bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Context-specific variation in life history traits and behavior of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Vinauger Clément , Chandrasegaran Karthikeyan
Published: September 2024

Aedes aegypti, the vector for dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika, poses a growing global epidemiological risk. Despite extensive research on Ae. aegypti’s life history traits and behavior, critical knowledge gaps persist, particularly in integrating these findings across varied experimental contexts. The plasticity of Ae. aegypti’s traits throughout its life cycle allows dynamic responses to environmental changes, yet understanding these variations within heterogeneous study designs remains challenging. A critical aspect often overlooked is the impact of using lab-adapted lines of Ae. aegypti, which may have evolved under laboratory conditions, potentially altering their life history traits and behavioral responses compared to wild populations. Therefore, incorporating field-derived populations in experimental designs is essential to capture the natural variability and adaptability of Ae. aegypti. The relationship between larval growing conditions and adult traits and behavior is significantly influenced by the specific context in which mosquitoes are studied. Laboratory conditions may not replicate the ecological complexities faced by wild populations, leading to discrepancies in observed traits and behavior. These discrepancies highlight the need for ecologically relevant experimental conditions, allowing mosquito traits and behavior to reflect field distributions. One effective approach is semi-field studies involving field-collected mosquitoes housed for fewer generations in the lab under ecologically relevant conditions. This growing trend provides researchers with the desired control over experimental conditions while maintaining the genetic diversity of field populations. By focusing on variations in life history traits and behavioral plasticity within these varied contexts, this review highlights the intricate relationship between larval growing conditions and adult traits and behavior. It underscores the significance of transstadial effects and the necessity of adopting study designs and reporting practices that acknowledge plasticity in adult traits and behavior, considering variations due to larval rearing conditions. Embracing such approaches paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of contextual variations in mosquito life history traits and behavior. This integrated perspective enables the synthesis of research findings across laboratory, semi-field, and field-based investigations, which is crucial for devising targeted intervention strategies tailored to specific ecological contexts to combat the health threat posed by this formidable disease vector effectively.
Investigating the impact of cross-shelf transport and local retention in the Black Sea Rim Current system on small pelagic fishes
Authors: Fach Bettina A. , Cagdas Bulut , Arkin Sinan S. , Salihoglu Baris , Tezcan Devrim
Published: September 2024

Advection of pelagic fish larvae through ocean currents is a source of dispersal that is known to structure marine populations by directly impacting population success and persistence. To be able to understand fish population dynamics and manage existing fisheries it is therefore of importance to assess the extent of exchange between populations and determine the factors that drive it, which is still a challenge in fisheries research today. In this study, the output of a high-resolution basin-scale circulation model is used to calculate the dispersal probability from spawning areas and the remaining Black Sea for a range of commercially important fish such as anchovy, sprat, turbot, red mullet, and bluefish under different environmental conditions. The common trait of many commercially important species in the Black Sea is that they have pelagic larval stages of different time scales which are simulated by tracking virtual drifters in the simulated surface circulation of the Black Sea. Simulation results show that the dynamic current structure of the Black Sea causes low local retention of larvae. During spring and summer lower offshore transport and higher local retention is observed than in fall and winter, which is directly related to the Rim Current strength. The lowest offshore transport is observed on the northern northwestern shelf, the main spawning area for pelagic fish with still 24-32% of larvae transported offshore. Simulations show that pelagic fish species such as anchovy and sprat adopted different reproductive strategies through their species-specific traits. For the summer spawning species anchovy, timing, and location of spawning together with its short pelagic larval stage is shown to enhance retention on the northwestern shelf. Sprat with its long pelagic larval stage and winter spawning is more adapted to high offshore transport, making it unlikely that sprat is recruited to the same area as where it is spawned. This modeling framework provides a basis for investigating recruitment variability of pelagic fish species in the Black Sea specifically considering the impact of climate variability and provides a useful guide to the potential connectivity of marine populations or the spread of invasive pests in the Black Sea.
The practice and innovation of compatible marine utilization models in China
Authors: Li Yanping , Yang Yan , Hou Yuting , Liu Xiao , Liu Dahai
Published: September 2024

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is essential for optimizing marine resources allocation and resolving conflicts in sea use, but it is challenged by the complex and multi-functional nature of maritime resources. This study utilizes participatory methods, inductive reasoning, and overlay analysis to explore both theoretical and practical aspects of compatible marine utilization models. The paper begins by clarifying the logic of compatible sea use through marine functional zoning and identifying its core characteristics: quantity, spatial conflict, and impacts on natural attributes. Building on China’s national territorial spatial planning reforms and practical experiences, the paper introduces three major categories of compatible marine use models: development sequencing compatibility, spatial coexistence compatibility, and functional synergy compatibility. A compatibility discrimination matrix is developed to assess these models across different marine functional areas. Combined with the compatibility discrimination results, taking the marine and coastal spatial planning of Yantai City in China as a case study, the paper analyzes the compatibility demands and planning strategies within various marine functional areas. Finally, it evaluates the risks associated with each compatibility model and proposes targeted control strategies tailored to the specific features of each model and characteristics of sea use activities. The research findings highlight the positive role of compatible sea use models in promoting marine economic development, enhancing spatial efficiency, and mitigating sea use conflicts. However, these models also present varying potential risks, necessitating differentiated control strategies aligned with legal frameworks and specific sea use activities. The study offers valuable insights for MSP and contributes to the efficient utilization of marine resources and the advancement of marine spatial governance.
Causal effects of lipid-lowering drugs on skin diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Hui , Bian Queqiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Although previous studies have indicated an association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and skin diseases, their causal effects remain inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between genetically proxied lipid-lowering drugs and skin cancers and psoriasis.

Methods

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used to determine causal relationships. The “leave-one-out” sensitivity test, Cochran’s Q-statistic and MR-Egger intercept were used to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

We identified 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as genetically proxied lipid-lowering drugs. Genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR (stains) was causally associated with reduced risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (OR 0.982, 95% CI 0.967–0.997, p = 0.016 by weighted median; OR 0.977, 95% CI 0.966–0.989, p < 0.001 by IVW) and psoriasis (OR 0.585, 95% CI 0.378–0.905, p = 0.016 by IVW), while PCSK9 inhibition (alirocumab) was causally associated with reduced risk of psoriasis (OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.413–0.761 by weighted median; OR 0.564, 95% CI 0.447–0.712 by IVW; p < 0.001) in the ieu-b-5089 dataset. Similar results were observed in the ieu-b-110 dataset for HMGCR and PCSK9. Sensitivity analysis revealed no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This study revealed the existing HMGCR inhibitors (stains) might be protective for reducing nonmelanoma skin cancer risk, and HMGCR inhibitors (stains) and PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab) might be promising for reducing psoriasis risk in the European population.
Case report: Emerging therapies for transformed small cell lung cancer: efficacy of serplulimab and a comprehensive case report
Authors: Lyu Heng-Xu , Ma Wen-Hua , Zhang Yong-Qian , Jin Hui , Wang Yu-Dong , Zhao Min
Published: September 2024

This research reports a case of histological transformation from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to transformed small cell lung cancer (T-SCLC) in a patient undergoing EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The aggressive characteristics of the tumor diverged significantly from those commonly associated with lung adenocarcinomas, leading to further histological analysis. The subsequent histological examination confirmed the transformation to SCLC, consistent with established mechanisms of acquired resistance in NSCLC. Given the limited therapeutic options, the patient was administered a serplulimab-based immunochemotherapy regimen, achieving a progression-free survival (PFS) of 6 months post-transformation. The study underscores the potential of PD-1 inhibitors, particularly serplulimab, in the treatment landscape for T-SCLC and highlights the need for future comprehensive research.
Research on aerobic fitness in children and adolescents: a bibliometric analysis based on the 100 most-cited articles
Authors: Xia Rui , Yang Liu , Liang Chaomei , Lyu Dongye , Zang Wanli , Sun Guanrong , Yan Jin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles to examine research trends, hot topics, and gaps in aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents, addressing the lack of evidence synthesis.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection database was used for literature search, and bibliometric characteristics of the included research articles were imported and calculated. Descriptive statistics and visualizations by the VOS viewer were used for the presentation of bibliometric characteristics.

Results

The 100 most cited articles received an average of 104 citations. British Journal of Sports Medicine and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise were the two top journals that published aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents. The United States was the top country that contributed to the most-cited research articles. Three top research topics were identified from the analysis, such as neuroscience, developmental psychology, and aerobic health.

Conclusion

Aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents has received much attention and interest since 2000. The most contributing authors in this research field were from developed countries, such as the United States, and cognition and health-related research were priorities.
Axial length acquisition success rates and agreement of two swept-source optical biometers in eyes with dense cataracts
Authors: Orts-Vila Paz , Tañá-Sanz Santiago , Tello-Elordi Cristina , Montés-Micó Robert , Tañá-Rivero Pedro
Published: September 2024

Background

Swept-source optical coherence tomography–based (SS-OCT) biometers have been used in different clinical studies with the aim of assessing the accuracy of the technique, specifically in eyes with dense cataracts. Our objective is to evaluate the axial length acquisition success rates and agreement of two SS-OCT biometers when measuring axial length and biometric parameters in eyes with dense cataracts.

Methods

46 eyes (46 patients) with dense cataracts (LOCS III grade ≥ 4) were measured 3 consecutive times using the Eyestar 900 and Argos SS-OCT biometers. Keratometry (K1, flat and K2, steep), central corneal thickness (CCT), white-to-white (WTW), anterior-chamber-depth (ACD), lens-thickness (LT), and axial length were measured using both biometers. The percentage acquisition success rate and a Bland–Altman analysis to determine the agreement between the biometers were calculated. Corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity, subjective refraction, and axial length (to assess preoperative axial length accuracy) were measured 1-month post-cataract surgery.

Results

The mean LOCS III score was 4.37 ± 0.68. The acquisition success rates for both biometers was 100%. There were statistically significant differences between the two SS-OCT biometers for all parameters evaluated (p < 0.05). The mean differences for K1, K2, CCT, WTW, ACD, LT and axial length were 0.106 D, 0.128 D, −6.347 μm, −0.054 mm, 0.095 mm, 0.110 mm, and −0.036 mm, respectively. The mean pre- and post-surgery axial length difference was −0.036 mm for the Eyestar 900 and −0.020 mm for the Argos. This difference was ≤ 0.1 mm in 97.82% of eyes with the Eyestar 900 and in 100% of eyes with the Argos.

Conclusion

SS-OCT biometry successfully measures axial length in dense cataracts. The differences between biometers in some parameters may have a clinically significant impact but should be judged individually. The pre- and post-surgery axial length differences for each biometer can be considered clinically negligible and should not affect the IOL power calculation.
Competitive antagonistic action of laccase between Trichoderma species and the newly identified wood pathogenic Ganoderma camelum
Authors: Umar Aisha , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Aljowaie Reem M. , Hussein Juma Mahmud , Dufossé Laurent , Wu Chenghong , Lu Junxing
Published: September 2024

Ganoderma, a well-known genus in the Ganodermataceae family, has caused the extinction of several tree species due to its pathogenicity. This study explored the pathogenic effect of a newly identified Ganoderma species on trees and its competitive efficiency against Trichoderma species. Ganoderma camelum sp. nov. is characterized by small sessile basidiomata and a velvety, soft, camel-brown pileus. Phylogenetic analysis and ITS rDNA sequences indicated that the species were Trichoderma and Ganoderma camelum. Both fungal species competed antagonistically by secreting laccase. The laccase activity of G. camelum, with a value of 8.3 ± 4.0 U/mL, demonstrated the highest competitive activity against Trichoderma species. The laccase produced by T. atroviride (2.62 U/mL) was most effective in countering the pathogenic action of the novel G. camelum. The molecular weights of laccase were determined using SDS-PAGE (62.0 kDa for G. camelum and 57.0 kDa for T. atroviride). Due to the white rot induced by this Ganoderma species in the host tree, G. camelum showed the highest percentage inhibition of radial growth (76.3%) compared to T. atroviride (28.7%). This study aimed to evaluate the competitive antagonistic activity of Ganoderma and Trichoderma on malt extract agar media in the context of white rot disease in the host tree. This study concluded that the laccase from G. camelum caused weight loss in rubber wood blocks through laccase action, indicating tissue injury in the host species. Therefore, it was also concluded that G. camelum was more effective in pathogenic action of the host and resisted the biological action of T. atroviride. In principal components analysis (PCA), all the species associated with laccase exhibited a very strong influence on the variability of the system. The PIRG rate (percentage inhibition of radial growth) was strongly and positively correlated with laccase activity.
Antibacterial effects of human mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives: a systematic review
Authors: Castro Ramos Adeline , Widjaja Lomanto Markus Yovian , Vuong Cat-Khanh , Ohneda Osamu , Fukushige Mizuho
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to public health; This is partly due to the lack of advancements in the development of novel antibiotics and the pressing need for alternative treatment options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess secretory components that enhance the immune response and peptides that disrupt the bacteria constitution. The isolation of various human tissues has facilitated the investigation of the diverse potentials of MSC and their components. Further research is needed to fully understand the spectrum and efficacy of these elements and their differences. The primary aim of this study was to perform a thorough review of the current literature related to the antimicrobial properties of MSC and their associated components. The objective was to establish an insight into the results and effects of utilizing MSC in relation to bacterial colonization, and to present an overview of previously documented findings.

Methods

This systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Data on the effect of MSC or their derivatives were measured by calculating the percentage of bacterial counts reduction after treatment with MSC in comparison to the control.

Results

A total of 3,911 articles were screened, and 31 eligible publications were selected for inclusion in the analysis. In the current systematic review, the majority of the experimental designs showed positive outcomes in terms of bacterial load reduction when MSC or their derivatives were used, with bone marrow being the most effective tissue. The rest of the findings exhibited heterogeneity in the spectrum of outcomes that could be attributed to the effects of using various tissues derived MSC in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Conclusion

The findings of our study indicate the potential antibacterial characteristics of MSC. The direct antimicrobial activity of these cells was demonstrated by our results, which quantitatively showed a decrease in bacterial growth after treatment with MSC. However, additional research is required to clarify the factors that determine the efficacy of their antimicrobial activity and their various components.
A droplet digital PCR method for the detection of scale drop disease virus in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus)
Authors: Yin Bin , Mao Can , Yu Fangzhao , Li Wangdong , Pan Runhong , Feng Wei , Li Yong
Published: September 2024

In this study, a ddPCR method for the detection of scale drop disease virus (SDDV) in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) was established based on Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection methods and principles. The reaction conditions were optimized, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility were assessed. The results showed that threshold line position was determined to be 1900 by the ddPCR method; the optimum annealing temperature for SDDV detection by the ddPCR method was 60°C; the limit of detection was 1.4–1.7 copies/μL; the results of specific detection of other common viruses, except for SDDV specific amplification, were all negative; and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for the reproducibility validation was 0.77%. The samples of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) liver, spleen, kidney, heart, intestine, brain, blood, muscle, skin and ascites with three replicates, respectively, were tested using the ddPCR method, and the results were consistent with clinical findings. The ddPCR method established in this study has the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity, good reproducibility and simple steps for the quantitative detection of SDDV, which could be used for the nucleic acid detection of clinical SDDV samples, and provided a new quantitative method for the diagnosis of yellowfin seabream SDDV in the early stage of pathogenesis.
Discovery of a novel Wolbachia in Heterodera expands nematode host distribution
Authors: Kaur Taranjot , Brown Amanda M.V.
Published: September 2024

Bioinformatics sequence data mining can reveal hidden microbial symbionts that might normally be filtered and removed as contaminants. Data mining can be helpful to detect Wolbachia, a widespread bacterial endosymbiont in insects and filarial nematodes whose distribution in plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) remains underexplored. To date, Wolbachia has only been reported a few PPNs, yet nematode-infecting Wolbachia may have been widespread in the evolutionary history of the phylum based on evidence of horizontal gene transfers, suggesting there may be undiscovered Wolbachia infections in PPNs. The goal of this study was to more broadly sample PPN Wolbachia strains in tylenchid nematodes to enable further comparative genomic analyses that may reveal Wolbachia’s role and identify targets for biocontrol. Published whole-genome shotgun assemblies and their raw sequence data from 33 Meloidogyne spp. assemblies, seven Globodera spp. assemblies, and seven Heterodera spp. assemblies were analyzed to look for Wolbachia. No Wolbachia was found in Meloidogyne spp. and Globodera spp., but among seven genome assemblies for Heterodera spp., an H. schachtii assembly from the Netherlands was found to have a large Wolbachia-like sequence that, when re-assembled from reads, formed a complete, circular genome. Detailed analyses comparing read coverage, GC content, pseudogenes, and phylogenomic patterns clearly demonstrated that the H. schachtii Wolbachia represented a novel strain (hereafter, denoted wHet). Phylogenomic tree construction with PhyloBayes showed wHet was most closely related to another PPN Wolbachia, wTex, while 16S rRNA gene analysis showed it clustered with other Heterodera Wolbachia assembled from sequence databases. Pseudogenes in wHet suggested relatedness to the PPN clade, as did the lack of significantly enriched GO terms compared to PPN Wolbachia strains. It remains unclear whether the lack of Wolbachia in other published H. schachtii isolates represents the true absence of the endosymbiont from some hosts.
Exploring the impact of plant genotype and fungicide treatment on endophytic communities in tomato stems
Authors: Liu-Xu Luisa , Ma Liang , Farvardin Atefeh , García-Agustín Pilar , Llorens Eugenio
Published: September 2024

This study examines how plant genotype can influence the microbiome by comparing six tomato genotypes (Solanum lycopersicum) based on their traditional vs. commercial backgrounds. Using Illumina-based sequencing of the V6-V8 regions of 16S and ITS2 rRNA genes, we analyzed and compared the endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in stems to understand how microbiota can differ and be altered in plant genotypes and the relation to human manipulation. Our results reflect that traditional genotypes harbor significantly more exclusive microbial taxa and a broader phylogenetic background than the commercial ones. Traditional genotypes were significantly richer in Eurotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes fungi, while Lasiosphaeriaceae was more prevalent in commercial genotypes. TH-30 exhibited the highest bacterial abundance, significantly more than commercial genotypes, particularly in Actinomycetia, Bacteroidia, and Gammaproteobacteria. Additionally, traditional genotypes had higher bacterial diversity, notably in orders like Cytophagales, Xanthomonadales, and Burkholderiales. Moreover, we performed an evaluation of the impact of a systemic fungicide (tebuconazole-dichlofluanide) to simulate a common agronomic practice and determined that a single fungicide treatment altered the stem endophytic microbiota. Control plants had a higher prevalence of fungal orders Pleosporales, Helotiales, and Glomerellales, while treated plants were dominated by Sordariomycetes and Laboulbeniomycetes. Fungal community diversity significantly decreased, but no significant impact was observed on bacterial diversity. Our study provides evidence that the background of the tomato variety impacts the fungal and bacterial stem endophytes. Furthermore, these findings suggest the potential benefits of using of traditional genotypes as a source of novel beneficial microbiota that may prove highly valuable in unpredicted challenges and the advancement in sustainable agriculture.
Genome-wide association study for growth traits with 1066 individuals in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Han Wei , Qi Ming , Ye Kun , He Qiwei , Yekefenhazi Dinaer , Xu Dongdong , Han Fang , Li Wanbo
Published: September 2024

The largemouth bass is a native species of North America that was first introduced to mainland China in the 1980s. In recent years, it has been extensively farmed in China due to its high meat quality and broad adaptability. In this study, we collected growth trait data from 1,066 largemouth bass individuals across two populations. We generated an average of approximately 7× sequencing coverage for these fish using Illumina sequencers. From the samples, we identified 2,695,687 SNPs and retained 1,809,116 SNPs for further analysis after filtering. To estimate the number of genome-wide effective SNPs, we performed LD pruning with PLINK software and identified 77,935 SNPs. Our GWAS revealed 15 SNPs associated with six growth traits. We identified a total of 24 genes related to growth, with three genes—igf1, myf5, and myf6—directly associated with skeletal muscle development and growth, located near the leading SNP on chromosome 23. Other candidate genes are involved in the development of tissues and organs or other physiological processes. These findings provide a valuable set of SNPs and genes that could be useful for genetic breeding programs aimed at enhancing growth in largemouth bass.
Forecasting models analysis for predictive maintenance
Authors: Belim Marco , Meireles Tiago , Gonçalves Gil , Pinto Rui
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study explores the shift toward predictive maintenance through real-time data analytics to minimize machine downtime and improve machinery insights in industrial environments. Predictive maintenance aims to enable proactive interventions by predicting failures, enhancing operational efficiency.

Methods

The research was conducted in three stages. First, BA Glass equipment was sensorized using OPC Router and PowerStudio SCADA to facilitate real-time data extraction. A predictive maintenance algorithm was then developed in Python to analyze sensor data, predict failures, and trigger alarms. Finally, various forecasting models, including Linear and Polynomial Regression, Simple and Double Exponential Smoothing, ARIMA, and Prophet, were evaluated using a combination of blocked cross-validation and rolling window methodologies. The algorithm calculated performance metrics such as MSE, RMSE, and MAE for different parameter configurations and training sizes.

Results

A comparative analysis between wired and wireless sensors concluded that wireless sensors, although more expensive, were more practical and interchangeable in the factory setting. The results from the evaluation of prediction models showed that the Double Exponential Smoothing (DES) model with an additive damped trend and linear models performed best for datasets with daily seasonality and gradual oscillations. For datasets with stable trends and higher frequency oscillations, ARIMA and Prophet models proved to be more accurate.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the choice of sensors and prediction models can significantly impact the effectiveness of predictive maintenance systems. Wireless sensors offer long-term benefits in terms of flexibility and practicality, while the DES model and ARIMA/Prophet models are optimal depending on the dataset characteristics. This research highlights the value of real-time data analytics and predictive models in industrial environments for reducing downtime and improving decision-making.
Enhancement of cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease through hyperbaric oxygen-induced activation of cellular autophagy
Authors: Fan Qian-Qian , Chen Yong-Min , Fu Yong-Sen , Li Xiao-Shan , Zeng Ji , Bian Shao-Zhen , Li Bin-Bin , Song Zhen-Hua
Published: September 2024

Objective

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in ameliorating cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while also assessing its impact on the autophagic pathway within the context of AD.

Methods

20 double-transgenic mice expressing the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to groups A and B. Concurrently, 20 C57BL/6 mice were chosen and randomly categorized into groups C and D, each consisting of 10 mice. Mice in groups B and D received HBO treatment. The Morris water maze assay was used to assess changes in mouse behavior. Immunohistochemistry techniques were used to quantify the expression levels of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) in hippocampal tissues, while western blot analysis was used to investigate the levels of LC3-II, p62, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) proteins within hippocampal tissues.

Results

Mice allocated to group B exhibited reduced escape latency and prolonged dwell time in the target quadrant compared to other groups. Histological examination revealed conspicuous plaque-like deposits of Aβ42 in the hippocampal tissues of mice in groups A and B. Group B displayed diminished Aβ42-positive reactants and augmented microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-LC3-positive reactants compared to group A. LC3-positive reactants were also detected in the hippocampal tissues of mice in groups C and D, surpassing the levels observed in groups A and B. Furthermore, group B demonstrated significantly lower expression of mTOR protein and markedly higher expression of LC3-II protein in mouse hippocampal tissues when compared to group A (P < 0.05). Conversely, there were no significant disparities noted in PI3K and p62 protein expression between groups B and A. Notably, no discernible discrepancies were observed in the expression levels of mTOR, PI3K, LC3-II, and p62 proteins between groups C and D within mouse hippocampal tissues.

Conclusion

HBO treatment demonstrates efficacy in enhancing cognitive function in mice with AD and holds promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for AD by facilitating the activation of the mTOR pathway-mediated autophagy.
Causal links between blood inflammation markers and postherpetic neuralgia risk: insights from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yu , Jia Tian
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have suggested an association between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia. However, the causal relationship between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia remains unclear.

Methods

We employed a bidirectional Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia. The instrumental variables were obtained from a large Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis dataset of European descent. The instrumental variables of the blood inflammation-related factors come from the database numbers GCST004420 to GCST004460 and GCST90029070. Postherpetic neuralgia has 195,191 samples with a total of 16,380,406 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). MR analyses were performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods.

Results

The MR results revealed a significant causal effect of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 Beta (MIP1β) on reducing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (95%CI = 0.492–0.991, p = 0.044). Additionally, higher levels of interleukin (IL)-10 (95%CI = 0.973–0.998, p = 0.019) and IL-12p70 (95%CI = 0.973–0.997, p = 0.013) were associated with a lower risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Other inflammatory markers showed no significant causal relationship with this condition.

Conclusion

This study identifies MIP1β, IL-10, and IL-12p70 as potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating postherpetic neuralgia, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
Efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in the treatment of myasthenia gravis: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xishuai , Zhang Wei , Guo Junhong , Ma Chunlin , Li Bingxia
Published: September 2024

Background

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that has been increasingly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). In most studies, the therapeutic protocol of RTX has been similar to that adopted for B cell lymphoma, with an increasing number of studies aimed at exploring the efficacy of low-dose RTX in MG. However, the beneficial effects of low-dose RTX in MG remain a subject of critical debate.

Methods

This study was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Two reviewers (Xishuai Yang and Bingxia Li) independently conducted searches across multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). A meta-analysis, utilizing representative forest plots, was performed to assess “Improved clinical status” and changes in the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score before and after treatment.

Results

A total of 17 studies involving 292 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A noticeable improvement in clinical status was observed in 91% of patients at the final follow-up after therapy (95% CI: 84–96%, P < 0.001). The QMG score showed a significant reduction following the treatment, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −1.69 (95% CI: −2.21 to −1.16, Z = 6.29, P < 0.001). In the acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (AChR-MG) group, 90% of patients achieved improved clinical status (95% CI: 80–97%, P < 0.001) and the QMG score significantly decreased after low-dose RTX treatment, with an SMD of −1.51 (95% CI: −0.80 to −2.21, Z = 4.50, P < 0.001). In the muscle-specific kinase antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) group, 97% of patients achieved improved clinical status (95% CI: 89–100%, P < 0.001). The QMG score also significantly decreased following low-dose RTX treatment, with an SMD of −2.31 (95% CI: −2.99 to −1.62, Z = 6.60, P < 0.001). Adverse effects were reported in 29 out of 207 patients (14%, including infusion reactions in 22 patients (10.1%), infections in three patients (1.45%), cytopenia in two patients (0.96%), eosinophilia in one patient (0.48%), and hemiplegia in one patient (0.48%). Additionally, one patient (0.48%) succumbed to complications from invasive thymoma.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis shows that low-dose RTX is both effective and safe for treating MG.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42024509951.
Safety and effectiveness of SOFIA/SOFIA PLUS for direct aspiration as first line treatment in patients with acute anterior ischemic stroke: results from the prospective, multicentric SESAME study
Authors: Neuberger Ulf , Marnat Gaultier , Barreau Xavier , Pitrone Antonio , Caragliano Antonio A. , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika , Pfaff Johannes A. R. , Maurer Christoph J. , Berlis Ansgar , Bokkers Reinoud , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Sourour Nader , Clarençon Frédéric , Wodarg Fritz , Cognard Christophe , Bohner Georg , Trenkler Johannes , Spelle Laurent , Weber Werner , Nouri Nasreddine , Bonekamp Susanne , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy is a cornerstone treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO), yet the optimal technique remains debated. The SOFIA/SOFIA PLUS catheter has emerged as a promising tool for direct aspiration thrombectomy.

Purpose

This prospective multi-center study, adhering Good-Clinical-Practice guidelines, aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SOFIA/SOFIA PLUS catheter for direct aspiration as a first-line treatment technique in patients with acute anterior circulation LVO.

Materials and methods

Between 10/2017 and 12/2021, 246 consecutive patients presenting with AIS due to anterior circulation LVO were enrolled from 14 European centers. Primary treatment with SOFIA catheters was performed within 6 h of symptom onset. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 71.6 ± 13.9 years, with 44.7% being male. Primary aspiration achieved complete recanalization in 72.8% of patients, with functional independence observed in 63.8% after 90 days. Secondary outcomes included a median NIHSS of 4 at 24 h post-procedure, median ASPECTS of 7 on follow-up imaging, and a mortality rate of 24.4% at 90 days. No device malfunctions were observed, and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 4.4%.

Conclusion

Primary aspiration with the SOFIA/SOFIA PLUS catheter demonstrates favorable safety and efficacy profiles in the treatment of anterior circulation LVO. These findings support the utilization of this technique as a first-line approach in mechanical thrombectomy for AIS, contributing to the growing body of evidence endorsing the effectiveness of direct aspiration thrombectomy in stroke management.
METS-IR as an important predictor of neurological impairment severity in patients with severe cerebral infarction: a multicenter study based on the Chinese population
Authors: Hou Yaqi , Wu Xiaohua , Shi Yiheng , Xu Xiaotian , Zhang Yu , Jiang Lei , Wang Wei , Yang Yan , Hu Lanying
Published: September 2024

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is linked to an increased risk of neurological impairment following a stroke and may contribute to poor neurological prognosis in affected patients. The metabolic score for the insulin resistance index, shortened as the METS-IR, generally serves as a surrogate index for IR. However, its association with the severity of neurological impairment in patients with severe cerebral infarction (CI) in neurological intensive care units (ICU) has not been fully established.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of CI, admitted to the neurological ICUs of Yangzhou University’s Affiliated Hospital and Xuzhou Medical University’s Affiliated Hospital, were included in the study. A multivariate logistic regression model and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to explore the relationship between the METS-IR index and the severity of neurological impairment in these patients. The predictive capabilities of the METS-IR index and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index for outcome measures were compared through the ROC curve. Furthermore, a decision curve analysis was executed, and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index was computed to evaluate the enhancements in predictive performance and clinical utility of various scoring systems with the inclusion of the METS-IR index. Subgroup analysis was conducted regarding age, BMI, and smoking status.

Results

The study ultimately included 504 participants. Adjusted logistic regression and RCS results showed that as the METS-IR index increases, the risk of neurological impairment in patients with severe CI consistently grows (P for overall = 0.0146, P-nonlinear: 0.0689). The METS-IR index’s predictive capability for neurological impairment (AUC = 0.669) was superior to that of the TyG index (AUC = 0.519).

Conclusion

From the study results, the METS-IR index can serve as an important predictor for neurological impairment in ICU patients with severe CI. It can aid in the identification and early intervention of neurological impairment in these patients.
Genetic profile of progressive myoclonic epilepsy in Mali reveals novel findings
Authors: Cissé Lassana , Bamba Salia , Diallo Seybou H. , Ji Weizhen , Dembélé Mohamed Emile , Yalcouyé Abdoulaye , Coulibaly Toumany , Traoré Ibrahima , Jeffries Lauren , Diarra Salimata , Maiga Alassane Dit Baneye , Diallo Salimata , Nimaga Karamoko , Touré Amadou , Traoré Oumou , Kotioumbé Mahamadou , Mis Emily Kathryn , Cissé Cheick Abdel Kader , Guinto Cheick Oumar , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Khokha Mustafa K. , Lakhani Saquib A. , Landouré Guida
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent myoclonic seizures with progressive neurological deterioration. We investigated the genetics of three unrelated patients with PME from Mali, a country in sub-Saharan Africa highly underrepresented in genetic and genomic research.

Methods

Participants were carefully examined and phenotyped. DNA was obtained for genetic analysis including whole exome sequencing (WES). In silico prediction tools and ACMG criteria were used to assess the deleteriousness of putative candidate variants.

Results

Pedigree analysis suggests autosomal recessive inheritance patterns for one family and sporadic forms of PME for the two other cases. WES identified novel homozygous missense variants in all the three patients, one each for NHLRC1, EPM2A, and NEU1. The sequence variants segregated with PME in each family and in silico studies including protein 3D structures, CADD scores and ACMG criteria suggested that they were damaging.

Discussion

PME is a group of clinically heterogeneous neurological disorders. Most reported cases in the literature are from European background with only a few cases described in North Africa. We report here novel pathogenic variants in three different genes causing PME phenotypes in three unrelated Malian patients, suggesting that genetic studies of underrepresented populations may expand the genetic epidemiology of PME. These findings also emphasize the need for inclusive genetic research to ensure a more targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for diverse patient populations.
Bibliometric analysis of microRNAs and Parkinson’s disease from 2014 to 2023
Authors: Chen Lingshan , Chen Jianfei , Weng Wei , Wu Min , Zhou Xueping , Yan Pingkang
Published: September 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Recent research has emphasized a significant correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs) and PD. To identify key research areas, provide a comprehensive overview of current research in various fields, and propose potential directions for future studies, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the involvement of miRNAs in Parkinson’s disease from 2014 to 2023.

Methods

Relevant literature records were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection on February 29, 2024. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer (version 1.6.19).

Results

The annual scientific publications on miRNAs and Parkinson’s disease demonstrated an increasing trend, with an annual growth rate of 12.67%. China, the United States, and India emerged as the top three most productive countries/regions. The University of Barcelona had the highest annual publications, followed by Central South University and the Helmholtz Association. The INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES held the top position in terms of H-index and total citations, reflecting its extensive influence and prolific publication output. Kim, J., Junn, E., Hébert, S.S., and Doxakis, E. were the most frequently co-cited authors in the field. Based on the analysis of keywords, the most frequently occurring terms included “alpha-synuclein,” “neurodegenerative disease,” “exosome,” “neuroinflammation,” “oxidative stress,” “autophagy,” and “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” which have emerged as prominent research topics. Concurrently, there has been notable interest in topics such as “ceRNA,” “lncRNAs,” “mitochondrial dysfunction,” and “circular RNA.”

Conclusion

This study focused on identifying emerging trends and critical research topics in the bibliometric analysis of microRNAs related to Parkinson’s disease. These findings highlight the diverse research landscape and evolving trend of miRNA-related research in PD. The field of miRNA research in Parkinson’s disease is actively exploring the underlying mechanisms of miRNA function, identifying potential diagnostic markers, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. The results of our study offer significant contributions to researchers’ ability to track contemporary developments and guide the trajectory of future research in this domain.
Expanding the scope: multimodal dimensions in aphasia discourse analysis—preliminary findings
Authors: Dutta Manaswita , Mohapatra Bijoyaa
Published: September 2024

Background

Aphasia, resulting from acquired brain injury, disrupts language processing and usage, significantly impacting individuals’ social communication and life participation. Given the limitations of traditional assessments in capturing the nuanced challenges faced by individuals with aphasia, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of integrating multimodal communication elements into discourse analysis to better capture narrative proficiency in this population.

Objective

This study examined how incorporating multimodal communication elements (e.g., physical gestures, writing, drawing) into discourse analysis may affect the narrative outcomes of persons with aphasia compared to those observed using methods that exclude multimodal considerations.

Methods

Participants included individuals with chronic aphasia and age-and education-matched healthy controls who completed a storytelling task—the Bear and the Fly story. Macrolinguistic scores were obtained using verbal-only and multimodal scoring approaches. Additionally, the frequency and type of multimodal communication use during storytelling were examined in relation to aphasia characteristics. Statistical analyses included both within-group and between-group comparisons as well as correlational analyses.

Results

Individuals with aphasia scored significantly higher in terms of their macrolinguistic abilities when multimodal scoring was considered compared to verbal-only scoring. Within the aphasia group, there were prominent differences noted in macrolinguistic scores for both fluent and nonfluent aphasia. Specifically, both groups scored higher on Main Concepts when multimodal scoring was considered, with the nonfluent group demonstrating significantly higher Main Concept and total macrolinguistic rubric scores in multimodal scoring compared to verbal scoring on the storytelling task. Additionally, aphasia severity showed moderate positive correlations with total macrolinguistic scores, indicating that individuals with less severe aphasia tended to produce higher quality narratives. Lastly, although persons with aphasia used different types of nonverbal modalities (i.e., drawing, writing), the use of meaning-laden gestures was most predominant during storytelling, emphasizing the importance of multimodal elements in communication for individuals with aphasia.

Conclusion

Our preliminary study findings underscore the importance of considering multimodal communication in assessing discourse performance among individuals with aphasia. Tailoring assessment approaches based on aphasia subtypes can provide valuable insights into linguistic abilities and inform targeted intervention strategies for improving communication outcomes.