bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of MerTK in circulating T cells of patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bu Shimiao , Ling Jiang-Yue , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Liting , Shi Xiangyu , Huang Lang , Zhao Zheng , Yang Ying , Xiang Zongqin , Liu Yong U. , Liu Yufeng , Zhang Yuehong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the differential gene expression in peripheral blood immune cells of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing those with and without non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods

From a pool of 126 potential participants, 60 were selected for detailed analysis. This group included 12 healthy donors (HDs), 22 individuals with DM, and 26 with NPDR. We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to pinpoint differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Western blot and flow cytometry were also employed to evaluate the protein expression of specific genes.

Results

In patients with NPDR compared to those with DM alone, MerTK—a gene implicated in inherited retinal dystrophies due to its mutations—was notably downregulated in PBMCs. Through flow cytometry, we assessed the protein levels and cellular distribution of MerTK, finding a predominant expression in monocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), with a marked reduction in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as in natural killer T (NKT) cells. Patients with DM demonstrated a significant deviation in the PBMCs composition, particularly in B cells, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells, when compared to HDs.

Conclusions

The study indicates that MerTK expression in T cells within PBMCs could act as a viable blood biomarker for NPDR risk in patients with DM. Furthermore, the regulation of T cells by MerTK might represent a critical pathway through which DM evolves into NPDR.
On-line strength assessment of distribution systems with distributed energy resources
Authors: Liang Jifeng , Rong Shiyang , Yu Tengkai , Li Tiecheng , Qu Hanzhang , Cao Ye
Published: January 2025

To enable the online strength assessment of distribution systems integrated with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), a novel hybrid model and data-driven approach is proposed. Based on the IEC-60909 standard, a new short-circuit calculation method is developed, allowing inverter-based DERs (IBDERs) to be represented as either voltage or current sources with controllable internal impedance. This method also accounts for the impact of distant generators by introducing a site-dependent Short Circuit Ratio (SCR) index to evaluate system strength. An adaptive sampling strategy is employed to generate synthetic data for real-time assessment. To predict the strength of distribution systems under various conditions, a rectified linear unit (ReLU) neural network is trained and further reformulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem to verify its robustness and input stability. The proposed method is validated through case studies on modified IEEE-33 and IEEE-69 bus systems, demonstrating its effectiveness regarding the varying operating conditions within the system.
Production-living-ecological functions measurement and spatio-temporal evolution of the coastal zone under the perspective of land-sea coordination: a case study of Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt
Authors: Ke Lina , Wang Lei , Wang Quanming , Ren Zhiyu , Lu Yao , Yin Shusheng , Zhao Yu , Tan Qin , Li Yibo
Published: January 2025

The acceleration of urbanization and development of marine resources has led to the imbalance of land structure, which threatens the sustainable development of the human living environment. Exploring the spatial distribution patterns of land-sea and its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics is an important initiative to resolve conflicts and optimise the spatial structure of land-sea use. Taking the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt as an example, this paper constructs a system to measure the value of Production-Living-Ecological Functions (PLEF) of the coastal zone and realizes the identification of Production-Living-Ecological Spaces (PLES) and the division of their combination patterns. At the same time, it analyses the spatio-temporal evolution of PLES using land use transfer matrix, center of gravity transfer and standard deviation ellipse models and explores the interaction mechanism of PLES from the perspective of land-sea coordination. The results show that: (1) The production and living spaces on land are concentrated near the coastline, and the ecological space is mainly distributed in the mountainous forest area. The sea is dominated by the production space, and the living and ecological spaces occupy a relatively small proportion. (2) While the land has significant multifunctionality, the sea has a single PLEF, with the production function dominating and accounting for more than 90%. (3) In the period 2005–2010, the frequency of mutual transformation of the different PLES was the highest. The increase is mainly in the living space on land and the production space at sea. (4) From 2005 to 2010, the patterns of land and sea PLES changed significantly, and from 2010 to 2020, they were relatively stable. This study analyses the spatial structure of land-sea from the perspective of spatial multifunctionality and proposes optimization schemes based on land-sea interactions, which can provide decision support for the identification and optimization of coastal zone space and sustainable development.
On the lookout for a potential antagonist against Cryptostroma corticale—an insight through in vitro dual culture studies
Authors: Schlößer Rebekka , Bien Steffen , Bußkamp Johanna , Langer Gitta Jutta , Langer Ewald Johannes
Published: January 2025

In an effort to find a potential antagonist for Cryptostroma corticale, the causal agent of the sooty bark disease, different fungi previously isolated from Acer pseudoplatanus were tested in dual culture antagonism assays with C. corticale. In total 102 fungal strains, mainly Ascomycota, were tested. Each potentially antagonistic strain was paired with three different strains of C. corticale. Four different tests were conducted to get a better understanding of the interactions between C. corticale and the potential antagonists. Test 1 was a dual culture set up at room temperature with all 102 strains to get an overview of the interactions with C. corticale, as well as placing the potential antagonist on a Petri dish 1 week prior to C. corticale for a selection of fungi. For Test 2, only fungi which showed inhibition at distance in Test 1 were chosen and tested on different media at 25°C, the optimal growing temperature of the pathogen. In Test 3, fungi showing signs of antagonism in Test 1 were tested against C. corticale in a 6:1 ratio of potential antagonist plugs to the C. corticale plug. For Test 4, the viability of C. corticale hyphae was tested after they stopped growing in dual culture with a potential antagonist. These in vitro trials show that C. corticale displays a very competitive behavior, overgrowing most of the tested fungi. However, nine of the tested fungal strains, showed an antagonism at distance for at least one of the C. corticale strains. Over all tests, Hypholoma fasciculare, Jackrogersella cohaerens, Paracamarosporium cf. fagi, Pezicula sporulosa, and Preussia cf. aemulans showed the highest potential in regard of functionality as a biological control agent.
Comprehensive analyses of immune activity in COVID-19-vaccinated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
Authors: Maciejewska Agata , Czernia Piotr , Piotrowska-Mieczkowska Magdalena , Wajda Beata , Słomiński Bartosz , Romantowski Jan , Sudoł Adam , Dąbrowska Małgorzata , Górska Lucyna , Smiatacz Tomasz , Niedoszytko Marek , Jassem Ewa , Skrzypkowska Maria , Trzonkowski Piotr
Published: January 2025

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease, characterized by impaired wound repair, tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Immune system may participate in the development and progression of the disease as indicated by altered activity in IPF sufferers. This study investigates the immune response to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in patients with IPF compared to healthy controls, with a particular focus on evaluation of antibody responses, interferon-gamma release, cytokine profiling and a broad panel of immune cell subpopulations. IPF patients without prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 had undetectable levels of anti-N IgG antibodies, highlighting their lack of previous infection. After vaccination, IPF patients showed a significant increase in anti-S1 IgG and IgA antibodies, though their levels were lower compared to healthy controls and convalescent IPF patients. Additionally, IPF patients exhibited altered proportions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T lymphocytes (Teffs) before and after vaccination. Specifically, IPF patients had higher percentages of Tregs with a Th2 phenotype and Th17 Tregs, along with reduced proportions of Th1/17 Tregs. Teffs in IPF patients showed a decrease in Th1-like and Th2-like populations after vaccination. Moreover, IPF patients demonstrated elevated populations of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc) before vaccination and increased levels of γδ Tc cells throughout the study. Alterations in cytokine profiles were also observed, IPF patients showed higher levels of IL-6 and IL-22 compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest a distinct immune response in IPF patients to the COVID-19 vaccine, characterized by differences in antibody production, T cell differentiation and cytokine secretion compared to healthy individuals.
Maternal-fetal cytokine profiles in acute SARS-CoV-2 “breakthrough” infection after COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Packer Claire H. , Jasset Olyvia , Hanniford Nikolina , Brigida Sara , Demidkin Stepan , Perlis Roy H. , Edlow Andrea G. , Shook Lydia L.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Vaccination is protective against severe COVID-19 disease, yet whether vaccination reduces COVID-19-associated inflammation in pregnancy has not been established. The objective of this study is to characterize maternal and cord cytokine profiles of acute SARS-CoV-2 “breakthrough” infection (BTI) after vaccination, compared with unvaccinated infection and uninfected controls.

Study design

66 pregnant individuals enrolled in the MGH COVID-19 biorepository (March 2020-April 2022) were included. Maternal sera were collected from 26 unvaccinated and 21 vaccinated individuals with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cord sera were collected at delivery. Maternal and cord sera from 19 term dyads without current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed as controls. Cytokines were quantified using the Human Inflammation 20-Plex ProcartaPlex assay.

Results

There was a significantly higher incidence of severe/critical maternal illness in unvaccinated pregnant individuals with SARS-CoV-2 compared to vaccinated (10/26 (38%) vs. 0/21 (0%), p<0.01). Significantly higher maternal levels of TNFα and CD62P were observed in vaccinated individuals with SARS-CoV-2 BTI compared with unvaccinated individuals with infection (p<0.05). Network correlation analyses revealed a distinct maternal cytokine response to SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated vs unvaccinated individuals. Neither unvaccinated nor vaccinated SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in elevated cord cytokines compared to controls. Multivariate analyses demonstrate distinct maternal and cord cytokine profiles in the setting of maternal SARS-CoV-2 at delivery.

Conclusion

Vaccination was associated with higher maternal cytokine levels during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to unvaccinated infection, which may reflect vaccine-mediated priming of the immune system. A fetal inflammatory response specific to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not observed.
Golgi protein 73: the driver of inflammation in the immune and tumor microenvironment
Authors: Feng Pingping , Hu Xinyang , Zhou Sining , Liu Xianyong , Zeng Linghui , Liu Yiming
Published: January 2025

Golgi Protein 73 (GP73) is a Golgi-resident protein that is highly expressed in primary tumor tissues. Initially identified as an oncoprotein, GP73 has been shown to promote tumor development, particularly by mediating the transport of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thus facilitating tumor cell EMT. Though our previous review has summarized the functional roles of GP73 in intracellular signal transduction and its various mechanisms in promoting EMT, recent studies have revealed that GP73 plays a crucial role in regulating the tumor and immune microenvironment. GP73 can modulate intracellular signaling pathways to influence cytokine and chemokine networks, resulting in inflammation caused by viral and bacterial infection or immune diseases, and leading tumor microenvironment deteriorated. Additionally, extracellular GP73 can also regulate signaling pathways of target cells by binding to their cell-surface receptors or entering the acceptor cells, thereby facilitating inflammation or promoting tumor development. In this review, we aim to summarize the findings, providing insights for future investigations on GP73 and its potential as a therapeutic target in ameliorating chronic inflammation in the immune and tumor microenvironment.
Comparison of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, matched sibling donor hematopoietic cell transplantation, and chemotherapy in patients with favorable- and intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Chen Shulian , Zhang Qiuqiu , Yuan Linyu , Wang Xue , Zhang Junshi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Cao Yigeng , Li Dongmei , Lu Xinxiao , Wang Meijiao , Jiang Xiaosi , Zhang Rongli , Chen Xin , Ma Qiaoling , Wei Jialin , Yang Donglin , He Yi , Pang Aiming , Feng Sizhou , Han Mingzhe , Zhai Weihua , Zhao Xingli , Jiang Erlie
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and chemotherapy are considered potentially curative options for post-remission therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in favorable- and intermediate-risk AML remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 111 patients diagnosed with de novo favorable- and intermediate-risk AML, categorized according to the ELN 2022 guidelines, were investigated to compare outcomes following autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT), matched sibling donor HSCT (MSD-HSCT), and chemotherapy. Through propensity score matching for disease status before HSCT, 42 cases in first complete remission were selected for each of the auto-HSCT group and the MSD-HSCT group. Additionally, 27 cases in the chemotherapy group, excluding patients with early relapse or death, were included for comparison.

Results

In the overall population, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 85.7%, 83.1%, and 70.4% (p = 0.043), while the disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 78.6%, 83.2%, and 57.1% (p = 0.002) in the auto-HSCT, MSD-HSCT, and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Notably, both auto-HSCT and MSD-HSCT demonstrated significantly improved DFS compared to chemotherapy in patients with favorable-risk AML. Multivariate analysis further revealed that chemotherapy was significantly associated with inferior DFS compared to auto-HSCT (HR=2.82; 95% CI, 1.26–6.32, p=0.012), while DFS was similar between the MSD-HSCT and auto-HSCT groups (HR=0.80; 95% CI, 0.31–2.09, p=0.645).

Discussion

The findings suggested the advantages of both MSD-HSCT and auto-HSCT over chemotherapy as post-remission therapy for AML patients with favorable and intermediate risk. Further research is needed to support these conclusions.
Case report: Cancer-free survival after chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy combination with proton therapy following space making technique in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma after choledochal cyst resection
Authors: Kong Jian , Xia Qi , Xu Li , Jin Dongcun , Sun Wenbing
Published: January 2025

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are rare cystic dilations of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. Malignancies arising during follow-up after excision of CCs have been reported in both children and adults, with no typical time frame for malignancy development. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with CCs 36 years ago, who underwent resection and subsequently developed cancer. The patient received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, with efficacy evaluation indicating a state of stable disease. Considering tumor resistance after continuous systemic therapy and an unresectable tumor, proton therapy was selected for the next treatment. To prevent gastrointestinal side effects after proton therapy, the bile-enteric anastomosis was dismantled, and a greater omentum strip was used to fill the subhepatic space, creating a barrier between the biliary duct and the intestine. The patient successfully underwent proton therapy without any gastrointestinal complications. As CC-associated malignancy poses a lifelong risk even with complete resection, surveillance should be maintained throughout the follow-up period. Comprehensive treatment should be adopted to improve prognosis in malignancy after CC resection.
Deciphering hub genes and immune landscapes related to neutrophil extracellular traps in rheumatoid arthritis: insights from integrated bioinformatics analyses and experiments
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Jian , Sun Yue , Hu Yuedi , Zhou Qiao , Cong Chengzhi , Chen Yiming
Published: January 2025

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a microreticular structure formed after neutrophil death, have recently been implicated in RA pathogenesis and pathological mechanisms. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and key genes involved in NET formation in RA remain largely unknown.

Methods

We obtained single-cell RNA sequencing data of synovial tissues from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and performed cellular annotation and intercellular communication analyses. Subsequently, three microarray datasets were collected for a training cohort and correlated with a bulk RNA-seq dataset associated with NETs. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and weighted gene correlation network analysis was used to characterize gene association. Using three machine learning techniques, we identified the most important hub genes to develop and evaluate a nomogram diagnostic model. CIBERSORT was used to elucidate the relationship between hub genes and immune cells. An external validation dataset was used to verify pivotal gene expression and to construct co-regulatory networks using the NetworkAnalyst platform. We further investigated hub gene expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in a clinical cohort.

Results

Seven cellular subpopulations were identified through downscaling and clustering, with neutrophils likely the most crucial cell clusters in RA. Intercellular communication analysis highlighted the network between neutrophils and fibroblasts. In this context, 4 key hub genes (CRYBG1, RMM2, MMP1, and SLC19A2) associated with NETs were identified. A nomogram model with a diagnostic value was developed and evaluated. Immune cell infiltration analysis indicated associations between the hub genes and the immune landscape in NETs and RA. IHC and RT-qPCR findings showed high expression of CRYBG1, RMM2, and MMP1 in synovial and neutrophilic cells, with lower expression of SLC19A2. Correlation analysis further emphasized close associations between hub genes and laboratory markers in patients with RA.

Conclusion

This study first elucidated neutrophil heterogeneity in the RA synovial microenvironment and mechanisms of communication with fibroblasts. CRYBG1, RMM2, MMP1, and SLC19A2 were identified and validated as potential NET-associated biomarkers, offering insights for diagnostic tools and immunotherapeutic strategies in RA.
A deep learning method for bias correction of wind field in the South China Sea
Authors: Pang Cong , Song Tao , Sun Handan , Li Xin , Xu Danya
Published: January 2025

To address the systematic bias in the Global Forecast System (GFS) wind field forecasts, we utilize deep learning techniques. The developed MU - Diffusion framework, based on a diffusion model and MultiUnet (a multitasking Unet model), establishes a nonlinear relationship between GFS and the fifth-generation EC atmospheric reanalysis (ERA5) data. Focusing on the South China Sea region, this method corrects both wind speed and direction simultaneously. Using 2022 GFS data, we achieved average enhancements of 42% in wind speed and 38.3% in wind direction compared to the initial GFS data. Tests in typhoon conditions also confirm the excellent performance of this architecture.
Distribution, sources and risk assessment of heavy metals in Yangshan port and its adjacent sea areas
Authors: Zhu WenZhuo , Cai JinChao , Ma WeiWei , Li Bo , Feng WeiHua
Published: January 2025

Heavy metals play an important role in marine ecosystems, but excessive heavy metals can harm aquatic life and human health. The Yangshan Port is located near an important agricultural and fishing area in China, with rich fishery resources. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of heavy metal pollution on local fishery and environment. This study assessed the concentrations of seven metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg) in the water, sediments and two organisms (fish and benthic organisms) of Yangshan Port, aiming to get a comprehensive information about the heavy metal pollution in Yangshan Port and its adjacent sea areas. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the sediments was higher than that observed in the water. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments were influenced by human activities. The main reason for this regional distribution difference was human factors such as industrial wastewater discharges, household pollution, and agricultural and fishery discharges, followed by various natural factors, such as organic content and sulfate, as well as hydrodynamic self-disturbance. It is worth noting that As is affected not only by emissions from land-based sources, but also by riverine inputs and human marine engineering activities. The ecological risk indicated that two of seven metals (As and Hg) posed a risk to the marine environment in this region. In addition, the content and accumulation level of heavy metals in benthic organisms was significantly higher than that in fish. Human health risk assessments showed that the heavy metal posed a potential carcinogenic risk to human health, particularly to children. Overall, the health risks from seafood intake by humans were low, with As having the greatest impact on human health, and metal concentrations being the most sensitive factor affecting metal health risk assessment, with As being the most sensitive element. This study provided new insight into the heterogeneity of heavy metal pollution accumulation in the Yangshan Port and its adjacent sea areas and offered a scientific basis and favorable support for port ecological environment protection and prevention of heavy metal pollution-related ecological risks.
The assessment of carrying capacity of marine fishery resources in China
Authors: Liu Zhaoyang , Lu Wenhai , Wang Tao , Zhang Yujia , He Long , Yang Lu , Deng Lijing
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The sustainable development of marine fisheries has been a major concern, with the carrying capacity of marine fishery resources becoming a focal point of research.

Methods

This study, utilizing remote sensing data, marine capture fisheries catch data, and fishing effort data from 2013 to 2020, aims to determine the maximum sustainable yield using a surplus production model and provide a comprehensive assessment of the status and potential of China’s marine fishery resources.

Results

The results indicate that China’s marine fishery resources exhibit significant regional variability, with the East China Sea contributing the largest share of catch and maintaining sustainability, while regions such as the South China Sea, Yellow Sea, and Bohai Sea have exceeded their ecological carrying capacities. Correlation analysis highlights that nutrient levels and water quality (e.g., chemical oxygen demand) are critical for resource stability, while the distribution and management of protected areas further influence carrying capacity.

Discussion

This study contributes to the development of more effective fishery policies, aiming to balance economic benefits with ecological health. By understanding these dynamics, policymakers can better address the challenges facing sustainable marine fisheries.
Impact of smart city construction policy on high-quality economic development of coastal cities
Authors: Wang Lihong , Li Feng , Gao Yang , Yin Kedong
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As a crucial strategy for promoting urbanization in China, smart city construction introduces new momentum for high-quality economic development through intelligence and informatization. Coastal cities, with their unique geographical and economic advantages, serve as important engines of high-quality economic growth.

Methods

Based on panel data from 53 coastal cities in China from 2003 to 2021, this study uses the super-efficiency SBM-GML index to measure green total factor productivity as an indicator of high-quality economic development and employs a time-varying difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of smart city construction on high-quality economic development in coastal areas.

Results

The findings reveal that (1) Smart city construction significantly enhances high-quality economic development in coastal cities. This conclusion remains valid in parallel trend tests, PSM-DID, placebo tests and endogeneity analysis. (2) The mechanism test shows that smart city construction development primarily promotes high-quality economic growth in coastal cities by facilitating industrial structural upgrading, optimizing resource allocation, and release household consumption potential and expanding domestic demand. However, technological innovation, which is the most important aspect of smart city construction, has not brought new opportunities for high-quality economic development in coastal cities. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy effects of smart city are more pronounced in large cities and those with lower levels of scientific and educational development. Additionally, the impact is particularly significant in cities located within the Bohai Rim and Yangtze River Delta port clusters.

Discussion

Based on these findings, continued support for smart city construction is recommended, with differentiated policies tailored to the characteristics of coastal cities and port cluster development levels, alongside advancing industrial structural upgrading, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering new points of consumption growth to promote high-quality economic development in China’s coastal cities.
Evaluation of drug prescribing pattern based on World Health Organization drug use indicators in dermatology outpatient department of Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Tegegnie Alemu Bezabih , Alene Tamiru , Bogale Habtamu Nega , Tamir Workineh , Sineshaw Meaza Molla
Published: January 2025

Background

Irrational use of medicines is a problem globally that soon needs to be addressed. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, almost half of all medications were improperly prescribed. This study aimed to assess the drug prescribing patterns based on World Health Organization drug use indicators in the dermatology outpatient department of Injibara General Hospital.

Method

A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from August 15 to August 30, 2024, with 620 patient prescriptions issued at the dermatology outpatient department of Injibara General Hospital. All patient prescriptions dispensed from the dermatology outpatient department from April to July 2024 were included. A structured data collection tool adopted from the World Health Organization core medicine use indicator was used to collect data, and Statistical Package for Social Science version 27.1 was used for data analysis.

Results

An average of 1.74 drugs per encounters was prescribed, with 21.6 and 3.1% of prescriptions being antibiotics and injections, respectively. Generics were used in 95.4% of prescriptions, and nearly 84% of drugs were prescribed from the Ethiopian essential-drug list.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization’s recommended threshold for the average number of prescriptions prescribed per encounter was met, indicating proper prescribing practices that reduce polypharmacy. The percentage of encounters with antibiotics was within the World Health Organization’s value, which reflects that dermatologists are less likely engaging in irrational antibiotic prescriptions. Likewise, the World Health Organization’s recommendations for the percentage of encounters with injection was met, indicating an effort to minimize unnecessary use of injections by dermatologists, which can reduce complications associated with injection use. However, the World Health Organization’s guidelines for generic drug prescriptions were not met, suggesting that dermatologists are less likely to prescribe generic drugs, which can raise patient healthcare expenditures considerably. Prescriptions from the Ethiopian essential medicine list also fell short of World Health Organization’s standards, indicating a failure to follow established guidelines.
Predictors of HBsAg seroclearance in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleotide analogs plus polyethylene glycol interferon
Authors: Peng Yan , Ma Mingzhe , Liu Ting , He Wenmin , Lin Shutao , Zhong Wa , Min Xiaohui
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The minority of the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients received polyethylene glycol interferon (PEG-IFN) combined with nucleotide analogs (NAs) can obtain hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance.

Methods

In order to find out the advantaged population, we retrospectively collected 122 CHB patients treated with NAs alone or NAs plus PEG-IFN for 48 weeks, who were admitted to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from 2019 to 2024.

Results

We found HBsAg clearance rate in NAs plus PEG-IFN group was 40.98%, which was significantly higher than that in the NAs group. Thus, NAs plus PEG-IFN therapy served as a relatively ideal regimen and the patients received combined treatment were then incorporated for further analysis for searching efficacy predictors. Through using univariate and multivariate analysis, we confirmed the predictive value of HBsAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at week 24, and ALT change values from baseline to week 24. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of each indicators ranged from 0.663 to 0.982.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study verified the clinical value of NAs plus PEG-IFN for treating CHB patients. Moreover, for the first time, we found ALT change values from baseline to week 24 (dALT2) could act as a novel independent clinical efficacy predictors in the forementioned population.
Effects of rosemary extract and its residue on production, immune performance, and gut microbiota in geese
Authors: Huang Yuzhi , Xu Lanmeng , He Hang , Peng Lijuan , Liao Qinfeng , Wan Kun , Qin Simeng , Cao Lijing , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2025

Introduction

To explore the effects of rosemary extract (RE) and its residue (RR) on the production, immune performance, and gut microbiota of geese.

Methods

We treat 28-day-old Sichuan white geese (n = 180) with three diets: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.02% RE, and (3) basal diet supplemented with 15% RR for 42 days.

Results and discussion

On day 70, compared with control treatment, the final body weight, average daily gain and lysozyme levels in the RE treatment increased significantly (p < 0.05). In the RE and RR treatments, there was a significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase, globulin, and high-density lipoprotein levels compared to the control treatment, and there was also a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Moreover, for both RE and RR treatments, semi-eviscerated, eviscerated weights, and calcium apparent digestibility increased significantly, along with a decrease in the duodenal index (p < 0.05). Compared with RE treatment, those in the RR treatment had significantly higher duodenal and jejunum relative lengths, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels, and decreased chest depth, chest angle, neck length, semi-eviscerated and eviscerated weights, crude protein digestibility, and levels of globulin, triglyceride, and lysozyme (p < 0.05). There were no differences in gut microbiota α or β diversities among treatments (p > 0.05). Compared to the control treatment, the relative abundance of Turicibacter significantly increased in the RR and RE treatments, and the relative abundance of Sporobacter, Alistipes, and Barnesiella significantly increased in the RR treatment (p < 0.05). Rikenellaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, and Aeromonadales were enriched in the RR treatment, and Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacteraceae, Fusobacteriaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae were enriched in the RE treatment. While we demonstrate the RR diet to be less effective than the RE diet, it did improve production and the gut microbiota of geese to a certain extent.
Protocol for a Phase 2 randomized controlled patient-assessor blinded study: efficacy and safety of combined cortical and cerebellar dual-target transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of essential tremor
Authors: Xu Jing , Cao Na , Qu Yan , Shang Suhang , Liu Xincheng , Wang Xuexin , Hu Fangfang , Bai Xuerong , Qu Qiumin , Zhang Meng , Cao Hongmei
Published: January 2025

Background

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common neurological movement disorder with few treatments and limited therapeutic efficacy, research into noninvasive and effective treatments is critical. Abnormal cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) loop function are thought to be significant pathogenic causes of ET, with the cerebellum and cortex are common targets for ET treatment. In recent years, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been recognized as a promising brain research technique owing to its noninvasive nature and safety. In this study, we will use left M1 cortex continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) combined with right cerebellar hemisphere 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) dual-target stimulation to explore the Safety, feasibility and efficiency of this dual-target stimulation mode, and the mechanism of its therapeutic effect.

Methods

Twenty-four patients with ET will be randomly assigned to three groups: dual-target stimulation, single-target stimulation, or sham stimulation. The single-target stimulation group will receive stimulation of the right cerebellar hemisphere for 10 days, whereas the dual-target stimulation group will be given stimulation of both the left M1 cortex and the right cerebellar hemisphere. The sham stimulation group will be given sham stimulation for 10 days. Tremor will be assessed using both the subjective The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS) and objective accelerometer-based tremor analysis. at baseline (before stimulation), after the first, fifth, tenth days of treatment (D1, 5, 10), 24 h after 10 days of treatment (D10-24 h), and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after stimulation (W1, 2, 3, 4).

Discussion

This is a Phase 2 randomized, controlled, patient-assessor blinded clinical trial. The goal of this study is to investigate the Safety, feasibility and efficiency of TMS for the treatment of ET.
Is the freezing index a valid outcome to assess freezing of gait during turning in Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Goris Maaike , Ginis Pieter , Hansen Clint , Schlenstedt Christian , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , D’Cruz Nicholas , Vandenberghe Wim , Maetzler Walter , Nieuwboer Alice , Gilat Moran
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling symptom for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). Turning on the spot for one minute in alternating directions (360 turn) while performing a cognitive dual-task (DT) is a fast and sensitive way to provoke FOG. The FOG-index is a widely used wearable sensor-based algorithm to quantify FOG severity during turning. Despite that, the FOG-index’s classification performance and criterion validity is not tested against the gold standard (i.e., video-rated time spent freezing). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the FOG-index’s classification performance and criterion validity to assess FOG severity during 360 turn. Additionally, we investigated the FOG-index’s optimal cutoff values to differentiate between PwPD with and without FOG.

Methods

164 PwPD self-reported the presence of FOG on the New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (NFOGQ) and performed the DT 360 turn in the ON medication state while being videoed and wearing five wearable sensors. Two independent clinical experts rated FOG on video. ROC-AUC values assessed the FOG-index’s classification accuracy against self-reported FOG and expert ratings. Spearman-rho was used to evaluate the correlation between expert and FOG-index ratings of FOG severity.

Results

Twenty-eight patients self-reported FOG, while 104 were classified as a freezer by the experts. The FOG-index had limited classification agreement with the NFOGQ (AUC = 0.60, p = 0.115, sensitivity 46.4%, specificity 72.8%) and the experts (AUC = 0.65, p < 0.001, sensitivity 68.3%, specificity 61.7%). Only weak correlations were found between the algorithm outputs and expert ratings for FOG severity (rho = 0.13–0.38).

Conclusion

A surprisingly large discrepancy was found between self-reported and expert-rated FOG during the 360 turning task, indicating PwPD do not always notice FOG in daily life. The FOG-index achieved suboptimal classification performance and poor criterion validity to assess FOG severity. Regardless, 360 turning proved a sensitive task to elicit FOG. Further development of the FOG-index is warranted, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess the predictive value of the 360 turning task for classifying FOG conversion.
Diet quality and physical activity affect metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction and etiology-associated steatohepatitis, and compensated advanced chronic liver disease among United States adults: NHANES 2017–2020
Authors: Wang Peng , Xia Bingxin , Wang Shuang
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

Clinical data on the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction and etiology-associated steatohepatitis (MetALD) in a multi-ethnic U.S. population are limited. Additionally, the impact of physical activity (PA) and diet quality (DQ) on the risk of MASLD, MetALD, and compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations of PA and diet quality with the risks of MASLD, MetALD, and cACLD.

Methods and results

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 7,125 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). PA was assessed based on the 2020 WHO Physical Activity Guidelines, with participants reporting the intensity, frequency, and duration of their activities over the past 7 days. MASLD and MetALD were diagnosed based on clinical criteria, and cACLD was defined by advanced liver fibrosis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between PA, diet quality, and liver disease outcomes. The prevalence of MASLD and MetALD was 35.07 and 21.46%, respectively. HQD was associated with significantly lower risks of MASLD (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.38–0.62) and MetALD (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36–0.56). High PA levels were linked to reduced risks of MASLD (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38–0.58) and MetALD (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39–0.72). The lowest risks for both MASLD and MetALD were observed in highly active participants with an HQD (MASLD OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.32–0.53; MetALD OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41–0.71). Significant interactions were observed between PA, HQD, and age, BMI, and SES, which further reduced the risks of MASLD and MetALD. For cACLD, both increased PA and HQD were associated with reduced risk. Compared to non-high-activity participants with a non-HQD, physically active participants with an HQD had the lowest risk of cACLD (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24–0.82).

Conclusion

High proportions of the US population have MASLD or MetALD. HQD and high PA levels were associated with lower risks of MASLD, MetALD, and cACLD.
Dietary patterns related to triglyceride glucose index and risk of type 2 diabetes: a large-scale cohort study
Authors: Liu Dong , Liu Ziwei , Wu Yue , Hong Yan , Fang Jinghao , Lu Ying , Xu Guangfei , Kang Peipei , Liu Tong , Chen Li-Hua
Published: January 2025

Background

Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a credible and simple surrogate indicator for insulin resistance. The primary aim of this study was to novelly examine the associations between dietary patterns reflecting variations in circulating TyG index and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This study included 120,988 participants from the UK Biobank, all of whom completed multiple 24-h dietary assessments. Dietary pattern scores were derived using reduced-rank regression (RRR) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, based on the TyG index and approximately 80 food groups. The associations between the TyG index, related dietary pattern scores, and T2DM risk were evaluated using Cox regression models.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 11.2 years, 3,585 participants developed T2DM. A higher TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM. The two dietary patterns derived from RRR and LASSO showed a strong correlation (ρ = 0.88, p < 0.001) and shared similar characteristics at higher scores, including greater intakes of margarine, meat, fruit juice, and potatoes, alongside lower intakes of green vegetables, oily fish, yogurt, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits. Corresponding blood profiles, including elevated levels of C-reactive protein and HbA1c, along with reduced levels of HDL-C and docosahexaenoic acid, substantiated the dietary pattern assessments. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for T2DM risk were 1.52 (95% CI: 1.33–1.73, p trend <0.001) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.30–1.69, p trend <0.001) for dietary patterns derived using RRR and LASSO, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintiles.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that a higher TyG index and specific dietary patterns, characterized by higher intakes of margarine, meat, fruit juice, and potatoes, and lower intakes of green vegetables, oily fish, yogurt, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits, are associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM. These results underscore the potential of dietary modifications targeting these patterns to mitigate T2DM risk.
Does the habitual dietary intake of adults in Bavaria, Germany, match dietary intake recommendations? Results of the 3rd Bavarian Food Consumption Survey
Authors: Rohm Florian , Wawro Nina , Gimpfl Sebastian , Ohlhaut Nadine , Senger Melanie , Röger Christine , Kussmann Martin , Gedrich Kurt , Linseisen Jakob
Published: January 2025

Objective

Monitoring dietary habits is crucial for identifying shortcomings and delineating countermeasures. About 20 years after the last population-based surveys in Bavaria and Germany, dietary habits were assessed to describe the intake distributions and compare these with recommendations at food and nutrient level.

Methods

The 3rd Bavarian Food Consumption Survey (BVS III) was designed as a diet survey representative of adults in Bavaria; from 2021 to 2023, repeated 24-h diet recalls were collected by telephone using the software GloboDiet©. Food (sub-)group and nutrient intake data were modeled with the so-called NCI method, weighted for the deviation from the underlying population. Intake distributions in men and women were described as percentiles. These data were used to estimate the proportion of persons meeting dietary intake recommendations. In addition, food consumption data were compared with the results reported 20 years ago collected by the same methodology (2nd Bavarian Food Consumption Survey, BVS II).

Results

Using 24-h diet recalls of 550 male and 698 female participants, we estimated intake distributions for food (sub-)groups and nutrients. A major proportion of the adult population does not meet the food-based dietary guidelines; this refers to a series of food groups, including fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, cereal products, and especially whole grain products, as well as fresh and processed meat. Regarding selected essential nutrients, a considerable proportion of the population was at higher risk of insufficiency from iron (women), zinc (men), and folate (both men and women), as already described in previous studies.

Conclusion

A major proportion of the adult Bavarian population does not meet the current food-based dietary guidelines. Compared to BVS II data, favorable changes refer to lower consumption of total meat (especially processed meat) and soft drinks, and an increased intake of vegetables. The conclusions based on the intake of selected essential nutrients hardly changed over time. From a public health perspective, the still low intake of vegetables, fruit, nuts, cereal products, and particularly of whole grain products, and associated higher risks of insufficient supply of several vitamins and minerals call for action for improvement.
The accuracy of radiomics in diagnosing tumor deposits and perineural invasion in rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xuewu , Lin Feng , Li Danni , Lei Nan
Published: January 2025

Background

Radiomics has emerged as a promising approach for diagnosing, treating, and evaluating the prognosis of various diseases in recent years. Some investigators have utilized radiomics to create preoperative diagnostic models for tumor deposits (TDs) and perineural invasion (PNI) in rectal cancer (RC). However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive, evidence-based support for the diagnostic performance of these models. Thus, the accuracy of radiomic models was assessed in diagnosing preoperative RC TDs and PNI in this study.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles from their establishment up to December 11, 2023. The radiomics quality score (RQS) was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the methodological quality and research level of the included studies.

Results

This meta-analysis included 15 eligible studies, most of which employed logistic regression models (LRMs). For diagnosing TDs, the c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of models based on radiomic features (RFs) alone were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79 - 0.90), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75 - 0.91), and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.70 - 0.89); in the validation set, the c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of models based on both RFs and interpretable CFs were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83 - 0.91), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.72 - 0.99), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53 - 0.76), respectively. For diagnosing PNI, the c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of models based on RFs alone were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74 - 0.86), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.44 - 0.80), and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.68 - 0.87) in the validation set; in the validation set, the c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of models based on both RFs and interpretable CFs were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77 - 0.89), 0.60 (95% CI: 0.48 - 0.71), and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84 - 0.94), respectively.

Conclusions

Diagnostic models based on both RFs and CFs have proven effective in preoperatively diagnosing TDs and PNI in RC. This non-invasive method shows promise as a new approach.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=498660, identifier CRD42024498660.