bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuro-leishmaniasis with Cauda Equina Syndrome and Cranial Nerve Palsy: A Rare Manifestation of Recurrent Atypical Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: V Karthick Kumar , Gupta Baidhnath Kumar , G Rahul Krishnan , Soneja Manish , Vikram Naval K , Baitha Upendra , Singh Amandeep , Wig Naveet , Azam Mudsser , Singh Ruchi , Garg Ajay , Damle Nishikant , Dharmashaktu Yamini 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease primarily affecting Brazil, East Africa, and India, with India accounting for 18% of the global burden. While VL typically presents with systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly, it can occasionally manifest atypically, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Neurological presentations of VL are extremely rare, making them difficult to suspect and diagnose. Cases where VL predominantly presents with neurological symptoms are particularly novel, underscoring the need for heightened awareness of such atypical manifestations in endemic regions.
Clinical case
A 38-year-old man with history of recurrent atypical VL presented with diffuse lower back pain, progressive tingling, numbness, weakness in the lower extremities, and double vision for one month. Clinical and radiological evaluations suggested cauda equina syndrome and cranial nerve palsy, accompanied by generalized lymphadenopathy, subcutaneous nodules, and skin papules. The differential diagnosis initially included disseminated tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and lymphoma. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed an inflammatory syndrome. Histopathology of lymph node and bone marrow revealed Leishmania amastigotes and subcutaneous nodule and skin biopsy revealed inflammatory cells with granulomas. Furthermore, the qPCR test on DNA from a subcutaneous nodule, lymph node, and CSF was positive for Leishmania kinetoplast DNA. The species was further confirmed as Leishmania donovani through ITS-based PCR amplification and sequencing. Finally, a diagnosis of relapse of VL with lymph node, cutaneous, and neurological involvement, including abducens nerve palsy and cauda equina syndrome, was established. He was treated with combination of liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine, along with intrathecal hyaluronidase, resulting in significant improvement.
Conclusion
Unlike previously reported cases with both systemic and neurological symptoms, our patient predominantly presented with neurological manifestations, making this a unique and novel presentation of VL. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and management of atypical VL, emphasizing neurological involvement and successful therapeutic strategies.
Rural Population Ageing Challenges for Carbon Mitigation Goals of Smallholder Farming in China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Chen Daquan , Fan Jie , Lin Jian , Ma Shiping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Rural China's demographic structure is ageing at a rate far exceeding national averages, posing serious challenges to sustainable agricultural production. As a top global producer and carbon emitter, China must ensure food security while reducing agricultural emissions. However, current understanding of these dynamics remains limited. This study establishes the year 2000 as the benchmark for when rural ageing began in China. Through analysis of data from over 1,400 surveyed Chinese counties through 2020, we examine related trends. Findings show ageing correlated with a 10.2% rise in agricultural diesel usage intensity and 13.3% increase in plastic film use, together raising CO2 emissions 7.0%, posing threats to both the environment and arable land. To address these concerns and explore options for achieving sustainable agriculture amid ageing rural populations, we quantitatively assess future impacts and potential mitigation through increased adoption of new family farming models. As simulated, compared with 2020, projections for 2100 indicate that fertilizer, diesel and pesticide use intensities may fall 28-29%, 7-26% and 35-51%, lowering agricultural CO2 emissions by 17-27%. These findings indicate that the scaled and specialized organization and production technologies employed under new family farming models have the potential to help offset the negative impacts associated with ageing rural populations.
Analysis of preoperative imaging data to predict the selection of unicompartmental and total knee prostheses.
Authors: Guo Haitao , Liu Xu , Mei Yufeng , Li Jun , Liu Shuguang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims Finding an imaging method that can inform preoperative planning and streamline prosthetic selection to improve surgical decision-making between UKA and TKA.
Methods This study enrolled 68 patients. 34 patients in experimental group underwent TKA for ACL issues for whom UKA was initially planned preoperatively. A cohort of 34 patients was randomly chosen for control group, consisting of patients scheduled for UKA preoperatively and ultimately undergoing TKA during surgery. Preoperative measurement parameters included the hip-knee-ankle angle(HKAA),H1(the height of the medial tibial intercondylar eminence), H2(the height of the lateral tibial intercondylar eminence) on AP radiographs, R (the ratio of the distance the medial femoral condyle moves posteriorly on the tibial plateau to the anterior-posterior distance from the medial tibial plateau) on a fully extended lateral view of the knee, and the medial joint space width (D) at the valgus stress site. MRI was used to measure the area S and circumference C of the ACL at the widest section of the sagittal plane, and the differences were compared between the two groups. A prediction model was established using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses.
Results There are significant differences in variables H1, H2, and HKAA between the two groups, with no differences in variables D and R. Variable S had a strong positive correlation with H1 and a weak positive correlation with H2，no correlation with HKAA, D, and R. Variable C had a strong positive correlation with H1 but did not correlate with H2, A, D, and R. The correlation between C and H1 is C=38.156+3.521×H1.The predictive model for S with H1 and H2 was S=-40.538+14.416×H1+11.296×H2.
Conclusion Patients with lightweight and high intercondylar eminence on knee AP radiographs may be better candidates for UKA than those with lower intercondylar eminence and heavy weight.
A pan‐cancer analysis of the oncogenic and immunological roles of THOC3 in human cancer
Authors: Zhang Jixin , Zhao Qi , Zhao Jidong , Cui Xing , Chen Xin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: There is a limited number of studies on THO Complex Subunit 3 (THOC3) in tumors. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of various types of tumors to determine the role of THOC3 in tumor progression and to investigate its impact on immunity.
Methods. Retrieved THOC3 expression data from various cancers in the TCGA database and analyzed it using R software (version 3.6.4) and its related packages; explored the differential expression of THOC3 in tumors, its correlation with prognosis, functional enrichment, and its relationship with tumor heterogeneity. The study also aimed to uncover the correlation between THOC3 and tumor immunity.
Results. THOC3 is differentially expressed in various tumors and normal samples, and is correlated with overall survival and progression-free time. The study found that THOC3 expression is strongly associated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite deletion, and immune response. The expression of THOC3 is significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, and THOC3 can regulate transcription output and mRNA splicing. Therefore, we speculate that THOC3 could serve as a therapeutic target for future anticancer therapies.
Conclusions. THOC3 may serve as a novel and specific biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy.
The impact of the BDNF Val66Met genotype on intrusive memories and in post-traumatic stress disorder is moderated by sex and timing of trauma exposure
Authors: Nicholson Emma Louise , Garry Michael , Ney Luke J. , Hsu Ken Chia Min , Zuj Daniel V. , Felmingham Kim L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Intrusive memories are a key symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a possible mechanism underlying intrusive memories in PTSD given its role in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been linked to PTSD susceptibility and memory disturbances however previous research outcomes have been variable, potentially due to a failure to control for important confounds such as sex, ethnicity, developmental stage and extent of previous trauma experiences. This study explored the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met and emotional memory (intrusive memories and recall) in PTSD controlling for these factors in 276 participants: 53 with PTSD, 118 Trauma Exposed and 105 Controls. Key findings revealed the PTSD group experienced significantly more negative intrusions than Controls, with no group differences for negative memory recall. Females reported more intrusive memories than males, however there were no sex differences in negative memory recall. When developmental stage of trauma was considered in a traumatised sub-sample, BDNF genotype significantly interacted with PTSD status, sex, and developmental trauma stage. This highlights the importance of controlling for neurobiological influences on BDNF expression, however further research is imperative to replicate these findings and investigate the specific epigenetic and neural processes involved.
Integrating Energy Justice with Economic Realities: Survey Results on Renewable Energy Support and Household Expenditure Disparities
Authors: Volodzkiene Lina , Streimikiene Dalia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Energy justice is a critical element of the European Union's objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, which presents both environmental and societal challenges. This research employs a comprehensive methodology to investigate public attitudes toward renewable energy and energy inequality. A representative survey was implemented to collect empirical data on household expenditures for electricity, natural gas, and heating. This data was subsequently analyzed to evaluate the extent of energy inequality and its potential impact on energy affordability and accessibility for various income groups. Furthermore, the study examines public attitudes toward renewable energy, including their perceived benefits, barriers, and willingness to implement these technologies. Despite the fact that the results are concentrated on Lithuania, they provide a comparative perspective that aids in the identification of common challenges and opportunities that are pertinent to other EU countries. This method improves comprehension of energy inequality and its implications in a variety of European contexts and climate objectives. The findings indicate a generally equitable distribution of energy costs, but they also emphasize a substantial reluctance to pay premiums for renewable energy, which is indicative of economic constraints. The research emphasizes the necessity of targeted policies to improve the financial accessibility of renewable energy and resolve underlying inequalities, thereby facilitating a fair and inclusive transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral future.
Identification of Intrinsic Features for Cortical Separability of Human and Mouse Neurons
Authors: Peng Hanchuan , Yun Zhixi , Ye Wen , Ji Nan , Wang Yujin , Li Tian , Rong Jing , Wang Ruilong , Li Yingxin , Zhang Hairuo , Xu Hao , Mo Nan , Song Binghua , Chen Xin , Wang Yi , Mai Yiying , Ding Ming , Ding Song-Lin , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Liwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This work introduces a novel framework for holistic comparative analysis of cortical regions in mouse and human brains at single-neuron resolution, with a primary focus on the morphological and molecular characteristics of neurons. To do so, we generated one of the largest dendritic reconstruction datasets of cortical neurons to date, comprising 2,363 human neurons and 16,011 mouse neurons from the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, followed by establishing a rigorous procedure to identify anatomically and functionally corresponding brain regions with minimal variability in brain mapping. Additionally, we leveraged single nucleus/cell transcriptomic data from independent groups to validate the molecular correspondence of the brain regions identified in this study. The significance of these anatomically, functionally, and molecularly corresponding mouse-human region pairs is highlighted by examining the intrinsic features of their respective cortical regions. Our findings reveal that human neuron branching patterns differ dramatically from those in mouse brains, particularly in terms of dendritic branching frequency and normalized dendritic branching intervals. This difference is pronounced in the frontal and temporal lobes, underscoring the distinct neuronal architectures between the two species. At the single-neuron level, we found that neurons from the human frontal and parietal lobes are six times more separable than those from the same regions in mouse brains. This heightened separability is also observed between the frontal and temporal lobes, as well as between the parietal and temporal lobes in humans. We thoroughly explored the entire morphological feature space, along with its characteristic subspaces, and consistently found this distinct separability. Remarkably, this neuronal separability can be partially recapitulated when examining the global functional states of these brain lobes—using newly acquired Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals as physiological measures—as well as their global metabolic states, molecular profiles, and cortical geometry. These findings suggest that our comparative analysis of single-neuron intrinsic features could serve as a valuable foundation for future comprehensive studies of cross-species brain structures and functions.
Selenium nanoparticles combined with Calycosin treated sepsis through synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Authors: Zhang Kun , Dong Qingrong , Wei Lan , Shi Jia , Liu Fang , Lu Bin , Pan Fei , Ye Peng , Liang Taigang , Du Jiangfeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Sepsis is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality due to the limited therapeutic. Calycosin (CA), one of the main active ingredients of Astragalus, can potentially treat sepsis, but its therapeutic effect is limited by low blood circulation concentration and poor bioavailability. To address this challenge, we have successfully prepared BSA@Se-CA nanocomposite system (BSC) through self-assembly loading calycosin (CA) onto BSA@Se nanoparticles (BS). Compared to CA, BSC enhances the scavenging of ROS more effectively than CA alone by enhancing the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Notably, BSC reducing the expression level of inflammatory factors (NO, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in inflammatory macrophages by synergistically inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, the in vitro experiments demonstrated that BSC can also effectively alleviate RAW264.7 cells and HUVEC cells damage caused by oxidative stress, which can maintain the normal cells physiological function. In vivo, BSC exhibit significantly improve the therapeutic effect of sepsis by intraperitoneal injection, such as increase the survival rate of sepsis mice, and alleviate normal organ damage. Thus, this study provides a new strategy for improving the utilization efficiency of natural products with poor treatment effect and provides a reference for improving the therapeutic effect of sepsis.
The first near-complete genome assembly of pig: enabling more accurate genetic research
Authors: Cao Caiyun , Miao Jian , Sun Jiabao , Xie Qinqin , Cheng Hong , Zhang Zhenyang , Wu Fen , Liu Shuang , Ye Xiaowei , Zhang Zhe , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun , Wang Zhen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Pigs are crucial sources of meat and protein, valuable animal models, and potential donors for xenotransplantation. However, the existing reference genome for pigs is incomplete, with thousands of segments and missing centromeres and telomeres, which limits our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying important traits in these genomic regions. To address this issue, we present a near complete chromosome telomere-to-telomere gap-free genome assembly for the Jinhua pig (JH-T2T), constructed using PacBio HiFi and ONT long reads. This assembly includes all 18 autosomes and the X and Y sex chromosomes, with only six gaps. It features annotations of 46.90% repetitive sequences, 35 telomeres, 17 centromeres on 16 chromosomes, and 23,924 high-confident genes. Compared to the Sscrofa11.1 reference genome, JH-T2T closes nearly all gaps, extends sequences by 177 Mb, predicts a greater number of more intact telomeres and centromeres, and gains 799 more genes and loses 114 genes. Moreover, it enhances the mapping rate for both Western and Chinese local pigs, outperforming Sscrofa11.1 as a reference genome. Additionally, this comprehensive genome assembly will facilitate large-scale variant detection and enable the exploration of genes associated with pig domestications, such as GPAM, CYP2C18, LY9, ITLN2, and CHIA. Our findings represent a significant advancement in pig genomics, providing a robust resource that enhances genetic research, breeding programs, and biomedical applications.
Numerical Investigation on Heat Transfer of CuO-Water Nano-fluid in a circular pipe with twisted tape inserts
Authors: Bizuneh Yaregal Eneyew , Asres Tazebew Dires , Gebresilassie Endalkew Berhie , Bizuneh Atalay Enyew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The use of Nano-fluids and twisted tape inserts in circular pipes are the most widely used passive heat transfer improvement techniques. The Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance parameters of a circular pipe containing Nano-fluids and twisted tapes at 180 and 120 degrees are studied numerically in this work. The research yields findings for a strip twist ratio of three and a turbulent flow range of Re 4,000–20,000. The RNG k–ε model is utilized to solve the governing equations and a steady heat flux of 30,000 W/m2 is supplied. The highest simulation findings of Nusselt number for Nano-fluid are 5.25, 9.85, and 12.5% higher in comparison to Gnielinski relations of water for plain tube and twisted tape inserts at 180 and 120 degrees respectively. The thermal performance factor of 1.42 was achieved for Nano-fluid flow in a pipe with a 120o twisted tape insert which yields a significant heat transfer improvement.
Anti-aliasing Multi-bit Sigma-Delta Modulated Cobweb-Like Disk Resonator Gyroscope with Extending Input Range
Authors: Chen Fang , Fan Bo , Du Shihao , Zhou Jingchuan , Lu Zhenghao , Xu Dacheng , Guo Shuwen , Li Xinxin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

A novel Cobweb-Like Disk Resonator Gyroscope is introduced in this paper , which integrates a multi-bit electromechanical sigma-delta modulation (EM-SDM) system to significantly expand the input angular rate signal range, improving performance metrics like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise reduction. This design addresses limitations of single-bit ∑ΔM gyroscope systems by implementing a linear multi-bit force feedback system, which employs nonlinear actuators based on pulse density modulation. The proposed gyroscope system extends the input range without requiring increased actuation voltages. Experimental results reveal notable performance improvements: input range, angle random walk, and bias instability were enhanced by 30%, 106.2%, and 487.9%, respectively, compared to conventional disk resonator gyroscope system designs.
Algorithm for Assessing the Potential Regenerative Efficiency of New Gel and Spray in Experimental Models in Vitro and in Vivo.
Authors: Bezdieniezhnykh Natalia , Lykhova Oleksandra , Borshchevska Maryna , Goy Andriy , Saulenko Kyrylo , Kozak Tamara , Kukurudza Dmytro , Kruglov Yevgen , Borshchevskiy Genadiy , Buchynska Liubov 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to study the effectiveness of new agents with the regenerating activity of gel and spray for external use in experimental systems in vitro and in vivo with the simulation of a cut wound.
Methods. In vitro research included methods of working with cell culture, namely assessment of viability, metabolic activity and a method of studying the repair of cell monolayer damage (the scratch assay method). In vivo research was conducted on Wistar rats with simulation of the pathological condition of a cut wound and the application of experimental samples and the following assessment of a set of indicators: physiological condition of experimental animals, condition of the skin in the area of application of samples and monitoring of healing in dynamics and morphological analysis of the injury area after the use of new gel and spray agents.
Results. The spray and gel samples were shown to cause a statistically significant increase in the number of live cells at certain concentrations in vitro: the spray caused an increase in the number of endothelial cells, while the gel caused an increase in the number of keratinocytes. The spray and gel in the tested concentrations increase the speed of restoration of the damaged monolayer of endothelial cells.
It was shown that no violations of the indicators of the physiological state of the experimental animals were noted during repeated skin applications of the gel and spray while simulating a cut wound in vivo. According to the results of the speed of healing of the skin in the area of the simulated cut wound, a statistically significant increase in the speed of healing (according to calculations of the change in the area of the wound in %) from 10 to 19% with the use of the spray and from 5 to 18% with the use of the gel in comparison with the animals of the control group with the simulated wound without treatment (р≤0.05 and p≤0.01). The evaluation of the results of the morphological analysis of the skin area with the cut wound showed that with repeated application of the spray or gel, a significant reduction in the area of the wound is observed already on the 8th day of observation with faster healing compared to the control. Already from the 8th day, inflammatory changes and the area of necrotic areas in the experimental groups significantly decreased. With the effect of the spray and gel, a significant increase in the number of blood vessels and hair follicles is observed.
Conclusion. A comprehensive evaluation of new gel and spray products for external use using in vitro and in vivo experimental models showed the effectiveness of research agents and their potential role in accelerating wound healing and, accordingly, activation of wound regeneration processes.