bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperuricemia-induced complications: dysfunctional macrophages serve as a potential bridge
Authors: Gu Wenyi , Zhao Jiajing , Xu Yu
Published: January 2025

With the changes in modern life, hyperuricemia (HUA) has become a serious universal health issue, leading to rising morbidity and mortality. Characterized by elevated levels of UA, HUA has become an independent risk factor for gout, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, etc. As HUA is a metabolic syndrome, the immune response is likely to play an active role throughout the whole process. Moreover, macrophages, as an indispensable component of the immune system, may serve as a promising target for addressing hyperuricemia-induced inflammation. Along with their precursor cells, monocytes, macrophages play a key role in the pathogenesis of HUA, primarily through three specific aspects, all of which are associated with inflammatory cytokines. The first mechanism involves direct action on urate transporters, such as URAT1 and ABCG2. The second mechanism is the modulation of inflammation, including targeting toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The third mechanism pertains to the effects on oxidative stress mediators. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms of hyperuricemia, focusing on the effects of macrophages, therapeutic approaches, and clinical trials addressing hyperuricemia-caused dysfunction. Additionally, we highlight directions for future development, aiming to support future theoretical studies.
Identification of WDR74 and TNFRSF12A as biomarkers for early osteoarthritis using machine learning and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Lin Jiali , Shi Detong , Miao Yu , Xue Feng , Liu Kexin , Wang Xiaotao , Zhang Changqing
Published: January 2025

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition that causes pain, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life, posing a threat to healthy aging. Early detection is crucial for improving prognosis. Recent research has focused on the role of ubiquitination-related genes (URGs) in early OA prediction. This study aims to integrate URG expression data with machine learning (ML) to identify biomarkers that improve diagnosis and prognosis in the early stages of OA.

Methods

OA single-cell RNA sequencing datasets were collected from the GEO database. Single-cell analysis was performed to investigate the composition and relationships of chondrocytes in OA. The potential intercellular communication mechanisms were explored using the CellChat R package. URGs were retrieved from GeneCards, and ubiquitination scores were calculated using the AUCell package. Gene module analysis based on co-expression network analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Additionally, ML analysis was performed to identify core URGs and construct a diagnostic model. We employed XGBoost, a gradient-boosting ML algorithm, to identify core URGs and construct a diagnostic model. The model’s performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In addition, we explored the relationship between core URGs and immune processes. The ChEA3 database was utilized to predict the transcription factors regulated by core ubiquitination-related genes. The expression of select URGs was validated using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

We identified WDR74 and TNFRSF12A as pivotal ubiquitination-related genes associated with OA, exhibiting considerable differential expression. The diagnostic model constructed with URGs exhibited remarkable accuracy, with area under the curve (AUC) values consistently exceeding 0.9. The expression levels of WDR74 and TNFRSF12A were significantly higher in the IL-1β-induced group in an in vitro qPCR experiment. The IHC validation on human knee joint specimens confirmed the upregulation of WDR74 and TNFRSF12A in OA tissues, corroborating their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusions

WDR74 and TNFRSF12A as principal biomarkers highlighted their attractiveness as therapeutic targets. The identification of core biomarkers might facilitate early intervention options, potentially modifying the illness trajectory and enhancing patient outcomes.
Age influences the circulating immune profile in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Fisler Grace , Brewer Mariana R. , Yaipen Omar , Deutschman Clifford S. , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: January 2025

Background

The immune response changes as patients age, yet studies on the immune dysregulation of sepsis often do not consider age as a key variable.

Objective

We hypothesized that age would influence the immune response in septic children and that there would be a distinct variation in the immune profile in healthy children and children with either sepsis, uncomplicated infection, or acute organ dysfunction without infection. We characterized the circulating immune profile of children presenting to our tertiary care children’s hospital.

Methods

This investigation was a prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients from July 2020 – September 2022. Patients were included if they were < 21 years, admitted to the PICU, and received fluid resuscitation and antibiotics. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from samples collected on PICU day 1.

Results

Eighty patients were enrolled. Children with sepsis had more regulatory CD4+ T cells and memory CD4+ T cells and less CD4+IL-10+ and CD8+T-bet+ T cells than healthy children. After ex vivo stimulation, sepsis samples had less of a reduction in CD4+ T cells producing IL-10 than healthy controls. Memory CD4+ T cells and regulatory CD4+ T cells were positively associated with age in sepsis alone.

Conclusion

A regulatory T cell failure may contribute to pediatric sepsis pathogenesis. Age is an important variable affecting sepsis-associated immune dysregulation and memory T cells in peripheral circulation correlate with age in sepsis alone.
Comprehensive analysis of Pan-Immune Inflammation and all-cause mortality in rheumatoid arthritis: a database-driven approach, 1999-2018
Authors: Mardan Muradil· , Zheng Huoliang , Xu Qingyin , Song Shaokuan , Lu Zeyu , Deng Hui , Cai Hao , Chen Qizhu , Yang Bingyi , Abuduwufuer Kudelaiti· , Chen Pengbo , Li Bo , Jiang Shengdan , Jiang Leisheng , Zheng Xin-feng
Published: January 2025

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, leading to a higher risk of all-cause mortality. The Pan-Immune Inflammation Value (PIV), a novel biomarker capturing immune-inflammatory activity, has shown prognostic value in various diseases. However, its role in predicting outcomes in RA patients remains largely unexplored.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the association between PIV and all-cause mortality in RA patients, investigate nonlinear relationships, and identify threshold effects.

Methods

Data from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used, including 1,882 RA patients. PIV was calculated as (neutrophil count×platelet count×monocyte count)/lymphocyte count and categorized into quartiles (Q1–Q4). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the relationship between PIV and mortality, with results expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) explored nonlinear trends, and segmented Cox regression identified threshold effects. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and subgroup analyses validated the findings and assessed potential modifiers.

Results

Elevated PIV levels were strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality. Compared to Q1, adjusted HRs for Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.01–2.53, P = 0.047), 1.70 (95% CI: 1.10–2.63, P = 0.016), and 2.12 (95% CI: 1.33–3.37, P = 0.002), respectively (P for trend < 0.001). RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship with a threshold at PIV = 302. Below this threshold, increasing PIV was associated with higher mortality risk (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.07–2.61, P = 0.024). Conversely, above the threshold, further increases in PIV were linked to reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, P = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a clear decline in survival probability with increasing PIV quartiles (P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent findings, with a notable interaction observed in diabetic patients (P for interaction = 0.002).

Conclusions

PIV is a significant and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in RA patients, characterized by a nonlinear association and a distinct threshold effect. These findings highlight the potential of PIV as a pragmatic biomarker for stratifying mortality risk and informing personalized treatment strategies in RA.
Postnatal health of infants born to mothers with autoimmune diseases when treated with hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Matys Viviana , Rizzo Francesca , De Carolis Maria Pia , Barresi Salvatore , Serio Anna Maria , Lanzone Antonio , Garufi Ester , De Carolis Sara , Garufi Cristina
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This retrospective cohort study aimed to observe the postnatal health of infants born to mothers with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) during pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 312 pregnancies of patients who suffered from different systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases were considered. Pregnancy data were collected; a telephone follow-up questionnaire was successfully completed in 182 infants to detect the long-term pediatric outcome. The women who took hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy were defined as “HCQ group” and were compared to women who did not take hydroxychloroquine, “non-HCQ group”.

Results

A higher prevalence of women with multiple maternal diseases was detected in the HCQ group, in comparison to that of non-HCQ group (p = 0.0015). Despite HCQ group consisting of more complicated maternal conditions, the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups. Regarding postnatal health, 40% of infants in HCQ group revealed no pathologies versus 25% of the children in non-HCQ group (p = 0.0368).

Discussion

The protective role of HCQ on infants should be further evaluated in prospective multicenter long-term studies.
Simulating the ENSO impact on the distribution and fate of floating litter particles in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Pang Ke , Feng Yang , Zheng Youchang , Fang Chao , Xu Xiangrong
Published: January 2025

The Pearl River delivers a large amount of plastic waste to the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and adjacent Northern South China Sea (NSCS) region each year. However, the transport of floating litter after release is difficult to predict due to the complex hydrodynamic conditions caused by the climate variability. A regional ocean circulation model coupled with a Lagrangian particle tracking model is utilized in this study to simulate the distribution and fate of floating litter particles in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and Northern South China Sea (NSCS) under the influence of El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Simulations are conducted during all four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) in typical El Niño, La Niña, and ENSO-neutral year. The model reveals that most floating litter remains within Lingding Bay before being transported westward by the counterclockwise circulation over the NSCS and arriving at the Qiongzhou Strait. After crossing the Strait, the debris is carried by the counterclockwise circulation of the Beibu Gulf, and eventually arriving at the coasts of Vietnam and Laos. The ENSO warm (El Niño) and cold (La Niña) phases disrupt circulation patterns and modulate the amount of Pearl River runoff, thereby altering the transport pathways and grounding probabilities of floating litter. During La Niña years, floating litter particles spread over a wider area, travel longer distances, and have lower beaching probabilities. Conversely, during El Niño year, floating litter particles tend to remain within Lingding Bay for longer durations, with some debris entrained towards the Hong Kong region. This study underscores the impact of climate mode of variability in influencing the litter sources, fate and transport and accumulation at estuarine-coastal oceans, which will provide critical scientific insights for plastic pollution management in the PRE - NSCS region, which is a newly identified hotspot for floating litter and microplastic pollution in global oceans.
Marine natural products as an important source of bioactive substances for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management
Authors: Shi Menglei , Chen Sisi , Feng Yutong , Wang Shiyuan , Xia Yuyu , He Jianlin
Published: January 2025

With an estimated global prevalence of 32.4%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most prevalent chronic liver condition. The marine ecosystem, distinguished by its distinctive environmental characteristics, is a treasure trove of novel lead compounds possessing unique chemical structures, offering promising avenues for the development of new therapeutic agents or dietary supplement targeting NAFLD. Marine bioactive substances from natural products, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and peptides, have been shown to benefit liver health by alleviating metabolic dysfunction through multiple mechanisms. This paper reviews the effects of marine bioactive substances from various marine entities, including marine fauna, flora, and microorganisms, on the regulation of NAFLD. A brief overview of the predominant pathogenic mechanisms underlying the disease is also provided, thereby establishing a critical link between the therapeutic potential of marine bioactive substances and the management of NAFLD.
Characteristics of seismic strata in the southeast Zhoushan Archipelago (East China Sea) with emphasis on shallow gas
Authors: Deng Bing , Chen Junbing
Published: January 2025

Based on high-resolution sub-bottom seismic profiles collected on the coast of the Zhoushan Archipelago in the East China Sea, the distribution and characteristics of shallow gas have been analyzed. The strata in the area were divided into three geological units: Holocene fine-grained neritic facies muddy strata, Late-Pleistocene coarse-grained fluvial or lacustrine facies sandy strata, and bedrock. The presence of shallow gas was evidenced by various acoustic indicators, including acoustic blanking, enhanced reflections, gas chimneys, bright spots, and small mounds. Shallow gas accumulations are observed through the Lower and Upper Holocene strata, presumably related to the degradation of organic matter buried in the Holocene deposits and sealed by soft muddy deposits. The presence of ultra-shallow gas-charged sediment sealed by fine-grained muddy sediment in coastal areas with frequent human disturbance suggests a high potential for sediment instability. Moreover, frequent upward gas migration signatures were found in the study area. These gas migration features mainly occur in nearshore areas where tidal disturbance and human activities are both active. We therefore deduced that the deduction of sediment above probably decreased the pressure, thereby resulting in increased upward migration. The presence of active shallow gas within thin, soft muddy strata, along with the strong tidal turbulence and human activities, indicates that the seafloor of the study area is vulnerable to sediment erosion, and shallow gas is easily released, posing a potential danger to the stability of marine engineering foundations. Since the Changjiang sediment supply has been decreasing over the past decades, it will inevitably lead to corresponding morphological adjustments in the study area, such as seafloor erosion. To what extent coastal erosion will release the buried shallow gas and lead to unpredictable consequences is worthy of our sustained attention.
The mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cell apoptosis and ROS (reactive oxygen species) of CNE2 cell line induced by single wall carbon nanohorn (SWCNH)
Authors: Cao Xianbao , Gong Shunmin , Chen Shujin , Hu Shuang , Li Tianshu , Guan Yanfei , Feng Chun , Zhang Jinqian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The interaction between the materials themselves and cancer cells are rarely explored. Therefore, the biological roles of raw single wall carbon nanohorn (SWCNH) on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the apoptosis of CNE2 were explored.

Methods

Therefore, ERS of CNE2 cells was induced by SWCNH, and 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) was selected as a inhibitor of ERS. CNE2 cells were co-cultured with SWCNH, 4-PBA and SWCNH+4-PBA, respectively. Furthermore, the apoptotic status of CNE2 cells and its ROS (Reactive oxygen species) levels were determined. Moreover, the apoptotic protein expression of caspase 3 (cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3), the expression levels of ER pathway protein eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP, or the OS (Oxidative stress)-related proteins NQO1, GCLC, HO-1, and Nrf2 was detected, respectively.

Results

CNE2 apoptotic rate, ROS levels, the caspase 3 or ER pathway proteins ATF4 and CHOP expression, even the NQO1, GCLC, HO-1, and Nrf2 levels of oxidative stress-related proteins in the groups of SWCNH and SWCNH+4-PBA were higher compared to the control group. Moreover, these indicators were higher compared to the group of SWCNH+4-PBA (p < 0.05).

Discussion

ER stress is the key possible mechanism of CNE2 apoptosis induced by SWCNH. After injury of ERS, SWCNH causes oxidative stress injury, which may eventually lead to apoptosis of CNE2 cells.
A case of massive hematoma: reflections on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Liu QingHua , Zeng Ganhua , Xiong Yu , Xu Chenyang
Published: January 2025

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by significant clinical and genetic variability, affecting multiple systems in the body. Classified as a rare disease, EDS includes 14 subtypes, all marked by joint hypermobility, skin extensibility, and tissue fragility. These subtypes present with a wide range of clinical manifestations and severities, including frequent joint dislocations, scoliosis, arterial dissections, and organ ruptures. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common subtype, with newly established clinical diagnostic guidelines. In this case, a patient presented with minor hemoptysis over 8 h, and a chest CT scan revealed a massive hematoma in the left lower lung. Due to the complexity and varied presentations of EDS, misdiagnosis is common. This report shares our experience with diagnosis and treatment in this case, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness for improved survival outcomes.
The family Thermoactinomycetaceae: an emerging microbial resource with high application value
Authors: Zhong Mingmei , Sun Zhenchun , Wei Chunhui , Muhoza Bertrand , Tian Haojie , Liu Maoqiang , Qiu Shuyi , Li Dounan
Published: January 2025

In recent years, interest has increased in the use of microorganisms to obtain additional valuable resources for green and sustainable development. Preliminary functional analyses have indicated that members of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae have good application potential for the production of novel specific enzymes, high-value bioactive compounds, novel secondary metabolites and the promotion of efficient biomass conversion. Therefore, they can be considered a new class of microbial resources with potentially high value. However, the lack of culture and culture-independent techniques coupled with the uncertain taxonomic status of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae, has made exploring these potential applications challenging. This paper reviews the distribution characteristics and functional properties of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae, providing a detailed interpretation of the potential application value of this group and proposing a set of systematic resource development strategies based on a combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent strategies to exploit its potential for resource applications.
Streptococcus suis-associated neonatal meningitis and sepsis: characterization, antimicrobial resistance, and public health implications
Authors: Fusco Giovanna , Paradiso Rubina , Cardillo Lorena , Salvia Maria Antonia , Dodaro Saveria , Del Monaco Veronica , Scarpelli Gianfranco , Greco Francesca , Rinaldi Antonio , Barca Lorella , Ambrogio Stefania , Limone Antonio , De Carlo Esterina , Borriello Giorgia
Published: January 2025

Neonatal meningitis and sepsis were diagnosed in a 32-day-old preterm-born infant. Streptococcus (S.) suis was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Next-generation sequencing revealed that the strain was serotype 2 sequence type 1, and contained the ermB and tet(W) genes, which are responsible for resistance to macrolides and tetracycline, along with several pilus-associated genes and 20 virulence factors. High homology was observed with previously identified human and swine strains in the same area. S. suis meningitis and sepsis are mainly reported in adults, related to direct contact with pigs or contaminated pork meat consumption, while it is rarely reported in children. Herein, we describe the first case of S. suis in a newborn associated with meningitis and antimicrobial resistance. The rates of resistance to tetracyclines, lincosamides, and macrolides for this bacterium are increasing and are creating concern worldwide. Altogether, our findings highlight the importance of investigating S. suis in cases of neonatal meningitis, as well as the necessity of assessing the antimicrobial profile to obtain useful information for developing targeted therapies.
Hypertension moderates the relationship between plasma beta-amyloid and cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Liu Ziyu , He Yaoli , Cui Simeng , Dang Liangjun , Zhang Binyan , Wang Jin , Lu Wenhui , Huo Kang , Jiang Yu , Chen Chen , Gao Ling , Wei Shan , Zhao Yi , Hu Ningwei , Wang Jingyi , Lv Hong , Qu Qiumin , Shang Suhang
Published: January 2025

Background

Plasma beta-amyloid (Aβ) are important biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment (CI), but results are controversial. It remains unclear whether hypertension modulates their relationship. This cross-sectional study investigates whether hypertension moderates the relationship between plasma Aβ and cognitive impairment (CI).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1488 subjects ≥ 40 years from rural areas of northwestern China. CI was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination score lower than the cutoff. Firstly, plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, Aβ42/Aβ40 were analyzed as restricted cubic spline. Then, categories of combined plasma Aβ were created by making bisection of plasma Aβ according to average and combining them as L-Aβ40 and L-Aβ42, H-Aβ40 and L-Aβ42, L-Aβ40 and H-Aβ42, H-Aβ40 and H-Aβ42. Decreased plasma Aβ40 was defined as < 25th percentile. Multivariate logistic regression examined the relationship between plasma Aβ and CI in total population, the hypertension subgroup and the non-hypertension subgroup.

Results

737 participants (49.5%) had hypertension and 189 participants (12.7%) had CI. Simultaneously elevated plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 was associated with CI in hypertension (H-Aβ40 and H-Aβ42 vs. L-Aβ40 and L-Aβ42, 21.1% vs.10.7%, P = 0.033; OR = 1.984 [95% CI, 1.067–3.691], P = 0.030) but not in the non-hypertension. Decreased plasma Aβ40 was associated with CI in the non-hypertension (14.9% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.026; OR = 1.728 [95% CI, 1.018–2.931], P = 0.043) but not in the hypertension.

Conclusion

Hypertension is an important modulator in the relationship between plasma Aβ and CI. Simultaneously elevated plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the hypertension, and decreased plasma Aβ40 in the non-hypertension, may be risk factors for CI. These findings emphasize the need to consider hypertension in CI detection.
Impact of physical exercise on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in people with neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Romero Garavito Ana , Díaz Martínez Valery , Juárez Cortés Estherz , Negrete Díaz José Vicente , Montilla Rodríguez Liliana Marcela
Published: January 2025

This review explores the impact of physical exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its relationship with neurodegenerative diseases. The key role of BDNF in maintaining brain health is highlighted, and recent studies are analyzed that indicate an increase in BDNF levels following physical activity, particularly in young adults. Additionally, the interaction between the BDNF Val66Met genetic polymorphism and exercise on cognitive function is examined. The review emphasizes the possibility of exercise as a complementary therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, although further research is required to fully understand its effects.
Cross-sectional study on the association between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and prevalence of stroke among US adults: NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Ye Chenglin , Mo Yong , Su Tiansheng , Huang Guangxiang , Lu Jiachao , Tang Shuling , Huang Qianrong , Li Qiuyun , Jiang Qian , Guo Fangzhou , Wu Pinghua , Zhang Guozhong , Yan Jun
Published: January 2025

The neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is a relatively novel composite biomarker of inflammation, which has been used for prognostication in cardiovascular diseases and may also be associated with stroke. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018, including 48,734 individuals with complete NPAR and stroke data. The association between stroke prevalence and NPAR values was assessed through multivariate regression analysis. The relationship between these variables was further visualized using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, potential factors influencing this relationship were explored through subgroup analysis. The regression model revealed a significant association between NPAR and stroke prevalence, even after adjusting for other covariates [1.06 (1.04, 1.08)]. Stroke prevalence was 62% higher in the highest NPAR group compared to the lowest [1.62 (1.40, 1.89)]. The RCS analysis further confirmed this positive correlation. Subgroup analysis showed that this association was not significantly influenced by other factors. This study establishes a strong association between NPAR and stroke prevalence. However, further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and establish a direct causal link.
Altered brain functional network connectivity and topology in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ni Weiwei , Liu Weiyin Vivian , Li Mingrui , Wei Shouchao , Xu Xuanzi , Huang Shutong , Zhu Lanhui , Wang Jieru , Wen Fengling , Zhou Hailing
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accelerates brain aging and disrupts brain functional network connectivity, though the specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate T2DM-driven alterations in brain functional network connectivity and topology.

Methods

Eighty-five T2DM patients and 67 healthy controls (HCs) were included. All participants underwent clinical, neuropsychological, and laboratory tests, followed by MRI examinations, including resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and three-dimensional high-resolution T1-weighted imaging (3D-T1WI) on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Post-image preprocessing, brain functional networks were constructed using the Dosenbach atlas and analyzed with the DPABI-NET toolkit through graph theory.

Results

In T2DM patients, functional connectivity within and between the default mode network (DMN), frontal parietal network (FPN), subcortical network (SCN), ventral attention network (VAN), somatosensory network (SMN), and visual network (VN) was significantly reduced compared to HCs. Conversely, two functional connections within the VN and between the DMN and SMN were significantly increased. Global network topology analysis showed an increased shortest path length and decreased clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and local efficiency in the T2DM group. MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the shortest path length and positively correlated with global and local efficiency in the T2DM group. Node network topology analysis indicated reduced clustering coefficient, degree centrality, eigenvector centrality, and nodal efficiency in multiple nodes in the T2DM group. MoCA scores positively correlated with clustering coefficient and nodal efficiency in the bilateral precentral gyrus in the T2DM group.

Discussion

This study demonstrated significant abnormalities in connectivity and topology of large-scale brain functional networks in T2DM patients. These findings suggest that brain functional network connectivity and topology could serve as imaging biomarkers, providing insights into the underlying neuropathological processes associated with T2DM-related cognitive impairment.
Optimal channel and feature selection for automatic prediction of functional brain age of preterm infant based on EEG
Authors: Li Ling , Li Jiahui , Wu Hui , Zhao Yanping , Liu Qinmei , Zhang Hairong , Xu Wei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Approximately 15 million premature infants are born each year, many of whom face risks of neurological impairments. Accurate assessment of brain maturity is crucial for timely intervention and treatment planning. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive method commonly used for this purpose. However, using all channels and features for brain maturity assessment can lead to high computational burden and overfitting, which can decrease the performance of the prediction system.

Methods

In this study, we propose an automatic prediction framework based on EEG to predict functional brain age (FBA) for assessing brain maturity in preterm infants. To optimize channel selection, we combine Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) with Forward Addition (FA) and Backward Elimination (BE) methods. For feature selection, we combine the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC), Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) model.

Results

The proposed framework achieved a prediction accuracy of 76.71% within ±1 week and 94.52% within ±2 weeks. Effective channel and feature selection significantly improved model performance while reducing computational costs.

Discussion

These results demonstrate that optimizing channel and feature selection can enhance the performance of FBA prediction in preterm infants, offering a more efficient and accurate tool for brain maturity assessment.
Association of oxidative balance score with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in overweight and obese
Authors: Ying Shuxin , Ding Hongyan , Chen Yanjin , Zheng Su
Published: January 2025

Background

The oxidative balance score (OBS) combines diverse dietary components with lifestyle factors to comprehensively evaluate oxidative stress. The investigation focuses on the link between the OBS and mortality outcomes, including cardiovascular and all-cause deaths, in overweight and obese individuals.

Methods

The analysis utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), covering the period from 1999 to 2018. Mortality information, categorized into all-cause and cardiovascular deaths, was gathered from the National Death Index (NDI). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, along with multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling, were utilized to explore the link between OBS and mortality risks. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to assess the robustness of the results and possible effect modifiers. Mediation analysis identifies pathways through which the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Results

In this study, 26,219 participants with overweight or obesity were enrolled, with an average age of 49.8 ± 17.4 years. During a median follow-up duration of 115 months, 2,239 participants (8.5%) died, including 837 (3.2%) from cardiovascular disease. According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, mortality was highest among participants in the lowest OBS quartile (Q1) and lowest among those in the highest quartile (Q4). Participants in the fourth OBS quartile experienced a 21.7% decrease in the risk of mortality from all causes and a 29.5% decrease in cardiovascular mortality risk, according to fully adjusted results, compared to those in the first quartile. These results were validated through subgroup analyses. The analysis of RCS revealed a notable inverse association between OBS and mortality outcomes. Mediation analysis indicates that white blood cell count (WBC) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) serve as significant mediators in the association between OBS and mortality risk.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of OBS were strongly linked to reduced potential for both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among individuals who are overweight or obese.
Case report: Clonal evolution analysis of a rare case of meningioma lung metastases identifies actionable alterations in matched longitudinal tumour samples
Authors: Cosgrove Nicola , Fitzpatrick Orla M. , Grogan Liam , Hennessy Bryan T. , Furney Simon J. , Toomey Sinead
Published: January 2025

Metastatic meningioma is rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients, and very few case studies have been reported, in particular for those that have spread to the lungs. Here we describe a rare case of metastatic meningioma to the lungs. Following a discussion at a medical oncology multi-disciplinary team meeting, whole genome sequencing was requested in November 2021 and discussed at a neurosurgical molecular tumor board in June 2022. Sequencing was performed on matched longitudinal collected samples of the primary tumor resection, the re-excised recurrent tumor after adjuvant radiation therapy, the lung metastases before treatment with sunitinib, and one paired blood sample for tumor-normal analysis. Whole genome characterization and clonal evolution analysis confirmed neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene loss as the main driver of this cancer. In the same cancer clone as NF2, we identified a BRCA2 (p.E51K) mutation was present in all tumors, which may represent a potential driver event, though evidence supporting this is currently limited. Although this mutation is predicted to potentially influence homologous recombination, its clinical relevance as a biomarker for PARP inhibition remains speculative and requires further investigation. We also noted a SETD2 (p.S1885N) mutation that was present only in the recurrent tumor which was identified as a predicted biomarker of response to WEE1 inhibition. There was a stepwise increase in tumor mutational burden (TMB) from the primary meningioma to lung metastases, suggesting this patient may have been a candidate for immunotherapy.
Discrimination of superficial lymph nodes using ultrasonography and tissue metabolomics coupled with machine learning
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Xinyue , Deng Hongyan , Lu Wenjuan , Zhou Yasu , Ye Xinhua , Li Yong , Wang Jie
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Diagnosing the types of malignant lymphoma could help determine the most suitable treatment, anticipate the probability of recurrence and guide long-term monitoring and follow-up care.

Methods

We evaluated the differences in benign, lymphoma and metastasis superficial lymph nodes using ultrasonography and tissue metabolomics.

Results

Our findings indicated that three ultrasonographic features, blood supply pattern, cortical echo, and cortex elasticity, hold potential in differentiating malignant lymph nodes from benign ones, and the shape and corticomedullary boundary emerged as significant indicators for distinguishing between metastatic and lymphoma groups. Metabolomics revealed the difference in metabolic profiles among lymph nodes. We observed significant increases in many amino acids, organic acids, lipids, and nucleosides in both lymphoma and metastasis groups, compared to the benign group. Specifically, the lymphoma group exhibited higher levels of nucleotides (inosine monophosphate and adenosine diphosphate) as well as glutamic acid, and the metastasis group was characterized by higher levels of carbohydrates, acylcarnitines, glycerophospholipids, and uric acid. Linear discriminant analysis coupled with these metabolites could be used for differentiating lymph nodes, achieving recognition rates ranging from 87.4% to 89.3%, outperforming ultrasonography (63.1% to 75.4%).

Discussion

Our findings could contribute to a better understanding of malignant lymph node development and provide novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
Improper lung volume-dose parameters are risk factors for acute fatal radiation pneumonitis among esophageal cancer patients receiving chemoradiotherapy: a case-control study
Authors: Jia Ruinuo , Li Liuyan , Liu Xiaoyi , Zhang Junqian , Li Shuoguo , Wang Ziqi , Li Jingxia , Xu Bingyi , Sheng Manxi , Ni Lei , Yang Danni , Gao Shegan
Published: January 2025

Background

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (DCRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced unresectable esophageal cancer (EC). However, acute fatal radiation pneumonitis (AFRP) is one of the most harmful complications and it is still controversial which factors pose a greater risk.

Aim

This case-control study aims to investigate the relationship between AFRP and lung volume-dose parameters in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing DCRT.

Methods

Cases are patients who died of AFRP after DCRT, whereas controls are patients who did not develop RP. Participants were enrolled using the International Classification of Diseases Codes Searching and then verified by medical record review. One-to-three propensity score matching was performed between EC patients undergoing DCRT who died from AFRP and those who did not develop radiation pneumonitis(RP). Prognostic factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. The exposure factors were lung volume-dose parameters, including V5, V20, V30, and mean lung dose (MLD). Overall survival was compared between the two groups of patients before and after propensity score matching.

Results

17 cases were confirmed with AFRP among 568 EC patients were treated with DCRT between June 2008 and June 2013, and 51 cases with no RP matched by PSM method in the control group. The median V5 and MLD values in the case group were significantly higher than the control group: 88.39% versus 65.045% and 17.325 gray (Gy) versus 14.38 Gy, respectively. V5 > 60%, V20 > 25%, and MLD > 15 Gy were identified as independent risk factors for AFRP. V5 > 80% significantly increased the susceptibility to AFRP and predicted worse overall survival.

Conclusion

V5 > 60%, V20 > 25% and MLD > 15 Gy are key risk factors for AFRP in EC patients undergoing DCRT. Furthermore, V5 > 80% is a strong indicator of mortality risk.
Analysis of risk factors for the development of obesity in preschool children: a logistic model analysis
Authors: Jin Huasheng , Zhou Huihui , Chen Kai
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Obesity, characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, has become a significant global health concern. The prevalence of obesity in preschool children is rising across regions, highlighting the need for a thorough analysis of risk factors and effective interventions to address this growing epidemic. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the main risk factors for the development of obesity in preschool children and explore effective interventions.

Methods

We collected clinical data from 910 preschool children who underwent a physical examination at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023. Based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, we categorized the children into two groups: the obesity group (149 cases) and the non-obesity group (761 cases). Using univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling, we identified risk factors associated with obesity development.

Results

Out of the 910 children, 149 were diagnosed as obese, representing 16.37% of the total. High birth weight, high parental body mass index (BMI), picky eating habits, preference for meat, frequent consumption of junk food, and binge eating were found to be significant risk factors for obesity in preschool children. Meanwhile, higher parental education levels and longer daily outdoor activity times were considered protective factors against obesity.

Discussion

Effective interventions targeting the above risk factors are necessary to minimize the incidence of obesity and promote the healthy development of children.
The impact of teacher care on teacher-student relationship: evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal data
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Yuxin , Deng Wenqing , Ma Xueling , Qi Chunhui
Published: January 2025

Based on a sample of middle school students from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) database, this study explores the relationship between parental perceived teacher care and teacher-student relationship and the role of teacher gender in it through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Study 1 found that there was a significant positive correlation between teacher gender, parental perceived teacher care and teacher-student relationship. Analysis of simple moderation effects suggests that teacher gender plays a moderating role in the relationship between parental perceived teacher care and teacher-student relationships. Subsequent simple slope analysis indicates that the influence of female teacher care on teacher-student relationship is notably stronger than that of male teacher care. Study 2 Descriptive statistical results indicated that during the seventh and eighth grades of Chinese middle school students, the level of teacher care showed a slight decrease, and teacher-student relationship showed a decreasing trend. Correlational results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between parental perceived teacher care and teacher-student relationship at both time points. Further analysis using cross-lagged models revealed that teacher care significantly positively predicted subsequent teacher-student relationship, and teacher-student relationship significantly positively predicted subsequent teacher care. This bidirectional predictive relationship did not have the moderation of teacher gender. Based on these findings, educators should strengthen the communication and cooperation between parents and teachers, and create a benign educational atmosphere for student interaction in school and family.
Stigmatization of people with mental illness – a matter of milieu-specific worldviews? Results from a population-based survey in Germany
Authors: Spahlholz Jenny , Baumann Eva , Speerforck Sven , Sander Christian , Angermeyer Matthias C. , Schomerus Georg
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite numerous awareness campaigns and anti-stigma programs, people with mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, are still stigmatized. Although the society is both cause and solution, societal-level conditions, such as society’s customs and policies that legitimize and perpetuate stigmatization is often neglected. We used a milieu approach to investigate how shared social, cultural and political orientations and expectations are associated with manifestations of the mental-illness related stigma.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from 3,042 adults aged ≥18 years from a national vignette-based representative survey on the stigma of mental illness in Germany from 2020. For milieu classification, we used an established population segmentation tool based on values and political preferences. Two stigma measures associated with the stereotype and status loss/discrimination components were assessed (i.e., the Social Distance Scale and a list of well-known stereotypes associated with depression or schizophrenia). Descriptive analyses and one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc pairwise contrasts between milieu groups were used to evaluate agreement on stereotypes and the desire for social distance towards people with depression or schizophrenia.

Results

Negative stereotypes about people with a depression (i.e., beliefs about being weak-willed) and schizophrenia (i.e., beliefs about dangerousness) tended to be more common in milieu groups leaning more toward the authoritarian pole. Milieu groups with a more liberal attitude on the socio-cultural dimension further expressed a lower desire for social distance towards people with depression (p<0.001). However, the extent of differentiation between the milieu groups was less pronounced regarding the desire for social distance towards people with schizophrenia than towards people with depression.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that socio-cultural and socioeconomic dimensions of the society can be used for both describing heterogeneous societies and illuminating the underlying social structure of stigma. In addition to making blind spots more visible (i.e., schizophrenia), milieu-specific knowledge could be useful in deciding which intervention components are most appropriate for which milieu groups and how to apply them successfully.
Diagnosis of depression based on facial multimodal data
Authors: Jin Nani , Ye Renjia , Li Peng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Depression is a serious mental health disease. Traditional scale-based depression diagnosis methods often have problems of strong subjectivity and high misdiagnosis rate, so it is particularly important to develop automatic diagnostic tools based on objective indicators.

Methods

This study proposes a deep learning method that fuses multimodal data to automatically diagnose depression using facial video and audio data. We use spatiotemporal attention module to enhance the extraction of visual features and combine the Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) and the Long and Short Term Memory (LSTM) to analyze the audio features. Through the multi-modal feature fusion, the model can effectively capture different feature patterns related to depression.

Results

We conduct extensive experiments on the publicly available clinical dataset, the Extended Distress Analysis Interview Corpus (E-DAIC). The experimental results show that we achieve robust accuracy on the E-DAIC dataset, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 3.51 in estimating PHQ-8 scores from recorded interviews.

Discussion

Compared with existing methods, our model shows excellent performance in multi-modal information fusion, which is suitable for early evaluation of depression.