bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haplotype-resolved telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of a male Dioscorea alata cultivar provides insights into sex determination mechanism
Authors: Dossa Komivi , Su Xiaojun , Zoclanclounon Yedomon Ange Bovys , Chen Yao , Nawaz Muhammad Amjad , Ni Peng , Qiu Ting , Chen Gang , Malédon Erick , Gravillon Marie-Claire , Perrot Christophe , Nudol Elie , Laurent Lévy , Diouf Moussa , Dobrev Petre I. , Karikari Benjamin , Fouks Bertrand , Arnau Gemma , Mournet Pierre , Wang Jianxin , Santoni Sylvain , Chair Hana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Dioecy presents significant challenges in plant breeding and evolutionary biology. In Dioscorea alata L., the most widely cultivated yam species, dioecy (XY system) and a significant male-biased sex ratio hinder breeding efforts by restricting parental combinations and limiting genetic progress. To address these challenges, we present a high-quality, phased, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the male cultivar ‘Kabusa’, comprising 40 chromosomes and totaling 958 Mb. This resource facilitates detailed exploration of haplotype variation and the molecular basis of sex determination.
Results: HaplotypeA includes the Y chromosome (DalaChr6A), which shows early-stage heteromorphism, characterized by a slight size reduction and a centromere shift compared to the X chromosome. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a sex chromosome turnover in Dioscorea. The sex-determination region (SDR) was refined to ~7.6 Mb, accounting for ~44% of the sex chromosomes. This region corresponds to a pericentric inversion enriched with male-specific variants and sex-specific genes. Among the 455 genes annotated in the SDR, 88 were identified as sex-linked candidates with sex-biased expression, many involved in flower organ development. Notably, a Y-encoded COI1 gene was identified as a potential regulator of jasmonic acid (JA) signaling. Male flowers exhibited JA-Ile concentrations three times higher than female flowers, and gene expression analyses implicated the JA biosynthesis and signaling pathway in sex phenotype determination.
Conclusions: This study contributes to increase the knowledge on sex determination of dioecious plants, particularly in D. alata. It delivers a gold-standard genome reference for the Dioscorea genus that will accelerate genetic improvement and breeding initiatives.
Assessment of pyrethroid resistance and Wolbachia prevalence in pathogen-related mosquito species from south west Germany.
Authors: Portwood Natalie M , Schwan Theresa , Pugglioli Arianna , Becker Norbert , Ingham Victoria A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
The increasing incidence of arboviral diseases in Europe, driven by the expansion of mosquito vectors due to globalisation and global warming, poses a growing threat to public health. Notably, the invasive tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, a primary vector of dengue, has been rapidly expanding its range, with outbreaks becoming more frequent in various parts of the world. Insecticides targeting adult mosquitoes are commonly employed as response and protective measures for vector control, but the effectiveness of such interventions may be undermined by rising insecticide resistance, a phenomenon increasingly reported worldwide. Another promising avenue for vector control is the use of Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium capable of reproductive manipulation in mosquitoes, offering potential for population suppression.
Methods:
We evaluated permethrin (a pyrethroid insecticide) resistance in key mosquito species, including Aedes and Culex, collected from Germany and Italy through generation of LC50 curves utilising topical exposure assays. Additionally, the prevalence of Wolbachia in these populations was determined via PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing of selected samples.
Results:
All Aedes populations tested exhibited susceptibility to permethrin, whilst a potential trend toward resistance was observed in the Culex pipiens complex, a vector of West Nile virus. Furthermore, Wolbachia was detected across all tested mosquito populations, marking the first recorded presence of Wolbachia in Aedes japonicus.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight the continued efficacy of pyrethroids against Aedes populations in Germany and underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of insecticide resistance, particularly in Culex species. Additionally, the detection of Wolbachia in native and invasive mosquito populations opens new avenues for the exploration of biological vector control strategies in Europe. This study provides crucial preliminary data supporting the strategic use of pyrethroids and Wolbachia for arboviral outbreak prevention in Germany.
The Relationship Between Household Income and Obesity Among Older Adults: Investigating the Moderating Role of Race
Authors: Folorunsho Sunkanmi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Obesity, a leading global health concern, disproportionately impacts older adults. This study explores the relationship between household income and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) among U.S. adults aged 65 and older, using data from the 2020 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative dataset. Logistic regression models and predictive margins illustrate disparities, with participants categorized into income quartiles and analyzed across three racial/ethnic groups: Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic. Results show that lower-income older adults face significantly higher obesity rates, with those in the lowest income quartile having 1.72 times greater odds of obesity compared to higher-income individuals. NHBs consistently exhibit the highest obesity prevalence across all income levels, followed by Hispanics, while NHWs report the lowest rates. Even among higher-income NHBs, obesity remains elevated, highlighting the role of structural barriers such as food deserts, healthcare disparities, and chronic stress from systemic racism. The income-obesity relationship differs by race/ethnicity. For NHWs, obesity decreases steadily with higher income, while NHBs show persistently high rates regardless of income, and Hispanics display mixed patterns influenced by cultural and environmental factors. These findings suggest that addressing income disparities alone may not suffice to reduce obesity among minority groups, as systemic inequities persist. Targeted interventions are needed to address these structural barriers. Policies promoting access to healthy food, recreational spaces, and preventive healthcare in underserved minority communities are critical to mitigating obesity disparities in older adults.
Differential associations between cytokine and complement proteins in the clinical high risk and first episode stages of psychosis: Blood based investigation across three international studies of psychosis: NEURAPRO, STEP and OPTiMiSE
Authors: Susai Subash , Davis Rachel , Mongan David , Föcking Melanie , Heurich Meike , Cagney Gerard , Gilheany Joshua , Murphy Jennifer , Cannon Mary , Ward Joseph , Yung Alison R. , Thompson Andrew , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Nelson Barnaby , Markulev Connie , Nieman Dorien , Chen Eric Y H , Berger Gregor , Hickie Ian , Blasioli Julie , de Haan Lieuwe , Berger Maximus , Nordentoft Merete , Schäfer Miriam , Schlögelhofer Monika , Mossaheb Nilufar , Street Rebekah , Smesny Stefan , Verma Swapna , Egerton Alice , Rujescu Dan , Gifford George W , VAN-ROSSUM Inge WINTER , Leboyer Marion , Weiser Mark , Dazzan Paola , McGuire Philip , Unwin Richard D , Jamain Stéphane , Pollak Thomas , Whetton Tony , Amminger G Paul , Cotter David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Dysregulation of inflammatory mediators and complement cascade proteins has been implicated in psychosis. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between complement cascade proteins and inflammatory cytokines in blood from people at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis and at first episode of psychosis (FEP). Baseline blood samples from two cohorts of CHR participants [NEURAPRO (n = 153) and STEP (n = 146)], and one cohort of FEP patients [OPTiMiSE (n = 226)] were included. The blood levels of three Inflammatory markers including Interleukin (IL)-6, Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) along with about 30 complement proteins were considered for the analyses. First, we evaluated the interrelationship between the inflammatory markers and then using regression models, we investigated their association with complement proteins. We detected positive associations among all three inflammatory markers IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in CHR individuals, whereas in FEP positive association was observed only between IL-6 and TNF-α. Regression models showed strong positive associations for complement proteins C3, C4A, C4B, C5, CFB and CFI with all three inflammatory markers in both CHR cohorts. This indicates the presence of a complement related pro-inflammatory tone at risk of developing psychosis. In contrast, in the FEP cohort, complement proteins C1QA, C3, C5, FCN-2, and MASP2 showed an inverse association with TNF-α, and no association found with IL-6 or CRP. These results suggest a switch in the immune activity in the peripheral circulation of FEP compared to CHR. These novel findings propose that complement protein-targeted anti-inflammatory therapy could be effective at CHR state and hence could be used for early intervention in psychosis.
A nomogram for predicting plastic bronchitis in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Min Jie , Gong Liang , Gao Keyu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a severe complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). However, clinical factors predicting the occurrence of PB in MPP children have rarely been studied. The goal of this study was to establish a nomogram model to predict early PB in MPP children. We retrospectively analyzed data from MPP children who underwent electronic bronchoscopy at the Affiliated Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2023 and June 2024. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors for plastic bronchitis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to construct the prediction model, which was visualized as a nomogram. The data were divided at random into a training cohort (70%) and a validation cohort (30%). A total of 212 children were included, of whom 72 (33.9%) developed PB following an MPP diagnosis. According to univariate analysis, thirteen factors were associated with PB. Six independent risk factors were identified in the training cohort using LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analyses: the neutrophil ratio (N%), the eosinophil ratio (E%), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and the neutrophil‒lymphocyte ratio (NLR). A graphical nomogram was subsequently developed. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.688 (95% confidence interval 0.597–0.780) in the training cohort and 0.705 (95% confidence interval 0.562–0.847) in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis (DCA) validated the fitness and clinical application value of this nomogram. Internal validation revealed that the validation cohort was in good accordance with the training cohort. This nomogram prediction model aids in the early identification of PB among MPP children, thereby facilitating early management and improving clinical outcomes.
Association between Advanced lung cancer inflammation index and all- cause mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis: analysis of the MIMIC- IV database
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Minye , Liu Jianfei , Zhao Zhanwei , Zhou Lijun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to explore the association between the advanced lung cancer inflammation (ALI) index and the risk of mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Methods
This retrospective study included 6489 critically ill patients with sepsis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The participants were grouped into four groups according to the ALI index quartiles. The outcome was in-hospital mortality and ICU mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and restricted cubic spline regression was used to evaluate the association between the ALI index and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Results
A total of 6489 patients (59.1% male) were included in the study. The in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality were 25.4% and 19.0%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the ALI index was independently associated with to all-cause mortality. After confounders adjusting, patients with an elevated ALI index had a significant association with hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.990; 95% confidence interval, 0.985–0.996; P < 0.001) and ICU mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.991; 95% confidence interval, 0.985–0.997; P = 0.004). Restricted cubic splines revealed a non-linear association between ALI and all-cause mortality in sepsis patients.
Conclusion
Our study indicates that the ALI index has a significant association with hospital and ICU all-cause mortality in critically ill sepsis patients. However, further confirmation of these findings necessitates larger prospective studies.
Establish and validate a nomogram prognostic model for young patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tian Guo , Li Yu , Cao Lei , Cao Feng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

A nomogram model was established and validated to predict the prognosis of young patients with stage IV LUAD at initial diagnosis individually and precisely, demonstrating superior performance to the traditional TNM staging system. This study included young patients diagnosed with stage IV LUAD from 2010 to 2015 in the SEER database, which divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort. Additional patients from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were included as the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to identify independent risk factors affecting survival, which was used to establish a nomogram model. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated by C-index, calibration curve, ROC curve, DCA curve, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve. DCA analysis indicated that the model's net benefit was significantly higher than that of the TNM staging system. In clinical work, this model provides valuable guidance and accurate prediction for the condition assessment and treatment decision of these patients.
C-arm cone beam computed tomography needle path overlay for fluoroscopic guided screw placement on spinal lesion
Authors: Ohashi Hiroki , Morita Kohei , Kawamura Daichi , Hatano Keisuke , Yamana Satoshi , Murayama Yuichi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose Screw placement in the spinal region is very vital, the navigation guided surgery using fluoroscopy or Computed Tomography (CT) have been developed. A technology that reflects planning in fluoroscopy in real time using CT images from the C-arm has also arisen, and we planned to apply needle guidance to safely perform surgery for the treatment of odontoid process fractures and pedicle screw placement, and analyze the results.Methods We utilized an intraoperative support system using overlay technology with C-arm's cone beam CT (CBCT) for three cases in which planning by needle guidance was effective among the surgical cases admitted to our institution from Feb. 2017 to Jun. Case1: A 26-year-old man, Anderson type 2 odontoid fracture. Case2: A 75-year-old woman, atlantoaxial dislocation. Case3: A 66-year-old man, vertebral arch fracture. In each case, the magnitude of the difference between the planned placement schedule and the actual placement part in the postoperative image were measured.Results Case1: The deviation of the target point was 2.57 mm. Case2: The deviation of the target point was 0.71 mm on the right side of C1, 0.98 mm on the left side of C1, 0.35 mm on the right side of C2, and 0.31 mm on the left side of C2. The average deviation from the target was 0.59 mm. Case 3: The deviation of the target point was 0.88 mm on the right side of L3, 2.21 mm on the left side of L3, 2.37 mm on the right side of L5, 1.85 mm on the left side of L5. The total average deviation was 1.83 mm. There were no major complications.Conclusion Overlay technology, like needle guidance can be applied not only to biopsy but also to the placement of the odontoid process and pedicle screw for safe surgery. In addition to reducing invasiveness, in our cases it does not require an independent navigation system, and is easy to introduce and implement even in small-scale facilities.
Clinical usefulness of nutritional and immunological indices to distinguish gallbladder carcinoma from benign disease
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Yumoto Shinsei , Itoyama Rumi , Kitano Yuki , Nakagawa Shigeki , Okabe Hirohisa , Iwatsuki Masaaki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
It is challenging to accurately and preoperatively diagnose gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) because patients are often asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms that mimic common benign diseases in radiological findings. In this study, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of nutritional and immunological indices to distinguish GBC from benign disease.
Methods
This study included 113 patients who underwent surgical resection for suspected GBC (37 benign and 76 GBC cases by pathological diagnosis). As the nutritional and immunological indices, the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) were examined, and their usefulness in distinguishing GBC from benign disease was determined using logistic regression analyses.
Results
GBC cases displayed significantly worse nutritional and immunological status in the GNRI, mGPS, NLR, PLR, and PNI compared with those of the benign cases. As the predictive factors to distinguish GBC from benign disease, age > 75 years, GNRI < 101.7, and PLR ≥ 1.76 were identified by multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Conclusion
Patients with GBC showed poor nutritional or immunological status compared with patients with benign disease, and a low GNRI and high PLR may be noninvasive predictors of GBC.
Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS): A case study
Authors: Choi Ming Hong , Leung Ching See , To Pui Yee , Lai Shui Wun , Chan Man Chun , Chik Thomas Siu Hong , Lau Daphne Pui Ling , Au Elaine Yuen Ling , Yuen Kwok Yung , Hung Fan Ngai Ivan , Tsang Tak Yin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is an exceedingly rare and complex condition characterised by the co-occurrence of Kaposi sarcoma and an aberrant inflammatory response mediated by cytokines with a mortality rate up to 60%1. We present a meticulously documented case report that sheds light on the distinct clinical manifestations and diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this syndrome. Our report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, comprehensive management strategies, and the need for further research to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 59-year-old British male with a well-controlled HIV infection on Biktarvy who exhibited fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly, along with a purplish plaque on the right plantar. Further investigations revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, elevated inflammatory markers, and a high HHV-8 level. Diagnosis of HHV-8 positive lymph nodes and Kaposi sarcoma on the plantar aspect was confirmed. The patient was treated with Foscarnet, steroid, Rituximab, Tocilizumab, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and Paclitaxel, reducing viral load and improving cell count. This case highlights the complexities of managing Kaposi sarcoma within the realm of immune complex syndrome.
Conclusions:
Our case report underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and recognition of KICS, given its rarity and unique clinical characteristics. By elucidating the complex interrelationships between Kaposi sarcoma, inflammatory cytokines, and immune dysregulation, we aim to contribute to the existing knowledge base and facilitate improved diagnosis, management, and therapeutic interventions for this challenging syndrome. Further research is warranted to explore novel treatment modalities and unravel the underlying mechanisms driving KICS.
Spontaneous regression of a traumatic cataract in a patient with penetrating corneal injury: a case report
Authors: Diao Liqian , Gao Meng , Wang Jiangjie , Jiang Xiaopeng , Zhou Xiangyu , Si Shancheng , Xia Fei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: We present the case report of a patient who experienced spontaneous resolution of a cataract following a penetrating corneal injury. This case underscores the potential value of conservative treatment, offering a favorable outcome for both patient and surgeon without requiring surgical intervention.
Case presentation ：A 27-year-old man presented with a corneal perforation injury and traumatic cataract in his left eye caused by a relatively clean wire. The patient was managed conservatively with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and compression bandages without surgical intervention. Remarkably, by the fourth day post-injury, the lens opacity began to resolve, and visual acuity in the injured eye improved from 20/500 to 20/20. Subsequent follow-up visits revealed no recurrence of cataracts or vision loss.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering age, clinical condition, accommodation capacity, and prognosis when determining the treatment approach for cataracts. Conservative management that preserves the lens may be beneficial for young patients with traumatic cataracts while avoiding surgical intervention.