bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of post-stroke infections: a case series study using multiple sample types
Authors: Chen Xiaopu , Liang Yong , Yang Wei , He Wenzhen , Xing Zhiqiang , Li Shunxian , Cai Shaoyu , Fu Jiping , Peng Xiaotang , Chen Manli , Wu Jiaming 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMetagenomic high-throughput sequencing (mNGS) represents a powerful tool for detecting nucleic acids from various pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, in clinical samples. Despite its extensively employed in the pathogen diagnosis for various infectious diseases, its application in diagnosing stroke-related infection, and its potential impact on clinical decision-making, anti-infection treatment, clinical intervention, and patient prognosis remain insufficiently explored. Additionally, while mNGS offers promising potential, it facts limitations related to sensitivity, specificity, cost, and standardization, which could influence its integration into routine clinical practice.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 18 stroke patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University from January to February 2023, comparing culture-based methods with mNGS detection, and assessing its significance in etiological diagnosis. Additionally, we evaluated the performance differences among various sequencing platforms.ResultsAmong the 18 stroke patients enrolled, pulmonary infections were identified in 7 cases, urinary tract infections in 1 case, central nervous system infections in 10 cases, and combined pulmonary and central nervous system infections in 2 cases, with 2 cases yielding negative results. mNGS detected pathogens in 13 cases, aligning with clinical diagnoses (75% concordance), whereas culture-based methods yielded positive results in only 6 cases (22% concordance). Importantly, for 9 of the 18 patients, adjustments to anti-infective treatment regimens based on mNGS results led to improved symptomatic relief and infection control. This suggests that mNGS can contribute to more timely and precise treatment modifications, particularly for infections with low pathogen loads, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes.ConclusionOur findings highlights the utility of mNGS in diagnosing stroke-associated infections by providing a more comprehensive etiological diagnosis compared to traditional method. While mNGS shows promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and guiding clinical treatment, it high cost and technical challenges need addressing before widespread clinical adoption. Future research should focus on optimizing mNGS protocols, integration it with convertional diagnostic tools, and evaluating its cost-effectiveness and clinical impact through larger, multicentric studies.
Exosomes derived from syncytia induced by SARS-2-S promote the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Li Huilong , Lin Haotian , Fan Tinghui , Huang Linfei , Zhou Li , Tian Xiaoyu , Zhao Ruzhou , Zhang Yanhong , Yang Xiaopan , Wan Luming , Zhong Hui , Jiang Nan , Wei Congwen , Chen Wei , Hou Lihua 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by fever, fatigue, dry cough, dyspnea, mild pneumonia and acute lung injury (ALI), which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and SARS-CoV-2 can accelerate tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanism for the increased mortality in cancer patients infected with COVID-19 is unclear.MethodsColony formation and wound healing assays were performed on Huh-7 cells cocultured with syncytia. Exosomes were purified from the cell supernatant and verified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Western blot (WB) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differentially expressed proteins in syncytia-derived exosomes (Syn-Exos) and their functions was analyzed by Proteomic sequencing. Syn-Exo-mediated promotion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells was measured by CCK-8 and Transwell migration assays. The mechanism by which Syn-Exos promote tumor growth was analyzed by Western blotting. A patient-derived xenotransplantation (PDX) mouse model was constructed to evaluate the pathological role of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SARS-2-S). The number of syncytia in the tumor tissue sections was determined by immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsSyncytium formation promoted the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Proteomic sequencing revealed that proteins that regulate cell proliferation and metastasis in Syn-Exos were significantly upregulated. Syn-Exos promote the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Animal experiments showed that a pseudotyped lentivirus bearing SARS-2-S (SARS-2-Spp) promoted tumor development in PDX mice. More syncytia were found in tumor tissue from SARS-2-Spp mice than from VSV-Gpp mice.ConclusionsSyn-Exos induced by SARS-2-S can promote the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Multipath joint ablation strategy for focal atrial tachycardia originating from patent foramen ovale: a case report
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Li Yifei , Yan Song , Liu Lijun , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFocal atrial tachycardia (FAT) is predominant in the pediatric population. Recent research has identified cases of sustained FAT originating from the interatrial septum (IAS); a subset of cases presents a unique challenge, with foci originating from the peri-patent foramen ovale (peri-PFO), requiring specialized management during catheter ablation. Here, we present a rare case of peri-PFO-associated FAT that resulted in tachycardia-related cardiomyopathy and propose a comprehensive multipath joint strategy for the successful treatment of PFO-associated FAT.Case presentationA 10-year-old boy presented with refractory cardiomyopathy associated with incessant atrial tachycardia, unresponsive to metoprolol. A 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed a narrow QRS complex tachycardia with a rate of 157 beats per minute and a prolonged RP relationship. Echocardiography indicated a severely reduced ejection fraction of 22%. Subsequent electrophysiological study findings identified the tachycardia as originating from the anterior limbus of the PFO. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at the earliest activation site and surrounding structures, encompassing the right atrial septum, non-coronary sinus of Valsalva, and the left atrium peri-PFO. Post-procedure, the patient remained free from arrhythmia and showed restored normal cardiac function and was prescribed a low-dose β-blocker for 1 month. Remarkably, the patient continued to be well without the need for any medications for the subsequent 3 months.ConclusionThe structure of the PFO brought significant challenges in performing successful ablation. The multipath strategy was beneficial in managing peri-PFO-associated FAT based on its anatomical vicinity of the target.
Backward erosion piping mechanism in dike foundations with and without landside blanket layers: numerical simulation of size effects
Authors: Yao Qiuling , Yan Xiping , Wu Zebin , Hao Huiqing , Ma Meihong 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study investigates the backward erosion piping mechanism and its dependency on model size through both experiments and numerical simulations. The objective is to understand how different model dimensions affect the hydraulic gradients and piping behavior in dike systems.MethodsNumerical simulations were performed using the finite element method (FEM), where the dike foundation was modeled in 3D and seepage flow was simulated under various hydraulic gradients. Physical experiments were also conducted using small-scale dike models to verify the numerical results and study the effects of model size.Results and DiscussionThe results show that in dikes without blanket layers, hydraulic gradients increase steadily as the piping channel develops, leading to upstream erosion and failure. In contrast, dikes with a blanket layer exhibit a stabilizing effect: the hydraulic gradient initially decreases before increasing, leading to a self-healing phenomenon that halts further channel progression. The study further reveals that the size effect—indicated by hydraulic gradients—diminishes with larger model dimensions and becomes negligible beyond a certain threshold. Additionally, the interaction between model width and depth significantly influences the progression of piping. These findings offer valuable insights for designing more resilient dike systems and improving flood protection strategies.
Ethnic, socioeconomic, and demographic determinants of generalized anxiety disorder and fear of COVID-19 among teenagers in California, United States: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Kumra Elina , Patange Amit 
Published: January 2025

Background and objectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted mental health globally, leading to increased levels of anxiety and fear. Although it is well known that socioeconomic factors and ethnicity play a role in mental health outcomes, the intersectional effects of these determinants during the pandemic are unclear, especially among adolescents. Thus, this study sought to explore the relationship between socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, and two mental health parameters—fear of COVID-19 (FCV) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—among high school students in California, United States.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed with 990 high school-aged participants from the San Joaquin Valley and Santa Clara County, California, recruited via convenience/snowball sampling using an online questionnaire from 15 June to 14 August 2022. The Fear of Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure fear and anxiety, respectively.ResultsThe results reveal significant associations between ethnicity, socioeconomic status (i.e., family income), and FCV-19S and GAD-7 scores. Severe GAD and FCV were reported in 9.8% (n = 97) and 8.38% (n = 83) of participants. Black participants reported significantly higher levels of FCV (F = 6.867, p &lt; 0.001) and generalized anxiety (F = 17.066, &lt;0.001) than their counterparts Additionally, girls exhibited higher anxiety scores (t = 2.960, p = 0.003, CI = 0.23–1.15) and fear scores (t = 3.619, p = 0.001, CI = 0.40–1.37) than boys. Furthermore, fear and anxiety scores exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.702, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study suggests that gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors are significantly linked to higher levels of FCV and GAD in teenagers during the pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of considering social determinants of mental health when addressing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on teenagers, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Adaptation of shell morphology to different tidal zones—insights into phenotypic plasticity of Littorina brevicula
Authors: Lai Siqi , Shi Ling , Han Yida , Tian Ying , Hao Zhenlin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe adaptability of intertidal gastropods to their environmental niches is a critical aspect of their survival. Littorina brevicula, a common intertidal snail, exhibits phenotypic plasticity in response to varying tidal conditions. This study investigates the phenotypic plasticity and shell structure of L. brevicula across two disparate tidal zones to understand how these factors influence shell morphology and growth.MethodsA total of 254 specimens of L. brevicula were collected from the intertidal expanse. The analytical approach was tripartite, including traditional morphometric techniques, geometric morphometric methods (GM), and three-dimensional (3D) model simulation analyses. This comprehensive methodology allowed for a detailed examination of shell morphology and growth patterns.ResultsThe results demonstrated that shell growth in the high tidal zone was slower compared to the mid tidal zone. Morphological disparities were evident, with high tidal zone specimens showing lower spires and a more spherical shell conformation, while mid tidal zone specimens had elongated spires and a tower-like shell shape. 3D model simulation analyses revealed different stress distributions; the mid-tide zone simulation showed concentrated stress in a circumscribed region, whereas the high-tide zone simulation showed a more expansive stress distribution across the entire shell.DiscussionThe distinct morphological adaptations observed in L. brevicula across tidal zones suggest a strong influence of environmental factors on shell morphology. The slower growth and different stress distribution patterns in the high tidal zone may be indicative of the snails' response to more challenging environmental conditions. These findings provide essential evidence for understanding the adaptability of intertidal gastropods to their environmental niches.
Hyperthermia suppresses the biological characteristics and migration of chicken primordial germ cells
Authors: Gu Yuzhou , Wu Kexin , Niu Bowen , Wang Zhiting , Jie Yuchen , Fan Zixuan , Li Junying , Sun Congjiao , Hou Zhuo-Cheng , Shao Li-Wa 
Published: January 2025

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) play a crucial role in transmitting genetic information to the next-generation. In chickens, genetically edited PGCs can be propagated in vitro and subsequently transplanted into recipient embryos to produce offspring with desired genetic traits. However, during early embryogenesis, the effects of external conditions on PGC migration through the vascular system to the gonads have yet to be explored, which may affect the efficiency of preparing gene-edited chickens. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperthermia on the biological characteristics and migration of chicken PGCs. A gonad-derived PGC line of White Leghorn (WLH) chicken was established and verified through PAS staining and immunofluorescence of PGC-specific proteins. To visually observe PGC migration in vivo, GFP-positive PGCs were prepared and locations of chimeras were validated. Cell viability, glycogen granule contents, and mRNA expression levels of pluripotency markers (NANOG and POUV), germ cell-specific markers (DAZL and CVH), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were reduced in PGCs cultured under high temperatures (43°C for 12, 24, and 48 h). After the heat treatment of donor PGCs (43°C) or recipient embryos (39.5°C), GFP-positive PGCs in gonads were rarely observed. Taken together, our results underscore the negative effects of hyperthermia on the biological characteristics and migration of chicken PGCs, which provides valuable insights for the implementation of PGC-based gene editing techniques in chickens.
Detection of inversion with breakpoints in ARSB causing MPS VI by whole-genome sequencing: lessons learned and best practices
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Deng Wenyue , Huang Hui , Zhang Xiankai , Chen Xiaohong , Ye Jian , Luo Sukun , Yu Ting , Yao Hui , Du Hao , He Xuelian 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionMucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPSVI), an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in ARSB gene. Usually, whole exome sequencing (WES) can identify these variants, and if WES failed to detect causative variants, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) may be considered to investigate deep intronic variations and structural alterations in patients.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed in a Chinese family having a boy with suspected diagnosis of MPS with macrocephaly, coarse facial features, broad forehead, thick lips, frontal bossing, craniosynostosis, blue spots, frequent upper respiratory infections, inguinal hernia, and dysostosis multiplex. Lysosomal enzymatic assays for leucocytes were used to assess the activity of arylsulfatase B of the boy’s leucocytes. Sanger sequencing and karyotyping analysis were used to validate the variants identified in the boy and his parents.ResultsThis boy diagnosed with MPSVI based on clinical phenotypes and laboratory biochemical assays, and WES identified only a maternally inherited missense variant, c.908G&gt;T (p.Gly303Val), in the ARSB gene. By performing WGS, we found a paracentric inversion involving chromosome 5q14.1q13.2 (78180730-138771424 inv), disrupting the ARSB gene on the proband and his father. The inversion was confirmed through karyotyping analysis, and the breakpoints were validated by agarose gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing.DisscussionThis study reminds us that WGS should be done when WES failed to achieve a molecular diagonosis, and it also underscores the importance of WGS especially in cases of high clinical suspicion.
Genotypic variability in stress responses of Sorghum bicolor under drought and salinity conditions
Authors: Alzahrani Yahya , Abdulbaki Abdulbaki Shehu , Alsamadany Hameed 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionSorghum bicolor: widely cultivated in Asia and Africa, faces increasing challenges from climate change, specifically from abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. This study evaluates how different sorghum genotypes respond to separate and combined stresses of drought and salinity.MethodsCarried out with three replications using a randomized complete block design, the experiment measured biochemical and physiological parameters, including stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Molecular analysis focused on stress-responsive gene expression.ResultsResults indicated enhanced stress responses under combined conditions, with significant variation in antioxidant enzymatic activities among genotypes. Genotype-specific osmotic adjustments were observed through proline and glycine betaine accumulation. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, cell membrane stability, stomatal conductance, and water potential were critical indicators of stress tolerance. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of stress-responsive genes, particularly under combined stress conditions.DiscussionCorrelation and principal component analysis analyses highlighted the interdependencies among traits, emphasizing their roles in oxidative stress mitigation. Samsorg-17 exhibited the highest resilience due to consistently high levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glycine betaine, alongside superior physiological attributes. CRS-01 showed moderate resilience with the highest Na/K ratio and notable photosynthesis rate and relative water content, but was less consistent in biochemical markers under stress. Samsorg-42 demonstrated resilience under specific conditions but was generally less robust than Samsorg-17 across most indicators. These findings emphasize the importance of developing stress-resilient sorghum cultivars through targeted breeding programs to enhance tolerance to drought and salinity in sustainable agriculture.
Pomacea canaliculata hemocyanin as a novel natural immunostimulant in mammals
Authors: Chiumiento Ignacio Rafael , Tricerri María Alejandra , Cortéz María Fernanda , Ituarte Santiago , Tau Julia , Mariño Karina Valeria , Smaldini Paola Lorena , Heras Horacio , Dreon Marcos Sebastián 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionGastropod hemocyanins are potent immunostimulants in mammals, a trait associated with their large molecular size and unusual glycosylation patterns. While the hemocyanin from the marine snail keyhole limpet (KLH), has been widely studied and successfully employed as a carrier/adjuvant in several immunological applications, as well as a non-specific immunostimulant for bladder cancer treatment, few other gastropod hemocyanins have been biochemically and immunologically characterized. In this work, we investigated the immunogenic properties of the hemocyanin from Pomacea canaliculata (PcH), an invasive south American freshwater snail. This species, known for its high reproductive rate and easy rearing, represents a promising source of potential biomedical compounds, including hemocyanin.MethodsEmploying flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, immunoassays, and quantitative PCR, we analysed the effects of PcH on THP-1 monocytes and their derived macrophages, as well as its ability to induce humoral response on C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, we evaluated the structural stability of PcH across a wide range of temperature and pH values.Results and discussionOur findings demonstrate that PcH is a structurally stable protein that not only triggers a pro-inflammatory effect on THP-1 derived-macrophages by increasing IL1-β and TNF-α levels, but also promotes phenotypic changes associated with the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Moreover, the humoral response induced by PcH in mice was indistinguishable from that of KLH, highlighting the promising immunostimulatory properties of this freshwater snail hemocyanin.
Chlamydophila psittaci pneumonia followed by lower gastrointestinal ischemic necrosis: a case report
Authors: Shao Shifeng , Liu Jun , Wu Zhenbing , Wu Shasha 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPsittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is an uncommon infectious disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci). While C. psittaci infections are usually not life-threatening, the pathogenesis and associated complications are not yet fully understood.Case descriptionA 54-year-old male was hospitalized due to a cough, accompanied by expectoration and dyspnea. After admission, the patient's breathing rapidly deteriorated, and despite the use of a ventilator, it was challenging to maintain respiratory function. While initiating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and empirical anti-infection treatments, the alveolar lavage fluid was collected and examined by metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS). The mNGS result indicated C. psittaci. Subsequently, the anti-infection regimen was immediately adjusted. The respiratory function improved on the 13th day after admission, and ECMO was withdrawn. However, the patient developed abdominal distension and intestinal edema. After intravenous infusion therapy, intestinal ischemia and necrosis occurred and surgical resection was performed. The patient's condition improved after the operation and he was transferred to a local hospital for rehabilitation.ConclusionThis case report demonstrates the development of intestinal ischemic necrosis following severe C. psittaci pneumonia. This unique association has not been reported previously and highlights the importance of potential gastrointestinal complications in severe C. psittaci pneumonia, which are often underestimated. Timely diagnoses and treatments of such infections and complications are necessary to achieve favorable clinical outcomes.