bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental procedures, influencing parameters, and future prospects of geological sequestration of carbon dioxide
Authors: Dai Kun , Xia Yan , Yuan Guangjie , Liu Tianen , Zhang Hong , Song Hengyu , Yuan Haowei
Published: January 2025

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is receiving increasing attention as a technology to mitigate the increasingly serious impacts of climate change. This review explains the CCS process, providing details of important factors influencing its performance, current barriers to its widespread commercialization, and potential pathways for advancement. Integrated data analysis is applied to investigate the multiple factors affecting the storage capacity of CCS sites, including the geological properties of reservoir sites, physicochemical characteristics of CO2, and petrophysical features of rocks. We also review recent developments in CCS technology. Our findings will help guide the precise design of CCS systems and the control of their parameters to improve performance and reliability. Although practical obstacles such as cost and public acceptance remain before CCS can be implemented at a large scale, progress continues to be made in terms of monitoring technologies, evaluation methodologies, and CO2 capture/conversion strategies. In addition, ongoing and future research avenues are also discussed, which include the development of novel monitoring technologies, new possibilities for evaluating long-term storage impacts, and improvements to CO2 capture and conversion methods. The study offers valuable insights into the emerging technology of CCS and may aid future improvement to, for example, its commercial viability, which could aid progress toward international carbon neutrality ambitions.
Numerical modelling of erosional landforms driven by offshore groundwater flow on siliciclastic continental margins: a conceptual approach
Authors: Gupta Shubhangi , Micallef Aaron
Published: January 2025

Offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) has long been hypothesised to be a key factor shaping continental margins worldwide. Field observations from siliciclastic margins suggest strong causal links between sub-seafloor OFG flow and seafloor depressions, canyons and landslide scars. These links have been hard to validate due to a paucity of appropriate field data and difficulty in simulating the subsurface flow and geomorphic processes in the laboratory. Here we present a numerical study that simulates the geomorphic action of sub-seafloor OFG seepage in an idealised 3D continental margin. Analysis of the coupling conditions highlights the multiplicative nature of the primary driving mechanisms (seepage-induced erosion and slope instability), suggesting a continuous transition between flow- and stress-controlled landforms. We find that OFG can create landforms in siliciclastic margins when buried flow pathways exist. Shelf-break depth determines landform type and timing. Shelf-breaks deeper than the sea-level lowstand lead to shallow circular depressions in the mid-shelf region, while those shallower than the lowstand yield V-shaped and theatre-headed valleys in the outer shelf to upper slope. Landforms emerge during falling sea-levels, starting as pockmark trains along the edges of the buried channels. Sensitivity studies show that: (1) channel width and depth affect only landform size, not type, and (2) OFG-related landforms are mainly erosion-driven and can evolve into slope failures in coarse-grained sediments with low cohesive strength. Our model aligns with field observations of pockmarks, canyons, and landslides in various continental margin settings.
Transpoiesis: the art of doing organization without becoming one
Authors: Schröder Christian
Published: January 2025

This paper uses the concept of transpoiesis to describe the mechanisms that sustain social movements. Emerging from ethnographic research on the World Social Forum (WSF) and inspired by systems theory, transpoiesis emphasizes the dynamic balance within social movements between decentralized organization and strategic coherence. This differentiates it from autopoiesis, which focuses on self-sustaining systems that maintain and reproduce their structure autonomously through internal processes, rather than emphasizing the dynamic balance between decentralized organization and strategic coherence. Transpoiesis offers a particularly instructive model in the digital age, when classical explanations often fail to account for the rapid pace of change, innovation, flexibility and decentralized collaboration that characterize modern organizations. The concept aids in understanding how social movements build collective identities, navigate organizational dynamics, structure collective learning, and contribute to social change. Moreover, it reflects the broader shift toward network-based arrangements in contemporary organizations, an adaptation to the complexities of the digital environment.
Amorphous silica reduces N2O emissions from arable land at the field plot scale
Authors: Hoffmann Mathias , Diaz Oscar Rodrigo Monzon , Zentgraf Isabel , Al-Hamwi Wael , Dubbert Maren , Stein Mathias , Holz Maire , Schaller Jörg
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions pose a strong threat due to accelerating global warming. N2O emissions are highly important in this regard as N2O is a very powerful greenhouse gas. Agriculture is the main human-induced source for N2O emissions, contributing roughly 60% to total N2O emissions. Soil amorphous silica (ASi) contents are reduced in arable soils due to yearly exports by crop harvest as most crops are silicon accumulator plants. Most recently it has been shown that ASi is increasing water and nutrient availability in soils. Both factors are known to directly and indirectly affect N2O emissions from agroecosystems.

Methods

In this study we conducted a field plot trial on arable soil depleted in ASi and fertilized this soil to its pre-agricultural ASi level.

Results

Our data clearly shows that increasing soil ASi to a pre-agricultural level decreased seasonal N2O emissions by ∼30%.

Discussion

This reduction of N2O emissions due to ASi might be of global relevance as agricultural practice has reduced the ASi content in agricultural soils. If future studies confirm the effect of ASi on N2O emissions, the soil ASi depletion by agricultural practice in the last decades may have led to a substantial increase of N2O emissions.
Metazoan diversity in Chilean hypersaline lakes unveiled by environmental DNA
Authors: Saccò Mattia , Campbell Matthew A. , Aguilar Pablo , Salazar Gonzalo , Berry Tina E. , Heydenrych Matthew J. , Lawrie Angus , White Nicole E. , Harrod Chris , Allentoft Morten E.
Published: January 2025

Saline and hypersaline wetlands are biodiversity hotspots for metazoans such as aquatic invertebrates and wading birds. However, the survival of these habitats and their biota is increasingly threatened by a combination of pressures from climate change and extractive processes. With the goal of improving conservation efforts in hypersaline ecosystems, this study tests the use of eDNA methods for metazoan biomonitoring. We employed a multi-assay approach utilizing three genetic markers—12S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and COI —to analyze biodiversity in sediment and water. Samples were collected from three hypersaline lakes in Northern Chile: Salar de Atacama (Laguna Puilar), Salar de Pujsa, and Salar de Tara. eDNA outputs were also compared with results generated from aquatic macroinvertebrate assessments using kick-nets. Our eDNA analyses revealed a total of 21 and 22 taxa across the three hypersaline lakes in sediment and water, respectively. The highest diversity was found in Salar de Tara (15 taxa within sediment and 13 taxa from water). Our multi-assay design detected a range of resident hypersaline taxa with different conservation status, spanning from rotifers to endangered snails, to amphipods and flamingos. Macroinvertebrate data via kick-net surveys further validated Salar de Tara as the most biodiverse system. Compared to net-based assessments, eDNA analysis allowed more refined taxonomic assignments for copepods and ostracods, while certain taxa such as Ephydridae or Hirudinea were not detected through molecular tests. Overall, this study provides evidence that eDNA is an effective tool to elucidate fine scale taxa assemblages and can refine conservation efforts in hypersaline lakes.
Anemia during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Wang Rui , Xu Shan , Hao Xiaoyu , Jin Xingyi , Pan Da , Xia Hui , Liao Wang , Yang Ligang , Wang Shaokang
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Anemia in pregnancy has been a topic of interest for researchers due to its potential impact on various adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to explore the relationship between anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.

Methods

We conducted both a systematic review and a meta-analysis on the associations between anemia during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We searched Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, VIP) and English ones (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science). Two researcher-authors independently assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. After extracting data, we analyzed heterogeneity and used a random-effects model for higher heterogeneity and a fixed-effects model for low heterogeneity in the meta-analysis while also systematically synthesizing and narratively describing findings in the systematic review.

Results

A total of 31 cohort studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [RR [95% CI], 2.76 [1.63, 4.66]], premature rupture of membranes (PROM) [1.94 (1.26, 3.00)], preterm delivery [1.51 (1.33, 1.72)], low birth weight (LBW) [1.40 (1.19, 1.63)], cesarean section[1.33 (1.02, 1.74)], gestational hypertension[1.28 (1.14, 1.44)] and neonatal asphyxia[1.21 (1.07, 1.37)] was higher in the group of anemia in pregnancy than in the control group.

Conclusion

Maternal anemia is associated with an increased risk of seven adverse pregnancy outcomes: postpartum hemorrhage, PROM, preterm delivery, LBW, cesarean section, gestational hypertension and neonatal asphyxia. Appropriate nutritional supplementation and screening for anemia before and during pregnancy are recommended to improve maternal health and manage adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Atractylenolide-I prevents abdominal aortic aneurysm formation through inhibiting inflammation
Authors: Chen Shuxiao , Liu Xiaotian , Zhou Xincheng , Lin Weixiao , Liu Minting , Ma Haoran , Zhong Keli , Ma Qiming , Qin Chengjian
Published: January 2025

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease with high mortality. Chronic inflammation plays a vital role in the formation of AAA. Atractylenolide-I (ATL-I) is a major bioactive component of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae that exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of ATL-I in the progression of AAA.

Methods

AAA was constructed in C57BL/6 mice by porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-incubation, and the diameter of the aorta was measured by ultrasound. ATL-I was administered by gavage on the second day after modeling to explore its significance in AAA. The pathological and molecular alteration was investigated by immunostaining, ELISA, qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

Results

ATL-I inhibited the dilatation of the abdominal aorta and decreased the incidence of AAA. ATL-I alleviated the infiltration of macrophages in the adventitia and reduced the levels of proinflammatory factor IL-1β and IL-6 in the aorta and circulatory system, while increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Moreover, ATL-I restrained loss of smooth muscle cells and elastic fiber degradation by suppressing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Mechanistically, phospho-AMPK expression was elevated in AAA groups, and ATL-I administration suppressed its expression to improve the pathological damage of aorta.

Conclusions

ATL-I meliorated vascular inflammation by targeting AMPK signaling, ultimately inhibiting AAA formation, which provided an alternative agent for AAA treatment.
It’s about TIME – Gal-9 as a potential immunotherapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Knickmeier Christin , Noubissi Nzeteu Gaetan Aime , Gibbs Bernhard F. , Hoogwater Frederik J. H. , Nijkamp Maarten W. , Bockhorn Maximilian , Meyer N. Helge
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by an extremely poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Central to the progression and immune evasion of PDAC is the tumor (immune) microenvironment (TIME), where immune checkpoint proteins such as galectin-9 (Gal-9) play pivotal roles. Gal-9 significantly contributes to the immunosuppressive milieu of PDAC by interacting with various immune cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These interactions suppress anti-tumor immunity, thus facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of Gal-9 in the TIME of PDAC, detailing its mechanisms of action, including the induction of regulatory T cells, polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, and modulation of apoptotic pathways via Tim-3 and caspase activation. The therapeutic potential of targeting Gal-9, either alone or in combination with other immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-L1, is also discussed, highlighting preclinical findings that suggest promising avenues for enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. By elucidating the complex biological activities of Gal-9 and its interactions within the TIME, this review underscores the importance of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the immunosuppressive effects of Gal-9 in PDAC.
When thyroid met brain: the enigma of steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis a case report
Authors: Kotak Palash , Khurana Kashish , Raut Sarang , Toshniwal Saket Satyasham , Acharya Sourya
Published: January 2025

Steroid Responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (SREAT), or Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder linked to elevated antithyroid antibodies and presenting various neurological symptoms. This report deals with a case of a 54-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism who presented with hypertensive emergency and atypical neurological symptoms that deteriorated during the hospital stay. On testing, she was euthyroid. Initial investigations, including MRI and CSF analysis, were inconclusive, but high levels of antithyroid peroxidase (Anti TPO) antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of SREAT. The patient was managed with intravenous methylprednisolone, leading to rapid clinical improvement. SREAT, being a diagnosis of exclusion, presents with various neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms that can be difficult to identify. This condition remains poorly understood, though autoimmune factors and antithyroid antibodies seem to play a role. Glucocorticoids remain the primary treatment choice. At the same time, other immunosuppressive agents are reserved for non-responders. This case highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis in SREAT, as early recognition and corticosteroid treatment can lead to significant recovery. Timely intervention is essential for improved patient prognosis, emphasizing the need for awareness of SREAT in patients with a history of hypothyroidism presenting with neurological symptoms.
Outcomes with bridging radiation therapy prior to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Manzar Gohar S. , Pinnix Chelsea C. , Dudzinski Stephanie O. , Marqueen Kathryn E. , Cha Elaine E. , Nasr Lewis F. , Yoder Alison K. , Rooney Michael K. , Strati Paolo , Ahmed Sairah , Nze Chijioke , Nair Ranjit , Fayad Luis E. , Wang Michael , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Westin Jason R. , Flowers Christopher R. , Neelapu Sattva S. , Gunther Jillian R. , Dabaja Bouthaina S. , Wu Susan Y. , Fang Penny Q.
Published: January 2025

Background

Select patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B cell lymphoma may benefit from bridging radiation (bRT) prior to anti-CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T). Here, we examined patient and treatment factors associated with outcomes and patterns of failure after bRT and CAR-T.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received bRT prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel, or lisocabtagene maraleucel between 11/2017-4/2023. Clinical/treatment characteristics, response, and toxicity were extracted. Survival was modeled using Kaplan-Meier or Cox regression models for events distributed over time, or binary logistic regression for disease response. Fisher’s Exact Test or Mann-Whitney U methods were used.

Results

Of 51 patients, 25.5% had bulky disease and 64.7% had Stage III/IV disease at the time of RT. Comprehensive bRT alone to all disease sites was delivered to 51% of patients, and 29.4% were additionally bridged with systemic therapy. Median follow-up was 10.3 months (95% CI: 7.7-16.4). Overall response rate (ORR) was 82.4% at 30 days post-CAR-T infusion. Median overall survival (OS) was 22.1 months (6.6-not reached) and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.4 months (5.5-30). OS/PFS were 80% (66-99)/78% (64-87) at 1-year, and 59% (44-71)/54% (40-67) at 2-years, respectively. Comprehensive RT to all sites of disease correlated with improved PFS and OS, p ≤ 0.04. Additionally, ECOG ≥2 and Stage III/IV disease predicted poor OS (p ≤ 0.02). Disease bulk, IPI ≥3, and non-GCB histology were poor predictors for disease-specific survival (DSS), p<0.05. The latter two, as well as bRT dose of ≤30 Gy predicted worse PFS (p<0.05). Among patients with advanced stage disease, comprehensive bRT to all sites of disease (n=10) was not associated with improved OS and PFS compared to focal bRT (n=23), p>0.17. No difference was seen in bridging RT vs. chemoRT. Twenty-six patients developed relapse (50.9%), of which 46% was in-field. Risk of in-field relapse correlated with bulky disease (OR=7, 95% CI: 1.2-41, p=0.03) and lack of response at 30 day post-CAR-T evaluation (OR=16.8, 95% CI: 1.6-176, p=0.02), but not with bRT dose (p=0.27).

Conclusion

bRT and CART is a good treatment strategy for select patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma. Comprehensive bRT including all sites of disease is associated with improved outcomes.
Multifaceted roles of ninjurin1 in immunity, cell death, and disease
Authors: Zhu Lili , Xu Yunfei
Published: January 2025

Ninjurin1 (NINJ1) is initially identified as a nerve injury-induced adhesion molecule that facilitates axon growth. It is initially characterized to promote nerve regeneration and mediate the transendothelial transport of monocytes/macrophages associated with neuroinflammation. Recent evidence indicates that NINJ1 mediates plasma membrane rupture (PMR) in lytic cell death. The absence or inhibition of NINJ1 can delay PMR, thereby mitigating the spread of inflammation resulting from cell lysis and preventing the progression of various cell death-related pathologies, suggesting a conserved regulatory mechanism across these processes. Further research elucidated the structural basis and mechanism of NINJ1-mediated PMR. Although the role of NINJ1 in PMR is established, the identity of its activating factors and its implications in diseases remain to be fully explored. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the structural basis and mechanism of NINJ1-mediated PMR and discusses its significance and therapeutic targeting potential in inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, cancer, and vascular injuries.
The systemic oxidative stress index predicts clinical outcomes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy
Authors: Feng Jifeng , Wang Liang , Yang Xun , Chen Qixun
Published: January 2025

Background

Strong correlations have been shown between systemic oxidative stress (SOS) and the occurrence, metastasis, and prognosis of many types of cancers. It is yet unknown how SOS levels relate to the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The current research aims to explore the prognostic role of systemic oxidative stress index (SOSI) on ESCC receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT).

Methods

Retrospective recruitment was used to identify 224 nICT-treated ESCC patients. In order to determine the integrative score of SOSI, logistic regression analyses were utilized to screen independent risk variables, with disease-free survival (DFS) serving as the dependent variable. Given the non-linear relationship between SOSI and DFS, the best threshold was determined using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. Independent variable determination was executed using a cox regression analysis. For prognostic prediction, a risk categorization method based on recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was also created.

Results

Four SOS-related indicators, including albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and direct bilirubin, were used to establish the SOSI. The ideal threshold of SOSI, shown by the non-linear relationship between DFS and SOSI (P<0.001), was used to compare between two groups. As a potential prognostic factor for those nICT-treated ESCC patients, SOSI showed a strong correlation with both DFS and overall survival (OS). Patients with low SOSI had better DFS (55.1% vs. 85.5%, P<0.001) and OS (72.6% vs. 79.1%, P=0.013). Then, a new staging that included TNM and SOSI based on RPA algorithms was produced. In terms of prognostication, the RPA model performed significantly better than TNM classification.

Conclusion

SOSI is a simple and useful score based on available SOS-related indices. In ESCC receiving nICT, low SOSI is found to be an important factor of better prognosis.
Observational evidence of the Kuroshio meander and its propagation in the East China Sea
Authors: Lee SeungYong , Na Hanna , Min Hong Sik , Kim Dong Guk , Nakamura Hirohiko , Nishina Ayako
Published: January 2025

Entering the East China Sea (ECS) through the east of Taiwan, the Kuroshio flows northeastward, with its pathway confined along the continental slope of the Okinawa Trough. Four 75 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) were deployed over a 3-year period (June 2020–June 2023), with two placed across the typical path of the Kuroshio in each of the two latitudinal bands, to examine the relationship of current variability between upstream and downstream in the ECS. The along-path and cross-path velocities from the four ADCPs show dominant intraseasonal variability with a period of 8–32 days. Within this frequency band, current velocities exhibit a strong relationship when the upstream precedes the downstream by 6 days. The amplitude of this lagged co-variability tends to be larger from May to August, with an increase in along-path speed variability of up to about 24% at approximately 250 m depth for the onshore sites and an increase in cross-path speed variability of up to about 22% within the 200–300 m layer for the offshore sites. The intraseasonal variability of the sea level anomaly associated with this observed co-variability displays the Kuroshio meanders along its path, propagating northeastward at a speed of about 14.8 km/day. These results provide observational evidence of the Kuroshio meander and its propagation in the ECS, characterized by subsurface intensification during the warm season.
The extensive cultivation of Pyropia haitanensis along the coastal areas influences the ecological dynamics of nearby intertidal mudflat pond water
Authors: Liu Peihao , Luo Qijun , Zhu Shanshan , Chen Juanjuan , Yang Rui , Niu Tingting , Wang Tiegan , Zhang Peng , Chen Haimin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The aquaculture in intertidal mudflat ponds on the coast of the East China Sea typically coexists with oceanic seaweed cultivation in the nearby open water area, forming an interconnected aquatic ecosystem. This study aimed to understand the impact of the seaweed cultivation on the water quality and microbial communities in their neighboring intertidal mudflat ponds.

Methods

A unique recirculating culture system was established, integrating seaweed farming in marine areas with aquaculture ponds on mudflats, and incorporating an effluent treatment process for added efficiency. Water samples were collected from three sites, including open water areas with or without seaweed (Pyropia haitanensis) cultivation, the aquaculture mudflat ponds, and effluent water ponds, with control sites for comparison. The dynamic diversity patterns and structure of microbial communities were determined by 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing, and the environmental factors were measured.

Results

In the offshore aquaculture area, the cultivation of P. haitanensis increased the dissolved oxygen and pH, decreased inorganic nutrients, reduced the alpha diversity of bacteria, established the dominance of Proteobacteria, but did not influence the composition of microeukaryotes. These changes in the seawater subsequently affected the dynamics in the corresponding aquaculture ponds, where the water quality was improved, the microbial diversity was enhanced, and the abundance of functional bacteria such as Microbacteriaceae was increased. According to the co-occurrence network analysis, the cultivation of P. haitanensis potentially improved the stability of the microbial communities in both the offshore aquaculture area and the onshore aquaculture ponds and allowed them to resist stress better. In addition, after the effluent from the aquaculture ponds was purified in the treatment ponds with mangroves and oysters, the water quality improved and the abundances of Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyta decreased.

Discussion

This study highlights the positive effects of P. haitanensis cultivation on water quality and microbial stability in adjacent aquaculture ponds.
Concurrent presentation of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits and light chain proximal tubulopathy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Jingdong , Liu Yang , Jin Fengyan , Li Jia , Wang Hui , Ma Fuzhe , Jia Ye , Yu Jinyu , Wu Shan , Fu Shaojie , Xu Zhonggao , Wu Hao
Published: January 2025

The simultaneous occurrence of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits (PGNMID) and light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT) presents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. PGNMID is characterized by monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition in glomeruli, leading to proliferative glomerular pathology, while LCPT involves monoclonal light chain deposition in proximal tubular cells, causing tubulointerstitial damage. Both conditions are classified under monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), but their coexistence in a single patient is exceedingly rare. This case report details the presentation of a patient with nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency, where renal biopsy revealed both PGNMID and LCPT. Treatment with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone achieved clinical remission and significant renal function recovery. This case emphasizes the critical role of renal biopsy in the diagnosis, particularly in the absence of detectable monoclonal proteins, and demonstrates the efficacy of targeted therapy in managing such complex renal pathologies. These findings contribute to a better understanding of MGRS and may guide future therapeutic strategies for similar cases.
Risk factors for multidrug resistance in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Lianpeng , Chen Na , Xia Dandan , Jiang Xiangao
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and diabetes mellitus (DM), including those with and without prior TB treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from 1 January 2021, to 31 December 2023, at Wenzhou Central Hospital. Patients diagnosed with PTB and DM were included, with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid. Data on demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and treatment history were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for MDR, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the predictive value of these factors.

Results

A total of 318 patients were analyzed, with 253 in the non-MDR group and 65 in the MDR group. Significant independent predictors of MDR included a history of TB treatment, smoking, and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. ROC curve analysis showed that the combination of TB treatment history, smoking history, and HbA1c levels had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.809, with 64.62% sensitivity and 82.61% specificity. In patients without prior TB treatment, smoking history and HbA1c were identified as independent risk factors, with an AUC of 0.771 for their combination. For patients with prior TB treatment, place of residence and pulmonary cavity were independent predictors, with an AUC of 0.802 for their combination.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of smoking history, HbA1c levels, place of residence, and pulmonary cavity as risk factors for MDR in PTB and DM patients. Early identification of these risk factors can aid in the timely diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB, potentially reducing its burden. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions based on these findings.
Epigenetic regulation in coronary artery disease: from mechanisms to emerging therapies
Authors: Gao Rui , Liu Meilin , Yang Haoyi , Shen Yuhan , Xia Ni
Published: January 2025

Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), remains a leading global cause of mortality. It is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaques and inflammation, which narrow the coronary arteries and increase the risk of rupture. To elucidate this complex biological process and improve therapeutic strategies, CAD has been extensively explored from an epigenetic perspective over the past two decades. Epigenetics is a field investigating heritable alterations in gene expression without DNA sequence changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Increasing evidence has indicated that the development of CAD is significantly influenced by epigenetic changes. Meanwhile, the impact of epigenetics in CAD is now transitioning from pathophysiology to therapeutics. Focusing on the key epigenetic enzymes and their target genes will help to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of CAD. This review synthesizes novel epigenetic insights into CAD, addressing the pathological processes, key molecular mechanisms, and potential biomarkers. Furthermore, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic pathways. By focusing on pivotal enzymes and their associated genes, this work aims to advance CAD diagnostics and interventions.
The visuomotor synchronization immersive virtual reality of a depression avatar in a stigma context experience mobilizes the fronto-parietal cortex and anterior insula
Authors: dos Santos Kawata Kelssy Hitomi , Lem Wey Guan , Ono Koki , Oyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The gradual synchronization of the movement of one’s real hand with a virtual one can effectively induce a sense of embodiment (SoE) with an avatar with depression. Although neuroimaging studies have explored the neural correlates of some SoE subcomponents of visuomotor synchronization, the neural correlates of individual differences in SoE and how humans acquire virtual body representations through SoE subcomponents remain to be investigated.

Methods

Here, we used the right hand of a virtual patient with depression in immersive virtual reality (IVR) to induce SoE in participants and measured whole brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were instructed to listen to the audio recording of the IVR experience and visualize movements during the fMRI scan. fMRI data were acquired before and immediately after the visuomotor synchronization IVR experience (target condition) or an asynchronized video experience (control condition), followed by embodiment measures related to the two types of experiences.

Results

All five subcomponents of SoE (sense of ownership, sense of agency, sense of localization, appearance, and response to stimuli) were significantly increased during the visuomotor synchronization IVR experience compared with the asynchronized video experience. A significant negative effect of the SoE score was identified in the frontoparietal and anterior insula only for the visuomotor synchronization IVR experience of guiding the virtual right hand of the avatar with depression, implicating interoceptive and multisensory integration.

Discussion

We demonstrated that all five subcomponents of the SoE were present, and that decreased activity in the frontoparietal and anterior insula were crucial brain regions for the virtual human body to be perceived as one’s own body and promote conscious feelings of embodiment.
N1-methylnicotinamide promotes age-related cochlear damage via the overexpression of SIRT1
Authors: Miwa Toru , Tarui Akihito , Kouga Teppei , Asai Yasunori , Ogita Hideaki , Fujikawa Taro , Hakuba Nobuhiro
Published: January 2025

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a complex condition with genetic, aging, and environmental influences. Sirtuins, particularly SIRT1, are NAD-dependent protein deacetylases critical to aging and stress responses. SIRT1 is modulated by nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) and its product, N1-methylnicotinamide (MNAM), which influence ARHL progression. While SIRT1 is protective under certain conditions, its overexpression may paradoxically exacerbate hearing loss. This study examines MNAM supplementation’s impact on SIRT1 expression and ARHL in low-fat diet (LFD)-fed B6 and CBA mice. Mice were divided into LFD and LFD + MNAM groups and evaluated for auditory function, cochlear morphology, metabolic profiles, and SIRT1 expression at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. MNAM supplementation accelerated ARHL in both strains, with B6 mice showing more pronounced and earlier disease progression. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were significantly elevated, and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) indicated outer hair cell dysfunction. Cochlear histology revealed reduced hair cell and spiral ganglion cell counts, as well as decreased Na+/K+-ATPase α1 expression and endocochlear potential. MNAM increased SIRT1 protein levels in the cochlea without altering Sirt1 mRNA, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Metabolomic analysis revealed disrupted mitochondrial and oxidative pathways, including fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis. Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle dysregulation was evident, particularly in B6 mice, with elevated pyruvate, fumarate, and lactate levels. Despite similar metabolic trends in CBA mice, their slower aging profiles mitigated ARHL progression. These results suggest that while moderate SIRT1 expression protects against ARHL, overexpression disrupts metabolic homeostasis, accelerating cochlear aging and dysfunction. The dual role of SIRT1 emphasizes the need for precise modulation of its expression for effective therapeutic interventions. Future research should explore mechanisms underlying SIRT1-induced cochlear damage and strategies to maintain balanced SIRT1 expression. This study highlights MNAM’s detrimental effects on ARHL, underscoring its significance for developing targeted approaches to delay ARHL onset and preserve auditory function.
Case report: Novel ACTN4 variant of uncertain significance in a pediatric case of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome requesting kidney transplantation
Authors: Alarcón Ignacio , Peralta Carolina , Cammarata-Scalisi Francisco , Araya Castillo Maykol , Cano Francisco , Rojo Angélica , Ceballos María Luisa , Krall Paola
Published: January 2025

Background

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a rare kidney disease commonly characterized histopathologically by focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or minimal change disease. One-third of SRNS-FSGS cases are attributed to a genetic cause ultimately leading to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) during childhood or adulthood. ACTN4 variants, although rare, typically manifest in early adulthood as SRNS-FSGS with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern and are associated with variable progression toward ESKD.

Case–diagnosis/treatment

A 10-year-old Chilean male patient, born to a complicated pregnancy without any history of prenatal care, was incidentally found to have mild proteinuria during pre-surgery analysis. He was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and treatment with prednisone was started, but 12 months later, he persisted with hyperlipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Within a few weeks, proteinuria rapidly increased, and a kidney biopsy exhibited FSGS features. At the age of 12, he reached ESKD and initiated peritoneal dialysis, experiencing an episode of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Exome sequencing identified a novel variant of uncertain significance (VUS), ACTN4 c.625_633del that predicted the in-frame deletion p.L209_E211del in a highly conserved functional domain. He requested to be considered for kidney transplantation and the VUS in ACTN4 was re-analyzed to assess potential risks, resulting in a reclassification as likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2+PM4 criteria). At 14 years old, he received a deceased donor kidney allograft without recurrence during the subsequent 5 months.

Conclusions

Identifying VUS is a recurring challenge in routine clinical genetics, particularly for patients with rare diseases or atypical phenotypes in underrepresented populations. This case underscores the benefit of timely genetic diagnosis taking into account the patient’s request. VUS reassessment becomes more relevant when considering a kidney transplant not only as an appropriate procedure, but as the therapy of choice, especially considering the patient’s history of complications with variable long-term consequences.
Clinical analysis and case series report on autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy presenting with autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Wu Xiao Ke , Zhai Guojie , Zhang Jin Ru , Du Hua Ping , Hu Lan , Yu Shu Ye , Hang Hai Lun , Han Sirui , Zhang Yanlin , Xu Yuan
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

The incidence of autonomic dysfunction is frequently underestimated and often overlooked in patients with autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (GFAP-A). This study comprehensively analyzes the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging findings, and treatment modalities for patients demonstrating GFAP-A involvement in the autonomic nervous system. The present article primarily elucidates the prevalence and prognosis of diverse autonomic system symptoms while examining the associated laboratory and imaging indicators. These findings aim to establish a foundation for personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies in such patients.

Method

We performed a retrospective data analysis from three cases of GFAP-A involvement in autonomic nerves from the Ninth People’s Hospital of Suzhou and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from 2020 to 2023. After an extensive literature review, we identified 39 cases involving GFAP-A and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We also comprehensively analyzed the patient’s clinical manifestations, laboratory biomarkers, and imaging findings.

Result

The study included a total of 42 patients, consisting of 15 females and 27 males. The primary manifestations of autonomic dysfunction included bladder dysfunction (41/42 cases), gastrointestinal dysfunction (18 /42 cases), heart rate variability (4/42 cases), unusual sweating (2/42 cases), and blood pressure fluctuations (1/42 cases). Other neurological symptoms comprised headache (12 /42 cases), limb weakness presentation (30/42 cases). Blood pressure variability is related to cerebrospinal fluid pressure and convulsive seizures. Heart rate variability is related to disorders of consciousness. unusual sweating was associated to age, gender, cerebrospinal fluid protein content and convulsive seizures. Gastrointestinal disorders have associations with gender, sleep disturbances, protein content in the cerebrospinal fluid, and brain MRI lesions. The prognosis of autonomic nerve dysfunction is associated to sleep disorder and cerebrospinal fluid protein content. The higher the cerebrospinal fluid protein level, the worse the prognosis of autonomic nervous system.

Conclusion

Bladder dysfunction and gastrointestinal dysfunction are the primary manifestations of autonomic dysfunction in GFAP-A patients, with a subset also experiencing abnormalities in heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. These additional symptoms have implications for prognosis, necessitating heightened attention from clinicians toward GFAP-A patients.
Identifying the predictors of ultra early neurological improvement and its role in functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lai Yuzheng , Mofatteh Mohammad , Baizabal-Carvallo José Fidel , He Jianfeng , Wu Wenhao , Wang Daohong , Yan Wenshan , Ma Jicai , Zhou Sijie , Sun Yu , He Yi , Li Shumei , Sun Hao
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

Using post-treatment methods to predict functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is crucial in stroke medicine. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h has been widely used; however, there is a paucity of data on using earlier NIHSS scores and their association with outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the usage of NIHSS at 1-h time window -ultra-early neurological improvement (UENI)- as a surrogate marker associated with the functional outcomes of AIS patients treated with EVT.

Methods

We included 485 adults (≥18 years old) who underwent emergency EVT at four academic comprehensive stroke centers between 2020 and 2021. Patients with pre-EVT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) < 6, missing follow-up data, and missing data of the first hour NIHSS were excluded (n = 20). UENI was defined as post-EVT NIHSS reduction of 4 points or more or NIHSS as 0–1 within 1-h post-EVT. An mRS score of 0–2 after three months was defined as favorable outcome, and independent walking independence was defined as mRS of 3.

Results

A total of 465 patients were included in our final analysis. We identified 122 (26.2%) patients with UENI. While 82.79% of the patients with UENI achieved favorable functional outcomes at 3-months, only 32.36% of patients without UENI had favorable functional outcome (p < 0.0001). In addition, lower hospitalization costs were associated with patients who had UENI, compared to No-UENI (p = 0.003). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age (p < 0.0001), shorter last know normal to puncture time (LKNPT) (p = 0.013), higher pre-treatment ASPECTS (p = 0.039), final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) ≥2b (p = 0.002), and fewer number of EVT attempts (p = 0.002) were variables independently associated with UENI. The presence of UENI was independently associated with a better outcome OR: 7.999 (95% C.I. 4.415–14.495).

Conclusion

UENI was observed in about a quarter of patients with AIS undergoing EVT. Younger age, shorter LKNPT, higher pre-treatment ASPECTS, final mTICI≥2b, and fewer number of EVT attempts, were independently associated with UENI. The presence of UENI was independently associated with better functional outcome at 3 months.
Neuroplasticity and functional reorganization of language in patients with arteriovenous malformations: insights from neuroimaging and clinical interventions
Authors: Yuan Jialong , Niu Hongchuan , Lei Chengxu , Xu Ruichen , Liu Yutong , Yuan Kexin , Zou Linru , He Shihao , Zhao Yuanli
Published: January 2025

Patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located in the functional area of speech often exhibit language dysfunction, and neuroplasticity allows the brain of some patients to regain speech through functional reorganization. Exploring the mechanism of AVMs-induced reorganization of language function is important for understanding neuroplasticity and improving clinical intervention strategies. This review systematically searched and analyzed the research literature in related fields in recent years, covering data from neuroimaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and clinical case studies. By integrating these evidences, the phenomenon of functional reorganization within non-verbal functional areas and its influencing factors in patients with AVMs were assessed. It concluded that functional reorganization of language due to AVMs is a manifestation of a high degree of neurological plasticity and that understanding this process has important implications for neurosurgical planning and postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Future research should continue to explore the mechanisms of functional reorganization in the brain and work to develop new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches to improve the rate of recovery of language function in patients with AVMs.
Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean pregnant women: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shuai Rong , He Yuxing , Yang Dongqian , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Li
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent studies have shown an association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the association in a population of pregnant women remains unclear.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the association between AIP and NAFLD in pregnant Korean women.

Methods

Our study used publicly available data from Korea, which recruited singleton pregnant women between November 2014 and September 2016 who were at 10–14 weeks of gestation. The presence of NAFLD was diagnosed by liver ultrasound. AIP was calculated as log10 (TG/HDL). Participants were grouped according to AIP tertile: T1 (< 0.16, n = 195), T2 (0.16–0.32, n = 195), and T3 (>0.32, n = 196). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between AIP and NAFLD. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the stability of this relationship. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve fitting was employed to investigate potential non-linear associations.

Results

After excluding data on missing variables, 586 singleton pregnant women were finally included. The subjects included in the study had an average AIP of 0.22 (0.11, 0.37), and NAFLD occurred in 110 (18.8%) pregnant women. We observed a positive linear association between AIP and NAFLD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.19–1.48), which persisted after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.06–1.37). When AIP was used as a categorical variable, after adjusting for covariates, the NAFLD risk was significantly higher in the highest tertile of AIP than in the lowest group (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.11–3.68). Their correlations were stable across subgroups and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of pregnant Korean women, AIP was found to be positively associated with NAFLD. These outcomes might be used to screen for NAFLD in pregnant women.