bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid MPPT control using hybrid pelican optimization algorithm with perturb and observe for PV connected grid
Authors: Abdullah Burhan U. Din , Dhar Suman Lata , Jaiswal Shiva Pujan , Gulzar Muhammad Majid , Alqahtani Mohammad , Khalid Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Photovoltaic systems offer immense potential as a future energy source, yet maximizing their efficiency presents challenges, notably in achieving optimal voltage due to their nonlinear behavior. Operating current and voltage fluctuations, driven by temperature and radiation changes, significantly impact power output. Traditional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods struggle to adapt accurately to these dynamic environmental conditions. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) and optimization techniques show promise, their implementation complexity and longer attainment times for Maximum Power Point (MPP) hinder widespread adoption.

Method

This paper proposes a hybrid MPPT technique that integrates the Pelican Optimization algorithm (POA) with the Perturb and Observe algorithm (P&O) for a grid-connected photovoltaic system (PV). The proposed technique consists of two loops: PO as the reference point setting loop (inner loop) and POA as a fine-tuning (outer)loop. The combination of inner and outer loops minimizes oscillations by adjusting the perturbation direction and enhancing the convergence speed of the MPPT.

Results and Discussion

To validate the efficacy of the proposed MPPT technique for different environmental conditions, a comprehensive comparison is conducted between the proposed hybrid pelican and perturb and observe (HPPO) technique and other MPPT algorithms. The proposed technique has optimized PV and grid outputs with an MPPT efficiency of 99%, best tracking speed, and total harmonic distortion (THD) for all conditions below 5% agree with IEEE 519 standards.
Assessment of environmental degradation and conservation in the Maracanã River Basin, eastern amazon
Authors: Raiol Lucas Lima , Rocha Yuri Antonio da Silva , Lima Aline Maria Meiguins de , Velastegui-Montoya Andrés
Published: January 2025

Coastal basins stand out for their continent-estuary interface and connection as corridors of mangrove forests. The Maracanã River Basin (MRB) represents this environment, holding various ecosystem services for the component municipalities, protected areas with highly sensitive environments and water demand, and potential for multiple water uses. The proposed aim was to identify areas of degradation and environmental conservation in the MRB using the Blueprint model as support for water resource management. The methodology involved the application of the Blueprint model in the MRB, based on land use and cover information, rainfall, and characterization of the ecological units. The results showed that the MRB basin predominantly exhibits the degradation and restoration/connectivity classes in the Annual Blueprint (ABP) and Dry Blueprint (DBP), respectively. On the other hand, the Rainy Blueprint (RBP) predominantly exhibits Environmental Integrity. Statistical tests showed significant differences between ABP-RBP and DBP-RBP, which can be explained by the fact that on an annual scale of analysis, Blueprint classes are more heterogeneous, with a tendency toward environmental integrity, and intermediate classes in the rainy period; in the dry period, restoration and connectivity and degradation classes predominate. The correlation analysis indicates that natural vegetation cover shows a significant correlation with annual precipitation, rainy and dry quarters. These results provide significant insight into understanding the dynamics of degradation and conservation areas, assisting decision-makers in the environmental planning of the basin. In addition, the climatic component showed a differential response on annual and seasonal scales, acting as a modulating agent of the indicators.
A hypothesis-based approach to species identification in the fossil record: a papionin case study
Authors: Brasil Marianne F. , Monson Tesla A. , Stratford Dominic J. , Hlusko Leslea J.
Published: January 2025

Modern papionin monkeys are a diverse group that encompasses a broad range of morphologies, behaviors, and ecologies. A fossil genus known from African Plio-Pleistocene deposits, Parapapio, is widely regarded as a candidate ancestor to later African papionins. However, despite general agreement that this genus sits at or near the base of the African papionin clade, the taxonomy within Parapapio remains highly contentious. This project evaluates the species-level taxonomy of Parapapio with an explicit hypothesis-based approach to interpreting morphological variation in this sample of fossils. We tested two hypotheses: (H1) the craniodental variation within Parapapio does not cluster into three groups that reflect the three known species, and (H2) all the Parapapio fossils can be accommodated within the craniodental shape and size variation observed for a single extant species of papionin. To test the first hypothesis, we assessed a subset of relatively complete and well-preserved Parapapio crania (n=16), intentionally without reference to previous taxonomic identifications. Specimens were sorted by similarity in cranial features and results were then compared with published taxonomic classifications. Our results demonstrate that morphological traits do not cluster consistently according to the current species categories within Parapapio, failing to reject our first hypothesis. To test our second hypothesis, we examined variation in cranial and dental metrics within Parapapio (n=64) relative to three extant papionin samples (n=310). Our results fail to reject the hypothesis that all Parapapio specimens could belong to a single species and suggest that the three-species paradigm does not reflect the anatomical variation of this genus. We recommend subsuming all Parapapio specimens within Parapapio broomi, the species name with taxonomic priority. The results of this hypothesis-testing approach to taxonomy carry substantial implications for the taxonomy of Parapapio, as well as for biochronological and paleoecological studies more generally, including the taxonomy and paleobiology of hominids recovered from these same deposits.
Association between METTL14 gene polymorphisms and risk of ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Zhou Zijun , Jie Youkun , Hu Xianyue , Chen Guange , Bao Yanjing , OuYang Zhenbo , Wu Liangzhi , Gao Tianyang , Zhang Qiushi , Hua Wenfeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Endometriosis, a prevalent chronic gynecological condition, is frequently associated with infertility and pelvic pain. Despite numerous studies indicating a correlation between epigenetic regulation and endometriosis, its precise genetic etiology remains elusive. Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), a crucial component of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase complex and an RNA binding scaffold, is known to play a pivotal role in various human diseases. The possibility that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the METTL14 gene contribute to susceptibility of endometriosis has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We assessed the genotype frequencies of five potential functional METTL14 SNPs (rs298982 G>A, rs62328061A>G, rs9884978G>A, rs4834698C>T, and rs1064034A>T) in a Chinese population consisting of 458 patients with ovarian endometriosis and 462 healthy controls. We employed unconditional logistic regression and stratified analyses to evaluate their genotypic associations with the risk of ovarian endometriosis.

Results

Among the five SNPs examined, we found that the rs298982 A allele was significantly associated with increased risk, whereas the rs62328061 G allele was linked to a decreased risk of ovarian endometriosis. Individuals harboring two unfavorable genotypes demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of ovarian endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–2.13, P = 0.004) compared with those with no risk genotypes. Stratified analysis revealed the risk effect of rs298982 GA/AA genotypes in the gravidity≤1, parity≤1, rASRM stage I, and rASRM stage II + III + IVsubgroups. Haplotype analysis showed that individuals with the GATAA haplotype were at higher risk of ovarian endometriosis (AOR = 5.54, 95% CI = 1.63–18.87, P = 0.006), whereas the AGTTG haplotype exhibited protective effects (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31–0.97, P = 0.039) compared with wild-type GACAG haplotype carriers. Additionally, Bayesian false discovery probability and false positive report probability analysis confirmed the robustness of the significant findings. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed a significant association between the rs9884978 GA/AA genotypes and elevated METTL14 mRNA levels in fibroblasts and adrenal gland. Conversely, the rs298982 GA/GG genotypes were significantly associated with reduced METTL14 mRNA levels in the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that METTL14 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis among Chinese women.
Advances in the research of immunomodulatory mechanism of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells on periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Zhao De-Zhi , Yang Rui-Lin , Wei Han-Xiao , Yang Kang , Yang Yi-Bing , Wang Nuo-Xin , Zhang Qian , Chen Fang , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2025

Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that seriously affects people’s oral health, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Although the current treatment of periodontal disease can achieve good control of inflammation, it is difficult to regenerate the periodontal supporting tissues to achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In recent years, due to the good tissue regeneration ability, the research on Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes has been gradually deepened, especially its ability to interact with the microenvironment of the body in the complex immunoregulatory network, which has led to many new perspectives on the therapeutic strategies for many diseases. This paper systematically reviews the immunomodulatory (including bone immunomodulation) properties of MSCs and their role in the periodontal inflammatory microenvironment, summarizes the pathways and mechanisms by which MSCs and MSC-EVs have promoted periodontal regeneration in recent years, lists potential areas for future research, and describes the issues that should be considered in future basic research and the direction of development of “cell-free therapies” for periodontal regeneration.
Case report: Rituximab combined with plasma exchange treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Huang Jinmei , Fan Wei , Chen Xuyan , Wu Shufan , Dong Zhigao , Zhang Yi , Lin Yiwan , Xiao Pingping
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is rare. We present a case of a female patient with SLE who developed TMA and NCPH and responded positively to rituximab and plasma exchange treatment.

Case description

A 53-year-old woman was admitted with 6 h of confusion. Upon admission, she was diagnosed with SLE complicated by lupus encephalopathy, blood system impairment, cardiomyopathy, and nephritis. Initial treatment with high-dose methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin shock therapy, and tacrolimus (1 mg, twice daily) improved her symptoms and laboratory indicators. However, after a pulmonary infection and infection with the 2019 novel coronavirus, the patient’s condition deteriorated further. She experienced confusion and a delayed response. Hemoglobin levels and platelet counts decreased, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine levels increased, and the percentage of peripheral schistocytes was approximately 6.5%. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a substantial amount of ascites, diffuse liver lesions, splenomegaly, and splenic varices. Enhanced computed tomography revealed diffuse liver disease along the portal veins, intrahepatic lymphatic dilatation, esophageal and gastric varices, a splenorenal vein shunt, and splenomegaly. The patient was negative for hepatitis virus, autoimmune liver disease antibodies, ceruloplasmin, and tumor markers. Therefore, SLE complicated by TMA and NCPH was considered. She was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone (500 mg) for 3 days and immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/day) for 5 days, followed by rituximab (500 mg) for suppressive immunotherapy combined with plasma exchange (seven times), low-molecular-weight heparin (5,000 U every 12 h) for anticoagulation, and a diuretic. The patient’s symptoms and laboratory indicators improved.

Conclusion

This case suggests that a combination of rituximab, plasma exchange, anticoagulation, and diuretics may be an effective treatment for patients with SLE complicated by TMA and NCPH.
S6P mutation in Delta and Omicron variant spike protein significantly enhances the efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Bong Yong-Sik , Brown David , Chung Ezra , Ananthaswamy Neeti , Chen Renxiang , Lewoczko Evan , Sabbers William , Patterson-Orazem Athéna C. , Dorsey Zachary , Zou Yiqing , Yu Xue , Liang Jiening , He Jiaxi , Long Steven , Shen Dong
Published: January 2025

Background

The unrelenting emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has significantly challenged the efficacy of existing COVID-19 vaccines. Enhancing the stability and immunogenicity of the spike protein is critical for improving vaccine performance and addressing variant-driven immune evasion.

Methods

We developed an mRNA-based vaccine, RV-1730, encoding the Delta variant spike protein with the S6P mutation to enhance stability and immunogenicity. The vaccine’s immunogenicity and protective efficacy were evaluated in preclinical models, including monovalent (RV-1730) and bivalent (RV-1731) formulations targeting the Delta and BA.1 variants. Additionally, the effectiveness of RV-1730 as a heterologous booster following primary vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna-NIAID) was assessed.

Results

RV-1730 elicited significantly stronger B and T cell responses and more durable neutralizing antibodies compared to S2P-based vaccines. The bivalent RV-1731 vaccine demonstrated broad neutralizing activity against emerging variants, including XBB1.5 and JN.1. Importantly, RV-1730, when used as a heterologous booster following initial immunization with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273, significantly enhanced neutralizing antibody titers against multiple variants, including Delta and Omicron. Both RV-1730 and RV-1731 provided superior protection in preclinical models, indicating enhanced efficacy due to the S6P mutation.

Conclusion

The incorporation of the S6P mutation into the Delta variant spike protein significantly enhances the immunogenicity and efficacy of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. The strong performance of RV-1730 as a heterologous booster and the broad-spectrum activity of the bivalent RV-1731 vaccine underscore their potential as versatile and effective vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and its evolving variants.
GM-CSF and IL-21-armed oncolytic vaccinia virus significantly enhances anti-tumor activity and synergizes with anti-PD1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xuan Yujing , Yan Wenyi , Wang Ruimin , Wang Xibin , Guo Yu , Dun Huilin , Huan Ziyan , Xu Lihua , Han Ruxia , Sun Xianlei , Si Lingling , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Wang Yaohe , Wang Pengju
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and poses significant challenges to current therapies because of its complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Oncolytic viruses armed with immunoregulatory molecules are promising strategies to overcome limited efficacy and target inaccessible and metastatic tumors. In this study, we constructed a tumor-selective vaccinia virus (VV) with deletions of the TK and A49 genes (VVLΔTKΔA49, VVL-DD) using CRISPR-Cas9-based homologous recombination. VVL-DD exhibited significant tumor selectivity in vitro and anti-tumor potency in vivo in a murine pancreatic cancer model. Then, VVL-DD was armed with an optimal combination of immunomodulatory molecules, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-21 (IL-21), to produce VVL-GL21. VVL-GL21 induced significant tumor regression after intratumoral and systemic administration. Moreover, VVL-GL21 increased the infiltration of dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and T cells; induced DC maturation; increased the transition from M2 to M1 macrophages; improved the formation of immune memory; prevented tumor recurrence; and effectively bolstered the immune response against tumors in multiple key immune compartments. Interestingly, mice bearing-pancreatic cancer tumors treated with VVL-GL21 showed anti-tumor immunity against lung and colon cancer tumors. Importantly, treatment with VVL-GL21 enhanced the responsiveness of tumors to the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD1. Taken together, VVL-GL21 remodels the suppressive TME and has powerful anti-tumor activities as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD1 by intratumoral or systemic delivery for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. VVL-GL21 could be used as a therapeutic cancer vaccine.
Metabolic reprogramming and macrophage expansion define ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Jiang Yafeng , Hu Zhaolan , Huang Roujie , Ho Kaying , Wang Pengfei , Kang Jin
Published: January 2025

Background

Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA)-negative (ACPA−) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to the absence of specific biomarkers, underscoring the need to elucidate its distinctive cellular and metabolic profiles for more targeted interventions.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial tissues of patients with ACPA− and ACPA+ RA, as well as healthy controls, were analyzed. Immune cell populations were classified based on clustering and marker gene expression, with pseudotime trajectory analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and transcription factor network inference providing further insights. Cell-cell communication was explored using CellChat and MEBOCOST, while scFEA enabled metabolic flux estimation. A neural network model incorporating key genes was constructed to differentiate patients with ACPA− RA from healthy controls.

Results

Patients with ACPA− RA demonstrated a pronounced increase in classical monocytes in PBMCs and C1QChigh macrophages (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Synovial macrophages exhibited increased heterogeneity and were enriched in distinct metabolic pathways, including complement cascades and glutathione metabolism. The neural network model achieved reliable differentiation between patients with ACPA− RA and healthy controls (AUC = 0.81). CellChat analysis identified CD45 and CCL5 as key pathways facilitating macrophage-monocyte interactions in ACPA− RA, prominently involving iron-mediated metabolite communication. Metabolic flux analysis indicated elevated beta-alanine and glutathione metabolism in ACPA− RA macrophages.

Conclusion

These findings underscore that ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis is marked by elevated classical monocytes in circulation and metabolic reprogramming of synovial macrophages, particularly in complement cascade and glutathione metabolism pathways. By integrating single-cell RNA sequencing with machine learning, this study established a neural network model that robustly differentiates patients with ACPA− RA from healthy controls, highlighting promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets centered on immune cell metabolism.
The combined evaluation of preoperative serum CEA and postoperative tissue CEA as a prognostic factor in stages 0–IV colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tong Guojun , Li Hui , Shen Yan , Tan Zhenhua , Qian Hai
Published: January 2025

Background

The roles of preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (sCEA) and postoperative tissue carcinoembryonic antigen (tCEA) have been extensively studied in isolation in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the combined role of sCEA and tCEA remains inadequately described.

Methods

A total of 1,757 retrospective cases of stage 0–IV CRC from January 2006 to January 2016 in our institution were included. Clinicopathological features and follow-up data were collected. Stage 0 was combined with stage I. sCEA levels were classified as normal or high (>10 ng/mL), while tCEA levels were categorised into three grades (+, ++, and +++). This resulted in six combined groups (2 × 3). ANOVA and cross-tabulation were employed to analyse continuous and categorical data, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox regression. All data were analysed using SPSS 27 and R 4.3.1.

Results

Some clinicopathologic features differed significantly among the combined CEA test groups (all p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for sCEA, tCEA, and combined CEA exhibited significant differences in five-year OS with death as the input variable (all p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for combined CEA was the highest, indicating the value of this study. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that tumour location, T stage, differentiation, chemotherapy, TNM stage, tCEA, and combined CEA were significant in the univariate analysis; however, tCEA was not significant (p = 0.096) in the multivariate analysis among these seven variables. Five-year OS analysis revealed that sCEA, tCEA, and combined CEA were not significant in stages 0 & I–II (all p > 0.05) but were significant in stages III–IV (all p < 0.05), except for tCEA in stage IV (p = 0.24) as per K–M and univariate analysis. No significant difference was observed between sCEA and tCEA (p = 0.55, 0.095), whereas combined CEA demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.001) in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

sCEA, tCEA, and combined CEA exhibit prognostic roles in stages III–IV of CRC, with only combined CEA serving as an independent factor in these stages.
Metabolic response to burn injury: a comprehensive bibliometric study
Authors: Li Yixu , Liu Yifan , Xie Sujie , Zhu Yushu , Ding Xinran , Zhang Wei , Xian Shuyuan , Wu Guosheng , Sun Hanlin , Yan Jiale , Lu Bingnan , Yao Yuntao , Qian Weijin , Lu Yuwei , Yang Yiting , Xu Dayuan , Huang Runzhi , Ji Shizhao
Published: January 2025

Objective

Burns lead to systemic changes manifested by systemic disturbances in water-electrolyte balance and systemic metabolic and inflammatory responses. The hypermetabolic response after a burn injury relies on metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory dysregulation mechanisms. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the burn metabolism research field, identifying key trends, influential contributors, and emerging research hotspots to inform future investigative efforts. Ultimately, we conducted an extensive review of the literature, synthesizing the findings to clarify the present understanding within our field of study.

Methods

We obtained 8,823 scientific publications on burn injury and metabolism from the core Web of Science (WOS) database collection. In this work, biblioshiny was used to visualize and analyze the data, and VOSviewer was used to verify the results.

Results

From a total of 8,823 publications, we found a general upward trend in annual publications and citation frequency. According to Bradford’s Law, 21 high-production journals were classified as core sources based on the number of publications, and the most productive journal was Burns. The most published countries and authors in this field were the United States and Herndon DN. The most local cited document in this field was the article titled “Catecholamines: Mediator of the Hypermetabolic Response to Thermal Injury” authored by Wilmore DW. The thematic map showed that studies on injury, thermal injury, and sepsis were relatively mature. In contrast, research on metabolism, stress, and responses, and research on mortality, resistance, and management were less well-developed but were essential for the field.

Conclusion

Research on burns and metabolism is increasing. Based on the bibliometric analysis, our study summarized the complex interplay between burn-induced systemic metabolic alterations and inflammatory responses, emphasizing the significance of hypermetabolism and its management. The role of propranolol, insulin, oxandrolone, and nutritional interventions in modulating the hypermetabolic state was discussed. Additionally, our study underscored the challenges of managing sepsis and drug-resistant infections in burn patients as an important future area of research.
The Knee-SCHOOL: a brief patient-centered multidisciplinary educational program for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ayres Denise Vianna Machado , Uchiyama Sabrina Saemy Tome , Prates Andréa Oliveira , Lopes Rosana Aparecida Freitas , Silva Antenor Bispo Santos , Tsukimoto Denise Rodrigues , Amorim Rosimeire Alves , Ribeiro Taynah Souza , Santos Artur Cesar Aquino , Sugawara André Tadeu , Montagnini Marcos , Battistella Linamara Rizzo , Imamura Marta
Published: January 2025

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common form of arthritis in adults and a leading cause of years lived with disability, representing a significant burden on healthcare worldwide.

Objective

Describe the structure and educational elements of the Knee-SCHOOL, a brief patient-centered multidisciplinary educational program for patients with KOA.

Design

Observational prospective study.

Setting

Academically affiliated rehabilitation outpatient center in Brazil.

Methods

The program consisted of three in-person educational sessions (4.5 hr each) for 55 community dwelling adults, aged ≥50 years, with primary KOA-related pain. Study measures included demographic data (age, sex, and educational level), pain duration (years), pain intensity (visual analogue scale), affected knee (right, left, or both knees), comorbidities (presence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia), Body Mass Index (BMI), Bristol Stool Scale, Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), bioelectrical impedance, daytime sleepiness, and the impact of the KOA on pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, recreation, and quality of life. Participants attended educational sessions delivered by a multidisciplinary team (two physicians, two nurses, two physical therapists, one occupational therapist, one dietitian, one psychologist, one social worker, and one physical educator) addressing several aspects of KOA. They also participated in supervised exercise practice and a home exercise program.

Results

Fifty-five subjects completed the study. The mean age was 67.73 (± 7.73) years; most were females (70.9%), 92.7% had bilateral KOA, with mean pain duration of 12.41 (± 10.17) years. The mean BMI was 32.52 (± 5.99), 65.5% were obese, and 96.4% reported an inadequate diet. KOA had a more negative impact on sports, recreation and quality of life. Daytime sleepiness was uncommon. The mean pain intensity, measured with visual analogue scale, score reduced from 5.52 (± 2.11) at baseline to 4.04 (± 2.38) after the program (week 2). The effect size was 0.7 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.07). All participants received the program well, with no drop-out rates or reported adverse events.

Conclusion

The Knee-SCHOOL utilized a multidisciplinary educational approach and an exercise practice addressing multiple aspects of KOA pain. While more studies are needed to assess the longitudinal impact of the program, it was promising in managing pain.
Diagnostic value of lung function tests in long COVID: analysis of positive bronchial provocation test outcomes
Authors: Liu Wei , Feng Qixuan , Yuan Xuefeng , Lu Chang , Wang Shuang , Yuan Yadong
Published: January 2025

Background

Long COVID patients are prone to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and respiratory symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulties, often with positive bronchial provocation test (BPT) results.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of various lung function tests in patients with long-term COVID-19, explicitly focusing on positive BPT outcomes.

Methods

Our study analyzed the BPT outcomes and various pulmonary function parameters of all 9,406 COVID-19 patients who met the inclusion criteria and visited our hospital between February 24, 2022, and April 28, 2024. Key indicators included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCOc SB). A logistic regression model was employed to identify factors influencing positive BPT results, while the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of these indicators.

Results

A total of 4211 valid samples were analyzed, with 3388 patients (80.46%) testing positive for BPT. Significant differences were observed between positive and negative groups regarding age, gender, smoking status (all P < 0.05), and specific lung function indicators, including FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, maximum of vital capacity (VC max), and DLCOc SB (all P < 0.001). Logistic regression identified age, MEF50, and DLCOc SB as independent factors influencing positive BPT results. The area under the ROC curve for all assessed factors was <0.700, indicating limited diagnostic value.

Conclusion

Age, the small airway function indicator MEF50, and the pulmonary diffusion function indicator DLCOc SB are independent influencing factors for BPT positivity in long-term COVID patients. However, baseline data and lung function indicators have limited utility for diagnosing positive BPT in this population, highlighting the complex nature of post-COVID respiratory symptoms.
Autoimmune gastritis diagnosed due to recurrent gastric neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Authors: Yang Qunying , Jin XiangHong , Lv Xiangyin , Hu JianWen
Published: January 2025

As digestive endoscopy becomes more prevalent, an increasing number of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) cases have been diagnosed, which has contributed to a growing body of research on AIG. We report the case of a patient with AIG who was diagnosed due to receiving endoscopic surgery after discovering a gastric neuroendocrine tumor (GNET) during gastroscopy twice within 3 years. The patient was admitted to our hospital for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to GNET recurrence discovered during gastroscopy. The patient had previously undergone ESD due to a GNET discovered during gastroscopy 3 years ago. Recent repeat gastroscopy revealed severe mucosal atrophy in the gastric body and fundus, an ulcer in the gastric antral, and two mucosal bulges in the gastric body. Pathology indicated Grade 2 (G2)-GNET, and ESD was performed again. The patient also had iron deficiency anemia and thyroid dysfunction, elevated gastrin, and decreased pepsinogen I (PG I) and PG I/II. Hence, AIG was diagnosed. Recurrent GNET cases, especially those with concurrent anemia and abnormal thyroid function, may experience AIG. In addition to symptomatic treatment, the clinician must evaluate the patient's overall condition.
Application of cold atmospheric plasma for decontamination of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins: a systematic review
Authors: Oliveira Amanda Cristina Dias de , Ali Sher , Corassin Carlos Humberto , Ullah Sana , Pereira Karina Nascimento , Walsh James Leon , Hojnik Nataša , Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes de
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Microbial contamination remains a vital challenge across the food production chain, particularly due to mycotoxins—secondary metabolites produced by several genera of fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Penicillium. These toxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and trichothecenes (nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, T2, HT-2). These contaminants pose severe risks to human and animal health, with their potential to produce a variety of different toxic effects. Notably, up to 50% of global cereal production is affected by mycotoxin contamination, leading to significant economic losses. Current research focuses on innovative technologies to mitigate mycotoxins, with cold atmospheric pressure plasma emerging as a promising decontamination method.

Method

This systematic review aimed at describing recent advances in the application of cold atmospheric plasma for the decontamination of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins.

Results and discussion

Cold atmospheric plasma offers a sustainable and cost effective solution to preserve food quality while inactivating toxigenic fungi and degrading mycotoxins. Through the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cold plasma disrupts fungal cell integrity, hinders spore germination, and inhibits toxin biosynthesis. Additionally, cold atmospheric plasma-driven degradation of mycotoxins involves structural modifications, breaking key molecular bonds that reduce toxicity. The effectiveness of cold plasma depends on operational parameters and the specific characteristics of the treated food, with notable efficacy in degrading aflatoxin B1 and deoxynivalenol by converting them into less toxic substances and inhibiting their spores and DNA responsible for their biosynthesis. While the data demonstrates that cold atmospheric plasma has minimal impact on food composition, further research is needed to fully assess the nature of the degradation products of mycotoxins, its influence on food quality attributes and to optimize application strategies for different products.
Advances in multi-omics integrated analysis methods based on the gut microbiome and their applications
Authors: Duan Dongdong , Wang Mingyu , Han Jinyi , Li Mengyu , Wang Zhenyu , Zhou Shenping , Xin Wenshui , Li Xinjian
Published: January 2025

The gut microbiota actually shares the host’s physical space and affects the host’s physiological functions and health indicators through a complex network of interactions with the host. However, its role as a determinant of host health and disease is often underestimated. With the emergence of new technologies including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced techniques such as microbial community sequencing, people have begun to explore the interaction mechanisms between microorganisms and hosts at various omics levels such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. With the enrichment of multi-omics integrated analysis methods based on the microbiome, an increasing number of complex statistical analysis methods have also been proposed. In this review, we summarized the multi-omics research analysis methods currently used to study the interaction between the microbiome and the host. We analyzed the advantages and limitations of various methods and briefly introduced their application progress.
Pharmacological enhancement of slow-wave activity at an early disease stage improves cognition and reduces amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kollarik Sedef , Bimbiryte Dorita , Sethi Aakriti , Dias Inês , Moreira Carlos G. , Noain Daniela
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Improving sleep in murine Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with reduced brain amyloidosis. However, the window of opportunity for successful sleep-targeted interventions, regarding the reduction in pathological hallmarks and related cognitive performance, remains poorly characterized.

Methods

Here, we enhanced slow-wave activity (SWA) during sleep via sodium oxybate (SO) oral administration for 2 weeks at early (6 months old) or moderately late (11 months old) disease stages in Tg2576 mice and evaluated resulting neuropathology and behavioral performance.

Results

We observed that the cognitive performance of 6-month-old Tg2576 mice significantly improved upon SO treatment, whereas no change was observed in 11-month-old mice. Histochemical assessment of amyloid plaques demonstrated that SO-treated 11-month-old Tg2576 mice had significantly less plaque burden than placebo-treated ones, whereas ELISA of insoluble protein fractions from brains of 6-month-old Tg2576 mice indicated lower Aβ-42/Aβ-40 ratio in SO-treated group vs. placebo-treated controls.

Discussion

Altogether, our results suggest that SWA-dependent reduction in brain amyloidosis leads to alleviated behavioral impairment in Tg2576 mice only if administered early in the disease course, potentially highlighting the key importance of early sleep-based interventions in clinical cohorts.
Minimal differences observed when comparing the morphological profiling of microglia obtained by confocal laser scanning and optical sectioning microscopy
Authors: Godeanu Sânziana , Mușat Mădălina Iuliana , Scheller Anja , Osiac Eugen , Cătălin Bogdan
Published: January 2025

Background

While widefield microscopy has long been constrained by out-of-focus scattering, advancements have generated a solution in the form of confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM) and optical sectioning microscopy using structured illumination (OSM). In this study, we aim to investigate, using microglia branching, if cLSM and OSM can produce images with comparable morphological characteristics.

Results

By imaging the somatosensory microglia from a tissue slice of a 3-week-old mouse and establishing morphological parameters that characterizes the microglial branching pattern, we were able to show that there is no difference in total length of the branch tree, number of branches, mean branch length and number of primary to terminal branches. We did find that area-based parameters such as mean occupied area and mean surveillance area were bigger in cLSM isolated microglia compared to OSM ones. Additionally, by investigating the difference in acquisition time between techniques and personal costs we were able to establish that the amortization could be made in 6.11 ± 2.93 years in the case of countries with a Human Development Index (HDI) = 7–9 and 7.06 ± 3.13 years, respectably, for countries with HDI < 7. As such, OSM systems seem a valid option if one just wants basic histological evaluation, and cLSM should be considered for groups that demand higher resolution or volumetric images.
Case report: Atypical young case of MV1 Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with unusually long survival
Authors: Ahn Lucie Yeongran , Cohen Mark L. , Cali Ignazio , Russell Tia , Ludwig Jessica , Jia Xun , Bizzi Alberto , Schonberger Lawrence B. , Maddox Ryan A. , Paul Rohini , Ghazarian Tania C. , Garcha Jaspreet , Hammoudi Mostafa , Appleby Brian Stephen
Published: January 2025

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting from an accumulation of misfolded prion proteins (PrP). CJD affects 1–2 new individuals per million each year, and the sporadic type accounts for 90% of those cases. Though the median age at onset and disease duration vary depending on the subtype of sporadic CJD (sCJD), the disease typically affects middle-aged to elderly individuals with a median survival of 4–6 months. sCJD in younger individuals is extremely rare. Here, we present a 21-year-old female who died with a sporadic prion disease. She presented with psychiatric symptoms followed by a rapidly progressive neurocognitive and motor decline. EEG was negative for periodic sharp wave complexes; however, brain MRI was suggestive of prion disease. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay was indeterminate. Neuropathologic examination at autopsy revealed severe neuronal loss and gliosis with secondary white matter degeneration but minimal spongiform changes and PrP deposits in the cerebellum and neocortex by immunohistochemistry. Absence of pathogenic mutations and methionine/valine heterozygosity at codon 129 of the prion protein gene (PRNP), atypical type 1 protease-resistant PrP that lacks or shows underrepresentation of the diglycosylated PrP isoform by western blot analysis, and no acquired prion disease risk factors resulted in a final diagnosis of atypical sCJD. Very young onset sCJD often has atypical clinical presentations and disease progression, neuropathological examination results, and/or laboratory test results that may confound diagnosis. It is critical to perform thorough, comprehensive evaluations to make an accurate diagnosis, which includes autopsy confirmation with histology, prion protein typing and prion gene sequencing.
External low energy electromagnetic fields affect heart dynamics: surrogate for system synchronization, chaos control and cancer patient’s health
Authors: Costa Frederico P. , Tuszynski Jack , Iemma Antonio F. , Trevizan Willian A. , Wiedenmann Bertram , Schöll Eckehard
Published: January 2025

All cells in the human body, including cancer cells, possess specific electrical properties crucial for their functions. These properties are notably different between normal and cancerous cells. Cancer cells are characterized by autonomous oscillations and damped electromagnetic field (EMF) activation. Cancer reduces physiological variability, implying a systemic disconnection that desynchronizes bodily systems and their inherent random processes. The dynamics of heart rate, in this context, could reflect global physiological network instability in the sense of entrainment. Using a medical device that employs an active closed-loop system, such as administering specifically modulated EMF frequencies at targeted intervals and at low energies, we can evaluate the periodic oscillations of the heart. This procedure serves as a closed-loop control mechanism leading to a temporary alteration in plasma membrane ionic flow and the heart’s periodic oscillation dynamics. The understanding of this phenomenon is supported by computer simulations of a mathematical model, which are validated by experimental data. Heart dynamics can be quantified using difference logistic equations, and it correlates with improved overall survival rates in cancer patients.
Connectome-based disentangling of epilepsy networks from insular stereoelectroencephalographic leads
Authors: Machetanz Kathrin , Weinbrenner Eliane , Wuttke Thomas Volkmar , Ethofer Silke , Helfrich Randolph , Kegele Josua , Lauxmann Stephan , Alber Michael , Rona Sabine , Tatagiba Marcos , Lerche Holger , Honegger Jürgen , Naros Georgios
Published: January 2025

Objective

Epilepsy is considered as a network disorder of interacting brain regions. The propagation of local epileptic activity from the seizure onset zone (SOZ) along neuronal networks determines the semiology of seizures. However, in highly interconnected brain regions such as the insula, the association between the SOZ and semiology is blurred necessitating invasive stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Normative connectomes on MRI data enable to link different symptoms and lesion locations to a common functional network. The present study applied connectomics to disentangle epilepsy networks from insular SEEG recordings and to describe their relationship to seizure semiology.

Methods

We retrospectively extracted functional networks by normative connectome analysis from 118 insular contacts depicting epileptic discharges during SEEG in 20 epilepsy patients. The resulting epilepsy networks were correlated to the corresponding semiology by voxel-wise regression and multivariate analyses of variances.

Results

Epileptic foci were found in the posterior insula for somatosensory, other sensory and motor seizures, while cognitive and autonomic symptoms were related to the anterior insula. We identified insular connections to the superior temporal gyrus and heschl gyrus in sensory seizures and projections to the somatosensory cortex in somatosensory seizures. Insula-basal ganglia pathways were found in cognitive seizure manifestations, while insular connectivity to fronto-basal regions were strongest in patients with autonomic seizures.

Conclusion

The semiology of seizures is mirrored in the functional connectivity of insular epileptic discharges. Combining SEEG and connectomics could provide additional information about seizure propagation within the epilepsy network and might enable new treatment options in the future like deep brain stimulation.
Thalamic volume differentiates multiple sclerosis from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: MRI-based retrospective study
Authors: Alosaimi Manal , Alkanhal Hatham , Aldeligan Saleh , Alkhawajah Nuha , Albishi Alaa , Hilabi Bander , Aljarallah Salman
Published: January 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are distinct demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, each characterized by unique patterns of motor, sensory, and visual dysfunction. While MS typically affects the brain and spinal cord, NMOSD predominantly targets the optic nerves and spinal cord. This study aims to elucidate the morphometric differences between MS and NMOSD by focusing on gray matter volume changes in specific brain regions. We also examined if temporal changes in follow-up MRI differentiate the two disorders. We analyzed anatomical T1-weighted MRI scans from 24 patients with NMOSD and 25 patients with MS using the CAT12 toolbox. Our analysis revealed significant differences in gray matter structure between the two patient groups. Notably, the thalamus was found to be consistently smaller in patients with MS compared to those with NMOSD. This finding aligns with previous research highlighting thalamic atrophy as a hallmark of MS and further underscores the thalamus’s role in the disease’s pathology. These results provide valuable insights into the distinct neuroanatomical features of MS and NMOSD, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases. The study also emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging techniques in differentiating between MS and NMOSD, which may have implications for diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Neurobiological mechanism of music improving gait disorder in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a mini review
Authors: Huang Ling-Zhi , Qi Zhi
Published: January 2025

Walking ability is essential for human survival and health. Its basic rhythm is mainly generated by the central pattern generator of the spinal cord. The rhythmic stimulation of music to the auditory center affects the cerebral cortex and other higher nerve centers, and acts on the central pattern generator. By means of rhythm entrainment, the central pattern generator can produce walking rhythm synchronized with music rhythm, control muscle tension, and then regulate human gait. Basal ganglia dysfunction is the main cause of abnormal gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Music therapy provides external rhythmic stimulation, recruits neural networks to bypass the basal ganglia and synchronizes gait with external rhythms in both time and space through auditory-motor neural networks, helping to promote the improvement of abnormal gait patterns in patients with Parkinson’s disease.