bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The peculiar characteristics and advancement in diagnostic methodologies of influenza A virus
Authors: Raza Muhammad Asif , Ashraf Muhammad Awais , Amjad Muhammad Nabeel , Din Ghayyas Ud , Shen Bei , Hu Yihong
Published: January 2025

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a significant public health concern, causing seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics. These outbreaks result from changes in the virus’s surface proteins which include hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Influenza A virus has a vast reservoir, including wild birds, pigs, horses, domestic and marine animals. It has over 130 subtypes based on differences in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase protein. IAV affects all age groups but impacts young children more especially during the colder season. Despite the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs, IAV is still a major cause of respiratory illnesses and deaths. Surveillance of IAV is crucial to detect new strains and assess vaccine effectiveness. Detection of IAV relies on methods like hemagglutination assay, PCR, cell culturing, and immunochromatography-based tests. Precise and early detection of IAV strain is crucial for quick treatment using antiviral drugs and unraveling epidemiological patterns to curb epidemics and pandemics on time. Advancements in diagnostic methodologies have enabled us to detect the IAV at early stages by overcoming the limitations of previously used diagnostic tests, further preparing us to combat future epidemics more effectively. This review article discusses the traditional and advanced diagnosis methods for detecting IAV.
Diabetes and gut microbiome
Authors: Fliegerová Kateřina Olša , Mahayri Tiziana Maria , Sechovcová Hana , Mekadim Chahrazed , Mrázek Jakub , Jarošíková Radka , Dubský Michal , Fejfarová Vladimíra
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus represents a significant global health problem. The number of people suffering from this metabolic disease is constantly rising and although the incidence is heterogeneous depending on region, country, economic situation, lifestyle, diet and level of medical care, it is increasing worldwide, especially among youths and children, mainly due to lifestyle and environmental changes. The pathogenesis of the two most common subtypes of diabetes mellitus, type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM), is substantially different, so each form is characterized by a different causation, etiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment. Research in recent decades increasingly indicates the potential role of the gut microbiome in the initiation, development, and progression of this disease. Intestinal microbes and their fermentation products have an important impact on host metabolism, immune system, nutrient digestion and absorption, gut barrier integrity and protection against pathogens. This review summarizes the current evidence on the changes in gut microbial populations in both types of diabetes mellitus. Attention is focused on changes in the abundance of specific bacterial groups at different taxonomic levels in humans, and microbiome shift is also assessed in relation to geographic location, age, diet and antidiabetic drug. The causal relationship between gut bacteria and diabetes is still unclear, and future studies applying new methodological approaches to a broader range of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract are urgently needed. This would not only provide a better understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in this metabolic disease, but also the use of beneficial bacterial species in the form of probiotics for the treatment of diabetes.
Long-term effects of combining anaerobic digestate with other organic waste products on soil microbial communities
Authors: Mora-Salguero Daniela , Montenach Denis , Gilles Manon , Jean-Baptiste Vincent , Sadet-Bourgeteau Sophie
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Agriculture is undergoing an agroecological transition characterized by adopting new practices to reduce chemical fertilizer inputs. In this context, digestates are emerging as sustainable substitutes for mineral fertilizers. However, large-scale application of digestates in agricultural fields requires rigorous studies to evaluate their long-term effects on soil microbial communities, which are crucial for ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Material and methods

This study presents provides a comparative analysis in long-term field conditions of fertilization strategies combining annual applications of raw digestate with biennial applications of different organic waste products (OWPs)—biowaste compost (BIO), farmyard manure (FYM), and urban sewage sludge (SLU)—and compares them to combinations of the same OWPs with mineral fertilizers. The cumulative effects of repeated OWP applications, paired with two nitrogen sources—organic (digestate) and chemical (mineral fertilizer)—were assessed through soil physicochemical and microbial analyses. We hypothesized that the combined effect varied according to the N-supply sources and that this effect also depended on the type of OWP applied. Soil microbial communities were characterized using high-throughput sequencing targeting 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA genes, following DNA extraction from soil samples collected in 2022, six years after the initial digestate application.

Results

The results indicated that combining OWPs rich in stable and recalcitrant organic matter, such as BIO and FYM, with raw digestate, offers an improved fertilization practice. This approach maintains soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, increases soil phosphorus and potassium content, and stimulates microbial communities differently than nitrogen supplied via mineral fertilizers. While microbial biomass showed no significant variation across treatments, microbial diversity indices exhibited differences based on the type of OWP and nitrogen source. The fertilization strategies moderately influenced prokaryotic and fungal community structures, with distinct patterns depending on the OWP and nitrogen source. Notably, fungal communities responded more strongly to treatment variations than prokaryotic communities.

Discussion

This study provides new insights into the cumulative effects of substituting mineral fertilizers with digestates on soil microbial communities and soil physicochemical parameters. The sustainable development of agroecosystems significantly depends on a better understanding of the complex responses of soil microbial communities to different fertilization regimes. Future research should continue to assess the long-term impact of digestate application on soil microbiota in real agronomic field conditions, considering associated agricultural practices.
Epidemiology and outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in patients with hematological malignancies from 2014 to 2022
Authors: Li Meng , Ye Liyan , Yu Zhenghao , Yao Hongwu , Liu Yunxi , Wang Guanglei , Du Mingmei
Published: January 2025

Background

We aimed to describe the epidemiology, cross-transmission, interventions, and outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in the hematological malignancies (HM) department of a hospital in China.

Methods

This prospective study was divided into three stages from 2014 to 2022: Period 1 (from 1 January 2014 to 4 March 2021), Period 2 (from 5 March 2021 to 31 December 2021), and Period 3 (from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022), with different measures implemented at each stage to evaluate the rate of new infections. The risk factors, epidemiological characteristics, data from all patients with CRKP, NGS gene sequencing molecular epidemiology analysis, and cross-transmission were described.

Results

A total of 217 patients with K. pneumoniae isolates, including 38 (17.5%) patients with CRKP isolates, were confirmed in the HM department. The total rate of CRKP in KP isolates was 17.5%. The predominant clone in the HM department was ST11 CRKP producing the KPC-2 enzyme (21, 70.0%). A total of 23 cases of HM department-acquired CRKP infections were identified, and five hospital cross-transmission events were observed. Four instances of CRKP dissemination were primarily related to clone ST11. Only one outbreak occurred at the end of Period 1, involving four cases of CRKP healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). After the implementation of outbreak intervention bundles at the end of Period 2, no cross-transmission occurred. The rate of CRKP in KP isolates decreased to 12.9% (only four CRKP isolates) in Period 3, down from a peak of 46.7% in Period 2 (including 14 CRKP isolates). Only one new carrier (0.9%) was identified during the two cross-sectional active screenings of the rectal swab. The 28-day mortality rate was 38.7% (12/31) in CRKP-infected patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CRKP in the HM department was relatively low in the studied hospital. We found that interventions, including single-room isolation, enhanced disinfection, and skin decolonization, played a pivotal role in controlling the spread of HM-acquired CRKP infections.
A new method for testing non-porous surfaces for their antimicrobial efficacy using an aerosol-generating spray chamber
Authors: Poelzl Sabine , Dreisiebner Daniela , Zarschenas Eva , Nokhbehzaeim Rozita , Kittinger Clemens
Published: January 2025

The application of antimicrobial surfaces requires proof of their effectivity by in vitro methods in laboratories. One of the most common test methods is ISO 22196:2011, which represents a simple and inexpensive protocol by applying the bacterial suspension with known volume and concentration covered under a polyethylene film on the surfaces. The incubation is then conducted under defined humidity conditions for 24 h. Another approach for testing non-porous surfaces is the newly published ISO 7581:2023. With this protocol, a “dry test” is achieved by spreading and drying 1 μL of a bacterial suspension on the surfaces. A comprehensive evaluation of both standard protocols was conducted. This showed that they have some limitations and often do not include realistic test conditions that refer to the final product. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to develop a novel testing procedure that uses the spraying of a suspension inside of a chamber to generate aerosols with a precisely defined bacterial or yeast load. The samples to be analyzed are covered with small droplets that dry up within a few minutes and thus enable very reproducible contamination of the surfaces. The test series was carried out with low-alloyed carbon steel and glass without antimicrobial substances against two different Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains and one Candida albicans strain to evaluate the new method. The results provided reproducible and reliable results in the setup carried out. This test method represents a valuable alternative for the assessment of non-porous surfaces in a manner that more closely reflects real-world conditions (e.g., simulation of aerosol formation by sneezing).
Effects of fertilizer application on the bacterial community and weathering characteristics of typical purple parent rocks
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhao Jixia , Li Chunpei , Deng Limei , Cui Rongyang , Zhou Tao , Hussain Zakir , Liu Gangcai
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Rock weathering is a fundamental process that shapes Earth’s topography, soil formation, and other surface processes. However, the mechanisms underlying the influence of fertilizer application on weathering remain poorly understood, especially with respect to bacterial intervention.

Methods

In this study, purple parent rocks from Shaximiao Group (J2s) and Penglaizhen Group (J3p) were selected to investigate the effects of fertilizer application on the bacterial community and weathering characteristics of these rock by leaching experiment.

Results

The results revealed that: fertilizer application, especially when at high levels, greatly altered the abundance, diversity and composition of the bacterial community in weathered products. Through redundancy analysis, a decrease in pH and increases in available nutrients (AN and AP) resulting from fertilizer application were identified as the key factors driving changes of bacterial community composition in weathered products. Moreover, fertilizer application promotes the physical and chemical weathering of the parent rocks to some extent. This is especially true for the chemical weathering of J2s. Structural equation model indicated that fertilizer application affects weathering through multiple pathways by affecting the chemical properties (pH, C:N and AP), specific bacterial genera (IMCC26256, Ramlibacter, and Nitrosospira), and bacterial community composition of weathered products.

Discussion

Our study links weathering characteristics with chemical properties and bacterial community changes of weathered products after fertilizer application, which plays a key role in controlling and predicting dynamic changes of rock weathering in space and time. It is helpful to further understand the law of human activities affecting the surface processes.
Comparative genomics of Leptospira santarosai reveals genomic adaptations in bovine genital strains
Authors: Di Azevedo Maria Isabel Nogueira , Kremer Frederico , Ezepha Camila , Greco João Pedro Gomes , da Silva Isadora Cosenza Vieira , Bourhy Pascale , Lilenbaum Walter
Published: January 2025

Bovine genital leptospirosis (BGL) is a silent and chronic reproductive syndrome associated with reproductive failures that result in animal suffering and substantial financial losses for farmers. Important aspects of the interactions between the host and the pathogen during chronic leptospirosis have been well described in the kidney, but little is known about the genital infection mechanisms. The present study sheds light on the pathophysiology of BGL based on comparative genomic analysis of renal versus genital isolates of Leptospira santarosai genomes, an endemic species on Latin America. A significant number of genes were exclusive of the genital strains, with emphasis on genes associated with cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, mobilome: prophages and transposons, and signal transduction mechanisms. Overall, these gene clusters play crucial roles in bacterial colonization and evasion of the immune response, which can reflect leptospiral tissue tropism to the genital niche. We provide new insights into the pathophysiology of an important and neglected syndrome in bovine, helping to elucidate the evolution of adaptation of leptospires in the genital tract of cows.
Effective semi-fed-batch saccharification with high lignocellulose loading using co-culture of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermobrachium celere strain A9
Authors: Nhim Sreyneang , Baramee Sirilak , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Pason Patthra , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok , Uke Ayaka , Ceballos Ruben Michael , Kosugi Akihiko , Waeonukul Rattiya
Published: January 2025

Maximizing saccharification efficiency of lignocellulose and minimizing the production costs associated with enzyme requirements are crucial for sustainable biofuel production. This study presents a novel semi-fed-batch saccharification method that uses a co-culture of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermobrachium celere strain A9 to efficiently break down high solid-loading lignocellulosic biomass without the need for any external enzymes. This method optimizes saccharification efficiency and enhances glucose production from alkaline-treated rice straw, a representative lignocellulosic biomass. Initially, a co-culture of C. thermocellum and T. celere strain A9 was established with a treated rice straw loading of 150 g/l, supplemented with Tween 20, which enhanced enzymes stability and prevented unproductive binding to lignin, achieving a remarkable glucose concentration of up to 90.8 g/l. Subsequently, an additional 100 g/l of treated rice straw was introduced, resulting in a total glucose concentration of up to 140 g/l, representing 70.1% of the theoretical glucose yield from the 250 g/l treated rice straw load. In contrast, batch saccharification using an initial substrate concentration of 250 g/l of alkaline-treated rice straw without Tween 20 resulted in a glucose concentration of 55.5 g/l, with a theoretical glucose yield of only 27.7%. These results suggest that the semi-fed-batch saccharification method using co-cultivation of C. thermocellum and T. celere strain A9, supplemented with Tween 20 is an efficient microbial method for saccharifying high-concentration biomass. Moreover, this approach effectively manages high solids loading, optimizes efficiency, and reduces the need for external enzymes, thus lowering production costs and simplifying the process for industrial applications.
Rational engineering of Escherichia coli strain for stable and enhanced biosynthesis of pinene
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Hammad , Han Lu , Wei Yanlong , Javid Muhammad , Ashraf Kamran , Martuscelli Maria , Aldahmash Waleed , Guo Meijin , Mohsin Ali , Li Zhanxia
Published: January 2025

Monoterpene α-pinene exhibits significant potential as an alternative fuel, widely recognized for its affordability and eco-friendly nature. It demonstrates multiple biological activities and has a wide range of applications. However, the limited supply of pinene extracted from plants poses a challenge in meeting the needs of the aviation industry and other sectors. Considering this, the microbial cell factory is the only viable option for achieving sustainable pinene production. This study employed a rational design model to optimize the copy number and integration site for the heterogenous pinene expression pathway in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The integrated strain with the best pinene pathway PG1 was selected. Subsequently, the resulting strain, E. coli HSY009, accumulated 49.01 mg/L of pinene after 24 h fermentation in the flask culture. To further enhance production, pinene expression cassette PG1 was sequentially integrated into three non-essential regions (44th, 58th, 23rd), resulting in an improved pinene titer. Then, the fermentation process under optimized conditions enhanced the production of pinene to 436.68 mg/L in a 5 L batch fermenter with a mean productivity of 14.55 mg/L/h. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the maximum mean pinene productivity based on the currently available literature. The findings of this work provide valuable insights for optimizing E. coli to produce other valuable terpenoids that share the same intermediates, IPP and DMAPP. Conclusively, this research validates the model’s universality and highlights its potential for application as cutting-edge biofuel precursors.
The N17 domain of huntingtin as a multifaceted player in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Cho Hyunju
Published: January 2025

Huntington’s disease (HD) is primarily caused by the aberrant aggregation of the N-terminal exon 1 fragment of mutant huntingtin protein (mHttex1) with expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) repeats in neurons. The first 17 amino acids of the N-terminus of Httex1 (N17 domain) immediately preceding the polyQ repeat domain are evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates and play multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of HD. Due to its amphipathic helical properties, the N17 domain, both alone and when membrane-associated, promotes mHttEx1 aggregation. Diverse post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the N17 domain alter the aggregation state, thus modulating the cellular toxicity of mHttex1. Furthermore, the N17 domain serves as a nuclear export signal (NES) and mediates the cytoplasmic localization of mHttex1. This review summarizes the four main roles of the N17 domain in regulating HD pathology and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting this N17 domain to mitigate HD progression.
Age-dependent phenotypes of cognitive impairment as sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Gonzalez Aleman Gabriela , Vavougios George D. , Tartaglia Carmela , Uvais Nalakath A. , Guekht Alla , Hosseini Akram A. , Lo Re Vincenzina , Ferreccio Catterina , D'Avossa Giovanni , Zamponi Hernan P. , Figueredo Aguiar Mariana , Yecora Agustin , Ul Haq Katshu Mohammad Zia , Stavrou Vasileios T. , Boutlas Stylianos , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Botero Camila , González Insúa Francisco , Perez-Lloret Santiago , Zinchuk Mikhail , Gersamija Anna , Popova Sofya , Bryzgalova Yulia , Sviatskaya Ekaterina , Russelli Giovanna , Avorio Federica , Wang Sophia , Edison Paul , Niimi Yoshiki , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Mukaetova Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Neidre Daria , de Erausquin Gabriel A.
Published: January 2025

Cognitive changes associated with PASC may not be uniform across populations. We conducted individual-level pooled analyses and meta-analyses of cognitive assessments from eight prospective cohorts, comprising 2,105 patients and 1,432 controls from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Greece, India, Italy, Russia, and the UK. The meta-analysis found no differences by country of origin. The profile and severity of cognitive impairment varied by age, with mild attentional impairment observed in young and middle-aged adults, but memory, language, and executive function impairment in older adults. The risk of moderate to severe impairment doubled in older adults. Moderately severe or severe impairment was significantly associated with infection diagnoses (chi-square = 26.57, p ≤ 0.0001) and the severity of anosmia (chi-square = 31.81, p ≤ 0.0001). We found distinct age-related phenotypes of cognitive impairment in patients recovering from COVID-19. We identified the severity of acute illness and the presence of olfactory dysfunction as the primary predictors of dementia-like impairment in older adults.
Sex-specific ultrasound imaging biomarkers of neurodegeneration in a mouse model
Authors: Russell Mark B. , Locke Drew P. , Adams Haley M. , Pelley Alexander R. , Saghian Rojan , Maekawa Alexandre S. , Stapleton Darcie , Mercer Grace V. , Sled John G. , Cahill Lindsay S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Early detection of neurodegeneration is essential for optimizing interventions. The highly reproducible progression of neurodegeneration in the decrepit (dcr) mouse allows investigation of early biomarkers and mechanisms of brain injury.

Methods

Using high-frequency ultrasound, the common carotid arteries of female and male dcr and control mice were imaged longitudinally at time points bracketing the disease progression (50, 75, and 125 days of age) (n = 6 mice/group/sex).

Results

Over the disease time course, the female dcr mice demonstrated increased carotid artery blood flow and pulse wave velocity while the male dcr mice had a decrease in heart rate and no change in carotid artery ultrasound parameters. Early imaging biomarkers were sex-specific, with decreased carotid artery blood flow in female dcr mice and increased carotid artery diameter and decreased pulse wave velocity in males.

Discussion

Carotid artery and wave reflection ultrasound is a promising screening tool for early detection of neurodegeneration.
Spontaneous blinking and brain health in aging: Large-scale evaluation of blink-related oscillations across the lifespan
Authors: Ghosh Hajra Sujoy , Meltzer Jed A. , Keerthi Prerana , Pappas Chloe , Sekuler Allison B. ,   Cam-CAN Group, Liu Careesa Chang
Published: January 2025

Blink-related oscillations (BROs) are newly discovered neurophysiological brainwave responses associated with spontaneous blinking, and represent environmental monitoring and awareness processes as the brain evaluates new visual information appearing after eye re-opening. BRO responses have been demonstrated in healthy young adults across multiple task states and are modulated by both task and environmental factors, but little is known about this phenomenon in aging. To address this, we undertook the first large-scale evaluation of BRO responses in healthy aging using the Cambridge Centre for Aging and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) repository, which contains magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from a large sample (N = 457) of healthy adults across a broad age range (18–88) during the performance of a simple target detection task. The results showed that BRO responses were present in all age groups, and the associated effects exhibited significant age-related modulations comprising an increase in sensor-level global field power (GFP) and source-level theta and alpha spectral power within the bilateral precuneus. Additionally, the extent of cortical activations also showed an inverted-U relationship with age, consistent with neurocompensation with aging. Crucially, these age-related differences were not observed in the behavioral measures of task performance such as reaction time and accuracy, suggesting that blink-related neural responses during the target detection task are more sensitive in capturing aging-related brain function changes compared to behavioral measures alone. Together, these results suggest that BRO responses are not only present throughout the adult lifespan, but the effects can also capture brain function changes in healthy aging—thus providing a simple yet powerful avenue for evaluating brain health in aging.
Decremental response in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during repetitive nerve stimulation and its relationships with impaired homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Jinghong , Li Yang , Shi Qiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous studies have suggested that neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation plays a critical role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) has been used as a technique to test neuromuscular transmission, but the sensitivity and stability of its parameters have not been investigated in patients with ALS. In addition, the impact of impaired homeostasis on NMJ stability in patients with ALS remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 421 patients with ALS were enrolled. Data on their clinical, biochemical and electrophysiological indicators were divided into a training set (collected from June 2019 to June 2022) and a test set (collected from July 2022 to June 2023). The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to assess the extent of variability. Stepwise regression was used in independent variable selection and model building.

Results

In patients with ALS, area decrement had a higher rate of abnormal result and a lower CV than amplitude decrement. No significant difference in the rate of abnormal decrement was found when the first compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was compared with either the fourth or fifth one. Moreover, multivariate regression analysis suggests high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had the greatest impact on decremental response, followed by serum uric acid (UA) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Females had a larger range of area decrement than males.

Conclusion

During RNS test, assessing area decrement significantly enhances our ability to detect the impairment of neuromuscular transmission in patients with ALS. Independent factors contributing to decremental response need to be considered in drug development and clinical trials targeting NMJ in patients with ALS.
Aspirin modulates inflammatory biomarkers in patients with subcortical silent brain infarcts
Authors: Sung Wonjae , Kim Young Seo , Lee Kyu-Yong , Jung Jae-A , Choi Hojin , Lee Young Joo , Koh Seong-Ho
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to identify differences in the levels of inflammation-related biomarkers between patients with subcortical silent brain infarcts (SBIs) and healthy controls. We also evaluated the effect of aspirin on the subcortical SBI inflammatory processes.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with subcortical SBIs without a history of acute stroke were included. The demographic and clinical data of the 26 subjects with subcortical SBIs, such as the number and location of subcortical SBIs, were reviewed. Plasma levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and visfatin were measured in patients with subcortical SBIs and ten healthy participants. These biomarkers were rechecked in patients with subcortical SBI 3 months after taking aspirin (100 mg/day).

Results

MIF and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with subcortical SBIs than in healthy control group (p = 0.031 and p = 0.026, respectively). Although MIF and MMP-9 did not show significant changes after taking aspirin for 3 months, the median plasma level of visfatin was significantly decreased from 1.00 ng/mL (range, 0.86–1.16 ng/mL) to 0.84 ng/mL (range, 0.77–0.91 ng/mL) (p = 0.002) after taking aspirin.

Discussion

Inflammation could be an essential factor in the pathogenesis of subcortical SBIs, and aspirin affects several inflammation-related biomarkers.
A novel approach to completely alleviate peripheral neuropathic pain in human patients: insights from preclinical data
Authors: Shehab Safa , Hamad Mohammad I. K. , Emerald Bright Starling
Published: January 2025

Neuropathic pain is a pervasive health concern worldwide, posing significant challenges to both clinicians and neuroscientists. While acute pain serves as a warning signal for potential tissue damage, neuropathic pain represents a chronic pathological condition resulting from injury or disease affecting sensory pathways of the nervous system. Neuropathic pain is characterized by long-lasting ipsilateral hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), allodynia (pain sensation in response to stimuli that are not normally painful), and spontaneous unprovoked pain. Current treatments for neuropathic pain are generally inadequate, and prevention remains elusive. In this review, we provide an overview of current treatments, their limitations, and a discussion on the potential of capsaicin and its analog, resiniferatoxin (RTX), for complete alleviation of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. In an animal model of neuropathic pain where the fifth lumbar (L5) spinal nerve is unilaterally ligated and cut, resulting in ipsilateral hyperalgesia, allodynia, and spontaneous pain akin to human neuropathic pain. The application of capsaicin or RTX to the adjacent uninjured L3 and L4 nerves completely alleviated and prevented mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia following the L5 nerve injury. The effects of this treatment were specific to unmyelinated fibers (responsible for pain sensation), while thick myelinated nerve fibers (responsible for touch and mechanoreceptor sensations) remained intact. Here, we propose to translate these promising preclinical results into effective therapeutic interventions in humans by direct application of capsaicin or RTX to adjacent uninjured nerves in patients who suffer from neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury, following surgical interventions, diabetic neuropathy, trauma, vertebral disc herniation, nerve entrapment, ischemia, postherpetic lesion, and spinal cord injury.
MoS2-based biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection: a numerical approach
Authors: Tene Talia , Tubon-Usca Gabriela , Gallegos Katherine Tixi , Mendoza Salazar María José , Vacacela Gomez Cristian
Published: January 2025

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are powerful tools for highly sensitive and specific detection of biomolecules. This study introduces a MoS₂-based SPR biosensor optimized for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The sensor integrates a multilayer configuration, including a BK7 prism, Ag film (45 nm), S₃N₄ layer (13 nm), MoS₂ monolayer (0.65 nm), and functionalized ssDNA layer (5 nm). Systematic optimization of each layer improved plasmonic coupling, propagation, and specificity, achieving a balance between sensitivity, resolution, and efficiency. The optimized biosensor was evaluated across virus concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 150 mM. The proposed biosensor demonstrated excellent performance at moderate to high concentrations, with sensitivity up to 261.33°/RIU, a quality factor of 36.16 RIU−1, and a limit of detection of 1.91 × 10−5. An optimal figure of merit of 405.50 RIU−1 was achieved at 10 mM, highlighting the sensor’s diagnostic potential. However, challenges remain at very low concentrations (0.01–0.1 mM), where angular shifts, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio were negligible.
Directional Spatial and Spectral Attention Network (DSSA Net) for EEG-based emotion recognition
Authors: Liu Jiyao , He Lang , Chen Haifeng , Jiang Dongmei
Published: January 2025

Significant strides have been made in emotion recognition from Electroencephalography (EEG) signals. However, effectively modeling the diverse spatial, spectral, and temporal features of multi-channel brain signals remains a challenge. This paper proposes a novel framework, the Directional Spatial and Spectral Attention Network (DSSA Net), which enhances emotion recognition accuracy by capturing critical spatial-spectral-temporal features from EEG signals. The framework consists of three modules: Positional Attention (PA), Spectral Attention (SA), and Temporal Attention (TA). The PA module includes Vertical Attention (VA) and Horizontal Attention (HA) branches, designed to detect active brain regions from different orientations. Experimental results on three benchmark EEG datasets demonstrate that DSSA Net outperforms most competitive methods. On the SEED and SEED-IV datasets, it achieves accuracies of 96.61% and 85.07% for subject-dependent emotion recognition, respectively, and 87.03% and 75.86% for subject-independent recognition. On the DEAP dataset, it attains accuracies of 94.97% for valence and 94.73% for arousal. These results showcase the framework's ability to leverage both spatial and spectral differences across brain hemispheres and regions, enhancing classification accuracy for emotion recognition.
Improved motor imagery skills after repetitive passive somatosensory stimulation: a parallel-group, pre-registered study
Authors: Kusano Kyoko , Hayashi Masaaki , Iwama Seitaro , Ushiba Junichi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Motor-imagery-based Brain-Machine Interface (MI-BMI) has been established as an effective treatment for post-stroke hemiplegia. However, the need for long-term intervention can represent a significant burden on patients. Here, we demonstrate that motor imagery (MI) instructions for BMI training, when supplemented with somatosensory stimulation in addition to conventional verbal instructions, can help enhance MI capabilities of healthy participants.

Methods

Sixteen participants performed MI during scalp EEG signal acquisition before and after somatosensory stimulation to assess MI-induced cortical excitability, as measured using the event-related desynchronization (ERD) of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). The non-dominant left hand was subjected to neuromuscular electrical stimulation above the sensory threshold but below the motor threshold (St-NMES), along with passive movement stimulation using an exoskeleton. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group, which received somatosensory stimulation, and a control group, which remained at rest without stimulation.

Results

The intervention group exhibited a significant increase in SMR-ERD compared to the control group, indicating that somatosensory stimulation contributed to improving MI ability.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that somatosensory stimulation, combining electrical and mechanical stimuli, can improve MI capability and enhance the excitability of the sensorimotor cortex in healthy individuals.
Evaluating the impact of donor eGFR and HLA-DR mismatch on graft survival in living donor kidney transplants
Authors: Budhiraja Pooja , Schold Jesse D. , Lopez Rocio , Arrigain Susana , Kaplan Bruce
Published: January 2025

Background

This study assesses the impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR mismatch and donor-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on outcomes of living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), which are especially relevant to the availability of multiple donors and paired kidney exchanges.

Methods

Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), we retrospectively analyzed graft survival in adult LDKT recipients transplanted between January 2013 and September 2022. Recipients with 0 HLA-DR mismatches were compared to those with 1-2 HLA-DR mismatches. Cox models assessed the association between donor eGFR and graft and patient survival, stratifying by a) HLA-DR mismatches, and b) HLA-DR mismatches and recipient age.

Results

Among 44,080 recipients, 7,195 had 0 HLA-DR mismatches and 36,885 had 1-2 HLA-DR mismatches. The recipients’ mean age was 49.1 for the 0 HLA-DR mismatch group and 50.4 for the 1-2 HLA-DR mismatch group. The donors’ mean age was 43.1 and 43.8, with an eGFR of 101.0 and 99.9 ml/min, respectively. A higher donor eGFR was associated with better graft survival. Stratified analyses showed higher donor eGFR levels reduced the risk of graft loss in cases with DR mismatch (p < 0.001) but not in cases without HLA-DR mismatch (p = 0.81). This effect was significant for recipients aged 18-39 and over 60. Similar results were observed for patient survival.

Conclusions

Higher donor eGFR was associated with lower risks of graft loss and patient death in the HLA-DR mismatch group but not the 0 HLA-DR mismatch group. These results emphasize the importance of considering both HLA-DR matching and donor kidney function, particularly for younger recipients to avoid sensitization for future transplants.
A cross-sectional study on the correlation between internal cerebral vein asymmetry and hemorrhagic transformation following endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Lin Kunxin , Zhao Wenlong , Wu Quanhong , Zheng Yiru , Yang Bo , Fu Ying , Wang Ning , Fang Ling
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a severe complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) after endovascular treatment (EVT). We hypothesize that asymmetry of the internal cerebral veins (ICVs) on baseline CT angiogram (CTA) may serve as an adjunctive predictor of HT.

Methods

We conducted a study on consecutive AIS-LVO patients from November 2020 to April 2022. These patients had anterior circulation occlusions and were treated with EVT. Asymmetrical ICVs were assessed using CTA and defined as hypodensity (reduced opacification) on the ipsilateral side of occlusion compared to the contralateral side. The primary outcome was HT, defined as hemorrhage within the ischemic territory. This was evaluated using follow-up imaging (CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging) performed 48 h post-EVT. HT was classified into four subtypes based on the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-II criteria.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included, with an HT rate of 49.2% (62/126). ICV asymmetry was observed in 54.0% (68/126) of patients. The ICV asymmetry group exhibited a significantly higher risk of parenchymatous hematoma-type HT (33.8% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.019) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) (23.5% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression, ICV asymmetry (OR 3.809, 95% CI 1.582–9.171), baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (OR 0.771, 95% CI 0.608–0.978), intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (OR 2.847, 95% CI 1.098–2.7.385), and poor collateral circulation (OR 3.998, 95% CI 1.572–10.169) were identified as independent risk factors of HT.

Conclusion

ICV asymmetry, likely resulting from impaired autoregulation or tissue micro-perfusion hampering cerebral blood flow (CBF), is a novel radiological sign that independently predicts HT. It is associated with a higher risk of sICH in AIS-LVO patients after EVT. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.
Impact of A1 segment asymmetry on hemodynamic conditions around the circle of Willis and anterior communicating artery aneurysm formation
Authors: Lee Joonho , Jeong Seul-Ki , Hong Ji Man
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to investigate how A1 segment asymmetry—also known as A1 dominancy—influences the development of the anterior communicating artery aneurysm (AcomA) as it affects hemodynamic conditions within the circle of Willis (COW). Using time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA), the research introduces a novel approach to assessing shear stress in A1 segments to uncover the hemodynamic factors contributing to AcomA formation.

Method

An observational study was conducted over 6 years at a tertiary university hospital’s outpatient clinic. Recruited patients who underwent TOF-MRA imaging were divided into AcomA and non-AcomA groups. MRA images were analyzed using semi-automatic software (VINT, Mediimg, Inc.) to calculate the signal intensity gradient (SIG), which reflects wall shear stress. The comparison metrics included general demographics, anatomical characteristics, and hemodynamic attributes of the COW, mainly focusing on A1 segment asymmetry.

Results

Among the 700 subjects, 106 were categorized into the AcomA group, while 594 were placed in the non-AcomA group. The AcomA group showed a more significant difference in the bilateral A1 diameter (49.0% vs. 20.8%, p < 0.001) and a greater prevalence of unilateral A1 aplasia (32.1% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001) compared to the non-AcomA group. Increased bilateral A1 asymmetry in the AcomA group corresponded with notable variations in A1 SIG, indicating increased wall shear stress. The occurrence of AcomA is associated with both anatomical factors of the circle of Willis, represented by the bilateral A1 diameter ratio, and hemodynamic factors, represented by the bilateral A1 SIG ratio, suggesting that both factors are almost equally significant.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that A1 segment asymmetry influences hemodynamic changes within the COW, contributing to AcomA formation. Hemodynamic factors provide an intuitive understanding of how anatomical characteristics within the COW can lead to aneurysm development.
A scoping review on the body awareness rehabilitation after stroke: are we aware of what we are unaware?
Authors: Cardile Davide , Lo Buono Viviana , Corallo Francesco , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: January 2025

Body awareness (BA) is a complex multi-dimensional construct that refers to the subject’s ability to consciously perceive and integrate sensory and proprioceptive information related to the position, movement, and balance of one’s own body and body parts. Since it involves multiple brain regions and include different functional networks, it is very often affected by cerebrovascular damage such as stroke. Deficits in the ability to monitor our actions and predict their consequences or recognize our body parts and distinguish them from those of others may emerge after stroke. In this study, we decided to explore whether specific treatments targeting BA are discussed in current literature, and whether BA is considered as an outcome in neurorehabilitation processes for stroke patients. To achieve our goal, a scoping review on this often-underreported problem was performed. After analyzing the existing literature, emerged BA in stroke patients is rarely assessed or rehabilitated through specific stimulation or rehabilitation protocol. Additionally, treatment outcomes related to BA are often considered only from a “physical” perspective such as improvements in walking, balance, or the movement of specific body parts, rather than from a proprioceptive standpoint. Further research is needed to facilitate developing early and effective intervention strategies for the recovery of BA after stroke.
Brain near-infrared study of upstairs movement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Cao Ziyuan , Zhang Hao , Wu Xipeng , Zhang Yuxuan , Yu Jiangli , Li Wei
Published: January 2025

Objective

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), patients undergo specific changes in body and specific brain functions, which stem from neuroplasticity. In this study, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the characteristics of brain activation in patients after ACLR during a repetitive upstairs task, and compared them with healthy individuals. We aimed to provide a new theoretical basis for the changes in brain function after ACLR and neurorehabilitation of sports injuries.

Methods

A total of 27 patients who undergoing right ACLR and 27 healthy controls participated in the study. We utilized fNIRS to collect hemodynamic data from the frontal and parietal cortices of both groups during a repetitive upstairs task. The Lysholm scale assessment was conducted prior to the commencement of the task. Compare the functional characteristics of the brain in post-operative patients and healthy subjects during upstairs tasks, and examine the functional differences between the two groups.

Results

(1) Patients undergoing ACLR demonstrated a significant negative change in β-value for Channel 25 (t = 4.0461, p = 0.0067) during the repetitive upstairs task. (2) In contrast, the healthy control group exhibited a significant increase in β-value across Channel 6 (t = −3.0489, p = 0.0066), Channel 7 (t = −4.5723, p = 0.0002), Channel 8 (t = −3.0089, p = 0.0072), Channel 13 (t = −2.8789, p = 0.0096), Channel 20 (t = −3.4200, p = 0.0029), and Channel 33 (t = −2.6974, p = 0.0143) during the task. (3) When compared to the healthy control group, ACLR patients exhibited a significant negative change in β-value for Channel 25 (t = 2.7583, p = 0.0089), and Channel 33 (t = 3.0618, p = 0.0040).

Conclusion

Patients with ACLR exhibited a significant negative activation in a specific brain region during upward stair movements. In contrast, healthy individuals demonstrated activation in two particular brain areas during the same task. Interventions targeting these brain regions may represent a novel rehabilitation approach. This provides a theoretical basis for incorporating fNIRS into the rehabilitation assessment of patients undergoing ACLR. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical framework for potential interventions and assessments of brain regions following ACLR.
Mapping subcortical brain lesions, behavioral and acoustic analysis for early assessment of subacute stroke patients with dysarthria
Authors: Liu Juan , Ruzi Rukiye , Jian Chuyao , Wang Qiuyu , Zhao Shuzhi , Ng Manwa L. , Zhao Shaofeng , Wang Lan , Yan Nan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder frequently associated with subcortical damage. However, the precise roles of the subcortical nuclei, particularly the basal ganglia and thalamus, in the speech production process remain poorly understood.

Methods

The present study aimed to better understand their roles by mapping neuroimaging, behavioral, and speech data obtained from subacute stroke patients with subcortical lesions. Multivariate lesion-symptom mapping and voxel-based morphometry methods were employed to correlate lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus with speech production, with emphases on linguistic processing and articulation.

Results

The present findings revealed that the left thalamus and putamen are significantly correlated with concept preparation (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) and word retrieval (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). As the difficulty of the behavioral tasks increased, the influence of cognitive factors on early linguistic processing gradually intensified. The globus pallidus and caudate nucleus were found to significantly impact the movements of the larynx (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and tongue (r = 0.59, p = 0.01). These insights underscore the complex and interconnected roles of the basal ganglia and thalamus in the intricate processes of speech production. The lateralization and hierarchical organization of each nucleus are crucial to their contributions to these speech functions.

Discussion

The present study provides a nuanced understanding of how lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus impact various stages of speech production, thereby enhancing our understanding of the subcortical neuromechanisms underlying dysarthria. The findings could also contribute to the identification of multimodal assessment indicators, which could aid in the precise evaluation and personalized treatment of speech impairments.