bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T-cell immune status in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-control study
Authors: Xiong Xiao-feng , Zhu Min , Wu Hong-xia , Wu Zuo-hong , Fan Li-li , Cheng De-yun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Immune inflammatory response plays an important role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the cellular immune status of patients with COPD at different phases is unclear. Herein, we aim to investigate the distribution and functional status of T cell subsets in different phases of COPD (acute exacerbation of COPD [AECOPD] and stable COPD [SCOPD]).

Methods

This is an observational case-control study undertaken in West China Hospital. The distribution of T cell subsets in peripheral blood of AECOPD, SCOPD, and healthy controls (HCs) was measured using multi-color flow cytometry, and the functional status was analyzed by additional staining of activation markers.

Results

A total of 43 HCs, 43 SCOPD patients, and 64 AECOPD patients were evaluated. The total number and percentage of lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio were significantly lower in AECOPD patients when compared to HCs. HLA-DR expression in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD8+ TCR aβ, and CD4+ TCR aβ T cells was upregulated in the AECOPD group. Similarly, the expressions of HLA-DR, CD57, and PD-1 were higher in T cell subsets in the AECOPD group. Compared with the SCOPD and HC groups, the AECOPD had a significantly lower proportion of CD4+CD27+CD28+ T cells, but opposite results were found for CD4+CD27-CD28- T cells. In addition, the proportion of CD4+CD39+ T cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells was significantly higher in the AECOPD and SCOPD groups when compared to the HC group (P < 0.05).

Discussion

The distribution of nearly half the T cell subsets in AECOPD patients was significantly different from that in SCOPD patients and HCs. AECOPD patients may have cellular immune suppression, immune dysfunction, abnormal activation, and higher senescence depletion of T cells.
Erlotinib therapy for Olmsted syndrome with p.L655P missense mutation in the TRPV3 gene: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jia , Guo MengYue , Yuan DongYang , Wei JinYang , Cui Hongzhou
Published: January 2025

Olmsted syndrome (OS) is a rare disorder characterized by a mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma and periorificial keratotic plaques, but which shows considerable clinical heterogeneity. Recently, transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) mutations associated with autosomal dominant or recessive OS have been reported. Here we describe a classically OS case with definitive diagnosis of OS based on clinical features and a genetic assay. Genetic analysis revealed heterozygous variants in the TRPV3 gene using whole-exome sequencing of case-parents’ trios. This mutation was not identified in his mother. Notably, a previously unreported heterozygous frameshift mutation, c.1964 T > C (p.L655P), was identified in exon 15 of the TRPV3 gene in this patient and his father. Additionally, the patient was effectively managed with oral erlotinib at a daily dose of 75 mg. After 3 months of treatment, most plantar lesions resolved, and the pain experienced was mildly alleviated. No significant adverse effects were observed in this case during treatment. In addition, we review the OS literature regarding TRPV3 gene mutations.
The antifungal peptide AnAFP from Aspergillus niger promotes nutrient mobilization through autophagic recycling during asexual development
Authors: Starke Stephan , Velleman Laura , Dobbert Birgit , Seibert Luis , Witte Jordi , Jung Sascha , Meyer Vera
Published: January 2025

Antifungal peptides are promising drug candidates to fight fungal infections in the clinics and agriculture. However, recent data suggest that antifungal peptides might also play a role within their own producing organism to survive nutrient limiting conditions. We have therefore studied the function of the antifungal AnAFP in Aspergillus niger in more detail. To achieve this, we established a Tet-on controlled anafp expression system, which allowed us to study a null and an overexpression phenotype in the same isolate. We observed that increased intracellular AnAFP expression reduces growth of A. niger and prematurely activates autophagy. Comparative transcriptome analyses of glucose-starving mycelium demonstrated that increased anafp expression strongly impacts expression of genes important for cell wall integrity and remodeling, as well as genes with a predicted function in metabolism and transport of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Notably, genes encoding regulators of conidiophore development such as flbC and flbD became induced upon anafp overexpression. Fluorescent analyses of a Tet-on driven AnAFP::eGFP fusion protein congruently unraveled that AnAFP localizes to cell walls and septa of A. niger. Moreover, AnAFP::eGFP expression is spatially restricted to selected compartments only and affected cells displayed a sudden reduction in hyphal diameter. From these data we conclude that AnAFP is important to drive vegetative growth and sporulation in A. niger during nutrient limitation through autophagic recycling. We predict that AnAFP drives nutrient mobilization through selective cell lysis to ensure the survival of the whole colony during phases of starvation.
Prophylactic phage administration provides a time window for delayed treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in a murine bacteremia model
Authors: Wang Wei-Xiao , Yu Jiao-Yang , Chen Xiu-Zhen , Fu Shi-Yong , Li Hui , Yi Peng-Cheng , Ren Yun-Yao , Gu Shuang-Lin , Gao Jing-Han , Fan Jing , Sun Yan-Mei , Feng Jie , Wang Shi-Wei , Chen Wei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) poses a significant challenge in clinical settings due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to address this resistance crisis. However, critical gaps remain regarding optimal dosing, therapeutic design, and treatment timing for phage therapy targeting VRE-induced bacteremia.

Methods

The biological and genomic characteristics of a novel lytic phage specific to VRE were investigated. Its in vitro bactericidal and antibiofilm activities were evaluated, along with its synergy with antimicrobial agents. In vitro safety and protective efficacy were assessed using a mouse bacteremia model. The impact of phage therapy on gut microbiota was examined through 16S rDNA gene sequencing.

Results

We isolated and characterized a novel lytic phage, vB_EfaS-1017, specific to vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis. This phage features a circular, double-stranded DNA genome (40,766 bp), sharing 91.19% identity and 79% coverage with Enterococcus phage vB_EfaS_SRH2. vB_EfaS-1017 exhibited robust bactericidal and antibiofilm activity in vitro and demonstrated synergy with levofloxacin. Safety assessments confirmed its non-toxicity to mammalian cells and lack of hemolytic activity. In a mouse bacteremia model, phage treatment alone rescued 60% of infected mice, while combining phage with levofloxacin increased survival to 80%. Prophylactic administration of phage 24 hours prior to infection failed to prevent mortality. However, a combination of prophylactic phage administration and delayed treatment rescued 60% of mice, compared to 100% mortality in the delayed treatment alone group. Additionally, phage therapy helped maintain or restore gut microbiota balance.

Discussion

These findings underscore the potential of phage-antibiotic combinations as a superior therapeutic strategy against VRE infections. The observed synergy between phages and antibiotics highlights a promising approach to overcoming bacterial resistance and improving clinical outcomes. Furthermore, prophylactic phage administration may provide a critical time window for effective delayed treatment. Further preclinical research is essential to refine phage therapy protocols for clinical application.
Novel H16N3 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory gulls in China in 2023
Authors: Peng Peng , Shen Jinyan , Shi Wenjun , Guo Jing , Wang Mengjing , Li Wenxi , Yue Zhiqin , Sun Xiaohong , Guan Mengdi , Liu Lili , Xu Hongke , Xie Yujiao , Ren Anran , Liu Mingfeng , Liu Wenqiang , Zhang Zhibin , Xiao Zhishu , Li Xuyong
Published: January 2025

As a rare subtype of avian influenza virus, H16 viruses are predominant in gulls but rarely found in domestic birds. The low prevalence of H16 viruses has limited our understanding of their epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics. In this study, we isolated three novel H16N3 viruses from migratory gulls in East Asian–Australasian Flyway in eastern China in 2023, which are significantly different from previously identified isolates. To fully understand the epidemiology and genetics characteristics of the global H16 viruses, we compared the host divergence of several rare subtypes and determined that the H13 and H16 subtypes were predominantly pooled into different species of gulls by sharing their internal genes, whereas the waterfowl of Anatidae served as the primary natural reservoirs of the H8, H11, H12, H14, and H15 subtypes. Detailed phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary divergence of globally circulating H16 viruses and their frequent gene reassortment. Furthermore, the gull origin H13 and H16 viruses collectively served as gene donors for the newly emerged highly pathogenic clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses because the H13/H16-like PA, NP, and NS genes have been introduced into circulating H5N1 viruses since May 2022 in Europe. To date, the H5N1 reassortants containing the H13/H16-like gene segments have been detected in wild and domestic birds and resulted in mammal and human infections. These results improve our knowledge of the ecology and genetics of H16 viruses and emphasize the need for surveillance to monitor the emergence of novel avian influenza viruses in migratory birds.
Systematic review of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Arabian Peninsula: molecular epidemiology and resistance patterns
Authors: Idrees Enaam K. , Aldriwesh Marwh G. , Alkhulaifi Manal M. , Alghoribi Majed F.
Published: January 2025

Background

The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR K. pneumoniae) is a major public health and economic burden worldwide. Various resistance mechanisms complicate treatment, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous studies conducted in Gulf Health Council (GHC) countries, the molecular epidemiology of MDR K. pneumoniae remains not clearly defined. This systematic review aims to analyze the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes in MDR K. pneumoniae across GHC countries.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and OpenMD for articles published up to March 15, 2023. The search strategy focused on the bacterial name, drug-resistance genotypes, and GHC countries. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, with two independent reviewers assessing the risk of bias using NIH Study Quality Assessment tools.

Results

The primary search yielded 1,663 studies, of which 67 met the inclusion criteria. Saudi Arabia contributed the most studies, with 41 (61.1%), followed by Kuwait with 7 (10.4%), and the UAE with 6 (9%) studies. Oman and Qatar each contributed 4 studies (6%), and Bahrain contributed three studies (4.5%). The remaining 4 studies (4.4%) were from multiple GHC countries. The studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity in detection methods, target genes, and resistance mechanisms. Notably, only one environmental study was conducted in the UAE, and one community-based study in Kuwait, while the remaining studies focused on clinical samples. Various resistance mechanisms and patterns were observed between countries and across different years within the same country. The review highlighted the widespread prevalence of ESBL genes, particularly blaTEM and blaCTX-M-15, and the emergence of carbapenemase genes such as blaOXA-48 and blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2. Additionally, colistin resistance through the mcr-1 gene and mgrB mutations was reported in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, posing a significant public health challenge.

Conclusion

Data from GHC countries shows significant gaps, particularly in community and environmental and molecular epidemiology studies. Limited molecular and genome-based investigations hinder comprehensive AMR surveillance. Implementing standardized methodologies and fostering molecular and genome-based AMR surveillance programs at both national and regional levels within the GHC are essential for effectively combating the spread of MDR K. pneumoniae and improving public health outcomes in the region.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a multi-antigenic adenovirus-based vaccine candidate against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Yun Jin-Seung , Shin Eunkyung , Lee Young-Ran , Lee Jung-Ah , Lee Hyeokjin , Kim Jong-Seok , Shin Sung Jae , Ha Sang-Jun , Lee Sang-Won , Kim Dokeun , Yoo Jung-Sik , Jeong Hye-Sook
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The inadequate efficacy of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine against adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) necessitates the development of new and effective vaccines. Human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5), which induces T-cell response, is a widely used viral vector. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-antigenic recombinant Ad5 vectored vaccine and determine the optimal immunization route for enhanced immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Methods

We constructed a multi-antigenic recombinant Ad5 vectored vaccine expressing four antigens (Ag85B-ESAT6-MPT64-Rv2660c) of M. tuberculosis (rAd-TB4), immunized with rAd-TB4 (5 × 107 infectious virus units/mouse) twice at an interval of 4 weeks starting at 10 weeks after BCG priming, and evaluated its boosting efficacy in a BCG-primed mouse model, and determined the optimal immunization route.

Results

Compared with the BCG-only (2 × 105 colony forming units/mouse), subcutaneous injection of rAd-TB4 (1 × 107 infectious virus units/mL; two doses) elicited a T-cell response and cytokine production in lung lymphocytes and splenocytes. rAd-TB4 immunization significantly reduced bacterial loads and inflamed lung areas compared to BCG immunization (p < 0.01) and protected against the H37Rv challenge performed at 17 weeks of BCG priming. RNA sequencing of the whole blood of rAd-TB4-vaccinated mice collected pre- and, 1 and 4 weeks post-infection, identified differentially expressed genes associated with immune and inflammatory responses, especially those in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that rAd-TB4 immunization enhances the immune response to the vaccine boosting antigens in BCG-primed mice, making it a potential adult pulmonary TB vaccine candidate.
Effects of Salmonella Typhimurium infection on intestinal flora and intestinal tissue arachidonic acid metabolism in Wenchang chickens
Authors: Chen Shenghong , Xie Yaochen , Guo Dingqian , Li Tiansen , Tan Zhen , Ran Xuhua , Wen Xiaobo
Published: January 2025

Salmonella infections can lead to intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders in birds. However, whether arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolism is involved in Salmonella-induced intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This experiment investigated the changes in cecal flora and ARA metabolism in Hainan Wenchang chickens infected with S. Typhimurium using 16s rDNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics. The results showed that the levels of ARA metabolites were increased in the cecum tissue of Wenchang chickens after infection with S. Typhimurium, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), lipoxin A4 (LXA4), ± 8(9)-EET, ± 11(12)-EET, and ± 8,9-DiHETrE. The content of key enzymes for ARA production and metabolism (Phospholipase A2 PLA2 and Cyclooxygenase-2 COX-2) in chicken cecum tissues was increased after S. Typhimurium infection. The relative mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were also increased after infection, including Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). In HD11 cells, the use of a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor reduced the increased levels of COX-2 and PGF2α induced by S. Typhimurium infection and effectively reduced the inflammatory response. In addition, the number of beneficial genera (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Odorobacterium) in the cecum of Wenchang chickens was significantly reduced after infection with S. Typhimurium. The present study revealed the structure of cecal flora in S. Typhimurium-infected Wenchang chickens. In addition, this study demonstrated that S. Typhimurium activates the ARA cyclooxygenase metabolic pathway, which in turn mediates the development of intestinal inflammation in Wenchang chickens. The results can provide data support and theoretical support for the prevention and control of avian salmonellosis.
NavBLIP: a visual-language model for enhancing unmanned aerial vehicles navigation and object detection
Authors: Li Ye , Yang Li , Yang Meifang , Yan Fei , Liu Tonghua , Guo Chensi , Chen Rufeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have increasingly been deployed in various applications such as autonomous navigation, surveillance, and object detection. Traditional methods for UAV navigation and object detection have often relied on either handcrafted features or unimodal deep learning approaches. While these methods have seen some success, they frequently encounter limitations in dynamic environments, where robustness and computational efficiency become critical for real-time performance. Additionally, these methods often fail to effectively integrate multimodal inputs, which restricts their adaptability and generalization capabilities when facing complex and diverse scenarios.

Methods

To address these challenges, we introduce NavBLIP, a novel visual-language model specifically designed to enhance UAV navigation and object detection by utilizing multimodal data. NavBLIP incorporates transfer learning techniques along with a Nuisance-Invariant Multimodal Feature Extraction (NIMFE) module. The NIMFE module plays a key role in disentangling relevant features from intricate visual and environmental inputs, allowing UAVs to swiftly adapt to new environments and improve object detection accuracy. Furthermore, NavBLIP employs a multimodal control strategy that dynamically selects context-specific features to optimize real-time performance, ensuring efficiency in high-stakes operations.

Results and discussion

Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets such as RefCOCO, CC12M, and Openlmages reveal that NavBLIP outperforms existing state-of-the-art models in terms of accuracy, recall, and computational efficiency. Additionally, our ablation study emphasizes the significance of the NIMFE and transfer learning components in boosting the model's performance, underscoring NavBLIP's potential for real-time UAV applications where adaptability and computational efficiency are paramount.
Pharmacological approaches in drug-resistant pediatric epilepsies caused by pathogenic variants in potassium channel genes
Authors: Filareto Ilaria , Mosca Ilaria , Freri Elena , Ragona Francesca , Canafoglia Laura , Solazzi Roberta , Castellotti Barbara , Messina Giuliana , Gellera Cinzia , Soldovieri Maria Virginia , Ambrosino Paolo , Taglialatela Maurizio , DiFrancesco Jacopo C. , Granata Tiziana
Published: January 2025

Variants in genes encoding for voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels are frequent cause of drug-resistant pediatric epilepsies. Obtaining a molecular diagnosis gives the opportunity to assess the efficacy of pharmacological strategies based on in vitro features of mutant channels. In this retrospective observational study, we selected patients with drug-resistant pediatric epilepsies caused by variants in potassium channel encoding genes, followed at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta of Milan, Italy. After the experimental characterization of variants’ functional properties in transiently transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, we identified drugs to be used as pharmacological approaches. We recruited six patients carrying different missense variants in four Kv channels (Kv7.2, Kv7.3, Kv3.1, and KNa1.1). In vitro experiments demonstrated that variants in Kv7 channels induced loss-of-function (LoF) effects, while those affecting Kv3.1 or KNa1.1 led to gain-of-function (GoF). Moreover, we found that the Kv7 channels activator gabapentin was able to revert the LoF effects caused by Kv7.2/Kv7.3 variants, and the potassium channel-blocker fluoxetine counteracted the GoF effects in Kv3.1 or KNa1.1 variants. According to experimental data, patients carrying Kv7 variants were treated with gabapentin. While this treatment resulted successful in two patients (#1, Kv7.2 G310S variant; #3, Kv7.3 V359L + Kv7.3 D542N), it resulted detrimental in the remaining case (#2, Kv7.2 D535E), requiring drug withdrawal. The application in vivo of fluoxetine to counteract GoF effects induced by Kv3.1 or KNa1.1 variants determined a significant reduction of both seizure frequency and behavior disturbances in patient #4 (Kv3.1 V425M), and in both subjects carrying KNa1.1 variants (#5, S937G and #6, R262Q). However, for the latter case, this drug was halted due to severe behavioral side effects. For most of the patients herein reported, pharmacological strategies, selected according to the in vitro functional properties of Kv-channels pathogenic variants, resulted in a significant improvement of both epileptic and cognitive features.
Cartilage graft and temporal muscle fascia graft in revision myringoplasty: a comparison of anatomical and functional results with an innovative surgical technique
Authors: Canale Andrea , Boldreghini Marco , Abboud Ili , Peluso Patrizia , Vestrini Elisa , Riva Gluseppe , Albera Andrea
Published: January 2025

Background

The temporal muscle fascia is the most widely used type of tissue graft in revision myringoplasty procedures. The aim of this study was to verify if the use of a cartilage graft may be a valid alternative to temporalis fascia. Tympanic reperforations are frequent after myringoplasty, especially in complicated, large, or anterior perforations, so we decided to compare the neodrum stability of two different surgical techniques.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on 42 patients who underwent revision myringoplasty, carried out with the overlay technique, between 2004 and 2020. In all patients, the retroauricular approach was used. The subjects included in the study were divided into 2 groups: the former was treated with a cartilage graft, while in the latter a temporalis fascia graft was used. In the comparison of the two groups, the following outcomes were taken into consideration: engraftment rate, incidence of complications, pre- and postoperative air conduction pure tone average and air-bone gap.

Results

The success rate was 100% for the first group and 83.3% for the second, with a statistically not significant difference. Among the subjects treated with cartilage graft, complications were observed in 8.3% of the cases, while in patients treated with fascia graft the observed complication rate was 43.3% (p = 0.03), maybe due to the shorter follow-up period of the first group. The improvement of the air conduction pure tone average was greater with cartilage graft (p = 0.02), whereas the difference between air-bone gap closures in the two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The cartilage graft can represent a valid alternative to temporal muscle fascia, guaranteeing excellent engraftment, fewer complication rate and satisfactory hearing outcomes.
Selective correlation of hippocampal volumes with WADA memory scores in mesial temporal sclerosis patients
Authors: Khalife Lourdes , Nasreddine Wassim , Jaafar Fatima , Abboodi Huda , Nasreddine Karim , Beydoun Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Objective

The WADA test is used to determine cerebral language dominance and assess the risk of postoperative amnesia following mesial temporal lobe resection. This study aims to explore the correlation between automated measures of hippocampal volume and WADA memory scores and to evaluate whether these volumetric measurements can reliably predict WADA memory scores.

Methods

This study included patients who underwent a comprehensive presurgical assessment along with bilateral WADA testing. Hippocampal volumes were measured from high-resolution brain MRIs using automated software (volBrain), which were harmonized and normalized to whole brain volume. These harmonized and normalized volumes were then correlated with ipsilateral WADA memory scores and stratified according to brain MRI findings. A similar analysis was conducted between hippocampal volume asymmetry and WADA memory score asymmetry (WMA). A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to compare the sensitivity and specificity in predicting successful WADA outcomes based on ipsilateral harmonized normalized hippocampal volumes.

Results

In patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), significant positive correlations were found between harmonized normalized hippocampal volumes and ipsilateral WADA memory scores, as well as between harmonized hippocampal volume asymmetries and WMA. However, no significant correlations were found in patients with epileptogenic lesions other than MTS or those with normal brain MRIs. A harmonized normalized hippocampal volume threshold of ≥ 28.94 units was identified as a predictor of a WADA memory score exceeding 50% following contralateral carotid artery injection, with a sensitivity of 62.1% and a specificity of 100%.

Significance

This study indicates that hippocampal volumetry could potentially serve as an alternative to the WADA test in patients with MTS. Conversely, in individuals with normal MRI results or other types of epileptogenic lesions, hippocampal volumetry does not reliably predict memory deficits, necessitating the use of the WADA test or functional MRI for planning resections of mesial temporal structures in the dominant hemisphere.
The impact of glycolysis on ischemic stroke: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications
Authors: Liu Yingquan , Hu Peijia , Cheng Hongliang , Xu Fangyuan , Ye Yu
Published: January 2025

Ischemic stroke (IS), a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, remains a significant challenge due to its complex pathogenesis. Glycolysis, a central metabolic pathway, plays a critical role in bridging the gap between metabolic dysfunction and neurological impairment. During ischemic conditions, glycolysis replaces oxidative phosphorylation as the primary energy source for brain tissue. However, in the ischemia–reperfusion state, neuronal cells show a particular reliance on aerobic glycolysis. Immune cells, such as monocytes, also contribute to atheromatous plaque formation and thrombi through increased aerobic glycolysis. Given glycolysis’s involvement in various pathological stages of IS, it offers the potential for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This review comprehensively explores the role of glycolysis in different phases of IS, addresses existing controversies, and discusses its diagnostic and therapeutic applications. By elucidating the intricate relationship between glycolysis and IS, this review aims to provide novel insights for future research and clinical advancements.
Stochasticity as a solution for overfitting—A new model and comparative study on non-invasive EEG prospects
Authors: Radwan Yousef A. , Ahmed Mohamed Eslam , Metwalli Donia , Barakat Mariam , Ahmed Anas , Kiroles Antony E. , Selim Sahar
Published: January 2025

The potential and utility of inner speech is pivotal for developing practical, everyday Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications, as it represents a type of brain signal that operates independently of external stimuli however it is largely underdeveloped due to the challenges faced in deciphering its signals. In this study, we evaluated the behaviors of various Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models on a publicly available dataset, employing popular preprocessing methods as feature extractors to enhance model training. We face significant challenges like subject-dependent variability, high noise levels, and overfitting. To address overfitting in particular, we propose using “BruteExtraTree”: a new classifier which relies on moderate stochasticity inherited from its base model, the ExtraTreeClassifier. This model not only matches the best DL model, ShallowFBCSPNet, in the subject-independent scenario in our experiments scoring 32% accuracy, but also surpasses the state-of-the-art by achieving 46.6% average per-subject accuracy in the subject-dependent case. Our results on the subject-dependent case show promise on the possibility of a new paradigm for using inner speech data inspired from LLM pretraining but we also highlight the crucial need for a drastic change in data recording or noise removal methods to open the way for more practical accuracies in the subject-independent case.
Application of deconvolutional networks for feature interpretability in epilepsy detection
Authors: Shao Sihao , Zhou Yu , Wu Ruiheng , Yang Aiping , Li Qiang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used to assist in epilepsy detection. Even automated detection algorithms are already available to assist clinicians in reviewing EEG data, many algorithms used for seizure detection in epilepsy fail to account for the contributions of different channels. The Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) can provide the model’s interpretability but has not been applied in seizure detection.

Methods

To address these challenges, a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) model, combining SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) modules, was proposed on top of the FCN. The epilepsy detection performance for patient-independent was evaluated on the CHB-MIT dataset. Then, the SE module was removed from the model and integrated the model with Inception, ResNet, and CBAM modules separately.

Results

The method showed superior advancement, stability, and reliability compared to the other three methods. The method demonstrated a G-Mean of 82.7% for sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE) on the CHB-MIT dataset. In addition, The contributions of each channel to the seizure detection task have also been quantified, which led us to find that the FZ, CZ, PZ, FT9, FT10, and T8 brain regions have a more pronounced impact on epileptic seizures.

Discussion

This article presents a novel algorithm for epilepsy detection that accurately identifies seizures in different patients and enhances the model’s interpretability.
Fusion of EEG and EMG signals for detecting pre-movement intention of sitting and standing in healthy individuals and patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Chenyang , Xu Yuchen , Feng Tao , Wang Minmin , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhang Li , Cheng Ruidong , Chen Weihai , Chen Weidong , Zhang Shaomin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Rehabilitation devices assist individuals with movement disorders by supporting daily activities and facilitating effective rehabilitation training. Accurate and early motor intention detection is vital for real-time device applications. However, traditional methods of motor intention detection often rely on single-mode signals, such as EEG or EMG alone, which can be limited by low signal quality and reduced stability. This study proposes a multimodal fusion method based on EEG–EMG functional connectivity to detect sitting and standing intentions before movement execution, enabling timely intervention and reducing latency in rehabilitation devices.

Methods

Eight healthy subjects and five spinal cord injury (SCI) patients performed cue-based sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transition tasks while EEG and EMG data were recorded simultaneously. We constructed EEG–EMG functional connectivity networks using data epochs from the 1.5-s period prior to movement onset. Pairwise spatial filters were then designed to extract discriminative spatial network topologies. Each filter paired with a support vector machine classifier to classify future movements into one of three classes: sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, or rest. The final prediction was determined using a majority voting scheme.

Results

Among the three functional connectivity methods investigated—coherence, Pearson correlation coefficient and mutual information (MI)—the MI-based EEG–EMG network showed the highest decoding performance (94.33%), outperforming both EEG (73.89%) and EMG (89.16%). The robustness of the fusion method was further validated through a fatigue training experiment with healthy subjects. The fusion method achieved 92.87% accuracy during the post-fatigue stage, with no significant difference compared to the pre-fatigue stage (p > 0.05). Additionally, the proposed method using pre-movement windows achieved accuracy comparable to trans-movement windows (p > 0.05 for both pre- and post-fatigue stages). For the SCI patients, the fusion method showed improved accuracy, achieving 87.54% compared to single- modality methods (EEG: 83.03%, EMG: 84.13%), suggesting that the fusion method could be promising for practical rehabilitation applications.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the proposed multimodal fusion method significantly enhances the performance of detecting human motor intentions. By enabling early detection of sitting and standing intentions, this method holds the potential to offer more accurate and timely interventions within rehabilitation systems.
MATRIX: a platform for cultivation profiling and bioactive discovery in natural product research
Authors: Khalil Zeinab G. , Sritharan Thulasi , Salim Angela A. , Capon Robert J.
Published: January 2025

The MATRIX protocol presents a novel miniaturized 24-well plate approach for microbial cultivation profiling, enabling the efficient and parallel assessment of microbial metabolite production. This method integrates a media MATRIX within a microbioreactor to facilitate the creation of diverse growth conditions for microbial cultivation. The 24-well format supports the simultaneous study of multiple microbial strains and conditions, allowing the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. By employing a variety of media compositions and cultivations, MATRIX enhances the understanding of microbial metabolic pathways and interactions. This protocol provides a robust platform for natural product discovery, microbial ecology studies, and drug development, showcasing its potential to uncover new natural products and other valuable bioactives. The MATRIX approach offers a resource-efficient platform for microbial biodiscovery, contributing significantly to natural product research and drug development.
The influence of different forms of apple products on all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension
Authors: Sun Chuang , Chen Yingying , Guan Yue , Zeng Yiming , Li Jie , Chen Liang
Published: January 2025

Objective

Apple consumption has a positive effect on human health. Some studies have shown that an appropriate amount of apple intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. However, few studies have investigated whether eating different forms of apples has the same benefits as eating whole apples. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of different forms of apple on all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension.

Methods

The study included 2,368 patients with hypertension. All participants were followed up for at least 10 years. Cox regression model was constructed to analyze the correlation between apple, apple juice, and apple sauce consumption and all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension.

Results

The consumption of apples 3–6 times/week was associated with a 48% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension (HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37–0.72, p < 0.001). However, the consumption of apple juice (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.67–1.56, p = 0.930) and sauce (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.59–2.74, p = 0.531) tended to increase the risk of death in patients with hypertension, although this study did not obtain a statistically result.

Conclusion

Moderate consumption of whole apples is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death in patients with hypertension, whereas apple juice and sauce may increase the risk of death.
Time to dietary diversity of complementary feeding improvements and its associated factors among infants aged 6–12 months in Ethiopia: evidence from performance monitoring for action
Authors: Bayisa Feyisa Shasho , Nimani Teshome Demis , Darcho Samuel Demissie , Tekola Abainash
Published: January 2025

Background

Infant and Young Child Feeding significantly affect the health, development, and nutritional status of children under 2 years old, ultimately affecting their survival. The aim of this study is to determine the time to improvement in dietary diversity and associated factors in infants aged 6 to 12 months.

Methods

The study used secondary data from the PMA Ethiopia longitudinal panel survey, involving pregnant women from January to March 2024. The data management and analysis were performed using Stata version 17. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve (KM) and the log-rank test method were implemented. A Cox proportional-hazard regression model was used to explore the association between independent variables and the outcome variable. The strength of the association was indicated by the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval. The threshold of p < 0.05 was applied to determine the significance of an association.

Results

The study found that the proportion of infants with improved dietary diversity aged 6–12 months was 22% (95% CI: 19.5, 25%). Factors associated with improved dietary diversity in infants aged 6 to 12 months were married women (AHR = 9.3, 95% CI = 1.19, 8.30), women with a secondary school (AHR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.51), women with technical and vocational (AHR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.01, 4.05) and women with a university degree (AHR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.51, 5.38). Moreover, women in the highest wealth quintile (AHR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.31, 9.41), women visiting PNC (AHR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.13, 2.62), women visiting ANC 1–3, and more than four times were (AHR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.51, 3.74) and (AHR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.28, 5.67) times higher for improving dietary diversity.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that the proportion of dietary diversity improvement was 22%. Which is relatively low. Marital status, educational status, wealth index, PNC, and ANC visits were identified as statistically significant factors associated with dietary diversity improvements. It suggests that public health interventions should focus on enhancing maternal knowledge and promoting regular healthcare visits to mitigate malnutrition and improve infant health outcomes in Ethiopia.
The impact of dietary fiber on colorectal cancer patients based on machine learning
Authors: Ji Xinwei , Wang Lixin , Luan Pengbo , Liang Jingru , Cheng Weicai
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of enteral nutrition with dietary fiber on patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Methods

Between January 2023 and August 2024, 164 CRC patients were randomly assigned to two groups at our hospital. The control group received standard nutritional intervention, while the observation group received enteral nutritional support containing dietary fiber. Both groups were subjected to intervention and continuously observed until the 14th postoperative day. An observational analysis assessed the impact of dietary fiber intake on postoperative nutritional status in CRC patients. The study compared infection stress index, inflammatory factors, nutritional status, intestinal function recovery, and complication incidence between groups. Additionally, four machine learning models—Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Neural Network (NN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—were developed based on nutritional and clinical indicators.

Results

In the observation group, levels of procalcitonin (PCT), beta-endorphin (β-EP), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conversely, levels of albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (HB), transferrin (TRF), and prealbumin (PAB) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, LR, RF, NN, and SVM models can effectively predict the effects of dietary fiber on the immune function and inflammatory response of postoperative CRC patients, with the NN model performing the best. Through the screening of machine learning models, four key predictors for CRC patients were identified: PCT, PAB, ALB, and IL-1.

Conclusion

Postoperative dietary fiber administration in colorectal cancer enhances immune function, reduces disease-related inflammation, and inhibits tumor proliferation. Machine learning-based CRC prediction models hold clinical value.
Association between nutritional inflammation index and diabetic foot ulcers: a population-based study
Authors: Lin Zhou , Zhuang Wanli , Wang Lei , Lan Weifeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), a frequent complication of the worldwide disease (diabetes), are the primary causes of amputations and early mortality. The development of DFU is inseparably linked with inflammation and nutrition, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of their impact on DFU risk. This study aimed to establish a new predictive metric that integrated immune inflammation and nutritional markers to holistically assess the risk of DFU development.

Methods

Data were sourced from NHANES, extracting participant from 1999 to 2004. Analysis of multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline were employed to elucidate the connection and non-linear relationship between albumin/neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (ANLR) and DFU. Stratified subgroup analysis identified advantageous populations, while interaction analysis evaluated variable interactions with ANLR. These approaches collectively contributed to a sensitivity analysis, improving the reliability of the outcomes.

Results

Out of 29,608 participants extracted, 1,531 qualified based on the study criteria. Employing the ANLR low group as a reference, the high group demonstrated a 54% reduction in DFU risk. Every increase of 0.1 unit in ANLR correlated with a 5% decrease in DFU risk. Moreover, an L-shaped non-linear link was observed. The turning point was at 3.09. Left of the inflection point, the relationship was negatively correlated. Beyond this point, further increased in ANLR no longer decrease DFU risk.

Conclusion

The study not only proposed a new comprehensive indicator for predicting DFU for the first time but also specified the impact of ANLR on DFU risk. Broadly, a negative correlation existed between the two. Yet, a detailed analysis revealed that this negative correlation involved an inflection point effect. Furthermore, the study investigated how dynamic changes in ANLR affect DFU risk, aiding clinicians in more accurately assessing individual DFU risk and facilitating earlier identification and intervention of DFU. Therefore, for diabetic patients with low serum albumin, appropriate supplementation of albumin was crucial. Additionally, maintaining the NLR at an appropriate level should not be overlooked. Given the components of ANLR were widely used and readily available in clinical settings, their future clinical applications hold great potential.
Systemic antihyperalgesic effect of a novel conotoxin from Californiconus californicus in an inflammatory pain model
Authors: López-Carrillo Joaquín , Bernáldez-Sarabia Johanna , Pawar Tushar J. , Jiménez Samanta , Dueñas Salvador , Figueroa-Montiel Andrea , Olivares-Romero José L. , Granados-Soto Vinicio , Licea-Navarro Alexei F. , Caram-Salas Nadia L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study explores the analgesic potential of the novel conotoxin O1_cal6.4b, derived from Californiconus californicus, as a candidate for pain management in a model of inflammatory pain.

Methods

O1_cal6.4b was systemically administered to Wistar rats, and its effects on thermal hyperalgesia and motor coordination were evaluated. Comparative analyses were conducted against O1_cal6.4d, ω-MVIIA, and standard analgesics (morphine, dexamethasone, and diclofenac). Structural differences between O1_cal6.4b and O1_cal6.4d were examined using in silico modeling and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results

Systemic administration of O1_cal6.4b significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner without impairing motor coordination. The analgesic effect of O1_cal6.4b was superior to that of O1_cal6.4d, ω-MVIIA, and standard analgesics. Structural analyses revealed notable differences between O1_cal6.4b and O1_cal6.4d, suggesting unique functional properties.

Discussion

The findings indicate that O1_cal6.4b exhibits a promising analgesic profile with advantages over traditional opioid-based therapies. These results underscore the molecular diversity of conotoxins and highlight their potential as innovative analgesic treatments. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of this novel conotoxin.
Down syndrome and outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients
Authors: Tantaleán Da Fieno José , León Paredes Rosa , Palomo Luck Patricia , Del Águila Villar Carlos , Rizo Patrón Emiliana
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Information regarding children with Down syndrome (DS) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is limited and conflicting. We aimed to investigate the association between DS and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients admitted to the PICU at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (National Institute for Child Health, INSN for the acronym in Spanish) and to assess nutritional status within the study cohort.

Methods

This study involved the secondary analysis of a database. We included patients consecutively admitted to INSN, a tertiary care children's hospital in Lima, Peru. We collected demographic data, clinical characteristics, and nutritional status using standardized tables. The outcomes assessed included mortality, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), ventilator-free days (VFD), and healthcare-associated infections (HAI). We applied Cox regression and Poisson regression analyses to explore the relationship between Down syndrome and clinical outcomes, providing both crude and adjusted results.

Results

A total of 525 children (average age 71.3 months, range 1–218 months) were analyzed. Children with DS were younger and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, congenital heart disease, and underweight. Both crude bivariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that children with DS had higher mortality rates, increased frequency of HAIs, longer DMV, longer PICU stay, and fewer VFD. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that children with DS had a significantly higher risk of developing HAIs (RR 2.95; 95% CI 1.10, 7.87) and longer DMV (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.24, 1.65). Among the 525 children, underweight was associated with increased risk of mechanical ventilation (MV) use and longer DMV.

Discussion

Critically ill children with DS are at increased risk of developing HAIs and longer DMV. In all 525 children, underweight is associated with higher risk of MV use and longer duration of MV.