bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-coated chitosan nanoparticles enhance macrophage proinflammatory phenotype in vitro
Authors: Karami Fatemeh , Namdar Ahmadabad Hassan , Shaheli Marjan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODNs)-coated chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) on the phenotype of murine macrophages and their proinflammatory cytokine profile in vitro. CNP-CpG-ODNs loaded with FITC-scrambled siRNA were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and exposed to CNP-CpG-ODNs. Treated macrophages were assessed for uptake capacity. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression levels of MHC-II, CD40, and CD86 costimulatory molecules in treated macrophages. Furthermore, the secretion levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and the release of nitric oxide (NO) were measured in the culture supernatant of treated macrophages using sandwich ELISA and the Griess reaction, respectively. These in vitro studies showed that CNP-CpG-ODNs had no cytotoxic effect on macrophages and were efficiently taken up by them. Additionally, CNP-CpG-ODNs significantly increased the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and NO in the culture supernatant compared to CNP alone. Moreover, CNP-CpG-ODNs enhanced the expression of MHC-II, CD40, and CD86 costimulatory molecules on macrophages. These findings indicate that incorporating CpG-ODNs into CNPs promotes macrophage maturation and a proinflammatory phenotype. Therefore, CNP-CpG-ODNs may serve as an effective system for targeted gene delivery to macrophages, enhancing immune responses.
Maternal folic acid over-supplementation impairs cardiac function in mice offspring by inhibiting SOD1 expression
Authors: Cai Ke , Wang Feng , Shi Hai-Qun , Shen An-Na , Zhao Rui , Geng Hao-Ran , Lu Jia-Quan , Gui Yong-Hao , Shi Yan , Zhao Jian-Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy aims to protect foetal development. However, maternal over-supplementation of FA has been demonstrated to cause metabolic dysfunction and increase the risk of autism, retinoblastoma, and respiratory illness in the offspring. Moreover, FA supplementation reduces the risk of congenital heart disease. However, little is known about its possible adverse effects on cardiac health resulting from maternal over-supplementation. In this study, we assessed the detrimental effects of maternal FA over-supplementation on the cardiac health of the offspring.

Methods and results
Eight-week-old C57BL/6J pregnant mice were randomly divided into control and over-supplemented groups. The offspring cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. Cardiac fibrosis was assessed in the left ventricular myocardium by histological analysis. Proteomic, protein, RNA, and DNA methylation analyses were performed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, and bisulfite sequencing, respectively. We found that maternal periconceptional FA over-supplementation impaired cardiac function with the decreased left ventricular ejection fraction in the offspring. Biochemical indices and tissue staining further confirmed impaired cardiac function in offspring caused by maternal FA over-supplementation. The combined proteomic, RNA expression, and DNA methylation analyses suggested that key genes involved in cardiac function were inhibited at the transcriptional level possibly due to increased DNA methylation. Among these, superoxide dismutase 1 was down-regulated, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased in the mouse heart. Inhibition of ROS generation using the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine rescued the impaired cardiac function resulting from maternal FA over-supplementation.

Conclusions
Our study revealed that over-supplementation with FA during mouse pregnancy is detrimental to cardiac function with the decreased left ventricular ejection fraction in the offspring and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the association between maternal FA status and health outcomes in the offspring.
Tissue oedema following pulsed field ablation recognized during a concomitant left atrial appendage closure procedure: a case report
Authors: Gaggiotti Gemma , Bordignon Stefano , Tohoku Shota , Schmidt Boris , Chun Julian Kyoung-Ryul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), at high stroke risk, and who are ineligible for long-term oral anticoagulation, the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) could be an alternative to anticoagulation. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new non-thermal method for cardiac ablation modality based on high-voltage electrical energy for irreversible electroporation. We first report a case of a concomitant PFA pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and LAAC.

Case summary
A 74-year-old female patient was referred to our department for PVI for persistent AF (CHA2DS2-VASc score 5). A concomitant percutaneous LAAC was proposed because of a history of previous cerebellar transient ischaemic attack despite continuous oral anticoagulation therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved with a pentaspline PFA catheter, and LAAC was performed with a WATCHMAN FLX™ device (Boston Scientific, Plymouth, MN, USA). After PVI, a swelling of the left atrial ridge was observed, yet a 27 mm LAAC device was successfully implanted. The follow-up transesophageal echo (TEE) after 6 weeks showed complete resolution of the oedema, no device-related thrombus, but a slight proximal tilting of the LAAC device without leakage could be observed. The 6-month follow-up demonstrated a stable sinus rhythm, no stroke, or bleeding events were recorded.

Discussion
In this case of synchronous PFA-PVI procedure in AF and WATCHMAN FLX™ device implantation, the electroporation created an acute oedema at the ridge level which at the TEE follow-up after 6 weeks was resolved. This resulted in a slightly tilted WATCHMAN device position which was nevertheless stable and showed no leakage.
Aortic dissection extending into the interventricular septum following redo aortic valve replacement surgery in a patient with Takayasu’s arteritis: a rare case report
Authors: Hu Chan-Han , Chang Chun-Hao , Tsai Meng-Ta , Tsai Wei-Chuan , Huang Mu-Shiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Takayasu’s arteritis is an infrequent manifestation of vasculitis affecting the aorta and its primary branches with numerous symptoms. This report details a rare case wherein a patient developed interventricular septal dissection following aortic valve replacement.

Case summary
A middle-aged woman diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis previously underwent aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve owing to severe aortic regurgitation. Subsequently, she received a redo aortic valve replacement following an episode of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis with paravalvular leak. Heart failure symptoms emerged during follow-up, revealing aortic root dissection extending into the interventricular septum, causing significant prosthetic valve movement. A Trido Bentall operation and interventricular septum repair were performed, and the patient recovered smoothly.

Discussion
Interventricular dissection, although uncommon, may be due to factors such as infection, myocardial infarction, congenital anomalies, trauma, or post-surgical shear stress. Timely diagnosis is imperative to prevent life-threatening complications; surgery remains the primary treatment. The present case report describes a rare presentation that was successfully managed through a Bentall operation and underscores the necessity of prompt intervention in treating this condition.
Adapting Lully for the London stage: reading a chaconne of 1698
Authors: Lee Michael 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the Prologue to Rinaldo and Armida (1698), playwright John Dennis is quick to distance this new work from Lully and Quinault’s earlier Armide (1686). Despite this, traces remain, as evidenced by the presence in Dennis’s drama of Armida’s confidante Phenissa, a figure invented by Philippe Quinault. The most notable link with Lully’s opera comes, however, in John Eccles’s entertainment for Act 3, a divertissement-like masque of Venus and Cupid, which includes a chaconne that bears a close resemblance to the passacaille given in the fifth act of Lully’s Armide. In comparing Eccles’s chaconne with Lully’s passacaille, it is possible to note not only common structural features, but also the corresponding narrative role taken by the respective scenes in which each dance features. It will be argued that the use of such an identifiably French element in Dennis and Eccles’s work represents a conscious dramaturgical decision, and an ironic reframing, consistent with the work’s patriotic intent. Through this, it can be argued that familiarity with the music of Lully allowed it to be readily adapted and reimagined for the London stage.
Short- and long-term outcomes in isolated vs. hybrid thoracoscopic ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Aerts Luca , Kawczynski Michal J , Bidar Elham , Luermans Justin G L , Chaldoupi Sevasti-Maria , La Meir Mark , Kowalewski Mariusz , Maessen Jos G , Heuts Samuel , Maesen Bart 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Both isolated thoracoscopic and hybrid thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques have demonstrated favourable outcomes in the management of patients with (long-standing) persistent AF, as compared with catheter ablation. However, it is currently unknown whether there is a difference in short- and long-term outcomes when comparing these two minimally invasive surgical AF ablation procedures. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate these two techniques, with a specific emphasis on long-term freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs).

Methods and results
A systematic search through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed. All studies reporting on short-term outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. A pooled analysis of long-term freedom from ATA was performed based on Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve-derived individual patient data. Reconstructed individual time-to-event data were analysed in a multivariable Cox frailty model with adjustments for age, sex, type of AF, duration of AF history, and study variable (frailty term in the frailty Cox model). In total, 53 studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 4950 patients. There were no differences in major short-term outcomes (mortality or stroke) between isolated thoracoscopic and hybrid thoracoscopic ablation. A total of 18 studies reported KM curves for long-term freedom from ATA, comprising 2038 patients. Adjusted analysis revealed that hybrid ablation was significantly associated with greater freedom from ATA [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43–0.83, P &lt; 0.001] compared with isolated thoracoscopic ablation. Additionally, older age (aHR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.12, P = 0.002) and a higher percentage of male patients (aHR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with lower long-term freedom from ATA recurrence.

Conclusion
Hybrid thoracoscopic AF ablation is associated with a greater long-term freedom from ATA when compared with isolated thoracoscopic ablation, without differences in complications.
The High Prevalence and Complexity of Over-the-Counter Medication Misuse in Older Adults
Authors: Chladek Jason S , Gilson Aaron M , Stone Jamie A , Berbakov Maria E , Watterson Taylor L , Lehnbom Elin C , Hoffins Emily L , Hemesath Katherine A , Moon Jukrin , Welch Lauren L , Walbrandt Pigarelli Denise L , Portillo Edward C , Resendiz Stephanie M , Mai Shiying , Chui Michelle A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Older adults (≥65 years) are the largest consumers of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and exceptionally vulnerable to the risks of these medications, including adverse drug events (ADEs). However, little is known about how older adults select and use OTCs. This is the first multisite study designed to prospectively quantify the type and intended use of OTCs selected by older adults in community pharmacies where products are purchased.

Research Design and Methods
Older adults (n = 144) were recruited from 10 community pharmacies from a Midwestern health system. Participants were given hypothetical symptoms and asked to select one or more OTCs for self-treatment. They were asked to report how they would use the products at symptom onset and when symptoms persisted or worsened. They also reported their current medication list and health conditions. Participants’ OTC selections were evaluated for 4 types of misuse: drug-age, drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-label.

Results
Of the 144 participants, 114 (79%) demonstrated at least one type of misuse when describing how they would use their OTC selections at symptom onset. Drug-drug and drug-label misuse had the highest prevalence. Overall, 26 (18%) and 28 (19%) participants showed only drug-drug or drug-label misuse, respectively. Notably, 55 (38%) of participants demonstrated misuse in 2 or more misuse categories. Misuse potential was exacerbated when participants described treating persistent or worsening symptoms.

Discussion and Implications
The results highlight the high prevalence and complexity of OTC misuse in older adults and the need for additional work to improve OTC safety.
Quantifying microbial DNA in metagenomes improves microbial trait estimation
Authors: Eisenhofer Raphael , Alberdi Antton , Woodcroft Ben J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Shotgun metagenomics is a powerful tool for studying the genomic traits of microbial community members, such as genome size, gene content, etc. While such traits can be used to better understand the ecology and evolution of microbial communities, the accuracy of their estimations can be critically influenced by both known and unknown factors. One factor that can bias trait estimations is the proportion of eukaryotic and viral DNA in a metagenome, as some bioinformatic tools assume that all DNA reads in a metagenome are bacterial or archaeal. Here, we add to a recent debate about the influence of eukaryotic DNA in the estimation of average genome size from a global soil sample dataset using a new bioinformatic tool. Contrary to what was assumed, our reanalysis of this dataset revealed that soil samples can contain a substantial proportion of non-microbial DNA, which severely inflated the original estimates of average genome size. Correcting for this bias significantly improves the statistical support for the negative relationship between average bacterial genome size and soil pH. These results highlight that metagenomes can contain large quantities of non-microbial DNA and that new methods that correct for this can improve microbial trait estimation.
Of Feline Kings and Spying Spirits
Authors: Behrens Paul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article deals with the perspective from which situations of duress under the Statute of the International Criminal Court have to be evaluated, in particular in cases in which (as in Ongwen) strongly individualised circumstances, such as a belief in spirits, have coloured the perception of the alleged threat. It critically analyses objective and subjective approaches, examines their weaknesses, and explores mediating perspectives. In this context, the objective individualised approach emerges as a method which, by focusing on the viewpoint of the social circle of the defendant, avoids the detrimental consequences of the traditional approaches and demonstrates appropriate alignment with the requirement of foreseeability.
Resource selection at fine scale: what drives the decision of a generalist herbivore?
Authors: Boyers Melinda , Parrini Francesca 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Spatial patterns in topography and forage distribution significantly influence the movements and choices of large herbivores. However, understanding the foraging strategies of free-grazing herbivores at different temporal and spatial scales remains limited, as different behavioral decisions can apply at different hierarchical levels. This study investigates the fine-scale foraging strategies of the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) in a South African savanna, with a specific focus on their selection of green vegetation at the plant and feeding patch levels. We used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as a proxy for vegetation productivity and quality. Our findings reveal that zebras adapted their foraging strategies according to scale and season. During the late-dry season and early-wet season, selection for greenness was at both the grass tuft and feeding site levels. In contrast, during the mid-dry season, selection was predominantly at the tuft level, focusing solely on greenness. These insights emphasize the importance of conducting multilevel studies when investigating factors influencing foraging decisions. Findings at 1 hierarchical level may not necessarily apply across other levels of investigation, highlighting the need for a nuanced and comprehensive approach to understanding the complex foraging behaviors of animals.
A Defense of the Obligation to Keep Promises to the Dead
Authors: Taylor James Stacey 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
It is widely held that to break a promise that one made to a person who is now dead would be to wrong her. This view undergirds many positions in bioethics, ranging from those that concern who may access a person’s medical records after she has died, to questions concerning organ procurement and posthumous procreation. Ashley Dressel has argued that there is no reason to believe that promissory obligations can be owed to people who are dead. Although her arguments are unsuccessful, others establish that neither of the promissory obligation accounts that she considers (the “Authority Account” and the “harm-based view”) can justify the standard view that directed posthumous promissory obligation is possible. However, this does not mean that the received view that we should keep our promises to the dead is mistaken. First, the theoretical commitments and argumentative strategies of those who endorse the possibility of posthumous promissory obligations preclude them from grounding such on either of these accounts of directed promissory obligation. They are thus already committed to justifying such obligations in other ways. Second, the obligation to keep promises to the dead could be justified on the grounds that not to do so would adversely affect the living.
Why Moral Bioenhancement Cannot Reliably Produce Virtue
Authors: Lebkuecher Gina , Hornewer Marley , Roytman Maya V , Samoska Sydney , Vukov Joseph M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Moral bioenhancement presents the possibility of enhancing morally desirable emotions and dispositions. While some scholars have proposed that moral bioenhancement can produce virtue, we argue that within a virtue ethics framework moral bioenhancement cannot reliably produce virtue. Moreover, on a virtue ethics framework, the pursuit of moral bioenhancement carries moral risks. To make this argument, we consider three aspects of virtue—its motivational, rational, and behavioral components. In order to be virtuous, we argue, a person must (i) take pleasure in doing the right thing and have the correct motivational attitudes; (ii) reason correctly about what is called for in a particular ethical dilemma; and (iii) intentionally and continuously practice and cultivate virtues. These dimensions of morality—in short: precisely those emphasized in a virtue ethics framework—cannot be consistently or reliably met using existing moral bioenhancement technology.
Germline testing for veterans with advanced prostate cancer: concerns about service-connected benefits
Authors: Kwon Daniel H , Scheuner Maren T , McPhaul Marissa , Hearst Eliza , Sumra Saffanat , Ursem Carling , Walker Evan , Wang Sunny , Huang Franklin W , Aggarwal Rahul R , Belkora Jeff 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
To better understand veterans’ decisions about germline testing, we conducted a single-site, qualitative study of 32 veterans with advanced prostate cancer. Seven days after oncologist-patient discussions about germline testing, we conducted semistructured interviews with patients to explore their decision-making process using an interview guide. Four of 14 veterans with service-connected disability benefits for prostate cancer declined germline testing for fear of losing benefits because their livelihood depended on these benefits. All 18 veterans without service-connected benefits agreed to testing. Veterans declining germline testing based on this concern can lead to suboptimal cancer care because targeted treatments that could improve their outcomes may go unrecognized. Our findings contributed to new language in the Veterans Benefits Administration Compensation and Pension Manual clarifying that genetic testing showing hereditary predisposition is insufficient to deny service-connected benefits for conditions presumed to be caused by military exposures. Clinicians should communicate this protection when counseling veterans about genetic testing.
Genistein and daidzein induce ferroptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Arzuk Ege , Armağan Güliz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in targeting ferroptosis for the treatment and prevention of multiple cancers. This study aimed to assess the contribution of ferroptosis to the antiproliferative effects of genistein (GN) and daidzein (DZ) in breast cancer cell lines.

Methods
MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were employed as an in vitro model. The antiproliferative effects of GN and DZ were determined by WST-1 assay in the presence of specific inhibitors of different cell death pathways. The mRNA expressions of Gpx4 and Fsp-1, the levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and intracellular iron ion content were assessed in GN- or DZ-treated cells.

Results
GN and DZ were found to cause ferroptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231, as confirmed by the reversal of viability when cells were pretreated with ferrostatin-1. Furthermore, both phytochemicals induced biochemical markers of ferroptosis, including lipid peroxidation and iron ions levels, and decreased GSH/GSSG levels. The mRNA expression levels of the main anti-ferroptotic genes, Gpx4 and Fsp-1, were diminished by the treatment of both phytochemicals. Surprisingly, ferroptosis did not play a role in GN- or DZ-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion
Our findings highlight the potential of GN and DZ as ferroptosis inducers in triple-negative breast cancer cells.