bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of applicant and accepted student characteristics to research training programs with implications for recruitment and selection strategy
Authors: Cho Young-Hee , Chun Chi-Ah , Ramos Hector , Buonora Paul , Narayanaswami Vasanthy , Vu Kim-Phuong L.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Very few studies have examined the relationship between student characteristics and their acceptance to research training programs that use holistic selection. The present study addressed this question using institutional and applicant data of three NIH undergraduate training programs at California State University, Long Beach. Its first aim was to examine whether the applicants to the training programs were representative of the broader campus population. Its second aim was to investigate whether applicants who were accepted to the programs using a holistic selection process differed in academic discipline, demographics, and psychosocial characteristics from applicants who were not accepted.

Methods

Information on students’ majors, race/ethnicity, and gender was obtained from the university records or applications submitted by students. Majors were categorized as either biomedical or behavioral disciplines, while URM status was defined as students who self-identified their race and ethnicity as African American/Black, Native American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic. Applicants’ psychosocial characteristics were obtained from a separate online survey. The acceptance status of applicants was obtained from the training programs’ records.

Results

The applicant and non-applicant groups showed similar distribution of demographic characteristics regarding URM status and gender. Moreover, students’ academic discipline and other demographic variables were not associated with application status at either the lower division (LD) or upper division (UD) levels. Although psychosocial characteristics measured with the online survey were not considered in the selection process, post-hoc analyses showed that LD applicants with higher grit and UD applicants with higher science interests were more likely to be accepted to the programs.

Conclusion

The equal representation of URM and female students in the applicant and non-applicant groups suggests that students from these traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM were just as likely to apply to our training programs. Furthermore, while the holistic selection process resulted in comparable acceptance rates across URM status and gender, it appeared to favor LD applicants with higher grit and UD students with higher science interests. These findings imply that research training programs can effectively recruit diverse students from underrepresented populations in STEM by using intentional outreach and recruitment efforts coupled with an objective and holistic selection process.
Teachers’ perspective on the use of artificial intelligence on remote experimentation
Authors: Lizano-Sánchez Fiorella , Idoyaga Ignacio , Orduña Pablo , Rodríguez-Gil Luis , Arguedas-Matarrita Carlos
Published: February 2025

Remote Laboratories have become crucial educational resources due to their implementation in institutions that have adopted hybrid teaching models. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly been used to develop educational support tools. Remote Laboratories suffer from a limitation: when students conduct experimental activities, instructors cannot always be immediately available to resolve doubts. To address this limitation, a virtual assistant was integrated into the Acid–Base Titration II Remote Laboratory. The aim of this research is to understand the perspective of chemistry teachers from the Common Basic Cycle of the University of Buenos Aires on the use of this artificial intelligence tool. For this purpose, a focus group was conducted in which a series of questions were asked before and after using the AI tool. The findings reveal that teachers perceive great potential in the combination of these technologies. Furthermore, the virtual assistant could offer personalised assistance in real time, which ensures accompaniment during the completion of the Remote Laboratory.
Magnetic resonance imaging -based radiomics of the pituitary gland is highly predictive of precocious puberty in girls: a pilot study
Authors: Maddalo Michele , Petraroli Maddalena , Ormitti Francesca , Fulgoni Alice , Gnocchi Margherita , Masetti Marco , Borgia Eugenia , Piccolo Benedetta , Turco Emanuela C. , Patianna Viviana D. , Sverzellati Nicola , Esposito Susanna , Ghetti Caterina , Street Maria E.
Published: February 2025

Background

The aim of the study was to explore a radiomic model that could assist physicians in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP). A predictive model based on radiomic features (RFs), extracted form magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland, was thus developed to distinguish between CPP and control subjects.

Methods

45 girls with confirmed diagnosis of CPP (CA:8.4 ± 0.9 yr) according to the current criteria and 47 age-matched pre-pubertal control subjects (CA:8.7 ± 1.2 yr) were retrospectively enrolled. Two readers (R1, R2) blindly segmented the pituitary gland on MRI studies for RFs and performed a manual estimation of the pituitary volume. Radiomics was compared against pituitary volume in terms of predictive performances (metrics: ROC-AUC, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity) and reliability (metric: intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Pearson correlation between RFs and auxological, biochemical, and ultrasound data was also computed.

Results

Two different radiomic parameters, Shape Surface Volume Ratio and Glrlm Gray Level Non-Uniformity, predicted CPP with a high diagnostic accuracy (ROC-AUC 0.81 ± 0.08) through the application of our ML algorithm. Anthropometric variables were not confounding factors of these RFs suggesting that premature thelarche and/or pubarche would not be potentially misclassified. The selected RFs correlated with baseline and peak LH (p < 0.05) after GnRH stimulation. The diagnostic sensitivity was improved compared to pituitary volume only (0.76 versus 0.68, p<0.001) and demonstrated higher inter-reader reliability (ICC>0.57 versus ICC=0.46).

Discussion

Radiomics is a promising tool to diagnose CPP as it reflects also functional aspects. Further studies are warranted to validate these preliminary data.
Coordinated frequency modulation strategy considering source–load uncertainty
Authors: Dong Xiaohong , Wang Shuo , Ai Dengxin , Ma Yang , Yu Xiaodan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Wind turbine generators (WTGs) and electric vehicles (EVs) are used as source-side and load-side resources, respectively. And the uncertainties of WTGs output and EVs charging load seriously affect the frequency stability of the power system. For the wind speed prediction error and the uncertainty of EV off-grid time, a cooperative frequency modulation (FM) strategy is proposed.

Methods

Firstly, the wind speed interval is divided based on the operating characteristics of WTGs and the load reduction rate. On the basis, a load reduction operation strategy based on rotor speed control and pitch Angle control is proposed to enable WTGs to have bidirectional FM capability. The adjustable capacity of WTGs is determined based on the wind speed prediction error and the operation strategy of load reduction; Secondly, based on the controllable domain model of an EV considering the off-grid time uncertainty, the adjustable capacity of EV clusters is determined by state grouping of the state of charge (SOC) according to its charging urgency. By defining EV FM capability parameters and charging urgency parameters, the EV priority list for FM is determined and the power allocation strategy is proposed; Then, based on the urgency of EV charging and the economy of WTGs load reduction operation, a cooperative FM task assignment strategy is proposed.

Results

Simulations demonstrate the strategy enhances FM capability and improves FM effect by 6.05% compared to fixed-proportion task allocation. It strengthens frequency stability by leveraging complementary strengths.

Discussion

Consideration of wind speed prediction errors can improve WTG adjustable capacity estimation, boosting FM accuracy; Coordinated task allocation minimizes WTGs intermittent FM output impacts, ensuring stable grid frequency. This dual-source-load approach offers a robust solution for modern power systems with high renewable penetration.
Multiplex genome editing for climate-resilient woody plants
Authors: Sen Madhab Kumar , Mondal Sunil Kanti , Bharati Rohit , Severova Lucie , Šrédl Karel
Published: February 2025

Climate change is severely impacting global forest ecosystems, stressing woody plants due to rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These pressures threaten biodiversity and disrupt the essential roles forests play in carbon sequestration, timber production, and ecosystem stability. Traditional forest management strategies, such as selective breeding, cannot keep up with the rapid pace of climate change, given the long juvenile phase of trees. Multiplex genome editing, particularly through CRISPR technologies, offers a promising solution to accelerate the development of climate-resilient traits in woody plants. By simultaneously targeting multiple genes, multiplex CRISPR enables efficient modification of polygenic traits that govern stress tolerance, disease resistance, and other crucial resilience factors. This mini-review examines the potential of multiplex CRISPR technologies in forest management, breeding, and agroecological practices, showing how they can improve tree resilience and support sustainable forestry in response to the growing challenges of climate change.
Association of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema in rheumatoid arthritis with high titer of rheumatoid factor and autoimmunity to the lung
Authors: Ma Aiping , Huang Renliang , Guo Jiaxi , Wang Guangdong , Huang Heqing , Li Xinze , Zhong Shan , Huang Yan , Lin Shaowei , Lin Yikai , Zhou Qiaomiao , Krauss-Etschmann Susanne , Petersen Frank , Wang Zhanxiang , Yu Xinhua
Published: February 2025

Background

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) commonly coexists with connective tissue diseases (CTD), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the risk factors contributing to the development of CTD-CPFE remain largely unidentified. This study aimed to characterize CPFE using a large cohort of consecutive RA patients and to elucidate potential risk factors associated with RA- CPFE development.

Methods

A total of 976 RA patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study to characterize RA-CPFE. Multiple logistic analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for RA-CPFE development. Patient IgG and IgM autoantibodies to primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) from healthy donors were assessed using flow cytometry.

Findings

Among the 976 RA patients, 414 (42.4%) developed interstitial lung disease (ILD), with 74 (7.6%) experiencing CPFE. In comparison to RA-CPFE patients with centrilobular or paraseptal emphysema, those with panacinar emphysema had higher emphysema scores and decreased pulmonary function parameters. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender, cigarette smoking, occupational exposure to dust, high ILD score, high rheumatoid factor (RF) titers, and the presence of anti-SSA were associated with an increased risk for RA-CPFE. Additionally, levels of IgG and IgM autoantibodies to HBEC were elevated in RA-CPFE patients compared to healthy controls and positively correlated with RF levels.

Interpretation

This study is the first to demonstrate the association of RA-CPFE with high titer of RF and the presence of autoantibodies against HBEC, suggesting a link between autoimmunity to the lung and RA-CPFE.
Outer retina micro-inflammation is driven by T cell responses prior to retinal degeneration in early age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Stürzbecher Lucas , Bartolomaeus Hendrik , Bartolomaeus Theda U. P. , Bolz Sylvia , Sekulic Andjela , Ueffing Marius , Clark Simon J. , Reichhart Nadine , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Wilck Nicola , Strauß Olaf
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness with limited treatment options. Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a unifying salient feature of the pathology and a primary end-point damage leading to complications such as geographic atrophy (GA), which represents the most common end-stage of AMD.

Methods

Human and murine ocular tissues were used for histological examinations. Furthermore, flow cytometry and gene expression analysis were used on ocular and splenic tissues of Cx3cr1GFP/GFP and C57BL/6J mice at 8 and 12 months of age to characterize the dynamics of local and systemic T cell populations.

Results

We show the presence of memory T cells such as CD45RO+ cells in the choroid and retina of patients with AMD with a peak of abundance in early stages of AMD. As further evidence for the contribution of the adaptive immune system to GA we identified an increased frequency of CD44+ CD69+ KLRG1+ T cells and para-inflammation of the retina in a mouse model that mimics features of GA. Importantly, the activation of T cells found at early AMD-like stages prior to degeneration possessed long-lasting cytotoxic properties and adopted typical features of senescent immune cells. T cells were intimately associated with the RPE, suggesting transmigration and participating in local micro-inflammation.

Discussion

Our data support that activation and accumulation of memory T cells can be considered as a hallmark of early AMD, and that adaptive immunosenescence likely to contribute to the chronic inflammation associated with RPE damage and the progression to large lesions as seen in GA.
Polymorphisms in immunosuppression-related genes are associated with AML
Authors: Li Mingying , Ye Jingjing , Chang Mengyuan , Feng Lei , Liu Tingting , Zhang Di , Wu Yuyan , Ma Yuechan , Meng Guangqiang , Ji Chunyan , Sun Tao
Published: February 2025

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy with poor overall survival (OS). The immunosuppressive microenvironment significantly impacts AML development and chemoresistance. Despite new immunotherapeutic strategies entering standard clinical care for various tumors, progress in AML remains poor. Multi-omics analyses, such as single-cell transcriptomics, have revealed many potential new targets to improve AML prognosis from an immunological perspective.

Methods

DNA from 307 AML patients and 316 healthy individuals were extracted. We detected nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five immunosuppression-related genes (CIITA, CD200, CD163, MRC1 and LILRB4) in these samples. SNP genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY platform. We then analyzed the relationship between these SNPs and AML susceptibility, treatment response, and prognosis.

Results

Our findings indicated that rs4883263 in the CD163 gene is a protective factor for AML susceptibility and chromosomal karyotype abnormalities. Additionally, rs4883263 in CD163 was related to low PLT count at diagnosis, while rs2272022 in CD200 was protective against low PLT count. rs4780335 in CIITA was associated with high WBC count at diagnosis and worse OS. Furthermore, rs1048801 in LILRB4 was linked to worse AML treatment response, lower OS, and may be an independent prognostic risk factor for AML. Lastly, expressions of CD163, CIITA, LILRB4, and CD200 were higher in AML patients than that in normal controls.

Conclusions

Our findings on SNP associations in AML immunosuppression-related genes provide important reference points for predicting treatment outcomes in AML patients.
Bridging the gaps for a thriving Black Sea Blue Economy: insights from a multi-sectoral forum of Turkish stakeholders
Authors: Seyhan Kadir , Dürrani Ömerhan , Papadaki Lydia , Akinsete Ebun , Atasaral Şebnem , Özşeker Koray , Akpınar Hatice , Kurtuluş Ercan , Mazlum Rahşan Evren , Koundouri Phoebe , Stanica Adrian
Published: February 2025

The Black Sea ecosystem faces significant challenges due to climate change and human activities. Despite this, the opportunities and potential of its Blue Economy and the role of Turkish stakeholders in the key sectors have not been well documented. To define the needs of the Black Sea’s Blue Economy and outline existing problems, a workshop entitled “Engaging Stakeholders: Trabzon Multi-Actor Forum” was held in Trabzon (Türkiye) in November 2022. Stakeholders from the research sector, academia, civil society, industry, business, competent authorities, and government shared their thoughts on various sectors of the Blue Economy, covering 17 areas. They discussed political, environmental, social, technical, legal, and economic aspects, revealing opportunities, challenges, and areas where more research is needed. This meeting provided valuable insights, indicating that efficient collaboration with stakeholders could lead to effective solutions and strategies, helping to improve the Blue Economy in the Black Sea region.
Combined metabolomics and 16S rDNA sequence analyses of the gut microbiome reveal the action mechanism of Fructus Akebiae against hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Wu Rong-Rong , Nie Duo-Rui , He Fang-Hui , Li Zhi-Hang , Xu Fei
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To explore the mechanism underlying the effect of Fructus Akebiae (FAE) against hepatic fibrosis in mice through combined network pharmacology, liver metabolomics, and 16S rDNA analyses of the gut microbiota.

Methods

In this study, we randomly divided mice into the control, model, FAE high-dose, FAE medium-dose, and FAE low-dose groups to analyze the pathological changes in the hepatic fibrosis and levels of the α-SMA, collagen 1, Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κ B), Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4). The gut microbiota was analyzed through 16S rDNA sequencing analysis of liver metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, network pharmacology was used to determine the specific molecular regulation mechanism of FAE in hepatic fibrosis treatment.

Results

FAE treatment markedly improved the pathological changes in the hepatic fibrosis. Analysis revealed that FAE administration reversed the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia and reducing that of Cyanobacteria. Additionally, metabolomic analysis showed that FAE treatment reversed the CCl4-induced metabolic disorders by regulating amino and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that Akkermansia and Verrucomicobiota were closely related to D-tolasaccharide and maltotetraose saccharide. Moreover, network pharmacology indicated that FAE might regulate the signaling pathway through the JUN/CASP3/NOS3/PTGS2/HSP90AA1 during treatment.

Conclusion

FAE may be a promising treatment for hepatic fibrosis, and its protective effects are associated with improvements in the microbiome and metabolic disorders.
Heart disease in pregnancy and adverse outcomes: an umbrella review
Authors: Zhang Jiani , Ren Yuxin , Li Bingjie , Cao Qi , Wang Xiaodong , Yu Haiyan
Published: February 2025

Background

Heart disease in pregnancy encompasses both congenital heart disease and maternal-acquired heart disease, both of which are associated with an increased risk of various adverse outcomes for mothers and their offspring.

Objective

The objective of the study was to review and summarize the evidence regarding the association between heart disease in pregnancy and adverse outcomes in mothers and their offspring.

Data sources

A comprehensive search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to March 2024. The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024519144).

Study eligibility criteria

This review included systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the association between heart disease in pregnancy and adverse outcomes for mothers and their offspring.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. The quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses was assessed using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2), while Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the strength of the evidence for each outcome.

Results

A total of 12 meta-analyses and systematic reviews were included, which documented 156 adverse outcomes for mothers and 65 adverse outcomes for offspring. Evidence was found for both primary and secondary adverse outcomes. Adverse outcomes for mothers were death, cardiac events (cardiac arrest, heart failure, surgery, arrhythmia, anesthesia or sedation, endocarditis, mitral regurgitation, myocardial infarction, NYHA III–IV, restenosis, syncope, and others), pulmonary events (respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, and respiratory support), embolism, cerebrovascular events, postpartum hemorrhage, arterial events, delivery mode, and hospital stay. Adverse outcomes for offspring were death, pregnancy loss, growth restriction, low birth weight, preterm birth, recurrence, and uncertainty. No publication bias was detected using Egger’s test. The overall AMSTAR 2 confidence rating for the included meta-analyses and systematic reviews was moderate. The majority (55.3%) of the evidence evaluated by GRADE was of low quality, while the remaining outcomes were categorized as having “very low”-quality evidence.

Conclusion

Current evidence links heart disease during pregnancy to adverse maternal outcomes, including death and cardiac, pulmonary, and cerebrovascular events, as well as increased mortality risk for offspring. Many meta-analyses in this field have limitations that raise concerns about their validity, highlighting the need for high-quality prospective studies.
Assessing the feasibility of a bowel management program for patients with neurogenic bowel function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Feng Jiayi , Mu Xingyi , Xu Lei , Xia Tongxia
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a bowel management program for patients with neurogenic bowel function after spinal cord injury. The program is based on evidence-based nursing, expert meeting and pre-experiment construction, the construction process is standardized and scientific, and the content is comprehensive, mainly includes 4 dimensions of bowel assessment, bowel intervention, assessment indices and discharge follow-up, which were carried out at the time of admission (T1), discharge (T2) and 1 month after discharge (T3) of patients in the experimental group, while the control group used routine orthopedic bowel management, and bowel function indices, quality of life and laboratory tests were used as outcome indices, and differences in the observed indices of patients in the two groups were compared to validate the effect of the program. Compared with the control group, the incidence of bloating, constipation and fecal incontinence was significantly reduced in the experimental group, while the frequency of defecation scores, fecal character scores, Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction scores, laboratory test results and quality of life were also effectively improved. The results also highlight the need for a large, multi-center, long-term follow-up study to validate the efficacy of this protocol to improve the feasibility of bowel management protocols for patients with neurogenic bowel function after spinal cord injury. This study provides a reference base for further exploration of bowel management in patients with neurogenic bowel function after spinal cord injury and is worthy of promotion and application in clinical practice.
Study on postoperative survival prediction model for non-small cell lung cancer: application of radiomics technology workflow based on multi-organ imaging features and various machine learning algorithms
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Hong Yuan , Zhang Zimo , Cheng Kang , Chen Bo , Zhang Renquan
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to construct an effective prediction model for the two-year postoperative survival probability of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It particularly focuses on integrating radiomics features, including the erector spinae and whole-lung imaging features, to enhance the accuracy and stability of prognostic predictions.

Materials and methods

The study included 37 NSCLC patients diagnosed and surgically treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021. The average age of the patients was 59 years, with the majority being female and non-smokers. Additionally, CT imaging data from 98 patients were obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) public database. All imaging data were derived from preoperative chest CT scans and standardized using 3D Slicer software. The study extracted radiomic features from the tumor, whole lung, and erector spinae muscles of the patients and applied 11 machine learning algorithms to construct prediction models. Subsequently, the classification performance of all constructed models was compared to select the optimal prediction model.

Results

Univariate Cox regression analysis showed no significant correlation between the collected clinical factors and patient survival time. In the external validation set, the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) model based on bilateral erector spinae features performed the best, with accuracy and AUC (Area Under the Curve) values consistently above 0.7 in both the training and external testing sets. Among the prognostic models based on whole-lung imaging features, the AdaBoost model also performed well, but its AUC value was below 0.6 in the external validation set, indicating overall classification performance still inferior to the KNN model based on erector spinae features.

Conclusion

This study is the first to introduce erector spinae imaging features into lung cancer research, successfully developing a stable and well-performing prediction model for the postoperative survival of NSCLC patients. The research results provide new perspectives and directions for the application of radiomics in cancer research and emphasize the importance of incorporating multi-organ imaging features to improve the accuracy and stability of prediction models.
Comprehensive management application of sulodexide on proteinuria: 2 case reports
Authors: Zhou Li , Li Wenge
Published: February 2025

Proteinuria is an important sign of kidney function decline and one of the common clinical manifestations in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease, which are often accompanied by a gradual decline in kidney function. Therefore, effective management of proteinuria is of great significance for delaying the progression of kidney disease and protecting kidney function. Sulodexide is a mixture of fast-moving heparin and dermatan sulfate with anticoagulant, thrombolytic, anticardiovascular, lipid-lowering, and renal-protective effects. It has potential application value in the comprehensive management of proteinuria. This study reported two different chronic disease cases to explore the comprehensive management application of sulodexide in patients with long-term poor proteinuria control. Case 1 is a 45 years-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension accompanied by persistent proteinuria and intermittent edema in both legs. Case 2 is a 52 years-old female with chronic nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by persistent proteinuria and edema in both legs. Two patients showed a decrease in urinary protein levels and stable control of the remaining signs of disease after the addition of sulodexide to their comprehensive treatment regimens, indicating that sulodexide plays an important role in the comprehensive management of proteinuria.
Ultrasound-based radiomics and clinical factors-based nomogram for early intracranial hypertension detection in patients with decompressive craniotomy
Authors: Fu Zunfeng , Peng Lin , Guo Laicai , Qin Chao , Yu Yanhong , Zhang Jiajun , Liu Yan
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram that combines traditional ultrasound radiomics features with clinical parameters to assess early intracranial hypertension (IH) following primary decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study incorporates the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method to interpret the radiomics model.

Methods

This study included 199 patients with severe TBI (training cohort: n = 159; testing cohort: n = 40). Postoperative ultrasound images of the optic nerve sheath (ONS) were obtained at 6 and 18 h after DC. Based on invasive intracranial pressure (ICPi) measurements, patients were grouped according to threshold values of 15 mmHg and 20 mmHg. Radiomics features were extracted from ONS images, and feature selection methods were applied to construct predictive models using logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). Clinical-ultrasound variables were incorporated into the model through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A combined nomogram was developed by integrating radiomics features with clinical-ultrasound variables, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). The SHAP method was adopted to explain the prediction models.

Results

Among the machine learning models, the LR model demonstrated superior predictive efficiency and robustness at threshold values of 15 mmHg and 20 mmHg. At a threshold of 20 mmHg, the AUC values for the training and testing cohorts were 0.803 and 0.735 for the clinical model, 0.908 and 0.891 for the radiomics model, and 0.918 and 0.902 for the nomogram model, respectively. Similarly, at a threshold of 15 mmHg, the AUC values were consistent across models: 0.803 and 0.735 for the clinical model, 0.908 and 0.891 for the radiomics model, and 0.918 and 0.902 for the nomogram model. Notably, the nomogram model outperformed the clinical model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) further confirmed a higher net benefit for predicting intracranial hypertension across all models.

Conclusion

The nomogram model, which integrates both clinical-semantic and radiomics features, demonstrated strong performance in predicting intracranial hypertension across different threshold values. It shows promise for enhancing non-invasive ICP monitoring and supporting individualized therapeutic strategies.
Assessing hydrocarbon degradation capacity of Isoptericola peretonis sp. nov. and related species: a comparative study
Authors: Vidal-Verdú Àngela , Latorre-Pérez Adriel , Pascual Javier , Mañes-Collado Ruth , Nevot-Terraes Aitana , Porcar Manuel
Published: February 2025

Since the beginning of their production and use, fossil fuels have affected ecosystems, causing significant damage to their biodiversity. Bacterial bioremediation can provide solutions to this environmental problem. In this study, the new species Isoptericola peretonis sp. nov. 4D.3T has been characterized and compared to other closely related species in terms of hydrocarbon degradation and biosurfactant production by in vitro and in silico analyses. Biosurfactants play an important role in microbial hydrocarbon degradation by emulsifying hydrocarbons and making them accessible to the microbial degradation machinery. The tests performed showed positive results to a greater or lesser degree for all strains. In the synthesis of biosurfactants, all the strains tested showed biosurfactant activity in three complementary assays (CTAB, hemolysis and E24%) and rhamnolipid synthesis genes have been predicted in silico in the majority of Isoptericola strains. Regarding hydrocarbon degradation, all the Isoptericola strains analyzed presented putative genes responsible for the aerobic and anaerobic degradation of aromatic and alkane hydrocarbons. Overall, our results highlight the metabolic diversity and the biochemical robustness of the Isoptericola genus which is proposed to be of interest in the field of hydrocarbon bioremediation.
Biochemical characterization of the Escherichia coli surfaceome: a focus on type I fimbriae and flagella
Authors: Kavanaugh Devon W. , Sivignon Adeline , Rossez Yannick , Chouit Zina , Chambon Christophe , Béal Louane , Bonnet Mathilde , Hébraud Michel , Guérardel Yann , Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Barnich Nicolas
Published: February 2025

The Escherichia coli surfaceome consists mainly of the large surface organelles expressed by the organism to navigate and interact with the surrounding environment. The current study focuses on type I fimbriae and flagella. These large polymeric surface organelles are composed of hundreds to thousands of subunits, with their large size often preventing them from being studied in their native form. Recent studies are accumulating which demonstrate the glycosylation of surface proteins or virulence factors in pathogens, including E. coli. Using biochemical and glycobiological techniques, including biotin-hydrazide labeling of glycans and chemical and glycosidase treatments, we demonstrate (i) the presence of a well-defined and chemically resistant FimA oligomer in several strains of pathogenic and non-pathogenic E. coli, (ii) the major subunit of type I fimbriae, FimA, in pathogenic and laboratory strains is recognized by concanavalin A, (iii) standard methods to remove N-glycans (PNGase F) or a broad-specificity mannosidase fail to remove the glycan structure, despite the treatments resulting in altered migration in SDS-PAGE, (iv) PNGase F treatment results in a novel 32 kDa band recognized by anti-FliC antiserum. While the exact identity of the glycan(s) and their site of attachment currently elude detection by conventional glycomics/glycoproteomics, the current findings highlight a potential additional layer of complexity of the surface (glyco) proteome of the commensal or adhesive and invasive E. coli strains studied.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ameliorated the negative effects of a low-protein diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbiota of laying chicks
Authors: Hou Lele , Qiu Huiling , Dong Jihong , Liu Huawei , Gao Shansong , Chen Fu
Published: February 2025

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to a low-protein diet on the growth performance, ability immune status, and intestinal microbiota of 0–21-day-old layer chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old healthy Hy-line brown laying chicks were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates each of 20 chicks. The control group was fed a basal diet containing 19% protein, the low-protein (LP) group was fed a diet containing 17% protein, and the probiotic (LPL) group was fed with the 17% protein diet supplemented with L. plantarum (1.0 × 109 CFU/kg). The growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbiota of laying chickens were detected. We found that L. plantarum supplementation increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum of 17% protein +1.0 × 109 CFU/kg L. plantarum (LPL) compared to the 19% protein group (control). Furthermore, L. plantarum supplementation increased the liver index, GSH-Px and T-AOC activity in serum, and changed the microflora structure, diversity, and polyketose unit bioanabolic metabolism of 17% protein +1.0 × 109 CFU/kg L. plantarum (LPL) compared to the 17% protein group (LP). In conclusion, L. plantarum supplementation could compensate for the adverse effects of low-protein diets in chicks, and the combination of a low-protein diet and L. plantarum is a feasible way to reduce protein in the diet.
The functions of herpesvirus shuttling proteins in the virus lifecycle
Authors: Cao Huijun , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Tian Bin , Yang Qiao , Ou Xumin , Sun Di , He Yu , Wu Zhen , Zhao Xinxin , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Yu YanLing , Zhang Ling , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Zhu Dekang , Jia Renyong
Published: February 2025

During viral infection, the transport of various proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm plays an important role in the viral lifecycle. Shuttling proteins are key factors in the transmission of nucleocytoplasmic information within cells and usually contain nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals to mediate correct positioning for themselves and other proteins. The nucleocytoplasmic transport process is carried out through the nuclear pore complex on the nuclear envelope and is mediated by specific protein carriers. The viral proteins that function through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in herpesviruses have gradually been identified as research advances. This article provides an overview of how shuttling proteins utilize nucleocytoplasmic shuttling signals and nuclear transport receptors for nucleocytoplasmic transport, as well as discusses how herpesvirus shuttling proteins enhance the effective infection of viruses by affecting their lifecycle and participating in innate immunity, this review provides a reference for understanding the pathogenesis of herpesvirus infection and determining new antiviral strategies.
Multi-omics investigation of high-transglutaminase production mechanisms in Streptomyces mobaraensis and co-culture-enhanced fermentation strategies
Authors: Chang Huanan , Zheng Ziyu , Li Hao , Xu Yanqiu , Zhen Gengyao , Zhang Yao , Ren Xidong , Liu Xinli , Zhu Deqiang
Published: February 2025

Transglutaminase (TGase) has been widely applied in the food industry. However, achieving high-yield TGase production remains a challenge, limiting its broader industrial application. In this study, a high-yield strain with stable genetic traits was obtained through UV-ARTP combined mutagenesis, achieving a maximum TGase activity of 13.77 U/mL, representing a 92.43% increase. Using this strain as a forward mutation gene pool, comparative genomic research identified 95 mutated genes, which were mostly due to base substitutions that led to changes in codon usage preference. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant expression changes in 470 genes, with 232 upregulated and 238 downregulated genes. By investigating potential key regulatory factors, comprehensive analysis indicated that changes in codon usage preference, amino acid metabolism, carbon metabolism, protein export processes, TGase activation, and spore production pathways collectively contributed to the enhancement of TGase activity. Subsequently, the in vitro activation efficiency of TGase was further improved using co-cultivation techniques with neutral proteases secreted by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CICC10888, and a TGase activity of 16.91 U/mL was achieved, accounting for a 22.71% increase. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying high-yield TGase production and valuable insights and data references for future research.
Sex-based differences in the long-term fate of hippocampal neurons born after a traumatic brain injury
Authors: Downing Hannah C. , Glover Ashley B. , Gebhardt Jessica E. , Thompson Katherine L. , Saatman Kathryn E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in an early loss of immature hippocampal granule cells and the activation of typically quiescent neural stem cells (NSCs) in the dentate gyrus. Activation of NSCs leads to a robust increase in proliferation and generation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), supporting restoration of the immature neuron population of over a period of 1–2 weeks. However, it is unclear if neurons born early after injury develop normally, survive long-term and functionally integrate into the hippocampal network. Although adult hippocampal neurogenesis is regulated in a sex-dependent manner, the majority of pre-clinical TBI studies lack the inclusion of both sexes. The goal of this study was to examine sex differences in hippocampal neurogenesis in response to a moderate controlled cortical impact brain injury.

Methods

In-vivo labeling of NPCs and tracking of their morphological development into a granule cell was achieved using an inducible Cre recombinase driven by the Ascl1 promoter in a CAG-floxStopTom reporter mouse. Ascl1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor transiently expressed in NPCs and activated NSCs in the dentate gyrus of the adult mammalian brain. To specifically label NPCs born acutely after TBI, tamoxifen was delivered to mice on days 2 and 3 postinjury. Mice survived to 6 weeks after TBI to allow for full neuronal maturation of tdTomato-labeled NPCs.

Results

At 6 weeks postinjury, numbers of tdTomato-positive granule cells were significantly reduced in the ipsilateral hippocampus of brain-injured mice compared to controls, with a more pronounced decrease in males. Further, posttrauma-born neurons in males, but not females, exhibited impaired dendritic development. Neurons born after injury extended axons which formed synaptic terminals within the CA3 region. Numbers of mossy fiber boutons were significantly decreased in injured males compared to naïve males or to injured females. Potential forms of plasticity were observed in brain-injured females, including increased neurogenesis in the contralateral hippocampus and increased mossy fiber bouton volume. Together these data suggest a neurogenic advantage in females after injury.

Discussion

This study is the first to report sex differences in posttraumatic hippocampal neurogenesis and to demonstrate modification of synaptic terminals formed by neurons born after TBI.
Effects of virtual reality technology on early mobility in critically ill adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Yansha , Yang Qin , Dai Xiaoxia , Chen Tian , Wu Huan , Li Kunjie , Zhu Shiqiong , Liu Yanlin , Lei Hua
Published: February 2025

Objective

The study aimed to explore the effects of virtual reality (VR) technology on motor function rehabilitation in critically ill patients.

Methods

Adhering to the PRISMA systematic evaluation method for developing the literature ranking criteria and search strategy, the following databases were systematically searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Chinese Medical Journal Full-Text Database, and SINOMED. The search focused on the impact of virtual reality technology on limb function rehabilitation in critically ill patients, covering the period from the database’s inception to 6 December 2024. To evaluate the quality of the included studies, the risk of bias was assessed using the RevMan 5.4 tool.

Results

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published over 10 years were included, involving 880 critically ill adult patients: 435 in the experimental group and 445 in the control group. The meta-analysis showed that, compared to the control group, virtual reality technology significantly improved the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score (MD = 3.95, 95% CI: 3.19, 4.70, p < 0.05), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score (MD = 0.21, 95% CI: −1.35, 1.76, p > 0.05), the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score (MD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.94, p < 0.05), the upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, FMA) score (MD = 5.08, 95% CI: 3.46, 6.69, p < 0.05), and the lower limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment FMA) score (MD = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.99, 3.67, p < 0.05) of the adult critically ill patients.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional rehabilitation techniques, virtual reality technology has a better overall effect in improving motor rehabilitation in critically ill patients and enhancing balance, functional walking, and upper and lower limb motor functions. However, the effect of enhancing the functional independence of limbs is not yet evident and still needs to be confirmed by high-quality, multicenter, and large-sample clinical trials.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ Prospero register No.: CRD42024546409.
Causal association of sex hormone-related traits with Alzheimer’s disease: a multivariable and network Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Zhen-dong , Yang Yu-shen , Fu Wei-dong
Published: February 2025

Background

Although studies have demonstrated a correlation between sex hormone-related traits [such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone] and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the link remains uncertain due to the intricacies of AD pathology. The study aimed to investigate the possible causal link between sex hormone-related traits and AD.

Methods

The authors collected data from extensive genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of European ancestry on sex hormone-related traits and AD. Univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to explore the possible causal relationship between these traits and AD. We used inverse variance weighted (IVW) MR as the main analysis.

Results

The use of univariate MR-IVW revealed a possible causal relationship between SHBG [ORs (95% CI), 1.005 (1.001–1.009), p = 0.006], testosterone [ORs (95% CI), 0.994 (0.989–0.999), p = 0.013] and AD in female. There is no evidence of a causal association of SHBG [ORs (95% CI), 1.002 (0.999–1.005)), p = 0.237] and testosterone [ORs (95% CI), 1.000 (0.997–1.004), p = 0.810] with AD in males. Multivariate MR analysis revealed a possible direct causal connection between SHBG and testosterone in relation to females AD (SHBG-OR (95%CI), 1.005 (1.001–1.009, p = 0.023); testosterone-OR (95%CI), 0.995 (0.989–1.000, p = 0.049). Bidirectional MR analysis indicated that SHBG has a possible causal effect on testosterone (SHBG on testosterone-OR (95%CI), 1.064 (1.032–1.096), p = 0.0001). The results of the network MR analysis suggested that testosterone may act as a mediator in the causal pathway from SHBG to AD.

Conclusion

Our study using the MR methodology indicates that increase of SHBG level and decrease of testosterone level in females are positively linked to an increased risk of developing AD. Importantly, testosterone plays a mediating role in the causal pathway from SHBG to females AD.
Ectopic expression of the cation-chloride cotransporter KCC2 in blood exosomes as a biomarker for functional rehabilitation
Authors: Caccialupi Da Prato L. , Rezzag Lebza A. , Consumi A. , Tessier M. , Srinivasan A. , Rivera C. , Laurin J. , Pellegrino C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disabilities in industrialized countries. Cognitive decline typically occurs in the chronic phase of the condition, following cellular and molecular processes. In this study, we described the use of KCC2, a neuronal-specific potassium–chloride cotransporter, as a potent biomarker to predict cognitive dysfunction after TBI.

Methods

Using neuronal and total exosome collections from the blood serum of the controls and patients with TBI, we were able to anticipate the decline in cognitive performance.

Results

After TBI, we observed a significant and persistent loss of KCC2 expression in the blood exosomes, which was correlated with the changes in the network activity and cellular processes such as secondary neurogenesis. Furthermore, we established a correlation between this decrease in KCC2 expression and the long-term consequences of brain trauma and identified a link between the loss of KCC2 expression and the emergence of depressive-like behavior observed in the mice.

Conclusion

We successfully validated our previous findings, supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of bumetanide in mitigating post-traumatic depression (PTD) following TBI. This effect was correlated with the recovery of KCC2 expression in the blood exosomes, the prevention of extensive neuronal loss among the interneurons, and changes in secondary neurogenesis.