bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and evaluation of gold nanoparticles conjugated with five antigenic peptides derived from the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for vaccine development
Authors: Farfán-Castro Susan , García-Soto Mariano J. , Betancourt-Mendiola Lourdes , Cervantes Jacquelynne , Segura René , González-Ortega Omar , Rosales-Mendoza Sergio 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The development of innovative anti-COVID-19 vaccines is a need to ensure the population’s immunity worldwide, with broad protection against variants of concern and low cost as the main goals. Gold nanocarriers are potential entities that could aid in the development of innovative vaccines having thermal stability, high immunogenicity, and safety as the main attributes. Moreover, this approach could lead to adjuvant-free formulations, which will reduce the costs of vaccines.Methods: In this study, five peptides (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5) corresponding to linear epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein were chemisorbed on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) of 20 nm, prefunctionalized with heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol, by using glutaraldehyde as crosslinker to generate nanovaccine prototypes.Results and discussion: The surface modification was confirmed by DLS with an increase of 31.7 ± 1.8 nm in the hydrodynamic diameter and an average ζ potential of −8.3 ± 2.2 mV in PBS (as excipient). The coupling concentration achieved was 23.7 ± 7.1 μg of peptide per mg AuNP. These AuNP-based conjugates showed no inherent toxicity in assays performed with HEK293T cells, in which a 100–1,000 μg/mL concentration range only led to a temporary decrease of up to 30% in cell viability after 48 h of treatment with restoration by 72 h. The immunogenicity of the conjugates produced was assessed in test mice subjected to three subcutaneous doses at 2-week intervals. Significant levels of IgM against each target peptide were observed at an early stage of the immunization scheme in all groups, reaching maximum levels after the second dose, whereas the IgG response increased after the third dose. The AuNP-P2, AuNP-P3, and AuNP-P5 conjugates induced the highest levels of IgG antibodies, lasting for at least 2 months after the last boost, with a predominance of the IgG1 subclass. Although the magnitude of the response induced by the gold conjugates was comparable to that with alum as adjuvant, these nanoconjugates induced a longer response. Our data support the use of AuNP as carriers in innovative vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Endovascular treatment strategy and clinical outcome of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Zhang Guangjian , Zhang Weiwei , Chang Hanxiao , Shen Yuqi , Ma Chencheng , Mao Lei , Li Zheng , Lu Hua 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionTo evaluate treatment strategies and clinical outcomes following endovascular embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 19 patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital between October 2015 and May 2022, all treated with endovascular therapy. To collect and analyze patients’ clinical presentation, imaging data, postoperative complications, and prognosis and to analyze the safety and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas.ResultsImaging cure was achieved in 18 patients, with the arterial route chosen for embolization in 17 patients and the venous route in one patient; one patient received partial embolization. Staged embolization was performed in four patients. At postoperative follow-up of 9–83 months (37.8 ± 21.2), all 19 patients had recovered well (mRS score ≤ 2). Three patients experienced perioperative complications: intraoperative Onyx reflux into the middle cerebral artery in one patient; postoperative permanent limited left visual field loss and deafness in the left ear in one patient; and transient diplopia, vertigo, and decreased pain and temperature sensation of the left limb in one patient, with no abnormalities on post-procedure magnetic resonance examinations. A total of 17 patients completed a postoperative digital subtraction angiography review during follow-up, and one patient had a recurrence of an arteriovenous fistula.ConclusionEndovascular treatment of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas is safe and effective. Reduction of the Borden or Cognard classification via eliminating cortical venous reflux through multi-staged embolization or combined open surgery is a reasonable goal of treatment where complete obliteration of the fistula is not achievable.
Mindfulness meditation styles differently modulate source-level MEG microstate dynamics and complexity
Authors: D’Andrea Antea , Croce Pierpaolo , O’Byrne Jordan , Jerbi Karim , Pascarella Annalisa , Raffone Antonino , Pizzella Vittorio , Marzetti Laura 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe investigation of mindfulness meditation practice, classically divided into focused attention meditation (FAM), and open monitoring meditation (OMM) styles, has seen a long tradition of theoretical, affective, neurophysiological and clinical studies. In particular, the high temporal resolution of magnetoencephalography (MEG) or electroencephalography (EEG) has been exploited to fill the gap between the personal experience of meditation practice and its neural correlates. Mounting evidence, in fact, shows that human brain activity is highly dynamic, transiting between different brain states (microstates). In this study, we aimed at exploring MEG microstates at source-level during FAM, OMM and in the resting state, as well as the complexity and criticality of dynamic transitions between microstates.MethodsTen right-handed Theravada Buddhist monks with a meditative expertise of minimum 2,265 h participated in the experiment. MEG data were acquired during a randomized block design task (6 min FAM, 6 min OMM, with each meditative block preceded and followed by 3 min resting state). Source reconstruction was performed using eLORETA on individual cortical space, and then parcellated according to the Human Connect Project atlas. Microstate analysis was then applied to parcel level signals in order to derive microstate topographies and indices. In addition, from microstate sequences, the Hurst exponent and the Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) were computed.ResultsOur results show that the coverage and occurrence of specific microstates are modulated either by being in a meditative state or by performing a specific meditation style. Hurst exponent values in both meditation conditions are reduced with respect to the value observed during rest, LZC shows significant differences between OMM, FAM, and REST, with a progressive increase from REST to FAM to OMM.DiscussionImportantly, we report changes in brain criticality indices during meditation and between meditation styles, in line with a state-like effect of meditation on cognitive performance. In line with previous reports, we suggest that the change in cognitive state experienced in meditation is paralleled by a shift with respect to critical points in brain dynamics.
Transcriptome profile analysis in spinal cord injury rats with transplantation of menstrual blood-derived stem cells
Authors: Qi Longju , Jiang Wenwei , He Wenhua , Li Xiangzhe , Wu Jiahuan , Chen Shiyuan , Liao Zehua , Yu Shumin , Liu Jinyi , Sun Yuyu , Wu Qinfeng , Dong Chuanming , Wang Qinghua 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMenstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) are vital in treating many degenerative and traumatic disorders. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure in MenSCs-treating spinal cord injury (SCI) rats.MethodsMenSCs were adopted into the injured sites of rat spinal cords at day 7 post surgery and the tissues were harvested for total RNA sequencing analysis at day 21 after surgery to investigate the expression patterns of RNAs. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed with volcano and heatmap plot. DEGs were sequentially analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network, functional enrichment, and competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network analysis. Next, expression of selected miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and mRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatics packages and extra databases were enrolled to scoop the genes functions and their interaction relationships.ResultsA total of 89 lncRNAs, 65 circRNAs, 120 miRNAs and 422 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and 65 lncRNAs, 72 circRNAs, 74 miRNAs, and 190 mRNAs were significantly downregulated in the MenSCs treated rats compared to SCI ones. Current investigation revealed that MenSCs treatment improve the recovery of the injured rats and the most significantly involved pathways in SCI regeneration were cell adhesion molecules, nature killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, primary immunodeficiency, chemokine signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway and B cell receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network of SCI was constructed. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the top 100 DE mRNAs. The constructed PPI network included 47 nodes and 70 edges.DiscussionIn summary, the above results revealed the expression profile and potential functions of differentially expressed (DE) RNAs in the injured spinal cords of rats in the MenSCs-treated and SCI groups, and this study may provide new clues to understand the mechanisms of MenSCs in treating SCI.
Outcome of patients with stage I immature teratoma after surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Marino Giuseppe , Grassi Tommaso , De Ponti Elena , Negri Serena , Testa Filippo , Giuliani Daniela , Delle Marchette Martina , Dell’Oro Cristina , Fumagalli Diletta , Donatiello Gianluca , Besana Giulia , Marchetta Liliana , Bonazzi Cristina Maria , Lissoni Andrea Alberto , Landoni Fabio , Fruscio Robert 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveImmature teratomas are rare malignant ovarian germ cell tumours, typically diagnosed in young women, where fertility-sparing surgery is the treatment of choice. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I disease remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of surveillance versus chemotherapy on the recurrence rate in stage I immature teratomas.MethodsWe collected a single centre retrospective series of patients with stage I immature teratomas treated with fertility-sparing surgery at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, between 1980 and 2019. Potential risk factors for recurrence were investigated by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOf the 74 patients included, 12% (9/74) received chemotherapy, while 88% (65/74) underwent surveillance. Median follow-up was 188 months. No difference in recurrence was found in stage IA/IB and IC immature teratomas [10% (6/60) vs. 28.6% (4/14) (P=0.087)], grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 [7.1% (2/28) vs. 14.3% (4/28) vs. 22.2% (4/18) (p=0.39)], and surveillance versus chemotherapy groups [13.9% (9/65) vs. 11.1% (1/9)) (p = 1.00)]. In univariate analysis, the postoperative approach had no impact on recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival was 87% and 90% in the surveillance and chemotherapy groups, respectively; the overall survival was 100% in both cohorts.ConclusionsOur results support the feasibility of surveillance in stage I immature teratomas. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be reserved for relapses. However, the potential benefit of chemotherapy should be discussed, especially for high-risk tumours. Prospective series are warranted to confirm our findings.What is already known on this topicTo date, no consensus has been reached regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I immature teratomas of the ovary. Some studies suggest that only surveillance is an acceptable choice. However, guidelines are not conclusive on this topic.What this study addsNo difference in terms of recurrence was observed between the surveillance and the adjuvant chemotherapy group. All patients who relapsed were successfully cured with no disease-related deaths.How this study might affect research, practice or policyAdjuvant chemotherapy should be appropriately discussed with patients. However, it may be reserved for relapse according to our data.
Extreme temperatures increase the risk of pediatric pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Makrufardi Firdian , Triasih Rina , Nurnaningsih Nurnaningsih , Chung Kian Fan , Lin Sheng-Chieh , Chuang Hsiao-Chi 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe impact of climate change on ambient temperatures threatens to worsen pediatric pneumonia-related outcomes considerably. This study examined the associations of temperature variation and extreme temperature with pediatric pneumonia-related events using a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant literature, and the quality of evidence was assessed. Fixed and random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) of the associations with pneumonia-related events.ResultsWe observed that a 1°C temperature variation increased the RR of pneumonia events by 1.06-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.10). A 1°C temperature variation increased the RR by 1.10-fold of the pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions (95% CI: 1.00–1.21) and 1.06-fold of the pediatric pneumonia emergency department visits (95% CI: 1.01-1.10). Extreme cold increased the RR by 1.25-fold of the pediatric pneumonia events (95% CI: 1.07–1.45). A 1°C temperature variation increased the RR of pneumonia events in children by 1.19-fold (95% CI: 1.08–1.32), girls by 1.03-fold (95% CI: 1.02–1.05), and in temperate climate zones by 1.07-fold (95% CI: 1.03–1.11). Moreover, an increase in extreme cold increased the RR of pneumonia events in children by 2.43-fold (95% CI: 1.72–3.43), girls by 1.96-fold (95% CI: 1.29–2.98) and in temperate climate zones by 2.76-fold (95% CI: 1.71–4.47).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that pediatric pneumonia events are more prevalent among children, particularly girls, and individuals residing in temperate climate zones. Climate change represents an emergent public health threat, affecting pediatric pneumonia treatment and prevention..Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42022378610).
Flavonoids influence key rhizocompetence traits for early root colonization and PCB degradation potential of Paraburkholderia xenovorans LB400
Authors: Ghitti Elisa , Rolli Eleonora , Vergani Lorenzo , Borin Sara 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionFlavonoids are among the main plant root exudation components, and, in addition to their role in symbiosis, they can broadly affect the functionality of plant-associated microbes: in polluted environments, for instance, flavonoids can induce the expression of the enzymatic degradative machinery to clean-up soils from xenobiotics like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). However, their involvement in root community recruitment and assembly involving non-symbiotic beneficial interactions remains understudied and may be crucial to sustain the holobiont fitness under PCB stress.MethodsBy using a set of model pure flavonoid molecules and a natural blend of root exudates (REs) with altered flavonoid composition produced by Arabidopsis mutant lines affected in flavonoid biosynthesis and abundance (null mutant tt4, flavonoid aglycones hyperproducer tt8, and flavonoid conjugates hyperaccumulator ttg), we investigated flavonoid contribution in stimulating rhizocompetence traits and the catabolic potential of the model bacterial strain for PCB degradation Paraburkholderia xenovorans LB400.ResultsFlavonoids influenced the traits involved in bacterial recruitment in the rhizoplane by improving chemotaxis and motility responses, by increasing biofilm formation and by promoting the growth and activation of the PCB-degradative pathway of strain LB400, being thus potentially exploited as carbon sources, stimulating factors and chemoattractant molecules. Indeed, early rhizoplane colonization was favored in plantlets of the tt8 Arabidopsis mutant and reduced in the ttg line. Bacterial growth was promoted by the REs of mutant lines tt4 and tt8 under control conditions and reduced upon PCB-18 stress, showing no significant differences compared with the WT and ttg, indicating that unidentified plant metabolites could be involved. PCB stress presumably altered the Arabidopsis root exudation profile, although a sudden “cry-for-help” response to recruit strain LB400 was excluded and flavonoids appeared not to be the main determinants. In the in vitro plant–microbe interaction assays, plant growth promotion and PCB resistance promoted by strain LB400 seemed to act through flavonoid-independent mechanisms without altering bacterial colonization efficiency and root adhesion pattern.DiscussionsThis study further contributes to elucidate the vast array of functions provided by flavonoids in orchestrating the early events of PCB-degrading strain LB400 recruitment in the rhizosphere and to support the holobiont fitness by stimulating the catabolic machinery involved in xenobiotics decomposition and removal.
Concept mapping sociocultural aspects of cervical cancer prevention among African American women
Authors: Carmack Chakema , Roncancio Angelica , Coleman Taylor M. , McKay Sarah 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionFor African American women in Houston, cervical cancer mortality is disproportionate to their racial and ethnic counterparts. Most notably, lack of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination as well as late diagnosis increase cervical cancer mortality. However, cervical cancer is largely preventable. While previous research has identified a few social determinants that are specifically related to cervical cancer (e.g., education, income, neighborhood), there may be a host of additional social and cultural factors that contribute to a lack of preventative behavior.MethodsThe present study used concept mapping to explore sociocultural determinants of cervical cancer prevention beliefs among young African American women. N = 15 African American women, ages 18–25, participated in a group concept mapping session focused on cervical cancer knowledge, beliefs about women’s health, and how their social environment and culture play a role in their conceptualization of cervical cancer prevention.DiscussionFive overarching concepts emerged: (1) Screening, (2) Support System, (3) Cervical Cancer 101 (knowledge), (4) Fatalism, and (5) Ease of Prevention.ConclusionThe present study highlights the use of concept mapping for prevention science, particularly in exploratory studies for understanding cervical cancer screening barriers, avenues for intervention, and public health messaging. We discuss the findings and implications for public health research in cervical cancer prevention tailored for African American women.
Practice and proficiency of Isha Yoga for better mental health outcomes: insights from a COVID-19 survey
Authors: Malipeddi Saketh , Mehrotra Seema , John John P. , Kutty Bindu M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unparalleled suffering on a global scale, affecting both physical and mental well-being. In such challenging times, it becomes crucial to identify interventions that can alleviate negative mental health outcomes, such as stress, while promoting positive mental health outcomes, like well-being. We report the effectiveness of a mind–body practise, Isha Yoga, in promoting well-being.MethodsWe conducted an online survey, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Yoga practitioners (n = 1,352) from the Isha Yoga tradition in Karnataka, India. We evaluated stress and well-being attributes using conventional psychometric questionnaires. Subsequently, we requested the Isha Yoga practitioners to share another survey with their friends and family members, assessing similar outcomes. From the respondents of this shared survey (n = 221), we identified individuals who currently did not engage in any form of Yoga or meditation, constituting the non-Yoga control group (n = 110). To enhance the reliability and validity of our study and minimize the limitations commonly associated with online surveys, we adhered to the CHERRIES guidelines for reporting survey studies.ResultsIsha Yoga practitioners had significantly lower levels of stress (p &lt; 0.001, gHedges = 0.94) and mental distress (p &lt; 0.001, gHedges = 0.75) while reporting significantly higher levels of well-being (p &lt; 0.001, gHedges = 0.78) and affective balance (p &lt; 0.001, gHedges = 0.80) compared to the control group. Furthermore, expertise-related improvements were observed in these outcomes, and a dose–response relationship was found between regularity of Isha Yoga practice and outcome changes. A minimum 3–4 days of weekly practice showed significant differences with the control group. In addition, we investigated the effect of Isha Yoga on stress and well-being among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in our sample and observed better mental health outcomes.DiscussionThese findings collectively underscore the benefits of Mind and Body practices like Isha Yoga on various aspects of mental health and well-being, emphasizing its potential as an effective and holistic approach for promoting a healthy lifestyle among diverse populations, including healthcare workers, even in difficult circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Necesidades de las personas adultas mayores con enfermedades en condición de vida limitada institucionalizadas en residencias de cuido en el Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica de programas en Cuidados Paliativos
Authors: Acuña-Aguilar Carlos , Carvajal-Monge Ana Sofía , González-Pérez Andrea , Víquez-Aguilar Tomás , Roselló-Araya Marlene , Zimansky Manuel 
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: determinar las necesidades de las personas adultas mayores (PAM) institucionalizadas en residencias de cuido en el Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM) de Costa Rica y proponer los cambios necesarios y procesos de atención para la integración de programas en Cuidados Paliativos. Metodología: estudio exploratorio mixto mediante encuesta telefónica en 33 de las 63 residencias de cuido de PAM del GAM, además de entrevistas semiestructuradas a trece profesionales de la salud y a ocho PAM institucionalizadas. Se estimó una muestra a conveniencia de PAM a entrevistar basados en el promedio de las personas residentes con enfermedades en condición de vida limitada o en condición paliativa del total de residencia, que contaran con capacidad cognitiva adecuada y orientadas en tiempo, espacio y persona. Se determinó las necesidades de estas personas de acuerdo con el modelo de Maslow y de Virginia Henderson. Se exploraron además las necesidades de los profesionales en el área de salud que laboran en las residencias. Resultados: en las 33 residencias del GAM se registraron 1.650 PAM residentes, 233 de ellos se encontraban con enfermedad en condición de vida limitada o condición paliativa (14,1%), en promedio 7,1 personas por residencia (moda:2). De las 8 PAM entrevistadas 50% determinó tener algún tipo de dolor físico, se logró detectar que el total satisfacía sus necesidades sociales generando vínculos con los funcionarios de las residencias y los demás residentes, sin embargo, había una limitada relación con su grupo familiar. Dieron prioridad a las necesidades de autorrealización enfocadas en la autonomía e independencia física para realizar actividades de la vida diaria. Tenían la necesidad de entender desde la dimensión espiritual que la muerte es un proceso natural y forma parte de la vida. No manifestaron necesidad no resuelta de amor ni pertenencia. Los profesionales de salud de las residencias entrevistados indican la necesidad de capacitación y de cambios en la infraestructura de las residencias Conclusiones: las PAM con enfermedades en condición de vida limitada de residencias del GAM refieren sentirse seguros, sin embargo se evidenció una carencia de recurso humano suficiente para la atención y la necesidad de realizar una serie de cambios en infraestructura, así como la implementación de programas de educación continua en Cuidados Paliativos para los profesionales.