bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A roadmap to implementing machine learning in healthcare: from concept to practice
Authors: Yan Adam Paul , Guo Lin Lawrence , Inoue Jiro , Arciniegas Santiago Eduardo , Vettese Emily , Wolochacz Agata , Crellin-Parsons Nicole , Purves Brandon , Wallace Steven , Patel Azaz , Roshdi Medhat , Jessa Karim , Cardiff Bren , Sung Lillian
Published: January 2025

Background

The adoption of machine learning (ML) has been slow within the healthcare setting. We launched Pediatric Real-world Evaluative Data sciences for Clinical Transformation (PREDICT) at a pediatric hospital. Its goal was to develop, deploy, evaluate and maintain clinical ML models to improve pediatric patient outcomes using electronic health records data.

Objective

To provide examples from the PREDICT experience illustrating how common challenges with clinical ML deployment were addressed.

Materials and methods

We present common challenges in developing and deploying models in healthcare related to the following: identify clinical scenarios, establish data infrastructure and utilization, create machine learning operations and integrate into clinical workflows.

Results

We show examples of how these challenges were overcome and provide suggestions for pragmatic solutions while maintaining best practices.

Discussion

These approaches will require refinement over time as the number of deployments and experience increase.
Impact of a multiple oversampling technique-based assessment framework on shallow rockburst prediction models
Authors: Rao Guozhu , Rao Yunzhang , Xie Yangjun , Huang Qiang , Wan Jiazheng , Zhang Jiyong
Published: January 2025

The occurrence of class-imbalanced datasets is a frequent observation in natural science research, emphasizing the paramount importance of effectively harnessing them to construct highly accurate models for rockburst prediction. Initially, genuine rockburst incidents within a burial depth of 500 m were sourced from literature, revealing a small dataset imbalance issue. Utilizing various mainstream oversampling techniques, the dataset was expanded to generate six new datasets, subsequently subjected to 12 classifiers across 84 classification processes. The model incorporating the highest-scoring model from the original dataset and the top two models from the expanded dataset, yielded a high-performance model. Findings indicate that the KMeansSMOTE oversampling technique exhibits the most substantial enhancement across the combined 12 classifiers, whereas individual classifiers favor ET+SVMSMOTE and RF+SMOTENC. Following multiple rounds of hyper parameter adjustment via random cross-validation, the ET+SVMSMOTE combination attained the highest accuracy rate of 93.75%, surpassing mainstream models for rockburst prediction. Moreover, the SVMSMOTE technique, augmenting samples with fewer categories, demonstrated notable benefits in mitigating overfitting, enhancing generalization, and improving Recall and F1 score within RF classifiers. Validated for its high generalization performance, accuracy, and reliability. This process also provides an efficient framework for model development.
Latent landslide hazard recognition in Fang County using synthetic aperture radar interferometry and geological data
Authors: Wang Shunyao , Fan Qingbin , Li Hui
Published: January 2025

The northwest part of Hubei Province, China, is characterized by steep topography, complex geological structures, and intense precipitation, providing ideal natural conditions for landslide disasters. To address the lack of integration of synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) and geological data for the identification of latent landslide hazards, in this study, we incorporated InSAR technology and geological data to identify potential landslides in Fang County, northwest Hubei Province. With the aid of 10 ALOS-2 data scenes and high-precision digital elevation models of the study area, a displacement rate map with a maximum value of −70.6 mm/a was extracted. Then, according to the displacement rate and optical images, the suspected latent landslide area was delineated, and a comprehensive analysis of the slope map and fault and watershed buffer zone map was performed to obtain the final results. Compared to the existing latent landslide recognition method, the proposed method integrating InSAR and geological data can eliminate areas where landslides are geologically unlikely to occur, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of latent landslide hazard identification. The results were verified using geological and optical image features, which confirmed its effectiveness for identifying latent landslide hazards. The results of this research can contribute to the prediction and early warning of landslides and guide field investigations of geological disasters.
Value of triglyceride glucose-body mass index in predicting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qian Xiaoyi , Wu Wenwen , Chen Boyang , Zhang Simin , Xiao Chunmei , Chen Long , Chen Jun , Ke Lingli , He Meian , Li Xiulou
Published: January 2025

Background

There is limited data on the association between TyG-BMI and NAFLD in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The magnitude of risk prediction and predictive efficacy of TyG-BMI for T2DM with NAFLD remains unclear.

Objective

To examine the association of TyG-BMI with NAFLD in T2DM patients and assess the effectiveness of screening using the TyG-BMI index.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 602 T2DM patients at an enterprise health lodge from September 2021 to November 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: T2DM alone (n=250) and T2DM with NAFLD (n=352). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing non-normally distributed continuous data between groups, while the Chi-square test was used for categorical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of BMI, TyG index, and TyG-BMI index on NAFLD. The ROC curve was used to assess the predictive efficacy of the TyG-BMI index for NAFLD in T2DM patients.

Results

BMI predicted the development of NAFLD in T2DM patients with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.792 (95% CI 0.757-0.828), and the optimal cutoff value was 25.22, with 72.2% sensitivity and 71.6% specificity; The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the TyG index to predict the development of NAFLD in patients with T2DM was 0.755 (95% CI 0.716-0.794), and the optimal cutoff value was 8. 945, with a sensitivity of 80.1% and a specificity of 59.2%; The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of TyG-BMI index to predict the development of NAFLD in T2DM patients was 0.852, (95% CI 0.822-0.882), and the optimal cutoff value was 227.385, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80.1% and 59.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The TyG-BMI index is a significant predictor of comorbid NAFLD in T2DM patients and provides better screening performance than BMI alone. The TyG-BMI index shows promise as an early screening tool for NAFLD in T2DM patients.
A renewable integrated multi-area system for LFC incorporating electrical vehicle with SoC estimation
Authors: Lalhmangaihzuala F. , Datta Subir , Lalngaihawma Samuel , Ustun Taha Selim , Kalam Akhtar
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the effect of electric vehicles (EVs) on load frequency control (LFC) in the context of a deregulated market within an asymmetric three-area system featuring a novel combination of hybrid power plants is presented. The paper discusses load frequency control within a deregulated market in an unequal three-area system using a new combination of hybrid power plants. All the areas have one renewable energy source and a thermal power plant (TPP), and each area incorporates electric vehicles. Area 1 contains a combination of a wind turbine system (WTS) and thermal, Area 2 has a geothermal power plant (GTPP) and thermal, and Area 3 has a biogas power plant (BPP) and thermal. This proposed system is investigated. Conventional PID, PI, and I controllers are used because they are simple, cheap, and easily available. Their performance is observed and compared. The controller parameters undergo optimization by applying an innovative optimization method called the Mine Blasting algorithm, which utilizes an integral square error (ISE)-based fitness function. The analysis is done under bilateral and contract violation cases with and without generation rate constraints. Moreover, the state of charge (SoC) estimation concept under a deregulated environment and the significance of EVs in the proposed system, especially in the case of contract violation, is presented.
Comparative study of parameter extractions of photovoltaic modules using analytical and numerical approaches
Authors: Belmahdi Brahim
Published: January 2025

Developing an accurate mathematical model for parameter extraction in photovoltaic modules is a crucial endeavor in optimizing photovoltaic energy systems. This study seeks to assess and compare various analytical and numerical methods for extracting the primary five parameters of photovoltaic modules. Specifically, six established approaches based on a single diode model (SDM) are employed, including the methods introduced by Khan et al., Blas et al., Phang et al., Vika, Cubas et al., and Almonacid et al. The performance of these approaches is evaluated and compared under standard test conditions (STC) with a focus on maximum power point current and voltage. The analytical and numerical methods demonstrate their precision in predicting photocurrent-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (U-V) curves, with the exception of the Almonacid et al. method, which tends to underestimate the I-V curve at the module’s maximum power. Among these methods, the Phang et al. approach stands out, displaying a strong agreement between experimental data and the predicted curve. This is evidenced by the lower values of root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), normalized RMSE (NRMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and absolute error (AE). These findings underscore the high quality of results obtained through the Phang et al. method.
Predicting immunotherapy efficacy in endometrial cancer: focus on the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tashireva Liubov A. , Larionova Irina V. , Ermak Nikita A. , Maltseva Anastasia A. , Livanos Ekaterina I. , Kalinchuk Anna Yu. , Stakheyeva Marina N. , Kolomiets Larisa A.
Published: January 2025

Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking therapeutic approach, based on the immune system’s intrinsic capacity to interfere with tumor progression, that opens the horizons in the treatment of endometrial cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy is hampered by the development of resistance in patients. The resistance to immunotherapy is multifactorial mechanism, encompassed genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells modulating immune checkpoint molecules, resulted in escaping immune surveillance. The tumor microenvironment can orchestrate an immunosuppressive milieu, attenuating the immune response and facilitating tumor progression. To overcome immunotherapeutic resistance in endometrial cancer we must bring to light the mechanisms of intricate interplay between neoplastic cells, the host immune system, and the tumor microenvironment. The identification of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic response and the innovative agents capable of reversing resistance pathways must be developed. Our review summarizes accumulated data on the role of cells of the tumor microenvironment and their regulatory molecules in the mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including resistance to therapy. Major question we raise here – which group of patients is the most favorable to achieve durable immunotherapy response in endometrial cancer?
Lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD20 and chemotherapy display disconnected T and B cell responses to COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Lamure Sylvain , Chavez Houria Hendel , de Goër de Herve Marie-Ghislaine , Fornecker Luc-Matthieu , Drenou Bernard , Jacquet Caroline , Merabet Fatiha , Kohn Milena , Quélin Florence , Jackson Angela , Choquet Sylvain , Duléry Rémy , Taoufik Yassine , Besson Caroline
Published: January 2025

Due to immunosuppressive treatment, COVID-19 vaccination is challenging in patients with B-cell lymphoma. We prospectively evaluated CD4, CD8 T-cell and serological responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in a cohort of patients treated for a B-cell lymphoma with anti-CD20 therapy. During lymphoma treatment, CD4, CD8, and CD19 cell dropped. While functional-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 were unaffected, vaccination in patients on treatment induced low specific antibody titers, contrasting with a preserved serological response when vaccination was completed before treatment initiation. Those findings reinforce a vaccinal strategy based on completion before lymphoma treatment, with a booster administered afterward.
The impact of government subsidies on microplastic pollution control in mariculture: an evolutionary game theory analysis in Qingdao, China
Authors: Song Haiming , Wang Xinting , Huan Xiaomeng , Yang Lin
Published: January 2025

Mariculture constitutes the primary origin of microplastic pollution, necessitating immediate action to address microplastic pollution by focusing on both the supply and demand aspects of fishing gear. Based on the cooperative management model of mariculture microplastic pollution, this paper develops an evolutionary game model that incorporates the interactions among fishing gear enterprises, fishermen, and the government. It then proceeds to examine the government’s strategy for managing mariculture microplastic pollution through game theory and simulation analysis. The main findings obtained are as follows. (1) The management of mariculture microplastic pollution can be improved on both the supply chain and market aspects by implementing subsidies. The likelihood of receiving government subsidies boosts the production of environmentally-friendly fishing gear by fishing gear enterprises and the purchase of such gear by fishermen. (2) Based on the cost-benefit variations for fishing gear enterprises, fishermen, and the government, the evolutionary game model reaches distinct equilibrium states, leading to corresponding adjustments in the optimal government subsidy strategy. (3) While there are some positive effects of subsidies, increasing government subsidies does not necessarily lead to better outcomes. As the total amount of subsidies increases, the best practice for governments would be to phase out subsidies for environmentally-friendly fishing gear. Accordingly, the government should build a multi-subject collaborative governance model, reasonably control subsidies amount, prevent the adverse consequences of excessive subsidies, and optimize the structure of subsidy recipients.
Association between platelet count and 30-day in-hospital mortality among intensive care unit patients with sepsis: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhou Pan , Li Xin , Zhou Li , Deng Zhe
Published: January 2025

Background

The relationship between platelet count and sepsis outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs) requires comprehensive investigation through large-scale multicenter studies.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 17,977 sepsis patients from 208 U.S. hospitals (2014–2015) using the eICU Collaborative Research Database v2.0. Analyses were adjusted for demographics, clinical parameters, comorbidities, and treatments. Generalized additive models and two-piecewise linear regression were used to assess the relationship between platelet count and mortality.

Results

A U-shaped relationship was identified with an inflection point at 176 × 10⁹/L. Below this threshold, each 10 × 10⁹/L increase in platelet count was associated with a 6% decrease in mortality risk (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93–0.95, p < 0.0001), while above it, each 10 × 10⁹/L increase was associated with a 1% increase in mortality risk (adjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, p = 0.0153).

Conclusion

This large-scale, multicenter retrospective study has made a significant contribution to understanding the association between platelet count and mortality in patients with sepsis in intensive care units. We identified a critical threshold of 176 × 109/L for platelet count and demonstrated a distinct U-shaped relationship with 30-day in-hospital mortality, providing valuable reference criteria for clinical risk stratification.
Prevalence and incidence of celiac disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study based on the RECORD cohort
Authors: Sakellariou Garifallia , Schiepatti Annalisa , Zanetti Anna , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Biagi Federico , Scirè Carlo Alberto
Published: January 2025

Background

The reported prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is variable.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence and incidence of CD in RA and controls.

Design

Case-control study on administrative data.

Methods

The RECord linkage On Rheumatic Disease database (administrative data, 2004–2013) was used to retrieve patients with RA and age and sex-matched controls. Prevalence and incidence of CD were calculated and stratified according to age, gender, and calendar year.

Results

The cohort included 346,956 subjects (mean age 59.9 (14.5), 70.7% females), of which 70,061 RA and 276,895 controls. Median follow-up was 9 years (IQR 9–9). The prevalence of CD was higher in RA (171/70,061 = 0.24% (0.2–0.3%) vs 398/276895 = 0.14% (0.1–0.2%), p < 0.001). The prevalence of CD among females with RA was increased compared to controls (0.3% vs 0.08%, p < 0.001), but was not increased in males with RA. The incidence was higher in RA and remained stable throughout the observation period.

Conclusion

The prevalence and incidence of CD were increased in RA, particularly in females.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nosocomial infections in the cardiac care unit of a non-epidemic hospital in China
Authors: Liao Xiang , Wu Wei , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Zheng , Zheng Chengrong , Qiu Xincheng , Xin Chao , Jin Zhitao
Published: January 2025

Background

COVID-19 is generally believed to increase the risk of nosocomial infections, however, there is a gap in relevant researches on critically ill patients in cardiac care units (CCU).

Method

This cross-sectional research was conducted in a tertiary-level non-epidemic hospital of Beijing, capital of China. The nosocomial infection rates of CCU were assessed prior to and during the of COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall incidence of nosocomial infections decreased by 20.6-percent compared with the pre - pandemic period. Specifically, the total nosocomial infection rate during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.04) decreased by 20.6%. Among various types of CCU-acquired nosocomial infections, the rates of pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), bloodstream infection (BSI), gastrointestinal infection, and skin infection decreased by ranges from 4.7 to 100% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, a 1.5-percent increase in ventilator-associated events (VAEs) was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stricter implementation of infection control protocols appears to reduce nosocomial infections in CCU.
Integrating paleoparasitological, paleogenetic, and archaeological data to understand the paleoecological scenario of pre-Columbian archaeological site Gruta do Gentio II, Brazil
Authors: Gurjão Ludmila , Brito Lorrayne , Dias Ondemar , Neto Jandira , Iñiguez Alena Mayo
Published: January 2025

Paleoparasitology and paleogenetics is the study parasites in ancient remains from latrines, mummified individuals, and coprolites, that is fossilized or desiccated feces. Paleoparasitological studies in Brazil began with analyses of coprolites from the Gruta do Gentio II (GGII) archaeological site, the oldest site related to the Una ceramist tradition (12,000 to 410 BP), Brazil. The GGII archaeological site contained numerous human burials, lithics, and cultural artifacts such as basketry, ceremonial ornaments, and unique pottery of the Una tradition. Coprolites of GGII were submitted to paleoparasitological, and paleogenetic analyses for parasite identification and coprolite origin. In addition, the archaeological characterization of the GGII site was integrated into paleo analyses for proposing a paleoecological scenario. Five taxa of parasites, including Ancylostomidae, Echinostoma sp., Spirometra sp., and Trichostrongylus sp., and three different morphotypes of Capillariidae were recognized in multiple coprolites that were distributed heterogeneously in several stratigraphical layers. The origin of coprolites was genetically defined as five species of mammals, humans, felines as Panthera onca and Leopardus pardalis, and marsupials as Didelphis albiventris and Philander opossum. This is the first study in Brazil that identified both, parasites and species of animals in Pleistocene/Holocene producers of coprolites with geographical and temporal information. The integration of paleoparasitology, paleogenetics, and archaeology is essential to propose paleoecological scenarios from the past of Brazil.
Assembly mechanisms, not species pool, shape β-diversity of soil methanotrophic communities in steppes of China
Authors: Kou Yongping , Feng Zhe , Li Huan , Liu Yanjiao , Xu Lin , Li Xiangzhen
Published: January 2025

Introduction

One of the central aims in ecology is elucidating the mechanisms that shape community diversity. While biodiversity patterns across geographical gradients are often attributed both to local assembly processes and regional species pools, the distinct roles of these factors in shaping soil aerobic methanotrophic diversity remain underexplored.

Methods

Using amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, this study focuses on comparing the relative importance of species pool and community assembly processes in shaping soil methanotrophic communities across three distinct plateaus in China: the Loess Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and the Inner Mongolian Plateau. Each of these plateaus includes three distinct steppe habitats: desert, meadow, and typical steppe.

Results

Our findings reveal that pmoA beta (β)-diversity followed a distance-decay pattern, which declined with geographical distance at different rates depending on the steppe type and area, potentially due to diverse mechanisms of community assembly. Moreover, a decoupling between β-diversity and gamma-diversity observed, suggesting that local community assembly mechanisms primarily account for variations in β-diversity patterns. Furthermore, the relative significance of these assembly processes (e.g., dispersal limitation, drift, environmental filtering, and biotic interactions) varies according to spatial scales and steppe types. Notably, the differential environmental conditions (such as soil pH, yearly average temperature, and precipitation) across scales and steppe habitats primarily modulate the intensity of these assembly processes, thereby influencing β-diversity.

Conclusion

In summary, our study emphasizes the crucial role of local community assembly in changing soil methanotrophic β-diversity’s geographical patterns, highlighting the significance of a nuanced understanding of these processes for effective conservation and management strategies.
Relevance of plant growth-promoting bacteria in reducing the severity of tomato wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici by altering metabolites and related genes
Authors: Ansari Waquar Akhter , Krishna Ram , Kashyap Sarvesh Pratap , Al-Anazi Khalid Mashay , Abul Farah Mohammad , Jaiswal Durgesh Kumar , Yadav Akhilesh , Zeyad Mohammad Tarique , Verma Jay Prakash
Published: January 2025

Among the biotic stresses, wilt disease severely affects tomato quality and productivity globally. The causal organism of this disease is Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), which is very well known and has a significant impact on the productivity of other crops as well. Efforts have been made to investigate the effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on alleviating tomato wilt disease. Four PGPB strains, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa BHUPSB01 (T1), Pseudomonas putida BHUPSB04 (T2), Paenibacillus polymyxa BHUPSB16 (T3), and Bacillus cereus IESDJP-V4 (T4), were used as inocula to treat Fol-challenged plants. The results revealed that PGPB treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 were able to decrease the severity of Fusarium wilt in the tomato plants at different levels. Among the treatments, T3 displayed the strongest protective effect, with the lowest disease frequency, which was 15.25%. There were no significant differences observed in parameters such as fruit yield and relative water content in the PGPB-inoculated plants, although T3 and T4 showed minimal electrolyte leakage. Significant changes in chlorophyll fluorescence were also recorded. A lower level of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the T3 and T4 treatments. In addition, proline accumulation was highest in the T3-treated plants. Antioxidative enzyme activities, such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), significantly increased in the PGPB-treated plants. Furthermore, the highest phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was reported in the T3 and T4 plants, respectively. The PGPB-treated plants showed elevated expression of the PAL, PPO, PR3, PR2, SOD, CAT, and PO genes. This study’s results reveal that PGPB strains can be utilized as biocontrol agents (BCAs) to enhance tomato resistance against Fusarium wilt.
Comparative microbial metagenomic analysis of drinking water plants and wastewater treatment plants in Istanbul
Authors: Demirci Mehmet , Çubuk Cankut , Dasdemir Ferhat , Saribas Abdulkerim Suat , Balcıoglu Esra Billur , Ozbey Dogukan , Yorulmaz Dogu , Olmez Hanci Tugba , Basa Safak , Kocazeybek Bekir Sami
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking-water treatment plants (DWTPs) are critical for public health due to the potential risks posed by microorganisms that may persist after treatment. The aim of this study was to detect the microbiome profiles of waters from both DWTPs and WWTPs under the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI), identify the antimicrobial resistance profiles in all these facilities, and observe the differences in the microbiome between the inlet and outlet of different WWTPs.

Methods

A total of 52 samples were examined, comprising 18 samples from DWTPs and 34 samples from WWTPs. All water samples underwent pre-isolation filtration. DNA isolation was conducted using filter material, followed by sequencing on a NovaSeq 6000 instrument. Kraken2 tools and R scripts were used for statistical analysis and data visualization.

Results

The microbial metagenomic analysis identified 71 phyla, 113 classes, 217 orders, 480 families, and 1,282 genera across all samples. There were unclassified microbes (53.14% vs. 58.75%), Eukaryota (3.64% vs. 3.5%), Archaea (0.08% vs. 0.03%), bacteria (42% vs. 36.25%), and viruses (0.02% vs. 0.04%) in the raw water and ozonation unit outlet of DWTPs. The inlet and outlet of WWTPs showed unclassified microbes (52.68% vs. 59.62%), Eukaryota (0.6% vs. 1.72%), Archaea (0.26% vs. 0.15%), bacteria (46.43% vs. 38.43%), and viruses (0.05% vs. 0.04%). No statistically significant results were found in the analysis of raw waters collected from DWTPs and samples taken from the ozonation unit outlet—from the phylum level to the genus level (p > 0.05). The inlet and outlet points of WWTPs showed no statistically significant results from the phylum to species levels (p > 0.05). The most detected genera were Desulfobacter (4.82%) in preliminary WWTPs, Thauera (1.93%) in biological WWTPs, Pseudomonas (1.44%) in advanced biological WWTPs, Acidovorax (1.85%) in biological package WWTPs, and Pseudomonas (11.55%) in plant-based WWTPs. No antimicrobial resistance gene markers were detected in water samples from raw water inlets and ozonation unit outlets from DWTPs, membrane wastewater recovery plants, or ultraviolet (UV) recycling facilities. The ANT(3″), Erm, and Sul resistance gene markers were detected in all raw WWTPs samples.

Discussion

There were no significant microbial risk differentiation between biological WWTPs and advanced biological WWTPs. The data could serve as preliminary information for future research. More extensive studies are needed, with multiple sample tracking in these facilities and their feeding basins.
Alpha 1-antitrypsin mitigates salt-sensitive hypertension in juvenile mice by reducing diacylglycerol concentrations and protein kinase C activity in kidney membranes
Authors: Dogan Yunus E. , Bala Niharika , Galban Erika S. , Lewis Russell L. , Denslow Nancy D. , Song Sihong , Alli Abdel A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Recombinant alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects to mitigate the progression of various diseases. Here, we hypothesized that administration of pharmaceutical-grade human AAT (hAAT) is effective in mitigating hypertension induced by salt-loading in juvenile mice by reducing the concentration of diacylglycerols (DAGs) and activity of protein kinase C (PKC) in the kidney.

Methods

Four-week old 129Sv mice were salt-loaded to induce hypertension and then administered hAAT or vehicle.

Results

Administration of hAAT was found to significantly reduce high blood pressure in both the active and inactive cycles of the 129Sv hypertensive mice. A lipidomic analysis showed decreased concentrations of multiple diacylglycerols in kidney cortex membrane fractions from mice treated with hAAT compared to vehicle. PKC activity was less in the 129Sv mice that received hAAT compared to vehicle. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis showed the density of the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter (NKCC2) was significantly reduced in kidney cortex membrane fractions of juvenile mice that received hAAT compared to vehicle.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study demonstrates a new protective effect of hAAT in normalizing blood pressure after the development of saltinduced hypertension in juvenile mice in a mechanism involving a decrease in NKCC2 membrane expression, presumably due to decreased levels of DAGs in the plasma membrane and a subsequent decrease in PKC activity.
Correlation of muscle strength, information processing speed and cognitive function in the elderly with cognitive impairment——evidence from EEG
Authors: Xin Xin , Liu Qing , Jia Shuqi , Li Shufan , Wang Peng , Wang Xingze , Wang Xing
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigates the interplay between muscle strength, information processing speed, EEG-specific biomarkers, and cognitive function in elderly individuals with cognitive impairments, emphasizing the mediating roles of information processing speed and EEG-specific biomarkers.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 151 elderly participants. The participants underwent grip strength and 30-s sit-to-stand tests to assess muscle strength, completed the Trail Making Test part A (TMT-A) and the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) to evaluate information processing speed, and utilized the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) to gauge cognitive function. Additionally, EEG signals were recorded for 5 min to capture neural activity.

Results

The difference in information processing speed among elderly individuals with varying degrees of cognitive impairment was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the MoCA score and the time consumption of TMT-A (r = −0.402, p < 0.01), and a significant positive correlation was found between the MoCA score and the SDMT score (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). Grip strength was negatively correlated with the time consumption of TMT-A (r = −0.336, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with the SDMT score (r = 0.336, p < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between the 30-s sit-to-stand test and the time consumption of TMT-A (r = −0.273, p < 0.01), and a significant positive correlation was observed between the 30-s sit-to-stand test and the SDMT score (r = 0.372, p < 0.01). Additionally, we observed that the α1 power value indicators were significantly correlated with the MoCA score, the time consumption of TMT-A, and the SDMT score (all p < 0.01). The α1 power values at F7 + F8 and T5 + T6 were identified as sensitive EEG indicators for muscle strength and information processing speed. The EEG-specific indicators (B = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.047) and information processing speed (B = 0.137, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.292) were found to partially mediate the relationship between grip strength and MoCA scores, with information processing speed exerting a stronger mediating effect.

Conclusion

Specific patterns were observed in the EEG of elderly individuals with cognitive impairments, which could objectively assess the risk of cognitive decline in this population. Muscle strength, information processing speed, and EEG-specific biomarkers were closely associated with cognitive function in elderly individuals. The potential pathway of interaction—muscle strength → EEG-specific biomarkers → information processing speed → cognitive function—provides valuable insights into advancing the field of cognitive research in the elderly.
Association of serum neurofilament light chain with cognitive impairment: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Meng Tianjiao , Fei Qinwen , Lv Tian , Chen Shiqin
Published: January 2025

Background

Serum Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) is a promising biomarker of neuronal damage, used to assess the extent of neuronal injury and neurodegeneration, and it is widely applied in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease and monitoring disease progression. This article aims to determine whether serum NfL associated with cognitive level.

Methods

Using NHANES data, we conducted an analysis of cognitive test results for 450 adults aged 60 years and older and examined their correlation with serum NfL levels. When exploring the association between cognitive test scores and serum NfL levels, regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were employed to adjust for potential confounding factors. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied for identifying key cognitive impairment factors, which was then included in the establishment of a risk prediction nomogram model, with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve being built to evaluate its discriminatory power for cognitive impairment.

Results

It was found that there is a strong positive correlation between serum NfL levels and both low total cognitive function (total-CF) OR: 1.028 (95%CI = 1.015–1.041 p < 0.001) and low Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) OR: 1.026 (95%CI = 1.003–1.050, p = 0.027). Furthermore, using the RCS model, we observed a linear trend in the relationship between NfL and low total-CF. The nomogram model based on NfL identified by LASSO regression displayed a considerable predicative value for low total-CF, with an area under the curve [AUC = 85.6% (81.6–89.3%)].

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between serum NfL levels and cognitive function, especially DSST, which reflects attention and information processing abilities, as well as overall cognitive function, but not memory and language fluency. Thus, NfL may serve as a serum biomarker for dementia monitoring.
The beneficial effects of curcumin on aging and age-related diseases: from oxidative stress to antioxidant mechanisms, brain health and apoptosis
Authors: He Ying , Liu Yongqing , Zhang Min
Published: January 2025

Aging and age-related disease are among the most common and challenging issues worldwide. During the aging process, the accumulation of oxidative stress, DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and other related changes lead to cellular dysfunction and the development of diseases such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions. Curcumin is a widely-used dietary supplement against various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and aging. This agent mediates its effects through several mechanisms, including the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress-induced damage, as well as the modulation of subcellular signaling pathways such as AMPK, AKT/mTOR, and NF-κB. These pathways are involved in cellular senescence and inflammation, and their modulation can improve cell function and help prevent disease. In cancer, Curcumin can induce apoptosis in a variety of different tumor cell lines. Curcumin also activates redox reactions within cells inducing ROS production that leads to the upregulation of apoptosis receptors on the tumor cell membrane. Curcumin can also upregulate the expression and activity of p53 that inhibits tumor cell proliferation and increases apoptosis. Furthermore, curcumin has a potent inhibitory effect on the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are involved in the overexpression of antiapoptosis genes such as Bcl-2. It can also attenuate the regulation of antiapoptosis phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling and increase the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to induce endogenous production of ROS. Therefore, herein, we aim to summarize how curcumin affect different epigenetic processes (such as apoptosis and oxidative stress) in order to change aging-related mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss its roles in age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
Swimming through asymmetry: zebrafish as a model for brain and behavior lateralization
Authors: Gobbo Alessandra , Messina Andrea , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: January 2025

The left and right sides of the brain show anatomical, neurochemical and functional differences. In the past century, brain and behavior lateralization was considered a human peculiarity associated with language and handedness. However, nowadays lateralization is known to occur among all vertebrates, from primates to fish. Fish, especially zebrafish (Danio rerio), have emerged as a crucial model for exploring the evolution and mechanisms of brain asymmetry. This review summarizes recent advances in zebrafish research on brain lateralization, highlighting how genetic tools, imaging, and transgenic methods have been used to investigate left–right asymmetries and their impact on sensory, cognitive, and social behaviors including possible links to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Influential publications in sudden hearing loss: a bibliometric and visual synopsis of the top 100 cited articles
Authors: Di Xueshi , Liang Junjie , Wang Xinru , Bai Xue , Zhang Chongyang , Pan Ting , He Tiantian , Bai Peng
Published: January 2025

Background

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is a prevalent emergency in otolaryngology. Despite its frequency, there is a lack of econometric analysis and visualisation of the most significant SHL research literature. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview and explore the characteristics of the 100 most cited articles in SHL through bibliometric analysis.

Materials and methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to identify the 100 most cited SHL articles from 1999 to 2024. Tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed to visualise data on countries, institutions, authors, co-cited authors, journals, co-cited journals, co-cited references, and keywords.

Results

The citations of the 100 most cited articles ranged from 59 to 760, with publications spanning from 1999 to 2021 and peaking in 2005. The most cited article was authored by Schwartz SR. The majority of these articles originated from the United States. Key themes identified include treatment options for SHL, with prominent keywords such as deafness, therapy, and dexamethasone.

Conclusion

This study identified the highly cited literature in SHL research, revealing a primary focus on treatment options. These findings provide crucial insights into the research hotspots and frontiers in the field of SHL.
Single-center experience with ultra-early cranioplasty within 3 weeks after decompressive craniectomy
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhang Gengshen , Liu Xiaomeng , Yang Lijun , Tang Kai , Wu Jianliang
Published: January 2025

Background

The optimal timing of cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is inconclusive. This article aims to investigate the effect of different timing of CP on the neurologic prognosis of patients, and to explore the feasibility and safety of ultra-early CP (within 3 weeks) following DC.

Methods

The duration time of surgery, intraoperative bleeding volume, surgery-related complications, and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were retrospectively analyzed in 23 patients underwent ultra-early CP performed within 3 weeks, and compared with 136 patients with non-ultra-early CP performed within the same time period.

Results

The mean duration time of surgery in the ultra-early group was significantly shorter than that in the non-ultra-early group. ADL scores were significantly lower in the ultra-early group than in the non-ultra-early group both before and 1 month after CP, but there was no statistically significant difference in ADL scores between the two groups at long-term follow-up. The overall incidence of surgery-related complications was 17.39% (4/23) in the ultra-early group and 14.71% (20/136) in the non-ultra-early group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison between the two groups (p = 0.739).

Conclusion

Both ultra-early and non-ultra-early CP can significantly improve the neurological prognosis of patients. Ultra-early CP can significantly shorten the length of surgery and does not increase the incidence of surgery-related complications, which has a certain degree of safety and feasibility, and can be popularized under the premise of strict screening of indications, but further research is still needed.
Near vision assessment for adults using the NIH Toolbox
Authors: Finley John-Christopher A. , Slotkin Jerry , Nowinski Cindy J. , Bedjeti Katy , Volpe Nicholas , Weintraub Sandra , Gershon Richard
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test is a novel digitized measure designed to provide an assessment of near vision in a time-and cost-effective manner. This study is the first to report the psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test in a sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Ninety-eight adults (ages 40–81) completed the tablet-based near vision test and the gold standard chart-based near vision test. Performance on the tablet-and chart-based near vision tests was expressed in logarithmic units. Chart-and tablet-based administration order was counterbalanced. To assess test–retest reliability, the NIH Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test was administered twice within the same day. Additionally, two equivalent versions of the chart-based test were randomly assigned to participants.

Results

Analyses revealed that test–retest reliability of the NIH Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test was good (intraclass correlation = 0.87, p < 0.001). Concurrence between the NIH Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test and gold standard chart-based test was also good (r = 0.79, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Findings provide support for the reliability and validity of the NIH Toolbox Near Visual Acuity Test as a near vision assessment for middle-aged to older adult populations. With further research, the integration of this test within the widely used NIH Toolbox may provide a more efficient means to understanding how near visual acuity influences neurocognitive test performance and brain function in middle-aged to older adult populations.
Plant-based diets and total and cause-specific mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Mo Qiwang , Wu Jizhongrong , Lu Yi , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2025

Objective

The adherence to plant-based diets has been shown to positively impact longevity by reducing the incidence and severity of lifestyle-related diseases. Previous studies on the association of plant-based dietary pattern, as evaluated by plant-based dietary index (PDI), healthy plant-based dietary index (hPDI) and unhealthy plant-based dietary index (uPDI), with mortality risk have reported inconsistent results. We performed the present meta-analysis to summarize evidence on this association and to quantify the potential dose–response relationship based on all available cohort studies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search and systematic review of relevant articles up to October 2024 was performed in PubMed and Scopus. The summary risk estimates (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest versus the lowest category of PDIs, hPDIs and uPDIs were calculated. Dose–response meta-analysis was also performed for studies reporting categorical risk estimates for at least three quantitative levels of PDIs, hPDIs and uPDIs.

Results

A total of 11 eligible cohort studies (13 datasets) were eventually included in this meta-analysis. Participants in the highest quintile of both the PDI and hPDI had a significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (pooled HRPDI = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80–0.90; pooled HRhPDI = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.92) compared to participants in the lowest quintile. In contrast, the highest uPDI was associated with an increased risk of mortality (pooled HRuPDI = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.11–1.31). Dose–response meta-analysis showed that there was a non-linear relationship between PDI or hPDI level and all-cause mortality (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001 for non-linearity, respectively). No evidence of a non-linear relationship was observed for uPDI (p = 0.596 for non-linearity).

Conclusion

Greater adherence to PDI or hPDI dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk of mortality, whereas uPDI dietary pattern was positively associated with mortality risk. Thus, promoting a plant-based dietary pattern may be a key strategy in improving public health and reducing the burden of diet-related mortality.