bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe and mild-moderate SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated patients show different frequencies of IFNγ-releasing cells: An exploratory study
Authors: Garofalo Eugenio , Biamonte Flavia , Palmieri Camillo , Battaglia Anna Martina , Sacco Alessandro , Biamonte Eugenio , Neri Giuseppe , Antico Giulio Cesare , Mancuso Serafina , Foti Giuseppe , Torti Carlo , Costanzo Francesco Saverio , Longhini Federico , Bruni Andrea 
Published: February 2023

Background
Despite an apparent effective vaccination, some patients are admitted to the hospital after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The role of adaptive immunity in COVID-19 is growing; nonetheless, differences in the spike-specific immune responses between patients requiring or not hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection remains to be evaluated. In this study, we aim to evaluate the spike-specific immune response in patients with mild-moderate or severeSARS-CoV-2 infection, after breakthrough infection following two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.

Methods
We included three cohorts of 15 cases which received the two BNT162b2 vaccine doses in previous 4 to 7 months: 1) patients with severe COVID-19; 2) patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 and 3) vaccinated individuals with a negative SARS-CoV-2 molecular pharyngeal swab (healthy subjects). Anti-S1 and anti-S2 specific SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG titers were measured through a chemiluminescence immunoassay technology. In addition, the frequencies of IFNγ-releasing cells were measured by ELISpot.

Results
The spike-specific IFNγ-releasing cells were significantly lower in severe patients (8 [0; 26] s.f.c.×106), as compared to mild-moderate patients (135 [64; 159] s.f.c.×106; p<0.001) and healthy subjects (103 [50; 188] s.f.c.×106; p<0.001). The anti-Spike protein IgG levels were similar among the three cohorts of cases (p = 0.098). All cases had an IgM titer below the analytic sensitivity of the test. The Receiver Operating Curve analysis indicated the rate of spike-specific IFNγ-releasing cells can discriminate correctly severe COVID-19 and mild-moderate patients (AUC: 0.9289; 95%CI: 0.8376–1.000; p< 0.0001), with a diagnostic specificity of 100% for s.f.c. > 81.2 x 106.

Conclusions
2-doses vaccinated patients requiring hospitalization for severe COVID-19 show a cellular-mediated immune response lower than mild-moderate or healthy subjects, despite similar antibody titers.
A qualitative investigation of stressful life events and mental health disorders: The views of patients and caregivers in Bangladesh
Authors: Nasrin Nishad , Shohel Tunvir Ahamed , Shovo Taufiq-E-Ahmed , Farjana Fariha , Nizam Hamalna , Heme Morsheda Akter , Islam Ashraful , Paul Pranto , Hossain Md. Tanvir 
Published: February 2023

Background
Mounting mental health disorders among students has become a significant challenge in producing quality graduates with bright minds. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes of students’ mental health-related problems and their experiences while living with mental health disorders. This study investigates the causes and exposures of mental health problems among university students in Bangladesh. For this purpose, a qualitative method was used, and an unstructured in-depth interview schedule was used to collect data from students and caregivers. The students were selected from Khulna University, and data were collected in two consecutive months, i.e., November and December 2021. Using a convenient sampling technique, eight (8) students with mental health issues and five (5) caregivers were interviewed to obtain the necessary data.

Results
The findings showed that the intertwined social circumstances led to mental health problems among university students. The students experienced deep depression following a breakup of their romantic affairs/relationships. The prolonged isolation or social distancing due to the government-imposed strict lockdown during the COVID-19 also produced frustration regarding the possible loss of both academic and professional careers. Furthermore, the growing academic pressure in a form of an unfamiliar approach to teaching and learning—online education–also compelled students to complain about depression and suicidal tendencies as parts of their experiences.

Conclusions
This study recommends that the government and policymakers prioritize mental health issues in educational institutions, and they should enforce specific strategies, such as introducing age-specific mental health services and student counseling at educational institutions to reduce growing mental health issues. Furthermore, a positive approach from the family and community is also required to battle against mental health disorders. Besides, nationally representative empirical research is recommended to comprehend the growing mental health issues among students in the 21st century to figure out solutions for the present and the future.
Acute Pancreatitis as a First Presentation of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Authors: Youssef Michael , Sedarous Mary , Grin Andrea , Chung Andrew , Hookey Lawrence 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare necrotizing antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis characterized by inflammation in small-sized arteries. Gastrointestinal involvement is exceedingly rare in GPA. Here, we present a case of recurrent acute pancreatitis as the initial presentation of GPA. The diagnosis was made based on radiological and pathological findings of acute pancreatitis in conjunction with positive anti-PR3 antibody which is strongly associated with GPA. Systemic vasculitides are rare but important to consider in cases of idiopathic acute pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and therapy allow for high rates of remission and improved survival rates.
Disse index and free fatty acids as markers of insulin resistance and their association with hospital outcomes of coronary bypass surgery in patients with different glycemic status
Authors: Bezdenezhnykh N. A. , Sumin A. N. , Bezdenezhnykh A. V. , Kuzmina A. A. , Tsepokina A. V. , Pervushkina А. S. , Petrosyan S. T. , Barbarash O. L. 
Published: February 2023

AIM: to analyze various indices of insulin resistance and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and their association with the preoperative status and in-hospital complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in normoglycemic patients and patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMD).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 708 patients who underwent CABG. The glycemic status, preoperative parameters, the specifics of surgical intervention, in-hospital complications were analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=266) — patients with CMD (type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes); Group 2 (n=442) — patients without CMD. Plasma FFA and fasting plasma insulin levels were determined, the Disse index, the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), revised QUICKI were estimated in 383 patients.RESULTS: Screening prior to CABG increased the number of patients with T2DM from 15.2% to 24.1%, prediabetes – from 3.0% to 13.4%, with any CMD – from 18.2% to 37.5%.Patients with CMD showed a higher percentage of significant hospital complications (25.2% vs 17.0%, p=0.007), progression of renal failure (6.3% vs 2.9%, p=0.021), multiple organ failure (4.5% vs 1.7%, p=0.039), sternal wound complications (6.3% vs 2.9%, p=0.018), renal replacement therapy (3.7% vs 1.1%, p=0.020), surgery on peripheral arteries (1.5% vs 0%, p=0.039).According to the results of multivariate analysis, the Disse index turned out to be a significant predictor of the end point (hospital stay >10 days or any significant complication CABG) in several regression models (OR 1.060 in one of the models; 95% CI 1.016–1.105; p=0.006). Independent predictors of the end point were: female gender, age, body mass index, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, left atrium size, left ventricular end diastolic dimension, T2DM, FFA levels (OR 3.335; 95% CI 1.076–10.327; p=0.036), average postoperative glycemia on the 1st day after CABG, failure to achieve the target range of perioperative glycemia.CONCLUSION: Screening for CMD prior to CABG can significantly increase the number of patients with diagnosed CMD. Significant in-hospital complications after CABG tend to be more prevalent in patients with CMD compared with normoglycemic patients. Insulin resistance index Disse, FFA, postoperative glycemia are independent predictors of prolonged hospital stay or postoperative complications of CABG.
Identification of iron metabolism-related genes as diagnostic signatures in sepsis by blood transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Li Huijun , Wang Xu , Yang Qing , Cheng Liming , Zeng Hao-Long 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Iron metabolism is considered to play the principal role in sepsis, but the key iron metabolism-related genetic signatures are unclear. In this study, we analyzed and identified the genetic signatures related to the iron-metabolism in sepsis by using a bioinformatics analysis of four transcriptomic datasets from the GEO database. A total of 21 differentially expressed iron metabolism-related signatures were identified including 9 transporters, 8 enzymes, and 4 regulatory factors. Among them, lipocalin 2 was found to have the highest diagnostic value as its expression showed significant differences in all the comparisons including sepsis vs healthy controls, sepsis vs non-sepsis diseases, and mild forms vs severe forms of sepsis. Besides, the cytochrome P450 gene CYP1B1 also showed diagnostic values for sepsis from the non-sepsis diseases. The CYP4V2, LTF, and GCLM showed diagnostic values for distinguishing the severe forms from mild forms of sepsis. Our analysis identified 21 sepsis-associated iron metabolism-related genetic signatures, which may represent diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of sepsis, and will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the occurrence of sepsis.
Three rounds of a national external quality assessment reveal a link between disharmonic anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantifications and the infection stage
Authors: Buchta Christoph , Springer David , Jovanovic Jovana , Borsodi Christian , Weidner Lisa , Sareban Nazanin , Radler Ulla , Müller Mathias M. , Griesmacher Andrea , Puchhammer-Stöckl Elisabeth , Wagner Thomas , Jungbauer Christof , Stiasny Karin , Weseslindtner Lukas 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The WHO’s standardized measuring unit, “binding antibody units per milliliter (BAU/mL),” should allow the harmonization of quantitative results by different commercial Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays. However, multiple studies demonstrate inter-assay discrepancies. The antigenic changes of the Omicron variant affect the performance of Spike-specific immunoassays. This study evaluated the variation of quantitative Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike antibody measurements among 46, 50, and 44 laboratories in three rounds of a national external quality assessment (EQA) prior to and after the emergence of the Omicron variant in a diagnostic near-to-real-life setting.

Methods
We analyzed results reported by the EQA participant laboratories from single and sequential samples from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent, acutely infected, and vaccinated individuals, including samples obtained after primary and breakthrough infections with the Omicron variant.

Results
The three immunoassays most commonly used by the participants displayed a low intra-assay and inter-laboratory variation with excellent reproducibility using identical samples sent to the participants in duplicates. In contrast, the inter-assay variation was very high with all samples. Notably, the ratios of BAU/mL levels quantified by different immunoassays were not equal among all samples but differed between vaccination, past, and acute infection, including primary infection with the Omicron variant. The antibody kinetics measured in vaccinated individuals strongly depended on the applied immunoassay.

Conclusions
Measured BAU/mL levels are only inter-changeable among different laboratories when the same assay was used for their assessment. Highly variable ratios of BAU/mL quantifications among different immunoassays and infection stages argue against the usage of universal inter-assay conversion factors.
Effect of Specimen Fabrication Variables on the Measured Mechanical Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Tested in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
Authors: Blankenship Phillip , Bonaquist Ramon 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The scope of this research involves the evaluation of the effects of specimen preparation variables—mixing temperature, binder time at mixing temperature, mixer type, mixing time, loose mix conditioning temperature, loose mix conditioning depth, loose mix stirring, mold loading, placement in mold, additional time at compaction temperature before loading in mold, gyratory specimen height, and test specimen air voids—on tests such as the Dynamic Modulus and Flow Number conducted using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT). The initial testing program to evaluate the precision of the Dynamic Modulus and Flow Number tests (described in National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 702) indicated that “specimen fabrication is a major component of the between-laboratory variability” for both tests. The expected outcome of this study was that AMPT users—Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), state user agencies, and industry—understand the importance of proper specimen preparation and the effect of specimen preparation variables on the results obtained from the AMPT Dynamic Modulus and Flow Number tests. The use of AMPT Dynamic Modulus at 20°C is the most sensitive portion of the modulus-time curve and can provide a general idea of sample preparation impact on other mixture tests. This information comes at critical timing as the United States begins to implement performance-engineered mixture designs, balanced mixture designs, and performance-based pay factors. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations may be made regarding changes to specimen preparation procedures, which are expected to produce more reproducible test results.
Preoperatively misdiagnosed pancreatic malignant tumor: a case of pancreatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) and a review of the literature
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Jia Huihui , Du Min , Lin Guangwu 
Published: February 2023

Background:
Pancreatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are exceedingly uncommon mesenchymal tumors. Herein we have mainly focused on the radiologic features of pancreatic PEComas to achieve a better knowledge of the disease.

Case report:
We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who had a benign pancreatic PEComa that was misinterpreted as a malignant tumor based on a preoperative CT scan before undergoing surgery for a hysteromyoma. Laboratory tests revealed no significant abnormal findings except an elevated CA-125 (428 U/L). CT and MRI images showed a solid, well-defined, hypovascular nodule approximately 10 mm in diameter in the pancreatic uncinate process that was hyperintense on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Because of a suspected malignant pancreatic neoplasm, she underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a pancreatic PEComa.

Conclusions:
Because of the rarity of pancreatic PEComas, we highlighted the radiologic characteristics to facilitate the diagnosis and therapy.
Effect of the Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Doxycycline on Human Trace Fear Memory
Authors: Wehrli Jelena M. , Xia Yanfang , Offenhammer Benjamin , Kleim Birgit , Müller Daniel , Bach Dominik R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLearning to predict threat is of adaptive importance, but aversive memory can also become disadvantageous and burdensome in clinical conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pavlovian fear conditioning is a laboratory model of aversive memory and thought to rely on structural synaptic reconfiguration involving matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 signaling. It has recently been suggested that the MMP9-inhibiting antibiotic doxycycline, applied before acquisition training in humans, reduces fear memory retention after one week. This previous study used cued delay fear conditioning, in which predictors and outcomes overlap in time. However, temporal separation of predictors and outcomes is common in clinical conditions. Learning the association of temporally separated events requires a partly different neural circuitry, for which the role of MMP9 signaling is not yet known. Here, we investigate the impact of doxycycline on long-interval (15 s) trace fear conditioning in a randomized controlled trial with 101 (50 females) human participants. We find no impact of the drug in our preregistered analyses. Exploratorypost hocanalyses of memory retention suggested a serum level-dependent effect of doxycycline on trace fear memory retention. However, effect size to distinguish CS+/CS− in the placebo group turned out to be smaller than in previously used delay fear conditioning protocols, which limits the power of statistical tests. Our results suggest that doxycycline effect on trace fear conditioning in healthy individuals is smaller and less robust than anticipated, potentially limiting its clinical application potential.
Multilateralism in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Woods Ngaire 
Published: February 2023

The rise of geostrategic rivalry between the United States and China is changing international cooperation. As China seeks new influence and the United States seeks to contain China and to reduce its own international obligations, three dimensions of multilateralism are becoming particularly important. The first is the management of the superpower rivalry, through formal treaties, informal arrangements among states, and international institutions. The second is the capacity of the leadership of any international institution to foster cooperation beyond the immediate preferences of one or another of the most powerful member states. The third dimension is the legitimacy on which the authority of international institutions rests. The evolution of these three elements will shape the future of multilateralism, by which I refer to the arrangements created and agreed by states which facilitate cooperation by enshrining commitments to diffuse reciprocity and peaceful dispute settlement.
The analysis of history and of variations in current practice in international cooperation underscores several ways in which international cooperation could be sustained even as the US-China rivalry strengthens. Global agencies can play a crucial role finding and highlighting areas where cooperation and competition can coexist, and where their own capacities to pool information, to reduce transactions costs, and to broker and monitor agreements can assist. This, in turn, requires high-quality leadership by people who can effectively broker agreements among countries, persuade countries to pool resources, and attract and organize an effective and highly motivated staff. Such leadership requires positive ongoing action by member states, to define what is required for effective leadership of the institutions they collectively create, to seek proven competence in each domain before appointing leaders, and to monitor ongoing performance. Finally, international institutions can buttress their legitimacy by finding better ways to ensure the participation of all stakeholders, and to respond rapidly and effectively to global crises and to provide global public goods.
Evolutionary aspects of thymology in pediatric practice
Authors: Rovda Yu. I. , Minyailova N. N. , Vedernikova A. V. , Shabaldin A. V. , Khalivopulo I. K. , Zinchuk S. F. , Shmakova O. V. , Lobykina A. A. 
Published: February 2023

The thymus is now considered a derivative of the immune system being, to greater extent, its central organ. Immunodeficiency states and immune dysregulation also depend on the quality of the thymus, which may be determined both genetically and by fetopathic approach as well as due to the possibility and mode of its intravital injuries, age-related involution over different periods of life. Not accidentally, there are various morphometric bipolar states of the thymus gland in the pediatric population (3-7%), whereas its size may be sufficiently larger or smaller than the reference variable values. In certain cases, the phenomenon of thymomegaly (for example, in newborns) is considered a result of genetic errors (neuro-endocrine-immune syndrome with thymomegaly) induced by the mutated Hox genes. This syndrome may also be associated with congenital heart disorders. Moreover, the excessive morbidity in respiratory infections (commonly, viral by their etiology) among young children with bipolar thymus conditions remains the subject of sharp discussions. Some works assessing immune status in the children subjected to forced thymectomy, e.g., during heart surgery, yielded quite controversial results, even in cases of subtotal removal of thymus gland.Dialectically, the concepts of “morphology” and “organ function” could not be separated from one another. The morphometric transformations in organs (even transient ones) occuring within the range of > 95 and < 5 percentiles, should be almost always underlied by a certain pathomorphosis which require verification of their causes and origin. Even today, however, the assessment of thymus pathomorphology in the deceased children is not always critical, being often descriptive. This situation is, probably, associated with extreme complexity of thymic morphology assessment. The final point seems to be not set in the discussion about immunodeficiency states or immune dysregulation among children with bipolar thymus transformations. This is due to current absence of reliable immune-mediated biomarkers, the limited availability of genetic diagnostics in primary immunodeficiency conditions, and a decreased interest of clinical science in the issues of bipolar conditions of the thymus gland at the early age, in the absence of longitudinal observations in this category of patients, etc. In this article, the authors attempt to draw attention of researchers to this problem.
Fathers and Murders: a retrospective study of paternal filicide in Italy
Authors: Rizzo Amelia , Rosi Nicolina , Iuele Giada , Canales Donaldo , Della Villa Lucia , Russo Gaetana 
Published: February 2023

Background. An amount of literature has heavy focused on homicidal mothers. Nevertheless, due to the lower frequency of these events, yet little is known about the paternal filicides.
Aim. The purpose of this study was to identify the spatio-temporal coordinates, authors and victims characteristics, and the context in which these murders take place, in order to identify specific patterns.
Methods. We analyzed 76 events occurred in Italy, between 1996 and 2012 involving 134 victims. The data were collected through a careful and thorough review of the daily press and encoded on a Excel ® sheet specially designed for data collection.
Results. Findings show a significant incidence of psychiatric disorders, history of violent behavior, employment problems and low-skilled professional roles. In particular, violence seems to be determined by the fear of loss which is more common among the common law partner and among youngest male, especially when son is far.
Conclusion. The in-depth analysis of the phenomenon may contribute to its best knowledge and to identify the areas on which psycho-social intervention, based on prevention best practices, are required.