bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptide selection via phage display to inhibit Leishmania-macrophage interactions
Authors: Verga Juliane Buzzon Meneghesso , Graminha Márcia A. S. , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo , Cha Sung-Jae 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionLeishmaniasis comprises a complex group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites from theLeishmaniagenus, presenting a significant threat to human health. Infection starts by the release into the skin of metacyclic promastigote (MP) form of the parasite by an infected sand fly. Soon after their release, the MPs enter a phagocytic host cell. This study focuses on finding peptides that can inhibit MP-phagocytic host cell interaction.MethodsWe used a phage display library to screen for peptides that bind to the surface ofL. amazonensis(causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis) andL. infantum(causative agent for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis) MPs. Candidate peptide binding to the MP surface and inhibition of parasite-host cell interaction were testedin vitro. Peptide Inhibition of visceral leishmaniasis development was assessed in BALB/c mice.ResultsThe selected L. amazonensis binding peptide (La1) and theL. infantumbinding peptide (Li1) inhibited 44% of parasite internalization into THP-1 macrophage-like cellsin vitro. While inhibition of internalization by La1 was specific toL. amazonensis, Li1 was effective in inhibiting internalization of both parasite species. Importantly, Li1 inhibitedL. infantumspleen and liver infection of BALB/c mice by 84%.ConclusionWe identified one peptide that specifically inhibitsL. amazonensisMP infection of host cells and another that inhibits both,L. amazonensisandL. infantum, MP infection. Our findings suggest a promising path for the development of new treatments and prevention of leishmaniasis.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in a sample of Italian adults: results from the ARIANNA cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cardamone Erica , Iacoponi Francesca , Di Benedetto Rita , Lorenzoni Giulia , Di Nucci Annalisa , Zobec Federica , Gregori Dario , Silano Marco 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionOver the last years, many Mediterranean countries, including Italy, have witnessed a shift away from the Mediterranean Diet, thus contributing to the high rates of overweight and obesity. The survey “Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Italy (ARIANNA)” aimed to evaluate the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD) and its main determinants in the Italian population.Materials and methodsThis study started on March 2023 and was addressed to adults aged ≥17 years, born and resident in Italy, proficient in Italian. Data are collected electronically through a voluntary, anonymous and self-administered questionnaire on the project website. Univariate and then multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate associations between AMD and demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, health status, and lifestyle.ResultsOn a total of 3,732 completed questionnaires, the 87.70% of the respondents was female and the 71.28% was 17–40 years old. The 83.82% of the respondents had medium AMD, 11.33% low and only 4.85% high. The multivariate analysis revealed that being male (p &lt; 0.001), aged &gt;40 years (p &lt; 0.05), workers (p ≤ 0.001), and unemployed (p &lt; 0.05), determined the probability of having a lower AMD. Vegans and vegetarian’s diets positively contributed to a higher AMD (p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionThese results highlighted a medium AMD in the Italian adult participants and suggested the necessity to implement tailored public health intervention strategies to improve food habits.
Primary central nervous system tumors survival in children in ten Colombian cities: a VIGICANCER report
Authors: Ramirez Oscar , Piedrahita Vivian , Ardila Jesus , Pardo Carlos , Cabrera-Bernal Edgar , Lopera John , Suarez Amaranto , Portilla Carlos Andrés , Narváez Carlos , Rodriguez Pamela , Castro Ximena , Castro Ángel , Estupinan-Perico Diego Ivan , Valencia Diana , Álvarez María del Rosario , Fox Javier Enrique , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Aristizabal Paula 
Published: February 2024

PurposePrimary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common cancer in children and adolescents, leading to premature death and disability. Population-based survival estimates aid decision-making in cancer control, however data on survival for primary CNS tumors in Latin America is lacking. We describe survival rates for children with primary CNS tumors treated in ten Colombian cities.MethodsWe analyzed data from children and adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2021, participating in the Childhood Cancer Clinical Outcomes Surveillance System (VIGICANCER) in ten cities in Colombia. VIGICANCER collects information on clinical outcomes from twenty-seven pediatric oncology units and conducts active follow-up every three months. VIGICANCER does not register craniopharyngiomas; we excluded intracranial germ cell tumors for this report. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the overall survival probability, stratified by sociodemographic variables, topography, WHO grading, receipt of radiation therapy, and type of surgical resection. We analyzed the prognostic capacity of variables using multivariate proportional Cox’s regression, stratified by city and year of diagnosis.ResultsDuring the study period, VIGICANCER included 989 primary CNS tumors in 879 children and 110 adolescents. The cohort median age was 9 years; 53% of patients were males, and 8% were Afro-descendants. Most common tumors were supratentorial astrocytomas (47%), astrocytic tumors (35%), medulloblastomas (20%), ependymomas (11%), and mixed and unspecified gliomas (10%). Five-year overall survival of the entire cohort was 54% (95% CI, 51-58); for supratentorial gliomas, WHO grade I was 77%, II was 62%, III-IV was 27%, respectively, and for medulloblastoma was 61%. The adjusted hazard rate ratio for patients with WHO grade III and IV, for those with subtotal resection, for brainstem location, and for those not receiving radiation therapy was 7.4 (95% CI, 4.7–11.8), 6.4 (95% CI, 4.2–9.8), 2.8 (95% 2.1–3.8), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.3–2.8) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.7–3.0), respectively.ConclusionWe found that half of Colombia’s children and adolescents with primary CNS tumors survive five years, compared to 70% to 80% in high-income countries. In addition to tumor biology and location, gross total resection was crucial for improved survival in this cohort. Systematic monitoring of survival and its determinants provides empirical data for guiding cancer control policies.
Experiences of women participating in a human papillomavirus-based screen-triage-and treat strategy for cervical cancer prevention in Malawi
Authors: Lee Fan , McGue Shannon , Chapola John , Dunda Wezzie , Tang Jennifer H. , Ndovie Margret , Msowoya Lizzie , Mwapasa Victor , Smith Jennifer S. , Chinula Lameck 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of Malawian women who underwent a human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screen-triage-treat algorithm for cervical cancer (CxCa) prevention. This algorithm included GeneXpert® HPV testing of self-collected vaginal samples, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and colposcopy for HPV-positive women, and thermal ablation of ablation-eligible women.MethodIn-depth interviews were conducted with participants of a trial that evaluated the feasibility of a HPV-based screen-triage-treat algorithm among women living with HIV and HIV negative women in Lilongwe, Malawi. Participants were recruited from 3 groups: 1) HPV-negative; 2) HPV-positive/VIA-negative; 3) HPV-positive/VIA-positive and received thermal ablation. Interviews explored baseline knowledge of CxCa and screening, attitudes towards self-collection, and understanding of test results. Content analysis was conducted using NVIVO v12.ResultsThematic saturation was reached at 25 interviews. Advantages of HPV self-collection to participants were convenience of sampling, same-day HPV results and availability of same-day treatment. There was confusion surrounding HPV-positive/VIA-negative results, as some participants still felt treatment was needed. Counseling, and in particular anticipatory guidance, was key in helping participants understand complex screening procedures and results. Overall, participants expressed confidence in the HPV screen-triage-treat strategy.DiscussionHPV testing through self-collected samples is a promising tool to increase CxCa screening coverage. A multi-step screening algorithm utilizing HPV self-testing, VIA triage and thermal ablation treatment requires proper counseling and anticipatory guidance to improve patient understanding. Incorporating thorough counseling in CxCa screening programs can change women’s perspectives about screening, build trust in healthcare systems, and influence healthcare seeking behavior towards routine screening and prevention.
Remarkable response to third-generation EGFR-TKI plus crizotinib in a patient with pulmonary adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR and ROS1 co-mutation: a case report
Authors: Wu Zhiming , Zhang Zelin , Zhang Dongdong , Li Zengyan 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundDriver oncogene mutations, such as c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were previously believed to be mutually exclusive in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Only sporadic cases of ROS1 and EGFR co-mutations have been reported. Hence, appropriate treatment options for these patients are still controversial.Case presentationA 48-year-old female patient presented at our hospital complaining of a persistent cough that had been ongoing for a month. A chest computed tomography showed a mass in the left lung along with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Pathological analysis of bronchoscopic biopsy and lung mass puncture confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was diagnosed with stage IIIC left lung adenocarcinoma with a clinical stage of cT2N3M0. Next-generation sequencing analysis conducted at both puncture sites revealed an EFGR 19 deletion mutation combined with ROS1 rearrangement. The lung mass exhibited a higher mutation abundance. Treatment with a combination of third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and crizotinib yielded satisfactory results. During the follow-up period, the mass significantly reduced and almost disappeared.ConclusionThe co-mutation of EGFR and ROS1 is a rare phenomenon. Nevertheless, the combination of EGFR-TKI and crizotinib treatment appears to hold promise in providing positive results for patients, with manageable side effects. This therapeutic approach has the potential to enhance patients’ overall prognosis.
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa as a new anticancer molecular strategy in breast histology via Her2, IL33, EGFR, and MUC1
Authors: Situmorang Putri Cahaya , Ilyas Syafruddin , Syahputra Rony Abdi , Sari Reka Mustika , Nugraha Alexander Patera , Ibrahim Alek 
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of breast cancer among patients in Indonesia is significant. Indonesian individuals maintain the belief that cancer cannot be cured alone by pharmaceuticals and treatment; herbal remedies must be used in conjunction. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, also known as Haramonting, is an indigenous Indonesian medicinal plant renowned for its copious antioxidant properties. The objective of study was to assess the impact of haramonting on breast cancer by examining the expression of various biomarker proteins associated with breast cancer. Haramonting was administered to breast cancer model mice at different doses over a period of 30 days. Subsequently, blood and breast samples were obtained for immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Authors have discovered that there has been a notable rise in the proliferation of epithelial cells in the duct lobes, resulting in the formation of ducts and lobules. Additionally, the researchers discovered that the breasts exhibited distinct clinical and histological alterations. Haramonting possesses the capacity to restore the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to normal levels in the blood serum of rats afflicted with cancer. The histopathological analysis of the breast tissue revealed elevated levels of Her2, IL33, EGFR, and MUC1. The authors also discovered a notable increase in the growth of epithelial cells, with two or more layers of cells reaching towards the centre of the duct. The size of the epithelial cells exhibits variability; however, this state ameliorates with the administration of a dosage of 300 mg/kgBW of this botanical specimen. This study proposes that Haramonting may be effective in treating breast cancer.
An analysis of the role of college students' core self-evaluation in the relationship between extracurricular physical exercise and academic stress
Authors: Zhu Guanren , Cao Wenwen , Yin Yutong , Bai Shengchao 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the role of college students' core self-evaluation in the association between extracurricular physical exercise and academic stress, and to provide a reference and basis for effectively alleviating current college students' academic stress.MethodsA stratified cluster random sampling method was used to conduct an online survey using the China College Student Mental Health Screening Scale, the Core Self-Esteem Scale, and a self-developed questionnaire for 1,249 college students from 8 junior colleges in Jiangsu Province, China, in January 2023, and analyses were conducted using bivariate correlation and mediation effect tests.ResultsMore than half of the students were worried about lagging behind other students in their studies and worrying about exams, as well as more than half of the students had &lt;2 h of extracurricular physical exercise per week in terms of academic stress. Significant correlations were found between extracurricular physical exercise time and core self-evaluation (r = 0.225, p &lt; 0.01), academic stress (r = −0.317, p &lt; 0.01), and between core self-evaluation and academic stress (r =−0.371, p &lt; 0.01). Extracurricular physical exercise had a negative predictive effect on academic stress (effect = −0.306, 95%CI: −0.361~-0.251) and partially through the mediating path of core self-evaluation, (effect = −0.067, 95%CI: −0.091~-0.046), with a mediating effect of 21.9%. Among them, the mediating effect of core self-evaluation was highest in “worrying about lagging behind other students in their studies” and “worrying about exams”, which accounted for 24.4% and 24.3% respectively.ConclusionCurrently, college students have different degrees of academic stress; extracurricular physical exercise can reduce academic stress through direct effects, and also through the indirect effect of improving the level of core self-evaluation, and active extracurricular physical exercise has become an important way to promote students' physical and mental health.
Anxiety predicts math achievement in kindergarten children
Authors: Svraka Bernadett , Álvarez Carolina , Szücs Dénes 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMath anxiety (MA) is an academic anxiety about learning, doing, and evaluating mathematics, usually studied in school populations and adults. However, MA likely has its origins before children go to school. For example, studies have shown that general anxiety (GA) for everyday events is less separable from MA in primary than in early secondary school. This suggests that GA may be a precursor of MA. For this reason, here, we have examined whether GA is already associated with math achievement at the end of kindergarten.MethodsWe tested 488 Hungarian kindergarten children aged 5.7 to 6.9 years (55% girls) and analyzed the effect of GA, sex, and family SES on math achievement in kindergarten children.ResultsStrikingly, confirming results from primary school children, we found that GA negatively correlated with math achievement already in this preschool population. Higher GA levels had a stronger negative effect on girls’ than boys’ math achievement. However, there were no significant sex differences in math achievement in kindergarten. Additionally, family socioeconomic status was the strongest predictor of math achievement.DiscussionWe speculate that high GA in preschool is a plausible early precursor of later high MA. Early interventions could aim to control GA levels before children start formal schooling.
The association between family functioning and problem behaviors among Chinese preschool left-behind children: the chain mediating effect of emotion regulation and psychological resilience
Authors: Qiao Tianqi , Sun Yan , Ye Pingzhi , Yan Jingfeng , Wang Xinxin , Song Zhanmei 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe family environment has a significant impact on the psychological and behavioral development of children, especially those who are left behind in preschool and experience parent-child separation at a young age. These children face a greater risk of family dysfunction, which can lead to internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. While numerous studies have established a connection between family functioning and problem behaviors, few have explored the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship. Our study seeks to address this gap by examining how emotion regulation and psychological resilience mediate the link between family functioning and problem behavior.MethodsThe sample consisted of 940 preschool children (51.5% male, 48.5% female) with a mean age of 5.07 ± 0.80. The main guardians of the children were given the Family Assessment Device, Preschool Children’s Emotion Regulation Scale, the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers (2nd edition), and the Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales to assess their family functioning, emotion regulation, psychological resilience, and problem behavior respectively.ResultsLower family functioning was associated with more severe problem behaviors in preschool left-behind children, and emotion regulation and psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between family functioning and problem behaviors, respectively. In addition, emotion regulation and psychological resilience were also chain mediators between family functioning and problem behaviors.ConclusionThe study’s findings highlighted the crucial role of emotional regulation and psychological resilience in the correlation between family functioning and problem behaviors. It is recommended that policymakers and educators place a high priority on the cultivation of internal psychological resources, such as emotional regulation and resilience, in preschool-aged children when designing interventions to address problem behaviors.
Association of SLC6A3 variants with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a genetic association study of dopamine-related genes in schizophrenia
Authors: Kogure Masanobu , Kanahara Nobuhisa , Miyazawa Atsuhiro , Shiko Yuki , Otsuka Ikuo , Matsuyama Koichi , Takase Masayuki , Kimura Makoto , Kimura Hiroshi , Ota Kiyomitsu , Idemoto Keita , Tamura Masaki , Oda Yasunori , Yoshida Taisuke , Okazaki Satoshi , Yamasaki Fumiaki , Nakata Yusuke , Watanabe Yoshinori , Niitsu Tomihisa , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Iyo Masaomi 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMost genetic analyses that have attempted to identify a locus or loci that can distinguish patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) from those who respond to treatment (non-TRS) have failed. However, evidence from multiple studies suggests that patients with schizophrenia who respond well to antipsychotic medication have a higher dopamine (DA) state in brain synaptic clefts whereas patients with TRS do not show enhanced DA synthesis/release pathways.Patients and methodsTo examine the contribution (if any) of genetics to TRS, we conducted a genetic association analysis of DA-related genes in schizophrenia patients (TRS, n = 435; non-TRS, n = 539) and healthy controls (HC: n = 489).ResultsThe distributions of the genotypes of rs3756450 and the 40-bp variable number tandem repeat on SLC6A3 differed between the TRS and non-TRS groups. Regarding rs3756450, the TRS group showed a significantly higher ratio of the A allele, whereas the non-TRS group predominantly had the G allele. The analysis of the combination of COMT and SLC6A3 yielded a significantly higher ratio of the putative low-DA type (i.e., high COMT activity + high SLC6A3 activity) in the TRS group compared to the two other groups. Patients with the low-DA type accounted for the minority of the non-TRS group and exhibited milder psychopathology.ConclusionThe overall results suggest that (i) SLC6A3 could be involved in responsiveness to antipsychotic medication and (ii) genetic variants modulating brain DA levels may be related to the classification of TRS and non-TRS.
Resilience and adolescence-transition in youth with developmental disabilities and their families: a scoping review
Authors: Zukerman Naomi , Bottone Emily , Low Maya , Ogourtsova Tatiana 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundChildren with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs, e.g., cerebral palsy) and their caregivers face lifelong and impactful challenges, particularly during life-transition periods such as adolescence. One's resilience emerges as an essential ability to navigate this vulnerable phase. Resilience is a complex concept that embeds multiple factors on various levels. Little is known about what resilience factors are pivotal in youth with NDDs and their families as they transition into adolescence and how these are addressed as part of existing targeted interventions.ObjectivesThis review explored the concept of resilience in youth with NDDs and their families. Specific aims included describing salient resilience factors in adolescents with NDDs and their families and to describe how resilience is addressed as part of targeted interventions.MethodsUsing the Arskey and O'Malley framework, six steps were undertaken, including a comprehensive literature search (n = 5 databases), transparent study selection, detailed data extraction with a coding scheme (n = 46 factors), results' collating with numerical and inductive content analysis, and consultation with three key stakeholders.ResultsThe study screened 1,191 publications, selecting fifty-eight (n = 58; n = 52 observational and n = 6 intervention) studies. Findings revealed that resilience in this context is closely linked to more than forty factors across four levels (individual; family; school/peers; and community). Pivotal factors include social and emotional competence, optimism, and family/peer relationships. While existing interventions targeting resilience show promising results, few programs are available and generalizable to different NDDs. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of addressing resilience factors that are not targeted in existing interventions: caregivers' self-efficacy and self-esteem, as well as youth's and caregiver's confidence. Preferences for and advantages of online delivery for support programs and individual/group features also emerged.ConclusionThe review emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to support youth with NDDs and their families during adolescence transition. To enhance their resilience, recognizing caregivers' roles, customizing interventions, and exploring new implementation formats are avenues that align with the current evidence and opportunities for practical development in this field.