bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and neurofibromatosis type 1: assessing causation versus coincidence. Case report
Authors: Aguilar-Soto Mercedes , Zuarth-Vázquez Julia M. , Leyva-Figueroa Laura , Zarco-Ávila Karla , Gamboa-Domínguez Armando , Eguiluz-Melendez Aldo , Hernández-Ramírez Laura C.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at risk for developing various neoplasms. Since the early twentieth century, multiple cases of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) occurring in this context have been published. Yet, the role of NF1 (17q11.2) loss-of-function (LOF) variants in pituitary tumorigenesis remains unclear.

Aim

We report the clinical and molecular characterization of a case of PitNET diagnosed in a patient with NF1. We also review the available data for and against a causal association between NF1 defects and pituitary tumors.

Methods

Our patient was recruited via an ongoing prospective study of individuals with neuroendocrine neoplasms. Genetic testing was carried out by means of targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing in blood and tumor DNA, respectively. NF1 expression was analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in blood and tumor cDNA. Similar cases were searched in the literature.

Results

A 54-year-old-man was incidentally diagnosed with a clinically non-functioning PitNET via brain imaging. He had a personal and family history of NF1 and carried the germline pathogenic variant NF1 (NM_001042492.3): c.147C>A, p.Y49*. Via transsphenoidal surgery, a 16 mm lesion was resected, showing strong granular cytoplasmic immunoreactivity with patchy distribution for NF1 and preserved heterozygosity for the NF1 defect. Additional NGS ruled out germline defects in PitNET-associated genes. By qPCR, NF1 was significantly overexpressed in the tumor when compared with another NF-PitNET, but not when compared with a corticotropinoma. We reviewed twenty-three case reports of PitNETs occurring in patients with either clinical NF1 without genetic study, individuals with NF1 germline variants with or without clinical NF1 or associated with somatic NF1 defects. Predominance of GH-secreting and large PitNETs, with young-onset in around half of the cases, were noticed. Two individuals developed multiple endocrine neoplasia-like phenotypes but tested negative for other relevant genetic defects.

Conclusions

Although the association of NF1 and PitNETs could be coincidental, the clinical characteristics of the reviewed cases differ from those of typical incidentalomas. NF1 could drive pituitary tumorigenesis via haploinsufficiency, but this hypothesis requires further research. Additional clinical and molecular data from large cohorts of affected individuals should help clarify this question.
Interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis is associated with the development of osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Haoling , Zhao Rui , Wang Xuemei , Qi Yaqian , Sandai Doblin , Wang Wei , Song Zhijing , Liang Qiudong
Published: February 2025

Mitochondria maintain bacterial traits because of their endosymbiotic origins, yet the host cell recognizes them as non-threatening since the organelles are compartmentalized. Nevertheless, the controlled release of mitochondrial components into the cytoplasm can initiate cell death, activate innate immunity, and provoke inflammation. This selective interruption of endosymbiosis as early as 2 billion years ago allowed mitochondria to become intracellular signaling hubs. Recent studies have found that the interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis may be closely related to the occurrence of various diseases, especially osteoporosis (OP). OP is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, impaired bone microstructure, elevated bone fragility, and susceptibility to fracture. The interruption of intra-mitochondrial symbiosis affects the energy metabolism of bone cells, leads to the imbalance of bone formation and bone absorption, and promotes the occurrence of osteoporosis. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanism of mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption in OP, discussed the relationship between mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the inheritance and adaptation in the evolutionary process, and prospected the future research direction to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
Unveiling the novel role of circadian rhythms in sepsis and septic shock: unexplored implications for chronotherapy
Authors: Ramsay Stewart D. , Nenke Marni A. , Meyer Emily J. , Torpy David J. , Young Richard L.
Published: February 2025

Circadian rhythms are critical to coordinating body processes to external environmental cues, such as light and feeding, to ensure efficiency and maintain optimal health. These rhythms are controlled by ‘clock’ transcription factors, such as Clock, Bmal1, Per1/2, Cry1/2, and Rev-erbs, which are present in almost every tissue. In modern society, disruptions to normal circadian rhythms are increasingly prevalent due to extended lighting, shift work, and long-distance travel. These disruptions misalign external cues to body processes and contribute to diseases such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They also exacerbate pre-existing health issues, such as depression and inflammatory bowel disease. The normal inflammatory response to acute infection displays remarkable circadian rhythmicity in humans with increased inflammatory activity during the normal night or rest period. Severe bloodborne infections, exemplified in sepsis and the progression to septic shock, can not only disrupt the circadian rhythmicity of inflammatory processes but can be exacerbated by circadian misalignment. Examples of circadian disruptions during sepsis and septic shock include alteration or loss of hormonal rhythms controlling blood pressure and inflammation, white blood cell counts, and cytokine secretions. These changes to circadian rhythms hinder sepsis and septic shock recovery and also increase mortality. Chronotherapy and chronopharmacotherapy are promising approaches to resynchronise circadian rhythms or leverage circadian rhythms to optimise medication efficacy, respectively, and hold much potential in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock. Despite knowledge of how circadian rhythms change in these grave conditions, very little research has been undertaken on the use of these therapies in support of sepsis management. This review details the circadian disruptions associated with sepsis and septic shock, the influence they have on morbidity and mortality, and the potential clinical benefits of circadian-modulating therapies.
A U-shaped non-linear association between serum uric acid levels and the risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yan Manli , Shi Wenhua , Gong Ping , Xie Yunsi , Zhang Kaiyuan , Li Xiang , Wei Hua
Published: February 2025

Objective

Previous studies have found that the relationship between metabolic indicators and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in non-diabetic adults remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between metabolic indicators and HT, providing new theoretical insights for the clinical management of HT.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 2,015 non-diabetic adults at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. The relationship between metabolic indicators and HT was analyzed using SPSS 26.0, R (version 4.2.1), and Zstats.

Results

Among the 2,015 non-diabetic adult participants included in the study, 1,877 were in the non-HT group, while 138 were in the HT group. Significant differences were observed in metabolic indicators, including serum uric acid (SUA), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), between the two groups, with statistical significance. A binary logistic regression model was established, revealing that SCr had a significant impact in both univariate and multivariate analyses. To further investigate the relationship between metabolic indicators and HT, we conducted a restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. The results demonstrated a clear non-linear relationship between SUA and HT, both before and after adjustment (All P < 0.01). Therefore, based on the inflection points derived from the RCS analysis, a segmented logistic regression analysis was performed. The findings indicated a significant association between both low and high levels of SUA and HT (Lower OR: 2.043; 95% CI: 1.405-3.019; P < 0.001; Higher OR: 2.369; 95% CI: 0.998-4.999; P = 0.034).

Conclusion

This study is the first to reveal a U-shaped association between SUA levels and the risk of HT, suggesting that maintaining SUA levels within the range of 359.0-540.0 μmol/L may help reduce the risk of HT occurrence. This finding provides a new perspective for early intervention and long-term management of HT, particularly in terms of SUA regulation in HT patients, which holds potential clinical value.
The impact of uric acid on musculoskeletal diseases: clinical associations and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jing , Sun Na , Zhang Wanhao , Yue Wenjie , Qu Xiaochen , Li Zhonghai , Xu Gang
Published: February 2025

Serum urate (SU) levels are significantly elevated in conditions such as gout, type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and other metabolic syndromes. Recently, due to the high prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), numerous clinical connections between SU and musculoskeletal disorders like sarcopenia, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), and osteoporosis (OP) have been identified. This review discusses the mechanisms linking SU to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the clinical associations of SU with conditions such as sarcopenia, T2D with sarcopenia, McArdle disease, heart failure, gout, OA, IDD, OP and exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EIAKI), offering valuable insights for improved prevention and treatment strategies. Mechanisms linking SU to musculoskeletal disorders include oxidative stress, MSU (monosodium urate) crystal deposition, inflammation, and other factors. In adults, both age and SU levels should be considered for preventing sarcopenia, while gender and SU may directly impact muscle mass in children and adolescents. HUA and gout may be risk factors for OA progression, although some reports suggest otherwise. A U-shaped relationship between SU and IDD has been reported, particularly in Chinese men, indicating lower or higher SU level may be risk factors for IDD. Maintaining SU levels within a certain range may help prevent OP and fractures. Future research, including epidemiological studies and new pathogenesis findings, will further clarify the relationship between musculoskeletal diseases and SU.
COVID-19 in discharged patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease: one-year follow-up and evaluation
Authors: Ran Enrong , Zou Yutong , Zhao Chuanyi , Liu Kai , Yuan Jiamin , Yang Wenjie , Zhao Lijun , Yang Qing , Yang Jia , Ju Xuegui , Cai Linli , Lang Yanlin , Li Xingyuan , Liu Ke , Liu Fang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the all-cause mortality rate and renal outcomes in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) following hospital discharge for COVID-19.

Methods

This single-center prospective observational study included 187 discharged COVID-19 patients with diabetes and CKD, admitted between December 2022 and January 2023 at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Cox regression analysis was used to assess mortality risk, and logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors for rapid CKD progression after discharge.

Results

During the one-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality rate was 26.7%, with a COVID-19-related acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence of 35.3%, and 35.8% of patients experienced rapid CKD progression after discharge. Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that sepsis and mechanical ventilation were major risk factors for post-discharge all-cause mortality. Logistic regression identified baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² as an independent risk factor for rapid CKD progression.

Conclusions

During the one-year follow-up period, we observed that patients with diabetes and CKD exhibited higher all-cause mortality and experienced rapid deterioration of kidney function after acute infection with COVID-19. This underscores the importance of ongoing longitudinal follow-up to more accurately track the long-term health effects of COVID-19 on patients with diabetes and CKD.
Dynamics of ecosystem service values in the Tarim River Basin
Authors: Sun Mengxin , Shen Xin , Xu Hailiang , Shajiang·Aili Ai
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Understanding spatial and temporal variations in ecosystem service values (ESV) and their driving factors is essential for effective management and decision-making. This study focuses on the Tarim River Basin, specifically the Aksu, Yarkant, Hotan, and Kaidu Peacock Rivers, and the mainstream Tarim River, which flow through key administrative regions.

Methods

We analyzed multi-temporal land use and land cover (LULC) data from 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, applying the comparable coefficient method to assess ESV changes and their spatial distribution. Geospatial analysis was used to identify the key drivers of ESV and their interactions.

Results

(1) The land use pattern in the study area has remained stable, with fluctuations driven by government policies and climate change. Farmland expanded by over 10% from 2000 to 2015, but its growth slowed between 2015 and 2020 due to the “Grain for Green” policy. Built-up areas grew significantly between 2005 and 2010 but declined afterward due to stricter urban planning. Glaciers have reduced in area, though their meltwater contributed to the increase in water bodies and wetlands. (2) ESV increased by 99.34 billion, with grasslands and water bodies contributing 60% and 10%, respectively. ESV peaked in 2015 due to wetland and water body expansion, but declined as wetlands shrank and glaciers retreated. (3) Key natural drivers of ESV include vegetation health (NDVI), proximity to water bodies, and precipitation, while socioeconomic factors like GDP have grown in influence. Interactions between climate and socioeconomic development complicate the dynamics of land use and ESV.

Discussion

The results indicate that while government policies and climate change significantly influence land use and ESV in the Tarim River Basin, socioeconomic factors are increasingly impactful. The complex interactions between climate and socioeconomic development have important implications for ecosystem management and decision-making. This highlights the need to consider both natural and socioeconomic drivers in land use planning and ecosystem service management.
Long-acting family planning uptake and associated factors among women in the reproductive age group in East Africa: multilevel analysis
Authors: Enyew Ermias Bekele , Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Ngusie Habtamu Setegn , Kasaye Mulugeta Desalegn , Kebede Shimels Derso , Feyisa Mahider Shimelis
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The campaign to encourage sexually active women to utilize family planning is one of the primary initiatives being undertaken globally to reduce unintended pregnancies and fertility rates. Evidence suggests that family planning measures can lower this maternal mortality ratio by nearly 25%. According to our literature search, there is no known study that has reported on the study area to assess utilization and factors associated with the use of long-acting contraceptive methods (LACMs) among women of reproductive age. Therefore, this study aimed to assess long-acting contraceptive method uptake and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in East Africa.

Methods

A weighted total of 50,525 women of reproductive age were included in this study. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys in 12 East African countries. The pooled prevalence of long-acting contraceptive uptake with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported and presented in a forest plot for East African countries using STATA version 14.1. Intraclass correlation coefficient, likelihood ratio (LR) test, median odds ratio, and deviance (−2 log-likelihood) values were used for model comparison and fitness. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% CI and p-value ≤0.05 in the multilevel logistic model were used to declare significant factors associated with long-acting contraceptive uptake.

Results

The overall prevalence of long-acting contraceptive methods in East African countries was 19.41% (95% CI 19.07%–19.76%). In the multilevel logistic regression analysis, women in the age group of 35–49 years (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.17), women who were married (AOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10–1.56), and women who were exposed to media (AOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13) were significantly associated with LACM uptake. Moreover, living in urban areas (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14–1.32) and living in the highest household wealth index (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.17) were also significantly associated with long-acting contraceptive uptake.

Conclusion

The overall utilization of acting contraceptive methods was low. Therefore, future interventions should be planned to target women in younger age groups, with lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those living in rural areas to improve LACM uptake.
Transcriptome signature in the blood of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder under steroid tapering
Authors: Yamamura Ryohei , Kinoshita Makoto , Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Yata Tomohiro , Kihara Keigo , Motooka Daisuke , Shiraishi Naoyuki , Sugiyama Yasuko , Beppu Shohei , Murata Hisashi , Koizumi Naoshi , Sano Itsuki , Koda Toru , Okuno Tatsusada , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: February 2025

Background

The advent of biologics has significantly transformed treatment strategies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, there are no biomarkers that predict relapses associated with steroid tapering; therefore, it is critical to identify potential indicators of disease activity. In this study, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from NMOSD patients during steroid tapering and performed bulk RNA sequencing to analyze changes in immune dynamics caused by steroid reduction.

Methods

PBMCs were collected at 3–5 timepoints from 10 NMOSD patients at our hospital (including one relapse case), and bulk RNA sequencing was performed. All patients were positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies and had no history of biologic use.

Results

In one relapsed patient, gene groups with decreased expression at relapse were observed predominantly in monocytes, with upregulation in anti-inflammatory pathways such as IL-10, while the upregulated genes were related to interferon signaling. Moreover, after steroid tapering, in non-relapsed patients, genes with increased expression were enriched in inflammatory pathways, represented by interferon signaling, while genes with decreased expression were enriched in pathways related to IL-10 and glucocorticoid receptors. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified modules that correlated with steroid dosage, and the modules inversely correlated with steroid dosage were enriched in monocytes, with marked immune signature of interferon pathway.

Conclusion

This study identified peripheral blood transcriptome signatures that could lead to the identification of clinically relevant NMOSD disease activity biomarkers, and further highlights the pivotal role of interferon and IL-10 signaling in NMOSD.
Hardware-in-the-loop controller testing and visualization of an industrial gantry
Authors: Leao Moreira M. , Singh R. , Gomez-Badillo A. , Albakri B. , Venugopal V. , Park Y. , Cetin S.
Published: February 2025

In factory automation applications, the embedded control system components are often available as off-the-shelf products, while the mechanical components and environment in which they will work are still under development. Thus, the need arises to test control systems without the final assembly. This paper introduces a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) virtual environment for control system testing, design planning, and operator training. Controller hardware and software are configured as in the actual application, whereas electro-mechanical components are virtually constructed using Unreal Engine 5 and Matlab Simulink. Motion data from the model can be used to optimize the actuator controller, make physical design assessments, and predict possible failure scenarios such as software/hardware malfunctions. The environment is used to validate an industrial gantry robot’s control systems and structural design. The testing is successful in using real-time controller inputs to generate visual display and physical assessments of the robot’s design. Similar techniques can be applied to simulate different robot configurations using Codesys and Unreal Engine 5 or similar programs.
The prevalence and influencing factors of COVID-19 in pregnant women post-relaxation of epidemic control measures in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Wang Yingxia , Liu Yixu , Zou Kehan , Yang Min , Wu Yinglan , Xie Donghua
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women after relaxation of epidemic control measures.

Methods

This cross-sectional study employed a multistage stratified sampling method, involving six sampling sites (districts/counties) of three cities (Zhuzhou, Chenzhou, and Huaihua) in Hunan Province, China. A questionnaire-based survey collected basic maternal information, COVID-19 infection status, and pregnancy-related information of the participants. Data were extracted and double checked for accuracy. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0 software.

Results

Among the 7,761 pregnant women included in the study, 5,191 (66.9%) had a positive result of SARS-CoV-2 test or related symptoms. The majority of maternal infections were mild (90.0%), and a very small fraction were severe and critical (0.4% and 0.1 %). Headache and body aches (65.3%) were the most common symptoms. Of the 5,191 pregnant women with COVID-19, 4,150 (79.9%) had no complications during pregnancy. A total of 2,711 (52.2%) infected women had deliveries, and 449 (16.6%) newborns had infections. The impacts of COVID-19 on adverse pregnancy outcomes were limited. Logistic multivariable regression analysis showed that pregnant women with an education level of junior college and above (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.64), those with a monthly household income ≥ 3,000 yuan and above (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.34), those who lived with their family during family member infection (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.66), and those with pulmonary (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.85) or other (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.65) underlying diseases were more likely to have COVID-19. A farmer/worker occupation type (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.79) was a protective factor.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of COVID-19 in pregnant women following relaxation of control measures has been observed at provincial scale in China. Most cases were mild, and few effects on newborns were observed. Higher education and income, living with infected family members, and having pulmonary disease were identified as risk factors, suggesting that mobility is the most critical factor influencing infection rates. This study provides useful references for epidemic prevention and control in the future.
Comparative efficacy of sleep positional therapy, oral appliance therapy, and CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis of mean changes in key outcomes
Authors: Gao Yunjun , Zhu Sixiang , Li Wenjun , Lai Youqing
Published: February 2025

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), though many patients struggle with adherence. Sleep positional therapy (SPT) offers a potential alternative, especially for positional OSA (POSA). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of SPT with CPAP, oral appliance therapy (OAT), and placebo.

Methods

Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1,231 participants were included. Data extraction focused on changes in key outcomes such as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), total sleep time (TST), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and sleep architecture from pre- to post-intervention. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to compare mean changes between SPT and control groups (placebo, OAT, CPAP), with sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity.

Results

Sleep positional therapy (SPT) showed a significant reduction in AHI in the supine position compared to placebo (MD = −7.46, 95% CI: −11.42, −3.49), although no difference was observed in overall AHI between SPT and placebo or OAT. Compared to CPAP, SPT was less effective in reducing AHI, with a trend toward greater reductions in AHI favoring CPAP. SPT demonstrated a significant improvement in arousal index compared to OAT (MD = −7.11, 95% CI: −10.52, −3.71) and a lower risk of device-related complications compared to both OAT (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.95) and CPAP (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.72). However, SPT did not lead to significant improvements in TST or oxygen saturation parameters across comparisons.

Conclusion

Sleep positional therapy (SPT) is a safe alternative for managing positional OSA, particularly for patients intolerant to CPAP, though it remains less effective than CPAP in reducing overall AHI and improving oxygenation.
Both light and soil moisture affect the rhizosphere microecology in two oak species
Authors: Lian Jinshuo , Cai Keke , Yin Aijing , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Xinna , Xu Chengyang
Published: February 2025

Understanding the mechanisms by which seedlings respond to light and water regulation, as well as studying the response of rhizosphere microecology to drought stress, are crucial for forest ecosystem management and ecological restoration. To elucidate the response of the rhizosphere microecology of Quercus dentata and Quercus variabilis seedlings to water and light conditions, and to clarify how plants modulate the structure and function of rhizosphere microbial communities under drought stress, we conducted 12 water-light gradient control experiments. These experiments aimed to offer scientific theoretical support for the dynamic changes in rhizosphere soil enzyme activities and microbial community compositions of these two oak species under varying light and moisture conditions, and subsequently assist in the future breeding and cultivation efforts. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The activities of cellulase, urease, and chitinase in the rhizosphere soil of Q. dentata and Q. variabilis were significantly influenced by water and light treatments (p < 0.05). Urease was particularly sensitive to light, while sucrase exhibited sensitivity to light in Q. dentata and no significant difference in Q. variabilis. (2) Compared to Q. dentata, the rhizosphere bacteria of Q. variabilis demonstrated greater adaptability to drought conditions. Significant differences were observed in the composition of microorganisms and types of fungi in the rhizosphere soil of the two Quercus seedlings. The fungal community is significantly influenced by light and moisture, and appropriate shading treatment can increase the species diversity of fungi; (3) Under different water and light treatments, the rhizosphere soil microbial composition and dominant species differed significantly between the two Quercus seedlings. For instance, Streptomyces, Mesorhizobium, and Paecilomyces exhibited significant variations under different treatment conditions. Specifically, under L3W0 (25% light, 75–85% moisture) conditions, Hyphomonadaceae and SWB02 dominated in the Q. dentata rhizosphere, whereas Burkholderiales and Nitrosomonadaceae were prevalent in the Q. variabilis rhizosphere. Overall, the rhizosphere microecology of Q. dentata and Q. variabilis exhibited markedly distinct responses to varying light and water regimen conditions. Under identical conditions, however, the enzyme activity and microbial community composition in the rhizosphere soil of these two oak seedlings were found to be similar.
Cultivating crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) significantly enhances the quantity and diversity of soil microorganisms: evidence from the comparison of rice-wheat and rice-crayfish rotation models
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Dan , Li Xuguang , Li Jiajia , Xu Yu , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: February 2025

Integrated farming of rice (IFA), as a time-honored agricultural model, can effectively increase agricultural productivity and provide ecological benefits. Rice-wheat rotation and rice-crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) rotation are two most widely applied IFA patterns in China. In this study, we compared the differences in soil microbial communities and predicted their functions in these two IFA models by sequencing the 16s rRNA and analyzing the bioinformation. The results showed that crayfish farming effectively increased the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms. The main differentially abundant phyla between the two groups were Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Desulfobacterota, while the main differentially abundant genera were Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17, Sphingomonas, and Thiobacillus. The Similarity Percentages (SIMPER) analysis indicated that these species also had the highest contribution to the differences in microbial composition between the two groups. Random forest prediction analysis was employed to identify potential biomarkers to distinguish the two microbial communities. Actinobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, and Spirochaetota were identified as potential biomarker phyla. Streptomyces, Kribbella, and Paludibacter could serve as potential biomarker genera. Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) analysis revealed that the dominant bacterial functions in the rice-wheat rotation model were aerobic chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy. In contrast, the bacterial functions in the rice-crayfish rotation model were more diverse, primarily including methylotrophy, human pathogens all and methanotrophy. The results of co-occurrence network analysis showed that crayfish farming enhanced the modularity of the soil microbial community, and revealed that the microbial network in rice-wheat soil had fewer nodes and more edges, which implying more internal connections. In conclusion, the wheat planting and crayfish farming drove significant differences in the soil microbial communities of paddy fields, with Actinobacteriota and Desulfobacterota identified as potential biomarkers. Compared to wheat cultivation, the rotation system incorporating crayfish farming enhanced the richness and diversity of soil microbial species and functions, increased the modularity of the microbial community, and promoted the presence of keystone species with connecting roles. Our study would not only clarify the effects of different IFA models on soil microbial communities, and should also provide valuable insights for future adjusting cropping patterns and controlling current soil microbial ecological problems.
Rapid detection of FAdV-4 by one-tube RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Xueping , Zhang Mingliang , Zhu Mengjie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is a highly contagious viral pathogen of global significance that affects various avian species. It primarily infects poultry and wild birds, leading to avian inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS). The development of rapid diagnostic tools for detecting FAdV-4 is crucial for effective disease control and eradication efforts.

Methods

In this study, we developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with CRISPR/Cas12a assay, specifically targeting the FAdV-4 Hexon gene. RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a reagents were added to the bottom and lid of the test tube at once, allowing the detection process to occur within a single reaction tube. This approach reduced contamination.

Results

The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection method can identify as few as 10 copies of the genome per reaction, demonstrating 100% sensitivity comparable to that of fluorescence PCR (qPCR). This approach exhibits high specificity for FAdV-4, with no cross-reactivity observed with other FAdV serotypes or common avian pathogens. Additionally, the agreement rate between the results of RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a and qPCR for detecting clinical samples is as high as 97.5%.

Discussion

Therefore, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay presents a promising alternative for the simple, sensitive, and specific identification of FAdV-4.
Synergistic effects of mutation and glycosylation on disease progression
Authors: Suzuki Shodai , Itoh Motoyuki
Published: February 2025

Glycosylation, a post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in proper localization and function of proteins. It is regulated by multiple glycosyltransferases and can be influenced by various factors. Inherited missense mutations in glycosylated proteins such as NOTCH3, Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and Amyloid precursor protein (APP) could affect their glycosylation states, leading to cerebral small vessel disease, hypercholesterolemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Additionally, physiological states and aging-related conditions can affect the expression levels of glycosyltransferases. However, the interplay between mutations in glycosylated proteins and changes in their glycosylation levels remains poorly understood. This mini-review summarizes the effects of glycosylation on transmembrane proteins with pathogenic mutations, including NOTCH3, LDLR, and APP. We highlight the synergistic contributions of missense amino acids in the mutant proteins and alterations in their glycosylation states to their molecular pathogenesis.
Nomogram for predicting mild cognitive impairment in Chinese elder CSVD patients based on Boruta algorithm
Authors: Huang Yanzi , Huang Wendie , Ma Xiaoming , Zhao Guoyin , Kang Jingwen , Li Huajie , Li Jingwei , Sheng Shiying , Qian Fengjuan
Published: February 2025

Background

The number of patients with cerebral small vessel disease is increasing, especially among the elderly population. With the continuous improvement of detection techniques, the positivity rate keeps increasing. Our goal is to develop a nomogram for early identification of PSCI and PSCID in stroke patients.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort, chained data imputation was performed to ensure no statistical differences from the original dataset. Subsequently, Boruta algorithm was utilized for variable selection based on their importance, followed by logistic regression employing backward stepwise regression. Finally, the regression results were visualized as a Nomogram.

Results

The nomogram chart in this study achieves clinical utility in a concise and user-friendly manner, passing the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. ROC and calibration curves indicate its high discriminative ability.

Conclusion

While CSVD is prevalent among middle-aged and older individuals, cognitive decline trajectories differ. Endocrine metabolic indicators like IGF-1 offer early predictive value. This study has produced a succinct nomogram integrating demographic and clinical indicators for medical application.
Stable improvement in hand muscle strength in incomplete spinal cord injury patients by long-term paired associative stimulation—a case series study
Authors: Holopainen Kirsi , Tolmacheva Aleksandra , Bersch Ines , Haakana Piia , Pohjonen Markus , Kirveskari Erika , Arokoski Jari , Shulga Anastasia
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) consists of high-intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation and high-frequency electric stimulation of the peripheral nerve (high-PAS) and can induce plastic changes in spared corticospinal connections in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to the restoration of motor function. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of high-PAS on hand function and muscle strength.

Materials and methods

High-PAS was applied to four patients with chronic, incomplete, cervical-level SCI multiple times a week for as long as hand muscle strength improved. The median, ulnar, and radial nerves of one hand chosen by the patient were stimulated. Patients underwent Medical Research Council (MRC) manual muscle testing monthly during the stimulation period and were followed for 12 months after the stimulation.

Results

Strength increased in both the stimulated and non-stimulated hands. In muscles innervated by stimulated nerves, strength increased on average by 24.5% from pre- to post-conditions (p = 0.013). The achieved strength level was maintained for a minimum of 6 months after completing the stimulations. Patients were also evaluated with motor point (MP) integrity testing to estimate the extent of lower motor neuron damage. High MP integrity testing scores (low extent of damage) correlated positively with good MRC outcomes of the stimulated hand after high-PAS (r = 0.52, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

High-PAS may improve muscle strength of both the stimulated and contralateral sides. Stable results were achieved when stimulation was delivered as long as MRC score improved progressively. The optimal duration of high-PAS treatment remains unknown.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03045744.
Clinical and biochemical characteristics for patients with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes syndrome: a pilot observational study
Authors: Li Pei , Zhang Ye , Luo Li-Min , Wang Wen-Qing , Li Jing , Cheng Yan , Dang Xiao , Chen Yang , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2025

Background

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is rare life-threatening condition associated with a clonal plasma cell neoplasm.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and biochemical features in patients with POEMS syndrome before and post-therapy.

Methods

Characteristics of demographic information, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations, laboratory indicators, and imaging examination were retrospectively collected when diagnosed and post-therapy in the patients POEMS syndrome between 2018 and 2024.

Results

Nineteen newly-diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients with POEMS syndrome were enrolled. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was re-analyzed and matched the diagnostic criteria updated in 2023. All patients presented the symptoms of polyneuropathy and positive for M-protein. Most patients suffered with hyperpigmentation (n = 18), organomegaly (n = 18), elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (n = 17), extravascular volume overload (n = 15), sclerotic bone lesions (n = 11), and hypothyroidism (n = 10). Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin levels were down-regulated, while uric acid level was up-regulated in patients with POEMS syndrome. Reduced triiodothyronine, thyroxine, free triiodothyronine levels were negatively correlated with urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels in patients with POEMS syndrome. VEGF level, which was negatively correlated with Ca2+ level (r = −0.56), was reduced in most patients with POEMS syndrome receiving bortezomib/ixazomib and lenalidomide/thalidomide therapy. Aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels were increased, while creatinine and uric acid levels were reduced post-therapy in patients with POEMS syndrome.

Conclusion

Patients with POEMS syndrome had impaired liver and renal function, and effective therapy might partly repair the liver and renal dysfunction.
Dynamic functional connectivity patterns predict early antidepressant treatment response in drug-naïve, first-episode adolescent MDD
Authors: Ran Maojia , Zhang Hang , Jin Meijiang , Tao Yuanmei , Xu Hanmei , Zou Shoukang , Wang Zhujun , Deng Fang , Huang Lijuan , Zhang Hong , Tang Xiaowei , Wang Yanping , Fu Xia , Yin Li
Published: February 2025

Objective

Adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit abnormal dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) patterns, but it remains unclear whether these aberrant dFC patterns are linked to antidepressant treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether dFC patterns will be changed by antidepressant treatment, as well as whether baseline dFC pattern could predict treatment response in adolescent MDD patients.

Method

We included 35 drug-naïve, first-episode MDD adolescents (age 14.40 ± 1.24; 8 males and 27 females) and 24 healthy controls (HCs, age 14.21 ± 1.41; 11 males and 13 females). All MDD adolescents received 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Resting state and T1 MRI data were collected in MDD adolescents before and after treatment and in HCs. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to compare the different dFC pattern between MDD adolescents and HCs at baseline, as well as which between before and after treatment in MDD adolescents. Finally, Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the associations between dFC pattern and changed score of BDI in MDD adolescents.

Results

The mean dFC value between right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and bilateral insular cortex (IC; right, r = −0.461, p-FDR = 0.012; left, r = −0.518, p-FDR = 0.007) at baseline were negatively correlated with BDI score reduction. The mean dFC value between left frontal pole (FP) and right superior parietal lobule (SPL) after treatment was positively correlated with BDI score reduction (r = 0.442, p-FDR = 0.014). And the mean dFC values between right IFG and bilateral IC (right, β = −1.563, p-FDR = 0.021; left, β = −1.868, p-FDR = 0.012) at baseline could predict antidepressant treatment response.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that dFC patterns between some brain areas could be a prospective factor for predicting antidepressant treatment response.
Ketamine effects on resting state functional brain connectivity in major depressive disorder patients: a hypothesis-driven analysis based on a network model of depression
Authors: Recourt Kasper , Van Gerven Joop , Drenth Nadieh , van der Grond Jeroen , Nishigori Kantaro , Van Der Wee Nic J. , Jacobs Gabriël E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Ketamine demonstrates robust and rapidly occurring antidepressant effects in patients with difficult-to-treat major depressive disorder. Ketamine’s antidepressant effects and its impact on functional networks in non-resistant forms of major depressive disorder are expected to provide valuable insight into ketamine’s mechanism of action related to depression.

Methods

This study employs an existing network model of major depressive disorder to investigate the effects of ketamine on resting state connectivity in a therapy-non-resistant major depressive disorder population. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 0.5 mg/kg racemic ketamine or 0.9%NaCl was administered intravenously in 16 MDD patients. We applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore changes in functional brain connectivity directly at 50, 80 and 165 min (acute) and 24 h (delayed) following ketamine administration. A clinician-rated 10-item scale (MADRS) was administered at 165 min and 24 h after ketamine administration. Connections-of-interest (COIs) were based on the previously published corticolimbic-insular-striatalpallidal-thalamic (CLIPST) circuitry model of major depressive disorder.

Results

Compared with placebo, ketamine significantly (p < 0.0014) reduced the mean (SD) MADRS total score from 21.2 (5.9) pre-dose to 10.3 (4.6) 24 h post-dose. At both acute (p < 0.0172) and delayed (p < 0.0488) time points, significant rs-fMRI connectivity changes occurred only in MDD-related COIs as proposed by the CLIPST model. No changes in functional connectivity were found in non-CLIPST connections.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that ketamine specifically affects depression-related circuitry. Analyzing functional connectivity based on a neurocircuitry model of a specific CNS disease and drug action may be an effective approach that could result in a more targeted analysis in future pharmaco-fMRI studies in CNS drug development.
Short-term caloric restriction or resveratrol supplementation alters large-scale brain network connectivity in male and female rats
Authors: van Rooij Judith R. A. , van den Berg Monica , Vasilkovska Tamara , Van Audekerke Johan , Kosten Lauren , Bertoglio Daniele , Adhikari Mohit H. , Verhoye Marleen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dietary interventions such as caloric restriction (CR) exert positive effects on brain health. Unfortunately, poor compliance hinders the success of this approach. A proposed alternative is resveratrol (Rsv), a CR-mimetic known to promote brain health. Direct comparison between the effects of Rsv and CR on brain health is lacking, with limited knowledge on their sex-specific effects. Therefore, we aimed to compare and unravel the sex-specific impact of these dietary interventions on spontaneous brain activity.

Methods

Here, we used resting-state fMRI to investigate functional connectivity (FC) changes in five prominent resting-state brain networks (RSNs) in healthy 4 month old male and female F344 rats supplemented to either 40% CR or daily Rsv supplementation (10 mg/kg, oral) for the duration of 1 month.

Results

Our results demonstrated a decreased body weight (BW) in CR rats, as well as an increase in body weight in male Rsv supplemented rats, compared to female Rsv supplemented rats, whereas this difference between sexes was not observed in the control or CR groups. Furthermore, we found that both CR or Rsv supplementation induce a female-specific decrease of FC between the subcortical network and hippocampal network, and between the subcortical network and lateral cortical network. Moreover, Rsv supplementation lowered FC within the hippocampal network and between the hippocampal and the default mode like network, the lateral cortical network and the sensory network—an effect not observed for the CR rats.

Discussion

Our findings reveal that both CR and Rsv induce a similar female-specific decrease of FC in RSNs associated with memory and emotion, all the while CR and Rsv induce dissimilar changes in body weight and other within- and between-RSN FC measures. Altogether, this study provides insight into the effects and comparability of short-term CR and Rsv supplementation on brain connectivity within- and between-RSNs in both male and female F344 rats, providing a FC reference for future research of dietary effects.