bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigenic drift and immunity gap explain reduction in protective responses against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of human sera collected in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023
Authors: Fossum Even , Rohringer Andreas , Aune Torstein , Rydland Kjersti Margrethe , Bragstad Karoline , Hungnes Olav 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a marked reduction in influenza infections globally. The absence of influenza has raised concerns of waning immunity, and potentially more severe influenza seasons after the pandemic.

Methods
To evaluate immunity towards influenza post-COVID-19 pandemic we have assessed influenza A epidemics in Norway from October 2016 to June 2023 and measured antibodies against circulating strains of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) in different age groups by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assays in a total of 3364 serum samples collected in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Results
Influenza epidemics in Norway from October 2016 until June 2023 were predominately influenza As, with a mixture of A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) subtype predominance. We did not observe higher numbers of infections during the influenza epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic than in pre-COVID-19 seasons. Frequencies of protective HAI titers against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses were reduced in sera collected in 2021 and 2022, compared to sera collected in 2019. The reduction could, however, largely be explained by antigenic drift of new virus strains, as protective HAI titers remained stable against the same strain from one season to the next. However, we observed the development of an immunity gap in the youngest children during the pandemic which resulted in a prominent reduction in HAI titers against A(H1N1)pdm09 in 2021 and 2022. The immunity gap was partially closed in sera collected in 2023 following the A(H1N1)pdm09-dominated influenza seasons of 2022/2023. During the 2022/2023 epidemic, drift variants of A(H1N1)pdm09 belonging to the 5a.2a.1 clade emerged, and pre-season HAI titers were significantly lower against this clade compared to the ancestral 5a.2 clade.

Conclusion
The observed reduction in protective antibodies against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses post COVID-19 is best explained by antigenic drift of emerging viruses, and not waning of antibody responses in the general population. However, the absence of influenza during the pandemic resulted in an immunity gap in the youngest children. While this immunity gap was partially closed following the 2022/2023 influenza season, children with elevated risk of severe infection should be prioritized for vaccination.
Aspergillus fumigatus secretes a protease(s) that displays in silico binding affinity towards the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and mediates SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion entry into HEK-293T cells
Authors: Mjokane Nozethu , Akintemi Eric O. , Sabiu Saheed , Gcilitshana Onele M. N. , Albertyn Jacobus , Pohl Carolina H. , Sebolai Olihile M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Data from the COVID-19 clinical control case studies showed that this disease could also manifest in patients with underlying microbial infections such as aspergillosis. The current study aimed to determine if the Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus culture media (i.e., supernatant) possessed protease activity that was sufficient to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Methods
The supernatant was first analysed for protease activity. Thereafter, it was assessed to determine if it possessed proteolytic activity to cleave a fluorogenic mimetic peptide of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that contained the S1/S2 site and a full-length spike protein contained in a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion. To complement this, a computer-based tool, HADDOCK, was used to predict if A. fumigatus alkaline protease 1 could bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Results
We show that the supernatant possessed proteolytic activity, and analyses of the molecular docking parameters revealed that A. fumigatus alkaline protease 1 could bind to the spike protein. To confirm the in silico data, it was imperative to provide experimental evidence for enzymatic activity. Here, it was noted that the A. fumigatus supernatant cleaved the mimetic peptide as well as transduced the HEK-293T cells with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirions.

Conclusion
These results suggest that A. fumigatus secretes a protease(s) that activates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Importantly, should these two infectious agents co-occur, there is the potential for A. fumigatus to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, thus aggravating COVID-19 development.
Istore: a project on innovative statistical methodologies to improve rare diseases clinical trials in limited populations
Authors: Schoenen Stefanie , Verbeeck Johan , Koletzko Lukas , Brambilla Isabella , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Dirani Maya , Zimmermann Georg , Dette Holger , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Molenberghs Geert , Nabbout Rima 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The conduct of rare disease clinical trials is still hampered by methodological problems. The number of patients suffering from a rare condition is variable, but may be very small and unfortunately statistical problems for small and finite populations have received less consideration. This paper describes the outline of the iSTORE project, its ambitions, and its methodological approaches.

Methods
In very small populations, methodological challenges exacerbate. iSTORE’s ambition is to develop a comprehensive perspective on natural history course modelling through multiple endpoint methodologies, subgroup similarity identification, and improving level of evidence.

Results
The methodological approaches cover methods for sound scientific modeling of natural history course data, showing similarity between subgroups, defining, and analyzing multiple endpoints and quantifying the level of evidence in multiple endpoint trials that are often hampered by bias.

Conclusion
Through its expected results, iSTORE will contribute to the rare diseases research field by providing an approach to better inform about and thus being able to plan a clinical trial. The methodological derivations can be synchronized and transferability will be outlined.
Meiotic and developmental competence of growing pig oocytes derived from small antral follicles is enhanced in culture medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium)
Authors: Bartková Alexandra Rosenbaum , Němcová Lucie , Kinterová Veronika , Radová Dominika , Strejček František , Toralová Tereza , Laurinčík Jozef , Procházka Radek 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Oocytes of large animal species isolated from small ovarian follicles (< 2 mm) are less competent to support early embryonic development after in vitro maturation and fertilization than their counterparts isolated from medium-sized and preovulatory follicles. This study aimed to assess the effect of a new maturation medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium) on the meiotic and developmental competence of pig cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) derived from the small and medium-sized follicles.

Methods
The growing oocytes were isolated from 1 to 2 (small follicle; SF) and the fully-grown ones from 3 to 6 (large follicle; LF) mm follicles and matured in a control M199 medium with gonadotropins and EGF and the FLI medium enriched by the triplet of growth factors. The matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Chromatin configuration before and during the culture and MAP kinase activity were assessed in the oocytes. Finally, the expression of cumulus cell genes previously identified as markers of oocyte quality was assessed.

Results
The maturation and blastocyst rates of oocytes gained from LF were significantly higher than that from SF in the control medium. In contrast, similar proportions of oocytes from LF and SF completed meiosis and developed to blastocysts when cultured in FLI. Most of the oocytes freshly isolated from SF possessed germinal vesicles with fine filaments of chromatin (GV0) or chromatin surrounding the nucleolus (GVI; 30%); the oocytes from LF were mainly in GVI (or GVII) exhibiting a few small lumps of chromatin beneath the nuclear membrane. When cultured in the FLI medium for 16 h, an acceleration of the course of maturation in oocytes both from SF and LF compared to the control medium was observed and a remarkable synchrony in the course of chromatin remodeling was noticed in oocytes from SF and LF.

Conclusions
This work demonstrates that the enrichment of culture medium by FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 can enhance the meiotic and developmental competence of not only fully-grown, but also growing pig oocytes and significantly thus expanding the number of oocytes available for various assisted reproductive technology applications.
Application of smart chemometric models for spectra resolution and determination of challenging multi-action quaternary mixture: statistical comparison with greenness assessment
Authors: Mouhamed Aya A. , Nadim Ahmed H. , Mostafa Nadia M. , Eltanany Basma M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA multivariate spectrophotometric method is a potential approach that enables discrimination of spectra of components in complex matrices (e.g., pharmaceutical formulation) serving as a substitution method for chromatography. Four green smart multivariate spectrophotometric models were proposed and validated, including principal component regression (PCR), partial least-squares (PLS), multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The developed chemometric models were compared to resolve highly overlapping spectra of Paracetamol (PARA), Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), Caffeine (CAF), and Ascorbic acid (ASC). The four multivariate calibration models were assessed via recoveries percent, and root mean square error of prediction. Hence, the proposed models were efficiently applied with no need for any preliminary separation step. The models were utilized to analyze the studied components in their combined pharmaceutical formulation (Grippostad® C capsules). Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach (AGREE) and eco-scale tools were applied to assess the greenness of the established models and found to be 0.77 and 85, respectively. Moreover, the proposed models have been compared to official ones showing no considerable variations in accuracy and precision. Therefore, these models can be highly advantageous for conducting standard pharmaceutical analysis of the substances researched within product testing laboratories.
Time of exposure and assessment influence the mortality induced by insecticides against metabolic resistant mosquitoes
Authors: Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Bradley John , Ngonyani Safina , Mpelepele Ahmadi Bakari , Matanila Isaya , Muganga Joseph B. , Bosselmann Rune , Skovmand Ole , Mboma Zawadi Mageni , Moore Sarah Jane 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Increasing metabolic resistance in malaria vector mosquitoes resulted in the development of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) with active ingredients (AI) that target them. Bioassays that accurately measure the mortality induced by these AIs on ITNs are needed. Mosquito metabolic enzyme expression follows a circadian rhythm. Thus, this study assessed (i) influence of the time of day of mosquito exposure and (ii) timing of assessment of mortality post exposure (24 and 72 h) to ITNs against vectors that are susceptible to pyrethroids and those with metabolic and knockdown resistance mechanisms.

Methods
Two cone bioassay experiments were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Firstly, on ITNs incorporated with 2 g AI/kg of deltamethrin (DM) alone, or combined with 8 g AI/kg piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergist, during the day (9:00–14:00 h) and repeated in the evening (18:00–20:00 h). This was followed by a confirmatory experiment during the afternoon (12:00–14:00 h) and repeated in the night (22:00–24:00 h) using mosquitoes unexposed or pre-exposed to PBO for 1 h before exposure to DM ITNs. Each net piece was tested with a minimum of eight cones per time (N = 24). The outcome was mortality after 24 h (M24) or 72 h (M72) of holding.

Results
The cone bioassays performed using metabolic resistant mosquitoes during the evening showed significantly lower M24 than those performed in the day for DM: odds ratio (OR) 0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.30, p < 0.0001] and DM PBO [OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.18—0.49, p < 0.0001). M72 was higher than M24 for metabolic resistant mosquitoes exposed to DM [OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.09–1.88), p = 0.009] and DM PBO [OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.42–2.34), p < 0.0001]. An influence of hour of experiment and time of assessment was not observed for mosquitoes that had knockdown resistance or that were pyrethroid-susceptible.

Conclusions
Time of day of experiment and hour of assessment of delayed mortality after exposure of mosquitoes are important considerations in evaluating insecticides that interact with mosquito metabolism to counter metabolic resistant mosquitoes. This is important when evaluating field-aged ITNs that may have lower concentrations of AI.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of environmental drivers influencing the abundance of Anopheles maculipennis complex in Northern Italy
Authors: Gilioli Gianni , Defilippo Francesco , Simonetto Anna , Heinzl Alessandro , Migliorati Manlio , Calzolari Mattia , Canziani Sabrina , Lelli Davide , Lavazza Antonio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In Italy, malaria was endemic until the 1970s, when it was declared eradicated by WHO. Nowadays, with the persistence of competent mosquito populations, the effect of climate change, and increased possibility of importing malaria parasites from endemic counties due to growing migration, a malaria resurgence in Italy has become more likely. Hence, enhancing the understanding of the current distribution of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and the factors that influence the presence of this malaria vector is crucial, especially in Northern Italy, characterised by a high density of both human population and livestock.

Methods
To assess the presence and abundance of malaria vectors, a 4-year field survey in the plain areas of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna region in Italy was conducted. Every sampling point was characterised in space by the land use in a 500-m radius and in time considering meteorological data collected in the short and long time periods before sampling. We combined the results of a linear regression model with a random forest analysis to understand the relative importance of the investigated niche dimensions in determining Anopheles mosquito presence and abundance.

Results
The estimated normalised variable importance indicates that rice fields were the most important land use class explaining the presence of Anopheles, followed by transitional woodlands and shrubland. Farm buildings were the third variable in terms of importance, likely because of the presence of animal shelters, followed by urbanised land. The two most important meteorological variables influencing the abundance of Anopheles in our study area were mean temperature in the 24 h before the sampling date and the sum of degree-days with temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C in the 14 days before the sampling date.

Conclusions
The results obtained in this study could be helpful in predicting the risk of autochthonous malaria transmission, based on local information on land cover classes that might facilitate the presence of malaria vectors and presence of short- and medium-term meteorological conditions favourable to mosquito development and activity. The results can support the design of vector control measures through environmental management.

Graphical Abstract
Inguinal endometriosis: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Haghgoo Ameneh , Faegh Ali , Mostafavi Seyyed Reza Saadat , Zamani Hamid Reza , Ghahremani Mehran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Inguinal endometriosis is one of the most common forms of endometriosis. The present study introduces 8 cases of inguinal endometriosis and discusses probable theories of inguinal endometriosis by reviewing the literature.

Case presentation
8 Iranian cases of inguinal endometriosis with a mean age of 36 years were presented. Catamenial groin pain and swelling were the most common complications. Also, patients usually had accompanying symptoms such as pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea. One-half of patients had a history of previous abdominal surgery. Ultrasound was diagnostic in 4 patients (50%), and magnetic resonance imaging was used in two patients (25%). Among 6 patients who underwent hormonal therapy, 4 experienced an endometriosis size increase. Inguinal endometriosis was right-sided in 87.5% of patients, and among 4 patients who underwent surgery, 75% had proximal site involvement of the round ligament.

Conclusion
According to the rarity of inguinal endometriosis, it is more likely to be a misdiagnosis with other inguinal disorders such as inguinal hernia. Inguinal endometriosis should be considered in patients who undergo inguinal herniorrhaphy, with suspected findings such as thickening of the hernia sac wall, bloody fluid inside the sac, or thickening of the extraperitoneal round ligament during the surgery.
Simulating 2-D magnetotelluric responses using vector-quantized temporal associative memory artificial neural network-based approaches
Authors: Mukwachi Phongphan , Arnonkijpanich Banchar , Sarakorn Weerachai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this research, we explore the application of artificial neural networks, specifically the vector-quantized temporal associative memory (VQTAM) and VQTAM coupled with locally linear embedding (VQTAM-LLE) techniques, for simulating 2-D magnetotelluric forward modeling. The study introduces the concepts of VQTAM and VQTAM-LLE in the context of simulating 2-D magnetotelluric responses, outlining their underlying principles. We rigorously evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of both VQTAM variants through extensive numerical experiments conducted on diverse benchmark resistivity and real-terrain models. The results demonstrate the remarkable capability of VQTAM and VQTAM-LLE in accurately and efficiently predicting apparent resistivity and impedance phases, surpassing the performance of traditional numerical methods. This study underscores the potential of VQTAM and VQTAM-LLE as valuable computational alternatives for simulating magnetotelluric responses, offering a viable choice alongside conventional methods.
Motiv8: a study protocol for a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of a weight management intervention for adults with severe mental illness in secure forensic services
Authors: Carney Rebekah , El-Metaal Hany , Law Heather , Savage Siobhan , Small Ingrid , Hann Mark , Shields Gemma , Shiers David , Carmichael-Murphy Parise , Jones Richard , Kimber Elizabeth , McDonald Andrew , Parker Sophie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
People with severe mental illness have physical comorbidities which result in significant reductions in quality of life and premature mortality. Effective interventions are required that are suitable for people in secure forensic mental health services. We conducted pilot work of a multidisciplinary weight management intervention (Motiv8) which showed improvements in physical and mental health and high levels of satisfaction. We aim to test the feasibility of Motiv8 under cluster randomised conditions, with an aim to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of this intervention to supplement standard secure care.

Methods and analysis
A randomised waitlist-controlled feasibility trial of a lifestyle intervention (Motiv8) + TAU compared with TAU (+ Motiv8 waitlist) for adults on secure mental health units will be conducted. Thirty-two people (4 cohorts) will be recruited from secure services in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will be randomly allocated to Motiv8 or TAU + Motiv8 waitlist. All participants will receive Motiv8 during the trial. Assessor-blinded physical/mental health and lifestyle assessments will be conducted at baseline, 10 weeks (post-intervention/waitlist), and after 12 weeks (post-waitlist intervention/follow-up). Motiv8 is a multidisciplinary intervention including exercise sessions, cooking/nutrition classes, physical health education, psychology sessions, sleep hygiene, peer support and medication review by pharmacy. A nested qualitative study will be conducted with a subsample of participants (n = 10) to explore their experiences of taking part. The analysis will focus on feasibility outcomes and tabulated success indicators of the study (e.g. Recruitment rates, retention rates, follow-up retention and response rates, attendance at sessions, the experience of involvement in the trial and delivery of the intervention, assessment of safety, development of a manualised intervention). Thematic analysis will be conducted through qualitative interviews. The analysis will aim to inform the development of a definitive trial.

Ethics and dissemination
The trial has been granted ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority and adopted onto the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, professional and public networks, conferences and clinical services.

Trial registration
ISRCTN13539285.