bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of toxins from different periodontitis‐associated bacteria on human platelet function
Authors: Kobsar Anna , Wiebecke Sophie , Weber Katja , Koessler Angela , Kuhn Sabine , Boeck Markus , Zeller‐Hahn Julia , Koessler Juergen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontitis is caused by a dysbiosis of oral bacteria resulting in alveolar bone destruction and teeth loss. The role of platelets in pathogenesis of periodontitis is a subject of research. The release of toxins from periodontitis‐associated bacteria may influence platelet function and contribute to the modulation of hemostatic or inflammatory responses. Therefore, we explored platelet function upon exposure to defined toxins: leukotoxin A from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (LtxA), a synthetic version of the C14‐Tri‐LAN‐Gly peptide from Fusobacterium nucleatum (C14), and lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (LPS).MethodsLight transmission aggregometry was performed after the addition of toxins to platelet‐rich plasma in different doses. Flow cytometry was used to identify inhibitory effects of toxins by measuring phosphorylation of the vaso‐dilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein or to identify activating effects by the detection of CD62P expression. The release of chemokines derived from washed platelets was determined by immunoassays.ResultsCollagen‐induced threshold aggregation values were diminished upon incubation with LtxA and C14, accompanied with an increase of vaso‐dilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation, indicating platelet inhibition. In contrast, LPS did not affect aggregation but slightly enhanced CD62P expression under co‐stimulation with low‐dose thrombin pointing to slight platelet activation. The three toxins did not relevantly influence the secretion of chemokines.ConclusionsAlthough weak, the investigated toxins differently influenced human platelet function. LtxA and C14 mediated inhibitory effects, whereas LPS contributed to a slight activation of platelets. Further analysis of specific cellular responses mediated by bacterial toxins may render novel targets and suggestions for the treatment of periodontitis.
Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic‐Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness
Authors: Olofsson Jonas , Sjögren‐Forss Katarina , Bramhagen Ann‐Cathrine , Rämgård Margareta 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionExistential loneliness (EL) is an unavoidable, deeper sense of loneliness. EL has been described as disconnection from life and the universe, experienced even in the presence of family and friends. Meaninglessness, loss of health and significant others seem to trigger older persons EL. Older Arabic‐speaking women are a large migrant group in Sweden and there is a lack in knowledge about their experience of EL. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenomenon of EL as experienced by older Arabic‐speaking female migrants.MethodsThis study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Ten older migrated Arabic‐speaking women were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling.ResultsThis study shows that EL is experienced when there is a lack of attachment to place and people. EL is experienced more distinctively in the beginning of the migration process. It was difficult sharing feelings of EL with anyone. Feelings of meaninglessness occurred when entering a new lifeworld and triggered EL. EL was however attenuated when being able to practise their religion.ConclusionLack of attachment to place and people as well as feelings of meaninglessness brought existential loneliness to the fore for the older Arabic‐speaking female migrants. There was a collision of lifeworlds not at least by the fact moving as a Muslim woman to one of the most secular countries in the world. Practising their religion attenuated their EL. To promote better health for this group of women, it is of importance to be aware of EL and its mode of expression.Implications for PracticeIt is crucial to let the voice of older Arabic‐speaking female migrants be heard and to be aware of their experience of EL and its mode of expression in order to promote better health. Further, educational training for nursing professionals and nursing students needs to be provided to develop skills how to be aware of and address EL.
Varicella‐Zoster Virus Pretransplant Vaccination and Posttransplant Infections Among Pediatric Solid Organ Recipients in the Two‐Dose Varicella Era: A Single‐Center, Multi‐Organ Retrospective Study
Authors: Espinoza‐Candelaria Gabriela J. , Albert Jonathan , Sojati Jorna , Martin Judith M. , Michaels Marian G. , Green Michael 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundVaricella‐zoster virus (VZV) pretransplant immunization rates, exposures, and posttransplant disease are poorly characterized among pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in the two‐dose varicella vaccine era.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the electronic health records among children <18 years old who received SOT from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2021, was performed at a single center to assess for missed pretransplant varicella vaccination opportunities, characterize VZV exposures, and describe posttransplant disease.ResultsAmong 525 children, 444 were ≥6 months old (m.o.) at SOT with a documented VZV vaccine status. Eighty‐five (19%) did not receive VZV Dose One; 30 out of 85 (35%) could have been immunized. Infants 6–11 m.o. accounted for 14 out of 30 (47%) missed opportunities. Among children ≥12 m.o. with documented Dose Two status (n = 383), 72 had missed vaccination opportunities; 57 out of 72 (79%) were children 1–4 years old. Most children had unclassifiable pre‐SOT serostatus as varicella serology was either not obtained/documented (n = 171) or the possibility of passive antibodies was not excluded (n = 137). Of those with classified serology (n = 188), 69 were seroimmune. Forty‐seven of 525 (9%) children had recorded VZV exposures; two developed varicella—neither had documented pre‐SOT seroimmunity nor had received post‐exposure prophylaxis. Nine additional children had medically attended disease: four primary varicella and five zoster. Of the 11 cases, 10 had cutaneous lesions without invasive disease; one had multi‐dermatomal zoster with transaminitis. Seven (64%) received treatment exclusively outpatient.ConclusionsVZV exposure and disease still occur. Optimizing immunization among eligible candidates and ensuring patients have a defined VZV serostatus pretransplantation remain goals of care.
Chloroplast‐localized PvBASS2 regulates salt tolerance in the C4 plant seashore paspalum
Authors: Huang Risheng , Dai Mengtong , Jiang Shouzhen , Guo Zhenfei , Shi Haifan 
Published: July 2024

SUMMARYBILE ACID: SODIUM SYMPORTER FAMILY PROTEIN 2 (BASS2) is localized within chloroplast membranes, facilitating the translocation of pyruvate and Na+ from the cytosol to the plastid, where pyruvate supports isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) synthesis via the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in C3 plants. Nevertheless, the biological function of BASS2 in C4 plants has not been well defined. This study unveils a previously unidentified role of PvBASS2 in Na+ and pyruvate transport in seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), a halophytic C4 grass, indicating a specific cellular function within this plant species. Data showed that overexpression of PvBASS2 in seashore paspalum attenuated salt tolerance, whereas its RNAi lines exhibited enhanced salt resistance compared to wild‐type plants, suggesting a negative regulatory role of PvBASS2 in seashore paspalum salt tolerance. The constitutive overexpression of PvBASS2 was also found to reduce salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Further study revealed that PvBASS2 negatively regulates seashore paspalum salt tolerance, possibly due to elevated Na+/K+ ratio, disrupted chloroplast structure, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency following exposure to salinity. Importantly, our subsequent investigations revealed that modulation of PvBASS2 expression in seashore paspalum influenced carbon dioxide assimilation, intermediary metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and enzymatic activities under salinity treatment, which in turn led to alterations in free amino acid concentrations. Thus, this study reveals a role for BASS2 in the C4 plant seashore paspalum and enhances our comprehension of salt stress responses in C4 plants.
Intra‐African trade and corruption: Evidence from sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Boungou Whelsy , Osei‐Tutu Francis , Zongo Amara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCross‐border trade is critical to livelihoods and food security in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), but bribery remains one of the main barriers to economic growth in the region. Does corruption affect intra‐African trade? We address this issue by considering the bilateral trade among 48 sub‐Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2018, which are subject to a high level of corruption. Using a gravity model, the results show that corruption has a positive impact on exports and a negative impact on imports of global, primary, and manufactured goods. However, the difference in the level of corruption between country pairs is negatively and significantly associated with intra‐African trade in manufactured goods. Therefore, to promote the corruption‐free environment needed to facilitate the African Free Trade Agreement, it is essential for policymakers in sub‐Saharan African countries to combat corruption to boost intra‐African trade.
Experiences of accessing mental health services for women living on a low income in Canada: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Vanderlee Emma , Abate Addisu Taye , Godfrey Christina , Duhn Lenora , Camargo-Plazas Pilar 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
The objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze qualitative evidence on the experiences of Canadian women aged 18 years or older living on a low income. The review will examine the intersectionality of their identities and privileges when accessing mental health services, with the aim of informing targeted interventions and policy improvements.

Introduction:
Despite the growing body of research on mental health disparities and a call for improved mental health care, both globally and in Canada, there is a need to identify recommendations for system enhancement and to improve gender equality by understanding the nuanced experiences of accessing mental health care for Canadian women living on a low income.

Inclusion criteria:
This review will include qualitative studies conducted within the past decade about women of diverse backgrounds aged 18 years or older who identify as living on a low income and who have resided in Canada for 6 months or longer. Studies using any qualitative methodology will be included.

Methods:
The following databases will be searched for published studies: MEDLINE and PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL and Pre-CINAHL (EBSCOhost), LiSSa, and Google Scholar. Searches for unpublished studies will include the Primo Central Index, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation Studies. The review will include studies published in English and French in Canada, from 2013 to the present. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence will be followed, informing study selection, critical appraisal, extraction, synthesis, and assessment of confidence, which will be conducted by 2 reviewers independently.

Review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42023430100
Downdraft Gasification for Biogas Production: The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Upreti Kamal , Natarajan Arul Kumar , Jain Nishi , Kumar Sanjay , Bara Anant Rajee , Kumari Sushma 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help improve many areas of waste management and biogas generation. The world has reached a state where waste generation is increasing daily, while an effective waste management system is essential for the sustainable development of a country. AI could be of great use in optimizing the waste management scheme by technical differentiation of all sorts and recycling techniques. AI can contribute to the improvement of waste segmentation, recycling, and disposal. Thus, by assessing availability and composition, AI can easily contribute to the selection of the most suitable feedstock for biogas generation. This paper will discuss the optimization of gasifier design, an important part of biogas production, to enhance gasification efficiency for more efficient syngas production. Several gains accrue from AI applications, and among them is the selection of feedstocks and gasifiers optimal for more efficient and sustainable waste management and use in the production of biogas systems. This review paper identifies the potential application areas in either waste management practices or biogas production and puts forward ways in which AI can be used in these areas.
First-in-human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple ascending doses clinical study to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of cipargamin administered intravenously in healthy adults
Authors: Venishetty Vinay Kumar , Lecot Jean , Nguyen Amanda , Zhang Jie , Prince William T. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

This first-in-human study assessed safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of cipargamin (intravenous) in healthy adults. It included part 1, single ascending dose [SAD: 10.5 mg–210 mg;
n
= 8 (active: 6, placebo: 2)], and part 2, multiple ascending dose [MAD: 60 and 120 mg daily for 5 days;
n
= 9 (active: 6, placebo: 3)]. Last dose follow-ups were on days 3, 4, and 6 for SAD and 7, 8, and 10 for MAD. Safety and PK review was done at completion of each cohort. We explored the cipargamin use for clinical development in patients with severe malaria. In SAD part, systemic exposure (maximum measured concentration and area under the curve) increased with increasing dose (10.5 mg–210 mg) following single intravenous dose. Cipargamin was eliminated with a mean
T
1/2
of 21.9–38.9 h. Volume of distribution (92.9 L–154 L) and clearance (2.43 L/h–4.33 L/h) was moderate and low, respectively, across the dose range. In MAD part, the mean accumulation ratio was 1.51 (60 mg) and 2.43 (120 mg) after once-daily cipargamin administration for 5 days. After day 5, the mean
T
1/2
was 35.5 (60 mg) and 31.9 h (120 mg) with twofold dose increase (60–120 mg) resulting in ~2-fold increased exposure. Cipargamin was well tolerated with commonly reported mild gastrointestinal, neurological, and genitourinary events. Increasing exposure to cipargamin showed higher baseline-corrected QTcF, and model-predicted ΔΔQTcF indicated that an effect on ΔΔQTcF ≥10 ms can be excluded up to 6470 ng/mL. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to inadequate Fridericia’s QT correction.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with

ClinicalTrials.gov
as
NCT04321252

.
Preclinical activity of allogeneic SLAMF7-specific CAR T-cells (UCARTCS1) in multiple myeloma
Authors: Korst Charlotte L B M , O’Neill Chloe , Bruins Wassilis S C , Cosovic Meliha , Twickler Inoka , Verkleij Christie P M , Le Clerre Diane , Themeli Maria , Chion-Sotinel Isabelle , Zweegman Sonja , Galetto Roman , Mutis Tuna , van de Donk Niels W C J 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAutologous BCMA-specific CAR T-cell therapies have substantial activity in multiple myeloma (MM). However, due to logistical limitations and BCMAlowrelapses, there is a need for alternatives. UCARTCS1 cells are ‘off-the-shelf’ allogeneic CAR T-cells derived from healthy donors targeting SLAMF7 (CS1), which is highly expressed in MM cells. In this study, we evaluated the preclinical activity of UCARTCS1 in MM cell lines, in bone marrow (BM) samples obtained from MM patients and in an MM mouse model.MethodsLuciferase-transduced MM cell lines were incubated with UCARTCS1 cells or control (non-transduced, SLAMF7/TCRαβ double knock-out) T-cells at different effector to target ratios for 24 hours. MM cell lysis was assessed by bioluminescence. Anti-MM activity of UCARTCS1 was also evaluated in 29 BM samples obtained from newly diagnosed patients (n=10), daratumumab-naïve relapsed/refractory patients (n=10) and daratumumab-refractory patients (n=9) in 24-hour flow cytometry-based cytotoxicity assays. Finally, UCARTCS1 activity was assessed in mouse xenograft models.ResultsUCARTCS1 cells induced potent CAR-mediated, and dose-dependent lysis of both MM cell lines and primary MM cells. There was no difference in ex vivo activity of UCARTCS1 between heavily pretreated and newly diagnosed patients. In addition, efficacy of UCARTCS1 was not affected by SLAMF7 expression level on MM cells, proportion of tumor cells, or frequency of regulatory T-cells in BM samples obtained from MM patients. UCARTCS1 treatment eliminated SLAMF7+non-malignant immune cells in a dose-dependent manner, however lysis of normal cells was less pronounced compared to that of MM cells. Additionally, durable anti-MM responses were observed with UCARTCS1 in an MM xenograft model.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that UCARTCS1 has potent anti-MM activity against MM cell lines and primary MM cells, as well as in an MM xenograft model and support the evaluation of UCARTCS1 in patients with advanced MM.
Targeting a STING agonist to perivascular macrophages in prostate tumors delays resistance to androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Al-janabi Haider , Moyes Katy , Allen Richard , Fisher Matthew , Crespo Mateus , Gurel Bora , Rescigno Pasquale , de Bono Johann , Nunns Harry , Bailey Christopher , Junker-Jensen Anna , Muthana Munitta , Phillips Wayne A , Pearson Helen B , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Brown Janet E , Lewis Claire E 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a front-line treatment for prostate cancer. In some men, their tumors can become refractory leading to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This causes tumors to regrow and metastasize, despite ongoing treatment, and impacts negatively on patient survival. ADT is known to stimulate the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells like protumoral tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in prostate tumors, as well as hypofunctional T cells. Protumoral TAMs have been shown to accumulate around tumor blood vessels during chemotherapy and radiotherapy in other forms of cancer, where they drive tumor relapse. Our aim was to see whether such perivascular (PV) TAMs also accumulate in ADT-treated prostate tumors prior to CRPC, and, if so, whether selectively inducing them to express a potent immunostimulant, interferon beta (IFNβ), would stimulate antitumor immunity and delay CRPC.MethodsWe used multiplex immunofluorescence to assess the effects of ADT on the distribution and activation status of TAMs, CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells and NK cells in mouse and/or human prostate tumors. We then used antibody-coated, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to selectively target a STING agonist, 2′3′-cGAMP (cGAMP), to PV TAMs in mouse prostate tumors during ADT.ResultsTAMs accumulated at high density around blood vessels in response to ADT and expressed markers of a protumoral phenotype including folate receptor-beta (FR-β), MRC1 (CD206), CD169 and VISTA. Additionally, higher numbers of inactive (PD-1-) CD8+T cells and reduced numbers of active (CD69+) NK cells were present in these PV tumor areas. LNPs coated with an antibody to FR-β selectively delivered cGAMP to PV TAMs in ADT-treated tumors, where they activated STING and upregulated the expression of IFNβ. This resulted in a marked increase in the density of active CD8+T cells (along with CD4+T cells and NK cells) in PV tumor areas, and significantly delayed the onset of CRPC. Antibody depletion of CD8+T cells during LNP administration demonstrated the essential role of these cells in delay in CRPC induced by LNPs.ConclusionTogether, our data indicate that targeting a STING agonist to PV TAMs could be used to extend the treatment window for ADT in prostate cancer.
Calibration HPGe detector using IAEA-U source for CBRNe
Authors: Siqueira Nascimento Debora , Chierici Andrea , Ciolini Riccardo , Chiappini Stefano , d’Errico Francesco , Chiappini Massimo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDetecting and preventing the illicit movement of radioactive materials within a country is crucial, requiring the identification of radiologic anomalies against the normal radiation background. High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, known for their precision and sensitivity, have become popular for analyzing radioactive materials in CBRNe scenarios. This study focused on calibrating an HPGe detector for CBRNe applications, using gamma-ray spectra from an IAEA-U reference source. Energy calibration involved identifying peaks in the spectra and creating a calibration curve for energy and channel number data. Efficiency calibration, determined using the known activity of the source, revealed a linear relationship between energy and detector response. Over four years, systematic efficiency calibrations showed a deviation of only 3% well below the recommended limit of 5%. These findings underscore the reliability of the system as a reference spectrometry method for accurate detection of radioactive materials.
Graphical abstract
Murmurations of Mestre–Nagao sums
Authors: Bujanović Zvonimir , Kazalicki Matija , Novak Lukas 
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the detection of the rank of elliptic curves with ranks 0 and 1, employing a heuristic known as the Mestre–Nagao sum [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text] for an elliptic curve [Formula: see text] with good reduction at prime [Formula: see text]. This approach is inspired by the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer (BSD) conjecture. Our observations reveal an oscillatory behavior in the sums, closely associated with the recently discovered phenomena of murmurations of elliptic curves [Y.-H. He, K.-H. Lee, T. Oliver and A. Pozdnyakov, Murmurations of elliptic curves, preprint (2022), arXiv:2204.10140.]. Surprisingly, this suggests that in some cases, opting for a smaller value of [Formula: see text] yields a more accurate classification than choosing a larger one. For instance, when considering elliptic curves with conductors within the range of [Formula: see text], the rank classification based on [Formula: see text]’s with [Formula: see text] produces better results compared to using [Formula: see text]. This phenomenon finds partial explanation in the recent work of Zubrilina [Murmurations (2023)].