bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Urban Nutrigarden Sebagai Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Dengan Menggunakan Internet Of Things (Iot)
Authors: Nurmatiani Erika , Ryanto Muhamad
Published: January 2025

Urban Nutrigarden adalah kegiatan bertanam sayuran dan herba secara organik di lingkungan perkotaan. Konsep Urban Nutrigarden memanfaatkan ruang yang tersedia di rumah, mulai dari pekarangan, vertikal, atap rumah, hingga tanah berbatu. Konsep Urban Nutrigarden yang ada pada komunitas ini berkonsep ramah lingkungan dan berkelanjutan. Adapun tujuan budidaya adalah untuk mendapatkan variasi nutrisi seimbang, membentuk ekosistem yang berkelanjutan di dalam rumah serta dapat meningkatkan perbaikan ekonomi  Mendorong mitra budidaya Microgreens untuk terus mengimplementasikan penerapan teknologi IoT terhadap konsep Nutrigarden dalam kegiatan budidaya mereka secara mandiri.
Jurnal Pendampingan Pengolahan dan Pembuatan Teh Kombucha Penuh Manfaat Bagi Kesehatan Terhadap Pemuda-Pemudi Majlis Taklim Ar-Rahman Kabupaten Garut
Authors: Amirudin Jafar , Komariah Iis , Ginanjar Ani Yanti , Putri Megawati
Published: January 2025

Tujuan dari pengabdian ini adalah pendampingan terhadap  komunitas pemuda-pemudi, dengan banyaknya manfaat yang ddapatkan dari Teh Kombucha di harapkan ini akan menjadi oleh-oleh khas garut yang dapat di minati oleh masyarakat banyak, juga sebagai minuman alternative untuk mengobati beragam gangguan kesehatan dimasyarakat, sehingga hal ini akan membuka lapangan kerja baru bagi masyarakat. Pelaksanaan kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Majlis Taklim ar-Rahman di Sukaresmi Garut dengan jumlah peserta sebanyak 30 orang. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengabdian ini adalah Participatory Action Research (PAR) yaitu memiliki arti pelaku pengabdian masyarakat merasakan langsung pendampingan pembuatan teh kombucha dilapangan dengan masyarakat. Ada empat tema dasar dalam PAR, yaitu kolaborasi melalui partisipasi, mendapat pengetahuan, dan perubahan sosial. Hasil dari pendampingan pembuatan teh kombucha ini pembuatan teh dari bibit kombucha yang sudah tersedia, kemudian melakukan pelatihan dari seorang ahli kombucha yang memiliki sertifikat dan dilakukan pendampingan pembuatan teh kombucha serta pelatihan pengemasan dan strategi usaha untuk memasarkan produk yang telah dihasilkan.
Evaluating the advancements in protein language models for encoding strategies in protein function prediction: a comprehensive review
Authors: Chen Jia-Ying , Wang Jing-Fu , Hu Yue , Li Xin-Hui , Qian Yu-Rong , Song Chao-Lin
Published: January 2025

Protein function prediction is crucial in several key areas such as bioinformatics and drug design. With the rapid progress of deep learning technology, applying protein language models has become a research focus. These models utilize the increasing amount of large-scale protein sequence data to deeply mine its intrinsic semantic information, which can effectively improve the accuracy of protein function prediction. This review comprehensively combines the current status of applying the latest protein language models in protein function prediction. It provides an exhaustive performance comparison with traditional prediction methods. Through the in-depth analysis of experimental results, the significant advantages of protein language models in enhancing the accuracy and depth of protein function prediction tasks are fully demonstrated.
Integrating building code to microbial count studies in urban built spaces with ventilation and human presence: a model
Authors: Villoria Ma. Beatrice D. , Argayosa Vina B. , Rosalinas Angelo D. , Valerio Daniel Nichol R. , La Madrid Christian Lyle , Ticzon Michael Xavier N.
Published: January 2025

In this work, a conceptual framework is proposed for translating microbial research into usable design tools in an urban built environment. This study on Microbiomes of the Built Environment (MoBE), specifically the cultivable microbial count, incorporates building code and built environment design factors applied in the Philippine setting. The National Building Code of the Philippines with focus on minimum habitable room specifications was used to provide basis for the framework process. Human presence and ventilation were used as parameters to produce data that can be used as design tools. Using passive air sampling, the three experiments were conducted within Metro Manila according to the proposed framework. The first experiment using settle plates of culture media in the morning and afternoon seeks to understand how bacterial and fungal counts are affected in a naturally ventilated and in a non-ventilated room. The second and third experiments were done to test the effects of different window sizes and the number of humans on bacterial count, respectively. Results showed higher bacterial count in the room with natural ventilation compared to the room with no ventilation. The use of different window sizes did not show significant difference in counts with the number replicates used but as the number of humans in the area increased, the bacterial counts also increased. Data produced in the preliminary experiments were used to conceptually design a space in this paper. The authors suggest that this building-code inspired framework be used as a guide for MoBE studies as a starting point and be further developed to understand and eventually produce healthier built environments.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals transmission pattern and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis intra- or inter-hosts
Authors: Ding Feng , Liu Wanfei , Wu Chi , Zhang Wensi , Chen Shuyan , Lai Wenjie , Qu Jiayao , Lin Qiang , Lu Shuihua , Qu Jiuxin
Published: January 2025

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global public health problem. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is responsible for approximately 10 million new TB cases globally each year. This study aimed to investigate transmission pattern and drug resistance of MTB in Shenzhen, China.

Methods

A retrospective study on 286 samples from 184 TB patients collected between 2015 and 2018 in Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital was conducted using whole-genome sequencing. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed using both phenotypic DST (pDST) and molecular DST (mDST). Sample diversity was evaluated by SNPs and transmission clusters were identified based on SNP differences of 12 or fewer in genetic clusters.

Results

Except four samples identified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria, 282 MTB samples (181 patients) underwent mDST, with 244 samples (162 patients) undergoing pDST. The overall multidrug-resistant rate in patients was 22.31% in pDST (12.00% for new patients and 40.82% for retreatment patients) and 34.48% in mDST (20.41% for new patients and 58.21% for retreatment patients). Totally 92 transmission clusters were identified, encompassing 70.21% samples (57.46% patients), with 5 clusters containing samples (15, 5.32%) from different patients (9, 4.97%), indicating recent transmission. The drug-resistant mutations in 36 of 45 transmission clusters (80.00%) were identical in all samples, suggesting the transmission of drug resistance. Patients with multiple samples were categorized into simultaneous sampling (SS) and continuous sampling (CS) groups, revealing significant differences in treatment types, treatment outcomes, residential addresses, and drug resistance types. mDST showed greater accuracy than pDST in SS and CS groups. A novel method based on heterozygous SNPs and two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test were developed and identified 12 (4.26%) samples as mixed infection samples. Six of 12 patients had mixed and pure samples together, and major strains of mixed samples were closer to corresponding pure strains than minor strains.

Conclusions

This retrospective study, conducted at the only municipal hospital specializing in infectious diseases in Shenzhen, provides the opportunity to understand drug resistance of TB patients, which mainly are refractory patients. The study revealed transmission patterns of MTB, analyzed mixed infections, and tracked changes in MTB strains during short/long-term treatment.
Borrelia burgdorferi tolerates alteration to P66 porin function in a murine infectivity model
Authors: Fierros Christa H. , Faucillion Marie-Line , Hahn Beth L. , Anderson Phillip , Bonde Mari , Kessler Julie R. , Surdel Matthew C. , Crawford Kyler S. , Gao Yan , Zhu Jieqing , Bergström Sven , Coburn Jenifer
Published: January 2025

Borrelia burgdorferi exists in a complex enzootic life cycle requiring differential gene regulation. P66, a porin and adhesin, is upregulated and essential during mammalian infection, but is not produced or required within the tick vector. We sought to determine whether the porin function of P66 is essential for infection. Vancomycin treatment of B. burgdorferi cultures was used to screen for P66 porin function and found to generate spontaneous mutations in p66 (bb0603). Three novel, spontaneous, missense P66 mutants (G175V, T176M, and G584R) were re-created by site-directed mutagenesis in an infectious strain background and tested for infectivity in mice by ID50 experiments. Two of the three mutants retained infectivity comparable to the isogenic control, suggesting that B. burgdorferi can tolerate alteration to P66 porin function during infection. The third mutant exhibited highly attenuated infectivity and produced low levels of P66 protein. Interestingly, four isolates that were recovered for p66 sequencing from mouse tissues revealed novel secondary point mutations in genomic p66. However, these secondary mutations did not rescue P66 porin function. New structural modeling of P66 is presented and consistent with these experimental results. This is the first work to assess the contribution of P66 porin function to B. burgdorferi pathogenesis.
Characterization of the Vibrio anguillarum VaRyhB regulon and role in pathogenesis
Authors: Li Yingjie , Yu Xinran , Li Peng , Li Xin , Wang Lushan
Published: January 2025

Background

The marine Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio anguillarum is one of the major pathogens in aquaculture. Iron uptake is a prerequisite for virulence and is strictly controlled by a global iron uptake regulator, Fur, which acts as a repressor under iron-replete conditions. When iron is depleted, Fur also functions as an activator, playing an important role in pathogenesis. It is unclear whether this upregulation model is mediated by a small RNA, RyhB.

Methods

The small RNA, VaryhB, was deleted in V. anguillarum strain 775, and its regulon was investigated using transcriptomic analysis. The roles of VaRyhB in siderophore synthesis, chemotaxis and motility, and oxidative stress were evaluated using chrome azurol S (CAS) liquid assay, swimming motility assay, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, respectively. The virulence of VaRyhB was evaluated by challenging turbot larvae intraperitoneally.

Results

The small RNA called VaRyhB identified in V. anguillarum strain 775 is significantly longer than that in Escherichia coli. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VaRyhB is critical for iron homeostasis under limited iron conditions, and deletion of VaRyhB resulted in lower expression levels of certain genes for siderophore biosynthesis and transport, thereby leading to impaired growth, reduced siderophore production, and decreased pathogenesis. The virulence factor motility is also upregulated by VaRyhB, and reduced motility capability was observed in the ΔVaryhB mutant, which may be another reason resulting in weak pathogenesis. The sensitivity toward H2O2 in the ΔVafur mutant could be restored by the loss of VaRyhB, suggesting that the role of Fur in oxidative stress is mediated by VaRyhB. VaRyhB also functions to inhibit the expression of genes involved in Fe-S assembly and the TCA cycle. In addition, two aspects of the type VI secretion system and molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis were first identified as being regulated by VaRyhB.

Conclusion

In V. anguillarum, the sRNA VaRyhB plays a critical role in the inhibition of genes involved in the TCA cycle, Fe-S assembly, and the type VI secretion system. It is also essential for the activation of siderophore synthesis, chemotaxis and motility, and anaerobic denitrification. Our work provides the first evidence of the VaRyhB regulon and its role in the pathogenesis of V. anguillarum.
PCSK9-antibodies fail to block PCSK9-induced inflammation in macrophages and cannot recapitulate protective effects of PCSK9-deficiency in experimental myocardial infarction
Authors: Rauterberg Simon , Härdtner Carmen , Hein Jennifer , Schrepf Paola , Peyronnet Remi , Koentges Christoph , Vico Tamara A. , Ehlert Carolin , Dufner Bianca , Lindner Diana , von zur Mühlen Constantin , Wolf Dennis , Westermann Dirk , Hilgendorf Ingo , von Ehr Alexander
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a crucial role in cholesterol homeostasis by regulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor levels. Despite its known effects on cholesterol metabolism, the role of PCSK9 in cardiac function, especially post-myocardial infarction (MI), remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of PCSK9 on heart function post-MI and evaluates the effects of PCSK9 inhibition via Alirocumab.

Methods

We used PCSK9 knockout (KO) mice and wildtype (WT) mice and in vivo treatment with Alirocumab to analyze cardiac function and survival post-MI induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. PCSK9 and LDL receptor levels were measured using ELISA and qRT-PCR. Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography and isolated working heart model experiments. Gene expression changes were evaluated using RNA sequencing, and inflammatory responses in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were analyzed in vitro.

Results

PCSK9 was expressed in murine heart tissue at levels comparable to the liver, despite minimal heart RNA expression. PCSK9 KO mice had lower plasma cholesterol levels and showed reduced cardiac functions in the working heart model compared to WT mice. Post-MI, PCSK9 KO mice demonstrated significantly improved survival and reduced ventricular rupture compared to WT mice. Alirocumab treatment, while effective in lowering plasma cholesterol, did not replicate the survival benefits seen in PCSK9 KO mice and even worsened cardiac function post-MI. In vitro, PCSK9 induced significant inflammatory responses in macrophages, which were not mitigated by Alirocumab.

Conclusion

PCSK9 accumulation in the heart post-MI contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling and inflammation. Genetic deletion of PCSK9 confers protection against post-infarct mortality, whereas pharmacological inhibition with Alirocumab fails to reproduce these benefits and may exacerbate cardiac dysfunction. These findings highlight the complex role of PCSK9 in cardiac pathology and caution against the assumption that PCSK9 inhibitors will necessarily yield cardiovascular benefits similar to genetic PCSK9 deficiency.
Integrating general practitioners’ and patients’ perspectives in the development of a digital tool supporting primary care for older patients with multimorbidity: a focus group study
Authors: Schäfer Ingmar , Jahns Vivienne , Paucke Valentina , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin , Nothacker Julia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The web application gp-multitool.de is based on the German clinical practice guideline “multimorbidity” and supports mutual prioritisation of treatments by GPs (general practitioners) and patients. The application facilitates sending hyperlinks to standardized assessments by email, which can be completed by patients on any suitable digital device. GPs can document clinical decisions. The tool also supports a structured medication review. Aims of this study were to consider needs and wants of the target groups in implementing the “multimorbidity” clinical practice guideline in a digital tool, and to examine themes of discussions in order to identify which aspects were considered most important for customising a digital tool.

Materials and methods

We conducted six focus groups with 32 GPs and six focus groups with 33 patients. Eight groups were conducted alongside the programming of the web application and four after finishing a prototype. GPs were recruited by mail and asked to invite up to six eligible patients from their practice to participate. Focus groups were based on semi-structured interview guides and discussed assessments, functionalities, usability and reliability of gp-multitool.de. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.

Results

GPs wanted to avoid unnecessary and time-consuming functions and did not want to explore problems that they could not provide solutions for. For some assessments, GPs suggested simplifying scales or including residual categories. GPs and patients also addressed possible misunderstandings due to wording and discussed if some items might be too intimate or overtax patients intellectually. In most cases, participants confirmed usability, but they suggested changes in default settings and pointed out a few minor bugs that needed to be fixed. While some GPs considered data security an important topic, most patients were unconcerned with this issue and open to share their data.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that focus groups can be used to customize a digital tool according to the needs and wants of target groups and thus, improve content, functionality, usability, and reliability of digital tools. However, digital tools still need to be piloted and evaluated in everyday care. In our focus groups, study participants confirmed that gp-multitool.de can be a relevant approach for overcoming deficits in the information needed for mutual prioritisation of treatments by GPs and patients.
Towards a green world: how new urbanization affects green total factor carbon productivity
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Li Xuanting
Published: January 2025

Introduction

New urbanization is a powerful support for regional economic growth and green transformation.

Methods

In this paper, we select data from 237 cities at prefecture level and above in China from 2010 to 2021 for quasi-experimental design, and investigate the effects of new urbanization policy pilots on urban green total factor productivity (GTFP) and its mechanism by constructing a multi-period difference-in-differences model.

Results

The study finds that: a) the construction of new urbanization has a positive impact on promoting urban GTFP, and this result is verified by a series of robustness tests; b) the promotion of industrial structure upgrading, the facilitation of green technological innovation, and the reduction of the degree of resource mismatch all partially mediate the relationship between new urbanization and urban GTFP; c) environmental regulation and market integration both modulate the relationship between the construction of new urbanization and urban GTFP in positive directions; d) heterogeneity analysis shows that, in terms of the two-dimensional city attributes of ‘location-characteristics’, the increase in GTFP is more significant in eastern and central cities, and in non-resource cities; e) further analysis shows that the pilot policies of new urbanization have a spatial spillover effect on GTFP, and the policy spillover effects are mainly affected through mechanisms such as industrial structure upgrading in neighboring municipalities.

Discussion

This study provides new ideas for the next stage of sustainable regional green development in China, thus promoting China's high-quality development with theoretical and practical significance.
The role of interleukin-17 in inflammation-related cancers
Authors: Zhang Xingru , Li Bangjie , Lan Tian , Chiari Conner , Ye Xiaoyang , Wang Kepeng , Chen Ju
Published: January 2025

Emerging evidence indicates a correlation between inflammation and the development and progression of cancer. Among the various inflammatory signals, interleukin-17 (IL-17) family cytokines serve as a critical link between inflammation and cancer. IL-17 is a highly versatile pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in host defense, tissue repair, the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, and cancer progression. During the early stages of tumorigenesis, IL-17 signaling directly promotes the proliferation of tumor cells. Conversely, IL-17 has been shown to exhibit antitumor immunity in several models of grafted subcutaneous tumors. Additionally, dynamic changes in the microbiome can influence the secretion of IL-17, thereby affecting tumor development. The specific role of IL-17 is contingent upon its functional classification, spatiotemporal characteristics, and the stage of tumor development. In this review, we introduce the fundamental biology of IL-17 and the expression profile of its receptors in cancer, while also reviewing and discussing recent advancements regarding the pleiotropic effects and mechanisms of IL-17 in inflammation-related cancers. Furthermore, we supplement our discussion with insights into the mechanisms by which IL-17 impacts cancer progression through interactions with the microbiota, and we explore the implications of IL-17 in cancer therapy. This comprehensive analysis aims to enhance our understanding of IL-17 and its potential role in cancer treatment.
Piloting an automated query and scoring system to facilitate APDS patient identification from health systems
Authors: FitzPatrick Amy M. , Chin Aaron T. , Nirenberg Sharon , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Sacco Keith , Perlmutter Jesse , Dasso Joseph F. , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Maru Jay , Creech Jessica , Walter Jolan E. , Hartog Nicholas , Izadi Neema , Palmucci Mandy , Butte Manish J. , Loewy Klaus , Relan Anurag , Rider Nicholas L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Patients with activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS) may elude diagnoses for nearly a decade. Methods to hasten the identification of these patients, and other patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), are needed. We sought to demonstrate that querying electronic health record (EHR) systems by aggregating disparate signs into a risk score can identify these patients.

Methods

We developed a structured query language (SQL) script using literature-validated APDS-associated clinical concepts mapped to ICD-10-CM codes. We ran the query across EHRs from 7 large, US-based medical centers encompassing approximately 17 million patients. The query calculated an “APDS Score,” which stratified risk for APDS for all individuals in these systems. Scores for all known patients with APDS (n=46) were compared.

Results

The query identified all but one known patient with APDS (98%; 45/46) as well as patients with other complex disease. Median score for all patients with APDS was 9 (IQR = 5.75; range 1-25). Sensitivity analysis suggested an optimal cutoff score of 7 (sensitivity = 0.70).

Conclusion

Disease-specific queries are a relatively simple method to foster patient identification across the rare-disease spectrum. Such methods are even more important for disorders such as APDS where an approved, pathway-specific treatment is available in the US.
Novel pyroptosis-immune-related lncRNA signature exhibits a distinct immune cell infiltration landscape in breast cancer
Authors: Kong Dedi , Cheng Hongju , Wang Meihong
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study investigated pyroptosis- and immunity-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to identify promising therapeutic targets for breast cancer (BC), and constructed lncRNA signatures to determine the prognosis and immunotherapy responses of BC patients.

Methods

Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to identify pyroptosis- and immune-related differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-pyrolncRNAs and DE-ImmlncRNAs, respectively). The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was allocated to training and testing subsets. Prognostic lncRNA signatures were derived based on the training subset using univariate Cox regression analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator methods. Stepwise Cox regression was used to refine these signatures and to select the optimal lncRNA signature. The median risk score of the training subset was applied as a threshold to divide patients into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to reveal differences in immune scores, cell types, functions, and checkpoint genes between these groups. Single-cell sequencing data from GSE176078 were used to validate the immune cell infiltration landscape of the identified lncRNA signatures.

Results

We identified a six-lncRNA pyroptosis-immune signature comprising MAPT.AS1, CTA.384, D8.34, RP11.561, I11.3, HID1.AS1, AC097713.3, and USP2.AS1. Patients in the HR group demonstrated inferior prognoses in the training, testing, and full datasets (P=3.622e-07, P=3.736e-03, and P=1.151e-08, respectively). Immune scores were significantly enhanced in the LR group, whereas tumor purity was elevated in the HR group. Fifty-eight immune scores showed significant differences between the groups (P<0.05). Immune function (APC coinhibition, CCR, and checkpoints) more significantly impaired in the HR group. Expression levels of 38 immune checkpoint genes, including KIR2DS4, KIR3DL2, CD40LG, KIR3DL1, and PDCD1, were significantly higher in the LR group. Conversely, the TDO2, PVR, and CD276 levels were elevated in the HR group. Single-cell sequencing data from GSE176078 showed sparse T cell, B cell, myeloid, and plasmablast clusters in the HR group, whereas the LR group displayed significant clustering of B cells, myeloids, and plasmablasts.

Conclusion

The six-lncRNA pyroptosis-immune signature effectively predicted BC prognosis and highlighted distinct immune cell infiltration patterns. This holds promise for evaluating immunotherapy responses and guiding therapeutic target identification in BC.
Prevalence and predictors of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Xin , Hu Jie , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2025

Background

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported to be very common among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the prevalence of SIBO is highly variable. We conducted this study to calculate the prevalence and identify predictors of SIBO in IBD.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from inception to March 2024 were searched for studies evaluating the prevalence of SIBO in IBD. We calculated the pooled prevalence of SIBO among IBD patients and the odds ratio (OR) of SIBO in IBD compared with healthy controls. Besides, we also evaluated predictors of SIBO in IBD patients.

Results

Twenty-nine studies (3,250 IBD, 708 controls) were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of SIBO in IBD was 31.0% (95% CI 25.2–37.1), and the prevalence of SIBO was higher in IBD compared with healthy controls (OR 5.25, 95% CI 2.96–9.32). The pooled prevalence of SIBO was higher among CD patients (32.2, 95% CI 25.9–38.8) compared with UC patients (27.8, 95% CI 18.5–38.1). The odds of lower BMI (mean difference = −1.04; 95% CI −1.86 to −0.23), bloating (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.22–7.5), flatulence (OR = 4.70, 95% CI 1.44–15.35), history of abdominal surgery (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.35–3.11), and stricturing/penetrating disease behavior (OR = 3.51, 95% CI 1.67–7.40) increased significantly in IBD patients with SIBO compared to those without SIBO. Antibiotic treatment may be effective for SIBO in IBD patients.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of IBD patients present with SIBO positive, and the odds of SIBO in IBD was increased by 5.25-fold compared with healthy controls. Lower BMI, bloating, flatulence, history of abdominal surgery, and stricturing/penetrating disease behavior were predictors of SIBO in IBD patients.
Association between weight-adjusted waist index and cognitive impairment in Chinese older men: a 7-year longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Jie , Shen Hongchen , Yang Wenjuan , Zhang Guojun , Sun Jie , Shen Wenqin , Huang Li , Chen Huajian
Published: January 2025

Background

Obesity, through mechanisms such as insulin resistance and systemic low-grade inflammation, can damage the central nervous system and impair cognitive function. Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a novel measure of obesity that may offer more precise assessments of muscle and fat mass. This study aims to investigate the association between WWI and cognitive function in older Chinese men.

Methods

Data from the 2011–2018 China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were used in this study. WWI and cognitive function were examined in both linear and non-linear situations using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, multivariate Cox regression models, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression.

Results

This study included 1,392 older Chinese men aged 65 years and over for whom complete data were available. After controlling for all potential confounding variables, our analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between WWI and cognitive decline. Specifically, for every 1 cm/√kg increase in WWI, the risk of cognitive impairment increased by 17% (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35). Using 11.52 cm/√kg as the cutoff point for WWI, we found that High WWI was associated with a 44% increased risk of cognitive impairment compared with Low WWI (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.07–1.96). RCS regression analysis confirmed a linear positive correlation between WWI and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Higher WWI is linked to worse cognitive performance in older Chinese men.
Enhancing ALS disease management: exploring integrated user value through online communities evidence
Authors: Hruška Jan , Bachmann Pavel , Odei Samuel Amponsah
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Assistive technologies (ATs) offer significant potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This study explores the concept of integrated user value (IUV), focusing on five key aspects: quality, user experience, cost-effectiveness, safety, and accessibility. Understanding IUV is crucial for enhancing the development and deployment of ATs in ALS disease management.

Methods

A systematic search approach was utilized to collect data from Facebook ALS support groups, comprising posts from individuals with ALS and their caregivers. Using a predefined set of keywords, 416 posts were analyzed. The posts were categorized based on the five aspects of IUV, and an in-depth content analysis was conducted to explore patterns, challenges, and experiences associated with AT usage.

Results

The analysis revealed significant challenges across all aspects of IUV. Quality and user experience were interlinked, with users frequently citing inadequate designs and unmet customization needs. Cost-effectiveness was a key concern, with high costs and limited insurance coverage contributing to financial strain. Accessibility issues, including delays in acquiring devices and insufficient public facilities, further highlighted systemic challenges. Safety concerns emphasized the need for personalized and intuitive AT designs.

Discussion

The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to AT development, integrating all five aspects of IUV. Recommendations include enhancing product quality, ensuring affordability, prioritizing user-centered design, and addressing accessibility gaps. Collaboration between AT designers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is essential to optimize AT value and improve the quality of life for individuals with ALS and their caregivers.
Development and validation of a diagnostic model for migraine without aura in inpatients
Authors: Chen Zhu-Hong , Yang Guan , Zhang Chi , Su Dan , Li Yu-Ting , Shang Yu-Xuan , Zhang Wei , Wang Wen
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and validate a robust predictive model for accurately identifying migraine without aura (MWoA) individuals from migraine patients.

Methods

We recruited 637 migraine patients, randomizing them into training and validation cohorts. Participant’s medical data were collected such as demographic data (age, gender, self-reported headache characteristics) and clinical details including symptoms, triggers, and comorbidities. The model stability, which was developed using multivariable logistic regression, was tested by the internal validation cohort. Model efficacy was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), alongside with nomogram, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The study included 477 females (average age 46.62 ± 15.64) and 160 males (average age 39.78 ± 19.53). A total of 397 individuals met the criteria for MWoA. Key predictors in the regression model included patent foramen ovale (PFO) (OR = 2.30, p = 0.01), blurred vision (OR = 0.40, p = 0.001), dizziness (OR = 0.16, p < 0.01), and anxiety/depression (OR = 0.41, p = 0.02). Common symptoms like nausea (OR = 0.79, p = 0.43) and vomiting (OR = 0.64, p = 0.17) were not statistically significant predictors for MWoA. The AUC values were 79.1% and 82.8% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, with good calibration in both.

Conclusion

The predictive model developed and validated in this study demonstrates significant efficacy in identifying MWoA. Our findings highlight PFO as a potential key risk factor, underscoring its importance for early prevention, screening, and diagnosis of MWoA.
Textural analysis and artificial intelligence as decision support tools in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis – a systematic review
Authors: Orzan Filip , Iancu Ştefania D. , Dioşan Laura , Bálint Zoltán
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is conventionally used for the detection and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), often complemented by lumbar puncture—a highly invasive method—to validate the diagnosis. Additionally, MRI is periodically repeated to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. Recent research has focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics in medical image processing, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Methods

A review of the current literature was conducted, analyzing the use of AI models and texture analysis for MS lesion segmentation and classification. The study emphasizes common models, including U-Net, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbors, alongside their evaluation metrics.

Results

The analysis revealed a fragmented research landscape, with significant variation in model architectures and performance. Evaluation metrics such as Accuracy, Dice score, and Sensitivity are commonly employed, with some models demonstrating robustness across multi-center datasets. However, most studies lack validation in clinical scenarios.

Discussion

The absence of consensus on the optimal model for MS lesion segmentation highlights the need for standardized methodologies and clinical validation. Future research should prioritize clinical trials to establish the real-world applicability of AI-driven decision support tools. This review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary advancements in AI and radiomics for analyzing and monitoring emerging MS lesions in MRI.
A multi-centre, randomised trial for diagnostic efficacy of the automatic breast volume scanner ultrasound for breast cancer screening in China
Authors: Xu Ying , Xu Yali , Shen Songjie , Mao Feng , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Yanna , Lin Yan , Zhou Yidong , Sun Qiang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The US plays a crucial role in screening Asian women for breast disease. ABUS offers several advantages over traditional HHUS, including quicker examination, objectivity, and the ability to store and reconstruct images. This study marks the first large-scale opportunistic screening of ABUS in the population.

Methods

Between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, 10,537 women aged 35–75 years from nine districts were randomly assigned to either HHUS or ABUS groups. Diagnostic methods were quantified, and comparisons were made using the Chi-square test.

Results

The screening groups consisted of 5,445 participants for HHUS and 4,936 for ABUS. The HHUS and ABUS groups identified 90 carcinomas and 292 benign lesions or 71 carcinomas and 178 benign lesions, respectively. SE), SP, AC, PPV, and NPV for HHUS were 51.11%, 93.84%, 93.13%, 12.23%, and 99.13%, respectively, while for ABUS, they were 66.20%, 93.77%, 93.38%, 13.43%, and 98.98%. The area under the curve (AUC) values for HHUS and ABUS were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67–0.78) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.91), respectively, indicating superior diagnostic performance of ABUS over HHUS (Delong test p < 0.05).

Discussion

ABUS is user-friendly, requires minimal training, reduces reliance on examiner experience, and demonstrates potential for superior sensitivity compared to HHUS in breast cancer screening.
Mechanistic insights into the role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Ziqiang , Yu Ting , Wang Yunhe , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Bo , Zhou Liya
Published: January 2025

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with advanced stages presenting significant challenges due to metastasis and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising complementary approach characterized by holistic treatment principles and minimal side effects. This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted mechanisms by which TCM addresses gastric cancer. Specifically, we detail how TCM inhibits aerobic glycolysis by downregulating key glycolytic enzymes and metabolic pathways, thereby reducing the energy supply essential for cancer cell proliferation. We examine how TCM suppresses angiogenesis by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways, effectively starving tumors of nutrients and oxygen required for growth and metastasis. Furthermore, TCM modulates the immune microenvironment by enhancing the activity of effector immune cells such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells while reducing immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These actions collectively contribute to slowing tumor progression, inhibiting metastasis, and enhancing the body’s antitumor response. The insights presented underscore the significant potential of TCM as an integral component of comprehensive gastric cancer treatment strategies, highlighting avenues for future research and clinical application to improve patient outcomes.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of surgical resection for brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ming , Li Zhiying , Zhang Hang , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Sun Linlin , Wang Tiantian , Zhou Shengli , Zhou Liyun
Published: January 2025

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics, survival time and prognostic factors of patients undergoing craniotomy for brain metastases (BM) from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

A total of 208 patients with BM from LUAD who underwent craniotomy at the Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan province, China from March 2005 to October 2022 were included in this retrospective study. All patients were confirmed as BM of LUAD by histopathology. The clinical data included patient gender, age, occupation, family history of tumor, smoking history, alcohol drinking history, neurological symptoms, history of lung cancer treatment, tumor location, tumor number, tumor size, gene status, expression of S-100, CEA, Ki67, and PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry, KPS after craniotomy, whether tumor therapy was continued after craniotomy, and survival time. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the prognostic factors of patients undergoing craniotomy for LUAD BM.

Results

A total of 208 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 110 males (52.9%) and 98 females (47.1%), with an average age of 61.4 years. 203 patients (97.6%) had neurological symptoms. 84 patients (40.4%) had smoking history, 89 patients (42.8%) had alcohol drinking history, and 31 patients (14.9%) had the family history of tumor. Only 5 patients (2.4%) had received lung cancer treatment before craniotomy. The intracranial location of BM was mostly in the frontal lobe (54, 26.0%) and the metastatic sites were mostly single (117, 56.3%); the metastatic tumor size was mostly between 2-5 cm (141, 67.8%). Genetically, 43.3% patients (90 cases) had EGFR mutations, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that most patients were PD-L1 positive (160, 76.9%) and Ki67 > 30% (137, 65.9%). Most patients (145, 69.7%) had KPS score under 80 after craniotomy. Only 72 patients (34.7%) received continued tumor therapy after craniotomy. 190 patients (91.3%) were successfully followed up. The median survival time was 11.5 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 15.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking history, Ki67 percentage, KPS after craniotomy, and molecular targeted therapy after craniotomy were independent factors affecting the survival time of patients.

Conclusions

Although survival remains poor, patients who had no-smoking history, Ki67 percentage ≤30%, KPS≥80 after craniotomy, and molecular targeted therapy after craniotomy can improve the prognosis and prolong the survival time.
BCL-2 inhibitors in hematological malignancies: biomarkers that predict response and management strategies
Authors: Markouli Mariam , Pagoni Maria N. , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis
Published: January 2025

Apoptosis is an essential characteristic of cancer and its dysregular promotes tumor growth, clonal evolution, and treatment resistance. B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein family members are key to the intrinsic, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The inhibition of the BCL-2 family pro-survival proteins, which are frequently overexpressed in B-cell malignancies and pose a fundamental carcinogenic mechanism has been proposed as a promising therapeutic option, with venetoclax (ABT-199) being the first FDA-approved BCL-2 inhibitor. Unfortunately, although BCL-2 inhibition has shown remarkable results in a range of B-cell lymphoid cancers as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the development of resistance significantly reduces response rates in specific tumor subtypes. In this article, we explain the role of BCL-2 family proteins in apoptosis and their mechanism of action that justifies their inhibition as a potential treatment target in B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphomas, but also AML. We further analyze the tumor characteristics that result in the development of intrinsic or inherited resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors. Finally, we focus on the biomarkers that can be used to predict responses to treatment in the name of personalized medicine, with the goal of exploring alternative strategies to overcome resistance.
Clinical and genetic analysis of epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures caused by SLC6A1 gene variant
Authors: Li Zhen , Han Changming , Zhao Hongwei
Published: January 2025

Objective

This research intends to examine the clinical characteristics and genetic diversity of a child experiencing epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS) attributed to a variant in the SLC6A1 gene.

Methods

A male child diagnosed with EMAS underwent clinical and electroencephalographic evaluation. Peripheral blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and subsequent whole-exon gene sequencing. For previously identified patients, high-throughput sequencing was utilized, whereas Sanger sequencing was employed for the parents to determine the site of the gene mutation and examine the connection between genotype and phenotype.

Results

The male child showed delays in intellectual and language development before the disease began. At 1 year and 2 months, he had a febrile seizures, which was succeeded by seizures at 2 years and 9 months; these seizures presented as generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and myoclonic-atonic seizures, along with symptoms showing inattention and hyperactivity. After receiving treatment with levetiracetam (50 mg·kg·d−1), the child has been free of seizures for the last 8 months. Genetic analysis indicated a heterozygous missense variant of c.263T > C (p.L88P) in the SLC6A1 gene in the child, recognized as a spontaneous mutation that has not been previously documented in the literature.

Conclusion

The variant in the SLC6A1 gene is implicated as one of the etiological factors contributing to EMAS coupled with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The identification of this novel mutation enriches the spectrum of known SLC6A1 gene variants.
Traditional Chinese medicine manual therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case report
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Li Miaoxiu , Ren Jun , He Tianxiang , Zhou Xin , Wang Shoujian , Kong Lingjun , Fang Min
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This case demonstrates the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine manual therapy (TCMMT) for the treatment of mild to moderate AIS.

Methods

An 10-year-old girl who suffered from low back pain (LBP) with marked shoulder inequality and razorback postural abnormalities, with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis, and the Cobb angle of 20° and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) of the thoracic vertebral segment at 7°, and ATR of the lumbar vertebral segment at 8°, was treated with TCMMT. The patient initially recovered from centralized LBP with repeated TCMMT twice per week for 1 month. Subsequently, the frequency of TCMMT treatment was changed to 1–2 sessions weekly for 6 months. Before treatment, after the first TCMMT, 1 month and 7 months of treatment, and 18 months of follow-up, we used ATR or Cobb angle and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for assessment. The HRQOL was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was used to assess the effectiveness of clinical measures based on a “responder analysis”.

Results

(a) The patient's VAS score was 40/100 before treatment, 25/100 after the first treatment, 15/100 after 1 month of treatment, 12/100 after 7 months of treatment, and 15/100 at follow-up to 18 months. (b) The patient's SRS-22 score was 54/110 before treatment, 61/110 after the first treatment, 79/110 after 1 month of treatment, 106/110 after 7 months of treatment, and 104/110 at follow-up to 18 months. (c) Before treatment, the patient's thoracic ATR angle was 7° and the lumbar ATR angle was 8°, there was no change in the ATR angles of the thoracic and lumbar spine after the first treatment. The thoracic ATR angle was 6° and the lumbar ATR angle was 5° after 1 month of treatment. The thoracic ATR angle was 1.5° and the lumbar ATR angle was 3.5° after 7 months of treatment. The thoracic ATR angle was 2° and the lumbar ATR angle was 4° at the follow up till 18 months. (d) The patient's Cobb angle was 20° before treatment, 7° after the 7 month of treatment, and 8° at follow-up to 18 months. No adverse events during treatment.

Conclusions

TCMMT is a conservative treatment option worthy of consideration when considering a conservative treatment strategy for AIS.
Apelin/APJ system: a novel promising target for anti-oxidative stress in stroke
Authors: Xu Weilin , Yan Jun , Travis Zachary D. , Lenahan Cameron , Gao Liansheng , Wu Haijian , Zheng Jingwei , Zhang Jianmin , Shao Anwen , Yu Jun
Published: January 2025

The apelin/APJ system has garnered increasing attention in recent years. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the apelin/APJ system in stroke. The apelin/APJ system is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the distribution of the apelin/APJ system varies across different regions and subcellular organelles of the brain. Additionally, the neuroprotective effects of the apelin/APJ system have been reported to inhibit oxidative and nitrative stresses via various signaling pathways. Despite this, the clinical application of the apelin/APJ system remains distant, as apelin has numerous active forms and signaling pathways. The development of a range of drugs targeting the apelin/APJ system holds promise for treating stroke.