bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel machine learning methodology for the systematic extraction of chronic kidney disease comorbidities from abstracts
Authors: Sághy Eszter , Elsharkawy Mostafa , Moriarty Frank , Kovács Sándor , Wittmann István , Zemplényi Antal
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health concern and is frequently underdiagnosed due to its subtle initial symptoms, contributing to increasing morbidity and mortality. A comprehensive understanding of CKD comorbidities could lead to the identification of risk-groups, more effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Our research presents a two-fold objective: developing an effective machine learning (ML) workflow for text classification and entity relation extraction and assembling a broad list of diseases influencing CKD development and progression.

Methods

We analysed 39,680 abstracts with CKD in the title from the Embase library. Abstracts about a disease affecting CKD development and/or progression were selected by multiple ML classifiers trained on a human-labelled sample. The best classifier was further trained with active learning. Disease names in question were extracted from the selected abstracts using a novel entity relation extraction methodology. The resulting disease list and their corresponding abstracts were manually checked and a final disease list was created.

Findings

The SVM model gave the best results and was chosen for further training with active learning. This optimised ML workflow enabled us to discern 68 comorbidities across 15 ICD-10 disease groups contributing to CKD progression or development. The reading of the ML-selected abstracts showed that some diseases have direct causal effect on CKD, while others, like schizophrenia, has indirect causal effect on CKD.

Interpretation

These findings have the potential to guide future CKD investigations, by facilitating the inclusion of a broader array of comorbidities in CKD prognostic models. Ultimately, our study enhances understanding of prognostic comorbidities and supports clinical practice by enabling improved patient monitoring, preventive strategies, and early detection for individuals at higher CKD development or progression risk.
Technological innovation, trade openness, natural resources, clean energy on environmental sustainably: a competitive assessment between CO2 emission, ecological footprint, load capacity factor and inverted load capacity factor in BRICS+T
Authors: Sun Jie , Qamruzzaman Md.
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the relationship between technological innovation, clean energy, trade openness, and natural resource rents on environmental sustainability within BRICS + T nations. Motivated by the urgent need to address escalating CO2 emissions—reaching 36.4 billion metric tons in 2022—the research aims to understand how these factors influence CO2 emissions, ecological footprint, load capacity factor, and its inverse, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study uses panel data from BRICS + T countries spanning the period from 1990 to 2022. Employing advanced econometric techniques such as Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression (DSUR), Cross-Sectionally Augmented Panel Unit Root (CUP-FM, CUP-BC), and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models, the research tests the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis and evaluates asymmetric effects of the variables. Key findings indicate that technological innovation consistently reduces CO2 emissions and ecological footprints, reinforcing its role in promoting sustainability through cleaner technologies and more efficient industrial processes. Clean energy adoption has also been shown to be a significant driver in reducing environmental degradation, with consistent negative effects on emissions and ecological footprint, while improving the load capacity factor. However, trade openness exhibits a dual effect. While it enhances resource use efficiency, it simultaneously increases CO2 emissions and the ecological footprint, likely due to heightened industrial activity. Natural resource rents display mixed results: in some cases, they exacerbate emissions, while in others, they contribute to sustainability by funding eco-friendly initiatives. The study recommends that BRICS + T nations prioritize investments in green technologies, strengthen environmental regulations, and enhance international collaboration to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Policymakers should balance the benefits of trade openness with stricter environmental standards to mitigate its adverse effects on sustainability. These integrated strategies are essential for achieving the environmental targets outlined in the SDGs.
The role of green finance in reshaping end-use energy consumption: insights from regional evidence in China
Authors: Deng Mingzheng , Lu Xiangyi , Tong Ruibin , Xue Yan , Shi Shuaihang , Guo Rui
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Green finance plays a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy by influencing energy consumption patterns. Despite growing interest in this area, the relationship between green finance and the optimization of end-use energy consumption remains underexplored, particularly in the context of regional disparities.

Methods

This study investigates the impact of green finance on end-use energy consumption structure across 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2021. A system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model and a panel threshold model are employed to analyze the relationship, incorporating nonlinearities and regional heterogeneities.

Results

The findings indicate that green finance significantly reduces reliance on high-carbon energy sources and fosters cleaner energy consumption, particularly in provinces with advanced green financial systems. The effects are nonlinear, becoming evident only after green finance surpasses a certain threshold. Stronger impacts are observed in eastern regions due to mature financial infrastructures, whereas central and western regions experience comparatively weaker outcomes.

Discussion

Contrary to expectations, mediating factors such as industrial structure, energy efficiency, and green innovation have limited explanatory power for the observed impacts. These results highlight the need for tailored green financial policies and enhanced regional support mechanisms to accelerate sustainable energy transitions. This research underscores the transformative potential of green finance in energy governance and its contribution to achieving sustainable development goals.
Circular RNA microarray expression profile and potential function of circDOCK1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Guojing , Wu Xiaoyan , Fu Hongmin , Sun Daqing
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Endoscopic tissue biopsy combined with histopathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the invasive nature of this procedure hinders its acceptance by patients. Therefore, there exists a critical need to identify novel markers facilitating early CRC detection and prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) hold promise as novel clinical diagnostic markers. This study aimed to investigate the impact of circDOCK1 on CRC metastasis and prognosis as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We explored circRNA expression profiles in four pairs of CRC tissues and adjacent non-carcinoma tissues via microarray analysis. After Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and circRNA–miRNA network analyses, circDOCK1 was chosen for further investigation. We evaluated its clinical relevance in 80 CRC tissue pairs and adjacent controls, correlating circDOCK1 expression with clinical characteristics. Follow-up data from patient telephone interviews were analyzed for survival outcomes. Transfection efficiency was confirmed via qRT-PCR in HCT116 and SW480 colon cells, and the effects of circDOCK1 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed.

Results

Microarray data revealed 149 significantly differentially expressed circRNAs, including 71 upregulated and 78 downregulated circRNAs, in CRC tissues. CircDOCK1 exhibited elevated expression in patients with CRC and emerged as an independent prognostic factor. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis suggested that circDOCK1 expression is an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with CRC. In vivo experiments revealed that circDOCK1 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, with consistent results upon circDOCK1 downregulation.

Conclusion

These data indicate that circDOCK1 may play a role in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, suggesting its potential as a CRC biomarker.
Enhancing the utility of polygenic scores in Alzheimer’s disease through systematic curation and annotation
Authors: Mwesigwa Savannah , Dai Yulin , Enduru Nitesh , Zhao Zhongming
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Polygenic Scores (PGSs) assess cumulative genetic risk variants that contribute to the association with complex diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The PGS Catalog is a valuable repository of PGSs of various complex diseases, but it lacks standardized annotations and harmonization, making the information difficult to integrate for a specific disease.

Methods

In this study, we curated 44 PGS datasets for AD from the PGS Catalog, categorized them into five methodological groups, and annotated 813,257 variants to nearby genes. We aligned the scores based on the “GWAS significant variants” (GWAS-SV) method with the GWAS Catalog and flagged redundant files and those with a “limited scope” due to insufficient external GWAS support. Using rank aggregation (RA), we prioritized consistently important variants and provided an R package, “PgsRankRnnotatR,” to automate this process.

Results

Of the six RA methods evaluated, “Dowdall” method was the most robust. Our refined dataset, enhanced by multiple RA options, is a valuable resource for AD researchers selecting PGSs or exploring AD-related genetic variants.

Discussion

Our approach offers a framework for curating, harmonizing, and prioritizing PGS datasets, improving their usability for AD research. By integrating multiple RA methods and automating the process, we provide a flexible tool that enhances PGS selection and genetic variant exploration. This framework can be extended to other complex diseases or traits, facilitating broader applications in genetic risk assessment.
Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zhan , Zhang Yao , Chen Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

The prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for prostate cancer (PCa) patients receiving different treatments remains unclear. This research examined the relevance of SII in individuals undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) dat3 abases were used to search literature up to May 2024. The quality was evaluated with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Outcomes examined were associations between SII and overall survival (OS), biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Pooled analysis, Egger’s test, and sensitivity analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 15.1. The GRADE system was employed to evaluate and grade the evidence for each outcome. Subgroup analyses were performed for outcomes with significant heterogeneity to evaluate the possible confounders, if data were sufficient.

Results

Out of 101 identified studies, eight studies involving 8,267 individuals were included. Patients with higher SII had shorter overall survival (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.31-2.71; P = 0.0006), biochemical recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08-2.22; P = 0.02), and cancer-specific survival (HR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.66-7.94; P = 0.001). The evidence for OS and CSS was rated very low-quality due to serious heterogeneity and/or imprecision. The prognostic value of SII for BFS was rated as low-quality evidence, given no serious risk observed. Subgroup analysis showed that, except for the subgroup aged >65 years (HR: 3.70; 95%CI: 0.91, 15.06, P=0.07), the prognostic value of SII for OS was not significant, but the prognostic value of SII for OS in other subgroups was still significant.

Conclusions

High SII was linked to shorter OS, BFS, and CSS in patients undergoing RP. However, the quality of the evidence provided by this study was low.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024558431.
Phase I study of pembrolizumab in combination with ibrutinib for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma
Authors: Yao Yuan , Yan Yiyi , Suman Vera J. , Dietz Allan B. , Erskine Courtney L. , Dimou Anastasios , Markovic Svetomir N. , McWilliams Robert R. , Montane Heather N. , Block Matthew S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been transformative in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma, but primary and secondary resistance to ICI treatment is common. One key mechanism for ICI resistance is the skewing of the immune response from a cytotoxic (Th1) to a chronic inflammatory (Th2) profile. The small molecule ibrutinib is a dual-target agent that inhibits Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) and Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell Kinase (ITK), a key regulator of Th2 immunity. Therefore, combining ibrutinib and pembrolizumab could potentially induce an increase in Th1 immune polarity in melanoma patients. We hypothesize that the combination would be well-tolerated and might result in clinical benefit for patients with metastatic melanoma. The primary aim of this phase I study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ibrutinib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Methods

A 3 + 3 phase I clinical trial was conducted in patients with unresectable Stage III or metastatic melanoma (stage IV) not amenable to local therapy. Pembrolizumab (200 mg/kg every 3 weeks) was combined with ibrutinib, administered orally at the dose assigned at the time of registration (140 mg daily, 280 mg daily, and 420 mg daily). Patients were treated until disease progression, intolerability, or patient decision to discontinue. Blood samples were collected after each cycle of treatment for immunophenotyping and Th1/Th2 polarity assessment based on immune response markers.

Results

Between January 31, 2017 and January 9, 2023, 17 patients were enrolled. The MTD of ibrutinib in combination with pembrolizumab was determined to be 420 mg daily. The adverse events leading to discontinuation included: grade 4 ALT and AST increase (1 pt, DL0); grade 4 ALT increase with grade 3 AST increase (1 pt, DL1); and grade 3 hyponatremia, hypoxia, and maculo-papular rash (1 pt, DL1). Three of the 16 patients treated had objective responses (2 partial responses, 1 complete response) lasting over 8 months. The median progression-free survival was 3 months, and median and overall survival was 1.8 years. The combination treatment did not result in consistent increase in Th1 immune polarity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the maximum tolerated dose of ibrutinib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma was established at 420 mg by mouth once daily. The combination was well-tolerated but did not result in a consistent increase in Th1 immune polarity; further investigation is needed to assess the relative clinical efficacy of this approach. (Funded by Pharmacyclics; ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03021460)

Clinical trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03021460.
Case report: Multi-organ injuries induced by tislelizumab
Authors: Yuan Man , Han Ning , Shu Li , Yan Libo , Tang Hong
Published: February 2025

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) often develops immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, irAEs-induced multi-organ injuries remain a rare event. We herein report a case of multi-organ injuries induced by tislelizumab in a lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patient. A 68-year-old man had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and tislelizumab. He presented with a 1-month history of nausea and poor appetite after the second dose of therapy. During investigations, rhabdomyolysis, liver, kidney, and thyroid damage were detected. After multi-disciplinary consultation, multi-organ injuries related to ICIs (striated muscle, liver, kidney, and thyroid) were considered to result from cumulated irAEs induced by tislelizumab. The patient was treated with levothyroxine, methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulins, and continuous renal replacement therapy. After treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital. The patient presented with multiple organ damage, not single immunity treatment adverse reactions, relatively rare. In clinical work, irAEs are likely not a single-system organ disorder and many kinds of attention need to be combined with the risk of multi-system damage.
Generation and characterization of chicken monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Ngantcha Tatchou Elie , Milcamps Romane , Oldenhove Guillaume , Lambrecht Bénédicte , Ingrao Fiona
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in orchestrating immune responses by bridging innate and adaptive immunity. In vitro generation of DCs from mouse and human tissues such as bone marrow and peripheral blood monocytes, has been widely used to study their immunological functions. In chicken, DCs have mainly been derived from bone marrow cell cultures, with limited characterization from blood monocytes.

Methods

The present study takes advantage of newly available chicken immunological tools to further characterize chicken monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs), focusing on their phenotype, and functions, including antigen capture and T-cell stimulation, and response to live Newcastle disease virus (NDV) stimulation.

Results

Adherent chicken PBMCs were cultured with recombinant chicken granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), for 5 days, leading to the upregulation of putative CD11c and MHCII, markers of DC differentiation. Subsequent stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or 24 h triggered phenotypic maturation of MoDCs, characterized by the increased surface expression of MHCII and co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD40, and elevated IL-12p40 secretion. This maturation reduced endocytic capacity but enhanced the allogenic stimulatory activity of the chicken MoDCs. Upon NDV stimulation for 6 h, MoDCs upregulated antiviral pathways, including retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), alongside increased production of type I interferons (IFNs), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6. However, these responses were downregulated after 24 hours.

Conclusion

These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of chicken MoDCs and suggest their potential as a model for studying host-pathogen interactions.
A comprehensive review of yttrium aluminum nitride: crystal structure, growth techniques, properties, and applications
Authors: Afshar N. , Yassine M. , Ambacher O.
Published: February 2025

YAlN has emerged as a wide band gap semiconductor with high potential to compete with ScAlN in industrial applications. Theoretical predictions about YAlN’s material properties have been the main motivation for conducting experimental investigations and verify simulated results. However, several challenges have been faced in experimental studies on YAlN that contradict theoretical data, especially when trying to reach higher alloy concentrations. This work presents a systematic review analyzing different material properties including structural characterization, elastic properties, and thermal features. It combines all available experimental data on the growth and reported material parameters, such as band gap, lattice parameters, and electrical properties with the aim of introducing a new motivation to further study YAlN’s potential in various fields of device applications. The review provides a comprehensive overview on the current state of knowledge on YAlN, highlighting the discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental results. By providing information from multiple studies, this work offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with YAlN development, paving the way for future research directions and potential industrial applications of this promising wide band gap semiconductor.
Association between systemic inflammatory response index and glaucoma incidence from 2005 to 2008
Authors: Li Xiang , Sun Yi Qing , Zhong Xiao Dan , Zhang Zhi Jie , Tang Jia Feng , Luo Zhan Yang
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and glaucoma using data from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from NHANES (2005–2008). Among participants who underwent non-mydriatic retinal imaging and Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) visual field testing, 4,514 were included after excluding those with missing key variable data. SIRI and other inflammatory indices, including the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), were calculated from blood samples. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between these indices and glaucoma, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables.

Results

A significant positive association was found between elevated log2SIRI levels and the prevalence of glaucoma (Model 3: OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.44, p < 0.005). We performed an in-depth analysis of the Log2SIRI quartiles and found a significant association between Log2SIRI Q4 and the occurrence of glaucoma (Model 3: OR1.62, 95%CI 1.12–2.34, p = 0.011). This correlation was further validated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) in Model 3(AUC = 0.674).

Conclusion

Elevated SIRI levels are significantly associated with the prevalence of glaucoma, highlighting the potential role of systemic inflammation in glaucoma pathogenesis. SIRI may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of glaucoma, facilitating early detection and targeted intervention strategies. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical applications.
Profiling the diversity of the village chicken faecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing data to reveal patterns of gut microbiome signatures
Authors: Nene Mxolisi , Kunene Nokuthula Winfred , Pierneef Rian , Hadebe Khanyisile
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The production environment of extensively raised village chickens necessitates their adaptability to low-resource systems. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in supporting this adaptability by influencing health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and functional capacities of the faecal microbiome in village chickens from Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.

Methods

Using a combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing technologies, we analysed 98 16S rRNA and 72 metagenomic datasets. Taxonomic profiles and functional gene annotations were derived, focusing on microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and potential zoonotic pathogens.

Results

Taxonomic analysis showed that the predominant phyla in both provinces were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Escherichia and Shigella were prevalent, with Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae identified as major contributors to the gut microbiome. ARGs were identified, with MarA, PmrF, and AcrE detected in KwaZulu-Natal, and cpxA, mdtG, and TolA in Limpopo. These genes primarily mediate antibiotic efflux and alteration.

Discussion

The detection of zoonotic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. highlights potential health risks to humans through the food chain, emphasizing the importance of improved household hygiene practices. This study underscores the role of the gut microbiome in village chicken health and adaptability, linking microbial diversity to production efficiency in low-resource settings. Targeted interventions and further research are crucial for mitigating zoonotic risks and enhancing sustainability in village chicken farming.
Exploring the recombinant evolution and hosts of crucivirus based on novel oyster-associated viruses
Authors: Zhang Hong-Sai , Liu Chang , Liu Guang-Feng , Chen Yu-Yu , Zhu Peng , Xu Xin , Yin Bing-Xin , Jiang Jing-Zhe
Published: February 2025

“Crucivirus” represents a group of viruses with chimeric genomes, significant for viral evolution and recombination studies. Their capsid proteins share homology with the RNA virus tombusvirus, while their replicase-associated proteins are homologous to a class of single-stranded DNA viruses, namely CRESS DNA viruses. This study identifies seven novel crucivirus genomes from oysters cultivated along the coast of the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that five sequences form a distinct branch, which may indicate the presence of a new subclass within the crucivirus family. We analyzed crucivirus from multiple perspectives, including viral genomes, hallmark proteins, sequence similarity, and potential hosts. The results indicate that the crucivirus genomes and replicase-associated proteins (Rep) from oysters conform to the typical characteristics of crucivirus; Crucivirus Rep appears to have a direct parallel origin from multiple clades of CRESS DNA viruses, while only the S-domain of their capsid proteins shows some evolutionary relationship with tombusvirus. We found protein sequences in rotifers that are highly similar to the Cap three-dimensional structure of crucivirus, which may suggest host relevance. Overall, this study provides new insights into the classification, evolution, and host origins of crucivirus.
Exogenous plasmid capture to characterize tetracycline-resistance plasmids in sprouts obtained from retail in Germany
Authors: Stein Maria , Brinks Erik , Habermann Diana , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to characterize antibiotic-resistance plasmids present in microorganisms from sprout samples using exogenous plasmid capture. Fresh mung bean sprouts were predominantly colonized by bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. To capture plasmids, a plasmid-free Escherichia (E.) coli CV601 strain, containing a green fluorescent protein gene for selection, was used as the recipient strain in exogenous plasmid capture experiments. Transconjugants were selected on media containing cefotaxime or tetracycline antibiotics. While no cefotaxime-resistant transconjugants were obtained, 40 tetracycline-resistant isolates were obtained and sequenced by Illumina NextSeq short read and Nanopore MinION long read sequencing. Sequences were assembled using Unicycler hybrid assembly. Most of the captured long plasmids carried either the tet(A) or tet(D) resistance gene, belonged to the IncFI or IncFII replicon types, and were predicted as conjugative. While the smaller plasmids contained the tet(A) tetracycline resistance gene as well as additional quinolone (qnrS1), sulfonamide (sul1) and trimethoprim (dfrA1) resistance genes, the larger plasmids only contained the tet(D) resistance gene. An exception was the largest 192 kbp plasmid isolated, which contained the tet(D), as well as sulfonamide (sul1) and streptomycin (aadA1) resistance genes. The smaller plasmid was isolated from different sprout samples more often and showed a 100% identity in size (71,155 bp), while the 180 kbp plasmids showed some smaller or larger differences (in size between 157,683 to 192,360 bp). This suggested that the plasmids obtained from the similar sprout production batches could be clonally related. Nanopore MinION based 16S metagenomics showed the presence of Enterobacter (En.) cloacae, En. ludwigii, En. kobei, Citrobacter (C.) werkmanii, C. freundii, Klebsiella (K.) oxytoca and K. pneumonia, which have previously been isolated from fresh produce in Germany. These bacteria may harbor antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids that could potentially be transferred to similar genera. This study demonstrated that bacteria present in sprouts may act as the donors of antibiotic resistance plasmids which can transfer resistance to other bacteria on this product via conjugation.
A synthesized view of the CSF-blood barrier and its surgical implications for aging disorders
Authors: Taha Birra , McGovern Robert , Lam Cornelius
Published: February 2025

In this review, we explore the mechanisms of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier and CSF transport. We briefly review the mathematical framework for CSF transport as described by a set of well-studied partial differential equations. Moreover, we describe the major contributors of CSF flow through both diffusive and convective forces beginning at the molecular level and extending into macroscopic clinical observations. In addition, we review neurosurgical perspectives in understanding CSF outflow pathways. Finally, we discuss the implications of flow dysregulation in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the rising role of perivascular drainage pathways including glymphatics.
A bibliometric analysis of research on dementia comorbid with depression from 2005 to 2024
Authors: Li Xia , Su Wei , Cai Lili
Published: February 2025

Introduction

With the global rise in life expectancy, the incidence of dementia is increasing, often accompanied by depressive symptoms. Understanding the interplay between dementia and depression is crucial, as depression may not only co-occur with but also potentially exacerbate the progression of dementia. This study employs bibliometric analysis to map the global research landscape, identify prevailing themes, and discern future research directions.

Methods

We analyzed reviews and original research articles on dementia and depression extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning from 2005 to 2024. Utilizing tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and an R-based bibliometric analysis package, we assessed trends in publication volume, citation frequency, contributing countries, leading institutions, predominant journals, influential authors, and emergent keywords.

Results

A total of 1972 publications were obtained, revealing a consistent increase in both the number of publications and their citation impact over the study period. The United States is the country with the most publications and the most extensive collaborations. The University of Toronto and the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease were identified as key contributors to this field. This research area is currently focused on cognitive impairments, the role of gut microbiota, and non-drug interventions. Future directions emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention, a deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis, and the integration of technology in treatment strategies. Additionally, there is a growing interest in the physiological and psychological interplays such as oxidative stress and its implications.

Conclusion

This study underscores pathogenesis, comorbid conditions, and non-drug interventions as primary research focal points, suggesting these areas as potential pathways for therapeutic innovation. These insights are intended to deepen our understanding, enhance diagnostics, and improve the management of dementia and depression, providing guidance for future research aimed at addressing these escalating global health challenges.
Computational and in vitro evaluation of sumac-derived ©Rutan compounds towards Sars-CoV-2 Mpro inhibition
Authors: Kayumov Muzaffar , Marimuthu Parthiban , Razzokov Jamoliddin , Mukhamedov Nurkhodja , Asrorov Akmal , Berdiev Nodir S. , Ziyavitdinov Jamolitdin F. , Yashinov Ansor , Oshchepkova Yuliya , Salikhov Shavkat , Mirzaakhmedov Sharafitdin
Published: February 2025

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus caused the COVID-19 outbreak leading to a global pandemic. Natural substances started being screened for their antiviral activity by computational and in-vitro techniques. Here, we evaluated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) efficacy of ©Rutan, which contains five polyphenols (R5, R6, R7, R7’, and R8) extracted from sumac Rhus coriaria L. We obtained three fractions after large-scale purification: fraction 1 held R5, fraction 2 consisted of R6, R7 and R7’, and fraction 3 held R8. In vitro results showed their anti-Mpro potential: IC50 values of R5 and R8 made 42.52 µM and 5.48 µM, respectively. Further, we studied Mpro-polyphenol interactions by in silico analysis to understand mechanistic extrapolation of Rutan binding nature with Mpro. We extensively incorporated a series of in silico techniques. Initially, for the docking protocol validation, redocking of the co-crystal ligand GC-376* to the binding pocket of Mpro was carried out. The representative docked complexes were subjected to long-range 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations. The binding free energy (BFE in kcal/mol) of components were calculated as follows: R8 (−104.636) > R6 (−93.754) > R7’ (−92.113) > R5 (−81.115) > R7 (−67.243). In silico results of R5 and R8 correspond with their in vitro outcomes. Furthermore, the per-residue decomposition analysis showed C145, E166, and Q189 residues as the hotspot residues for components contributing to maximum BFE energies. All five components effectively interact with the catalytic pocket of Mpro and form stable complexes that allow the estimation of their inhibitory activity. Assay kit analyses revealed that Rutan and its components have effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitory activity.
Some novel exact solutions for the generalized time-space fractional coupled Hirota-Satsuma KdV equation
Authors: Cheng Yueling , Hong Siyuan , Yang Shujun , Chi Xu , Yang Jinghao
Published: February 2025

In this paper, two efficient methods, namely the modified G′/G,1/G-expansion method and the G′/bG′+G+a-expansion method, are employed to obtain novel exact wave solutions for the generalized time-space fractional coupled Hirota-Satsuma KdV equation. Various types of analytical explicit solutions, including well-known bell-shape solitons, mixed solitary wave solutions, and periodic wave solutions are obtained. These solutions are of great significance for revealing the nonlinear interaction between two long waves with different dispersion effects. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional distribution maps and contour plots corresponding to partial solutions are simulated to visually display the evolution process of relevant physical quantities over time. Moreover, the potential applications of these solutions in nano/micro devices and systems, especially in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) are discussed. It is demonstrated that the methods and processes utilized have strong applicability for constructing analytical solutions of nonlinear evolution equations.
Early selective attention to the articulating mouth as a potential female-specific marker of better language development in autism: a review
Authors: Lozano Itziar , Viktorsson Charlotte , Capelli Elena , Gliga Teodora , Riva Valentina , Tomalski Przemysław
Published: February 2025

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with early onset, usually entailing language differences compared to neurotypical peers. Females are four times less likely than males to be diagnosed with autism, and the language features associated with this condition are less frequent in females than in males. However, the developmental mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain unclear. In neurotypical populations, sex differences in language development are also observable from early on, with females outperforming males. One mechanism underlying these sex differences may be early differences in selective attention to talking faces. During the first year, more mouth-looking generally predicts better language development, but sex differences exist. Female infants look at the mouth of a talking face more than males without penalizing looking to the eyes, and reduced mouth-looking in early infancy relates to better vocabulary in toddlerhood only in females. In this hypothesis and theory article, we propose that unique female gaze patterns to the mouth may constitute an early female-specific candidate marker that acts as a protective marker for language development also in autism. Since autism is highly heritable, investigating infants at elevated likelihood for autism offers the opportunity to search for sex-specific markers operating early in life before autistic features and language differences emerge. We argue that, as in neurotypical female infants, mouth-looking may also protect female infants-at-elevated-likelihood-for-autism population from potential later differences in language skills. If so, then sex-specific early behavioral markers, potentially acting as protective markers of language, may compensate for some genetic risk markers affecting this population. Here we gather evidence from neurotypical infants and those with elevated likelihood of autism to uncover why biological sex, the development of selective attention to the mouth, and language acquisition could be intimately related in both populations. We also propose hypotheses regarding potential sex-differentiated neurodevelopmental pathways. We end discussing future research challenges: how generalizable mouth-looking could be as a potential female-specific early language marker across contexts (experimental vs. real life), countries, and developmental time. Ultimately, we aim to target a novel protective candidate of language acquisition, informing tailored interventions that consider sex as an important source of individual variability.
The prevalence of and the effect of global stressors on eating disorders among medical students
Authors: Almahmeed Muneera B. , Almutawa Muna A. , Naguib Yahya M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are among the most serious forms of psychiatric illness, potentially leading to multi-systemic complications. Owing to their high stress levels, medical students are more likely to experience mental health difficulties that predispose them to developing EDs. Societal stigmatization and misinformation, especially in a middle eastern context, contribute to the underreporting and challenges in seeking the appropriate treatment at an early stage, increasing the risk of complications and mortality. EDs remain an under-studied phenomena in the middle east, limiting understanding and treatment options.

Objective

The objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of EDs, potential contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an independent global stressor among medical students at the Arabian Gulf University.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of a three-part self-administered questionnaire comprising of demographic data, the Eating Attitudes-26 (EAT-26) test, and COVID-19 associated stressors. The study was conducted on medical students at the AGU in the preparatory year up to Year 6. Data was collected from September 2022 to February 2023.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-seven students were recruited in the present study. 32.1% of the tested students demonstrated an elevated risk for developing EDs. Living situation, earlier years of study, and mental health status were significantly associated with increased risk. Response to global stressors such as COVID-19 pandemic was significantly correlated to worsening EDs status in high-risk individuals.

Conclusion

Eating disorders have been discovered to be highly prevalent among medical students, which brings to light an undervalued health concern. This warrants both awareness programs on campus, and the development of individual-tailored eating disorder treatment programs to halt progression and increase overall quality of life and education.
Beyond words: the relevance of autonomy-supportive language in university syllabi
Authors: Herrera Dora , Lira-Delcore Aranza , Lira Luttges Benjamín
Published: February 2025

Introduction

University syllabi are a semester-long working tool through which professors present a thematic content program, precise assessment mechanisms, and establish the activities schedule, among other tasks. Teachers can promote high-quality motivation among students through syllabi. The goal of this research was to replicate a previous study on the impact of syllabus language on student motivation.

Methods

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 aimed to examine, in 126 first- and second-year students in Humanities General Studies, how they perceive a syllabus with an autonomy-supportive “tone” vs. one with a controlling language. Study 2 explored, in 261 students, basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and their affective approach to the course. Additionally, it investigated the type of motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) that students prioritize when selecting the course.

Results

Findings from Study 1 suggest that autonomy-supportive syllabi are perceived as more attractive, fair, and respectful from the student’s perspective. Results from Study 2 indicate that autonomy-supportive syllabi are related to a better perception of the course, greater BPN satisfaction, and autonomous motivation from students, increasing the probability of them choosing that subject.

Discussion

It is concluded that promoting autonomy, even through the written language shared between teachers and students, is important for improving teaching quality.
Lurasidone uses and dosages in Spain: RETROLUR, a real-world retrospective analysis using artificial intelligence
Authors: Mora Fernando , Gómez Sánchez-Lafuente Carlos , De Iceta Mariano , Roset Carolina , Cárdenas Antonio , Pérez Daniel , Álvarez-Barón Elena , Gabarda-Inat Irene ,   Savana Research Group
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Lurasidone is used for schizophrenia and bipolar depression in many countries, yet there is a lack of existing literature about its use, efficacy, and safety in real life. We aimed to characterize lurasidone-treated patients by analyzing unstructured information in electronic health records (EHRs).

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational, and descriptive study that used data extracted from EHRs of patients initiating treatment with lurasidone in four Spanish hospitals from September 2019 to March 2022. Stratification included primary diagnosis, antipsychotic therapy, and lurasidone dose. Natural language processing and machine learning were used to extract and analyze unstructured clinical data using SNOMED CT terminology. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, as well as symptoms and potential adverse events as efficacy and safety outcomes, were evaluated at inclusion and during follow-up.

Results

Among 2,374,218 patients attending the participating hospitals during the study period with 66,523,391 EHRs, 272 initiated lurasidone and were included. Median (Q1; Q3) age was 46 (37; 56) years, and 60.3% were female. Common comorbidities were hypertension (46.7%), dyslipidemia (44.5%), and diabetes (30.5%), and 87.1% had received a median of three antipsychotics before lurasidone, being olanzapine (52.9%) and quetiapine (45.2%) the most frequently used. During follow-up, 16.9% of the patients discontinued lurasidone, and few patients (<1.2%) reached high doses (111 and 148 mg/day). Lurasidone demonstrated effectiveness in reducing positive and negative symptoms, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, with a marked reduction in most of the adverse events compared to the pre-lurasidone period.

Discussion

Lurasidone reduced positive and negative symptoms frequencies with a favorable safety profile, while low discontinuation rates suggest efficacy-tolerability balance, patient satisfaction, and acceptability. Our data reflect that in Spain lurasidone is used at low doses, limiting its beneficial effects according to clinical trials results.
Entropy, complexity, and spectral features of EEG signals in autism and typical development: a quantitative approach
Authors: Tenev Aleksandar , Markovska-Simoska Silvana , Müller Andreas , Mishkovski Igor
Published: February 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s function. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique that measures the electrical activity of the brain and can reveal its dynamics and information processing. This study explores an eyes-opened resting state quantitative EEG analysis of 49 children with ASD and 39 typically developing (TD or Control) children, using various features of entropy and complexity. Time and frequency domain features were applied for all EEG channels, such as the power spectra, brain rate, sample entropy, permutation entropy, spectral entropy, Tsallis entropy, Rényi entropy, Lempel–Ziv complexity, and Higuchi fractal dimension. The features were compared between the ASD and TD groups and tested for statistical significance. The results showed that the ASD group had a lower brain rate, higher Tsallis entropy and Rényi entropy, and lower Lempel–Ziv complexity than the TD group. The entropy results show impaired neural synchronization, increased randomness, and noise in ASD. The Lempel–Ziv complexity results showed that it is a potential indicator of the existence of focal spikes in the EEG signals of ASD. The brain-rate results show a low level of arousal in ASD. The findings suggest that entropy and complexity measures can be useful tools for characterizing the EEG features of ASD and provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms of the disorder.
Role of artificial intelligence in smart grid – a mini review
Authors: Balamurugan M. , Narayanan Kamala , Raghu N. , Arjun Kumar G. B. , Trupti V. N.
Published: February 2025

A smart grid is a structure that regulates, operates, and utilizes energy sources that are incorporated into the smart grid using smart communications techniques and computerized techniques. The running and maintenance of Smart Grids now depend on artificial intelligence methods quite extensively. Artificial intelligence is enabling more dependable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems from improving load forecasting accuracy to optimizing power distribution and guaranteeing issue identification. An intelligent smart grid will be created by substituting artificial intelligence for manual tasks and achieving high efficiency, dependability, and affordability across the energy supply chain from production to consumption. Collection of a large diversity of data is vital to make effective decisions. Artificial intelligence application operates by processing abundant data samples, advanced computing, and strong communication collaboration. The development of appropriate infrastructure resources, including big data, cloud computing, and other collaboration platforms, must be enhanced for this type of operation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to summarize the artificial intelligence techniques used in various aspects of smart grid system.