bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine induced poor neutralization titers for SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants in maternal and cord blood
Authors: Govindaraj Sakthivel , Cheedarla Narayanaiah , Cheedarla Suneethamma , Irby LesShon S. , Neish Andrew S. , Roback John D. , Smith Alicia K. , Velu Vijayakumar 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionMaternally derived antibodies are crucial for neonatal immunity. Understanding the binding and cross-neutralization capacity of maternal and cord antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants following COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy can inform neonatal immunity.MethodsHere we characterized the binding and neutralizing antibody profile at delivery in 24 pregnant individuals following two doses of Moderna mRNA-1273 or Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccination. We analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 multivariant cross-neutralizing antibody levels for wildtype Wuhan, Delta, Omicron BA1, BA2, and BA4/BA5 variants. In addition, we evaluated the transplacental antibody transfer by profiling maternal and umbilical cord blood.ResultsOur results reveal that the current COVID-19 vaccination induced significantly higher RBD-specific binding IgG titers in cord blood compared to maternal blood for both the Wuhan and Omicron BA1 strain. Interestingly, the binding IgG antibody levels for the Omicron BA1 strain were significantly lower when compared to the Wuhan strain in both maternal and cord blood. In contrast to the binding, the Omicron BA1, BA2, and BA4/5 specific neutralizing antibody levels were significantly lower compared to the Wuhan and Delta variants. It is interesting to note that the BA4/5 neutralizing capacity was not detected in either maternal or cord blood.DiscussionOur data suggest that the initial series of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were immunogenic in pregnant women, and vaccine-elicited binding antibodies were detectable in cord blood at significantly higher levels for the Wuhan and Delta variants but not for the Omicron variants. Interestingly, the vaccination did not induce neutralizing antibodies for Omicron variants. These results provide novel insight into the impact of vaccination on maternal humoral immune response and transplacental antibody transfer for SARS-CoV-2 variants and support the need for bivalent boosters as new variants emerge.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated macrophages as potential predictors of lymph node metastases in major salivary gland cancers
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Veneroni Maria Vittoria , Costantino Andrea , Festa Bianca Maria , Fiamengo Barbara , Sebastiani Daniela , Spriano Giuseppe , Di Tommaso Luca 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to define if tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) could represent potential predictors of lymph node metastases (LNM) in salivary gland cancers (SGC).MethodsA selected number of immunohistochemical markers related to TILs (CD3, CD4, CD68, and FOXP3) and TAMs (CD68 and CD163) were investigated on major salivary gland cancers. TIL and TAM densities were measured on digital images using the open-source QuPath both in the tumor interior (TI) and invasive margin (IM). Correlation with pathologic N classification and follow-up clinical data was investigated.ResultsA total of 25 consecutive patients (men: 11; median age: 62.0) were included. Densities of CD3+ IM (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.2–51.2), CD8+ TI (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.2–51.2), CD8+ IM (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.2–51.2), FOXP3+ TI (OR = 24.0, 95% CI 2.2–255.9), CD68+ TI (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.2–51.2), and CD163+ IM (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.2 – 51.2), and the Immunoscore CD8/CD3 (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.4) were significantly associated with LNM (p &lt; 0.05). CD3+ TI density was significantly associated with tumor recurrence and death (HR = 5.8, 95% CI 1.5–22.6; p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionA high density of specific TIL and TAM subpopulations might be correlated with a higher probability of LNM in SGC.
Disease burden contributed by dietary exposure to aflatoxins in a mountainous city in Southwest China
Authors: Qin Mei , Cheng Li , Li Yan , Tang Xiaoqin , Gan Yuan , Zhao Jian , Luo Shuquan , Zhang Huadong , Zhang Lishi , Chen Jinyao , Huo Jiao 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionAflatoxins (AFT) identified as a Group 1 human carcinogen naturally contaminate various types of food and could increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through dietary intake. Chongqing municipality is located in Southwest China with subtropical monsoon climate which is conducive to AFT contamination in crops. However, the burden of HCC caused by the dietary exposure of the population in Chongqing to AFT has not been quantified.MethodsThe burden of HCC was estimated in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) using FDA-iRISK software. Dietary exposure to AFT in three food categories including grain and its products, nuts and seeds, and spices was assessed.ResultsThe lifetime average daily dose (LADD) of AFT exposure for the population ranged from 2.40 to 8.25 ng/kg bw/day and 9.51 to 15.10 ng/kg bw/day at the mean and heavy (P95) AFT contamination levels, respectively. Among the three food categories, grain and its products contributed most to AFT exposure of the population. The estimated DALYs related to HCC induced by AFT were 162,000–556,000 and 641,000-1,020,000; the DALY rates were 6.47–22.20 and 25.59–40.72 per 100,000 persons per year; and the population attribution fractions (PAF) were 1.68–5.78% and 6.66–10.60%.DiscussionAlthough the burden of HCC caused by dietary AFT was estimated to be relatively low among the population, the overall health burden might be underestimated owing to the uncertainties of this dataset. Thus, the overall health burden associated with AFT intake should still be of concern in further studies.
Relationship between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Hua , Pei Minyue , Li Nan 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between digital exclusion, such as neither mobile payments nor WeChat use, and cognitive impairment in Chinese individuals aged 45 and older.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study utilizing data from the fourth national survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). In the fourth wave of CHARLS, 10,325 participants aged 45 and older with complete information were included in this analysis. Self-reported mobile payments and WeChat usage constituted our exposure. Cognitive impairment was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationships between cognitive impairment risk and digital exclusion.ResultsData were analyzed from 10,325 participants [mean (SD) age, 60.3 (9.1) years; 44.8% women], including 1,232 individuals with cognitive impairment and 9,093 cognitively normal individuals. The overall proportion of users who did not use either mobile payment or WeChat and those who only used WeChat were 81.3 and 6.7%, for cognitively impaired individuals 95.0 and 3.1%, and for cognitively normal individuals 79.5 and 7.2% [neither WeChat nor mobile payments vs. control unadjusted odds ratio (OR), 8.16; P &lt; 0.001; only WeChat use vs. control unadjusted OR, 2.91; P &lt; 0.001]. Participants who did not use either WeChat or mobile payments had an elevated risk for cognitive impairment after adjusting for a number of covariates (neither WeChat nor mobile payments vs. control adjusted OR, 3.48; P &lt; 0.001; only WeChat use vs. control adjusted OR, 1.86; P = 0.021).ConclusionOur study reveals a positive correlation between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in Chinese adults, providing insights for promoting active digital integration among older adults. Further longitudinal research is needed to further validate this hypothesis.
Effects of sex and estrous cycle on intravenous oxycodone self-administration and the reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking behavior in rats
Authors: Hinds Nicole M. , Wojtas Ireneusz D. , Gallagher Corinne A. , Corbett Claire M. , Manvich Daniel F. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe increasing misuse of both prescription and illicit opioids has culminated in a national healthcare crisis in the United States. Oxycodone is among the most widely prescribed and misused opioid pain relievers and has been associated with a high risk for transition to compulsive opioid use. Here, we sought to examine potential sex differences and estrous cycle-dependent effects on the reinforcing efficacy of oxycodone, as well as on stress-induced or cue-induced oxycodone-seeking behavior, using intravenous (IV) oxycodone self-administration and reinstatement procedures.MethodsIn experiment 1, adult male and female Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer 0.03 mg/kg/inf oxycodone according to a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement in daily 2-h sessions, and a dose-response function was subsequently determined (0.003–0.03 mg/kg/inf). In experiment 2, a separate group of adult male and female Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer 0.03 mg/kg/inf oxycodone for 8 sessions, followed by 0.01 mg/kg/inf oxycodone for 10 sessions. Responding was then extinguished, followed by sequential footshock-induced and cue-induced reinstatement tests.ResultsIn the dose-response experiment, oxycodone produced a typical inverted U-shape function with 0.01 mg/kg/inf representing the maximally effective dose in both sexes. No sex differences were detected in the reinforcing efficacy of oxycodone. In the second experiment, the reinforcing effects of 0.01–0.03 mg//kg/inf oxycodone were significantly attenuated in females during proestrus/estrus as compared to metestrus/diestrus phases of the estrous cycle. Neither males nor females displayed significant footshock-induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking, but both sexes exhibited significant cue-induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking at magnitudes that did not differ either by sex or by estrous cycle phase.DiscussionThese results confirm and extend previous work suggesting that sex does not robustly influence the primary reinforcing effects of oxycodone nor the reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking behavior. However, our findings reveal for the first time that the reinforcing efficacy of IV oxycodone varies across the estrous cycle in female rats.
Regulation of Schwann cell proliferation and migration via miR-195-5p-induced Crebl2 downregulation upon peripheral nerve damage
Authors: Li Shiying , Wu Wenshuang , Zhang Jing , Chen Yu , Wu Yumeng , Wang Xinghui 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundSchwann cells acquire a repair phenotype upon peripheral nerve injury (PNI), generating an optimal microenvironment that drives nerve repair. Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) show differential expression in the damaged peripheral nerve, with critical regulatory functions in Schwann cell features. This study examined the time-dependent expression of miR-195-5p following PNI and demonstrated a marked dysregulation of miR-195-5p in the damaged sciatic nerve.MethodsCCK-8 and EdU assays were used to evaluate the effect of miR-195-5 on Schwann cell viability and proliferation. Schwann cell migration was tested using Transwell and wound healing assays. The miR-195-5p agomir injection experiment was used to evaluate the function of miR-195-5p in vivo. The potential regulators and effects of miR-195-5p were identified through bioinformatics evaluation. The relationship between miR-195-5p and its target was tested using double fluorescence reporter gene analysis.ResultsIn Schwann cells, high levels of miR-195-5p decreased viability and proliferation, while suppressed levels had the opposite effects. However, elevated miR-195-5p promoted Schwann cell migration determined by the Transwell and wound healing assays. In vivo injection of miR-195-5p agomir into rat sciatic nerves promote axon elongation after peripheral nerve injury by affecting Schwann cell distribution and myelin preservation. Bioinformatic assessment further revealed potential regulators and effectors for miR-195-5p, which were utilized to build a miR-195-5p-centered competing endogenous RNA network. Furthermore, miR-195-5p directly targeted cAMP response element binding protein-like 2 (Crebl2) mRNA via its 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) and downregulated Crebl2. Mechanistically, miR-195-5p modulated Schwann cell functions by repressing Crebl2.ConclusionThe above findings suggested a vital role for miR-195-5p/Crebl2 in the regulation of Schwann cell phenotype after sciatic nerve damage, which may contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration.
Impairments to the multisensory integration brain regions during migraine chronification: correlation with the vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Dong Liang , Fan Xiaoping , Fan Yulan , Li Ximao , Li Hui , Zhou Jiying 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesMigraine is often combined with vestibular dysfunction, particularly in patients with chronic migraine (CM). However, the pathogenesis of migraine chronification leading to vestibular dysfunction is not fully understood. The current study investigated whether structural or functional impairments to the brain during migraine chronification could be associated with vestibular dysfunction development.MethodsThe eligible participants underwent clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) determined structural impairment by evaluating alterations in gray matter volume (GMV). Functional impairment was assessed by the mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF). Furthermore, the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of regions possessing impairment was examined with a seed-based approach. We also analyzed the correlations between altered neuroimaging features with clinical variables and performed multiple linear regression.ResultsEighteen CM patients, 18 episodic migraine (EM) patients, and 18 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. A one-way ANOVA indicated the group differences in mALFF. These were located within right supramarginal gyrus (SMG), left angular gyrus (AG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), left middle occipital gyrus (MOG), right rolandic operculum (Rol) and left superior parietal gyrus (SPG). During rsFC analysis, the CM group had more enhanced rsFC of left SPG with left MOG than the EM and HC groups. The EM group revealed enhanced rsFC of left SPG with left AG than the CM and HC groups. In multiple linear regression, after controlling for age, body mass index (BMI) and disease duration, the rsFC of left SPG with left MOG (β = 48.896, p = 0.021) was found to predict the total Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score with an explained variance of 25.1%. Moreover, the rsFC of left SPG with left MOG (β = 1.253, p = 0.003) and right SMG (β = −1.571, p = 0.049) were significant predictors of migraine frequency, accounting for a total explained variance of 73.8%.ConclusionThe functional impairments due to migraine chronification are primarily concentrated in the multisensory integration-related brain regions. Additionally, the rsFC of SPG with MOG can predict the frequency of migraine and the degree of vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, these neuroimaging features could be potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets for developing vestibular dysfunction in migraine.
The role of policy in supporting environmentally sustainable foodservice in healthcare: lessons from exemplar hospitals
Authors: Carino Stefanie , Collins Jorja , Malekpour Shirin , Porter Judi 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundFoodservice in hospitals contributes to the environmental footprint of healthcare delivery. There is little known about the role of policy in supporting environmentally sustainable foodservices. The aim of the study was to explore policy in exemplar environmentally sustainable hospital foodservices from the perspective of hospital staff, toward what makes a policy effective, the limitations of policy, and the influential levels and types of policy.MethodsA generic qualitative inquiry approach was utilized. Staff involved in foodservices were interviewed about the role of policy during 2020–2021 from 14 hospitals across nine countries. Data were analyzed using framework and thematic analysis.ResultsPolicies spanned across high level policies at the level of the healthcare organization, local hospital procedures and protocols, as well as public policy from local, state/provincial and national government. Internal organizational policy was used to embed practices within the organization in the long term and help to build a shared vision and goal where public policy had lacked guidance. The creation, content and methods of communication and creating accountability made internal organizational policy successful. Public policy was most effective when it was mandatory, had clearly defined targets and funding to assist implementation. These exemplar hospitals also demonstrated attributes of policy entrepreneurs by engaging with policy makers to share their stories and lobby government for policy change.DiscussionPolicy from within the healthcare organization is an important mechanism for enabling hospitals to deliver and maintain environmentally sustainable foodservice. Public policy must be designed considering the unique implementation challenges hospitals face to ensure they are successful.
Design and implementation of a community-based mother-to-mother peer support programme for the follow-up of low birthweight infants in rural western Kenya
Authors: Wright Jemma L. , Achieng Florence , Tindi Linda , Patil Manasi , Boga Mwanamvua , Kimani Mary , Barsosio Hellen C. , Juma Dan , Kiige Laura , Manu Alexander , Kariuki Simon , Mathai Matthews , Nabwera Helen M. 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundGlobally, low birthweight (LBW) infants (&lt;2,500 g) have the highest risk of mortality during the first year of life. Those who survive often have adverse health outcomes. Post-discharge outcomes of LBW infants in impoverished communities in Africa are largely unknown. This paper describes the design and implementation of a mother-to-mother peer training and mentoring programme for the follow-up of LBW infants in rural Kenya.MethodsKey informant interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of neonates (infants &lt;28 days) from two rural communities in western Kenya. These data informed the identification of key characteristics required for mother-to-mother peer supporters (peer mothers) following up LBW infants post discharge. Forty potential peer mothers were invited to attend a 5-day training programme that focused on three main themes: supportive care using appropriate communication, identification of severe illness, and recommended care strategies for LBW infants. Sixteen peer mothers were mentored to conduct seven community follow-up visits to each mother-LBW infant pair with fifteen completing all the visits over a 6-month period. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the implementation of the programme. Quantitative data of peer mother socio-demographic characteristics, recruitment, and retention was collected. Two post-training focus group discussions were conducted with the peer mothers to explore their experiences of the programme. Descriptive statistics were generated from the quantitative data and the qualitative data was analysed using a thematic framework.ResultsThe median age of the peer mothers was 26 years (range 21–43). From March-August 2019, each peer mother conducted a median of 28 visits (range 7–77) with fourteen (88%) completing all their assigned follow-up visits. Post training, our interviews suggest that peer mothers felt empowered to promote appropriate infant feeding practices. They gave multiple examples of improved health seeking behaviours as a result of the peer mother training programme.ConclusionOur peer mother training programme equipped peer mothers with the knowledge and skills for the post-discharge follow-up of LBW infants in this rural community in Kenya. Community-based interventions for LBW infants, delivered by appropriately trained peer mothers, have the potential to address the current gaps in post-discharge care for these infants.
Ginseng and health outcomes: an umbrella review
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Wang Yang , Xu Qing , Ma Jinxin , Li Xuan , Tian Yibing , Wen Yandong , Chen Ting 
Published: July 2023

Background: Ginseng consumption has been associated with various health outcomes. However, there are no review articles summarizing these reports.Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, CNKI and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to 31 July 2022. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) systems were used to assess the methodological quality and quality of evidence in each meta-analysis, and the results were summarized in a narrative form.Results: Nineteen meta-analyses that met the eligibility criteria were identified from among 1,233 papers. The overall methodological quality was relatively poor, with only five studies being low-quality, and 14 critically low-quality. When compared with control treatments (mainly placebo), ginseng was beneficial for improving fatigue and physical function, sexual function, menopausal symptoms, metabolic indicators, inflammatory markers, unstable angina and respiratory diseases. Adverse events included gastrointestinal symptoms and potential bleeding; however, no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: This umbrella review suggests that ginseng intake has beneficial therapeutic effects for diverse diseases. However, the methodological quality of studies needs to be improved considerably. In addition, it is imperative to establish the clinical efficacy of ginseng through high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Inhibitory activity of flavonoids fraction from Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge stems and leaves on Bacillus cereus and its separation and purification
Authors: Cui Liyan , Ma Zhennan , Li Wenhui , Ma Haihui , Guo Shang , Wang Defu , Niu Yanbing 
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Astragalusmembranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge is a traditional botanical drug with antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and other biological activities. In the process of industrialization of A. membranaceus, most of the aboveground stems and leaves are discarded without resource utilization except for a small amount of low-value applications such as composting. This study explored the antibacterial activity of A. membranaceus stem and leaf extracts to evaluate its potential as a feed antibiotic substitute.Materials and methods: The antibacterial activity of the flavonoid, saponin, and polysaccharide fractions in A. membranaceus stems and leaves was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The inhibitory activity of the flavonoid fraction from A. membranaceus stems and leaves on B. cereus was explored from the aspects of the growth curve, cell wall, cell membrane, biofilm, bacterial protein, and virulence factors. On this basis, the flavonoid fraction in A. membranaceus stems and leaves were isolated and purified by column chromatography to determine the main antibacterial components.Results: The flavonoid fraction in A. membranaceus stems and leaves had significant inhibitory activity against B. cereus, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 1.5625 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. A. membranaceus stem and leaf flavonoid fraction can induce death of B. cereus in many ways, such as inhibiting growth, destroying cell wall and cell membrane integrity, inhibiting biofilm formation, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, and downregulating virulence factor expression. In addition, it was clear that the main flavonoid with antibacterial activity in A. membranaceus stems and leaves was isoliquiritigenin. Molecular docking showed that isoliquiritigenin could form a hydrogen bonding force with FtsZ.Conclusion:A. membranaceus stem and leaf flavonoid fractions had significant inhibitory activity against B. cereus, and the main chemical composition was isoliquiritigenin.