bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of natural (Z)-13-docosenamide derived from Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: El-Gazzar Nashwa , Said Lekaa , Al-Otibi Fatimah Olyan , AbdelGawwad Mohamed Ragab , Rabie Gamal
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The synthesis of natural compounds with strong biological activity from affordable sources has proven challenging for scientists. As a natural resource rich in a variety of bioactive substances, fungal metabolites have the potential to be used in medical applications to serve a global purpose towards a sustainable future.

Methods

A total of 25 filamentous fungi were isolated, and their secondary metabolites were assessed for their antimicrobial efficiency.

Results

The extracellular extract of the strain Penicillium chrysogenum Pc was selected for its high bioactivity compared with the other whole isolates. The GC-MS analysis of the extracellular extract of P. chrysogenum Pc was found to contain approximately 16 variable compounds. After several separation and purification processes using flash chromatography, HPLC, TLC, NMR, and FTIR, the most bioactive compound was identified as (Z)-13-docosenamide or erucylamide with a molecular formula of C22H43NO and a molecular weight of 337.0. The purified (Z)-13-docosenamide possessed antimicrobial activity with an MIC of approximately 10 μg/mL for the tested pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli), and 20 μg/mL against the tested fungi (Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Aspergillus fumigatus). Furthermore, MTT assay showed that (Z)-13-docosenamide inhibited cellviability and the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma, in vitro, with an IC {sb}{/sb}50 of 23.8 ± 0.8 μg/mL.

Conclusion

The remarkable bioactivity of (Z)-13- docosenamide makes it a potential candidate to assist the pipeline for the creation of antibacterial and anticancer drugs, which will help to reduce the incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and fatalities related to cancer.
Myocardial intramural course may reduce left ventricular ejection fraction of patients suffering from coronary heart disease
Authors: Miaomiao Shi , Jiaqi Zheng , Xiaomeng Li , Shanshan Li , Jie Wang , Kaicheng Liu , Mei Jia , Ming Su
Published: February 2025

Background

Myocardial intramural course (MIC), a benign anatomical lesion, is an abnormal anatomical structure formed due to abnormal blood vessel routing. An increasing number of studies indicate that MIC is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it remains unclear whether MIC contributes to cardiac function impairment in patients with CHD. Thus, this study is to observe the association between MIC and cardiac function in patients with CHD.

Methods

All participants were recruited from the Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital from August 2022 to September 2023. A total of 126 patients were diagnosed with MIC by coronary angiography and/or coronary CT angiography. Among them, a total of 39 patients diagnosed with MIC and CHD were enrolled in the MIC-CHD group. Sixty cases of monthly stratified CHD patients were randomly selected, into the CHD group as controls.

Results

The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of patients in the MIC-CHD group was lower than that in the CHD group (0.62 vs. 0.67, p = 0.0153). LVEF in patients of MIC-CHD was negatively correlated with the systolic stenosis degree of mural coronary artery (MCA) (r = −0.6474, p = 0.0123) and MIC length (r = −0.5712, p = 0.0414).

Conclusions

The combination of MIC in patients with CHD may contribute to the reduction of LVEF, whereas MIC length and the systolic stenosis degree of MCA were negatively correlated with LVEF.
Case Report: Dual-chamber pacemaker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with bradyarrhythmia and idiopathic pericardial effusion: a report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Liu Chang , Zheng Fei , Gao Yuxia , Wang Zheming , Zhang Xinyu , Tian Xiuqing
Published: February 2025

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by asymmetric hypertrophy of the ventricles and the ventricular septum, leading to subsequent left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and diastolic dysfunction. Typically, patients with HCM experience sinus tachycardia and sinus arrest relatively infrequently. In addition, the concurrent occurrence of HCM with non-surgically induced (ablation or myectomy) bradyarrhythmia and idiopathic pericardial effusion in adult patients has not been previously reported.

Case summary

In this report, we present two elderly female patients with HCM who exhibited sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest, one of whom also presented with moderate pericardial effusion, they all presented with chest tightness. To manage the complex comorbidities, we opted for dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Subsequent examinations and follow-up revealed that pacing significantly reduced LVOT obstruction and corrected heart rhythm. Additionally, there was no significant progression of pericardial effusion.

Discussion

The primary strategies for alleviating LVOT obstruction involve altering the structure of the septum, including septal myectomy (SME), alcohol septal ablation (ASA), and septal radiofrequency ablation. Meanwhile, a dual-chamber pacemaker can treat HCM by changing the sequence of myocardial contraction. Although pacemakers have been considered an inferior alternative due to their relatively large residual obstruction, their benefits may be significantly underestimated. This report underscores the additional efficacy of dual-chamber pacemakers in managing HCM, particularly in patients complicated by sinus node dysfunction and idiopathic pericardial effusion.
Biogenic polymer based patches for congenital cardiac surgery: future development of implants
Authors: Richert Emma , Grefen Linda , Zorin Alexandra , Hubrich Julian , Simon Stefan , Sommerhoff Christian P. , Hagl Christian , Herz Christopher , Obrist Dominik , Hörer Jürgen , Carrel Thierry , Grab Maximilian , Heinisch Paul Philipp
Published: February 2025

Objective

Despite advancements in surgical techniques, many patients born with congenital heart defects (CHD) require repeated reinterventions due to the limitations of materials used in congenital cardiac surgery (CCS). Traditional biogenic polymers, such as bovine or equine pericardium, are prone to calcification, have limited durability, and fail to adapt to the growth of infants. This study aims to address these challenges by investigating bacterial cellulose (BC) as a promising material for CCS.

Methods

Variability in patch quality from previous studies was addressed by refining the production protocol taking advantage of optical density (OD) measurements. After a 72 h incubation, patches were harvested and tested mechanically with burst pressure and uniaxial strain testing. BC's biomechanical properties were further explored by modifying nutrient concentrations, creating different media groups (N10, N30, N50). Hybrid patches combining BC with electrospun polyurethane (ESP-PU) were developed using a specially designed 3D-printed flask to ensure uniform coating and integration.

Results

The initial bacterial concentration significantly influenced cellulose yield and growth rate, with static cultures outperforming shaken ones. Nutrient-enriched media (N10, N30, N50) produced cellulose with greater elasticity and strength compared to standard C-Medium, with stiffness correlating to nutrient concentration. Inflation tests showed that N10 and N30 samples withstood higher pressures than N50, which, despite being stiffer, performed worse under rapid inflation. All samples, however, maintained pressures above physiological levels. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed effective BC coating of PU fibres without altering BC fibre orientation or bacterial activity.

Conclusion

BC patches demonstrated burst pressure resistance above 1,400 mmHg. BC's elasticity can be tailored, and in combination with ESP-PU, an innovative hybrid material can be produced, positioning BC as a promising biomaterial for future CCS implant development.
Driving gender equality in the automotive industry: a review of educational strategies
Authors: Zavala-Parrales Ana , Meléndez-Anzures Frank E. , Perez-Suarez Sonia , Dominguez Angeles
Published: February 2025

The automotive industry has historically been characterized by male dominance, presenting significant challenges to achieving gender equality. Despite ongoing efforts to increase female participation, women continue to encounter systemic barriers, including entrenched gender stereotypes, unequal access to training, and a scarcity of female role models. This study systematically reviews educational strategies to advance women’s inclusion in the automotive sector, focusing on their effectiveness in enhancing skills development, career progression, and leadership opportunities. Through the analysis from various regions and organizational contexts, key findings reveal that targeted interventions—such as vocational training programs, mentoring initiatives, leadership development workshops, and scholarship opportunities—have effectively improved women’s technical competencies, professional confidence, and long-term retention in the industry. Additionally, the study highlights that these educational programs yield broader organizational and societal benefits, including increased workplace diversity, enhanced innovation, and improved productivity. Despite these positive outcomes, the research identifies persistent gaps that require further attention, such as the need for policy-driven frameworks to ensure sustained progress and the significance of cross-sector collaboration to amplify the impact of educational initiatives. This review offers evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to support women’s empowerment in the automotive workforce, underscoring the ongoing efforts necessary to achieve meaningful and sustainable gender equality in the sector.
The impact of urban polycentralization and scale expansion on economic efficiency: evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Jiang Xinyang , Wei Siyi , Yi Chen , Liu Siyu , Yang Bo , Wu Yao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study investigates the effects of urban polycentricity and city size on total factor productivity (TFP) in Chinese cities.

Methods

Using high-resolution population distribution data from Landscan and applying instrumental variable (IV) estimation to address endogeneity concerns, we construct a novel measure of urban polycentricity.

Results

Our findings show that while expanding city size enhances TFP through increased economies of scale, greater urban polycentricity negatively affects productivity by weakening agglomeration economies and innovation spillovers.

Discussion

The analysis suggests that polycentricity reduces the concentration of economic activities, which hampers knowledge diffusion and innovation, leading to lower productivity. Additionally, we identify the optimal city size for maximizing TFP, where excessive urban growth beyond a certain point becomes counterproductive.
Multispectral drone images for the early detection of bark beetle infestations: assessment over large forest areas in the Italian South-Eastern Alps
Authors: Bozzini Aurora , Huo Langning , Brugnaro Stefano , Morgante Giuseppe , Persson Henrik Jan , Finozzi Valerio , Battisti Andrea , Faccoli Massimo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

European forests face increasing threats from climate change-induced stressors, which create favorable conditions for bark beetle outbreaks. The most critical spruce forest pest in Europe is the European Spruce Bark Beetle (Ips typographus L.). Effective forest management of this beetles’ outbreaks necessitates timely detection of recently attacked spruce trees, which is challenging given the difficulty in identifying symptoms on infested tree crowns, especially over large areas. This study assessed the detectability of infested trees over large spruce dominated areas (20–60 ha) using high-resolution drone multispectral imagery.

Methods

A multispectral sensor mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was used to capture images of the investigated spruce stands weekly during June 2023. These were used to compute the reflectance of all single trees, derive vegetation indices, and then compare these between bark beetle infested trees and healthy ones.

Results

The results showed that it was possible to separate the spectral features of recently infested trees from the healthy trees during the final developmental stage of the first beetles’ generation, despite the limitations due to difficulties in image processing over large areas. The best performing vegetation indices included NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge index) and GNDVI (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), which allowed the earlier separation between infested and healthy trees.

Discussion

The study shows that the use of UAV high-resolution imagery can present some limitations when performing early detection over larger areas. The integration of sensors focused on narrower spectral windows around the Red-Edge and Green bands and other remote sensing methods (e.g., satellite imagery) could help overcome these limitations and improve early-detection over large forest areas. The proposed early-detection approach will increase the understanding of which factors to consider when performing early detection with remote sensing techniques. In particular, it will add insights when upscaling to larger spatial scales, providing useful guidance for the management of areas suffering pest outbreaks.
Annotation of cis-regulatory-associated histone modifications in the genomes of two Thoroughbred stallions
Authors: Barber Alexa M. , Kingsley Nicole B. , Peng Sichong , Giulotto Elena , Bellone Rebecca R. , Finno Carrie J. , Kalbfleisch Ted , Petersen Jessica L.
Published: February 2025

The Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes (FAANG) consortium aims to annotate animal genomes across species, and work in the horse has substantially contributed to that goal. As part of this initiative, chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to identify histone modifications corresponding to enhancers (H3K4me1), promoters (H3K4me3), activators (H3K27ac), and repressors (H3K27me3) in eight tissues from two Thoroughbred stallions: adipose, parietal cortex, heart, lamina, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and testis. The average genome coverage of peaks identified by MACS2 for H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac was 6.2%, 2.2%, and 4.1%, respectively. Peaks were called for H3K27me3, a broad mark, using both MACS2 and SICERpy, with MACS2 identifying a greater average number of peaks (158K; 10.4% genome coverage) than SICERpy (32K; 24.3% genome coverage). Tissue-unique peaks were identified with BEDTools, and 1%–47% of peaks were unique to a tissue for a given histone modification. However, correlations among usable reads, total peak number, and unique peak number ranged from 0.01 to 0.92, indicating additional data collection is necessary to parse technical from true biological differences. These publicly available data expand a growing resource available for identifying regulatory regions within the equine genome, and they serve as a reference for genome regulation across healthy tissues of the adult Thoroughbred stallion.
Maternal substance use during pregnancy and associated factors in Adama, central Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Kimiya , Shawel Getahun Mihiret , Abera Belachwe Yohanes , Mohammed Fati Nesra , Mekuria Negussie Yohannes
Published: February 2025

Background

Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, khat, and illicit drugs, is a significant preventable contributor to the global burden of disease. Women are particularly vulnerable during their reproductive years, with substance use during pregnancy posing serious risks to maternal and fetal health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess of prevalence of substance use and determine associated risk factors among pregnant women in Adama, Central Ethiopia.

Methods

A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 472 pregnant women. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was employed to model the association between substance use and explanatory variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of association. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

The overall prevalence of substance use during pregnancy was 22.0% (95% CI: 18.2–26.0). Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.23–9.89), pre-pregnancy substance use (AOR = 24.16, 95% CI: 11.49–40.82), husband/partner substance use (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.44–14.20), and ever heard about the side effects of substance use (AOR = 14.60, 95% CI: 5.31–17.65) were factors significantly associated with maternal substance use during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Nearly one in four pregnant women reported using substances during pregnancy. Educational and counseling interventions during antenatal care should emphasize the risks of substance use on maternal health and fetal development, particularly targeting women with a history of substance use or unplanned pregnancies. Efforts should also involve partners and employ community-based strategies to raise awareness of these risks.
Unilateral choroidal detachment in an elderly patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Peng Chuzhi , Jiao Yonghong , Chen Chunli
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To report an uncommon case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in an elderly patient with unilateral choroidal detachment and describe its multimodal imaging features and prognosis.

Method

Case report and literature review of clinical features in VKH with choroidal detachment.

Results

A 76-year-old woman presented with bilateral blurred vision and headache 6 months prior to visiting our hospital. She was diagnosed with iridocyclitis at another hospital and received local anti-inflammatory treatment without improvement. Slit-lamp examination showed bilateral mutton-fat and dust-like keratic precipitates, anterior chamber and vitreous cells, and posterior synechiae in the right eye. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc swelling and choroidal detachment in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed bilateral optic disc leakage, punctate hyperfluorescence in the posterior pole, and elevated fluorescence leakage in the left eye’s temporal area. Indocyanine Green Angiography showed multiple of choroidal hypoperfusion areas in the left eye, with an elevated fluorescence blockage on the temporal side. Optical coherence tomography showed subretinal fluid, wavy retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal thickening in both eyes. Based on ocular and neurological findings, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral VKH. After ruling out infectious factors, she received high-dose systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The choroidal detachment and serous retinal detachment gradually resolved.

Conclusion

This case is the first report of unilateral choroidal detachment associated with VKH in an elderly patient. VKH patients with choroidal detachment reported in previous studies were predominantly elderly and Asian, characterized by optic disc hyperfluorescence and choroidal detachment. Multimodal imaging can help clinicians better diagnose and manage atypical types of VKH.
The gut-brain-axis one year after treatment with cladribine tablets in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: van Pamelen Jeske , Rodriguez-Mogeda Carla , van Olst Lynn , van der Pol Susanne M. A. , Boon Maarten L. , de Beukelaar Janet , Gerlach Oliver H. H. , Budding Andries E. , Killestein Joep , de Vries Helga E. , Visser Leo H.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Cladribine tablets are an effective treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, almost half of the treated patients are not free of disease activity after two years. The aim of this study was to describe the changes that cladribine tablets effectuate in the gut and oral microbiota and the peripheral immunological profile between responders and non-responders.

Methods

In this pilot study of the multicenter, prospective, observational BIA (Brain-Immune-Intestine Axis) study, we included patients aged 18 to 55 years with RRMS who were scheduled to start treatment with cladribine tablets. We assessed the clinical status and the immunological and microbiological profile prior to the start of the treatment and after three and twelve months. At twelve months, we assessed the response status, based on clinical relapses, radiological activity and disability progression on the Expanded Disability Status Scale.

Results

The first twenty-five patients of the BIA study were included in this analysis. Ten patients (40%) were responders twelve months after treatment. Three months after treatment we found a significant decline of naïve and transitional B cells and memory B cells, and of CD57+ CD56dim NK cells. After twelve months the values recovered to baseline levels, except for the memory B cells. We did not find significant changes of the microbiological profile over time, except for a decline of the phylum Bacteroidetes in the oral samples twelve months after treatment. Baseline values and changes over time did not significantly differ between responders and non-responders. However, several phyla, genera or species (Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) showed a higher relative abundance, and several phyla, genera or species (Proteobacteria, Escherichia coli) had a lower relative abundance in responders compared to non-responders.

Discussion

After treatment with cladribine tablets, we found significant changes in the immunological landscape. Also, the microbiological profile showed several differences in microbes with known anti- or pro-inflammatory properties between responders and non-responders. Overall, we showed that we can measure a treatment effect from cladribine tablets with our analyses. Future research on data from the BIA study, with a larger sample size and extended follow-up, can possibly confirm the reliability of our findings.
β2GPI-targeted polymeric nanoparticles form a protective layer to prevent vascular thrombosis in an anti-phospholipid syndrome model
Authors: Durigutto Paolo , Grimaldi Maria Cristina , Bozzer Sara , Raschi Elena , Meroni Pierluigi , Tedesco Francesco , Macor Paolo
Published: February 2025

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by thrombotic vascular occlusion and maternal morbidity. Anti-coagulants remain pivotal drugs for the management of APS, but a significant proportion of patients do not benefit from long-term anti-coagulation and may require an alternative therapy to prevent antibody deposition and vascular thrombosis. We have developed a therapeutic approach based on the use of safe polymeric nanoparticles that selectively target beta2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) deposited on endothelial cells (tNPs). Their efficacy was tested in a rat model of APS developed by infusing patients’ sera containing medium–high titer antibodies against domain I of β2GPI. The tNPs bearing a CH2-deleted anti-β2GPI recombinant antibody as a targeting agent recognize β2GPI deposited on endothelial cells but failed to induce blood clot formation. The tNPs infused into rats immediately before APS sera competed with patients’ antibodies, preventing their binding to deposited β2GPI and, as a consequence, resulted in thrombus formations and occlusion of mesenteric vessels. Similar results were obtained by injecting tNPs 24 hours before the administration of patients’ sera to induce blood clot formation. Our findings suggest that β2GPI-targeted polymeric nanoparticles represent a stable and safe approach to prevent thrombus formation and vessel occlusion in a rat model of APS and may be used to control thrombosis developing in APS patients as a result of acute triggering events.
Preventive hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves acute graft-versus-host disease by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Xue Chao , Chen Hao , Zhao Yiou , Yuan Dai , Fang Xiaosheng , Ding Mei , Qu Huiting , Wang Xin , Ge Xueling , Lu Kang , Jiang Yujie
Published: February 2025

Background

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been confirmed as an effective and economical therapeutic modality for treating hemorrhagic cystitis (HC), whether induced by infection or acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), in transplant recipients. However, its potential benefits in treating aGVHD remain largely unknown. This study explored the effects of HBOT on aGVHD and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The beneficial effects of HBOT on aGVHD were investigated in a murine model. Manifestations, pathological alterations, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in target organs, and survival data of the recipient mice were collected. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream enzyme heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression in mouse samples were assessed via Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, was used to validate the protective role of Nrf2 in the beneficial effect of HBOT on aGVHD. Furthermore, we initiated a clinical cohort study and collected data from the patients with definite aGVHD before and after HBOT to validate the preclinical conclusions.

Results

We found that HBOT alleviated aGVHD in mice, which was associated with a significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) and reduced pathological injury, whereas Nrf2 inhibition had the opposite effect. HBOT decreased ROS levels and proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, while upregulated Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzyme HO-1. In the clinical cohort study, the incidence of grades 1–3 aGVHD was significantly lower in the combination arm containing HBOT than in the HBOT-free cohort.

Conclusion

Preventive HBOT can mitigate aGVHD by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signal transduction pathway, suggesting that HBOT may be a feasible approach for both the prevention and treatment of aGVHD.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04502628.
Optimizing the labyrinth geometric parameters and modelling a new twin seal configuration for improved sealing efficiency in gas turbines
Authors: Vijayaragavan B. , Asok S. P. , Marichelvam M. K.
Published: February 2025

Labyrinth seals are the non-contact seals used in turbo machinery to control the leakage of the secondary fluid flow. The main compressor supplies the compressed air required to generate hot gases in the combustion chamber. The secondary fluid is the part of the compressed air from the main compressor, which is used for cooling the inner components of turbomachinery. The non-contact nature of the seal results in an additional expense of compressed cooling air, which increases the power input to the main compressor. An improvement in the labyrinth’s sealing efficiency increases turbomachines’ fuel efficiency. The sealing characteristics of the labyrinth profile are highly influenced by the geometric parameters of the labyrinth seal. The geometric parameters of the straight-through labyrinth seal are optimized towards reduced leakage flow, and the optimized parameters are used to develop a new type of “Twin Labyrinth Seal.” The design variables considered in the optimization studies are tooth thickness, cavity width, and cavity depth of the labyrinth, while leakage mass flow rate is the variable to be minimized. Leakage characteristics for different configurations of the twin labyrinth seal are explored using numerical analysis. The standard k-epsilon two-equation viscous model simulates turbulence in the flow through the labyrinth path. The twin labyrinth configuration E with the least leakage is identified with an improved leakage control by 38% compared to the straight-through configuration of the tooth-on stator type. The results from the numerical analysis are validated with experiments. The significance of the effective clearance and divergence angle on the leakage characteristics of the twin labyrinth are discussed.
Pedagogical strategies for supporting learning and student well-being in environmentally sustainable healthcare
Authors: Jones Nara , Horton Graeme , Guppy Michelle , Brown Georgia , Boulton John
Published: February 2025

Planetary health education needs fresh approaches to engage learners and educators in positive visions and future planning to navigate the societal challenges of climate change. The human health impacts of the climate crisis, environmental degradation and pollution are far-reaching and compounding in nature. International leaders in healthcare are recognizing the time-pressured opportunity to mobilize and motivate colleagues to optimize health outcomes by addressing these issues. Healthcare systems across the globe contribute significantly to ecological footprints through greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of various polluting materials. Therefore, the necessity to prepare future health professionals to identify and manage environmental health conditions in their patients, as well as foster their future role as leaders and advocates in sustainable healthcare is acute. Health education organizations have begun to appreciate this need and have developed learning objectives to guide curricula. In the development and implementation of content on environmentally sustainable healthcare, an important consideration is the affective and moral distress from the confronting and often overwhelming nature of the topic. The main objective in teaching planetary health is to equip learners with the tools and skills to address the relevant health issues in their professional role whilst providing the support necessary for them to accept these harsh realities. The University of Newcastle and University of New England Joint Medical Program's, four-week course in Sustainable Healthcare aims to meet this objective. In this article we discuss how our curriculum utilizes Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and other psychological strategies to support learners' well-being and motivation. SDT explains the need for supporting autonomy, relatedness and competence in the learning environment. Strategies employed to address these include providing students with the opportunity to select discussion topics that they contribute to, maximizing choice of focus for the assessment task, utilizing personal reflections, case-based learning scenarios and incorporating presentations from relatable industry leaders.
Genomic characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia albertii of fish origin—first isolation and insights into a potential food safety threat
Authors: Srinivas Kandhan , Ghatak Sandeep , Milton Arockiasamy Arun Prince , Das Samir , Puro Kekungu-u , Pyngrope Daniel Aibor , Angappan Madesh , Prasad Mosuri Chendu Bharat , Bhargavi Dadimi , Kader Nur Abdul , Lyngdoh Vanita , Shilla Heiborkie , Lamare John Pynhun
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Escherichia albertii is an emerging food-borne pathogen with zoonotic potential which is often under-reported due to misidentifications.

Materials and methods

The current study identified E. albertii from retail fish sold in market which was confirmed by phenotypic (colorless colonies on Xylose-Rhamnose-Melibiose MacConkey Agar), genotypic (dual target uniplex PCR-based detection) and genomic methods (CheckM analysis). In this paper we report the phenotypic characters of the isolate and genomic features such as resistome, virulome and mobilome followed by in silico O and H antigen based typing and comparative phylogenomics using various tools (RAST, RGI v6.0.0, ABRicate v1.0.1, PathogenFinder v1.1, PlasmidFinder v2.0, BacAnt v3.3.1, Phigaro v2.4.0, MAFFT v7.490, FigTree v1.4.4).

Results and discussion

Multidrug resistance was identified with reduced susceptibility to gentamicin, azithromycin, ceftazidime and cefotaxime with a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index of 0.33. Clinically important virulence genes such as eae, cdt, east1 formed a part of the virulome and the probability of being pathogenic to humans was found to be 0.883. The genome was found to harbor mobile genetic elements such as plasmids [IncFIA, IncFIB(pB171), IncFII(pSE11)], transposons (Tn3411, Tn6292) and prophages (Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, Podoviridae). Various typing methods such as biotyping, multilocus sequence typing and in silico O and H antigen typing classified the isolate into biotype 3, multi locus sequence type 4596, O-genotype 4 and H-genotype 1. Phylogenomically, the isolate was placed close to isolate from neighboring country of China. Identification of virulent multidrug-resistant E. albertii from new food source such as fishes increases the risk for fish eating population and necessitates the requirement of further elucidation and development of appropriate control strategies.
Genomics insights of candidiasis: mechanisms of pathogenicity and drug resistance
Authors: Huang Xin , Dong Qin , Zhou Qi , Fang Shitao , Xu Yiheng , Long Hongjie , Chen Jingyi , Li Xiao , Qin Huaguang , Mu Dan , Cai Xunchao
Published: February 2025

Candidiasis, a prevalent class of human infections caused by fungi belonging to the Candida genus, is garnering increasing attention due to its pathogenicity and the emergence of drug resistance. The advancement of genomics technologies has offered powerful tools for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms and drug resistance characteristics of Candida. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the applications of genomics in candidiasis research, encompassing genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and functional genomics, along with the pathogenic features and core virulence factors of Candida. Moreover, this review highlights the role of genomic variations in the emergence of drug resistance, further elucidating the evolutionary and adaptive mechanisms of Candida. In conclusion, the review underscores the current state of research and prospective avenues for exploration of candidiasis, providing a theoretical basis for clinical treatments and public health strategies.
The long-term straw return resulted in significant differences in soil microbial community composition and community assembly processes between wheat and rice
Authors: Cui Siyuan , Xu Shangqi , Cao Guangqiao , Zhu Xinkai
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Straw return is widely promoted as an environmentally sustainable practice to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity. However, the impact of varying straw return durations on soil microbial community composition and development remains insufficiently understood within a rice-wheat cropping system.

Methods

In this study, soil samples were collected during the wheat and rice harvesting periods following seven straw return durations: no straw return (NR) or 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 years of straw return (SR1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11), and microbial sequencing was performed.

Results

The results revealed a biphasic pattern in alpha diversity (Chao1 and Shannon) of soil microbial communities with increasing straw return duration, characterized by an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease. Specifically, SR9 in the rice group exhibited the highest Chao1 and Shannon values, while SR3 in the wheat group showed the highest values. PCoA indicated significant shifts in microbial communities due to straw return, particularly in the wheat group compared to NR. Straw return obvious changed six bacterial phyla (Verrucomicrobiota, Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, MBNT15, Actinobacteriota, and Gemmatimonadota) during the rice and wheat harvesting periods, especially Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis between environmental factors and bacterial communities demonstrated a significant impact on these factors, particularly pH and total organic carbon (TOC) (p < 0.05), on the soil bacterial community during rice harvest, indicating the microbial enrichment after straw return may be related to the accumulation of TOC. Furthermore, the bacterial community network in the rice harvesting period was found to be more complex, with lower network stability compared to the wheat harvesting period. This complexity is closely associated with TOC accumulation in rice fields. Deterministic processes, including homogeneous and heterogeneous selection, were found to play a crucial role in shaping the soil bacterial communities in both rice and wheat systems. Environmental factors significantly influenced microbial community assembly during straw return and recycling.

Discussion

Our study enhances understanding of the impact of straw return on the diversity and assembly of soil microbial communities in the rice-wheat cropping system, which provide valuable insights for studying the mechanisms by which managing microbial communities after straw return can promote soil fertility restoration.
Helicobacter pylori infection process: from the molecular world to clinical treatment
Authors: Yi Meijing , Chen Silan , Yi Xinying , Zhang Fan , Zhou Xuan , Zeng Meiyan , Song Houpan
Published: February 2025

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative microaerophilic microorganism intricately associated with chronic gastrointestinal disorders and gastric cancer. H. pylori can cause various upper digestive tract diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastric cancer. The bacterium exhibits a variety of pathogenic mechanisms, including colonization, the expression of virulence factors, and the development of drug resistance. This article presents a comprehensive review of H. pylori pathogenesis, emphasizing recent research advancements concerning the cytotoxin-associated gene A, vacuolating cytotoxin, outer membrane proteins, and other virulence factors. Additionally, it examines the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance and evaluates the efficacy of conventional therapeutic approaches. Recently, researchers have attempted novel therapeutic regimens, including probiotics and Chinese medicine-assisted therapies, to enhance therapeutic effects. This article aimed to offer an overview of the academic community’s comprehension of H. pylori infection and to highlight the current treatment options.
Impact of hearing loss on brain signal variability in older adults under different auditory load conditions
Authors: Wang Songjian , Liu Tong , Liu Yi , Kou Nuonan , Chen Younuo , Wang Yuan , Sun Wenjian , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The moment-by-moment variability in brain signals, a newly recognized indicator, demonstrates both the adaptability of an individual’s brain as a unique trait and the distribution of neural resources within that individual in response to constantly shifting task requirements. This study aimed to explore brain signal variability in older adults using oxyhemoglobin (HbO) variability derived from fNIRS during tasks with increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loads and to assess the effects of varying degrees of hearing loss on speech recognition performance and related brain signal variability patterns.

Methods

Eighty-one participants were categorized into three groups: healthy controls (n = 30, aged 65.5 ± 3.4), mild hearing loss (n = 25, aged 66.0 ± 3.7), and moderate to severe hearing loss (n = 26, aged 67.5 ± 3.7). Speech perception was tested under quiet, 5 dB SNR, and 0 dB SNR conditions.

Results

Results revealed that the brain signal variability increased with higher SNR loads in healthy older adults, indicating enhanced neural resource allocation with the SNR load. In contrast, we found that hearing loss reduced brain signal variability during speech recognition tasks, especially in noisy conditions, in the mild hearing loss and moderate to severe hearing loss groups, possibly indicating decreased neural processing efficiency. Additionally, a positive correlation between brain signal variability and speech recognition performance was observed in healthy control participants across all SNR conditions, suggesting that brain signal variability could dynamically respond to the precise level of auditory environment demands. However, this relationship was only significant at the 5 dB SNR condition in hearing loss groups.

Discussion

Taken together, this study underscores the significant impact of hearing loss on brain signal variability modulation in auditory cognitive tasks and highlights the need for further research to understand the underlying neural mechanisms.
A bibliometric analysis of research hotspots and trends in transcranial magnetic stimulation and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xu Dingwen , Feng Yang , Lu Zhihua , Ma Ruijia , Zhang Weicai , Mou Zhen , Zhang Lingling , Tang Xiufeng , Zhao Zhenxiong , Zheng Zhencang
Published: February 2025

Background

Research regarding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been increasing; however, no bibliometric analysis has yet been conducted in this domain. This study employs bibliometric methods to identify research trends and hotspots concerning AD and TMS.

Methods

We conducted a search in the Web of Science Core Database for articles related to AD and TMS from January 1, 2014, to October 22, 2024. After stringent selection, we performed bibliometric analysis using Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace and CoreMine.

Results

The number of articles pertaining to AD and TMS has increased annually, with a notable surge post-2020. The three leading countries in publication volume are China, the United States, and Italy. The top institutions contributing to this field include Harvard Medical School, the University of Toronto, and the University of Brescia. The author with the highest publication output is Giacomo Koch. The journal with the most publications is the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. The 10 most frequently occurring keywords are Alzheimer’s disease, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, memory, double-blind, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, noninvasive brain stimulation, cognitive impairment, and plasticity. Text mining has revealed that the anatomical structure “brain” and the gene “Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)” are significantly related to both AD and TMS, suggesting that TMS may offer a therapeutic avenue for AD by modulating the activity of APP.

Conclusion

Our article employs bibliometric methods to unveil trends in research related to AD and TMS, including collaborations among countries, regions, and authors, as well as key research hotspots. We provide objective data that serves as a reference for scientific research and clinical work concerning AD and TMS.
Hippocampal subfield volume differences between female-to-male transgender individuals with cross-sex hormone therapy and cisgender women
Authors: Kim Gwang-Won , Lee Mina , Lee Hyun-Suk , Park Kwangsung , Jeong Gwang-Woo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The prevalence of female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals has risen recently, yet the effects of cross-sex hormone therapy on volumetric differences in the hippocampal subfields remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the differences of gray matter (GM) volume, especially focusing on the hippocampal subfields, in FtM transgender individuals and premenopausal cisgender women.

Methods

Seventeen FtM transgender individuals who had undergone hysterectomies and were receiving testosterone therapy before participating in this study, along with 20 premenopausal women, underwent a single session of T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

FtM transgender group had significantly higher free-testosterone (free-T) levels and lower estradiol levels compared with premenopausal women group (p < 0.001). In voxel-wise analysis, FtM transgender individuals showed significantly larger GM volumes in the caudate nucleus, hypothalamus, and thalamus compared with premenopausal women (p < 0.01, FWE-corrected). More specifically, the right hippocampal subiculum volume was larger in FtM transgender individuals (p < 0.05, Bonferroni-corrected), and these volumes were positively correlated with the free-T levels (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). This study revealed the specific hippocampal subfield volume differences in the testosterone-treated FtM transgender group when compared to cisgender premenopausal women group.

Discussion

These findings might help elucidate the morphological variation of the specific cerebral regions associated with testosterone therapy in FtM transgender individuals and contribute to our understanding of the effects of gender-affirming hormone treatments as well.
Compact and low-power wireless headstage for electrocorticography recording of freely moving primates in a home cage
Authors: Kaiju Taro , Inoue Masato , Hirata Masayuki , Suzuki Takafumi
Published: February 2025

Objective

Wireless electrocorticography (ECoG) recording from unrestrained nonhuman primates during behavioral tasks is a potent method for investigating higher-order brain functions over extended periods. However, conventional wireless neural recording devices have not been optimized for ECoG recording, and few devices have been tested on freely moving primates engaged in behavioral tasks within their home cages.

Methods

We developed a compact, low-power, 32-channel wireless ECoG headstage specifically designed for neuroscience research. To evaluate its efficacy, we established a behavioral task setup within a home cage environment.

Results

The developed headstage weighed merely 1.8 g and had compact dimensions of 25 mm × 16 mm × 4 mm. It was efficiently powered by a 100-mAh battery (weighing 3 g), enabling continuous recording for 8.5 h. The device successfully recorded data from an unrestrained monkey performing a center-out joystick task within its home cage.

Conclusion

The device demonstrated excellent capability for recording ECoG data from freely moving primates in a home cage environment. This versatile device enhances task design freedom, decrease researchers’ workload, and enhances data collection efficiency.
Decoding tinnitus progression: neurochemical shifts in the anterior cingulate cortex revealed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Gong Mengfang , Han Shuting , Shen Yongcong , Li Yonggang , Liu Ji-Sheng , Tao Duo-Duo
Published: February 2025

Background

Tinnitus persists as a significant public health challenge with elusive neurochemical underpinnings. Emerging evidence implicates dysregulated excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmission in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a limbic-auditory hub governing tinnitus salience. This study investigates dynamic ACC neurochemical changes during tinnitus progression.

Methods

Using single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), GABA+/creatine (Cr) and Glx (glutamate+glutamine)/Cr ratios were measured in the ACC of 16 recent-onset (RO; <6 months), 22 chronic (CH; ≥6 months) tinnitus patients, and 26 healthy controls (HC). Tinnitus severity was assessed via tinnitometry and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI).

Results

RO patients exhibited significantly reduced ACC GABA+/Cr compared to CH and HC groups (p < 0.05), while CH and HC showed no differences. GABA+/Cr positively correlated with tinnitus duration across patients (r = 0.364, p = 0.025). Although Glx/Cr did not differ between groups, elevated Glx/Cr associated with higher tinnitus pitch-matching frequencies (r = 0.421, p = 0.008) and emotional distress (TFI-E; r = 0.370, p = 0.022), though these findings did not survive multiple comparison correction.

Conclusion

Early tinnitus is characterized by ACC GABAergic deficits, while chronicity features normalized GABA+/Cr levels—suggesting compensatory neuroplastic restoration of inhibition over time. Glutamatergic activity may modulate perceptual and emotional dimensions of tinnitus. These phase-specific ACC neurochemical shifts highlight potential therapeutic targets for arresting tinnitus progression. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate temporal dynamics.