bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal inference study of plasma proteins and blood metabolites mediating the effect of obesity-related indicators on osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Maomao , Xing Fei , Hu Yue , Sun Fuhua , Zhang Chi , Xv Zhangyu , Yang Yue , Deng Qi , Shi Ronglan , Li Lei , Zhu Jiayi , Xu Fangyuan , Li Dan , Wang Jianxiong
Published: February 2025

Background

Osteoporosis and obesity are both major global public health problems. Observational studies have found that osteoporosis might be related to obesity. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis could overcome the limitations of observational studies in assessing causal relationships.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the causal potential relationship between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis by using a two-sample MR analysis and to identify potential mediators.

Method

A total of 53 obesity-related indicators, 3,282 plasma protein lists, and 452 blood metabolite lists were downloaded from the public data set as instrumental variables, and the osteoporosis GWAS data of the MRC IEU Open GWAS database was used as the outcome indicators. Using two-sample univariate MR, multivariate MR, and intermediate MR, the causal relationship and mediating factors between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis were identified.

Results

The IVW model results show that 31 obesity-related indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P < 0.05), except for waist circumference (id: Ieu-a-71, OR = 1.00566); the remaining 30 indicators could reduce the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 0.983–0.996). A total of 25 plasma protein indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P < 0.05), and 10 of them, such as ANKED46, KLRF1, and LPO, CA9 may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (OR: 0.996–0.999), while the other 15 such as ATP1B1, zinc finger protein 175, could increase the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 1.001–1.004). For blood metabolite indicators, except for alanine (id: Met a-469, OR: 1.071), the other six blood metabolite indicators including uridine and 1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolaminecan may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (P < 0.05, OR: 0.961–0.992). The direction of causal relationship of MR is all correct; the heterogeneity is all not significant and not affected by horizontal pleiotropy. Using multivariate and mediated MR analysis, it was found that the protective effect of obesity-related indicators against osteoporosis may be mediated by histone-lysine N-methyltransferase in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites.

Conclusion

Obesity may confer a protective effect against osteoporosis, potentially mediated by EHMT2 in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites. Further empirical research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the influence of obesity on osteoporosis. Interventions on obesity-related factors to reduce the risk of osteoporosis while controlling other adverse effects associated with obesity may require further research.
Association between Life’s Essential 8 and Atherogenic Index of Plasma in adults: insights from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Xu Long-Hui , Ding Kai-Wen , Yang Guo-Dong , Han Xiao-Xuan , Cong Xiao , Wang Rong-Hui , Liu Xin-Ru , Li Na , Xu Cui-Ping
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has become a significant global public health challenge, contributing to rising mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), providing insights into the assessment and improvement of Cardiovascular Health (CVH).

Methods

We conducted an analysis of data from 8,215 U.S. adults aged 20 years and older, utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2007 to 2018. Based on the LE8 score, CVH was classified into three levels—low, moderate, and high—while AIP was classified into four risk levels: extremely low (AIP<-0.3), low (-0.3≤AIP<0.1), medium (0.1≤AIP<0.24), and high (AIP≥0.24). Weighted ordinal logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the association between the LE8 score and the AIP risk level, adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Results

A significant negative correlation exists between the LE8 score and the AIP risk level (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.49-0.54, P<0.001). Higher CVH were associated with lower AIP risk levels, while lower CVH corresponded to elevated AIP risk levels. Notably, improvements in specific LE8 components—such as body mass index and blood lipids—exhibited a strong relationship with reductions in the AIP risk level.

Discussion

This study suggests that the LE8 may serve as a preventive factor for CVD risk and implies that individuals can actively regulate their metabolic characteristics by optimizing their lifestyle.
Enhancing cost-effectiveness in residential microgrids: an optimization for energy management with proactive electric vehicle charging
Authors: Khan Abdul Moeed , Hekmati Arsalan , Bagheri Mehdi
Published: February 2025

This article presents a novel particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based energy management system (EMS) designed for microgrids (MGs) to enhance operational efficiency, reduce dependency on the utility grid, and minimize electric vehicle (EV) charging costs. The proposed EMS integrates distributed energy sources, including photovoltaics (PVs), wind turbines (WTs), and battery energy storage systems (BESSs), alongside several EVs with variable loads to evaluate energy optimization. A comprehensive MG model is developed to assess multiple operational scenarios, including variations in EV demand, load, renewable energy production, and dynamic grid power prices. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the PSO-based EMS in optimizing energy exchanges with the grid, leading to cost reductions of 14% and 21% with and without EV integration, respectively. Furthermore, the EMS facilitates efficient BESS charging/discharging schedules and implements proactive EV charging strategies to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak and off-peak hours. These findings underscore the potential of PSO-based EMSs to provide a sustainable and cost-effective energy management solution in MGs by leveraging renewable resources and addressing the challenges posed by fluctuating energy demand and grid prices. Hence, the proposed model provides an optimized EMS and a proactive EV charging system.
Grassland restoration impacts human-wildlife and social conflicts in the Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Authors: Donatti Camila I. , Moraga-Lewy Nora , Nyongesa Josephat , Mwanzia Maureen , Edmond Janet , Fedele Giacomo
Published: February 2025

African grasslands provide benefits for human communities but are negatively impacted by climate change. Climate impacts, combined with human population growth, can increase competition and conflict among humans and wildlife. Grassland restoration, a type of Nature-based Solution for climate adaptation, can improve farmers’ livelihoods by increasing the availability of water and pasture for livestock during drought events. Grassland restoration can also potentially help farmers adapt to climate change by providing human security benefits through a reduction in conflicts, which can also reduce consequent retaliatory measures on wildlife. However, those connections have not been widely explored. This paper assesses whether grassland restoration can reduce human-wildlife and social conflicts in Kenya. We collected information on conflicts using household surveys implemented over 16 months in a total of 1,567 households in Chyulu Hills when grassland restoration was also implemented. Results showed that 88.9% of the households interviewed experienced human-wildlife conflicts and 32% experienced social conflicts. There was a negative and significant correlation between the area restored in each site and both the number of human-wildlife conflicts and the number of social conflicts, showing that conflicts decrease as restoration increases. We also used time as a proxy for restoration, as areas restored and restoration activities increased through time. We did not find a decrease in human-wildlife conflicts over time, but we did find an overall decrease in social conflicts over time, as well as a reduction in the feeling of insecurity. However, not all households behave in the same way. Households led by women experienced a higher number of social conflicts compared to households led by men. Likewise, a higher number of households led by women had a perception of insecurity compared to households led by men. The results of this study provides recommendations for future projects, stakeholders, policy and decisions makers: a) to continue tracking conflicts in Chyulu Hills to understand the connections between grassland restoration and conflicts in the long-term, b) to identify and scale-up measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts considering the multiple conflict-causing species, including humans, and c) to consider the needs, perceptions and interests of women in designing strategies to mitigate conflicts.
Assessment and multi-scenario prediction of ecosystem services in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau based on machine learning and the PLUS model
Authors: Li Yuan , Peng Yu-Ling , Peng Hao-Na , Cheng Wei-Ying
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Machine learning techniques, renowned for their ability to process complex datasets and uncover key ecological patterns, have become increasingly instrumental in assessing ecosystem services.

Methods

This study quantitatively evaluates individual services—such as water yield, carbon storage, habitat quality, and soil conservation—on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. A comprehensive ecosystem service index is employed to assess the overall ecological service capacity, revealing spatiotemporal variations in services and exploring the trade-offs and synergies among them. Additionally, machine learning models identify the key drivers influencing ecosystem services, informing the design of future scenarios. The PLUS model is used to project land use changes by 2035 under three scenarios—natural development, planning-oriented, and ecological priority. Based on the land use simulation results for these scenarios, the InVEST model is applied to evaluate various ecosystem services.

Results

During 2000-2020, ecosystem services on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau exhibited significant fluctuations, driven by complex trade-offs and synergies. Land use and vegetation cover were the primary factors affecting overall ecosystem services, with the ecological priority scenario demonstrating the best performance across all services.

Discussion

The research integrates machine learning with the PLUS model, providing more efficient data interpretation and more precise scenario design, offering new insights and methodologies for managing and optimizing ecosystem services on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. These findings contribute to the development of more effective ecological protection and sustainable development strategies, applicable to both the plateau and similar regions.
Male partner involvement in postnatal care service utilization and its associated factors in Wolaita Sodo, southern Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Adisu Aklilu , Estifanos Wubshet , Asefa Genet , Lencha Fikre Moga , Haile Addisalem , Kebede Fekadu Abera
Published: February 2025

Background

Involvement of male partners in postnatal care (PNC) is an effective approach to improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, it has been perceived as a woman's responsibility and continues to be a significant problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, there is a paucity of evidence regarding male involvement during postnatal care in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the current status of male partners’ involvement in postnatal care and associated factors in the study area, Wolaita Sodo, in southern Ethiopia in 2023.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 629 participants from 1 April to 1 May 2023 using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with male partner involvement during postnatal care. The level of significant association in the multivariable analysis was determined based on a P-value of <0.05.

Results

This study found that 32.95% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.2–36.8] of male partners are involved in postnatal care service utilization. A higher maternal educational level [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.95, 95% CI: 1.76–4.94], good knowledge of postnatal care services (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.93–5.3), good knowledge of danger signs and complications (AOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.39–8.48), a favorable attitude (AOR: 4.02, 95% CI: 2.50–6.45), distance (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.15–3.17), and cesarean delivery (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.39–4.60) were significantly associated with male partner involvement in postnatal care services.

Conclusion

In this study, a male partner's involvement in their spouse's PNC service utilization was found to be low. Maternal educational status, good knowledge of PNC services, good knowledge of danger signs and complications, a favorable attitude, distance, and cesarean delivery were associated with male partner’s involvement in PNC. Therefore, strengthening awareness about postnatal care services and danger signs through health education and promoting a positive attitude toward postnatal services are essential.
Body weight in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with disease activity and the adaptive immune system, independent of type I IFN
Authors: Teruya Hiroyuki , Shoda Hirofumi , Itamiya Takahiro , Tsuchida Yumi , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore the relationship between physique and immunological disturbances in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we analyzed the clinical, immunological and transcriptomic characteristics of patients with SLE in relation to body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Clinical characteristics were obtained from patient charts, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Phenotypes and transcriptomes of peripheral immune cells from patients with SLE in the ImmuNexUT database were analyzed in relation to BMI.

Results

Thirty-four SLE patients were included in the analysis. Fever and mucocutaneous symptoms were commonly observed in SLE patients with a low BMI. BMI was negatively correlated with the SLE disease activity (SLEDAI)-2K scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI was an independent explanatory variable for SLEDAI-2K scores, irrespective of anti-dsDNA antibody or complement levels. Although serum interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-gamma levels were negatively associated with BMI, causal mediation analysis showed that BMI had a direct effect on SLEDAI-2K scores, independent of IFN-alpha levels. Immunophenotyping indicated that BMI was primarily correlated with T cell subsets. BMI-related gene expression was mainly enriched in the regulatory T cells and B cell subsets. BMI was negatively correlated with several cellular metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism-related pathways in Th1 and effector memory CD8+ T cells, but not with IFN signaling.

Conclusion

We characterized the clinical, immunological and transcriptomic profiles of SLE patients with varying BMI. As low BMI was identified as an independent parameter for explaining disease activity, cachexia is considered one of the systemic symptoms of active SLE. Additionally, BMI influenced the phenotypic and transcriptomic alterations of acquired immune cells, independent of IFN signaling. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of SLE.
High-performance epoxy vitrimer from commercial epoxy-anhydride with reprocessable and chemical degradable properties
Authors: Gao Liang , Wang Hao , Yao Xuan , Zheng Zhiran , Wang Liyu , Wang Zixuan , Wang Yonggui , Zhang Baoyan , Jing Xianghai , Wu Jianqiao
Published: February 2025

Epoxy vitrimer is a kind of recyclable polymer that can reconstruct their network topology through chemical bond exchange reactions, providing an innovative solution for the thermosets recycling dilemma. However, current vitrimers have not yet reached the level of commercial epoxy resins, especially in performance and preparation process. In this study, high-performance epoxy vitrimer has been prepared using a commercial epoxy-anhydride. In the presence of 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) as an internal catalyst, both mechanical and thermal properties were improved significantly because of the complete curing reaction facilitated by TBD. With the addition of catalyst TBD, the tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of materials increased from 49.12 to 79.27 MPa, 2080.96 to 2266.19 MPa, 2.78% to 3.86%, and 94°C to 132°C respectively. Meanwhile, the network rearrangement rate improved, in which the stress relaxation time (τ*) of networks declined from 19 min to 10 min at 200°C. Taking advantages of dynamic properties, these vitrimers can be reshaped and chemically degraded. Furthermore, carbon fiber composites are fabricated by using vitrimer as matrix, which can be successfully recycled with chemical degradation process at 160°C within 1 h. This research facilitates the development of recyclable epoxy and composites that exhibits significant potential for commercial applications.
Metagenomic analysis revealed the bioremediation mechanism of lead and cadmium contamination by modified biochar synergized with Bacillus cereus PSB-2 in phosphate mining wasteland
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Peng Jun , Wang Ziwei , Zhou Fang , Yu Junxia , Chi Ruan , Xiao Chunqiao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Phosphate mining wasteland is contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which pose significant environmental risks. Ecological restoration of these lands is crucial, but limited research has focused on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils using modified biochar and functional microorganisms.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the bioremediation of phosphate mining wasteland soil using modified biochar in combination with the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus cereus. The effects of this synergistic approach on soil nutrient content, heavy metal immobilization, and microbial community structure were assessed.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that the available phosphate content in the soil increased by 59.32%. The content of extractable state Pb2 + and Cd2 + decreased by 65.06 and 71.26%, respectively. And the soil nutrient conditions were significantly improved. Synergistic remediation can significantly increase the diversity and abundance of soil microbial communities (p < 0.05). Janibacter, Lysobacter, Ornithinimicrobium, Bacillus, and Salinimicrobium were the main functional flora during soil remediation, with significant correlations for the promotion of Pb2 + and Cd2 + immobilization and the increase of available phosphate and organic matter. ZitB, czcD, zntA, and cmtR are the major heavy metal resistance genes and regulate metabolic pathways to make microbial community function more stable after soil remediation in phosphate mining wasteland.
Dietary Pediococcus acidilactici improves the intestinal functions by regulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes and intestinal microbiota in aged laying hens at 80–91 weeks of age
Authors: Dong Airong , Ding Xuemei , Wang Jianping , Zeng Qiufeng , Bai Shiping , Liu Yan , Xuan Yue , Li Shanshan , Mu Yadong , Peng Huanwei , Zhang Keying
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 (PA) is a homofermentative Gram-positive coccus that produces lactic acid as a major metabolic by-product. However, the potential of PA to improve intestinal function and, as a result, improve production performance and quality in aged laying hens remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PA on egg production, egg quality, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens.

Methods

A total of 180 Lohmann pink laying hens, aged 80 weeks, were randomly assigned to five groups and fed either a basal diet (PA0) or basal diets supplemented with PA at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg (PA50, PA100, PA150, and PA200).

Results

Compared to the PA0 group, PA did not have a significant effect on the production performance of laying hens (p > 0.05). However, the content of diamine oxidase and the expression level of IL-8 mRNA in the PA50, P100, P150, and P200 groups were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Additionally, the ileal villus height was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The cecal chowder pH and ileal crypt depth were also significantly lower (p < 0.05), while lipase activity in the ileal mucosa of the PA50 group was significantly increased compared to the PA0 group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of INF-γ and TNF-α mRNA in the jejunal mucosa was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05), whereas the expression of Claudin mRNA was significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05). Notably, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, and Fusobacterium in the PA50 group was significantly higher than that in the PA0 group (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Additionally, cecal metabolomic analysis indicated that following the addition of PA, the pathways enriched with differential metabolites were primarily related to arginine and proline metabolism. Therefore, PA has the potential to improve intestinal morphology and flora, mitigate intestinal inflammatory factors, and strengthen intestinal barrier function. These benefits are attributed to the modulation of arginine and proline metabolic pathways, with optimal effects observed at an addition of 50 mg/kg.
Interstitial microbial communities of coastal sediments are dominated by Nanoarchaeota
Authors: Brick Simone , Niggemann Jutta , Reckhardt Anja , Könneke Martin , Engelen Bert
Published: February 2025

Microbial communities in subsurface coastal sediments are highly diverse and play an important role in nutrient cycling. While the major fraction of microorganisms in sandy sediments lives as epipsammon (attached to sand grains), only a small fraction thrives in the interstitial porewaters. So far, little is known about the composition of these free-living microbial communities. In the subsurface of the sandy beach, investigated in this study, we compared the archaeal and bacterial community structures within sediments and corresponding porewaters applying 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that the free-living prokaryotes only had a proportion of about 0.2–2.3% of the bulk communities, depending on the pore space. The interstitial microbial communities showed a small overlap with the attached fraction of 4–7% ASVs, and comprised a unique composition of 75–81% ASVs found exclusively in the porewaters. They were more diverse than the respective sediment-attached fraction and showed a much higher archaea-to-bacteria ratio. The archaea were mainly affiliated to Nanoarchaeota of the DPANN superphylum, with a relative abundance up to 50% of the interstitial communities. The bacterial fraction included several species related to the Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR). Both prokaryotic lineages are known to have small cell sizes, comprising not-yet cultured species with unidentified metabolic functions. Our findings were supported by the investigation of an adjacent tidal flat, showing a similar trend. Thus, our results indicate the presence of distinct interstitial microbial communities in the subsurface of coastal sediments. This natural enrichment of not-yet cultured Nanoarchaeota and members of the CPR provides the opportunity for targeted metagenomic analyses or even isolating members of these groups for further metabolic characterization.
A survey of decision-making and planning methods for self-driving vehicles
Authors: Hu Jun , Wang Yuefeng , Cheng Shuai , Xu Jinghan , Wang Ningjia , Fu Bingjie , Ning Zuotao , Li Jingyao , Chen Hualin , Feng Chaolu , Zhang Yin
Published: February 2025

Autonomous driving technology has garnered significant attention due to its potential to revolutionize transportation through advanced robotic systems. Despite optimistic projections for commercial deployment, the development of sophisticated autonomous driving systems remains largely experimental, with the effectiveness of neurorobotics-based decision-making and planning algorithms being crucial for success. This paper delivers a comprehensive review of decision-making and planning algorithms in autonomous driving, covering both knowledge-driven and data-driven approaches. For knowledge-driven methods, this paper explores independent decision-making systems, including rule based, state transition based, game-theory based methods and independent planing systems including search based, sampling based, and optimization based methods. For data-driven methods, it provides a detailed analysis of machine learning paradigms such as imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and inverse reinforcement learning. Furthermore, the paper discusses hybrid models that amalgamate the strengths of both data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches, offering insights into their implementation and challenges. By evaluating experimental platforms, this paper guides the selection of appropriate testing and validation strategies. Through comparative analysis, this paper elucidates the advantages and disadvantages of each method, facilitating the design of more robust autonomous driving systems. Finally, this paper addresses current challenges and offers a perspective on future developments in this rapidly evolving field.
The association between neighborhood environment, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, and structural brain development
Authors: Xia Yingjing , Vieira Verónica M.
Published: February 2025

Prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposure affects child brain development. Less is known about how neighborhood environment (built, institutional, and social) may be associated with structural brain development and whether prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco may modify this relationship. The current study aimed to examine whether neighborhood environment is associated with brain volume at age 9–11, and whether prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco modifies this relationship. Baseline data from Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study was analyzed (N = 7,887). Neighborhood environment was characterized by 10 variables from the linked external dataset. Prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposures were dichotomized based on the developmental history questionnaire. Bilateral volumes of three regions of interests (hippocampal, parahippocampal, and entorhinal) were examined as outcomes. High residential area deprivation was associated with smaller right hippocampal volume. Prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with larger volume in left parahippocampal and hippocampal regions, while prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with smaller volumes in bilateral parahippocampal, right entorhinal, and right hippocampal regions. In children without prenatal tobacco exposure, high residential area deprivation was associated with smaller right hippocampal volumes. In contrast, neighborhood environment was not significantly associated with brain volumes in children with prenatal tobacco exposure. In summary, neighborhood environment plays a role in child brain development. This relationship may differ by prenatal tobacco exposure. Future studies on prenatal tobacco exposure may need to consider how postnatal neighborhood environment interacts with the teratogenic effect.
Altered white matter microstructural integrity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia: a combined DTI and DTI-NODDI study
Authors: Qian Wei , Xu Xiaopei , Wu Ying , Yu Lina , Wang Chao , Yan Min , Yu Risheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating condition resulting from herpes zoster infection, characterized by persistent pain that significantly impacts quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the white matter microstructural alterations associated with PHN and to assess the relationship between diffusion metrics and clinical symptoms.

Methods

A total of 29 patients with PHN, 28 patients recovering from herpes zoster (RHZ), and 27 healthy controls (HC) were recruited, and clinical assessments were obtained to evaluate pain intensity and psychological distress. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was collected, followed by analysis of diffusion and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics. Statistical analyses included ANOVA to compare groups and Pearson correlation coefficients to assess relationships between imaging metrics and clinical outcomes.

Results

PHN patients exhibited significantly altered white matter integrity, specifically in neurite density index (NDI) and orientation dispersion index, compared to both RHZ patients and HC. Significant correlations were also found between altered imaging metrics and clinical assessments of pain and emotional distress, with lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and NDI associated with higher pain scores and psychological symptoms.

Conclusion

Our study highlights significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts in patients with PHN, indicating compromised neural integrity that correlates with increased pain perception and emotional distress. NODDI demonstrated superior sensitivity in detecting these alterations compared to traditional DTI metrics, underscoring its potential for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in managing chronic pain conditions like PHN.
Case report: A patient with EGFR L861Q positive adenosquamous lung carcinoma transforming into large cell neuroendocrine cancer after treatment with Almonertinib
Authors: Cheng Kele , Zhu Yong , Sang Ran , Kuang Zhongsheng , Cao Yang
Published: February 2025

Almonertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is selective for both epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor–sensitizing and T790M resistance mutations. However, resistance to the third-generation EGFR-TKIs is still inevitable. Econdary EGFR mutations, and bypass pathway activation have been reported with Almonertinib therapy. This article presents a rare case report of a patient with EGFR L861Q positive adenosquamous lung carcinoma who transformed into large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma following treatment with Almonertinib. The patient exhibited disease progression 8 months after initiating Almonertinib treatment, and a blood genetic test revealed mutations in EGFR L861Q and EGFR L858R. A subsequent lung biopsy after progression confirmed the diagnosis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and subsequently treatment with cisplatin and etoposide was effective. Transformation into neuroendocrine carcinoma is one of the mechanisms behind resistance to Almonertinib in adenosquamous lung carcinoma. EGFR mutations may persist even after transformation into neuroendocrine carcinoma. For non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing Almonertinib therapy, this case report emphasizes the importance of performing a timely pathological biopsy upon the emergence of resistance.
Pain without presence: a narrative review of the pathophysiological landscape of phantom limb pain
Authors: Wu Hong , Saini Chandan , Medina Roi , Hsieh Sharon L. , Meshkati Aria , Sung Kerry
Published: February 2025

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is defined as the perception of pain in a limb that has been amputated. In the United States, approximately 30,000–40,000 amputations are performed annually with an estimated 2.3 million people living with amputations. The prevalence of PLP among amputees is approximately 64%. Over the years, various theories regarding the etiology of PLP have been proposed, with some gaining more prominence than others. Yet, there is a lack of consensus on PLP mechanisms as the current literature exploring the pathophysiology of PLP is multifactorial, involving complex interactions between the central and peripheral nervous systems, psychosocial factors, and genetic influences. This review seeks to enhance the understanding of PLP by exploring its multifaceted pathophysiology, including genetic predispositions. We highlight historical aspects of pain theories and PLP, examining how these theories have expanded to include psychosocial dimensions associated with chronic pain in amputees. Additionally, we present significant findings from both human and animal studies focused on neuroaxial systems and recent advances in molecular research to further elucidate the complex and multifactorial nature of PLP. Ultimately, we hope that the integration of current theoretical frameworks and findings will lay a more robust foundation for future research on PLP.
Research on the height of primary school students in Zhuzhou and analysis of influencing factors of short stature
Authors: Ye Xiao-min , Tang Qiong , Yang Yi-can , Wen Xiang-Lan
Published: February 2025

Objective

To construct a growth curve for children aged 6–12 years residing in Zhuzhou, assess the height distribution among local elementary school students, and analyze the factors contributing to short stature.

Methods

We measured the heights of children from 110 elementary schools in Zhuzhou using cluster sampling. A total of 106,864 samples of children aged 6–12 years were collected and divided into 25 age groups, each spanning three months. The Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method was employed to calculate the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles of height for each age group. Children below the 3rd percentile according to the national growth curve made in 2005 were considered to be short stature. The heights of boys and girls in Zhuzhou were compared with the national average heights from 2005. The height growth curve was constructed using the curve estimation function of SPSS software and the influencing factors for the prevalence of short stature were identified using logistic regression analysis based on data obtained from parental questionnaires.

Results

The prevalence of short stature among children aged 6–12 years in Zhuzhou was found to be 3.97%. Boys exhibited a significantly higher incidence of short stature at 4.53% compared to girls at 3.37%. Children residing in suburban areas showed a notably higher prevalence of short stature (5.80%) compared to their urban counterparts (3.67%), with these disparities proving statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis identified several contributing factors for short stature in this population, including low birth weight, inadequate daily physical activity (less than 0.5 h), father's educational qualification of junior college level or below, short stature of parents, insufficient sleep duration, and male gender.

Conclusion

To improve children's height in Zhuzhou, it's important for them to exercise for over 30 min daily and sleep for more than 10 h each night. Regular monitoring of growth and nutrition is crucial. Health education for families with less educated fathers and early intervention for children with short-statured parents are also key strategies.
Pharmacovigilance analysis of polatuzumab plus bendamustine and rituximab treatment protocol: identifying comprehensive safety signals using FDA database
Authors: Wu Fang , Wang Siliang , Xu Xihui , Zhang Weihui , Zhou Jie , Niu Runyan , Cai Wenting , Yang Yonggong , Liu Mengying , Zhang Jinping
Published: February 2025

Background

The combination of polatuzumab, bendamustine and rituximab (pola+BR) was authorized for the treatment of relapsed or refractory Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study used the FDA database to identify safety signals related to the treatment protocol.

Methods

The adverse events (AEs) from 2019Q1 to 2023Q3 were analyzed by calculating the reporting odds ratio. Severe and non-severe cases were compared using either an independent samples t-test or chi-squared (χ2) test. Additionally, a score sheet was employed to prioritize the signals.

Results

In all database, 58 significant signals were detected within 1,597 patients accepting the treatment protocol. Common AEs like neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and peripheral neuropathy, as well as other AEs like anaemia, sepsis, cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were a major focus. In addtion, 51.7%, 45.6% and 1.7% were sorted into low, moderate and high priority in term of clinical importance, respectively. Unexpected significant signals included intestinal obstruction, epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis, haemorrhage, increased blood lactate dehydrogenase and hypercalcemia.

Conclusion

Our study identified significant AE signals for pola+BR through realworld disproportionality analysis data and analyzed the severity and clinical priority of these signals, which can assist clinicians in managing related AEs.
Divergent evolutionary paces among eudicot plants revealed by simultaneously duplicated genes produced billions of years ago
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Jiangli , Li Yingjie , Jin Yongchao , Wang Xiyin
Published: February 2025

Polyploidization often occurs more than once along an evolutionary lineage to form extant plants. Major core eudicot plants share a whole-genome triplication (ceWGT), through which thousands of simultaneously duplicated genes are retained in extant genomes, providing a valuable starting line to check the difference in their evolutionary paces. Here, by characterizing the synonymous nucleotide substitutions (Ks) between these duplicates from 28 representative plants from 21 families, we checked the various evolutionary rates among plants among plants subjected to different rounds of extra polyploidization events. We found up to 68.04% difference in evolutionary rates among the selected plants. A statistical correlation analysis (correlation coefficient =0.57, at significant level = 0.01) indicated that plants affected by extra polyploidies have evolved faster than plants without such extra polyploidies showing that (additional) polyploidization has resulted in elevated genetic diversity. Comparing the plants affected by additional polyploidization and plants without it, the duplicated genes produced by the ceWGT and retained in extant genomes have gathered 4.75% more nucleotide substitutions in the former plants. By identifying the fast- and slowly evolving genes, we showed that genes evolving at divergent rates were often related to different evolutionary paths. By performing correction to evolutionary rates using a genome-scale approach, we revised the estimated timing of key evolutionary events. The present effort exploited the simultaneously duplicated genes produced by the shared polyploidization and help deepen the understanding of the role of polyploidization, especially its long-term effect in plant evolution and biological innovation.
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use efficiency improves alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production and performance in alkaline desert soil
Authors: Sun Yanliang , Sun Jing , Wang Xuzhe , Cartmill Andrew D. , López Ignacio F. , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: February 2025

The deficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus is a primary constraint on the normal growth of alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) in the alkaline desert soils of northern Xinjiang. Optimizing the combination of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can maximally significantly enhance farmers’ economic returns while concurrently mitigate soil environmental pollution. For this purpose, a field experiment based on a randomized complete block design was conducted over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) in Shihezi, Xinjiang province, China. The WL366HQ variety of alfalfa was evaluated with four levels each of urea and monoammonium phosphate. The effects of fertilizer treatments were assessed on alfalfa yield, growth traits, nutritional quality, fertilizer use efficiency, and economic benefit. Application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and their interaction significantly (P< 0.05) affected cumulative alfalfa dry matter (DM) yield. In general, compared to no-fertilization treatment, the application of N and P fertilizers resulted in increased plant height, stem thickness, crude protein, and ether extract of alfalfa, while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) exhibited a decreasing trend. Additionally, while N and P fertilizer application reduced corresponding fertilizer use efficiency, it increased non-corresponding fertilizer use efficiency. During the two-year experimental period, the treatment involving the application of urea at 286.3 kg·ha-1 combined with monoammonium phosphate at 192 kg·ha-1 achieved the highest evaluation scores for production performance, fertilizer use efficiency, and total net profit, resulting in a net profit increase of 44.18% compared to the no-fertilizer treatment. These findings lay the groundwork for nuanced fertilization strategies in future alfalfa cultivation.
Socio-demographic factors associated with mental health disorders among rural women in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Rizwana , Akter Fahmida , Rahman Musarrat , Amin Nuhu , Rahman Mahbubur , Winch Peter J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In Bangladesh, the reported prevalence of mental disorders among adults varies from 6.5% to 31.0%. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with mental health disorders among rural women in Bangladesh.

Method

We enrolled 401 adult women from four sub-districts of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. To determine the factors involved, we employed a modified version of the mental state examination (MSE) scale, in addition to questionnaires focusing on socio-demographic information, health, and well-being.

Result

The prevalence of mental health problems, measured by the MSE scale, was 26%. Even after controlling for potential confounders such as respondent's age, education level, spouse's schooling, household income, health status, domestic violence, family disharmony, social security, and support, household income remained significantly associated with behavioral problems. Individuals with higher incomes experience a lower prevalence of mental health disorders (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.48; 95% CI 0.27-0.86). Poor physical health significantly correlated with behavior and mood (PR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.61-0.98). Older respondents encountered more challenges related to memory (PR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.13-1.79).

Discussion

These findings highlight the crucial role of addressing socio-demographic factors, like income and physical health, when promoting mental health among rural women in Bangladesh. By acknowledging and targeting these factors, interventions can be more tailored and effective, ensuring improved well-being and resilience within this population.
Utilizing metagenomic profiling and machine learning model to identify bacterial biomarkers for major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Xuan , Cao Di , Zhang Hanlin , Chen Wei , Sun Jiaxin , Hu Huimin
Published: February 2025

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly heterogeneous, which provides a significant challenge in the management of this disorder. However, the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is not fully understood. Studies have shown that depression is highly correlated with gut flora. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of microbial biomarkers in the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

Methods

In this study, we used a metagenomic approach to analyze the composition and differences of gut bacterial communities in 36 patients with major depressive disorder and 36 healthy individuals. We then applied a Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) machine learning model to find potential microbial markers.

Results

Our results showed that the alpha diversity of the intestinal flora did not differ significantly in major depressive disorder compared to healthy populations. However, the beta diversity was significantly altered. Machine learning identified 8 MDD-specific bacterial biomarkers, with Alistipes, Dysosmobacter, Actinomyces, Ruthenibacterium, and Thomasclavelia being significantly enriched, while Faecalibacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Roseburia were significantly reduced, demonstrating superior diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve, AUC = 0.919). In addition, the gut bacteria performed satisfactorily in the validation cohort with an AUC of 0.800 (95% CI: 0.6334-0.9143).

Conclusion

This study reveals the complex relationship between gut microbiota and major depressive disorder and provides a scientific basis for the development of a microbiota-based diagnostic tool for depression.
Exploring gendered racism and the mental health of rural Black women
Authors: Ezemenaka Christina J. , Burton Wanda Martin , Newman Sharlene
Published: February 2025

Background

Gendered racial microaggressions adversely impact Black college women’s mental health, but less is known about rural Black women’s mental health.

Objective

Examine the association between gendered racism, depression, and psychological distress.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 200 rural Black women from the Southeastern United States. Gendered racism was assessed using the Gendered Racial Microaggressions scale (GRMS). Linear regression was used to assess GRM subscales, depression (PHQ-9) and psychological distress (K6) as outcomes.

Results

Of the 200, 21.5% reported depression and 31% reported moderate psychological distress. Depression increased with increasing stress appraisal of gendered racism, p = 0.002.

Conclusion

Gendered racial microaggressions impact the mental health of rural Black women.