bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals in implementing an ERAS protocol for minimally invasive heart valve surgery: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Schmid Mona Elisabeth , König Helene , Stumm Jannik , Girdauskas Evaldas
Published: February 2025

Introduction

ERAS protocols have revolutionized perioperative care by optimizing patient outcomes after major surgeries. Despite widespread recognition in various surgical specialties, the implementation of ERAS in cardiac surgery remains relatively novel.

Methods

This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals involved in ERAS implementation, focusing on identifying facilitators and barriers. The data collected from the interviews was subjected to qualitative content analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns.

Results

The emerged themes highlight the importance of effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, and clear guidelines in facilitating ERAS implementation. While healthcare professionals universally recognized the benefits of ERAS for patient outcomes, they also identified challenges such as time constraints and resource allocation.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, and clear guidelines to overcome the challenges of implementing ERAS. The importance of involving diverse healthcare professionals in ERAS development and implementation to enhance team spirit, motivation, and overall success is highlighted by our findings. These findings contribute to the ongoing refinement of ERAS protocols, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cardiac surgery and beyond. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, collaboration across institutions, and exploration of implementation strategies.
Subepicardial adipose genes contribute to the deterioration of heart failure preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Zhang Ruiying , Wang Man , Lang Yuheng , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Yuchao , Zheng Han , Zheng Yue , Zhou Bingyang
Published: February 2025

Background

The mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) raised rapidly in last decade and obesity are becoming the major cause to CAD progression, thus inducing heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, why visceral adipocytes show different effects on healthy and ageing cardiomyocytes is less known.

Methods

GSE251971 was downloaded and Venn diagram between visceral adipocyte genes genes and DEGs was performed to obtain visceral adipocyte-associated DEGs in heart failure. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to obtain the hub genes utilizing the Cytoscape plugin Cytohubba. The hub genes and their interactions were analyzed using NetworkAnalyst 3.0 and for validation, the hub genes expressions were analyzed using Single-cell sequencing data, cell lines and human sub-epicardial tissues and blood samples.

Results

Using Venn diagram, 71 visceral adipocyte-associated DEGs were identified. Nine hub genes were obtained, including OGN, SELL, FOS, NKG7, LOX, HBB, CXCL9, CP and ALOX5. Single-cell sequencing demonstrated all hub genes were highly expressed in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with end-stage heart failure. The related OGN, FOS, NKG7 and ALOX5 mRNA expressions were significantly highly expressed in sub-epicardial tissues in HFpEF patients. AUCs of OGN, FOS and ALOX5 were 0.902, 0.795 and 0.730, and the AUC of joint ROC of OGN, FOS and ALOX5 was 0.946. Additionally, FOS, ALOX5 and OGN expressions were increased at follow up 1 year recurrence, while decreased at follow up 2 year recurrence. Mechanically, FOS and ALOX5 were highly expressed in macrophages under hypoxia, while OGN was highly expressed in fibroblasts under hypoxia. SASPs, including IL1α, IL1β, IL6 and TNFα, decreased in hypoxic macrophages after FOS and ALOX5 knockdown or both. Also, SASPs decreased in hypoxic fibroblasts after OGN knockdown. These results suggested that FOS, ALOX5 and OGN may affect cell senescence after hypoxia, thus inducing myocardial infarction and HFpEF progression.

Conclusion

The screened hub genes, including OGN, FOS and ALOX5, were validated using single-cell sequencing data, cell lines and human samples, which can be therapeutic targets for the treatment to cell senescence under hypoxia and prediction to heart failure progression to HFpEF.
Transduction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by an MECP2 lentiviral vector improves Rett syndrome phenotypes
Authors: Anderson Joseph S. , Silverman Jill L. , Lodigiani Alyse L. , Barbaduomo Camilla M. , Beegle Julie R.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by decreased levels of MeCP2. Due to mutations in the MECP2 gene, insufficient MeCP2 protein levels lead to clinical phenotypes including the loss of normal movement, decreased communication, seizures, sleep disorders, and breathing problems. Currently there is no cure for Rett Syndrome and the only means to help patients is palliative care directed to their specific symptoms. Therefore, novel therapies need to be developed to alleviate disease phenotypes by restoring normal MECP2 expression. An autologous hematopoietic stem cell and gene therapy approach for Rett syndrome may offer a benefit to affected patients by systemic delivery of functional MeCP2, including to affected neurons in the central nervous system.

Methods

In our current experiments, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of MECP2 lentiviral vector transduced human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells after transplantation into an immunodeficient mouse model of Rett syndrome.

Results

We observed improvement of Rett syndrome-related phenotypes including the reversion toward normal motor abilities in an open field assay for total activity, horizontal activity, and vertical rearing activity, and an increased latency to fall in a rotarod assay. An increased level of MeCP2 protein was also observed in the brain tissue of transplanted mice.

Discussion

By providing functional MeCP2 to affected cells, our results highlight the ability of this strategy to improve Rett syndrome phenotypes. These proof-of-concept studies demonstrate the potential use of a stem cell gene therapy approach as a novel treatment for Rett syndrome patients.
Outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas in Spain: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Paja Miguel , Soto Alfonso , Hanzu Felicia A. , Guerrero-Pérez Fernando , Cámara Rosa , Moure Dolores , Gálvez Ángeles , Simó-Servat Andreu , Villar-Taibo Rocío , Calatayud María , Vicente Almudena , Recio-Córdova Jose M. , Serra Guillermo , Martín Rojas-Marcos Patricia , Parra-Ramírez Paola , Araujo-Castro Marta , Librizzi Soledad , Irigaray Ana , Ollero Dolores , Aznar Silvia , Muñoz Fernando , Aulinas Anna , González-Fernández Laura , García-Centeno Rogelio , Egaña Nerea , González-Vidal Tomás , Menéndez Edelmiro , Delgado Ana M. , Abarca Javier , Sottile Johana , Picó Antonio M. , Novo Cristina , Ortiz Isabel , Tenorio Carmen , de León Ricardo , de Pablos-Velasco Pedro , Crespo Cristina , Peñalver David , Díaz-Soto Gonzalo , Puig-Domingo Manel , Biagetti Betina
Published: February 2025

Background

The outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma (PA) depend on many factors, including the availability of an expert team and the volume of surgeries performed. Data on the outcomes of TSS for PA are scarce in our country. TESSPAIN evaluates TSS outcomes in Spanish centers to assess the influence of surgical volume and specialized neurosurgical teams on success and complication rates.

Methods

A retrospective, nationwide, study of Spanish centers performing TSS between January 2018 and December 2022. Centers were classified as high volume (HV) [n=11, defined as centers with recognized expertise in Spain or those performing more than 25 TSS/year] or non-HV. Data collection included surgical success rates, complications, and pituitary adenoma resectability (R-PA). Additional analyses evaluated the impact of dedicated neurosurgical teams (DNT) within HV centers.

Results

A total of 2815 TSS from 29 Spanish centers were included (1421 NSPA, 436 GH-secreting, 323 Cushing’s disease, 127 PRL-secreting and 25 TSH-secreting PA). The overall success rate was 50.5%, 76.8% for R-PA. HV centers had a higher overall success rate (53.1 vs. 47.7%; p=0.03). Better TSS outcomes for NSPA accounted for this difference. The overall TSS complication rate was 22.1%, which was higher for NSPA than for SPA (25.0 vs. 17.7%). The overall complication rate of TSS for PA was significantly higher in non-HV centers than in HV centers (24 vs 20.4.0; p <0.01). Centers with a DNT showed a trend to higher success rate in R-PA, while having a lower overall incidence of complications in TSS for PA than HV centers without a DNT (18.5 vs. 23.0; p=0.058), mainly reducing the rate of permanent ADH deficiency in all TSS for PA (2.7 vs. 8.4%; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Higher surgical volume and DNT are associated with improved TSS outcomes for PA in Spain. Our results support the recommendation of concentration of pituitary surgery in a reduced number of centers of expertise in our country in order to improve the success rate and reduce complications, mainly postoperative ADH deficiency.
Infections and antibiotic use in early childhood have limited importance in developing manifest type 1 diabetes – The ABIS cohort study
Authors: Bélteky Malin , Wahlberg Jeanette , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: February 2025

Aims

To investigate the effect of early childhood infections and antibiotic use on the risk of type 1 diabetes in a general population cohort.

Research Design and Methods

The All Babies In Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort followed 16 428 children from birth. Questionnaires collected at 1 year (n=11 093), 3 years (n=8 890) and 5 years of age (n=7 445) included data on infections and antibiotic use and were validated against national registers. After a mean follow-up of 25 years, 168 individuals have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (1.0% of the original cohort, aged 1-24.5 years).

Results

There were few significant differences in type or frequency of early childhood infections or antibiotic use between cases with type 1 diabetes and the reference group (remaining individuals who did not develop type 1 diabetes) after adjusting for sex, heredity and socioeconomic status. A small number of type 1 diabetes children (4.8% compared to 0.8% of the reference group) reported six or more episodes of gastroenteritis in the 1-3-year age group, resulting in an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 8.21; 95% CI 2.70-25.01, p<0.001. Cases of type 1 diabetes with an increased genetic risk (n=91) reported fewer episodes of the common cold between 1 and 3 years of age compared to the reference group (aOR 0.27; 0.13-0.58, p<0.001). Individuals with type 1 diabetes without risk-associated HLA alleles (n=14) reported a higher frequency of pneumonia in the 1–3- and 3–5-year age group (aOR 26.08; 6.29-108.17, p<0.001 and aOR 35.63; 4.10-309.96, p=0.001 respectively), and had more viral and total infections registered in the National Patient Register from 0-5 years (aOR 5.72; 1.59-20.57, p=0.008 and aOR 18.71; 1.95-179.55, p=0.01).

Conclusions

Childhood infections could increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in a small group of individuals without risk-associated HLA alleles, but this was not seen in the majority with HLA-risk. More research is required for this overlooked population, including screening and prevention trials. The association to frequent gastrointestinal infections in the first years of life needs to be reproduced in other studies to be confirmed.
Effect of plant spacing on the soil properties and fertility of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations in sandy land of the agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Yang Guang , Ma Yunxia , Qiao Shi , Chen Haoyu , Liu Feng , Ma Shuai
Published: February 2025

Duolun County in Inner Mongolia, a typical agro-pastoral ecotone, serves as an important ecological barrier in northern China. To combat windblown sand and land degradation, the government has established extensive P. sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. plantations. This study investigated the effects of three afforestation modes (2 m × 6 m, 2 m × 3 m, and 1 m × 1 m), which were used as treatments, and unafforested bare sandy land as a control, on soil physicochemical properties and soil fertility. The results showed that row spacing significantly affected soil characteristics and soil fertility. With an increase in plant row spacing, the content of coarse particles decreased, while fine particle content, soil water and nutrient levels, and soil porosity increased. Additionally, the bulk density of the soil decreased, particularly in the topsoil. However, planting P. sylvestris var. mongolica in sandy land increased the soil’s electrical conductivity, which declined with wider spacing. Soil fertility of different types of plantation forests was evaluated using the soil quality index (SQI) and grey relation analysis (GRA) combined with the minimum dataset (MDS), and the results showed that: 2 m × 6 m > 2 m × 3 m > 1 m × 1 m > bare sandy land. The results of the two evaluation systems were consistent and their TDS (total dataset) and the MDS in the two evaluation systems were significantly positively correlated (SQI: P < 0.05, R2 = 0.9384). GRA: P < 0.05, R2 = 0.8929). Compared with bare sand, the soil bulk density and pH of 2 m × 6 m plantation was 13.72% and 4.02% lower; the soil water content and total porosity were 49.75% and 27.88% higher; the soil organic matter, total N, P, and K were 250.99%, 136%, 100%, and 19.53% higher; the available N, P, and K were 29.95%, 94.3%, and 12.71% higher; and the clay, silt and very fine sand contents were 242.55%, 343.1%, and 17.21% higher, respectively. These findings indicate that the development of soil characteristics and fertility accumulation are not ideal when the planting density is larger, among the above three afforestation modes, 2 m × 6 m plantation forests can better improve the soil characteristics and fertility quality of sandy soils.
Construction of evaluation index system of water resources carrying capacity based on ecological civilization
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Jinjuan , Jiang Han , Li Shuangquan
Published: February 2025

Ecological civilization construction is an important way to achieve sustainable development in China. To reconcile the contradictions between water resources and rapid economic growth in China, it is essential to establish a scientific and rational evaluation index system for water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) based on the concept of ecological civilization. This study first delves into the connotation of WRCC and constructs a theoretical framework for the WRCC evaluation index system under the guidance of ecological civilization. Then, correlation analysis and information contribution rate analysis are employed to optimize the index system. Finally, a comprehensive and representative evaluation index system for WRCC is formed. Taking the Henan section of the Yellow River Basin as an example, the results are as follows: (1) A WRCC evaluation index system with 4 target layers, 10 criterion layers, and 43 indicator layers is established; (2) The WRCC in the study area exhibits a general upward trend; (3) Key obstacles to WRCC development include water resources per capita (X2), precipitation (X1), groundwater resources per unit area (X3), ecological water use rate (X19) and forest coverage rate (X20). Future efforts should prioritize mitigating water resource pressure and enhancing ecological environment protection. This study provides a reference for establishing an effective WRCC evaluation index system and holds significant practical implications for guiding the sustainable development of regional water resources.
LINC00461 SNPs rs933647 and rs201864123 modify the risk of adenoid hypertrophy susceptibility for children in South China
Authors: Hou Chao , Luo Xilian , Wan Xin , Chen Kaining , Xian Zhongren , Xu Kaixiong , Zeng Yingjia , Wang Chenlu , Yang Wan , Zheng Zilin , Lin Yueling , Lu Zhaojin , Chen Yanqiu , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: February 2025

Background

Adenoidal hypertrophy (AH) is commonly observed in childhood and closely linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite the high prevalence of AH, its pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We attempt to explore this issue from a genetic perspective. Elevated levels of LINC00461 have been identified in OSA tissues. We aimed to explore the relationship between susceptibility to adenoid hypertrophy and LINC00461 gene polymorphisms.

Methods

We genotyped the LINC00461 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs933647 and rs201864123 in 546 AH patients and 574 healthy controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between the SNPs and AH risk. The SIPI (Susceptible-Infected-Protected-Infected) method was utilized to analyze SNP-SNP interactions between rs933647 and rs201864123.

Results

Our study found that the rs933647 GA polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of AH. Similarly, the T allele of SNP rs201864123 increased AH risk in southern Chinese children. Furthermore, SIPI analysis demonstrated an interaction between these SNPs associated with adenoid hypertrophy risk.

Conclusion

The LINC00461 rs933647 GA genotype and rs201864123 T variant may contribute to the susceptibility of AH in the child population of China.
Nek5000/RS performance on advanced GPU architectures
Authors: Min Misun , Lan Yu-Hsiang , Fischer Paul , Rathnayake Thilina , Holmen John
Published: February 2025

The authors explore performance scalability of the open-source thermal-fluids code, NekRS, on the U.S. Department of Energy's leadership computers, Crusher, Frontier, Summit, Perlmutter, and Polaris. Particular attention is given to analyzing performance and time-to-solution at the strong-scale limit for a target efficiency of 80%, which is typical for production runs on the DOE's high-performance computing systems. Several examples of anomalous behavior are also discussed and analyzed.
Role of RGS17 in cisplatin-induced cochlear inflammation and ototoxicity via caspase-3 activation
Authors: Al Aameri Raheem F. H. , Alanisi Entkhab M. A. , Al Sallami Dheyaa , Alberts Ian , Tischkau Shelley , Rybak Leonard P. , Ramkumar Vickram
Published: February 2025

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat different solid tumors, including ovarian, bladder, lung, and head and neck cancers. One of its significant side effects is ototoxicity, especially when high doses are required. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is associated with increased cochlear cell death resulting from DNA damage, caspase activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and glutamate excitotoxicity. The regulator of G protein signaling 17 (RGS17), a member of the RGS-RZ subfamily, hastens the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP on the Gα subunit. In the current study, we demonstrate the role of RGS17 in cisplatin-induced cochlear inflammation and ototoxicity. C57BL/6J mice treated with two cycles of cisplatin (3.5 mg/kg) showed a significant elevation in ABR thresholds, along with loss of outer hair cells and inner hair cells synapse. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cisplatin administration upregulates CXCL1, accompanied by an increase in the number of CD45 and CD68-positive immune cells. On the other hand, RGS17 knockout in hair cells protects against cisplatin-induced elevation of ABR thresholds, outer hair cell loss, cochlear inflammation, and inner hair cell synaptopathy. Moreover, RGS17 knockout downregulates CXCL1 immunolabeling and decreases the number of CD45 and CD68-positive immune cells induced by cisplatin. These results suggest that RGS17 is implicated in cisplatin ototoxicity, potentially by initiating the immune cascade, and indicate RGS17 as a relevant target for treating cisplatin ototoxicity.
Clinical evidence of immunogenicity of CAR-T cell therapies and its implication in the clinical development of CAR-T drug products
Authors: Alfar Hammodah R. , Chen Cecil , Lachacz Eric , Tang Weifeng , Zhang Yuqian
Published: February 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell therapies (CAR-T) are becoming powerful immunotherapeutic tools for treating malignancies, especially hematological malignancies. Like other biological drugs, CAR-T cell products can trigger unwanted immune responses in patients receiving the treatment. This might lead to treatment failure or life-threatening consequences. This immunogenicity could also affect the CAR-T cells’ cellular kinetics and clinical responses. In this review, we summarize the immunogenicity of biologics and their effects on PK/PD profiles, safety, and efficacy. We also introduce the mechanisms of immunogenicity induced by CAR-T cells and clinical evidence of immunogenicity of the currently FDA-approved CAR-T cell products. Particularly, we summarize the currently available immunogenicity data from each CAR-T cell product’s clinical trials, immunogenicity assays, sample types, and preclinical efficacy models, which were retrieved from the FDA and EMA websites. We also discuss a preclinical model that is promising for evaluating CAR-T cell immunogenicity.
Impaired immune reconstitution in HIV infection: the role of CD4+ T-cell-associated NKG2D ligands, CD4+ T-cell subsets imbalance, and immune function deficiency
Authors: Xu Qianqian , Zhang Qiuyue , Xu Peng , Zhang Tong , Wu Hao , Zhang Xin , Moog Christiane , Su Bin
Published: February 2025

Objective

The role of natural killer (NK) cells, which mediate innate immunity, in the immune reconstitution of people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unclear. Our previous research indicated that early activation of CD56dimCD16dim/- NK cells plays an important role in the recovery of CD4+ T cells in immunological non-responders (INRs) after ART. This study mainly focuses on the profiles of cell receptors and their relative ligands for NK cells and CD4+ T cells exhibited on INRs and immunological responders (IRs) in order to analyze the impact of differential immune status on immune reconstitution in PLWH receiving ART.

Methods

This study included 66 PLWH who had been on ART for 4 years, comprising 32 INRs and 34 IRs. Using flow cytometry, we examined the expression of cell receptors and ligands for NK cells and CD4+ T cells in PBMCs, as well as the differentiation of CD4+ T cells.

Results

The expression of NKG2D ligands, including MICA/B and ULBP2-5, on CD4+ T cells in INRs is elevated prior to ART. Further research found that the expression of CD95 on MICA/B+CD4+ T cells and ULBP2-5+CD4+ T cells was higher in INRs before ART compared to IRs. Simultaneously, the percentages of death receptor CD95 expression on MICA/B+CD4+ T cells and on ULBP2-5+CD4+ T cells before ART were negatively correlated with CD4+ T-cell counts and ΔCD4. Among the CD4+ T-cell subsets, an imbalance persists in the CD4+ Tcm and CD4+ Temra subsets in both INRs and IRs, before or after ART. CD4+ T cells exhibit elevated levels of activation, proliferation, exhaustion, and apoptosis prior to ART initiation. However, CD4+ T-cell activation and proliferation normalize post-ART, while apoptosis and exhaustion levels remain significantly elevated. Regardless of ART, the anti-apoptotic capacity of CD4+ T cells in INRs is still lower than that of IRs and healthy controls (HCs). Before ART, the frequency of CD31 expression on naive CD4+ T cells in INRs is lower than that in IRs and HCs. Following ART, the amounts of CD31+ Tn from CD4+ T cells remain impaired in both INRs and IRs compared to HCs.

Conclusion

The upregulation of related ligands for the NKG2D receptor on CD4+ T cells in INRs is associated with increased susceptibility of CD4+ T cells to NK cell-mediated killing. CD95 may plays an important role in poor recovery of CD4+ T cells co-expressing NKG2D-related ligands. The imbalance in CD4+ Tcm and CD4+ Temra subset homeostasis and impaired CD31 expression on naive CD4+ T cells in INRs are associated with poor immune reconstitution outcomes.
Two rare mutations in homozygosity synergize to silence TREX1 in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome
Authors: Rubin Tamar , Bernier Stéphane , Hoon Lim Lily Siok , Salman Michael S. , Leung Edward , Mhanni Aziz , Marles Sandra , Greenberg Cheryl , Perez Anna , Sun Yichun , Angers Isabelle , Vinh Donald C. , Roussel Lucie
Published: February 2025

Background

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare monogenic type I interferonopathy characterized by dysregulated inflammation and tissue damage that primarily affects the central nervous system. AGS is genetically diverse, with pathogenic variants across multiple genes, including TREX1, which drives excessive type I interferon (IFN) production.

Objective

This study investigated the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying AGS in a family of two affected children, focusing on the role of TREX1 variants in protein expression and dysregulation of the interferon pathway.

Methods

Genomic sequencing data were used to identify TREX1 variants in the affected children. Functional assays in patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs) and cell line models were used to evaluate TREX1 expression and activation of the cGAS-STING pathway.

Results

Two homozygous TREX1 variants were identified in two affected children. Functional analyses showed that both variants are required to mirror the near-absent protein levels observed in LCL and to cause excessive activation of IRF3 in cGAS-STING pathway in response to cytosolic DNA stimulation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the compound effect of two rare homozygous variants account for AGS. This also reiterates the importance of molecular and functional assessments of genomic variants identified by sequencing.
Calculating 3D rugosity maps for complex habitat scans
Authors: Beregovyi Kindrat , Dijkstra Jennifer A. , Butkiewicz Thomas
Published: February 2025

Advances in 3D scanning and reconstruction techniques, such as structure-from-motion, have resulted in an abundance of increasingly-detailed 3D habitat models. However, many existing methods for calculating structural complexity of these models use 2.5D techniques that fail to capture the details of truly 3D models with overlapping features. This paper presents novel algorithms that extend traditional rugosity metrics to generate multi-scale rugosity maps for complex 3D models. Models are repeatedly subdivided for local analysis using multiple 3D grids, which are jittered to smooth results and suppress extreme values from edge cases and poorly-fit reference planes. A rugosity-minimizing technique is introduced to find optimal reference planes for the arbitrary sections of the model within each grid cell. These algorithms are implemented in an open-source analysis software package, HabiCAT 3D (Habitat Complexity Analysis Tool), that calculates and visualizes high-quality 3D rugosity maps for large and complex models. It also extends fractal dimension and vector dispersion complexity metrics, and is used in this paper to evaluate and discuss the appropriateness of each metric to various coral reef datasets.
Case report: ZFYVE19 gene mutation is associated with familial cholestasis
Authors: Xue Mei-Yan , Huang Ling-Ling , Zhu Yue-Yong , Zheng Qi
Published: February 2025

The etiology of cholestatic liver disease is complex, with clinical manifestations being nonspecific, and biochemical abnormalities mainly characterized by elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Due to the lack of specific symptoms and diverse causes, the diagnosis poses certain challenges. Here, we present a case of liver cirrhosis with predominant cholestatic features of unknown etiology. Despite multiple comprehensive routine etiological screenings and liver biopsies, the diagnosis remained unclear. Subsequent whole exome sequencing revealed the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis caused by familial cholestasis related to a mutation in the ZFYVE19 gene. Through this case report analysis, we aim to broaden the diagnostic approach for cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology, identify the cause accurately, and intervene promptly.
Research status and hotspots of hypothermia and human diseases: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Wei-Xuan , Han Na-Na , Ji Qian-Yu , Dong Xue-Tong , Lu Chao-Long , Wang Song-Jun
Published: February 2025

Background

Hypothermia has been strongly associated with human diseases; it affects life safety. Therapeutic hypothermia generates good results for certain diseases, without serious complications. In clinical practice, research on the treatment of hypothermia and severe hypothermia-induced diseases have achieved fruitful results. However, no bibliometric analysis has been conducted. In this study, we explored the research status and hotspots of hypothermia and human diseases by conducting a bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Articles on hypothermia and human diseases were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. From 1 January 2005 to 31 August 2024, A total of 1,553 articles were retrieved. After excluding irrelevant articles, 706 articles were analyzed.

Results

The United States and China published the maximum number of research articles on hypothermia and human diseases. Among institutes, Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University published the maximum number of research articles. Scholars, including Ishikawa Takaki, Maeda Hitoshi, and Michiue Tomomi, constituted a highly productive group of authors. The journal, Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management published the highest number of articles, and Nature Reviews Drug Discovery had the highest impact factor. Cluster analysis of all keywords primarily focused on the following research directions: (i) hypothermia-related injury, (ii) hypothermia treatment, and (iii) the mechanism underlying hypothermia.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study comprehensively summarizes the impact of hypothermia on human diseases and the research overview of the use of moderate hypothermia for treatment. This paper clarifies the research status, frontiers and hotspots, and also puts forward new insights for hypothermia research: strengthen research cooperation to improve the depth of research, increase support for areas with insufficient medical conditions; in the future, single-cell multiomics technology will be used to explore cell types sensitive to different low temperatures and corresponding molecular mechanisms; non-coding RNA regulation will be used to achieve precision treatment of hypothermia diseases; Organoids will be an important object of hypothermia research. These research insights can provide reference for researchers.
Global burden and trends of viral hepatitis among women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Yang Shaojie , Zhong Lin , Huang Lu , Lin Shengyuan , Li Yubin
Published: February 2025

Background

The burden and trends of viral hepatitis in women of childbearing age (WCBA) are rarely quantified. This study aimed to assess the global, regional, and national incidence and prevalence rates among WCBA from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

From 1990 to 2021, we retrieved data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 on the incidence and prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C, and E for WCBA. Estimated annual percent change in the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates were calculated to quantify the temporal trend.

Results

In 2021, it was estimated that there were 42,266,708 new cases and 109,107,759 prevalent cases of viral hepatitis among WCBA globally. AHA had the highest incidence rate, while CHB had the highest prevalence rate globally. Notably, AHA and AHE were emerging in low-endemic regions. Generally, the burden of viral hepatitis decreased with higher SDI levels, except for AHA. Between 1990 and 2021, the global age-standardized incidence rate for viral hepatitis among WCBA decreased annually by −1.11% for acute hepatitis A (AHA), −1.24% for AHB, and −0.18% for AHC, −0.34% for AHE, with more significant reductions observed for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and CHC at −1.33% and −0.29%, respectively. Furthermore, the burden of viral hepatitis continued to rise in lower-SDI regions, and the proportion of younger individuals affected increased as SDI decreased.

Conclusions

Although the incidence and prevalence rates of viral hepatitis have decreased in recent decades, notable regional and demographic disparities remain. These concerning trends are especially pronounced in low-SDI regions, making it essential to tackle the disparities in healthcare resource allocation for WCBA across areas with varying SDI levels.
A simple and effective screening strategy for early multiple system atrophy diagnosis and α-Synuclein forms in erythrocytes
Authors: Jiang Ying , Jin Jianing , Piao Yingshan , Yin Yixuan , Tang Lian , Guan Qixuan , Gao Yang , Feng Tao , Wang Zhan
Published: February 2025

Background

Urinary dysfunction is an early manifestation of autonomic dysfunction in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and often precedes orthostatic hypotension. This study investigated the diagnostic efficacy of post-void residual (PVR) urine volume in differentiating possible MSA from early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) and sought to identify a feasible combination of autonomic nervous system indicators for clinical use. The distribution of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) forms in erythrocyte was preliminary explored.

Methods

This study included 70 patients with MSA-P, 73 with MSA-C, and 71 with PD. All participants underwent assessments including bladder residual urine ultrasound, the supine-to-standing test (STS), external anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG), brain MRI, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined the diagnostic value of PVR urine volume and other autonomic indicators for possible MSA. Immunofluorescence staining of α-Syn forms in red blood cells (RBCs) was also performed.

Results

PVR urine volume, ΔSBP and ΔDBP (at 1 and 3 min), and EAS-EMG parameters were significantly increased in MSA-P and MSA-C patients compared to PD (p < 0.01), with similar differences observed between possible MSA-P/MSA-C and early-stage PD patients. ROC analysis showed that PVR urine volume had diagnostic value in differentiating possible MSA-P (AUC = 0.668, cut-off 24.5 mL) and MSA-C (AUC = 0.759, cut-off 47.5 mL) form early-stage PD patients. ΔSBP at 1 and 3 min also distinguished possible MSA-P (AUC = 0.702, 0.730) and MSA-C (AUC = 0.707, 0.718) from early-stage PD. Combining PVR urine volume and ΔSBP (at 1 and 3 min) further improved diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 0.817 (sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 96.8%) for possible MSA-P and an AUC of 0.794 (sensitivity 68.6%, specificity 87.1%) for MSA-C from early-stage PD. On a molecular level, oligo-α-Syn predominantly localized to RBC membrane fractions in MSA patients, while α-Syn pS129 was primarily detected in the RBC cytoplasm of PD patients.

Conclusion

Combining PVR urine volume and ΔSBP (at 1 and 3 min) is an easily accessible and effective method for distinguishing possible MSA from early-stage PD. This combination should be considered for routine assessment in Parkinsonism. Distinct α-Syn forms distribution in erythrocytes could be considered as a useful biomarker for differential diagnosis.
Effects of happy sensation training group on the symptom of anxiety, depression and sleep structure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Deping , Wang Yunqiong , Li Jia , Wang Ling , Yao Yongping , Deng Jing
Published: February 2025

Background

Non-drug therapy is a common clinical treatment for chronic insomnia, and the effect of happiness perception training group based on five senses therapy on chronic insomnia has not been evaluated.

Objective

This study investigated the effects of happy sensation training group on anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia disorder.

Methods

A prospective, assessor-blind, randomized controlled design was used. Adult patients with chronic insomnia were recruited from the Sleep Medicine Center of Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health. Participants in the training group received 10 sessions of hospital-based happy sensation training group therapy and three months of home exercises. The control group received health instruction. Results included anxiety, depression, and insomnia and were assessed at baseline, 2-week intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Polysomnography was performed at baseline and 2-week intervention. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Nonparametric test were used for data analysis.

Results

42 patients in the training group and 43 patients in the control group accomplished 3-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in anxiety, depression, insomnia and sleep Characteristics between training group and control group at baseline (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, anxiety, depression and insomnia were improved in the training group after 2 weeks and at the 3-month follow-up (P < 0.05), sleep latency was shortened (P < 0.001), and sleep efficiency, total sleep time and N2 phase sleep were increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Happiness sensation training group can effectively improve the anxiety and depression of chronic insomnia patients, so as to improve insomnia. Given its acceptability and practicality, the program could be incorporated into routine treatment.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=210919, identifier ChiCTR2400082199.
Crossbreeding Simmental with Mongolian, and Holstein cattle can improve feed efficiency and energy metabolism by upregulating COX3 and downregulating PRSS2 gene expression
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhao Pengfei , Li Xiaorui , Huangfu Mingke , Chen Zhimeng , Wang Chunjie , Chen Hao , Chen Aorigele
Published: February 2025

The selective breeding of beef cattle plays an important role in meeting the growing demand for beef and improving production performance. This study used fattened cattle of the Simmental (S) breed, and two crossbreeds: Simmental × Mongolian (SM) and Simmental × Holstein (SH), which were healthy, of similar age and weight. The results showed that the blood glucose (GLU) levels of the crossbred, genetically improved SM and SH groups were higher than that of the S group. Compared with the S group, there were 49 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SM group, of which 18 genes were up-regulated and 31 genes were down-regulated; and 1,031 DEGs in the SH group, of which 251 genes were up-regulated and 780 genes were down-regulated. We found that crossbreeding may increase GLU levels in the blood by upregulating cytochrome C oxidase subunit 3 (COX3) gene expression and downregulating of PRSS2, providing glycogen to the organism, and therefore enhancing GLU-converting capacity. This study highlighted the differences in feed utilization and energy metabolism among crossbred breeds and provides theoretical support for crossbreeding as a means of selecting breeds and improving beef cattle production. However, the expression of the genes were not validated in the present experiments, and these results need further validation.
Exploration of risk factors and characteristics of COVID-19 infection among patients with hematological malignancies in Suzhou, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Yao Yao , Di Wenjuan , He Fangkai , Liu Bin , Chen Xue , Guan Xiaojun , Huang Zhou , Wang Ying , Wu Depei
Published: February 2025

Background and aim

Patients diagnosed with cancer, particularly those with hematologic malignancies, frequently exhibit a state of immunosuppression. Currently, there remains a scarcity of dependable biomarkers for assessing the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with hematologic malignancies. We conducted a retrospective study of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) who had contracted COVID-19. The aim was to offer a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A total of 71 patients with HM-confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled from December 2022 to May 2023. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and treatment approaches were collected and documented. Patients were classified into survival and death groups based on their COVID-19 outcomes, and statistical analysis was performed on the clinical data from both groups.

Results

Among the 71 patients, 57 (80.3%) were alive, and 14 (19.7%) had died. The mean age of patients in the death group was significantly higher than that of the survival group (51.29 ± 20.76 vs. 49.47 ± 13.04, P=0.030). The proportion of patients receiving mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in the death group (P<0.001). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the critically severe group compared to the mild, moderate, and severe groups (P<0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that certain laboratory indicators lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), creatine kinase (CK), troponin T (TnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and fibrin degradation product (FDP), which exhibited significant differences between groups, were significantly correlated with COVID-19-related mortality (all P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model indicated that LDH was an independent risk factor associated with the prognosis of HM-confirmed COVID-19.

Conclusion

Patients with hematologic malignancies suffer severe morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 infection. LDH may serve as a risk factor associated with prognosis in the treatment of COVID-19. Monitoring variations in LDH levels can assist healthcare providers in evaluating disease progression, adjusting treatment plans in a timely manner, and predicting patient outcomes.
Predicting new-onset stroke with machine learning: development of a model integrating traditional Chinese and western medicine
Authors: Wang Liuding , Shi Jingzi , Miao Lina , Chen Yifan , Wei Jingjing , Jia Min , Gong Zhiyi , Yang Ze , Lyu Jian , Zhang Yunling , Liang Xiao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine has demonstrated effectiveness in the primary prevention of stroke. Therefore, our study aims to utilize TCM syndromes alongside conventional risk factors as predictive variables to construct a machine learning model for assessing the risk of new-onset stroke.

Methods

We conducted a ten-year follow-up study encompassing 4,511 participants from multiple Chinese community hospitals. The dependent variable was the occurrence of the new-onset stroke, while independent variables included age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes, blood lipids, carotid atherosclerosis, smoking status, and TCM syndromes. We developed the models using XGBoost in conjunction with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for interpretability, and logistic regression with a nomogram for clinical application.

Results

A total of 1,783 individuals were included (1,248 in the training set and 535 in the validation set), with 110 patients diagnosed with new-onset stroke. The logistic model demonstrated an AUC of 0.746 (95% CI: 0.719–0.774) in the training set and 0.658 (95% CI: 0.572–0.745) in the validation set. The XGBoost model achieved a training set AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.788–0.834) and a validation set AUC of 0.628 (95% CI: 0.537–0.719). SHAP analysis showed that elevated SBP, Fire syndrome in TCM, and carotid atherosclerosis were the three most important features for predicting the new-onset stroke.

Conclusion

Under identical traditional risk factors, Chinese residents with Fire syndrome may have a higher risk of new-onset stroke. In high-risk populations for stroke, it is recommended to prioritize the screening and management of hypertension, Fire syndrome, and carotid atherosclerosis. However, future high-performance TCM predictive models require more objective and larger datasets for optimization.
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of berberine: its therapeutic role and molecular mechanisms in kidney diseases
Authors: Fan Zhongyu , Wei Xuejiao , Zhu Xiaoyu , Yang Kun , Tian Ling , Wang Xiaoyan , Du Yujun , Yang Liming
Published: February 2025

Berberine (BBR) is a pentacyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloid widely distributed across various medicinal plants. Recent studies have demonstrated that berberine possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including not only antioxidant properties but also the ability to lower blood glucose, modulate lipid profiles, and mitigate inflammation. These findings suggest that berberine holds significant potential as a therapeutic agent for renal diseases, highlighting its substantial research value. Moreover, when administered orally, berberine has been shown to exhibit a wide therapeutic safety margin. Several studies have identified berberine’s renoprotective effects across a range of kidney disorders, including diabetic nephropathy, renal fibrosis, renal aging, kidney toxicity induced by chemotherapy and antibiotics. These properties underscore berberine’s evolving therapeutic potential for both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In summary, the research discussed in this article provides a comprehensive overview of the renoprotective effects of BBR and elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic potential in the treatment of various renal disease. Furthermore, the article underscores the significance of berberine as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of kidney disorders.
Soil properties and rhizosphere interactions affecting nitrous oxide emissions with mitigation by nitrification inhibitors in rice growth stages
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Lu Yiyin , Li Wanyi , Liao Fuxing , Wang Juanjuan , Zhang Hongcheng , Yang Yanju
Published: February 2025

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from paddy soils, particularly from the rice rhizosphere, significantly contribute to agricultural greenhouse gas outputs. This study explores N2O emission dynamics in rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) soils from two distinct paddy types (JR and YC) during the primary rice growth stages (tillering, jointing, heading, and grain-filling). Cumulative N2O emissions were measured at 688.56, 762.90, 831.20, and 1072.32 µg N kg-1 for JR-NR, JR-R, YC-NR, and YC-R, respectively. Notably, JR-R and YC-R exhibited increases in cumulative N2O emissions by up to 20.04% and 28.23%, respectively, compared to their NR counterparts at different growth stages. These enhanced emissions were primarily associated with microbial genera Nitrosospira and Nitrosospirae, and influenced by factors such as electrical conductivity (EC) and available potassium (AK). The soil organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio (C/N) was a key determinant influencing Nitrosospira abundance. Additionally, nitrification inhibitors (NIs) demonstrated a substantial reduction in N2O emissions, with a decrease of 92.37% in JR-R and 91.93% in YC-R at selected growth stages, showing more pronounced effects compared to NR soils. These findings highlight the efficacy of NIs in significantly mitigating N2O emissions, particularly in rhizosphere soils. Variations in the efficiency of NIs across different soil types and growth stages suggest that optimizing application timing and developing tailored soil-specific strategies could further enhance the effectiveness of NIs in mitigating N2O emissions from paddy fields. This research provides essential insights for developing targeted mitigation strategies to reduce N2O emissions in rice cultivation and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.