bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing assists in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in non-endemic areas of China
Authors: Zhao Rui , He Guilun , Xiang Lin , Ji Melinda , He Rongheng , Wei Xudong 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionLeishmaniasis, a protozoan disease caused by infection by Leishmania, is a critical issue in Asia, South America, East Africa, and North Africa. With 12 million cases globally, leishmaniasis is one of the most serious neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Direct identification of infected tissues is currently the primary method of diagnosis; however, the low sensitivity and inconvenience of microscopic examination in detecting amastigotes, parasitic manifestations of Leishmania, leads to the possibility of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and underdiagnosis.MethodsWith the development of metagenomic nextgeneration sequencing (mNGS) technology for pathogen identification, it is possible to detect specific nucleic acid sequences characteristic of Leishmania parasites, which opens new avenues for the more accurate diagnosis of leishmaniasis. In this study, we report two cases of leishmaniasis from Henan Province, China, in which Leishmania parasites were identified using mNGS technology, massively expediting diagnosis and treatment.ResultsOur report demonstrates that the mNGS method is applicable to peripheral blood samples (PB), which are far more readily available in clinical settings, in addition to bone marrow aspirate samples (BM), which are traditionally used for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.ConclusionOur report validates the efficacy of mNGS technology as a rapid and accurate method of diagnosis for leishmaniasis.
Atrial fibrillation and cognitive impairment: mechanisms, influencing factors, and prospects
Authors: Huang Li-Juan , Chen Jian-Shu , Song Yu-Zhe , Chang Peng 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia and a significant contributor to cardioembolic stroke, a condition closely linked to cognitive decline. However, research reveals that AF itself is independently associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. This high incidence of cognitive decline in AF patients may result from various mechanisms, including reduced cerebral perfusion, microembolism, decreased cardiac output, and chronic inflammation.MethodsThis review synthesizes current evidence on the relationship between AF and cognitive impairment, examines underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline in AF, and explores the roles of AF type, treatment approaches, left atrial characteristics, and associated conditions in cognitive function outcomes.ResultsCognitive outcomes in AF are further influenced by a range of factors, such as left atrial structural parameters, AF type and duration, anticoagulation use, catheter ablation, comorbidities, age, and gender.DiscussionThe review highlights the complex interplay between AF and cognitive impairment, emphasizing the importance of understanding the various mechanisms and factors that contribute to cognitive decline in AF patients. By examining the roles of AF type, treatment approaches, left atrial characteristics, and associated conditions, this review provides insights into potential strategies for mitigating cognitive impairment in AF patients.
Exploring the relationship between sepsis and Golgi apparatus dysfunction: bioinformatics insights and diagnostic marker discovery
Authors: Ma Wanli , Liu Xinyi , Yu Ran , Song Jiannan , Hou Lina , Guo Ying , Wu Hongwei , Feng Dandan , Zhou Qi , Li Haibo 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSepsis, a critical infectious disease, is intricately linked to the dysfunction of the intracellular Golgi apparatus. This study aims to explore the relationship between sepsis and the Golgi apparatus using bioinformatics, offering fresh insights into its diagnosis and treatment.MethodsTo explore the role of Golgi-related genes in sepsis, we analyzed mRNA expression profiles from the NCBI GEO database. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs, Golgi-associated genes obtained from the MSigDB database, and key modules identified through WGCNA were intersected to determine Golgi-associated differentially expressed genes (GARGs) linked to sepsis. Subsequently, functional enrichment analyses, including GO, KEGG, and GSEA, were performed to explore the biological significance of the GARGs.A PPI network was constructed to identify core genes, and immune infiltration analysis was performed using the ssGSEA algorithm. To further evaluate immune microenvironmental features, unsupervised clustering was applied to identify immunological subgroups. A diagnostic model was developed using logistic regression, and its performance was validated using ROC curve analysis. Finally, key diagnostic biomarkers were identified and validated across multiple datasets to confirm their diagnostic accuracy.ResultsBy intersecting DEGs, WGCNA modules, and Golgi-related gene sets, 53 overlapping GARGs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these GARGs were predominantly involved in protein glycosylation and Golgi membrane-related processes. PPI analysis further identified eight hub genes: B3GNT5, FUT11, MFNG, ST3GAL5, MAN1C1, ST6GAL1, C1GALT1C1, and GALNT14. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant differences in immune cell populations, mainly activated dendritic cells, and effector memory CD8+ T cells, between sepsis patients and healthy controls. A diagnostic model constructed using five pivotal genes (B3GNT5, FUT11, MAN1C1, ST6GAL1, and C1GALT1C1) exhibited predictive accuracy, with AUC values exceeding 0.96 for all genes. Validation with an independent dataset confirmed the differential expression patterns of B3GNT5, C1GALT1C1, and GALNT14, reinforcing their potential as robust diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis.ConclusionThis study elucidates the link between sepsis and the Golgi apparatus, introduces novel biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis, and offers valuable insights for future research on its pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
Detection of chimeric alpha-defensin transcripts and peptides in mouse Paneth cells
Authors: Timmermans Steven , Wallaeys Charlotte , De Beul Somara , Garcia-Gonzales Natalia , Libert Claude 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIn mammals, Paneth cells, located in the crypts of the small intestine, produceantimicrobial peptides that serve to keep the intestinal microbiome under control. a-Defensins are the primary antimicrobial peptides produced by these cells.MethodsWe used 148 publicly available bulk RNA-seq samples on purified PCs, proteomics on enriched purified PC proteins and Defa peptide activity assays to detect all Defa transcrips, including potential chimeric transcrips.ResultsWe identified 28 expressed Defa genes in mice, with up to 85% of Paneth cell RNA reads mapping to these genes. Chimeric mRNAs, involving sequences from two different Defa genes, were detected in most experiments. Despite their low abundance (less than 0.3%), mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of chimeric peptides. Synthetic versions of these peptides demonstrated antibacterial activity against multiple bacterial species.ConclusionWe show the existence of chimeric Defa transcripts and peptides in mice that are biologically active. We propose a possible stochatic mechanism or that the activation of the UPR patway may play a role in their production
Retinal assessment in 143 patients with white matter lesions: the potential of OCTA as an evaluation tool
Authors: Zhang Dong , Jiang Xueying , Zhang Yan , Qin Jingcui 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe retina is a simple window to reflect the changes of brain nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between retinal status and white matter lesions (WMLs) in 143 patients aged 50–80 years, utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and the Fazekas Visual Scale for assessment.MethodsA total of 143 subjects underwent MRI scanning to assess the degree of WMLs using the Fazekas scale. Retinal imaging was conducted utilizing OCTA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with the Fazekas score for each factor. The relationship between cognitive function and various OCTA parameters was assessed using quadratic and cubic simulation curve models. Data following a normal distribution are presented as means, while non-normally distributed data are reported as medians. Qualitative data are expressed as percentages.ResultsAs Fazekas grades increased, ILM-IPL thickness (OR = 3.267, OR = 8.436), vessel density in the parafoveal region of the macula, retinal vessel densities (OR = 2.058, OR = 2.363), and RNFL thickness significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05). With increasing Fazekas scores, the bilateral foveal avascular zone showed a significant increase (OR = 0.362, OR = 0.458) (p &lt; 0.05). Retinal thickness and vascular density were negatively correlated with WMLs, and positively correlated with cognitive function (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe severity of WMLs increases as retinal thickness and vascular density decrease. OCTA examination has a degree of role in screening for WMLs caused by cerebral microvascular disease. Its effectiveness in screening early asymptomatic individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment is somewhat limited.
Skin microbiome differences in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, other cancers, and healthy controls: a pilot study
Authors: Davis Taylor , Decker Katherine T. , Hosseini Dana , Jameson Gayle , Borazanci Erkut 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMany studies have reported the importance of the human microbiome in relationship to the overall health of its host. While recent studies have explored the microbiome’s role in various types of cancer compared to healthy patients, this pilot study is the first to investigate differences in the skin microbiome composition among pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, individuals with other cancers, and cancer-free controls.MethodsThe study characterizes the skin microbiome’s potential associations with cancer status by analyzing skin swabs from the forehead and cheek of 58 participants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), differential abundance analysis, and machine learning techniques.ResultsThe study results indicated that the cancer group displayed a significantly higher mean alpha diversity compared to the control group. Additionally, a machine learning classification model achieved a mean F1 Score of 0.943 in predicting cancer status, indicating measurable differentiation in the skin microbiome between the study groups. This differentiation is supported by differential abundance methods, including ANCOM-BC and MaAsLin2.DiscussionThis pilot study suggests that skin microbiome profiling could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring, which warrants a larger, longitudinal study to validate these results.
Global, regional, national prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and trend analysis from 1990 to 2021 and prediction to 2045
Authors: Liu Chengling , Liu Xingchen , Cao Pengjuan , Li Xin , Xin Haiming , Zhu Sailin 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundA serious worldwide health concern is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). For the purpose of creating focused strategies, it is essential to comprehend geographical variations in cSCC prevalence and trends.MethodsThis study utilized data from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) survey to analyze cSCC across 204 countries and territories. We assessed the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs), with trends stratified by region, country, age, sex, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). To evaluate disparities in cSCC burden, we combined the SDI with the inequality slope and concentration indices for an international health inequality analysis. Decomposition analysis assessed the effects of population growth, aging, and epidemiological trends on disease burden, while frontier analysis linked cSCC outcomes with socio-demographic development. A Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model projected future prevalence, mortality, and DALYs, identifying key drivers of cSCC burden.ResultsIn 2021, there were 2,275,834 cases of cSCC globally, reflecting a 345% increase since 1990. During this period, the ASPR rose from 14.69 to 26.85 per 100,000, while the ASMR increased slightly from 0.67 to 0.69 per 100,000. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rose from 544,973 to 1,210,874. Among socio-demographic regions, the high SDI region had the highest ASPR, while the middle SDI region exhibited the highest ASMR and ASDR. Decomposition analysis identified population growth and demographic aging as key drivers of the rising ASMR. Countries like Georgia showed significant disparities in frontier analysis, indicating potential for better cSCC management. Health inequality analysis confirmed that the burden was concentrated in nations with higher SDI. By 2045, the global ASPR is projected to reach 64.66, with the ASMR and ASDR expected to decrease to 1.02 and 20.63 per 100,000, respectively.ConclusionOver the last three decades, the global burden of cSCC has increased significantly. While mortality rates and DALYs are expected to decline over the next twenty years, the prevalence of cSCC is projected to remain high. This highlights the urgent need to reevaluate preventive efforts aimed at reducing morbidity, particularly in areas with substantial populations over the age of 95.
In vitro anticancer effects of frankincense and its nanoemulsions for enhanced cancer cell targeting
Authors: Al-Balushi Rayya A. , Chaudhuri Aiswarya , Kandimalla Raghuram , Haque Ashanul , Alenezi Khalaf M. , Saeed Mohd. , Changez Mohammad , Al Harthy Thuraya , Al Hinaai Mohammed , Siddiqui Samra , Agrawal Ashish Kumar , Aqil Farrukh 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionFrankincense has demonstrated promising in vitro anticancer activity. However, its conventional delivery methods face significant challenges due to limited oral bioavailability. To address these limitations, this study focuses on developing optimized nanoemulsions (NEs) of Frankincense oil (FO) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.MethodsFrankincense resins were extracted and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), identifying key metabolites including isopinocarveol, α-thujene, p-cymene, carvone, germacrene A, and various methyl esters. FO-based nanoemulsions (FO-NEs) were prepared and optimized using a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken Design (BBD), with 10% FO (v/v), 40% surfactant (cremophor EL), and co-surfactant (Transcutol P). The optimized FO-NEs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cytotoxicity, wound healing, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were performed against breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-231-TR) and lung cancer (A549, A549-TR, H1299) cell lines.ResultsThe optimized FO-NEs exhibited an average particle size of 65.1 ± 4.21 nm, a PDI of 0.258 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of −22.3 ± 1.2 mV. SEM and AFM confirmed the spherical morphology of the FO-NEs. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed enhanced anticancer activity of FO-NEs (IC50 = 13.2 μg/mL) compared to free FO (IC50 = 22.5 μg/mL) against resistant breast cancer MDA-MB-231-TR cells. FO-NEs significantly improved cancer cell internalization, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ROS generation, leading to enhanced cytotoxic effects.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that nanoemulsion-based delivery significantly enhances the bioactivity and cellular uptake of frankincense oil compared to its free form. FO-NEs exhibit potent anticancer activity, particularly against drug-resistant cancer cell lines, suggesting their potential as a viable strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of frankincense in cancer treatment.
The negative aspects of injury on motivation of sports and physical exercise practitioners
Authors: Machado Hugo Enrico Souza , Oliveira Andreza do Socorro Dantas , Souza da Cunha Júnior Eldimberg , Lemos Adriano Lopes , Penna Eduardo Macedo , Pires Daniel Alvarez 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionInjury is an inherent situation in the sports and recreational environment of physical exercise practices. Additionally, injured practitioners might present different motivational drives that may impair the continuity in physical exercise. However, little is known about the motivational profile of injured physical exercise practitioners. The aim of this study is to describe and compare different dimensions of motivation among injured (IG) and non-injured (NIG) physical exercise and sport practitioners.MethodsA total of 83 participants made part of the study (IG: 52, age: 30.8 ± 8.4 years; NIG: 31, age: 27.5 ± 8.4 years). An ad hoc on-line questionnaire was used, containing sociodemographic information and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II). The SMS-II evaluates different dimensions of motivation based on the tenets of the self-determination theory and was answered by both groups to examine possible differences. The researchers contacted clubs and gyms, as well as online promotions.ResultsIn the IG, there was a prevalence of 45% of give-up thoughts and 48% were competing. Also, the IG demonstrated higher median values of demotivation when compared to the NIG, with a small effect size (NIG median: 3.3; IG median: 5.8; p = 0.04, r = 0.26).ConclusionWe conclude that almost half of the injured practitioners demonstrated give-up thoughts as well as exhibit higher levels of demotivation compared to non-injured ones. Thus, it indicates the need for a rehabilitation approach also focused on motivational issues, to improve overall heath and prevent physical activity drop out.
Integrated treatment of depression and moderate to severe alcohol use disorder in women shows promise in routine alcohol use disorder care – a pilot study
Authors: Persson Anna , Finn Daniel Wallhed , Broberg Alice , Westerberg Amanda , Magnusson Åsa , Molander Olof 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMajor depression and alcohol use disorder affect millions of individuals worldwide and cause significant disability. They often occur together, and their co-occurrence is associated with more negative outcomes than each disorder on its own. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge on how to best treat co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility, credibility, patient satisfaction, preliminary effect, and potential negative effects of an integrated treatment for depression and alcohol use disorder, which has shown promising results in an earlier pilot trial.MethodsThe study was conducted at an outpatient unit in Stockholm, Sweden. Women (n=7) with current depression and alcohol use disorder were offered integrated group treatment that included evidence-based treatment for depression and alcohol use disorder. Criteria for feasibility were based on an earlier study, treatment credibility was measured using the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire and patient satisfaction with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire.ResultsFeasibility, credibility, and patient satisfaction were high. Depression symptom severity and alcohol consumption decreased from baseline to follow up. Negative effects were reported in terms of increased adverse emotional experiences.DiscussionThe investigated integrated treatment for co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder continues to show promise. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Conceptual competence in medicine: promoting psychosomatic awareness in clinics, research and education
Authors: von Boetticher Dirk 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIn recent decades, psychosomatic medicine has developed into a distinct specialty, bringing specific clinical concepts to bear seeking to acknowledge the unity (not the identity) of the mind and body in clinical care. Such concepts form the identity of the psychosomatic field as a distinct discipline and its epistemological status between somatic medicine and psychiatry. Despite the importance of these concepts from an educational and a research perspective, too little attention has been paid to their clinical impact.MethodsThis paper investigated the general nature of concepts and their role and significance in structuring the clinical encounter and care, including consideration of their relevance for the hidden curriculum.ResultsConceptual competence is defined as a transformative awareness of the multilayered, fallible, and plural nature of human concepts, which have both descriptive and evaluative and action-guiding properties having both an explicit and an implicit meaning. Conceptual competence in psychosomatic medicine entails dealing competently with the mind–body–distinction and the biopsychosocial model (and criticism of it) with respect to the clinical situation.DiscussionConceptual research is presented as an autonomous research area and the complement of empirical research, having a descriptive and a normative function: descriptively analyzing the concepts we have and normatively searching for the concepts that we need for the integrated care we strive for.
Investigating the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and adolescent depression: a comparative analysis
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Tang Jie , Xu Gaoyang , Chen Xu , Fang Kun , He Fan , Zheng Yi 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents poses a significant threat to physical health. Previous studies have indicated that adolescents with MDD exhibit immune activation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare cytokine levels in adolescents with MDD to healthy controls and assess their diagnostic value.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 58 adolescent patients with depression from Beijing Anding Hospital (outpatients and inpatients) and 40 healthy adolescents recruited from the community. Multiplex cytokine analysis (Luminex xMAP) was used to measure serum levels of several cytokines. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26.0) to compare cytokine levels between adolescents with MDD and healthy controls and assess gender differences. Correlations between cytokine levels and demographic data, clinical features and depressive symptoms were also analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of cytokines.ResultsSerum IL-4, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in MDD group compared with healthy controls (p &lt; 0.05). In MDD group, the age of first onset of depression in females was significantly younger than that in males (p &lt; 0.05), and female serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher than those in males (p &lt; 0.05). BMI and serum IL-4 levels were significantly positively correlated in adolescents with MDD. The area under the ROC curve for serum IL-4 and TNF-α in diagnosing adolescent depression was 0.695 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.580 - 0.809; p &lt; 0.05), with a sensitivity of 0.793 and specificity of 0.675.ConclusionCompared with healthy controls, adolescents with depression demonstrated significantly elevated serum cytokine levels, indicating immune activation which were higher in female. Cytokines may have promising diagnostic value in adolescent depression, but further validation with additional indicators is needed.