bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children and adults results in similar Fc‐mediated antibody effector function patterns
Authors: Gelderloos Anne T , Lakerveld Anke J , Schepp Rutger M , Nicolaie Mioara Alina , van Beek Josine , Beckers Lisa , van Binnendijk Robert S , Rots Nynke Y , van Kasteren Puck B 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesIncreasing evidence suggests that Fc‐mediated antibody effector functions have an important role in protection against respiratory viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. However, limited data are available on the potential differences in the development, heterogeneity and durability of these responses in children compared to adults.MethodsHere, we assessed the development of spike S1‐specific serum antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement deposition (ADCD) and natural killer cell activation (ADNKA), alongside specific antibody binding concentrations (IgG, IgA and IgM) and IgG avidity in healthy adults (n = 38, 18–56 years) and children (n = 21, 5–16 years) following primary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, with a 10‐month longitudinal follow‐up. Differences between groups were assessed using a nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons test.ResultsWe found similar (functional) antibody responses in children compared to adults, with a tendency for increased durability in children, which was statistically significant for ADCD (P < 0.05). While ADNKA was strongly reduced in both adults (P < 0.001) and children (P < 0.05) at the latest time point, ADCP remained relatively stable over time, possibly relating to an increase in avidity of the spike‐specific antibodies (P < 0.001). Finally, the ADNKA capacity relative to antibody concentration appeared to decrease over time in both children and adults.ConclusionIn conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the development of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody Fc‐mediated effector functions in children and adults. An increased understanding of these characteristics in specific age populations is valuable for the future design of novel and improved vaccination strategies for respiratory viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2.
Epstein–Barr virus‐positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A brief report of a rare neoplasm diagnosed with cytopathology on a splenic biopsy
Authors: Simoes Nathalie J. Rodrigues , Parra Ourania , Schoolcraft Daniel K. , Karrs Jeremiah X. , Liu Xiaoying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSplenic biopsies for cytology remain challenging due to the inherent difficulty in obtaining adequate samples and the paucity of literature on rare entities arising in the spleen. Among these, are tumors arising from blood vessels, lymphomas and rarely, mesenchymal dendritic cell neoplasms. An important but rarely considered entity primarily arising in the spleen is Epstein–Barr virus‐positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (EBV+ IFDCS). EBV+ IFDCS is an indolent neoplasm with useful cytomorphologic and distinct biologic characteristics that can be evaluated on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and small biopsies. In this report, we present a challenging case with the final diagnosis facilitated by cytomorphology and diagnostic markers in an ambiguous initial presentation.
Increase of serum pancreatic enzymes during hospitalization for acute heart failure
Authors: Vijver Marlene A.T. , Dams Olivier C. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Beldhuis Iris E. , Damman Kevin , Voors Adriaan A. , Verdonk Robert C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. 
Published: July 2024

AimsAcute heart failure (AHF) is associated with end‐organ dysfunction. The effect of AHF on the pancreas has not been studied. We aim to evaluate serum markers of pancreatic damage during hospitalization for AHF.Methods and resultsIn data from the Pragmatic Urinary Sodium‐based treatment algoritHm in Acute Heart Failure (PUSH‐AHF) study, amylase and lipase values were extracted from available serum samples at baseline, and at 24 and 72 h after hospitalization. The differences between pancreatic enzymes between timepoints were evaluated using the Friedman test. Associations with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were tested using linear regression analysis. The study population consisted of 274 patients. Mean age was 73 ± 11 years, and 117 (43%) were women. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38 ± 14%; 53 (19%) patients had HF with a preserved LVEF (≥50%). At baseline, median amylase and lipase were within normal range (47 [33–63] U/L and 30 [21–44] U/L, respectively). Both enzymes significantly increased in the first 72 h (P‐value for trend <0.001); mean change was 9 ± 22 U/L for amylase, and 10 ± 22 U/L for lipase. Moreover, NT‐proBNP at baseline showed a positive correlation with mean change in pancreatic enzymes in 72 h (P = 0.02 for amylase and P = 0.006 for lipase).ConclusionPatients admitted for AHF exhibited a significant increase in serum values of pancreatic enzymes in the first 72 h, suggesting that an episode of AHF affects the pancreatic tissue. This rise in pancreatic enzymes was associated with HF severity, as reflected by NT‐proBNP.
Testing seismic isolators for the effect of maximum earthquake based on measure of cumulative energy
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Myung , Constantinou Michael C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper presents results on what the conditions of testing for assessing the adequacy of seismic isolators in the maximum considered earthquake should be by utilizing an approach in which the cumulative dissipated energy history is used as the performance parameter. This test is what is described as Item 4 in section 17.8.2.2 of standard ASCE/SEI 7. The approach used follows the paradigm of another study in which the history of temperature at the sliding interfaces or in the bulk of the lead core of isolators was used. In conducting this work, many isolation systems (a total of 96 systems, single friction pendulum, triple friction pendulum, and lead‐rubber) were used, with isolator models capable of simulating the effects of heating on the strength of the isolators. The study utilized a large set of bi‐directional ground motions with short‐ and long‐duration characteristics (71 pairs of short‐ and long‐duration ground motions, 96 isolation systems, three seismic intensities, for a total of 40,896 ground motion pairs). The adequacy tests were designed to reproduce various percentile cumulative energy histories obtained in the response history analysis. The requirements of these tests are compared to the testing requirements obtained by the use of temperature history as the performance criterion, and the test currently prescribed as test item 4 of section 17.8.2.2 of standard ASCE/SEI‐7. The study shows that use of the cumulative dissipated energy as the performance criterion for designing tests to represent the effects of maximum earthquake results in onerous testing requirements. This is because the cumulative energy increases monotonically without accounting for fluctuations in the seismic ground motion intensity, unlike the history of temperature at the sliding interfaces or the lead core of isolators. Accordingly, tests designed using the temperature as the performance criterion are recommended for use in specifications for testing.
Research on crack distribution characteristics and control technology of surrounding rock in soft rock roadway under different lateral pressure coefficients
Authors: Ma Yujie , Wang Weijun , Fan Lei , Yuan Chao , Tian Xinyu , Shu Shihai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo solve the problem of controlling large deformation of surrounding rock in deep soft rock roadway, the distribution characteristics and deformation mechanism of surrounding rock cracks in soft rock roadway under different lateral pressure coefficients are studied using numerical simulation, theoretical analysis, and field measurement. The results show that under different lateral pressure coefficients, the range of surrounding rock cracks shows three forms: round, oval, and butterfly. No matter what lateral pressure coefficient the roadway is in, the surrounding rock cracks always appear in the plastic zone, and there is a high correlation between the surrounding rock crack range and the plastic zone. The stress characteristics of the surrounding rock in the plastic zone include two main aspects. One is that the direction of the principal stress of the surrounding rock is deflected, which is manifested as an annular distribution of the direction of the maximum principal stress around the roadway. The direction of the minimum principal stress in the upper part of the roadway points to the center of the roadway, and the direction of the minimum principal stress in the lower part of the roadway deviates from the center of the roadway. Second, the ratio of the maximum to minimum principal stress in the surrounding rock is large. Under this stress characteristic, the surrounding rock in the plastic zone has strong shear dilation. The shear dilation makes the crack of the surrounding rock open so that the surrounding rock is squeezed into the roadway space, and then the roadway produces large deformation. Due to the large range of cracks in the butterfly‐shaped plastic zone, the shear dilation deformation produced by the butterfly‐shaped plastic zone is far more than that of the round/oval plastic zone. According to the crack range of roadway surrounding rock under different lateral pressure coefficients, the corresponding support scheme is put forward. Field experiments show that the support scheme can effectively control the deformation of surrounding rock and meet the requirements of roadway use.
A comprehensive study on effective triple‐phase boundary density and its correlation with active anode thickness in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Shaukat Shingruf , Tabish Asif Nadeem , Irshad Muneeb , Akbar Samina , Farhat Iqra , Fan Liyuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly promising devices for efficient and low‐emission energy conversion. The effective triple‐phase boundary (TPB) density refers to the fraction of percolated TPB density that effectively contributes to the current production during cell operation. This is one of the most fundamental and least understood aspects of the cell design and performance assessment. This study methodically investigates the effective TPB density, using a computational fluid dynamics model based on the TPB‐based kinetics and its correlation with the active anode thickness. Experimental data from previously published studies with varying thicknesses of anode functional layer and operating regimes are utilized to validate the model. The results of this study reaffirm that a significant fraction of the percolated TPB density in SOFCs remains unused during cell operation. This finding emphasizes the need to consider the effective TPB density for theoretical and experimental investigations focusing on optimizing cell performance. Furthermore, an inverse relationship is observed between the effective TPB density and the active anode thickness; a lower active anode thickness corresponds to a higher effective TPB density and vice versa. These findings contribute to advancing sustainable energy systems by guiding the development of more efficient SOFC designs and operational strategies that effectively utilize TPB sites.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐21 correlates with the reactive oxygen species and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Shufang Ma , Xiaojiao Han , Yinhong Kang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder and its characteristics include the immune system's invasion of the healthy lining of the joints and the articular structures degeneration. The IL‐21 pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) might have a role in the RA etiopathogenesis. The present study assessed the correlation of IL‐21 with vitamin 25(OH)D and the ROS.MethodsThe study included 120 RA patients and 60 healthy group. The RA patients were categorized based on rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity or seronegativity and the RA severity. Chemiluminescent immunoassay and 10% hematocrit were used to check levels of vitamin 25(OH)D and ROS, respectively. ELISA was used for the detection of IL‐21 in the plasma.ResultsThe RA patients had a significantly reduced vitamin 25(OH)D level compared to the healthy controls. The IL‐21 and ROS were however significantly increased in the RA patients compared to the controls. Further, the seropositive RF and the high RA severity patients had significant IL‐21 and ROS increase in comparison with the seronegative RF and the low severity RA patients. Finally, IL‐21 negatively correlated with vitamin 25(OH)D, but positively correlated with the ROS.ConclusionThis is the first investigation to confirm the relationship between IL‐21 with vitamin 25(OH)D and the ROS among the RA patients. The findings indicate that vitamin 25(OH)D is reduced in the RA patients' serum. ROS and IL‐21 are also associated with increased RA severity.
The affecting factors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer: A cross‐sectional Jordanian study
Authors: Mubarak Sawsan , AlGhawire Hadeel , AlNaimat Sumaiah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveChildren with cancer have higher mortality and morbidity rates than have been reported in general children patients infected by coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID‐19). Thus, for children with cancer, COVID‐19 vaccination is a priority. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer in Jordan.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted during the third quarter of 2022 at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan. The study employed a self‐administered questionnaire, incorporating COVID‐specific questions. Participants included parents of children aged 18 years or younger undergoing treatment or monitoring at the center. A straightforward random sampling approach was used to recruit participants. Ethical approval and institutional permission were obtained, ensuring voluntary participation with the right to withdraw.ResultsA total of 409 participants, predominantly female, were enrolled in the study. Notably, most of the enrolled parents did not intend to have their children vaccinated either for seasonal flu or for COVID‐19, 76.2% and 78.7%, respectively. The bulk of the parents were encouraged to vaccinate their child by the child's pediatrician (82.9%). Parents' age and their children's age were significantly influenced their willingness to vaccinate their children with the COVID‐19 vaccine (p < .001), in which parents' age group 45−54 years and children's age group above 15 years old show the highest vaccination rate. Meanwhile, there was a significant association between children's vaccination with parents suffering from chronic disease (p < .001) and parents receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine (p = .014). There are still some concerns regarding the COVID‐19 vaccine's effectiveness, safety, and whether it is essential for their child.ConclusionA large proportion of parents in Jordan are hesitant about the COVID‐19 vaccine when considering its administration to their children with cancer. This finding emphasizes the importance of communication and education to address vaccination hesitancy.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between the D‐dimer and rheumatic diseases
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is good evidence that specific autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RDs), for example, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are associated with a state of hypercoagulability and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, limited information regarding this association is available for other autoimmune or autoinflammatory RDs. We sought to address this issue by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between the d‐dimer, an established marker of hypercoagulability and VTE, and RDs and the possible clinical and demographic factors mediating this association.MethodsWe searched the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to January 31, 2024. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively.ResultsIn 31 studies selected for analysis (2724 RD patients and 3437 healthy controls), RD patients had overall significantly higher d‐dimer concentrations when compared to controls (standard mean difference = 0.93, 95% CI 0.76−1.10, p < .001; I2 = 86.1%, p < .001; moderate certainty of evidence). The results were stable in a sensitivity analysis. Significant associations were observed between the effect size of the between‐group differences in d‐dimer concentration and age, specific RD and RD category, RD duration, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor, C‐reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.ConclusionsOverall, patients with RDs have significantly higher d‐dimer concentrations when compared with healthy controls, indicating a state of hypercoagulability. The alterations in d‐dimer concentrations are mediated by age, specific RD and RD category, RD duration, and markers of anticoagulation and inflammation. Further research is warranted to investigate d‐dimer concentrations across the spectrum of RDs and their utility in predicting and managing VTE in these patients (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024517712).
Development and characterization of a multimeric recombinant protein using the spike protein receptor binding domain as an antigen to induce SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization
Authors: de Lima Veronica A. , Nunes João P. S. , Rosa Daniela S. , Ferreira Rodrigo , Oliva Maria L. V. , Andreata‐Santos Robert , Duarte‐Barbosa Marcia , Janini Luiz M. R. , Maricato Juliana T. , Akamatsu Milena A. , Ho Paulo L. , Schenkman Sergio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSARS‐CoV2 virus, responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic, has four structural proteins and 16 nonstructural proteins. S‐protein is one of the structural proteins exposed on the virus surface and is the main target for producing neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. The S‐protein forms a trimer that can bind the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its receptor binding domain (RBD) for cell entry.AimsThe goal of this study was to express in HEK293 cells a new RBD recombinant protein in a constitutive and stable manner in order to use it as an alternative immunogen and diagnostic tool for COVID‐19.Materials & MethodsThe protein was designed to contain an immunoglobulin signal sequence, an explanded C‐terminal section of the RBD, a region responsible for the bacteriophage T4 trimerization inducer, and six histidines in the pCDNA‐3.1 plasmid. Following transformation, the cells were selected with geneticin‐G418 and purified from serum‐fre culture supernatants using Ni2+‐agarand size exclusion chromatography. The protein was structurally identified by cross‐linking and circular dichroism experiments, and utilized to immunize mice in conjuction with AS03 or alum adjuvants. The mice sera were examined for antibody recognition, receptor‐binding inhibition, and virus neutralization, while spleens were evaluated for γ‐interferon production in the presence of RBD.ResultsThe protein released in the culture supernatant of cells, and exhibited a molecular mass of 135 kDa with a secondary structure like the monomeric and trimeric RBD. After purification, it formed a multimeric structure comprising trimers and hexamers, which were able to bind the ACE2 receptor. It generated high antibody titers in mice when combined with AS03 adjuvant (up to 1:50,000). The sera were capable of inhibiting binding of biotin‐labeled ACE2 to the virus S1 subunit and could neutralize the entry of the Wuhan virus strain into cells at dilutions up to 1:2000. It produced specific IFN‐γ producing cells in immunized mouse splenocytes.DiscussionOur data describe a new RBD containing protein, forming trimers and hexamers, which are able to induce a protective humoral and cellular response against SARS‐CoV2.ConclusionThese results add a new arsenal to combat COVID‐19, as an alternative immunogen or antigen for diagnosis.
Infertility following trisomic pregnancies: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Wedenoja Satu , Pihlajamäki Mika , Gissler Mika , Wedenoja Juho , Öhman Hanna , Heinonen Seppo , Kere Juha , Kääriäinen Helena , Tanner Laura 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo study whether gynecologic or reproductive disorders show association with trisomic conceptions.MethodsThis nationwide cohort study utilized the Registry of Congenital Malformations to identify women who had a trisomic pregnancy (n = 5784), either with trisomy 13 (T13; n = 351), trisomy 18 (T18; n = 1065) or trisomy 21 (T21; n = 4369) from 1987 to 2018. We used the Finnish Maternity cohort to match the cases to population controls (n = 34 422) on the age, residence, and timing of pregnancy. These data were cross‐linked to the ICD‐10 diagnoses of the national Care Registry for Health Care data on specialized health care in Finland during 1996 to 2019. Both inflammatory (ICD‐10 diagnoses: N70–N77) and noninflammatory disorders of the genital tract (N80–N98) were studied. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated for associations between diagnoses and trisomic conceptions.ResultsThe diagnosis of female infertility (N97) at any time was associated with trisomic conceptions (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08–1.32). In the subgroup analysis, this association was found for T18 (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.61) and T21 (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32), but not for T13 (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.75–1.72). When restricting the timing of the diagnosis of female infertility, an elevated OR was found only after the index pregnancy (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56–2.09). These increased odds for infertility after trisomic conceptions were observed both in women <35 years (T18 OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21–3.00; T21 OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.31–2.14) and in women ≥35 years (T18 OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.40–3.33; T21 OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.47–2.39), but not after T13 conceptions.ConclusionOur observational data suggest a link between trisomic conceptions and subsequent diagnoses of infertility but do not demonstrate causality. These data implicate that partially similar mechanisms might predispose to trisomy and infertility, regardless of maternal age.