bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel H-2Db-restricted CD8 epitope derived from mouse MAGE-type antigen P1A mediates antitumor immunity in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: McAuliffe James , Panetti Silvia , Steffke Emily , Wicki Amanda , Pereira-Almeida Vinnycius , Noblecourt Laurine , Hu Yushu , Guo Shi Yu William , Lesenfants Julie , Ramirez-Valdez Ramiro Andrei , Chandrasekar Vineethkrishna , Ahmad Maryam , Stroobant Vincent , Vigneron Nathalie , Van den Eynde Benoit J , Leung Carol Sze Ki 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMelanoma antigen gene (MAGE)-type antigens are promising targets for cancer immunotherapy as they are expressed in cancer cells but not in normal tissues, except for male germline cells. The mouse P1A antigen shares this MAGE-type expression pattern and has been used as a target antigen in preclinical tumor models aiming to induce antitumor CD8+T-cell responses. However, so far only one MHC I-restricted P1A epitope has been identified. It is presented by H-2Ldin mice of the H-2dgenetic background such as DBA/2 and BALB/c. Given the availability of multiple genetically altered strains of mice in the C57BL/6 background, it would be useful to define P1A T-cell epitopes presented by the H-2bhaplotype, to facilitate more refined mechanistic studies.MethodsWe employed a heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategy based on a chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) encoding P1A, to induce P1A-specific T-cell responses in C57BL/6 mice. Vaccine-induced responses were measured by intracellular cytokine staining and multiparameter flow cytometry. We mapped the immunogenic CD8 epitope and cloned the cognate T-cell receptor (TCR), which we used for adoptive cell therapy.ResultsChAdOx1/MVA-P1A vaccination induces a strong P1A-specific CD8+T-cell response in C57BL/6 mice. This response is directed against a single 9-amino acid peptide with sequence FAVVTTSFL, corresponding to P1A amino acids 43–51. It is presented by H-2Db. P1A vaccination, especially with ChAdOx1 administered intramuscularly and MVA delivered intravenously, protected mice against P1A-expressing EL4 (EL4.P1A) tumor cell challenge. We identified and cloned four TCRs that are specific for the H-2Db-restricted P1A43-51peptide. T cells transduced with these TCRs recognized EL4.P1A but not MC38.P1A and B16F10.P1A tumor cells, likely due to differences in the proteasome subtypes present in these cells. Adoptive transfer of these T cells in mice bearing EL4.P1A tumors reduced tumor growth and increased survival.ConclusionsWe identified the first CD8+T-cell epitope of the MAGE-type P1A tumor antigen presented in the H-2bbackground. This opens new perspectives for mechanistic studies dissecting MAGE-type specific antitumor immunity, making use of the wealth of genetically altered mouse strains available in the C57BL/6 background. This should facilitate the advancement of specific cancer immunotherapies.
Neurointerventional surveys between 2000 and 2023: a systematic review
Authors: Bosshart Salome Lou , Stebner Alexander , Weyland Charlotte Sabine , Radu Răzvan Alexandru , Ospel Johanna Maria 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSurveys are increasingly used in neurointervention to gauge physicians’ and patients’ attitudes, practice patterns, and ‘real-world’ treatment strategies, particularly in conditions for which few, or no evidence-based, recommendations exist. While survey-based studies can provide valuable insights into real-world problems and management strategies, there is an inherent risk of bias.ObjectiveTo assess key themes, sample characteristics, response metrics, and report frequencies of quality indicators of neurointerventional surveys.MethodsA systematic review compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was performed. The PubMed database was searched for neurointerventional surveys published between 2000 and 2023. Survey topics, design, respondent characteristics, and survey quality criteria suggested by the Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) were assessed and described using descriptive statistics. Response rates and numbers of participants were further assessed for their dependence on sample characteristics and survey methodologies.ResultsA total of 122 surveys were included in this analysis. The number of surveys published each year increased steeply between 2000 (n=1) and 2023 (n=14). The most common survey topics were stroke (51/122, 41.8%) and aneurysm treatment (49/122, 40.2%). The median response rate was 58.5% (IQR=30.4–86.3), with a median number of respondents of 79 (IQR=50–201). Sixty-eight of 122 (55.7%) surveys published the questionnaire used for data collection. Only a subset of studies reported response rates (n=89, 73%), data collection time period (n=91, 74.6%), and strategies to prevent duplicate responses (n=57, 46.7%).ConclusionSurveys are increasingly used by neurointerventional researchers, particularly to assess real-world practice patterns in endovascular stroke and aneurysm treatment. Adapting best-practice guidelines like the CROSS checklist might improve homogeneity and quality in neurointerventional survey research.
HIV epidemic among key populations in Nigeria: results of the integrated biological and behavioural surveillance survey (IBBSS), 2020–2021
Authors: Emmanuel Faran , Ejeckam Chukwuebuka Chukwukadibia , Green Kalada , Adesina Adediran Adesola , Aliyu Gambo , Ashefor Gregory , Aguolu Rose , Isac Shajy , Blanchard James 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNigeria has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in West and Central Africa and key populations (KPs) bear a higher burden of HIV. This integrated biological and behavioural surveillance survey was conducted among female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and transgender (TG) populations to understand the changing dynamics of HIV to improve HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, data were collected between October and November 2020 in 12 states, from randomly selected KP members using multistage probability sampling. Behavioural data were collected using a structured questionnaire followed by three rapid HIV tests. The study was approved by ethical review boards in Nigeria and Canada and all ethical considerations including maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all study subjects were followed.ResultsA total number of 17 975 KP members were interviewed, with a response rate of over 98.0%. A weighted HIV prevalence of 28.8% (95% CI 27.4% to 30.2%), 25.0% (95% CI 23.7% to 26.3%), 15.5% (95% CI 14.3% to 16.4%) and 10.9% (95% CI 9.9% to 11.8%) was found among TGs, MSMs, FSWs and PWIDs respectively. A high number of sex partners and consistent condom use were low for all types of KPs, especially with regular partners. Both MSM and TGs reported high rates of unprotected receptive anal intercourse ranging between 71.2% and 85.0%. Nearly 60.0% of PWID shared their used syringe with another PWID. Overall, 90.2% FSWs, 77.2% MSM, 81.9% TGs and 84.3% PWID were ever tested for HIV.ConclusionThis study highlights the progressing trends of HIV prevalence among all KPs in Nigeria. A focused prevention approach is needed to control the emerging epidemic among KPs who constitute the epicentre of the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.
Mortality in long-term care residents: retrospective national cohort study
Authors: MacRae Jane , Ciminata Giorgio , Geue Claudia , Lynch Ellen , Shenkin Susan D , Quinn Terence J , Burton Jennifer Kirsty 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesMortality trends among people living in long-term care settings have been poorly understood. Linking data offers the potential to provide real-world, long-term national follow-up. Our aim was to describe patterns and associations with mortality among people moving-in to care homes in Scotland.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken using routinely collected national social care data from the Scottish Care Home Census. These data were indexed and linked to national health data and mortality records for individuals moving- in to care homes in Scotland between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2016. Location of death, underlying causes and time to death are reported. Survival analysis was undertaken using the Gompertz model for human mortality adjusted for key variables.ResultsOf 23 892 individuals moving-in to care homes, 20 250 (84.8%) died by 31 May 2020. Most deaths occurred in the care home setting (77.5%), with a fifth (20.5%) occurring in the hospital. 0.1% died the day they moved-in, 3.2% within a month, 24.2% within a year and 85% by 7 years. Dementia codes account for more than a third of all deaths (35.1%). Median survival time was shorter (701 vs 951 days; 23 vs 32 months) for those moving-in from the hospital, compared with the community. The adjusted HR for moving-in from the hospital was 1.19 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.22).ConclusionsMortality is common in Scotland’s care homes but varies in timing. Dementia is the most common cause. Those moving-in from the hospital are more likely to die sooner, and this evidence provides opportunities to improve support for all involved.
Effect of packaging with versus without candy-oriented marketing themes on the appeal and sensory attributes of flavoured e-cigarettes
Authors: Jafarzadeh Nikki S , Han Dae Hee , Peraza Natalia , Anderson Marissa K , Harlow Alyssa F , Monterosso John R , Pang Raina D , Mason Tyler B , Hong Kurt , Cahn Rael , Leventhal Adam M 
Published: October 2024

SignificanceE-cigarettes with candy-themed marketing are implicated in decisions to first try e-cigarettes but have unknown effects on the experience of vaping. We compared adults’ perceived appeal and sensory attributes after self-administering flavoured e-cigarettes in experimentally manipulated packaging with candy-themed versus standard marketing. We also assessed effect modification by salt vs free-base nicotine formulation.MethodsAdults who currently used e-cigarettes and/or cigarettes (N=72; age M(SD)=31.4 (12.8) years) completed single-puff self-administrations from eight individually-packaged pods containing fruit or dessert-flavoured e-liquid via staff-guided video sessions. For each e-liquid flavour, we custom-manufactured packaging with standard (eg, ‘mango’; mango fruit image) and candy (eg, ‘mango gummy bear’; gummy bear image) marketing versions, which we varied within-subject (four pods candy; four pods standard). After participants opened the package and vaped the pod inside, they rated its sensory attributes and appeal (0–100 scale). Participants were randomised between subjects to salt or free-base ~2.3% nicotine in all pods.ResultsMarketing theme had no significant main effects on outcomes. Marketing theme × nicotine formulation interactions were significant; candy-themed (vs standard) packaging elevated composite appeal (Bdifference [estimated mean difference between marketing themes]=7.7), liking (Bdifference=8.4), and sweetness (Bdifference=5.7) ratings in free-base but not salt nicotine formulations. Marketing theme did not affect smoothness, harshness and bitterness ratings regardless of nicotine formulation.ConclusionCandy-themed marketing may heighten the appeal and sweet sensory experience of vaping flavoured free-base nicotine e-cigarettes. While marketing restrictions are predominantly intended to prevent e-cigarette initiation, candy-themed marketing restrictions could also prevent persistent use by lowering the appeal of flavoured free-base nicotine e-cigarettes.
Biophysical risk in 189 Italian prisons: an inference analysis from the second to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Franchi Cristiano , Gaudio Pasqualino , Malizia Andrea , Albano Alessandro , Suriano Giovanni , Palma Mauro , D’Ettore Felice Maurizio , Di Giovanni Daniele 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have highlighted how SARS-CoV-2 has entered Italian prisons, causing a slightly higher number of infections compared to the Italian population. This result has not been confirmed, on the contrary, with regard to the values of "Reproductive number over time" (R(t)) and "Prevalence of hospitalisation" (H). In particular, R(t), i.e. the average number of secondary transmissions caused by an infected person, is a useful parameter for measuring the infectivity of bioagents and the effectiveness of public health measures to control the spread of the infectious disease. Previous results have been obtained from data collected from all Italian prisons and therefore represent averages of many and varied realities. On the contrary, the aim of this study is to analyse and compare the Infected (I) and the R(t), in each prison, and to search for the side variables that may favour the spread of the virus in these places. The R(t) evaluation is obtained using a differential equation based on the SIR model, but unlike its usual application, no simplification has been made (i.e. population (N) ≠ susceptible (S)). Preliminary results focus on the period between September 2020 and March 2022. They show that during the second and third waves, the infection rate followed a gradient from north to south and to the islands, while the maximum R(t) values were randomly distributed across the peninsula. Moreover, we describe as the maximum R(t) values are poorly correlated with the crowding rate of each prison and the same was obtained when examining other variables such as the type of prison and the presence/absence of health isolation sections. On the contrary, there is a significant correlation when the independent variable is the presence of staff. This analysis will provide the basis for the development of other linear and nonlinear physical models that could be helpful in predicting the spread of infectious diseases in closed and controlled places.
Prompt-gamma imaging in particle therapy
Authors: Pinto Marco 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPrompt-gamma imaging has been a source of intensive research over the years since its first proposal in 2003. Several detection approaches have been researched and developed, and many studies on prompt-gamma imaging have been conducted on its feasibility, detection systems optimisation, and possible workflows. Now, this form of particle therapy monitoring is finally arriving in clinical settings and showing impressive results. Prompt-gamma imaging may be the key to enabling crucial improvements in particle therapy, namely when considering more complex workflow scenarios, like adaptive radiotherapy using ion beams. Herein, several aspects related to prompt-gamma imaging are introduced, covering both its advantages and limitations. The need for particle therapy monitoring, the different prompt-gamma radiation detection systems, the difficulties with dealing with low emission yields and with the tools used to simulate it, the prediction tools for prompt-gamma radiation, and the translation into clinical applications are presented and discussed. Finally, some considerations are also made on the future of prompt-gamma imaging and what it may bring into particle therapy, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.
Abstract Mo032: Biofabrication of Small Vascular Graft using Human Amniotic Membrane
Authors: Wang Bo 
Published: October 2024

Vascular diseases encompass a spectrum of pathological conditions affecting blood vessels, including cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease, aneurysms, deep vein thrombosis, and peripheral arterial disease. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as bypass grafting or vascular replacement surgeries are necessary to restore blood flow by bypassing obstructed vessels with functional vascular substitutes.
Autologous blood vessels harvested from patients are considered the gold standard for vascular surgeries. However, their availability is limited in patients with pre-existing chronic diseases or previous vessel harvest, and the associated morbidities of vessel harvesting and subsequent surgeries further restrict their therapeutic applicability.
Synthetic grafts, including polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyurethane (PU), have obtained FDA approval for clinical application and have shown satisfactory outcomes in large vessel surgeries (internal diameter > 6mm). However, clinical trials targeting medium (6-10 mm) to small (< 6mm) vessels often yield unsatisfactory results.
This study aims to develop a small vascular graft using human amniotic membrane (HAM) that meets the structural, mechanical, and biological requirements for human vascular reconstructive surgeries.
Fresh HAMs were decellularized with 1% Triton X-100 and 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate to prepare decellularized HAM (DAM). The DAM was trimmed into a rectangular shape and rolled around a catheter to prepare a tubular-shaped DAM vascular graft. After rolling, the DAM grafts were crosslinked with 1% genipin for 24 hours followed by thorough water washing. The final DAM vascular graft exhibited a multi-layered wall structure and comparable dimensions and mechanical properties to native arteries.
The DAM vascular graft was further evaluated in vivo by replacing part of the rat abdominal aorta and part of the carotid artery in pigs. Both small and large animal studies demonstrated vascular patency with no neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), suggesting that the DAM graft holds significant promise as a small tissue-engineered vascular graft for future vascular reconstruction surgeries.
Abstract Mo037: Cardiac-Selective TRPV1 Afferent Ablation in Subacute Myocardial Infarction Ameliorates Adverse Remodeling and Ventricular Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Masuyama Kiyoshi , Chung Wei-Hsin , Cha Steven , Patel Janaki , Haridas Sahil , Doan Nhi , Abhyankar Devaki , Challita Ronald , Su Maureen , Ajijola Olujimi 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Ventricular arrhythmias (VT/VF), the most common cause of sudden death after myocardial infarction (MI), can be ameliorated by cardiac-selective transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) afferent ablation at the time of infarction in animal models. To enable translation to human, it remains unknown whether afferent depletion in the subacute phase of MI will reduce arrhythmias and mitigate long-term structural remodeling.

Objectives:
To assess the role of cardiac-selective TRPV1 afferent ablation two weeks after MI on the long-term ventricular arrhythmogenesis and adverse structural remodeling.

Methods:
Yorkshire pigs were randomized to resiniferatoxin (RTX 5.0µg/ml: n=10) or vehicle(n=6) 14days after the left anterior descending artery infarct. Four weeks later, terminal experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of RTX on cardiac structural and functional remodeling, ventricular arrhythmogenesis, and autonomic reflex function.

Results:
Cardiac afferent depletion via RTX administration was confirmed by diminished sympathetic response to TRPV1 agonists (bradykinin and capsaicin) and by immunohistochemical analysis of ventricular innervation.

Compared to the vehicle treated group, the RTX administration reduced LV dimension (p<0.01), repolarization heterogeneity (p<0.01) and ventricular arrhythmogenesis (program stimulation; p=0.01 and CsCl induced PVCs;p<0.01).
In the scar-border zone, myocytolysis and nerve sprouting, which are associated with VT/VF, were attenuated in the RTX group (abnormality score; p=0.01 and nerve sprouting index; p < 0.01). T cell infiltration in dorsal root ganglia was suppressed in the RTX group (p = 0.02). RNA-sequencing of stellate ganglia revealed downregulation of adrenergic genes tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide-Y in the RTX group.
Taken together, these results suggest that cardiac afferent ablation in subacute MI alleviates adverse structural remodeling and ventricular arrhythmogenesis by targeting neuroinflammation and reducing stellate ganglion sympathetic overexcitation.

Conclusion:
Cardiac TRPV1 afferent depletion in subacute MI is a promising disease altering treatment for patients suffering from MI.
Abstract We025: Human Engineered Heart Tissues Demonstrate Clinically-Relevant Disease indicators of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Luttrell Shawn , Arefin Ayesha , Macadangdang Jesse , Gray Kevin , Kharoufeh Samir , Worthen Christal , Luerman Greg , Geisse Nicholas 
Published: October 2024

Accurate in vitro modeling of healthy and disease conditions is crucial for assessing the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics before clinical trials. For cardiac diseases, direct evaluation of muscle contraction is a reliable indicator of overall tissue function, however, this often necessitates expensive and low-throughput non-human
in vivo
models. Moreover, animal models may not accurately predict human responses to compound exposure.

Here, we have developed a turnkey platform for facile fabrication of 3D engineered heart tissues (EHTs) that enables label-free, push-button measurements of contractility. The system allows for customized stimulation protocols to individual constructs, while simultaneously measuring contractility across 24 tissues in parallel with minimal user input. This approach enables stratification of muscle phenotypes and facilitates compound safety and efficacy screening.
We present a 3D model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that displays functional deficits consistent with in vivo disease indicators, including reduced contractile force and slowed relaxation kinetics, though beat rate remains unchanged. We show both acute and chronic effects of cardiotoxic drugs, as well as positive inotropic responses to external calcium and Isoproterenol. This highlights the utility of using EHTs to identify toxicity and derisk drug development and clinical testing outcomes. Spontaneously beating EHTs were also subjected to in situ stretching, leading to increased levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the tissue medium, indicating stretch induced injury.
These data demonstrate a first-and-only commercial platform that integrates individual, fully-customizable, well-based control of electrical stimulation across a 24-well plate of tissues to pace muscle constructs, model force-frequency, and enable exercise regimens or damage protocols. Heart organoids were stretched under load presenting a challenge for therapeutics targeting injury prevention in the myocardium. Stimulation is coupled with automated assessment of 3D muscle contraction, providing an inclusive, medium-throughput platform for studying muscle-related disorders, advancing therapeutic discovery using a modality-agnostic biosystem.