bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From 2000 to 2022 evaluate of land ecological security and reveal obstacle factors in Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Wang Yujia , Gan Jing , Guo Fuyou , Dong Erwei , Liu Jiafu , Zhao Wenqi
Published: February 2025

At present, the global environmental problems are intensifying, and land resources are facing multiple dilemmas such as degradation, pollution and shortage. The rise of the concept of sustainable development, the enhancement of public ecological awareness and the promotion of relevant policies and regulations have jointly promoted the generation and development of land ecological security research. This study evaluated the land ecological security of Heilongjiang Province from 2000 to 2022, found out the main factors affecting the land ecological security, provided the basis for scientific formulation of corresponding measures, provided the guarantee for the sustainable development of regional social economy and agriculture, and maintained the long-term coordinated development of the land natural, social and economic complex. Based on the PSR model, this study constructs an index system for evaluating land ecological security. It employs a comprehensive index model to assess and utilizes the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method to determine the weights of various indicators. It calculated the comprehensive index of Heilongjiang Province from 2000 to 2022. Drawing upon relevant literature, this research establishes the land ecological security level of the region. The obstacle factor diagnosis model is used to analyze the main obstacle factors at each level, and corresponding countermeasures are proposed based on the results. The main results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2022, the level of land ecological security in Heilongjiang Province has generally shown a fluctuating upward trend, with the safety level changing from dangerous to relatively safe and moving towards a favorable direction. However, it remained mostly in an unsafe state for the past 20 years; (2) The main threats at the criterion layer have changed significantly, with obstacle degrees rising to 59% for pressure systems and 36% for status systems while decreasing to 5% for response systems. Currently, the main threat comes from pressure systems; (3) The main obstacle factors at the indicator layer have evolved from the proportion of tertiary industry output value and effective irrigation area of arable land to pure amount of chemical fertilizer applied in agriculture and proportion of forest area. In 2022, major factors affecting land ecological security in Heilongjiang Province are pure amount of chemical fertilizer applied in agriculture, proportion of forest area, industrial solid waste generation volume, pesticide use volume, and per capita water resources. This study evaluated the land ecological security in Heilongjiang Province, revealed its influencing factors, and put forward specific suggestions for local construction.
Neutrophil extracellular traps and macrophage activation contibute to thrombosis and post-covid syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Serrano-Gonzalo Irene , Menéndez-Jandula Bárbara , Franco-García Esther , Arévalo-Vargas Isidro , Lahoz-Gil Calos , Latre Paz , Roca-Esteve Sonia , Köhler Ralf , López de Frutos Laura , Giraldo Pilar
Published: February 2025

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection activates macrophages and induces the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Excess NETs is linked to inflammatory and thrombotic complications observed in COVID-19.

Aim

To explore the impact of NETs and macrophage activation on SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who developed complications.

Methods

We included 30 patients from the first (March 2020) and 30 from the second wave (July 2021), collecting two plasma samples at diagnosis and seven days later. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and basic analytical data were compiled. NETs markers (myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), p-selectin (P-SEL) and S100A8/S100A9 heterodimer (MRP)) and macrophage activation markers (Chitotriosidase activity (ChT), CCL18/PARC and YKL-40) were measured.

Results

The first wave had higher incidences of post-COVID syndrome, ICU admissions, and mortality. Patients of each wave showed elevated blood cells, liver enzymes, and coagulation markers at the time of diagnosis, with fibrinogen and D-Dimer differing between waves. NET and macrophage markers, NE, MPO, MRP, DNAse, ChT, and CCL18 were elevated, while P-SEL, cfDNA, and YKL-40 were decreased if compared to controls. A decrease in NE and DNAse is a link to lower levels of these two markers in complications versus without complications.

Conclusions

This study emonstrates alterations in NETs and macrophage activation markers in COVID-19 patients, indicating an imbalance in inflammatory response regulation.
Case Report: MOGAD - a steroid-responsive autoimmune meningoencephalitis mimicking infection
Authors: Goh Yihui , Lye Priscillia Pei Shi , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Soon Derek Tuck Loong , Smitasin Nares , Ong Jonathan Jia Yuan , Yong Clement Hsiang Rong , Chan Yee Cheun , Tang David , Ng Kay Wei Ping , Seet Raymond Chee Seong , Quek Amy May Lin
Published: February 2025

This case series reports three patients initially managed for presumed infectious meningoencephalitis, who were ultimately diagnosed with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOGAD). Their clinical presentations were strikingly similar to those of acute infectious meningoencephalitis, which posed a challenge to the initial diagnostic process. Notably, despite the absence of typical radiological changes associated with MOGAD, such as cerebral cortical encephalitis, these patients exhibited focal neurological and electroencephalographic changes. This series highlights the importance of considering MOG antibody testing in cases of aseptic meningoencephalitis, where early and accurate diagnosis can influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes in this steroid-responsive condition.
Identification and functional characterization of T-cell exhaustion-associated lncRNA AL031775.1 in osteosarcoma: a novel therapeutic target
Authors: Wang Yameng , Yuan Jinghong , Guo Keying , Zhang Zhuoer , Zhu Junchao , Arya Shahrzad , Huang Guowen , Li Shengqin , Chen Qi , Liu Xijuan , Jia Jingyu
Published: February 2025

Background

Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone malignancy predominantly affecting children and adolescents, presents significant therapeutic challenges with a 5-year survival rate below 30% in metastatic cases. T-cell exhaustion, characterized by the overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules, contributes to osteosarcoma progression and immune evasion. Although targeting these inhibitory pathways has shown potential in restoring T-cell activity, the molecular regulators of T-cell depletion in osteosarcoma are poorly understood.

Methods

This study employed comprehensive bioinformatics analyses on osteosarcoma samples from the TARGET database, combined with normal tissue data from the GTEx database, to identify T-cell exhaustion-associated genes and their co-expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were used to elucidate immune-related pathway enrichments. A six-lncRNA prognostic model was established using LASSO regression and validated in separate cohorts. Functional assays evaluated the impact of the lncRNA AL031775.1 on osteosarcoma cell behavior and T-cell function.

Results

Twenty-four key T-cell exhaustion-related genes were identified and significantly enriched in immune-related pathways, indicating their importance in the osteosarcoma immune microenvironment. The constructed six-lncRNA model stratified patients by survival prognosis, showing robust predictive performance across cohorts. Among the six identified lncRNAs, AL031775.1 is notably downregulated in osteosarcoma patients and significantly promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while contributing to T-cell exhaustion. In T cells, downregulation of AL031775.1 impairs antitumor immunity, upregulates immune checkpoint molecules LAG3, PD1, and CTLA4, and diminishes T-cell cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.

Conclusion

This study identifies a novel six-lncRNA prognostic model and highlights the therapeutic potential of AL031775.1 in managing osteosarcoma by enhancing T-cell immunity and counteracting tumor progression. Targeting AL031775.1 represents a promising approach to improve immunotherapy efficacy in osteosarcoma. These findings provide critical insights into the molecular regulation of T-cell exhaustion and suggest a new avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Endometrial immune profiling and precision therapy increase live birth rate after embryo transfer: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lédée Nathalie , Petitbarat Marie , Dray Geraldine , Chevrier Lucie , Kazhalawi Alaa , Rahmati Mona , Vicaut Eric , Diallo Abdourahmane , Cassuto Nino Guy , Ruoso Lea , Prat-Ellenberg Laura
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Despite advancements in assisted reproductive treatments, 70% of transferred embryos fail to implant successfully, yielding significant personal and global repercussions. One promising avenue of research is to take into account the individual’s immune uterine profile in order to tailor treatment and optimise outcomes. This randomised controlled trial represents the initial exploration into the consequences of disregarding the state of the uterine immune environment in infertile women embarking on IVF/ICSI.

Materials and methods

This randomised controlled open two-arm trial included IVF patients, with assessment of immune endometrial environment and precision therapy before embryo transfer (ET). 493 patients were enrolled from October 2015 to February2023. Endometrial biopsies were collected during the mid-luteal phase. Endometrial immune profiling involves the analysis of cytokine biomarkers in the endometrium. If an immune endometrial dysregulation was diagnosed, a computerised randomisation assigned patients to either a conventional ET (disregarding the immune profile) or a personalised ET (with a precision therapy adapted to the immune profile). The primary analysis focussed on demonstrating the superiority of precision treatments using the modified intent-to-treat population (mITT), excluding patients without ET. The primary endpoint was the live birth rate (LBR) following the first attempt of ET.

Results

Among the population, 78% had an endometrial immune dysregulation and were randomised. The mITT analysis showed a significant increase in LBR with precision care compared to conventional care (29.7% vs. 41.4%; OR: 1.68 [1.04-2.73], p=0.036). The positive impact of precision care was particularly noticeable in patients with morphologically suboptimal embryos (LBR: 21.2% vs. 39.6%; OR: 2.12 [1.02-4.41]) or those with a history of two or more failed ET (LBR: 23.4% vs. 48.1%; OR: 3.03 [1.17-7.85]).

Limitations and reasons for caution

The data should be interpreted with caution due to inherent structural limitations of human IVF trials. Generalising and empowering our findings would rely on the replication of controlled trials by independent research teams possibly integrating the usage of optimised embryo quality with PGT-A.

Conclusion

The regulation of the endometrial immune environment emerges as one of the leading innovative strategies to facilitate embryo implantation and enhance the overall performance of assisted reproductive therapies (ART). Based on these findings, endometrial immune profiling could become an essential part of routine ART practice.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02262117.
Exercise boost after surgery improves survival in model of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Stagaard Rikke , Jensen Adina , Schauer Tim , Bay Marie Lund , Tavanez Ana Rita , Wielsøe Sabrina , Peletier Merel , Strøbech Jan Erik , Oria Victor Oginga , Zornhagen Kamilla Westarp , Albrechtsen Reidar , Christensen Jesper Frank , Erler Janine Terra
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Despite advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment of the primary tumor, metastatic breast cancer tumors remain largely incurable, and their growth is responsible for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths. There is therefore a critical need to identify ways to reduce metastatic tumor burden and increase breast cancer patient survival. While surgery and pharmacological treatments are the cornerstones of breast cancer intervention, epidemiological data suggests that physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer development, improve adjuvant treatment tolerance, reduce the risk of disease recurrence and lower breast cancer-related death.

Methods

In this preclinical study, we set out to examine the impact of exercise on metastatic development in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), using different 4T1 metastasis models, voluntary wheel running and surgical interventions. Tumors were analyzed for hypoxia and immune cell infiltration.

Results

Voluntary wheel running was observed to significantly increase metastasis-free survival, doubling the median survival time. However, these improvements were only observed when a boost in physical exercise occurred following surgery. To investigate this, we performed mock surgeries and confirmed surgical stress was needed to enable the positive effects of the boost in exercise on reducing metastatic tumor burden in mice with either spontaneous metastasis or experimentally-induced metastasis. These changes occurred in the absence of alterations in tumor growth, hypoxia and immune cell infiltration.

Discussion

Taken together, our results suggest that having a boost of physical activity following surgery may be beneficial to delay breast cancer metastatic development.
Unveiling SSR4: a promising biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Jia Fang , Li Chuqiao , Song Shunzhe , Gong Aixia
Published: February 2025

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents a frequent cancer with a poor prognosis. Altered glucose metabolism contributes factor to ESCC progression. In our previous study, signal sequence receptor subunit delta (SSR4) was included in an ESCC prognostic model; however, the mechanisms underlying SSR4 implication in ESCC remain ambiguous. Accordingly, we aim to determine the interconnection between SSR4 expression and clinical characteristics of ESCC.

Methods

This differential expression and prognostic significance of SSR4 was performed using bulk RNA-seq data and 110 patients with complete follow-up information. The ESCC cell subsets with the highest gene expression levels were identified with single-cell data. Gene function and enrichment, immune infiltration, cell communication, and molecular docking analyses were performed.

Results

Unlike adjacent non-cancerous tissues, SSR4 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues, validated by both reverse transcription-qPCR and IHC staining. SSR4 expression was related to the N stage, lymph node metastasis, and AJCC TNM classification stage. Patients exhibiting low SSR4 expression had a more favorable prognosis. The highest SSR4 expression was recognized in tumor plasma cells. Continued exploration of immune infiltration highlighted a close association between SSR4 gene expression and the infiltration of immune cells such as plasma cells. On dividing cells into SSR4-positive and -negative groups, CellChat analysis indicated that SSR4 may regulate the interactions that existed between ESCC tumor plasma cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating the MIF/CD74/CXCR4 axis.

Conclusion

The SSR4 gene may have significant relevance with clinical pathological factors, and play a critical role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment of ESCC patients. Overall, SSR4 may be a promising ESCC biomarker with prospective applicability in clinical diagnosis as well as the development of targeted treatment approaches in patients of ESCC.
Efficacy of ecological compensation programs under centralized management: evidence from China
Authors: Xie Xiaoyao , Tao Wentai , Wang Yuhong
Published: February 2025

Watershed ecological compensation programs have emerged as a pivotal instrument for internalizing the externalities associated with watershed ecological protection. In most countries, the direct participants in ecological compensation projects are ordinary persons and enterprises, but in China, the direct participants are local governments and the central government, which to some extent affected the efficacy of the compensation programs. This study used PSM–DID to analyze the efficacy of the Xin’an River Basin Ecological Compensation Project (Xin’an-BECP) and calculated the loss of opportunity developed in the upstream area through EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve) fitting, which makes the benefit assessment of government-led ecological compensation projects more objective and provides a model that can be used to analyze the benefits of BECP in developing countries. Our results show that (1) the treatment effect of the Xin’an-BECP is not obvious; (2) the compensation funds gained by the upstream area are much lower than the theoretical opportunity loss; and (3) enterprises are not transaction participants in the Xin’an-BECP. Finally, based on the conclusions of the discussion, we propose specific policy recommendations to guide developing countries in increasing the compensatory effects of BECP in the context of growing demand for economic development.
Patterns of shelf margin clinoform: control of the development of deep-water sedimentary systems
Authors: Li Tong , Yan Detian , Liu Entao , Zhang Junfeng , Wei Xiaosong , Lu Zeyu , Lin Xudong
Published: February 2025

The clinothem is the fundamental element of basin infill and plays an important role in the source-to-sink system of deep-water basins. In this study, which is based on 2D and 3D seismic data, the spatiotemporal evolution of clinothems and depositional systems from the Miocene to the Pleistocene in the Qiongdongnan Basin, northern South China Sea, is investigated. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) three variations of clinothems in the Qiongdongnan Basin were recognized respective O-, S- and F-type clinothems; (2) fluctuations in the relative base level, in combination with variations in sediment supply, result in different clinothem patterns that may be used to understand changes in these depositional factors; and (3) the development of O-type clinothem is usually accompanied by slope instability and slumping, leading to mass transport deposits on the basin plain. When suitable transport pathways exist (e.g., shelf canyons) on the shelf-edge or when the F-type clinothem develops, sediments can be dispersed basinward, promoting submarine fan development. Results from this study will help in understanding the sedimentological development of slope and basin plain areas and offers significant insights into the understanding of deep-sea depositional systems.
HRR as a predictor of lung health: insights from the NHANES database
Authors: Zhou Jiaji , Du Wenyi , Huang Hanzhou , Chen Yongqi , Li Huixing , Chen Leyan , Liu Feng , Zheng Mingfeng
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRPD) are a global health threat characterized by oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, hypoxemia, and respiratory distress. Inflammatory indicators such as hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) have been explored in relation to diseases of the respiratory system, but the correlation between HRR and pulmonary function has not been established. As part of this study, a representative sample of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) respondents aged 40 or over was used to examine the correlation between HRR and pulmonary function indices.

Methods

Data from the 2007–2012 NHANES were used for this study. HRR and four pulmonary function parameters were compared using regression and subgroup analyses. The Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) model was employed to find out if there are any non-linear relationships between these associations. Multiple sensitivity analyses were used to verify the correlation between the two.

Results

After adjusting for confounding variables, the data showed that for each unit increase in HRR among the population as a whole, for each unit increase in HRR, FVC increased by 0.11, FEV1 increased by 0.22, peak expiratory flow (PEF) increased by 0.24 and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF25-75%) was elevated by 0.49. In addition, we determined linear and positive correlations between FVC, FEV1, PEF or PEF 25–75% and HRR by constructing the RCS model curves. The positive correlation between HRR and pulmonary function parameters was affirmed through sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, except for the PEF 25–75%, FVC, FEV1, PEF all showed a significant upward trend with the increase of HRR in non-Hispanic white female population.

Conclusion

According to our study, HRR was positively correlated with FVC, FEV1, PEF, and PEF25-75% in a middle-aged and older adult US population. It would be useful to study the specific impact of HRR on pulmonary function and to investigate the potential pathophysiological mechanisms that might link them.
Effectiveness of aortic balloon occlusion in reducing blood loss during cesarean section in placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bapayeva Gauri , Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Kadroldinova Nazira , Zemlyanskiy Viktor , Kassymbek Kuat , Terzic Milan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Obstetric hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. One of the major risk factors of obstetric hemorrhage include placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. The frequency of PAS disorders is increasing worldwide and is accompanied by massive intraoperative bleeding with hemorrhagic shock and increasing rates of cesarean hysterectomy. To decrease the risks of bleeding, various approaches to endovascular balloon occlusion have been tested during the past decade.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in reducing blood loss and preserving the reproductive organs during cesarean section. Study design: This will be a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 144 patients in a tertiary care obstetric center in Kazakhstan. The study population will consist of pregnant women who will be admitted for cesarean section due to placenta previa complicated by PAS disorders. The study subjects will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups.

Results

The results will be analyzed through the measurement of primary (blood loss during cesarean section) and secondary outcomes [occurrence of hysterectomy during cesarean section, blood transfusion volume, duration of surgery, balloon application time, stay in intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal outcomes, complications, and total days of postsurgical hospital stay].

Conclusion

The use of REBOA is expected to minimize intraoperative blood loss during cesarean section, decrease the need for transfusion of blood components, reduce the time of surgical intervention, decrease the rate of maternal complications, and reduce the rate of cesarean hysterectomy.
Addressing the global challenge of bacterial drug resistance: insights, strategies, and future directions
Authors: Karnwal Arun , Jassim Amar Yasser , Mohammed Ameer Abbas , Al-Tawaha Abdel Rahman Mohammad Said , Selvaraj Manickam , Malik Tabarak
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored bacterial resistance as a critical global health issue, exacerbated by the increased use of antibiotics during the crisis. Notwithstanding the pandemic’s prevalence, initiatives to address bacterial medication resistance have been inadequate. Although an overall drop in worldwide antibiotic consumption, total usage remains substantial, requiring rigorous regulatory measures and preventive activities to mitigate the emergence of resistance. Although National Action Plans (NAPs) have been implemented worldwide, significant disparities persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Settings such as farms, hospitals, wastewater treatment facilities, and agricultural environments include a significant presence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARG), promoting the propagation of resistance. Dietary modifications and probiotic supplementation have shown potential in reshaping gut microbiota and reducing antibiotic resistance gene prevalence. Combining antibiotics with adjuvants or bacteriophages may enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate resistance development. Novel therapeutic approaches, such as tailored antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and nanoparticles, offer alternate ways of addressing resistance. In spite of advancements in next-generation sequencing and analytics, gaps persist in comprehending the role of gut microbiota in regulating antibiotic resistance. Effectively tackling antibiotic resistance requires robust policy interventions and regulatory measures targeting root causes while minimizing public health risks. This review provides information for developing strategies and protocols to prevent bacterial colonization, enhance gut microbiome resilience, and mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Genomic and phenotypic characterisation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis externa reveals high-risk sequence types identical to those found in human nosocomial infections
Authors: Secker Bailey , Shaw Stephen , Hobley Laura , Atterbury Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Canine otitis externa (OE) is a frequently-diagnosed condition in veterinary practices worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly associated with chronic and recalcitrant canine OE, but studies with detailed genomic and phenotypic characterisation of clinical isolates are lacking.

Methods

Pseudomonas aeruginosa canine OE isolates (n = 253) were collected from different geographical locations in Europe and characterised with respect to antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation. A subset (n = 35) were genome sequenced then characterised with respect to diversity, and complement of virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-associated genes.

Results

Genome-sequenced P. aeruginosa strains were distributed among phylogroups, showing no obvious clonality. However, two isolates belonged to ST111 and ST244 respectively,—MLST sequence types associated with AMR nosocomial infections in humans. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was detected in 25% of isolates, and multidrug resistance detected in 1.6%, though this did not always correlate with the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Additionally, 82% of isolates were characterised as forming strong biofilms.

Discussion

For the first time, this study has characterised a large multinational collection of P. aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis with a combination of whole genome sequencing, phenotypic screening and bioinformatic analysis. These strains did not cluster together based on genomic diversity or virulence gene complement, supporting their likely environmental origin. However, the identification of ST111 and ST244, important ‘high-risk’ sequence types, could suggest potential spread between humans and dogs. Furthermore, we found that most strains were formed strong biofilms, and exhibited a significant level of resistance towards critically important antimicrobials. These findings could assist in the selection of appropriate treatments for canine OE as well as possibly identifying one health risks of these infections for cohabiting pets and humans.
Vagal heart rate variability during rapid eye movement sleep reduces negative memory bias
Authors: Morehouse Allison B. , Simon Katharine C. , Chen Pin-Chun , Mednick Sara C.
Published: February 2025

Emotional memories change over time, but the mechanisms supporting this change are not well understood. Sleep has been identified as one mechanism that supports memory consolidation, with sleep selectively benefitting negative emotional consolidation at the expense of neutral memories, with specific oscillatory events linked to this process. In contrast, the consolidation of neutral and positive memories, compared to negative memories, has been associated with increased vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV) during wakefulness. However, how HRV during sleep contributes to emotional memory consolidation remains unexplored. We investigated how sleep oscillations (i.e., sleep spindles) and vagal activity during sleep contribute to the consolidation of neutral and negative memories. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, cross-over design, we examined the impact of pharmacological vagal suppression using zolpidem on overnight emotional memory consolidation. Thirty-three participants encoded neutral and negative pictures in the morning, followed by picture recognition tests before and after a night of sleep. Zolpidem or placebo was administered in the evening before overnight sleep, and participants were monitored with electroencephalography and electrocardiography. In the placebo condition, greater overnight improvement for neutral pictures was associated with higher vagal HRV in both Non-Rapid Eye Movement Slow Wave Sleep (NREM SWS) and REM. Additionally, the emotional memory tradeoff (i.e., difference between consolidation of neutral versus negative memories) was associated with higher vagal HRV during REM, but in this case, neutral memories were remembered better than negative memories, indicating a potential role for REM vagal HRV in promoting a positive memory bias overnight. Zolpidem, on the other hand, reduced vagal HRV during SWS, increased NREM spindle activity, and eliminated the positive memory bias. Lastly, we used stepwise linear mixed effects regression to determine how NREM spindle activity and vagal HRV during REM independently explained the variance in the emotional memory tradeoff effect. We found that the addition of vagal HRV in combination with spindle activity significantly improved the model’s fit. Overall, our results suggest that sleep brain oscillations and vagal signals synergistically interact in the overnight consolidation of emotional memories, with REM vagal HRV critically contributing to the positive memory bias.
Intrinsic retinoic acid synthesis is required for oligodendrocyte progenitor expansion during CNS remyelination
Authors: Nanescu Sonia E. , Wathieu Natacha M. , Rosko Lauren , Cha David S. , Kumar Mahesh N. , Olszewski Rafal T. , Reger Joan , Baydyuk Maryna , Dua Alisha N. , Krezel Wojciech , Zujovic Violetta , Huang Jeffrey K.
Published: February 2025

Myelin regeneration (remyelination) in the CNS depends on the recruitment, proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) at demyelinated lesions. However, despite the presence of OPCs, very few oligodendrocytes and myelin are regenerated in chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions for reasons that remain poorly understood. Here, using a spontaneous remyelination model in mice, we found that retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2), a rate-limiting enzyme for retinoic acid (RA) synthesis, is upregulated in OPCs and in a subpopulation of microglia/macrophages during remyelination. Tamoxifen induced deletion of Raldh2 globally, or conditionally in OPCs, resulted in significantly fewer proliferating OPCs in lesions, leading to decreased oligodendrocyte numbers and myelin density. Moreover, induced deletion of Raldh2 globally also resulted in increased microglia/macrophage density in lesions. Further, exogenous RA delivery into lesions significantly increased oligodendrocyte lineage cells, while also decreasing proinflammatory microglia/macrophages, with no significant effect on anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophages. Postmortem MS brain sections revealed Raldh2 was absent in the majority of OPCs in chronic inactive lesions compared to the other lesion types. These results suggest that Raldh2 upregulation in lesions is critical for OPC proliferation during remyelination, and reveal that the failure to regenerate sufficient oligodendrocytes and myelin in chronic MS lesions may arise from impaired OPC expansion due to the failure to intrinsically synthesize RA.
Predictive factors for visual prognosis in neurosyphilis presenting with optic atrophy: a Chinese case series study
Authors: Zhu Mingjie , Gu Xin , Zhou Pingyu , Yan Yan
Published: February 2025

Background

We aimed to explore the clinical features and predictive factors for visual prognosis of neurosyphilis-associated optic atrophy (NSAOA).

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 17 patients (33 eyes) with NSAOA who received standard anti-ocular syphilis treatment. LogMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, and optical coherence tomography, were recorded at baseline, short-term (within one month after treatment), and long-term (> 6 months) follow-up. Patients with at least one eye with LogMAR BCVA of ≥1.3 at the last follow-up visit were categorized as the blind group. A change ≥0.2 on the LogMAR BCVA indicated improvement or deterioration.

Results

The mean age was 58.5 years, and 15 patients were males. The mean time between the onset and treatment was 10.1 months. Thirteen patients had Argyll-Robertson pupils. The unblinded group had younger age, shorter disease duration, better baseline visual acuity, higher baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titer and CSF total protein counts than the blind group. BCVA of most eyes improved after treatment but experienced deterioration during the follow-up. The deteriorated group of eyes had lower baseline visual field parameters, thinner inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The long-term LogMAR BCVA moderately negatively correlated with CSF VDRL titers before and after treatment.

Conclusion

The diagnosis is often delayed in NSAOA, and the overall visual prognosis is poor. Older age, longer symptom duration, worse baseline vision, thinner RNFL thickness, and lower CSF VDRL titer and total protein counts are significantly associated with worse long-term visual prognosis. The correlation between syphilis serologic test and visual prognosis is poor. It is recommended to reexamine CSF in the follow-up.
Falls in a single brain rehabilitation center: a 3-year retrospective chart review
Authors: Choo Yoo Jin , Moon Jun Sung , Lee Gun Woo , Park Wook-Tae , Chang Min Cheol
Published: February 2025

Objective

Falls in brain rehabilitation centers can negatively impact patient recovery, increase injury risk, and adversely affect rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of falls and identify associated risk factors among patients with brain lesions in a tertiary hospital’s brain rehabilitation center from June 2021 to May 2024.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to examine patient characteristics, fall-related risk factors, functional assessments, and circumstances surrounding falls.

Results

Among 316 patients, 10 (3.2%) experienced falls, with a mean age of 61.3 ± 11.9 years. Most patients demonstrated walking and cognitive impairments. Seven falls (70%) occurred during attempts to get out of bed, with five of these incidents occurring at night. Falls were observed despite the presence of caregivers and bed rails. Additionally, all 10 patients were administered medications that may increase fall risk, such as somnifacients or tranquilizers. The occurrence of falls appeared to be associated with multiple factors, including physical limitations (e.g., impaired mobility, visual disturbances, and medication side effects), environmental conditions (e.g., inadequate lighting and medical staff shortages), and behavioral aspects (e.g., unassisted movement).

Conclusion

To mitigate fall risk, a comprehensive approach that includes improved nighttime lighting, education on assistive device use and medication management, caregiver training, and personalized rehabilitation programs may be beneficial.
Clinical characteristics of varicella-zoster virus central nervous system infection in 108 unimmunocompromised patients
Authors: Ci Xiaojiao , Zhang Jihong , Lu Jie , Qi Xinyang , Ma Yifang , Liu Weiguo , Shi Jingping
Published: February 2025

Background

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) central nervous system infection is typically observed in immunocompromised patients, and there is a lack of studies involving large samples of non-immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 108 non-immunocompromised patients diagnosed with VZV central nervous system infection.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a positive result for VZV with a sequence number greater than 3, leading to a clinical diagnosis of VZV central nervous system infection. We analyzed the patients’ age, gender, clinical manifestations, blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CSF examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale scores (Barthel Index) on the day of admission and 3 month post-discharge.

Results

The study involved 108 patients, average age was 47.58 ± 2.91 years old (16 to 80), 33 were female (30.60%) and 75 were male (69.40%). Clinical manifestations were fever (63.9%), headache (88.9%), nausea (50%), vomiting (27.8%), fatigue (50%), dizziness (25.0%), herpes zoster (47.2%), chickenpox (0.9%), peripheral facial paralysis (19.4%), encephalopathy (5.6%), and myelitis (2.8%). The average white blood cell (WBC) count was 7.40 ± 0.48*109/l, the average CRP was 6.58 ± 0.69 mg/L, and the average ESR was 7.79 ± 0.53 mm/h. 28.1% of patients exhibited elevated lumbar puncture pressure, the average lumbar puncture pressure was 155.41 ± 2.38 mmH2O; the average CSF WBC count was 196.60 ± 3.98*10^6/l, the average CSF protein was 1.35 ± 0.03 g/L, the average CSF glucose was 3.41 ± 0.03 mmoL/L, the average CSF chloride was 116.62 ± 0.15 mmoL/L, the average CSF IgG index was 0.66 ± 0.01, the average mNGS examination of VZV sequence count was 626.25 ± 5402.17. Head MRI scans revealed no new lesions; three patients’ spinal cord MRI displayed short-segment, non-transverse, and non-continuous patchy long T1 and long T2 signals in the thoracic or cervical spinal cord. On the first day of admission, 41.7% of the patients achieved ADL score of 100 points, 19.4% scored between 41 and 99 points, and 38.9% of the patients scored less than 40 points. All patients received intravenous infusions of acyclovir with low-dose corticosteroids. An outpatient review conducted 3 months after discharge indicated 98.15% of the patients recovered well without any sequelae.

Conclusion

VZV encephalitis in immunocompetent individuals typically presents with mild clinical symptoms and has a favorable prognosis. VZV should be considered the common pathogen in the management of patients without immunocompeted condition with encephalitis.
Low doses of cannabis extract ameliorate non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients: a case series
Authors: Ruver-Martins Ana Carolina , Martinez Ingrid Andrea Rodriguez , Holla Vinicius Giesel , Souza Beatriz Larentis de , Silva Elton Gomes da , Novoa Diana Marcela Aragon , Souza-Silva Eduardo , Araujo Fabiano Soares , Prediger Rui Daniel , Nascimento Francisney Pinto do
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is mainly characterized by motor symptoms including muscle rigidity, resting tremor and bradykinesia. However, the management of the non-motor symptoms represent a relevant clinical challenger in PD. These non-motor symptoms include cognitive and sleep disturbance and there is evidence that cannabinoids may represent alternative and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.

Methods

Therefore, this study addressed the effects of oral treatment with cannabis extract on cognition, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness in six patients with moderate PD. The patients were randomized to receive two different doses of a cannabis extract: THC:CBD 250:28 μg/day (n = 3) or 1000:112 μg/day (n = 3). The assessment of cannabis administration related to the cognitive field was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA test), the insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). All clinical evaluations were performed before treatment and at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment.

Results

The statistical analysis indicated a significant benefit of the cannabis extract treatment, at dose of 1000:112 μg/day after 60 days of treatment, on insomnia assessed by ISI. Moreover, the statistical analysis of data from ISI and MoCA tests showed a trend toward improvement over time, while no significant effect was observed in the ESS. There were no reports of significant adverse effects during the cannabis extract treatment.

Discussion

These results demonstrate benefits of short-time treatment (60 days) with low doses of cannabis extract on insomnia in PD patients. This study provide novel findings of the potential of combining CBD and THC as safe and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.
Gut microbiome differences in individuals with PTSD compared to trauma-exposed controls: a systematic review
Authors: Winder Chantelle , Lodhia Ami , Basso Melissa , Cohen Kadosh Kathrin
Published: February 2025

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health disorder that can occur following exposure to a traumatic event, and is characterized by symptoms including intrusive memories, dissociation, and nightmares. PTSD poses significant suffering on the individual and can reduce quality of life substantially, however, its mechanisms are not fully understood. It has also been associated with gut abnormalities, such as with irritable bowel syndrome, indicating possible involvement of the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis. Whereas previous research has implicated the gut microbiome and microbiome gut-brain axis in various mental health disorders, the relationship between gut microbiome function and PTSD is unclear. Specifically, little is known about whether specific gut microbiome compositions can increase the risk of developing PTSD, or, vice versa, act as a protective factor for the individual. This systematic review aims to synthesize the literature looking at gut microbiome differences between individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls (TEC) while exploring potential risk and resilience factors for development of the disorder. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, and results showed that all studies found differences in gut microbial taxa between PTSD and TEC groups yet varied in their taxonomic level and type. One study found a significant difference in diversity between groups, reporting lower diversity in PTSD, and two studies found certain taxa to be correlated with PTSD symptom severity: Mitsuokella, Odoribacter, Catenibacterium and Olsenella genera, and Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae and Verrucomicrobia phyla. This review has important implications for potential novel treatments for PTSD which target the gut microbiome, for example psychobiotic dietary interventions such as prebiotics and probiotics. It also informs our understanding of potential risk and resilience factors for the disorder, such as certain gut microbiome compositions being potentially protective or increasing susceptibility. More research is needed, as currently sample sizes are small and confounding variables (e.g., diet) are not always controlled for.

Systematic review registration: The protocol was registered on PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42024530033.
Atypical cartilaginous tumor imaging findings in the distal phalanx of the left thumb: case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Hong , Tang Xinyi , Wang Yuting , Peng Xiaoyan , Yang Yujia
Published: February 2025

Background

Atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) usually occur in long bones rather than in the hands or feet. To date, detailed imaging features of ACTs in the hands or feet were reported in only a few case reports.

Case presentation

We report a case of an Asian woman in her early 80s who presented to our hospital with a painless mass in the distal phalanx of the left thumb. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) showed osteolytic destruction and cortex thickening in the distal phalanx with extension into soft tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a local soft tissue signal mass with isosignal intensity in T1 and heterogeneous high-signal intensity in T2. Color Doppler ultrasound suggested that the tumor was hypovascularized. The patient underwent amputation, and histological analysis revealed an ACT. The patient’s symptoms improved postoperatively, with no recurrence as of the 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Meanwhile, this study also reviewed the comparable diagnostic methods of ACT and chondrosarcoma. The analysis of previous similar cases showed that preoperative imaging diagnosis of ACT can be challenging and multimodal imaging appears to be beneficial in diagnosing ACTs and malignant chondrosarcoma grade II/III in the hands and feet.
An overview of the current evidences on the role of iron in colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Yousefi Mohammad Hasan , Masoudi Alireza , Saberi Rounkian Masoumeh , Mansouri Maryam , Hojat Bita , Kaveh Samani Marzieh , Veisi Razieh , Honarvar Bakeshloo Parisa , Nosratipour Reza , Afkhami Hamed , Saeb Sepideh
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal malignancy that affects millions of people worldwide. Iron is an essential micronutrient that plays a vital role in various biological processes, but also has pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory effects that may contribute to carcinogenesis. The relationship between iron and CRC is complex and influenced by multiple factors, such as dietary intake, absorption, storage, metabolism, and excretion of iron, as well as genetic and environmental factors that modulate iron homeostasis. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current evidences on the role of iron in CRC, discussing the potential mechanisms by which iron may affect CRC development and progression, as well as the implications for prevention and treatment. This review tries to focus on the following aspects: an introduction to iron and its role in CRC, role of heme and non-heme iron in CRC, dietary patterns, nutrition, and CRC, iron overload in CRC, iron deficiency and its role in CRC especially in surgery outcome and iron therapy and blood transfusion in CRC.
Dentoskeletal characteristics of non-syndromic pierre robin sequence and isolated incomplete cleft palate children: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Yang Shuang , Yang Xudong , Zhou Zhibo
Published: February 2025

Background

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal characteristics of children diagnosed with non-syndromic PRS and those with cleft palate.

Methods

This study was conducted on the non-syndromic PRS patients in the database of our hospital. The control group of non-syndromic isolated incomplete cleft palate patients was matched from the same database by age, gender and weight in a 1:3 ratio. The dentoskeletal characteristics were compared between the PRS and control groups.

Results

The study included 14 patients in the PRS group and 42 patients in the control group. A point-Nasion-B point (ANB) angle was significantly greater in the PRS group compared with the control group. The PRS group exhibited a significantly lower ratio of the linear distance between Articulare and Gonion (ArGo) to the distance between Gonion and Pogonion (GoPo) compared to the control group. Additionally, the anteroposterior length and area of the lower pharyngeal airway space (LPAS) were markedly reduced in the PRS group.

Conclusion

The ANB angle, the ArGo/GoPO ratio and the anteroposterior length and area of LPAS could serve as valuable indicators to identify micrognathia in patients with non-syndromic PRS.