bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Plasmodium falciparum HRP-2 antigenaemia after artemisinin combination therapy is not associated with gametocytes
Authors: Oulton Tate , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Sanogo Koualy , Diallo Makonon , Youssouf Ahamadou , Niambele Sidi M. , Samaké Siaka , Keita Sekouba , Sinaba Youssouf , Sacko Adama , Traore Sekou F. , Lanke Kjerstin , Collins Katharine A. , Bradley John , Drakeley Chris , Stone Will J. R. , Dicko Alassane 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
In some settings, sensitive field diagnostic tools may be needed to achieve elimination of falciparum malaria. To this end, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on the detection of the Plasmodium falciparum protein HRP-2 are being developed with increasingly lower limits of detection. However, it is currently unclear how parasite stages that are unaffected by standard drug treatments may contribute to HRP-2 detectability and potentially confound RDT results even after clearance of blood stage infection. This study assessed the detectability of HRP-2 in periods of post-treatment residual gametocytaemia.

Methods
A cohort of 100 P.falciparum infected, gametocyte positive individuals were treated with or without the gametocytocidal drug primaquine (PQ), alongside standard artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), in the context of a randomised clinical trial in Ouelessebougou, Mali. A quantitative ELISA was used to measure levels of HRP-2, and compared time to test negativity using a standard and ultra-sensitive RDT (uRDT) between residual gametocyte positive and negative groups.

Results
Time to test negativity was longest by uRDT, followed by ELISA and then standard RDT. No significant difference in time to negativity was found between the treatment groups with and without residual gametocytes: uRDT (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.52–1.21], p = 0.28), RDT (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.51–1.15], p = 0.20) or ELISA (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.59–1.32], p = 0.53). Similarly, no difference was observed when adjusting for baseline asexual parasite density. Quantified levels of HRP-2 over time were similar between groups, with differences attributable to asexual parasite densities. Furthermore, no difference in levels of HRP-2 was found between individuals who were or were not infectious to mosquitoes (OR 1.19 [95% CI 0.98–1.46], p = 0.077).

Conclusions
Surviving sexual stage parasites after standard ACT treatment do not contribute to the persistence of HRP-2 antigenaemia, and appear to have little impact on RDT results.
‘HIV ended up in second place’ − prioritizing social integration in the shadow of social exclusion: an interview study with migrants living with HIV in Sweden
Authors: Nkulu-Kalengayi Faustine Kyungu , Ouma Anne Adhiambo , Hurtig Anna-Karin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Migrants are overrepresented among people living with HIV in Sweden as they often face conditions that increased their risk and vulnerability for HIV/STI infections prior, during or after migration. Yet, there is limited research on their experiences and perceptions of living with HIV in the Swedish context. This study aims to explore migrants’ experiences of living with HIV in Sweden.

Methods
This is a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with 13 migrants from 11 countries living with HIV in Sweden. Interviews were analysed with thematic analysis using an intersectional perspective to explore the interactions of multiple social identities such as ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, age, and sexual orientation that shape an individual’s or group’s experiences.

Results
The analysis resulted in a main theme: ‘Prioritizing social integration-HIV ends up in second place’, which is based on four subthemes: ‘Better opportunities in the new country than what the home country could offer’, ‘Better conditions for LGBTQI people than in the home country’, ‘Navigating a new system: linguistic and bureaucratic challenges’ and ‘Feeling like a second-class resident: racism, xenophobia and multiple discrimination’. The results suggest that migrants living with HIV in Sweden experience social integration as a greater challenge than HIV infection. Although the new country offers opportunities for better living conditions, many participants described being challenged in their daily life by linguistic and structural barriers in their encounters with public services. They are facing multiple discrimination simultaneously as migrants due to their multiple and intersecting identities (e.g. being non-white, foreigners/foreign-born and non-Swedish speakers), which is compounded by HIV status and thus limit their opportunities in the new country and too often result in an existence of exclusion.

Conclusion
The study shows that most of the challenges that migrants living with HIV face are related to their status as migrants rather than HIV status, which is often not known by the public or authorities. These challenges are similar, but still differ depending on social position, previous experiences, time since arrival and since diagnosis. This emphasizes the importance of both intersectional, intersectoral and multisectoral approaches to address reported issues.
Help-seeking and challenges faced by transwomen following exposure to gender-based violence; a qualitative study in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda
Authors: Ssekamatte Tonny , Nalugya Aisha , Isunju John Bosco , Naume Muyanga , Oputan Patience , Kiguli Juliet , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Kibira Simon Peter S. , Ssekamatte David , Orza Luisa , Mugambe Richard K. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) among transwomen is a human rights and public health challenge. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence of sources of GBV support services and the challenges faced by transwomen while help-seeking, especially in transphobic settings like Uganda. This study explored the sources of GBV support services and the challenges faced by transwomen in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area during help-seeking.

Methods
A qualitative study design involving 60 transwomen and 10 key informants was conducted. Respondents were recruited using snowball sampling. An in-depth interview (IDI), and a focus group discussion guide were used to collect data from 20 IDI respondents and six focus group discussants. Each focus group discussion averaged six participants. A key informant interview guide was used for key informant interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed following a thematic framework, informed by the socio-ecological model. Data were organised into themes and subthemes using NVivo 12.0.

Results
The sources of support following exposure to GBV included key population-friendly healthcare facilities and civil society organisations (CSOs), and friends and family. Friends and family provided emotional support while key population-friendly healthcare facilities offered medical services including HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Key population CSOs provided shelter, nutritional support, and legal advice to GBV victims. Lack of recognition of transgender identity; long distances to healthcare facilities; discrimination by healthcare providers and CSO staff, inappropriate questioning of the trans-gender identity by police officers and healthcare providers, and the lack of trans-competent healthcare providers and legal personnel hindered help-seeking following exposure to GBV.

Conclusion
The immediate sources of GBV support services included key population-friendly healthcare facilities and CSOs, police, and friends and family. However, a significant number of transwomen did not report incidences of GBV. Transwomen were discriminated against at some key population healthcare facilities and CSOs, and police, which hindered help-seeking following exposure to GBV. This study highlights the need to tackle internalized stigma and discrimination against transwomen at the existing sources of GBV support. There is also a need to train law enforcers and legal personnel on the right to access healthcare among transwomen in Uganda.
Association between combined exposure to plasma heavy metals and dyslipidemia in a chinese population
Authors: Luo Tingyu , Chen Shiyi , Cai Jiansheng , Liu Qiumei , Gou Ruoyu , Mo Xiaoting , Tang Xu , He Kailian , Xiao Song , Wei Yanfei , Lin Yinxia , Huang Shenxiang , Li Tingjun , Chen Ziqi , Li Ruiying , Li You , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundExposure to heavy metals in the environment is widespread, while the relationship between combined exposure to heavy metals and dyslipidemia is unclear.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed, and 3544 participants aged 30 years or older were included in the analyses. Heavy metal concentrations in plasma were based on inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. The relationship between heavy metals and dyslipidemia was estimated by logistic regression. BKMR was used to evaluate metal mixtures and their potential interactions.ResultsIn logistic regression analysis, participants in the fourth quartile of Fe and Zn (Fe > 1352.38 µg/L; Zn > 4401.42 µg/L) had a relatively higher risk of dyslipidemia (Fe, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.92,1.38; Zn, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03,1.64). After sex stratification, females in the third quartile of plasma Zn (1062.05-4401.42 µg/L) had a higher relative risk of dyslipidemia (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.38). In BKMR analysis, metal mixtures were negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females when all metal concentrations were above the 50th percentile. In the total population (estimated from 0.030 to 0.031), As was positively associated with dyslipidemia when other metals were controlled at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentile, respectively, and As was below the 75th percentile. In females (estimated from − 0.037 to -0.031), Zn was negatively associated with dyslipidemia when it was above the 50th percentile.ConclusionThis study indicated that As was positively associated with dyslipidemia and that Zn may be negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females. Combined metal exposure was negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females. Females with low plasma Zn levels are more likely to develop dyslipidemia and should receive more clinical attention in this population.
Reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment with reduced redox level by microwave-chemo-immunostimulant Ce–Mn MOF for improved immunotherapy
Authors: Zeng Zhiheng , Fu Changhui , Sun Xiaohan , Niu Meng , Ren Xiangling , Tan Longfei , Wu Qiong , Huang Zhongbing , Meng Xianwei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Backgrounds
Reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in the tumor is widely deemed to be an effective strategy to improve immune therapy. In particular, the redox balance in TME needs to be well controlled due to its critical role in mediating the functions of various cells, including cancer cells and immune-suppressive cells.

Results
Here, we propose an efficient strategy to reshape the redox homeostasis to reverse immunosuppressive TME. Specifically, we developed a microwave-chemo-immunostimulant CMMCP to promote the infiltration of the tumor-T cells by simultaneously reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) and improving the oxygen (O2) levels in TME. The CMMCP was designed by loading chemotherapy drugs cisplatin into the bimetallic Ce–Mn MOF nanoparticles coated with polydopamine. The Ce–Mn MOF nanoparticles can effectively improve the catalytic decomposition of ROS into O2 under microwave irradiation, resulting in overcoming hypoxia and limited ROS generation. Besides, the activity of intracellular GSH in TME was reduced by the redox reaction with Ce–Mn MOF nanoparticles. The reprogrammed TME not only boosts the immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by cisplatin and microwave hyperthermia but also gives rise to the polarization of pro-tumor M2-type macrophages to the anti-tumor M1-type ones.

Conclusion
Our in vivo experimental results demonstrate that the microwave-chemo-immunostimulant CMMCP significantly enhances the T cell infiltration and thus improves the antitumor effect. This study presents an easy, safe, and effective strategy for a whole-body antitumor effect after local treatment.
A mitochondria-anchored supramolecular photosensitizer as a pyroptosis inducer for potent photodynamic therapy and enhanced antitumor immunity
Authors: Wang Hong , Jing Guoxin , Niu Jintong , Yang Li , Li Youyuan , Gao Yi , Wang Huichao , Xu Xiaorong , Qian Yechang , Wang Shilong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe discovery of a potent photosensitizer with desirable immunogenic cell death (ICD) ability can prominently enhance antitumor immunity in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, majority of commercially-available photosensitizers suffer from serious aggregation and fail to elicit sufficient ICD. Pyroptosis as a newly identified pattern for potent ICD generation is rarely disclosed in reported photosensitizers. In addition, the photosensitizer with excellent mitochondria-anchored ability evokes prominent mitochondria oxidative stress, and consequently induces ICD.ResultsHerein, a novel supramolecular photosensitizer LDH@ZnPc is reported, without complicated preparation, but reveals desirable pyroptosis-triggered ability with mitochondria anchoring feature. LDH@ZnPc is obtained through isolation of ZnPc using positive charged layered double hydroxides (LDH), and excellent mitochondria-anchored ability is achieved. More importantly, LDH@ZnPc-mediated PDT can effectively initiate gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo results verify robust ICD ability and potent tumor inhibition efficacy, and antitumor immunity towards distant tumor inhibition.ConclusionsThis study reveals that LDH@ZnPc can act as an excellent pyroptosis inducer with simultaneous mitochondria anchoring ability for enhancing photodynamic therapy and boosting antitumor immunity.Graphical Abstract
Nanotopographical cues for regulation of macrophages and osteoclasts: emerging opportunities for osseointegration
Authors: He Yide , Gao Yuanxue , Ma Qianli , Zhang Xige , Zhang Yumei , Song Wen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNanotopographical cues of bone implant surface has direct influences on various cell types during the establishment of osseointegration, a prerequisite of implant bear-loading. Given the important roles of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells in bone regeneration and remodeling, the regulation of nanotopographies on macrophages and osteoclasts has arisen considerable attentions recently. However, compared to osteoblastic cells, how nanotopographies regulate macrophages and osteoclasts has not been properly summarized. In this review, the roles and interactions of macrophages, osteoclasts and osteoblasts at different stages of bone healing is firstly presented. Then, the diversity and preparation methods of nanotopographies are summarized. Special attentions are paid to the regulation characterizations of nanotopographies on macrophages polarization and osteoclast differentiation, as well as the focal adhesion-cytoskeleton mediated mechanism. Finally, an outlook is indicated of coordinating nanotopographies, macrophages and osteoclasts to achieve better osseointegration. These comprehensive discussions may not only help to guide the optimization of bone implant surface nanostructures, but also provide an enlightenment to the osteoimmune response to external implant.
Splenic-targeting biomimetic nanovaccine for elevating protective immunity against virus infection
Authors: Huo Jian , Zhang Angke , Wang Shuqi , Cheng Hanghang , Fan Daopeng , Huang Ran , Wang Yanan , Wan Bo , Zhang Gaiping , He Hua 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of viral infectious diseases has become a serious threat to public safety, economic and social development. Vaccines have been served as the most effective platform to prevent virus transmission via the activation of host immune responses, while the low immunogenicity or safety, the high cost of production, storage, transport limit their effective clinical application. Therefore, there is a need to develop a promising strategy to improve the immunogenicity and safety of vaccines.

Methods
We developed a splenic-targeting biomimetic nanovaccine (NV) that can boost protective humoral and cellular immunity against african swine fever virus (ASFV) infection. The universal PLGA nanoparticles (CMR-PLGA/p54 NPs) coated with mannose and CpG (TLR9 agonist) co-modified red blood cell (RBC) membrane were prepared, which comprised a viral antigen (p54) and can be served as a versatile nanovaccine for elevating protective immunity.

Results
CMR-PLGA/p54 NVs could be effectively uptaken by BMDC and promoted BMDC maturation in vitro. After subcutaneous immunization, antigen could be effectively delivered to the splenic dendritic cells (DCs) due to the splenic homing ability of RBC and DC targeting capacity of mannose, which promoted antigen presentation and DCs maturation, and further elicited higher levels of cytokines secretion and specific IgG titers, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells activation and B maturation. Moreover, NVs demonstrated notable safety during the immunization period.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the high potential of CMR-PLGA NPs as vaccine delivery carriers to promote humoral and cellular immune responses, and it provides a promising strategy to develop safe and effective vaccines against viral infectious diseases.
Proteomic analysis of small extracellular vesicles from the plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dong Wei , Xia Zeyu , Chai Zehua , Qiu Zhidong , Wang Xuehong , Yang Zebin , Wang Junnan , Zhang Tingrui , Zhang Qinqin , Jin Junfei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Liver cancer is one of the most common tumors with the seventh-highest incidence and the third-highest mortality. Many studies have shown that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play an important role in liver cancer. Here, we report comprehensive signatures for sEV proteins from plasma obtained from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which might be valuable for the evaluation and diagnosis of HCC.

Methods
We extracted sEVs from the plasma of controls and patients with HCC. Differentially expressed proteins in the sEVs were analyzed using label-free quantification and bioinformatic analyses. Western blotting (WB) was used to validate the abovementioned sEV proteins.

Results
Proteomic analysis was performed for plasma sEVs from 21 patients with HCC and 15 controls. Among the 335 identified proteins in our study, 27 were significantly dysregulated, including 13 upregulated proteins that were involved predominantly in the complement cascade (complement C1Q subcomponent subunit B (C1QB), complement C1Q subcomponent subunit C (C1QC), C4B-binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA), and C4B-binding protein beta chain (C4BPB)) and the coagulation cascade (F13B, fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA), fibrinogen beta chain (FGB), and fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG)). We verified increased levels of the C1QB, C1QC, C4BPA, and C4BPB proteins in the plasma sEVs from patients with HCC in both the discovery cohort and validation cohort.

Conclusions
The complement cascade in sEVs was significantly involved in HCC progression. C1QB, C1QC, C4BPA, and C4BPB were highly abundant in the plasma sEVs from patients with HCC and might represent molecular signatures.
Clinical application of noninvasive chromosomal screening for elective single-blastocyst transfer in frozen-thawed cycles
Authors: Chen Rui , Tang Ni , Du Hongzi , Yao Yaxin , Zou Yangyun , Wang Jing , Zhao Dunmei , Zhou Xueliang , Luo Yang , Li Lei , Mao Yuling 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to explore the clinical application of noninvasive chromosomal screening (NICS) for elective single-blastocyst transfer (eSBT) in frozen-thawed cycles.

Methods
This study retrospectively analysed the data of 212 frozen-thawed single-blastocyst transfers performed in our centre from January 2019 to July 2019. The frozen embryos were selected based on morphological grades and placed in preincubation for 6 h after warming. Then spent microdroplet culture media of frozen-thawed blastocysts were harvested and subjected to NICS. The clinical outcomes were evaluated and further stratified analysis were performed, especially different fertilization approaches.

Results
The clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates in the euploidy group were significantly higher than those in the aneuploidy group (56.2% versus 29.4%) but were nonsignificantly different from those in the chaotic abnormal/NA embryos group (56.2% versus 60.4%). Compared with day6 (D6) blastocysts, D5 blastocysts had a nonsignificantly different euploidy rate (40.4% versus 48.1%, P = 0.320) but significantly increased clinical pregnancy (57.7% versus 22.2%, P < 0.001), ongoing pregnancy (48.1% versus 14.8%, P < 0.001), and live birth rates (48.1% versus 13.0%, P < 0.001). The percentage of chaotic abnormal/NA embryos group was significantly higher among D5 embryos than among D6 embryos (30.1% versus 11.1%, P = 0.006). The percentage of aneuploid embryos was higher among the embryos with lower morphological quality(21.5% among ‘good’ embryos versus 34.6% among ‘fair’ embryos versus 46.0% among ‘poor’ embryos, P = 0.013); correspondingly, the overall clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rate rates showed similar declines.

Conclusions
NICS combined with morphological assessment is an effective tool to guide frozen-thawed SBT. The optimal embryo for SBT is a ‘euploid embryo with good morphology’, followed sequentially by a ‘chaotic abnormal/NA embryo with good morphology’, ‘euploid embryo with fair morphology’, and ‘chaotic abnormal/NA embryo with fair morphology’.