bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peri-infection titers of neutralizing and binding antibodies as a predictor of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated healthcare professionals: importance of the timing
Authors: Gillot Constant , Bayart Jean-Louis , Closset Mélanie , Cabo Julien , Maloteau Vincent , Dogné Jean-Michel , Douxfils Jonathan , Favresse Julien 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine is highly effective in reducing COVID‐19 infection, hospitalization and death. However, many subjects developed a breakthrough infection despite a full vaccination scheme. Since the waned efficacy of mRNA vaccines is correlated with the decrease of antibodies occurring over time, we aimed at evaluating whether lower levels of antibodies were associated with an increased risk of breakthrough infection in a cohort of breakthrough subjects that received three vaccine doses.

Methods
Total binding antibodies against the RBD of the S1 subunit (Roche Diagnostics, Machelen, Belgium) and neutralizing antibodies using the Omicron B.1.1.529 variant pseudovirus were measured. Based on individual kinetic curves, the antibody titer of each subject was interpolated just before the breakthrough infection and compared to a matched-control group that did not develop a breakthrough infection.

Results
Lower levels of total binding and neutralizing antibodies were observed compared to the control group (6.900 [95% CI; 5.101–9.470] vs. 11.395 BAU/mL [8.627–15.050] [p=0.0301] and 26.6 [18.0–39.3] vs. 59.5 dilution titer−1 [32.3–110] [p=0.0042], respectively). The difference between breakthrough and control subjects was mostly observed for neutralizing antibodies before three months after the homologous booster administration (46.5 [18.2–119] vs. 381 [285–509] [p=0.0156]). Considering the measurement of total binding antibodies before 3 months, there was no significant difference (p=0.4375).

Conclusions
In conclusion, our results showed that subjects that developed a breakthrough infection had lower levels of neutralizing and total binding antibodies compared to controls. The difference was mostly noticeable considering neutralizing antibodies, especially for infections occurring before 3 months after the booster administration.
Strongly coupled Raman scattering enhancement revealed by scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Qin Kang , Liu Kai , Peng Sheng , Zuo Zongyan , He Xiao , Ding Jianping , Lu Yanqing , Zhu Yongyuan , Zhang Xuejin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recent advances in near-field technology with an ultrahigh spatial resolution breaking optical diffraction limit, make it possible to further identify surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement theories, and to monitor the SERS substrates. Here we verify the electromagnetic enhancement mechanism for SERS with a close-up view, using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy. The array of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) subwavelength structures is studied, in which the field enhancement comes from the strong coupling between gap plasmon polariton and surface plasmon polariton modes. The near-field optical measurements reveal that SERS enhancement factor (EF) varies from one MIM subwavelength unit to another in a finite array. Besides the enhancement of isolated unit, the loss exchange phenomenon in strong coupling with a large Rabi splitting can give rise to an additional enhancement of more than 2 orders of magnitude in periodic arrays and close to 3 orders of magnitude in finite arrays. The SERS EF of the array composed of only 5 units is demonstrated to yield the best SERS performance. Our near-field optical measurements show evidence that finite-size structures embodied with strong coupling effect are a key way to develop practical high-performance SERS substrates.
Design of functional vancomycin-embedded bio-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for repairing infectious bone defects
Authors: Dong Qi , Chen Sunfang , Zhou Jiuqin , Liu Jingcheng , Zou Yubin , Lin Jiawei , Yao Jun , Cai Dan , Tao Danhua , Wu Bing , Fang Bin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The treatment of infectious bone defects has become a troublesome issue in orthopedics. The disease requires effective anti-infective and bone-reconstruction therapeutic functionalities. In this study, we prepared a novel antibacterial material (vancomycin-impregnated periosteal extracellular matrix [Van-PEM]) by embedding vancomycin in a periosteal extracellular matrix (PEM)-derived hydrogel via physical stirring for the treatment of infectious bone defects. The microstructure, porosity, degradation, and release properties of this antibacterial hydrogel were characterized. The in vitro hemolytic reaction, cytotoxicity, osteogenic ability, and antibacterial properties were also carefully studied. The results showed that the Van-PEM hydrogel possessed a fibrous network structure with high porosity. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated slow degradation in vitro and could release vancomycin for at least 1 week. The hydrogel showed no cytotoxicity and possessed good biocompatibility with blood cells. It also promoted osteogenesis and exerted a significant bactericidal effect. Subsequently, the anti-infection and bone-healing abilities of the antibacterial hydrogel were investigated in a rat model of infectious calvarial defects, and the infectious skull defect was successfully cured in vivo. Therefore, Van-PEM hydrogels may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treating infectious bone defects.
CIB2 and CIB3 Regulate Stereocilia Maintenance and Mechanoelectrical Transduction in Mouse Vestibular Hair Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Liu Shuang , Cheng Qi , Qu Chengli , Ren Rui , Du Haibo , Li Nana , Yan Keji , Wang Yanfei , Xiong Wei , Xu Zhigang 
Published: March 2023

The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) protein complex in the inner-ear hair cells is essential for hearing and balance perception. Calcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) has been reported to be a component of MET complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET currents in auditory hair cells, causing profound congenital hearing loss. However, loss of CIB2 does not affect MET currents in vestibular hair cells (VHCs) as well as general balance function. Here, we show that CIB2 and CIB3 act redundantly to regulate MET in VHCs, as MET currents are completely abolished in the VHCs ofCib2/Cib3double knock-out mice of either sex. Furthermore, we show thatCib2andCib3transcripts have complementary expression patterns in the vestibular maculae, and that they play different roles in stereocilia maintenance in VHCs.Cib2transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar region, and knock-out ofCib2affects stereocilia maintenance in striolar VHCs. In contrast,Cib3transcripts are highly expressed in the extrastriolar region, and knock-out ofCib3mainly affects stereocilia maintenance in extrastriolar VHCs. Simultaneous knock-out ofCib2andCib3affects stereocilia maintenance in all VHCs and leads to severe balance deficits. Taken together, our present work reveals that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance as well as MET in mouse VHCs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCalcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) is an important component of mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET in auditory hair cells. However, MET is unaffected inCib2knock-out vestibular hair cells (VHCs). In the present work, we show that CIB3 could compensate for the loss of CIB2 in VHCs, andCib2/Cib3double knock-out completely abolishes MET in VHCs. Interestingly, CIB2 and CIB3 could also regulate VHC stereocilia maintenance in a nonredundant way.Cib2andCib3transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar and extrastriolar regions, respectively. Stereocilia maintenance and balance function are differently affected inCib2orCib3knock-out mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance and MET in mouse VHCs.
Sex Differences in the Impact of Electronic Nicotine Vapor on Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 Neurons in the Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Zhu ManHua , Rogers Neil G. , Jahad Jasmine V. , Herman Melissa A. 
Published: March 2023

Nicotine engages dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to encode reward and drive the development of nicotine addiction, however how nicotine alters a stress associated VTA population remains unclear. Here, we used male and female CRF1-GFP mice and nicotine vapor exposure to examine the effects of nicotine in VTA corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) neurons. We use immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology to examine neuronal activity, excitability, and inhibitory signaling. We found that VTA CRF1 neurons are mainly dopaminergic and project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc;VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons).VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons show greater phasic inhibition in naive females and greater focal nicotine-induced increases in firing in naive males. Following acute nicotine vapor exposure, phasic inhibition was not altered, but focal nicotine-induced tonic inhibition was enhanced in females and diminished in males. Acute nicotine vapor exposure did not affect firing inVTA-NAcCRF1 neurons, but females showed lower baseline firing and higher focal nicotine-induced firing. Activity (cFos) was increased in the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population in both sexes, but with greater increases in females. Following chronic nicotine vapor exposure, both sexes displayed reduced basal phasic inhibition and the sex difference in tonic inhibition following acute vapor exposure was no longer observed. Additionally, activity of the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population was no longer elevated in either sex. These findings reveal sex-dependent and exposure-dependent changes in mesolimbic VTA-NAc CRF1 neuronal activity, inhibitory signaling, and nicotine sensitivity following nicotine vapor exposure. These changes potentially contribute to nicotine-dependent behaviors and the intersection between stress, anxiety, and addiction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNicotine is known to engage reward systems in the brain historically centering the neurotransmitter dopamine however, how nicotine impacts other neurons in the reward pathway is less clear. The current study investigates the impact of acute and chronic electronic nicotine vapor exposure in a genetically-defined cell population containing the stress receptor corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF1) that is located in the reward circuitry. This study employs functional measures of neuronal activity and identifies important sex differences in nicotine's effects across time and exposure.
Hepatic, Splenic, and Bone Marrow Gaucheromas: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Chis Bogdan Augustin , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Chis Ana-Florica 
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims: Gaucher disease (GD) is one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases. It is characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside lipids in the macrophages, with liver, spleen and bone marrow frequently affected. The affected organs can develop tumor-like lesions (Gaucheromas), which are difficult to diagnose. We present the Gaucheromas and their ultrasonographic characteristics.
Methods: We selected Gaucheromas and their ultrasonographic characteristics found in the last 5 years during the periodical evaluation of 74 adult GD patients in Romania. All the patients had magnetic resonance imaging examination for comparison. A systematic review of all the Gaucheroma-related articles was performed to compare our results with the literature.
Results: Gaucheromas were found in 7 adult patients: 4 in the spleen, 2 in the liver and one affecting the bone. No malignancy ultrasound characteristics were found and neither on MRI exams. In the literature, 10 articles reported Gaucheromas, most of them in the liver and spleen in type 1 GD patients. All our patients were also type 1 GD, and the ultrasound aspect did not change during the 5 years follow-up.
Conclusions: Gaucheromas can be found in any patient with GD. Malignancies have to be considered unless proven otherwise. Imaging characterization (ultrasound and MRI) are useful as histopathologic examination is difficult to obtain in all cases.
Responses of Colchicum speciosum L. populations to conventional and nano-fertilizers of nitrogen through changes in morphological and biochemical attributes
Authors: BABAIE NAEIJ Masoud , PEYVANDI Maryam , ABBASPOUR Hossein , NOORMOHAMMADI Zahra , ARBABIAN Sedighe 
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing interest in the use of nano-fertilizer as an alternative to traditional fertilizers, in order to increase the secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to observe the changes in morphological and biochemical properties of three populations of Colchicum speciosum L., from Iran (Filband, Sangdarka, and Kelerd), upon conventional (1.1 and 2.2 mg L-1) and nano-N (1.5 and 3 mg L-1) fertilizers based on completely randomized design (CRD). The anthocyanin and phenolic contents of leaves and corms were determined with a spectrophotometer and corm colchicine was extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results represented different responses of morphological and biochemical attributes to populations due to their different origins. Filband with higher altitude showed increased leaf area, plant length, corn weight and diameter when treated with N fertilizers. Increased total phenolic component (TPC) in leaves and corm and also leaf total flavonoids component (TFC) were reported in Filband upon N fertilizers. All fertilizers led to decreased leaf anthocyanin when N fertilizers were applied. A noticeable increase in colchicine was obtained in Kelerd and Sangdarka when plants were treated with 1.5 mg L-1 nano-N fertilizer. Heat map analysis of corm anthocyanin, leaf anthocyanin, leaf TPC, leaf TPC, and colchicine amount showed higher variability under the treatments. According to principal component analysis (PCA), corm TPC, leaf TFC, corm TFC, leaf area, and corm weight were specific traits of Kelerd. In conclusion, different responses of morphological and biochemical traits were reported between populations, and N fertilizers exerted diverse effects on these traits. The population from higher altitudes showed higher phenolic content and lower anthocyanin accumulation under conventional and nano-N fertilizers.
Analysis of biofilm and bacterial communities in the towel environment with daily use
Authors: Kato Haruro , Okino Nagisa , Kijitori Hiroki , Izawa Yoshifumi , Wada Yasunao , Maki Masataka , Yamamoto Takako , Yano Takehisa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Towels differ remarkably from other textile products in their fibre structure and usage, and microbial behaviours on towels remain underexplored. Thus, we evaluated biofilm formation on towels during use for 6 months in daily life and analysed its relationship with odour, dullness, and laundry habits. The towels exhibited odour and dullness after 2 months of use and biofilm structures were observed over the 6 months, especially in the ground warp part. Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and viable counts on the towels increased over time. The microbiota was significantly different from that on human skin and clothing. Several species of Alphaproteobacteria were correlated with dullness intensity and the quantity of biofilm components. Therefore, bacterial species that specifically adapt to the towel fibre environment could form biofilms. Our results demonstrate bacterial diversity in textile products and suggest careful consideration of the textile fibre material, structure, and usage pattern to control bacterial communities.
Volatile fatty acids, proxies for methane production in ruminant animals
Authors: Washaya Soul , Mupangwa John , Mapfumo Lizwell , Muchenje Voster 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Determining enteric methane, produced by grazing extensively managed cattle is practically impossible. The objective of this study was to determine enteric methane yield from beef cows using VFAs as proxies. A total of 24 cows were randomly selected for the study. The animals were grouped and identified according to their parity: P1-P4. Rumen liquor samples were collected every fortnight for 12 months through a stomach tube, and VFA analysis was done using gas chromatography. The effect of parity and season (wet, dry and cold) on the mean concentrations of the VFAs and methane was analysed. Parity and season were considered as fixed factors while each individual cow was regarded as a random variable. The result indicates that parity and season influenced (P < 0.05) the acetate, isobutyric and isovaleric acid concentrations. A Parity x season interaction significantly influenced the propionate, butyric and valeric acid production (P < 0.05). There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between parity and season on methane production, animals in P3 had the highest methane values compared to other parities during the wet and cold seasons. It can be concluded that parity and season influence VFA and methane production, and VFAs can be used to predict enteric methane production for grazing animals.
Etiology of Acute Febrile Illness in the Peruvian Amazon as determined by modular formatted quantitative PCR: A Protocol for RIVERA, a Health Facility-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Peñataro_Yori Pablo , Paredes_Olórtegui Maribel , Schiaffino Francesca , Perez Karin , Curico_Huansi Greisi , Flynn Thomas , Zhang Jixian , Ramal_Asayag Cesar , Meza_Sanchez Graciela , Silva_Delgado Hermann , Casapia_Morales Martin , Casanova Wilma , Jiu Bruce , Munayco_Escate Cesar , Silver Rachel , Henao Olga , Cooper Kerry K. , Liu Jie , Houpt Eric , Kosek Margaret N , Colston Josh M , Oberhelman Richard , Pinedo_Vasquez Tackeshy , Garcia_Bardales Paul F , Shapiama_Lopez Wagner Valentino , Zegarra_Paredes Loyda Fiorella 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The study of the etiology of acute febrile illness (AFI) has historically been designed as a prevalence of pathogens detected from a case series. This strategy has an inherent unrealistic assumption that all pathogen detection allows for causal attribution, despite known asymptomatic carriage of the principal causes of acute febrile illness in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We designed a semi-quantitative PCR in a modular format to detect bloodborne agents of acute febrile illness that encompassed common etiologies of AFI in the region, etiologies of recent epidemics, etiologies that require an immediate public health response and additional pathogens of unknown endemicity. We then designed a study that would delineate background levels of transmission in the community in the absence of symptoms to provide corrected estimates of attribution for the principal determinants of AFI.
Methods: A case-control study of acute febrile illness in patients ten years or older seeking health care in Iquitos, Loreto, Peru, was planned. Upon enrollment, we will obtain blood, saliva, and mid-turbinate nasal swabs at enrollment with a follow-up visit on day 21-28 following enrollment to attain vital status and convalescent saliva and blood samples, as well as a questionnaire including clinical, socio-demographic, occupational, travel, and animal contact information for each participant. Whole blood samples are to be simultaneously tested for 32 pathogens using TaqMan array cards. Mid-turbinate samples will be tested for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Influenza B. Conditional logistic regression models will be fitted treating case/control status as the outcome and with pathogen-specific sample positivity as predictors to attain estimates of attributable pathogen fractions for AFI.
Discussion: The modular PCR platforms will allow for reporting of all primary results of respiratory samples within 72 hours and blood samples within one week, allowing for results to influence local medical practice and enable timely public health responses. The inclusion of controls will allow for a more accurate estimate of the importance of specific, prevalent pathogens as a cause of acute illness.
Study Registration: Project 1791, Registro de Proyectos de Investigación en Salud Pública (PRISA), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú.
Mobile app for eucalyptus bucking - value chain optimization for smallholders
Authors: Kaakkurivaara Tomi , Korpunen Heikki , Kaakkurivaara Nopparat 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Eucalyptus plantations are a notable source of income for smallholders and private landowners in Thailand. The main uses of eucalyptus are for energy purposes and as pulpwood, sawn timber, and veneer. Among private eucalyptus forest owners there is a need for decision support tools that can help in optimizing tree bucking, according to the available properties of the site and bucking patterns. The precise characterization of plantation properties is key to delivering appropriate timber assortment to markets and optimizing timber value. Our study has developed and tested dynamic programming models for optimizing the tree bucking of eucalyptus trees. To achieve this, tree taper curves for use in volumetric models were defined for optimization. Our results indicate that both the tree spacing and the increment of diameter of breast height are significant factors when estimating profitability. The income would be significantly higher if bucking timber in different assortments were used, instead of the current approach of selling as bulk based on mass. For implementation, we created a free mobile application for android phones (EVO—eucalyptus value chain optimization) to utilize the study results at the grass root-level.
Characteristics and Predictors of Stroke Mimics in Young Patients in The Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial (NOR-TEST)
Authors: Jacobsen Eskil , Idicula Titto , Thomassen Lars , Logallo Nicola , Kvistad Christopher Elnan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown that stroke mimics occur more often among young patients. Our aims were to identify the common mimics in young patients under the age of 60 years who received thrombolysis, to analyze the risk of hemorrhage after treatment with thrombolysis, and to identify risk factors and clinical parameters that might identify mimics in this group.
Methods: Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial was a phase-3 trial investigating safety and efficacy of tenecteplase vs alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients diagnosed with either acute cerebral ischemia or transient ischemic attack were categorized as stroke group, and patients with any diagnosis other than ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack as mimics group. Patients were grouped post-hoc into young (<60 years) and old (≥60 years). Logistic regression analyses were performed with mimics vs stroke as dependent variable to identify predictors of mimics.
Results: Of the 1091 patients included in the trial, 211 patients (19.3%) were under the age of 60 years. Sixty-nine patients (32.7%) out of the 211 patients under the age of 60 were diagnosed as mimic. Mimics were significantly more frequent among the young (OD=3.3, 32.7% vs 12.8%, p=<.001). The most frequent mimics diagnoses among patients under 60 years of age were migraine (11.8%), no definite diagnosis (11.4%) and peripheral vertigo (3.3%). Mimics were independently associated with age <50 years (OR=4.97, p=<0.001), not currently working/studying (OR=3.39, p=0.002) and not having aphasia on admission (OR=2.95, p=0.025). None of the mimics under the age of 60 years had a symptomatic or asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage as a complication to thrombolysis.
Conclusion: We found significantly more mimics in the young, of which migraine was the most predominant diagnosis. Thrombolysis of mimics with alteplase or tenecteplase were both safe. It is not possible to identify mimics reliably using risk factors and clinical parameters alone.