bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VERLO: a novel imaging cell sorter for enhanced analysis of tumor infiltration by immune cells
Authors: Dabelic Rea , Munoz Adonary , George Micayla , Xia Lin , Tang Rui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death in the US. Central to cancer progression is the tumor microenvironment (TME), which significantly influences the disease's spread. Immune cell infiltration into the TME is crucial for effective immunotherapy. Traditional infiltration assessment methods, including microscopy and flow cytometry, have limitations such as low throughput and lack of imaging. Addressing these issues, we present VERLO, an imaging cell sorter combining low-pressure microfluidics with dual-laser scanning to enhance cell analysis. We utilized VERLO to examine Jurkat cells, a T-cell proxy, infiltrating breast cancer spheroids, which simulate tumors. VERLO's application enabled us to preserve Jurkat-tumor interactions, facilitating the exploration of factors that may augment immune infiltration. This research underscores VERLO's utility in studying immune cell dynamics within the TME, advancing immunotherapy optimization for cancer treatment. Our findings indicate that VERLO can significantly contribute to understanding and improving immune cell-mediated cancer therapies.
HLA-A2 Chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cells promote allograft acceptance in mice
Authors: Durgam Samarth , Sayin Ismail , Hynes Grace , Yin Dengping , Rosado sanchez isaac , Speck Madeleine , Mojibian majid , Levings Megan , Chong Anita 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immune regulators essential for achieving stable allograft acceptance. We tested whether HLA-A2 CAR-Tregs have the therapeutic potential to prolong allograft survival through mediating linked-suppression and infectious tolerance. Methods:Donor hearts expressing BALB/c, HLA-A2 and 2W-OVA antigens (C57BL/6.A2 X BALB/c.2W-OVA.F1) were transplanted into C57BL/6 mice and received 250µg aCD154 ± 1X106 A2 CAR-Tregs on the day of transplant (HTx). 1) Graft survival was monitored. 2) CAR-Tregs in the peripheral circulation, spleen and lymph nodes (SLO) were monitored (Thy1.1+FoxP3+). 3) 2W-specific Tregs and Tconvs quantified at ~D-45 post-HTx. 4) Donor specific IgG was quantified. Results: 1)HLA.A2-CAR Tregs + 250µg aCD154 significantly prolonged allograft survival compared to controls with 250µg aCD154 alone (Mean: &gt;56 vs 26 days). 2)FoxP3+CAR-Tregs were detected in the circulation at D10-40 post-HTx, and in the SLO at &gt;D45. 3) In the SLO, CAR-Tregs mediated linked suppression by preventing 2W-specific Tconvs expansion, and infectious tolerance by expanding of 2W-specific Tregs (7-15-fold). 4)A2.CAR-Tregs significantly decreased anti-A2 and anti-donor MHCI & MHCII IgG production. Conclusion: HLA-A2.CAR-Tregs synergized with aCD154, mediated linked suppression and infectious T cell tolerance and significantly prolonged allograft survival. Remarkably, HLA-A2.CAR-Tregs suppressed donor MHC-specific IgG responses and anti-HLA-A2IgG.
Multi-omic immunophenotyping to identify predictors of mRNA vaccine responsiveness in immunocompromised individuals
Authors: Murray Sam , Meacham Georgina , Irwin Sophie , Rao Vishal , Rolt Jordan , Dimitriadis Stavros , Dooley Kyla , Heslington Amelia , Goodyear Carl , Siebert Stefan , McInnes Iain , Willicombe Michelle , Thomas David , Billingham Lucinda , Kearns Pamela , Marjot Thomas , Kronsteiner Barbara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Recent advances in -omics technologies enable detailed evaluation of the human immune system in the context of important clinical phenotypes. Here, we apply such technologies to investigate predictors of vaccine immune responsiveness in individuals with a range of immunosuppressive conditions who are vulnerable to COVID-19 vaccine failure.
Using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), Olink proteomics and spectral flow cytometry we assessed the pre- and 21 days post-third dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccine immunophenotype of 133 immunocompromised individuals and 22 healthy controls. Machine learning dependent analyses associated these phenotypes with vaccine-induced antibody and T cell responses.
We identified distinct pre-vaccination transcriptional signatures which predicted post-vaccine antibody responsiveness across immunosuppressive conditions. Signatures included increased B cell related gene modules and decreased inflammatory and monocyte related modules. These patterns were confirmed by detailed cellular and proteomic immunophenotyping. Persistence of this altered phenotype after vaccination was observed using scRNA-seq, which gave insights into the cellular identity of signatures related to vaccine responsiveness.
Through comprehensive immune profiling of pre- and post-vaccine blood samples from immunocompromised individuals we identify novel cellular and molecular signatures that predict vaccine responsiveness, and give insight into mechanisms of vaccine failure.
HIV vaccine candidate efficacy mediated by epigenetic changes in CD14+ cells, cAMP-dependent efferocytosis and immunoinhibitory DC-10
Authors: Bissa Massimiliano , Silva de Castro Isabela , Kim Sohyoung , Fourati Slim , Rahman Mohammad Arif , Tomalka Jeffrey , Schifanella Luca , Sarkis Sarkis , Gutowska Anna , Sekaly Rafick , Hager Gordon , Franchini Genoveffa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The V1-deleted DNA/ALVAC/gp120 anti-HIV vaccine significantly decreased the risk of SIV and SHIV acquisition in macaques. CD14+ monocytes and the Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity to V2 (V2-ADCC) were correlated with reduced risk, indicating the central role of innate response in mounting an effective response. We hypothesized that in-depth characterization of the innate responses to vaccination will elucidate mechanisms of protection.
To test this hypothesis, we integrated different analyses conducted in multiple macaque studies to investigate how the innate and adaptive responses cooperate in reducing the acquisition. Analyses of samples collected from V1-delted DNA/ALVAC/gp120 vaccinated macaques included canonical and multi-omics assays.
The study of the epigenetic landscape of CD14+ cells showed that epigenetic reprogramming of enhancer region upstream of CREB1 gene was associated with reduced risk of infection. Furthermore, we found that, the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent efferocytosis performed by CD14+ monocytes that engulfed and clear apoptotic cells, correlated with reduced risk of acquisition and complemented V2-ADCC. Finally, we identified a crucial role of immunoinhibitory dendritic cells DC-10 in lowering the risk of infection.
These data suggest that V2-ADCC, efferocytosis and immunoinhibitory innate cells contribute to vaccine efficacy by decreasing inflammation and maintaining tissue homeostasis, and therefore counteract the SIV/SHIV infection.
Unveiling the immune responses of ferrets inoculated with Ebola virus
Authors: Bernbaum-Cutler Rebecca , Marketon Anthony , Rivera Deja , Gale Eric , Mani Venkatesh , Anthony Scott 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Animal-based models continue to be important for investigating the immunological pathways involved with infections of emerging infectious diseases. Inoculation of Ebola virus (EBOV) in ferrets results in nearly uniformly fatal disease while also recapitulating numerous additional aspects associated with EBOV infection of nonhuman primates or humans. However, the underlying immune responses of EBOV-associated disease in ferrets is largely unknown due to a lack of available reagents. Thus, we designed and optimized a 10-color flow cytometry panel to investigate the adaptive and innate immune components of ferrets. Animals were inoculated with EBOV or mock virus, and circulating immune responses in whole blood were longitudinally examined by flow cytometry. Appreciable alterations in both the innate and adaptive immune responses during late-stage disease were observed. Animals were euthanized at 3 or 6-d post-exposure, and terminal tissues were examined. As expected, marked increases in the number and frequency of apoptotic and necrotic cells were noted. Interestingly, a significant loss of memory phenotype CD8+ T cells and activated CD11b+ cells was associated with advanced disease. In plasma, elevated circulating protein levels of multiple cytokines, commonly associated with EBOV infection, were found in a stepwise manner. Altogether, these tools add significant illumination of underlying immune responses in the ferret model.
Management of fever and associated symptoms in children and adults: an Italian national survey
Authors: Chiaretti Antonio , Grattagliano Ignazio , Carlomagno Francesco , Magi Massimo , Carbone Luigi , Zecca Silvia , Bondone Claudia , Gatto Antonio , Di Sarno Lorenzo , Franceschi Francesco 
Published: November 2024

An advisory committee of Italian experts conducted a national, cross-sectional, web-based survey in June 2024 to describe the current management of fever and associated symptoms in different settings, including primary care, emergency departments, and hospital wards in pediatric and adult patients. The survey covered two domains: participants’ features and questions about the main drugs prescribed to treat fever and associated symptoms. A total of 832 questionnaires were analyzed. Paracetamol was the most prescribed drug to treat fever. Most participants were influenced by related symptoms when choosing the most appropriate drug. Almost all participants selected the oral route as their preferred one. This survey provides a current state of fever management among physicians in different settings throughout Italy. It highlights a trend in treating fever with antipyretics at appropriate doses and evaluating pain through validated scales.
Disaster preparedness: The role of spatial disaster learning using geospatial technology
Authors: Handoyo Budi , Soekamto Hadi , Putra Alfyananda K. , Kamil Puspita A. , Wulandari Fajar 
Published: November 2024

Preparedness for natural disasters is crucial for people living in high-risk areas along the Ring of Fire, such as people in Indonesia. Although Spatial Disaster Learning using Geospatial Technology (SDL-GeoTech) has been developed, its effectiveness in enhancing students’ preparedness remains unproven. This study examines the impact of SDL-GeoTech on junior high school students’ readiness using a quasi-experimental, time-series, single-group pre-post-test design. The research involved students from three schools: SMA 1 Grati Pasuruan (flood-prone), SMA 1 Puncu Kediri (volcanic eruption-prone), and SMA 3 Mataram Lombok (earthquake-prone). Data were collected through tests on knowledge, skills, and attitudes, followed by t-test analysis at a 0.05 significance level. The results of this study show SDL-GeoTech was significantly able to improve students’ preparedness, including their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. These findings highlight SDL-GeoTech as an innovative tool for disaster education, with the potential to enhance curricula and teaching strategies, especially in vulnerable areas.Contribution: This research teaches students to use techno-geospatial learning through SDL-GeoTech, equipping those in the Ring of Fire region to be better prepared for potential natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The proven analysis of SDL-GeoTech has shown that it enhances students’ knowledge, skills and attitude in preparedness in dealing with disasters.
Enhancing emotional intelligence for well-being in higher education: Supporting SDG 3 amid adversity
Authors: Maharaj Prashanti , Ramsaroop Anisha 
Published: November 2024

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 necessitated tertiary institutions to reevaluate their educational paradigms, emphasising resilience and fostering creative mindsets to navigate unprecedented challenges. This disruption evoked distressing emotions, posing threats to academics’ emotional well-being. Such challenges carry profound implications for the attainment of sustainable development goal 3 (SDG 3), aimed at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.Research purpose: This study aimed to comprehend and harness the emotional intelligence of academics, with a view to understanding how adversity affects emotional intelligence and emotional well-being in academics.Motivation for the study: The focus on enhancing the emotional well-being of academics directly contributes to the overall health and well-being goals outlined in SDG 3.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative approach with a sample size of 360 academics was drawn from five campus sites from the University of KwaZulu-Natal using stratified random sampling.Main findings: Respondents reported elevated levels of stress and anxiety and a lack of visibility regarding employee assistance programmes (EAPs). Respondents indicated a notable dissatisfaction with the lack of support from the human resource department.Practical/managerial implications: Recommendations proposed in the higher education landscape for advancing SDG 3 consisted of EAP insights and awareness, needs analysis on well-being support and policy formulation.Contribution/value-add: By focussing on emotional intelligence, the study aligned with SDG 3 and presented practical strategies embedded in a model designed to enhance the emotional well-being of academics.
Navigating the neoliberal university: A collaborative autoethnography of emerging scholars
Authors: Shabalala Nokulunga , Mapaling Curwyn 
Published: November 2024

In the dynamic landscape of the neoliberal university, conversations between emerging scholars serve as vital spaces for critical reflection and transformative action. This collaborative autoethnographic study engaged with the complexities of navigating academia as two black clinical psychologists within a South African university. Drawing on decoloniality, we interrogated the pervasive ‘carrying on’ culture and its impact on early-career academics. Our lived experiences underscored the intersections of identity, power and resistance, as we grappled with the commodification of higher education and the pressures to ascend the ranks hastily. Through a reflexive thematic analysis of our recorded discussions, we uncovered mechanisms for disrupting normative structures and redefining the purpose of scholarly pursuits. Central to our inquiry was the notion of refusal as a generative force, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more conducive, supportive environment where teaching and learning activities are genuine expressions of growth. We envisioned a university that fosters meaningful intellectual engagement and societal transformation, calling for collective dialogue and action to reimagine the neoliberal higher education landscape.Contribution: Our study contributes to the ongoing conversation on decolonising academia, offering insights into the struggles and aspirations of emerging scholars in the Global South, and advocating for a transformative praxis that nurtures authentic intellectual pursuits and collective well-being within academia.
Neoliberal labyrinth: Epistemic freedom and knowledge production in higher education in the Global South
Authors: Ndlovu Sibonokuhle , Woldegiorgis Emnet T. 
Published: November 2024

In the 21st century, knowledge has become the driving force behind societal progress, emphasising the need for higher education to produce contextually relevant knowledge that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by local communities. It is in this respect that knowledge needs to be generated through one’s position of epistemic location in higher education. However, academics positioned at the pinnacle of knowledge production in higher education find themselves entangled in a global crossroads. On the one hand, they are expected to exercise epistemic freedom by producing knowledge from their centralities and unique positionalities. On the other hand, they are constrained by the pervasive influence of neoliberalism, a paradigm that dictates that knowledge production should be subservient to market dynamics. To interrogate the intricacies of the impediments placed on academics seeking to exercise their epistemic freedom, this article utilises a desktop literature review, underscored by the theoretical framework of Decolonial Theory. The examination elucidates how these constraints hinder the production of knowledge from the centrality of the Global South. The article draws examples from South African higher education as a point of reference, providing examples that underscore the global challenges of neoliberal policies in higher education. Central to the thesis advanced in this article is the contention that, within the existing neoliberal framework of higher education driven by market forces and productivity imperatives, the production of knowledge from the position of one’s centrality is limited and the ability to produce locally relevant knowledge is fundamentally restricted. Consequently, the epistemic freedom of academics within higher education across the Global South is imperilled.Contribution: In response to these challenges, this article engages in an academic discourse on potential strategies for reclaiming epistemic freedom within the prevailing neoliberal milieu of higher education.
Study of Molecular Markers in Glioma and Their Association with Clinicopathological Features
Authors: Singh Alka , Singh Anurag , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Agrawal Sarita , Jaiswal Sushila 
Published: November 2024

Context:
Central nervous system tumors are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most prevalent type of primary brain tumor is glioma. The exploration of significant genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional abnormalities has not only improved our understanding of glioma pathogenesis but has also revealed that these molecular alterations can serve as useful diagnostic markers for more precise classification and are linked to better treatment response and prognosis. Hence, incorporating molecular markers into routine tumor classification is a major priority in modern glioma diagnostics.

Aim:
The aim is to assess the mutation status of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-1, alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX), and tumor protein 53 in glioma, and look for their association with various clinicopathological features.

Methodology:
A single-center prospective cohort study, where all biopsies of glioma (January 2019 to July 2020) were evaluated, and immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of IDH-1, ATRX, p53, and Ki-67 index. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS-24 software.

Results:
Immunohistochemistry was performed in 123 consecutive cases of glioma. IDH-1 mutation was noted in 54 (43.9%) cases and these patients frequently presented with “seizures” (P = 0.006). The expression was maximum in World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 tumors (65.4%) (P < 0.001), with the highest frequency in oligodendrogliomas (100% in WHO grade 2 and 3). Furthermore, these tumors showed lower proliferative indices (P = 0.001). ATRX mutation was noted in 59 (48%) and p53 overexpression was noted in 76 (61.8%) cases. These mutations were significantly associated with astrocytic phenotype (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
Molecular characterization of glioma is an important step in modern glioma diagnostics and immunohistochemistry can play an important role. IDH-1 mutation is commonly observed in adults, frontal lobe location, patients presenting with seizures, and WHO grade 2 tumors with the highest frequencies in oligodendrogliomas. ATRX and p53 can be used as surrogate markers for tumors of astrocytic lineage.
Rapid Shallow Breathing Index and Ultrasonographic Diaphragmatic Parameters as Predictors of Weaning Outcome in Critically Ill Patients on Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Swamy Akshay Hiryur Manjunatha , Kumararadhya Girish Bandigowdanahalli , Shivaramu Darshini , Challakere Gurudatt Lakshminarain , Chaitanya Krishna Ukkalam 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Successful weaning is a crucial element in care toward critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. An attempt was made to propose and assess a reliable predictor of weaning outcome.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients on mechanical ventilation, assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. For all these patients we calculate Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), Ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters namely diaphragmatic excursion (DEx), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) and diaphragmatic contraction velocity (DCV). Values were compared among patients with two groups of successful and failed weaning outcomes, respectively, and statistically analyzed.

Results:
Of 76 patients included in the study, with ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters being measured 30 min into SBT, 71 patients tolerated spontaneous breathing test (SBT) for 2 h and were extubated. Of these, 61 patients did not require reintubation or any form of ventilatory support within 48 h after extubation. There was a statistically significant difference in APACHE II scores, duration of ventilation, oxygen saturation levels, RSBI, DEx, DTF, and DCV between groups of patients who showed successful and failed weaning from mechanical ventilation. There were a significant positive correlation between the duration of ventilation and the RSBI and a significant negative correlation between DEx, DCV, DTF, and duration of ventilation. As predictors of weaning outcome, RSBI showed the best validity, followed by DCV, DTF, and DEx.

Conclusion:
RSBI can be reliably used as a predictor of weaning outcome in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.
A quantified local-to-global principle for Morse quasigeodesics
Authors: Riestenberg J. Maxwell 
Published: November 2024

Kapovich, Leeb and Porti (2014) gave several new characterizations of Anosov representations

\Gamma \to G

, including one where geodesics in the word hyperbolic group

\Gamma

map to “Morse quasigeodesics” in the associated symmetric space

G/K

. In analogy with the negative curvature setting, they prove a local-to-global principle for Morse quasigeodesics and describe an algorithm which can verify the Anosov property of a given representation in finite time. However, some parts of their proof involve non-constructive compactness and limiting arguments, so their theorem does not explicitly quantify the size of the local neighborhoods one needs to examine to guarantee global Morse behavior. In this paper, we supplement their work with estimates in the symmetric space to obtain the first explicit criteria for their local-to-global principle. This makes their algorithm for verifying the Anosov property effective. As an application, we demonstrate how to compute explicit perturbation neighborhoods of Anosov representations with two examples.