bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Autonomic Function in Aging and Disease Using VitalScan
Authors:   ¹Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, California, USA, Young Annie TL , Danev Slav ,   Medeia Inc, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, Lakey Jonathan RT ,   ¹Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, California, USA
Published: February 2025

The autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating vital
physiological functions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and thermoregulatory processes.
Autonomic dysfunction, often seen in chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, cancer,
and cardiovascular diseases, can lead to severe complications if left undiagnosed and untreated. This
review explores the importance of autonomic dysfunction in the context of aging, diabetic autonomic
neuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, with a focus on novel diagnostic tools like Heart
Rate Variability (HRV) and the VitalScan technology. HRV, evaluated using the VitalScan-ANS system,
is emerging as a key marker for evaluating autonomic imbalance, providing valuable insights into
cardiovascular health, disease progression, and even early cancer detection.
The VitalScan-SudoCheck system, which evaluates sudomotor function, offers a non-invasive, efficient
approach for diagnosing early signs of autonomic neuropathy, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
Additionally, the review discusses the integration of arterial stiffness indices and Ankle-Brachial Index
(ABI), assessed using the VitalScan-Vascular system, to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment. The
combination of these diagnostic technologies holds promise for improving early detection, personalized
treatment, and patient outcomes. Future research should aim to refine these diagnostic tools, standardize
their clinical application, and expand their use across diverse populations to facilitate more effective
management of autonomic dysfunction and related complications. Ultimately, this review underscores
the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies to monitor and address autonomic dysfunction,
enhancing clinical care for patients with a wide range of chronic conditions.
Large Abdominal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst Complicating Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: About a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors:   ¹Neurosurgery Department, Thies Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal, Cisse Yakhya , Wague Daouda ,   Neurosurgery Department, Fann University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal, Nzisabira , Jean Michel ,   Neurosurgery Department, Fann University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal, Diop Diana ,   Pediatric Surgery Department, Fann University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal, Fay Ndeye Fatou ,   Pediatric Surgery Department, Fann University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal, Momar Codé BA ,   Neurosurgery Department, Fann University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal
Published: February 2025

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is a simple neurosurgical technique used to treat
hydrocephalus, but it is not without complications. One of these is abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
pseudocysts, which can occur in all age groups, with a highly variable onset time, ranging from a
few weeks to several years after drainage. In this article, we report a rare case of abdominal CSF
pseudocyst.
Case presentation: 9-year-old girl admitted 2 months after ventriculoperitoneal shunt for permanent
abdominal pain associated with vomiting and loss of appetite. Clinical examination of the abdomen
revealed a voluminous swelling of liquid consistency, not painful to palpation. Abdominal and pelvic
CT scans revealed a cystic formation encapsulating the tip of the drain. Surgery consisted of excision
of the pseudocyst, evacuation of the fluid and replacement of the bypass drain. The patient made a full
recovery.
Conclusion: Peritoneal pseudocyst, although rare, is a significant complication of ventriculoperitoneal
shunting. Cerebrospinal fluid infection has been identified as its most frequent cause. A multidisciplinary
approach is recommended for optimal patient management.
Aproveitamento de resíduos urbanos ricos em cálcio como corretivos de sodicidade do solo no Semiárido Nordestino
Authors: Vergara Carlos , Araujo Karla Emanuelle Campos , Santos Anderson Silva dos , Silva Alexandre Augusto Alencar de Souza , Santos Atanael Pereira , Matos Marina Souza Pereira , Silva Graciene de Souza , Ribeiro Thiago de Castro , Batista João Marinaldo Andrade Pereira , Silva Lucas Rodrigues Bezerra da
Published: February 2025

Ainda é rara a literatura que tenta mitigar a sodicidade do solo com resíduos sólidos ricos em cálcio. Este estudo objetivou, pois, corrigir a sodicidade do solo com resíduos sólidos urbanos ricos em cálcio, bem como avaliar o crescimento de plantas de arroz em solo tratado com pó de placas-de-gesso. Um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico, com problemas de sodicidade, foi coletado no perímetro irrigado de Lagoa do Barro (Araripina, Pernambuco, Brasil), e tamisado. Resíduos sólidos foram também secos, finamente triturados e peneirados. Ensaio preliminar foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em rearranjo fatorial 8x6: oito doses e seis corretivos químicos em quatro repetições. Condutividade elétrica (CE), pH e saturação por sódio (%Na) do solo foram avaliados após a lavagem do solo com 100 mL de água destilada. Em outro experimento, em que os tratamentos consistiram de doses de placas-de-gesso, indicadores de crescimento e macronutrientes foram avaliados em plantas de arroz que haviam sido cultivadas em condições de campo por até 42 dias após a germinação. Ao contrário da casca-de-ovo e da dose 0 kg ha-1, que turvaram seus lixiviados, todos os demais resíduos elevaram a CE, reduziram o pH e a %Na, e desenturvaram o lixiviado. Doses 15.722, 20.000 e 28.000 kg ha-1 de placas-de-gesso incrementaram indicadores de crescimento e macronutrientes em plantas de arroz. Estes resultados indicam que resíduos de gesso e casca-de-ovo corrigem a sodicidade do solo, em especial quando combinados com resíduos de poda urbanos de Pau-Brasil, favorecendo o crescimento de plantas de arroz.
Triazol + estrobilurina controla a cercosporiose e a ferrugem do café, e bioestimulantes + sacarose, reduz a fitotoxicidade
Authors: Carvalho Diogo Aparecido de , Freitas Marcelo Loran de Oliveira , Pereira Matheus Lucas Silva , Costa Túlio Silva , Ferreira Luís Otávio
Published: February 2025

Doenças como cercospora, ferrugem e problemas com fitotoxicidade são limitações na produção cafeeira. O objetivo deste trabalho foi reafirmar a eficiência do controle químico baseado nos grupos químicos Triazol + Estribolurina sobre a cercospora e a ferrugem do cafeeiro e seu efeito fitotóxico, bem como verificar se bioestimulantes ou sacarose a 4% podem minimizar a fitotoxicidade. Foram realizados dois ensaios distintos, sendo que o primeiro incluiu os seguintes tratamentos: T1) Aproach® - 500 mL/ha, T2) Priori Xtra® - 750 mL/ha, T3) Sphere Max® - 400 mL/ha, T4) Opera® 1,5 L/ha, T5) Testemunha, no segundo ensaio foram realizados os tratamentos: T1) Opera® 1,5 L/ha, T2) Opera® 1,5 L/ha + Fertiactyl® 0,5 L/ha, T3) Opera® 1,5 L + Stimulate® 1 L/ha, T4) Opera® 1,5 L/ha + Physio crop® 1. 5 L/ha, T5) Testemunha, conduzido em Bambuí-MG, o primeiro ensaio teve início em março de 2022 na cultivar Catuaí 62 Amarelo, com carga pendente de 20 sacos/hectare, e o segundo em fevereiro de 2023 na cultivar Rubi MG 1185, sem carga pendente. Os produtos à base de triazol + estrobilurina foram eficientes no controle da cercospora e da ferrugem, sendo semelhantes e superiores à testemunha, o produto à base de picoxistrobina + ciproconazol, Aproach®, não causou redução no crescimento das plantas, e o produto à base de piraclostrobina + epoxiconazol, Opera®, causou a maior redução. A eficácia dos produtos Stimulate®, Fertiactyl® e sacarose 4% também foi comprovada para atenuar os efeitos fitotóxicos da aplicação do Opera®, melhorando o número médio de folhas nos ramos após o tratamento.
Levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais em uma comunidade rural do município de Euclides da Cunha, semiárido da Bahia
Authors: Martins Jéssyca Dellinhares Lopes , Silva Osiel dos Reis , Santana Andreia Matos de , Cézar Daielly Nascimento , Santos Leane Rodrigues dos
Published: February 2025

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento etnobotânico de plantas utilizadas para fins medicinais por uma comunidade rural do semiárido nordestino. O estudo ocorreu entre junho e outubro de 2024, no município de Euclides da Cunha-BA, por meio de visitas domiciliares com aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado. Contatou-se que a maior parte dos informantes são do sexo feminino (82%), com idade acima de 60 anos (46%). São agricultores (64%) e donas de casa (27%) que utilizam as plantas medicinais quando necessário (55%) ou fazem uso diário (45%). Foram identificadas 54 espécies distribuídas em 31 famílias botânicas. A família Lamiaceae foi a mais representativas em número de espécies. Do total de espécies de plantas utilizadas para fins medicinais, 73% dos informantes indicaram uso de capim-santo (Cymbopogon citratus) e erva-cidreira (Lippia alba). A flora medicinal consiste principalmente em árvores e arbustos (48%) e subarbustos e ervas (48%) das quais 30% são espécies nativas do Brasil. As enfermidades apontadas como mais frequentes na comunidade e tratadas com plantas medicinais são inflamação, gripes e resfriados, febre, dores de cabeça e dores de barriga. Há predominância no uso das folhas (87%) no preparo de chás (83%). A quantidade de plantas identificadas e seus potenciais usos terapêuticos refletem o rico conhecimento etnomedicinal da comunidade rural. A crença na eficácia da medicina tradicional nos cuidados primários de saúde contribuirá para a manutenção do conhecimento da comunidade e auxiliará no uso sustentável dos recursos vegetais. Os resultados do presente estudo podem contribuir para investigações fitoquímicas e farmacológicas.
A taxa de mortalidade de idosos admitidos na emergência de um hospital universitário no Oeste do Paraná internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e submetidos a ventilação mecânica
Authors: Abramovecht Gustavo , Genske Juliana Hering , Genske Bruno Hering , Ferreira Bruna Paludo , Genske Rodrigo Daniel , Oliveira Eduarda Gelinski de , Fuchter Alessandra Cristina , Souza Giovana Panassol de
Published: February 2025

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a mortalidade de idosos admitidos na emergência de um hospital universitário no Oeste do Paraná, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e submetidos à ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI). Trata-se de um estudo observacional, retrospectivo e quantitativo, realizado a partir da análise de prontuários de pacientes com 60 anos ou mais, internados entre janeiro e dezembro de 2023. Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e desfechos hospitalares. A análise estatística utilizou o teste qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). A amostra final incluiu 1.569 pacientes, com predominância do sexo masculino (55%) e média de idade de 73 anos. A maioria (79,9%) foi internada em UTI, e 33,8% necessitaram de VMI. A taxa global de mortalidade foi de 28,4%, sendo significativamente maior entre os pacientes que utilizaram VMI (64,6%) e entre os internados em UTI (24,1%). O tempo médio de internação foi de 10,4 dias. Conclui-se que a necessidade de UTI e de VMI esteve associada a uma maior taxa de mortalidade em idosos hospitalizados. A alta vulnerabilidade dessa população reforça a importância de estratégias de manejo que reduzam complicações e otimizem os cuidados intensivos.
Breaking the Vicious Circle of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration
Authors:   , Laagland Lisanne Theresia
Published: February 2025

A major cause of disability in humans and dogs is lower back pain. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc stands out as prominent contributor to this. Degeneration typically starts in the core of the disc, the nucleus pulposus (NP), and is marked by an imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation. The lack of healthy NP cells impairs ECM restoration, exacerbates NP deterioration and ultimately leads to biomechanical failure of the disc. Current treatment options lack the potency required for successful NP stressing the need for advanced treatment strategies.
This thesis contributes to this field by showing that improved in vitro methods support the phenotype of NP-derived cells and harmonization among labs accelerates both fundamental and translational research. Additionally, new insights into phenotypical markers improve the characterization of the heterogeneous cell population present in the young, matured and degenerated disc.
From a translational perspective, the work advances treatment strategies that can halt or even reverse NP degeneration. It demonstrates that healthy ECM-inspired bioactive agents exert anabolic and anti-inflammatory effects on NP-cells. Furthermore, it reveals that the matrisome of healthy notochordal cell-rich NP tissue has the potency to support and instruct induced pluripotent stem cells as well as resident NP-cells in the harsh and degenerate disc environment.
Altogether, the findings highlight that the combination of bioactive agents together with a suitable cell source seems promising to address important levels in the vicious circle of NP degeneration. This advanced treatment strategy shows the potential to functionally restore the disc, enabling sustained pain relief.
Rodent Model for High Altitude and Ebullism Exposure Studies
Authors: Garbino Alejandro , Nusbaum Derek , Goughnour Shawn , Dalal Sawan , Carminati Maria-Vittoria G. , Clark Jonathan
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION: Ebullism is the pathophysiological process that occurs as a result of exposures to extremely low ambient pressures, traditionally below 47 mmHg (<0.9 psi, ∼63,000 ft/19,202 m equivalent). However, this field of research has made minimal progress since the 1940s–1960s, when the physiology of high altitude/space operations was being explored. This lack of progress is in part because it is thought of as invariably lethal and also because it requires unique facilities to simulate these environments. As a result, no standardized time/pressure profiles or animal models have been established.

METHODS: A rodent animal model (N = 20) was exposed to rapid depressurization as low as 0.3 mmHg for up to 2 min; controls were placed in the chamber but not exposed to a pressure change. Autopsies were performed to characterize the pathophysiology of ebullism at extreme altitudes.

RESULTS: A three-tiered pressure approach was developed that allows for varying degrees of exposure (pressure and time). Although previous studies focused on exposures above or below the Armstrong Line (∼63 kft), we noted significant thermal impacts due to exceeding the water triple point (∼120 kft).

DISCUSSION: This initial study highlights the different pathophysiological regimes that exist beyond Armstrong’s line and subdivides ebullism exposures into two different classes, which can be operationally associated with cabin vs. suit depressurization events. These are now presented as Type A Complex Ebullism and Type B Simple Ebullism. The former is characterized by a combination of barotrauma, hypoxia, ebullism, and decompression sickness, while the latter presents as only ebullism.

Garbino A, Nusbaum D, Goughnour S, Dalal S, Carminati M-VG, Clark J. Rodent model for high altitude and ebullism exposure studies. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):198–205.
Enlarged Foramen Ovale-Caused Meningeal Bulge in a Pilot
Authors: Zhai Jia , Liu Shulin , Gao Di , Yao Yongjie
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND: Meningocele results from a defect in the skull base bone, causing meningeal prolapse. Clinical manifestations of meningocele are often nonspecific and prone to misdiagnosis. Inadequate treatment may lead to severe complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, or, in rare cases, epilepsy, thereby posing significant risks to patients involved in aerospace operations. Historically, meningocele cases have predominantly been reported in fetuses and infants, with limited analysis and documentation focused on adults, particularly aviation pilots.

CASE REPORT: During a routine annual physical examination, a male student pilot was found to have an enlarged right foramen ovale accompanied by meningocele. Imaging via 3T magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans revealed a tubular, beaded cystic formation in the right parapharyngeal space, indicating meningocele with an enlarged right foramen ovale and confirming its location at the right middle cranial base. Given the structural abnormality, it was assessed that the pilot is unsuitable for exposure to high acceleration forces. Consequently, he was restricted to operating non-high-performance aircraft, such as bombers, helicopters, and carrier-based aircraft.

DISCUSSION: Treatment and flight duty determinations for affected pilots must consider individual case specifics. In this instance, the absence of pre-examination symptoms suggested minimal clinical severity, negating the need for surgical intervention. To ensure both flight safety and pilot health, thorough pre-enlistment physical screenings and ongoing assessments throughout a pilot’s career are crucial for accurately evaluating physical readiness.

Zhai J, Liu S, Gao D, Yao Y. Enlarged foramen ovale-caused meningeal bulge in a pilot. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):251–254.
Voluntary Incident Feedback in French Private Aviation
Authors: Demoulin Raphaël , Stalars Christophe
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION: In private aviation, procedures for collecting feedback have been established to gather information about unsafe situations related to aircraft use. The REX FFA system, which stands for “Feedback from the French Aeronautical Federation,” allows French private pilots to report accidents, incidents, and hazardous events to increase flight safety.

METHODS: This study explores feedback from the REX FFA system to understand the human factors influencing flight safety. We retrospectively analyzed, using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, 150 reports submitted between September 2023 and February 2024. Key lessons were also extracted from each report.

RESULTS: Most incidents (64%) involved human factors. Using the HFACS model, we identified 99 unsafe acts, 150 preconditions for unsafe acts, 21 instances of unsafe supervision, and 24 organizational failures. Skill-based errors were the most common unsafe act. Key lessons emphasized the importance of proactive visual scanning, thorough flight preparation, and strict adherence to checklists.

DISCUSSION: This study highlights the predominance of human error in general aviation incidents. The data collected through the REX FFA system suggest it could be an effective educational tool, enabling pilots to share and learn from their experiences and providing valuable data for proactive corrective measures. Promoting similar systems dedicated to recreational private aviation could further benefit general aviation safety worldwide.

Demoulin R, Stalars C. Voluntary incident feedback in French private aviation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):228–233.
Past and Present: Thomas Carlyle, Meritocracy and the ‘China Model’
Authors: Songlin Wang
Published: February 2025

Thomas Carlyle’s knowledge of ancient Chinese literature and political thought, specifically Confucianism, helped shape his political view of heroes and meritocracy. His view of ‘ good government’ might have inspired, in a reverse way, John Stuart Mill’s political philosophy of ‘representative government’, which somewhat converged with Carlyle’s idea of meritocracy by integrating bureaucracy with democracy in government. Carlyle’s advocation of meritocracy in the past finds an echo in contemporary China’s ‘vertical democratic meritocracy’ or rather ‘China Model’. An investigation of the Western political theories raised by Joseph Schumpeter and Daniel Bell as well as the political proposals upheld by some Chinese Neo-Confucianists demonstrates that the traditional dichotomy of meritocracy vs democracy could be problematic under the complicated circumstances of contemporary China. The exercise of ‘selection plus election’ as a model of democratic meritocracy in the mainland of China seems arguably practicable in spite of its many potential problems such as legitimacy of election, abuse of power and vulnerability to corruption.
NK cells in renal cell carcinoma and its implications for CAR-NK therapy
Authors: Li Xinwei , Zhang Yuanpeng , Ye Yuzhong , Xiao Wen , Liu Lei , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: February 2025

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignancy that makes up 3% of adult cancers and 20%–30% of patients were diagnosed with metastatic RCC in the beginning, while the median overall survival (OS) of metastatic RCC systemic therapy ranges from 16 months to 50 months. Immunotherapy, a novel therapy that relies on the specific binding of immune cells and tumor cells, may be a potential therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma. While chimeric antigen receptor NK-cell (CAR-NK) therapy has been investigated in a variety of solid tumors, specific research on its application to RCC has also been reported by several teams. In this review, we introduced the cytotoxicity mechanisms of NK cells, summarized the connections between RCC and NK cells, and posted new insights into renal cell carcinoma CAR-NK therapy. To date, most researches focusing on renal cell carcinoma and NK cells only claimed the mechanisms of NK cell cytotoxicity and NK cell immune suppression and even immune escape, yet the molecules involved could also be interesting targets for renal cell carcinoma CAR-NK therapy.
The impact of Babesia ovis-infected Rhipicephalus bursa larvae on the severity of babesiosis in sheep
Authors: Ozubek Sezayi , Ulucesme Mehmet Can , Ceylan Onur , Sevinc Ferda , Aktas Munir
Published: February 2025

Ovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis, is a significant tick-borne disease affecting sheep globally, with severe economic implications for sheep farming, particularly in Türkiye. Babesia ovis is transmitted exclusively by adult Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, but the potential role of infected larval stages in modulating disease severity has remained unclear. This study investigated whether infestation with B. ovis-infected R. bursa larvae reduces the severity of babesiosis following subsequent exposure to infected adult ticks. Three experimental sheep were infested with B. ovis-infected larvae, while three control sheep were infested with Babesia-free larvae. Both groups were subsequently exposed to B. ovis-infected adult R. bursa. Daily clinical, molecular, and serological monitoring revealed no clinical signs of babesiosis or B. ovis infection following larval infestation. However, all sheep developed severe clinical babesiosis after exposure to infected adult ticks. No significant differences in disease severity, parasitemia levels, or clinical outcomes were observed between the experimental and control groups, indicating that larval infestation does not confer protection or lead to milder disease courses. These findings confirm the exclusive role of adult R. bursa in B. ovis transmission and emphasize the critical need for vector control strategies targeting adult tick populations during peak activity. This study highlights the importance of understanding stage-specific transmission barriers and their implications for vector-borne disease management. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms limiting pathogen transmission by immature ticks and investigate comparative transmission dynamics across Babesia species to inform targeted control interventions.
Acute branch retinal arteriolar occlusion after intravascular ultrasound: a case report
Authors: Zhai Gaixia , Sun Chao , Tian Hongliang , Su Yuanzhen
Published: February 2025

Intravascular ultrasound is mainly used for the diagnosis and interventional treatment of coronary heart disease. Retinal artery occlusion caused by intravascular ultrasound is very rare. We report a case of acute branch retinal arteriolar occlusion after intravascular ultrasound examination of the coronary artery in a patient with coronary heart disease. A 79-year-old male patient diagnosed with coronary heart disease suddenly complained of a black shadow blocking his left eye approximately 3 min after the intravascular ultrasound examination was completed. The patient was diagnosed with branch retinal arteriolar occlusion in the left eye after completing ophthalmic examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of acute branch retinal arteriolar occlusion after a coronary artery intravascular ultrasound examination.
An integrated framework for assessing water resource pressure and sustainability based on the total-element agricultural water footprints
Authors: Wei Rui , Wang Xuan , Hao Guangling , Cai Jianying , Liao Zhenmei
Published: February 2025

The agricultural water footprint (WF) is essential for understanding environmental impacts and managing water resources, especially in water-scarce regions. In this study, an integrated framework for assessing water resource pressure and sustainability based on the total-element agricultural water footprints was developed. Firstly, three types of WFs (i.e., blue, green and grey WFs) of major crops including wheat and maize in the Beijing area were calculated, and spatiotemporal variations were analysed. Subsequently, the water stress index (WSI) of WFs was calculated, and based on this, the reliability-resilience-vulnerability (RRV) indices was established for systematically assessing water resource stress sustainability in agricultural systems. Finally, the driving factors of agricultural WF were analysed using STIRPAT model. The results were as follows. (1) The overall WF decreased from 22.0 × 108 m3 to 3.9 × 107 m3, showing a significant downward trend from 1978 to 2018. (2) The WSI values exceeded 1 in 25 out of the 35 years, indicating that the Beijing area continued to experience frequent water shortages. The RRV indices indicated that the sustainability of water resources in the Beijing area had improved in recent years, and the value was 0.35 in 2018, but remained at a low level. (3) Enhancing the effectiveness of irrigation, increasing agricultural machinery density, and reducing the planting area of water-intensive crops can significantly lower the agricultural WF. This study assessed the water resource pressure and sustainability of total-element agricultural WFs by combining the WSI and the RRV indices, from the integrated perspective of both water quantity and quality. This approach is of significant importance for the sustainable utilisation and management of agricultural water resources in water-scarce regions, based on water footprint analysis.
Academic major satisfaction scale: psychometric properties and proposal for a measure of academic dropout intention
Authors: Lingán-Huamán Susana K. , Dominguez-Lara Sergio , Postillos Indira Orbegoso , Medina Rosmery Matysek , Esteban Renzo Felipe Carranza
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to translate and analyze the psychometric properties of the Academic Major Satisfaction Scale in the context of assessing academic dropout intention among Peruvian university students. Shifting the focus of the AMSS scale will provide significant practical value to institutions, as measuring dropout intention will yield directly applicable insights to address student dropout and enhance retention.

Methods

An instrumental, cross-sectional research was carried out with 443 Peruvian university students, 56.2% of whom were women aged between 18 and 25 years (Mage = 20.7; SDage = 2.08).

Results

The factor analysis confirmed the satisfactory one-dimensional structure of four items, omitting items 5 and 6 (CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = 0.029, CI90% 0.000, 0.103; SRMR = 0.007). Factor loadings fluctuate between 0.64 and 0.91, and reliability was found to be adequate (α = 0.80; ω = 0.883). In addition, evidence of factorial invariance according to sex and academic cycle is reported. Regarding the evidence of validity by association with other variables, acceptable associations were found with self-efficacy, satisfaction with studies, and engagement, which are consistent with the current literature.

Conclusion

The new measure introduced in this study, known as the Academic Dropout Intention Scale (ADIS), is a brief scale that presents adequate psychometric properties and is useful for assessing academic dropout intention among Peruvian university students.
High-throughput microRNA sequencing in the developing branchial arches suggests miR-92b-3p regulation of a cardiovascular gene network
Authors: Goldsworthy Sian , Losa Marta , Bobola Nicoletta , Griffiths-Jones Sam
Published: February 2025

Vertebrate branchial arches (BAs) are a developmental paradigm, undergoing coordinated differentiation and morphogenesis to form various adult derivative tissues. MicroRNAs can strengthen gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to promote developmental stability. To investigate microRNA-mediated regulation in BA development, we generated a novel microRNA-sequencing dataset from mouse BAs. We identified 550 expressed microRNAs, of which approximately 20% demonstrate significant differential expression across BA domains. The three most posterior BAs and the connecting outflow tract (PBA/OFT) express genes important for cardiovascular development. We predicted microRNA-target interactions with PBA/OFT-expressed cardiovascular genes and found target sites for miR-92b-3p to be enriched. We used a dual luciferase assay to validate miR-92b-3p interactions with two transcripts encoding the fundamental cardiac transcription factors (TFs), Gata6 and Tbx20. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-92b-3p mimic can downregulate endogenous GATA6 and TBX20 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) undergoing cardiomyocyte differentiation, confirming microRNA-target binding can occur in a cardiac cell type. miR-92b-3p has previously been shown to target transcripts encoding for two other cardiac TFs, Hand2 and Mef2D. Therefore, we hypothesise that miR-92b-3p acts to stabilise cardiovascular GRNs during PBA/OFT development, through multiple microRNA-mediated regulatory networks.
Anti-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor 2 encephalitis with olfactory hallucination: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Xuyi , Zhao Chenxi , Chen Qinghua , Yu Weitong , Zhao Siyu , Wang Pin , Sun Lin , Xu Linlin , Xu Yingying
Published: February 2025

Anti-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease divided into two subtypes, anti-AMPAR1 encephalitis and anti-AMPAR2 encephalitis, depending on the presence of autoantibodies targeting the GluR1 and GluR2 subunits of the AMPA receptor. The main manifestations are limbic encephalitis, including cognitive impairment, seizures, and psychiatric symptoms. The reported cases of anti-AMPAR encephalitis have grown; however, no research has yet described the clinical characteristics of each subtype. Herein, we present a case of a middle-aged woman with anti-AMPAR2 encephalitis who was admitted to the hospital with sudden-onset seizures. The physical examination did not show noteworthy findings, but the auxiliary examination revealed abnormalities in the temporal lobe. On the third day of her hospitalization, she experienced olfactory hallucinations. AMPAR2 antibodies were detected positive in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After receiving a combination of glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, the patient was discharged with improved symptoms. She maintained her regimen of oral prednisone and gradually reduced the dosage following her discharge from the hospital. After 6 months, she was readmitted to the hospital due to a headache and a positive IgG test for serum AMPAR2 antibodies. The patient’s symptoms resolved with glucocorticoid treatment. Additionally, we conducted a literature review and gathered data from 37 individuals with anti-AMPAR2 encephalitis, including our present case. The patients had different levels of AMPAR2 antibodies in their CSF or serum, and some also had other antibodies. There were 23 female and 14 male patients, with a median age of 47 years. Of the patients, 19 (51%) had a history of tumors. The predominant clinical symptoms were memory impairment (78%) and psychobehavioral abnormalities (70%), with other symptoms such as epilepsy, disorders of consciousness, disorientation, hallucinations, dyskinesia, sleep disorders, and cerebellar signs. Most patients exhibited abnormalities on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (ECG), and CSF examination. Therapeutic interventions such as steroids, IVIg, plasma exchange, or immunosuppressants led to symptom alleviation in the majority of patients. Nevertheless, some patients did not exhibit notable progress or died. This report summarized the clinical features of patients with anti-AMPAR2 encephalitis and discussed its pathogenesis to facilitate early recognition and management.
The toll like receptor 7 pathway and the sex bias of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Scofield R. Hal , Wren Jonathan D. , Lewis Valerie M.
Published: February 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominately affects women with a ratio of females-to-males of about 9:1. The complement of sex chromosomes may play and important role in the mechanism of the sex bias. Previous work has shown that men with Klinefleter’s syndrome (47,XXY) as well as women with 47,XXX are found in excess among SLE patients well as among Sjogren’s disease, systemic sclerosis and idiopathic inflammatory myositis. in cells with more than one X chromosome, all but one is inactivated. However, X chromosome inactivation, as mediated by the long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript, or XIST, is not complete with approximately 10% of genes in the non-recombining region of the X chromosome escaping X inactivation. In the TLR7 signaling pathway, both the TLR7 and TLR adaptor interacting with endolysosomal SLC15A4 (TASL) escape X inactivation. Comparing male and female immune cells, there is increased TLR7 signaling related to increased expression of these genes in cells with more than one X chromosome. Cells with more than one X chromosome also express XIST, while cells with one X chromosome do not. XIST, as a source of ligand for TLR7, has also been shown to increase TLR7 signaling. Thus, we propose that both these mechanisms operating in immune cells with more than one X chromosome may act in a mutual way to mediate an X chromosome dose effect for the sex bias of autoimmune disease.
Development of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on microvascular invasion characteristic genes by spatial transcriptomics sequencing
Authors: Mu Xiaolan , Pan Lili , Wang Xicheng , Liu Changcheng , Li Yu , Cai Yongchao , He Zhiying
Published: February 2025

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent risk factor for the recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), associated with poor prognosis. Thus, MVI has significant clinical value for the treatment selection and prognosis assessment of patients with HCC. However, there is no reliable and precise method for assessing the postoperative prognosis of MVI patients. This study aimed to develop a new HCC prognosis prediction model based on MVI characteristic genes through spatial transcriptomics sequencing, distinguishing between high-risk and low-risk patients and evaluating patient prognosis. In this study, four MVI samples with different grades were selected for spatial transcriptomic sequencing to screen for MVI region-specific genes. On this basis, an HCC prognostic model was constructed using univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, random survival forest, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis methods. We constructed a 7-gene prognostic model based on MVI characteristic genes and demonstrated its applicability for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients in three external validation cohorts. Furthermore, our model showed superior predictive performance compared with three published HCC prediction prognostic models and could serve as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Additionally, single nucleus RNA sequencing analysis and multiple immunofluorescence images revealed an increased proportion of macrophages in high-risk patient samples, suggesting that HCC tumor cells may promote HCC metastasis through MIF-CD74 cell interactions. To sum up, we have developed a 7-gene biomarker based on MVI that can predict the survival rate of HCC patients at different stages. This predictive model can be used to categorize into high- and low- risk groups, which is of great significance for the prognostic assessment and personalized treatment of HCC patients.
Dermatological adverse events in Chinese prostate cancer patients treated with the androgen receptor inhibitor apalutamide
Authors: Wang Qi , Ren Zhao-Ting , Wu Hui-Feng , Gu Hao-Chen , Li Xia-Wei , Tang Zhuang-Li
Published: February 2025

Background

Apalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor, has shown good efficacy in treating prostate cancer (PCa). However, dermatological adverse events (dAEs) are common and threatening, and relevant studies in China are limited.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center analysis. We included PCa patients who were hospitalized and received apalutamide treatment at one comprehensive hospital in eastern China from August 2020 to March 2023. These patients were categorized into two groups for comparative analysis: those with (dAEs+) and without dAEs (dAEs–) based on the presence or absence of rash or itching following apalutamide administration. Demographics, PCa clinical and treatment data were extracted from the EMRS. The clinical features of dAEs were collected through follow-up calls.

Results

Our study enrolled 90 individuals with an overall dAEs incidence of 50.0%. All dAEs occurred within one year following apalutamide use. Over half of dAEs+ patients suffered from pruritus, erythema or papules, and the dAEs were predominantly mild to moderate. Higher PSA levels were found in patients with dAEs.

Conclusions

Apalutamide-associated dAEs are common in the Chinese population, among which the majority are mild to moderate, with pruritus, erythema, and papules ranking as the most prevalent symptoms. Elevated PSA levels were documented in patients with dAEs.
Single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics in islet transplantation for diabetes treatment: advancing towards personalized therapies
Authors: Mou Lisha , Wang Tony Bowei , Chen Yuxian , Luo Ziqi , Wang Xinyu , Pu Zuhui
Published: February 2025

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health crisis affecting millions, with islet transplantation emerging as a promising treatment strategy to restore insulin production. This review synthesizes the current research on single-cell and spatial transcriptomics in the context of islet transplantation, highlighting their potential to revolutionize DM management. Single-cell RNA sequencing, offers a detailed look into the diversity and functionality within islet grafts, identifying specific cell types and states that influence graft acceptance and function. Spatial transcriptomics complements this by mapping gene expression within the tissue’s spatial context, crucial for understanding the microenvironment surrounding transplanted islets and their interactions with host tissues. The integration of these technologies offers a comprehensive view of cellular interactions and microenvironments, elucidating mechanisms underlying islet function, survival, and rejection. This understanding is instrumental in developing targeted therapies to enhance graft performance and patient outcomes. The review emphasizes the significance of these research avenues in informing clinical practices and improving outcomes for patients with DM through more effective islet transplantation strategies. Future research directions include the application of these technologies in personalized medicine, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine, with the potential to predict disease progression and treatment responses. Addressing ethical and technical challenges will be crucial for the successful implementation of these integrated approaches in research and clinical practice, ultimately enhancing our ability to manage DM and improve patient quality of life.
Glider observations in the Western Mediterranean Sea: their assimilation and impact assessment using four analysis and forecasting systems
Authors: Aydogdu Ali , Escudier Romain , Hernandez-Lasheras Jaime , Amadio Carolina , Pistoia Jenny , Zarokanellos Nikolaos D. , Cossarini Gianpiero , Remy Elisabeth , Mourre Baptiste
Published: February 2025

We present an impact assessment of temperature and salinity glider observations on physical analysis and forecasting systems operating in the Western Mediterranean Sea through one-year-long coordinated experiments. A unique set of glider observations including data from several endurance lines provided by different institutions is assimilated in the three systems. Results are compared against an assimilation-free run and an assimilative-run that with each systems’ default configuration. Moreover, an additional biogeochemical analysis system is forced by two physical runs with and without the assimilation of glider observations. First of all, we demonstrate that glider data assimilation has an overall positive impact on the state estimation of the Western Mediterranean Sea, independently of the system employed and the pre-processing approach used to ingest the glider measurements. Secondly, we show that it helps improve the representation of mesoscale structures, in particular the location and size of an intense anticyclonic eddy observed in the Balearic Sea. Thirdly, the geostrophic currents and transport of Winter Intermediate Water in the Ibiza Channel are also improved. Finally, the adjustment of the mixing after glider data assimilation in the physical system translated to a better estimate of chlorophyll distribution in the upper layer of the biogeochemical system. Leading to the same order of magnitude of improvement in the different forecasting systems, this intercomparison exercise provides robustness of the obtained impact assessment estimates. It also allows us to identify relative strengths and weaknesses of these systems, which are useful to identify future ways of improvement. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of repeated glider observations collected along endurance lines for regional ocean prediction.
Two sides of the same coin: heat shock proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for some complex diseases
Authors: Makhoba Xolani Henry
Published: February 2025

Heat shock proteins are molecular chaperones that play crucial roles in the folding and unfolding of complex polypeptides within the cellular system. These molecules are involved in various processes, including vesicular transport, prevention of protein aggregation in the cytosol, and cell signaling. They are also linked to autoimmunity, infection immunity, and tumor immunology. Stressors like heat shock, exposure to heavy metals, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and viruses can influence the production of these molecules. In complex diseases such as cancer, malaria, and COVID-19, heat shock proteins are considered both biomarkers and drug targets. The upregulation of small heat shock proteins like hsp27 and major heat shock proteins 70/90 has been recognized as crucial biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. Additionally, it has been reported that the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, leads to the upregulation of heat shock proteins such as hsp40, hsp70, and hsp90. This sudden increase is a protective mechanism from the human host and enhances the parasite’s growth, making these proteins significant as biomarkers and malarial drug targets. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human cellular system correlates with a substantial increase in heat shock protein 70 production from host cells. Furthermore, our research group has demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks the host’s heat shock proteins, and we are currently developing tools to prevent the virus from utilizing the host’s protein folding system. This review aims to highlight the role of heat shock proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for selected refractory diseases, focusing on cancer, malaria, and COVID-19. A fundamental molecular docking study was performed to investigate the interaction between a non-structural complex from SARS-CoV-2 and chosen small molecules, which is emphasized in this review.
Thermodynamic modeling of RsmA - mRNA interactions capture novel direct binding across the Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptome
Authors: Lukasiewicz Alexandra J. , Leistra Abigail N. , Hoefner Lily , Monzon Erika , Gode Cindy J. , Zorn Bryan T. , Janssen Kayley H. , Yahr Timothy L. , Wolfgang Matthew C. , Contreras Lydia M.
Published: February 2025

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a ubiquitous, Gram-negative, bacteria that can attribute its survivability to numerous sensing and signaling pathways; conferring fitness due to speed of response. Post-transcriptional regulation is an energy efficient approach to quickly shift gene expression in response to the environment. The conserved post-transcriptional regulator RsmA is involved in regulating translation of genes involved in pathways that contribute to virulence, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance. Prior high-throughput approaches to map the full regulatory landscape of RsmA have estimated a target pool of approximately 500 genes; however, these approaches have been limited to a narrow range of growth phase, strain, and media conditions. Computational modeling presents a condition-independent approach to generating predictions for binding between the RsmA protein and highest affinity mRNAs. In this study, we improve upon a two-state thermodynamic model to predict the likelihood of RsmA binding to the 5′ UTR sequence of genes present in the PA genome. Our modeling approach predicts 1043 direct RsmA-mRNA binding interactions, including 457 novel mRNA targets. We then perform GO term enrichment tests on our predictions that reveal significant enrichment for DNA binding transcriptional regulators. In addition, quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and two-component signaling pathways were represented in KEGG enrichment analysis. We confirm binding predictions using in vitro binding assays, and regulatory effects using in vivo translational reporters. These reveal RsmA binding and regulation of a broader number of genes not previously reported. An important new observation of this work is the direct regulation of several novel mRNA targets encoding for factors involved in Quorum Sensing and the Type IV Secretion system, such as rsaL and mvaT. Our study demonstrates the utility of thermodynamic modeling for predicting interactions independent of complex and environmentally-sensitive systems, specifically for profiling the post-transcriptional regulator RsmA. Our experimental validation of RsmA binding to novel targets both supports our model and expands upon the pool of characterized target genes in PA. Overall, our findings demonstrate that a modeling approach can differentiate direct from indirect binding interactions and predict specific sites of binding for this global regulatory protein, thus broadening our understanding of the role of RsmA regulation in this relevant pathogen.