomous driving must prioritize both safety and an intuitive, human-like driving style—qualities we see embodied in DeepRoute.ai’s technology,” said Yang Jun, Global CTO of smart. “That is why smart specifically selected DeepRoute.ai as our partner. When the industry was debating whether map-free technology could work, we saw the future and chose to lead. This test drive demonstrated exceptional stability and intelligence. Safety is the greatest luxury.”

“smart chose a partner with proven ability to deliver at scale,” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai. “We have now delivered approximately 150,000 production vehicles globally, fully demonstrating our engineering maturity and manufacturing capability. This provides partners like smart with highly reliable, adaptable solutions while establishing a robust data foundation for continuous technology iteration. When others remained uncertain about map-free solutions, smart trusted our vision. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when luxury brands embrace technological leadership.”

The smart #5 EHD represents the latest milestone in the collaboration between smart and DeepRoute.ai, extending proven technology capabilities from pure electric platforms to plug-in hybrid vehicles. DeepRoute.ai‘s approach addresses core challenges facing autonomous driving deployment at scale, including operating in varied urban environments and providing users with a more comprehensive and technologically advanced driving experience.

Looking ahead, DeepRoute.ai is advancing the convergence of intelligent driving and in-cabin large models, moving toward an integrated agent-based architecture. This next phase of development will further enhance contextual understanding and enable vehicles to interact naturally with drivers.

The collaboration between smart and DeepRoute.ai exemplifies how technological maturity and human-centric design can coexist. By uniting luxury brand DNA with proven production-scale technology, the two companies are redefining the assisted driving experience for today’s drivers and tomorrow’s intelligent mobility.

About DeepRoute.ai

DeepRoute.ai is an Artificial Intelligence company dedicated to the research, development, and application of smart driving solutions. Being the first to develop production-ready smart driving solutions and a pioneer in deploying end-to-end and VLA models on mass-produced passenger vehicles, DeepRoute.ai aims to create artificial general intelligence in the physical world.

For more information, visit DeepRoute.ai, follow DeepRoute.ai on LinkedIn, and X, and subscribe to DeepRoute.ai on YouTube.