bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and utilization of a surrogate SARS-CoV-2 viral neutralization assay to assess mRNA vaccine responses
Authors: Wisnewski Adam V. , Liu Jian , Lucas Carolina , Klein Jon , Iwasaki Akiko , Cantley Linda , Fazen Louis , Campillo Luna Julian , Slade Martin , Redlich Carrie A. 
Published: January 2022

Background
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 immunity are needed to help assess responses to vaccination, which can be heterogeneous and may wane over time. The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is considered the gold standard for measuring serum neutralizing antibodies but requires high level biosafety, live viral cultures and days to complete. We hypothesized that competitive enzyme linked immunoassays (ELISAs) based on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s receptor binding domain (RBD) attachment to its host receptor, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2r), would correlate with PRNT, given the central role of RBD-ACE2r interactions in infection and published studies to date, and enable evaluation of vaccine responses.

Methods and results
Configuration and development of a competitive ELISA with plate-bound RBD and soluble biotinylated ACE2r was accomplished using pairs of pre/post vaccine serum. When the competitive ELISA was used to evaluate N = 32 samples from COVID-19 patients previously tested by PRNT, excellent correlation in IC50 results were observed (rs = .83, p < 0.0001). When the competitive ELISA was used to evaluate N = 42 vaccinated individuals and an additional N = 13 unvaccinated recovered COVID-19 patients, significant differences in RBD-ACE2r inhibitory activity were associated with prior history of COVID-19 and type of vaccine received. In longitudinal analyses pre and up to 200 days post vaccine, surrogate neutralizing activity increased markedly after primary and booster vaccine doses, but fell substantially, up to <12% maximal levels within 6 months.

Conclusions
A competitive ELISA based on inhibition of RBD-ACE2r attachment correlates well with PRNT, quantifies significantly higher activity among vaccine recipients with prior COVID (vs. those without), and highlights marked declines in surrogate neutralizing activity over a 6 month period post vaccination. The findings raise concern about the duration of vaccine responses and potential need for booster shots.
Family correlates of emotional and behavioral problems in Nepali school children
Authors: Ma Jasmine , Mahat Pashupati , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Handegård Bjørn H. , Kvernmo Siv , Javo Anne Cecilie 
Published: January 2022

Background
There is a substantial gap in our knowledge about family correlates of child emotional and behavioral problems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The present study contributes to filling this gap by examining such correlates in a larger population study in Nepal.

Methods
Our study is a cross-sectional, observational study among 3840 Nepali children aged 6–18 years from 64 schools and 16 districts in the three main geographical regions in the country. We used the Nepali version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)/6-18 to assess children’s internalizing and externalizing problems and an additional background information questionnaire to assess possible family correlates which included parental education, family structure, migrant worker parents, parental mental and physical illness, family conflicts, and child-rearing. The associations between family variables and child internalizing and externalizing problems were analyzed using bivariate correlations and multiple regression.

Results
Using bivariate analysis, we found that mental and physical illness in parents, conflict in the family, parental disagreement in child-rearing, and physical punishment of child correlated positively with both Internalizing Problems and Externalizing Problems. The same associations were found by using multiple regression analysis. In addition, parental education, family structure, and migrant worker mothers were associated with Externalizing Problems. However, the effect sizes were small.

Conclusion
The results suggest that in Nepal, child mental problems were associated with several family risk factors. Further, the study points to the need of strengthening prevention- and intervention measures to minimize family risk factors of child mental health disorders.
Contrast-Enhanced, Fluoroscopically Guided Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement for the High-Risk Patient
Authors: Prakash Preeti , Su Andrew , Mason Leona , Tabibian James H. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes can facilitate enteric feeding in patients with severe malnutrition but may be technically challenging to place. We present a man with disseminated tuberculosis and severe cachexia refractory to oral intake and nasogastric tube placement. PEG placement was initially deemed high-risk, through endoscopic, interventional radiologic, or surgical approach, because of severe cachexia and dilated bowel loops interposed between the abdominal wall and stomach. We describe a novel, minimally invasive technique to enhance safety and feasibility of PEG placement, which led to significant improvement in nutritional status and facilitated successful response to tuberculosis therapy.
External quality assessment providers’ services appear to more impact the immunohaematology performance of laboratories than national regulatory and economic conditions
Authors: Buchta Christoph , Coucke Wim , Huf Wolfgang , Griesmacher Andrea , Müller Mathias M. , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Flesland Øystein , Politis Constantina , Wiersum-Osselton Johanna , Aburto Andrés , Badrick Tony , Bouacida Lobna , Budina Marek , Duenas Joseph A. , Geilenkeuser Wolf-Jochen , Guimarães André V.P. , Hecimovic Ana , Jutzi Markus , Lee Chang-Keun , Lim Young Ae , Mammen Joy , Molnár Petra Magdolna , Mokhtari Azita , Morabito Giuseppa , Muñiz-Diaz Eduardo , Niekerk Truscha , Pakkanen Anja , Pezzati Paola , Popa Razvan , Sárkány Erika , Siest Jean-Pascal , Suvagandha Dhitiwass , Thelen Marc , Ullhagen Jenny , Vitkus Dalius , Körmöczi Günther F. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Medical laboratories may, at their own discretion, exceed but not undercut regulatory quality requirements. Available economic resources, however, may drive or hinder eagerness to exceed minimum requirements. Depending on the respective scopes of regulatory and economic framework conditions, differing levels of quality efforts to safeguard laboratory performance can be anticipated. However, this has not yet been investigated.

Methods
Immunohaematology external quality assessment (EQA) results collected by 26 EQA providers from their participant laboratories in 73 countries from 2004 to 2019 were evaluated. Error rates were aggregated in groups according to the respective national regulatory and economic framework conditions, to whether or not expert advice was provided in case of incorrect results, and the frequency of EQA samples.

Results
These representative data indicate no association between national regulatory (mandatory participation in EQA, monitoring of performance of individual laboratories by authorities, financial consequences of incorrect results) and economic (level of national income, share of national health expenditure) conditions to the quality performance of medical laboratories in immunohaematology. However, EQA providers’ support for laboratories in the event of incorrect results appear to be associated with lower error rates, but a high EQA sample frequency with higher error rates.

Conclusions
Further research into the impact of introducing or changing services of EQA providers is needed to confirm the results found in this first of its kind study.
Labile glycated hemoglobin: an underestimated laboratory marker of short term glycemia
Authors: Delanghe Joris R. , Lambrecht Stijn , Fiers Tom , Speeckaert Marijn M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a key laboratory parameter in the management of diabetes patients. However, in diabetes monitoring, interpretation of HbA1c results is hampered by the important interindividual variation in red blood cell (RBC) life span. Furthermore, HbA1c only slowly responds to changes in glucose metabolism. Besides HbA1c, there exists a labile HbA1c fraction (l-HbA1c), exhibiting much faster kinetics. As both HbA1c and l-HbA1c are measured by modern standard chromatography, we explored the possibilities of using the l-HbA1c fraction for monitoring glycemia.

Methods
l-HbA1c and HbA1c fractions were simultaneously assayed on a Tosoh G8 analyzer and expressed as %. l-HbA1c results were compared with serum glucose and HbA1c. Concomitantly, RBC distribution width (RDW) was determined on a Sysmex SN analyzer as a marker for erythrocyte life span.

Results
l-HbA1c could be measured with between-run coefficient of variations (CVs) between 2.2 and 2.3%. l-HbA1c correlated with both glycemia (r=0.80) and HbA1c results (r=0.73). In a multiple regression model (r2=0.752), glycemia and HbA1c were the most determining factors. To a lesser extent, RDW correlated with l-HbA1c (r=0.158). Furthermore, the l-HbA1c/HbA1c ratio weakly positively correlated with RDW (r=0.247).

Conclusions
L-HBA1c represents an additional marker for monitoring the rapid occurrence of glycemic disorders that escape detection when using only HbA1c and blood glucose. RDW can be used as an indicator of atypical RBCs life span, in which the l-HbA1c fraction may be helpful.
Hyris bCUBE SARS-CoV-2 rapid molecular saliva testing: a POCT innovation on its way
Authors: Padoan Andrea , Cosma Chiara , Aita Ada , Navaglia Filippo , Basso Daniela , Giannella Gianfranco , Plebani Mario 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The reliable identification of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection is the cornerstone for containing viral spread. Rapid molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) of saliva might reduce analysis time, thus increasing the efficacy of contact tracing. In this study, a new POCT RT-PCR assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva was evaluated and compared with an already validated CE-IVD method.

Methods
An evaluation was made of 160 left-over salivary samples (27 frozen, kept at −80 °C and 133 fresh), collected using Salivette (Sarstedt, Germany). Samples were analyzed by TaqPath COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR kit, QuantStudio5 Real-Time (Applied Biosystems, USA) (TaqPath) and bKIT Virus Finder COVID-19 Saliva (Hyris Global Diagnostics, Italy). Performances of three- and fivefold pooling strategies were also evaluated. Blood assay interference in saliva was also tested with Hyris.

Results
On using TaqPath, SARS-CoV-2 positivity was detected in 35 samples. Another 10 positive samples were artificially-generated by blind mixing of positive with negative samples. Hyris positive and negative percentages of agreement were 97.6 (95% CI: 87.2–99.9%) and 100 (95% CI: 97.0–100%), respectively. Seventeen positive pools, evaluated for threefold strategy, were all correctly determined by both systems. For the 5-pool strategy, 94.7% (18/19) of samples resulted positive with the Hyris system, and 100% with TaqPath. The presence of 1% of blood (v/v) in saliva did not interfere with the accuracy of Hyris assay.

Conclusions
The sensitivity and specificity of the bKIT Virus Finder COVID-19 Saliva were optimal with respect to TaqPath. In view of the safe and straightforward pre-analytical procedure involved, and the small size of the Hyris bCube, the Hyris system can be used for POCT.
Study of solidification and stabilization of heavy metals by passivators in heavy metal-contaminated soil
Authors: Ye Shenglan , Wang Luyao , Liu Tiancheng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this study, the indoor constant temperature culture experiment was used to explore the mutual transformation of different forms of heavy metals. Appropriate types of passivating agents were screened, and the optimal addition amount was determined to realize the solidification and stabilization of heavy metals. The results showed that the dissolved copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) contents of the zeolite-treated soil decreased to the lowest. They were 219, 819, and 40 g/kg, respectively, which were 31.2, 6.5, and 38.5% lower than no passivating agent added (the control); the dissolved Cu, Zn, and Pb content gradually increased with the extension of time; 5% zeolite (Z4) treatment had the highest average content of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the residue state, respectively, 24, 48, and 19 mg/kg; and at the end of the test, the residual Zn content of Z4 treatment reached 50 mg/kg, which was 72.4% higher than that of the control. A comprehensive analysis of the changes in the dissolved state of the four heavy metals in the soil shows that Cu, Zn, cadmium (Cd), and Pb treated with zeolite have the best effect, followed by sepiolite, and finally palygorskite. Therefore, 5% zeolite can be used for the passivation restoration of heavy metals Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the soil.
Conversion of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate in the presence of mesoporous aluminosilicate catalyst
Authors: Bai Yuli , Liu Yi , Bai Fudong , Sun Qimei , Li Lanpeng , Zhang Tong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The one-pot acid-catalyzed the conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FA) to ethyl levulinate (EL) was investigated in the presence of mesoporous aluminosilicate (TUD-1) with a high surface area (up to 579 m2 g−1) and well-interconnected mesospheres synthesized via a solvothermal process and characterized using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, 27Al-NMR, and N2 sorption isotherm. The resulting solid acid catalyst was tested for the alcoholysis of FA with ethanol, affording 87.8% EL yield under the optimal reaction conditions of 120°C and 4 h. Moreover, the catalyst showed a good reusability with less loss of activity after a simple solvent washing and calcination procedure.
The classification of left-invariant para-Kähler structures on simply connected four-dimensional Lie groups
Authors: Mansouri M. W. , Oufkou A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
We give a complete classification of left invariant para-Kähler structures on four-dimensional simply connected Lie groups up to an automorphism. As an application we discuss some curvatures properties of the canonical connection associated to these structures as flat, Ricci flat and existence of Ricci solitons.
Reliability analysis ofN-equationsN-unknowns method for the solution of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) problems
Authors: Saydam Talha , Aksoy Serkan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFinite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solution of electromagnetic problems at high-frequency (HF) range is a challenging task. This is due to two requirements of accurate geometrical modeling for small objects/antennas and proper modeling of skin-depth effect. Generally, the fine meshes are used to overcome these problems. However, this leads to a large number of time iterations because of the small unit time step. To decrease the computational time,N-equationsN-unknowns (NE-NU) method is developed for multi-frequency sources. Therefore, utilizing wideband nature of the FDTD method, NE-NU method is valuable. However, the reliability analysis of the NE-NU method has not been investigated in the literature. This study is the first numerical application of the NE-NU method that the reliability analysis of the NE-NU method is performed by using condition number calculation and it is validated by time-domain signals of an illustrative numerical example of a HF radar problem. A successful case and a failing case of the NE-NU method are clearly revealed. The effect of using a double-precision floating-point number and a single-precision floating-point number is also discussed. It is proved that a crucial value of the condition number can be found for the reliable NE-NU results.
Efficient pilot-scale synthesis of the key cefonicid intermediate at room temperature
Authors: Comito Marziale , Monguzzi Riccardo , Tagliapietra Silvia , Palmisano Giovanni , Cravotto Giancarlo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Cefonicid is a common second-generation cephalosporin, and the 7-amino-3-[sulphomethyl-1-H-tetrazol-5-yl-thiomethyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylate monosodium salt is a key synthetic intermediate in its preparation. Despite the considerable international demand for this antibiotic, its preparation is hampered by low synthetic yield, long reaction time, and time-consuming industrial filtration over charcoal after the purification step. In the context of the industrial production of pharmaceutical intermediates, in which the balance between streamlining and enhancing productivity is necessary in order to compete in the global active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) market, we have investigated an efficient and practical procedure for the synthesis of a key cefonicid intermediate that features a telescopic route whose synthetic steps are all performed at room temperature; from the displacement of the acetoxy group with boron trifluoride to crystallization without treatment with charcoal. In other words, a simpler, scalable, cost-effective and energy-saving protocol is herein reported as a means of moving towards commercial manufacturing. The optimization of the process parameters and the industrial-scale impact assessment should pave the way for industrialization.
Effect of welding consumables on shielded metal arc welded ultra high hard armour steel joints
Authors: Kumar Subramani Naveen , Balasubramanian Visvalingam , Malarvizhi Sudersanan , Rahman Abdur Hafeezur , Balaguru Vadivel 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Materials with high hardness are usually preferred in armour applications and are difficult to weld due to high Carbon Equivalent (C.E). In this investigation, an attempt was made to weld Ultra-high Hard Armour (UHA) steel (having C.E of 0.91) by Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process using three electrodes (i) austenitic stainless steel (ASS- E307-16), (ii) super duplex stainless steel (SDSS-E2594-16) (iii) low hydrogen ferritic (LHF-E12018M-low-alloy steel electrode). The mechanical properties (tensile, impact toughness, and microhardness) were evaluated and correlated with microstructural features along with Cr
eq
/Ni
eq
ratio of weld metal. The joints fabricated using LHF electrodes showed superior strength of 962 MPa and hardness of 341 HV. The joints made using ASS electrode showed superior impact toughness of 72 J and Notch Strength Ratio (NSR) of 1.32 due to the higher energy absorption capability of the austenitic phase. At the weld interface, joints fabricated using ASS and SDSS electrodes show the unmixed zone (UMZ) and martensitic band (MB) due to sudden change of crystal structure (Face Centred Cubic (FCC) / Body Centred Tetragonal (BCT)). It is also found that the strength property increases (651 MPa to 856 MPa) with an increase in Cr
eq
/Ni
eq
ratio (1.87 to 3.2) of weld metal and with a decrease in ductility.
Perinatal factors associated with admission to neonatal intensive care unit following cesarean delivery in Kano, northern Nigeria
Authors: Usman Fatima , Tsiga-Ahmed Fatimah I. , Farouk Zubaida L. , Gambo Mahmoud J. , Mohammed Alhassan D. , Mohammed Abdullahi M. , Salihu Hamisu M. , Aliyu Muktar H. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Cesarean section is the most common obstetric surgical procedure, with associated risks for adverse neonatal outcomes. The interplay of perinatal factors associated with neonatal admissions following cesarean delivery remains poorly understood in developing countries. We examined how perinatal and facility-based factors affect Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission after cesarean delivery in northern Nigeria.

Methods
A prospective cohort study involving 200 women undergoing cesarean section were consecutively enrolled with subsequent follow-up of their infants in the post-natal period. Data were abstracted from the medical record using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The primary outcomes were NICU admission and intrauterine or early neonatal deaths. Binary logistic regression modelling was used to identify variables independently associated with the outcomes.

Results
Over the study period (six months), there were 200 cesarean sections. A total of 30 (15.0%) neonates were admitted into the NICU following the procedure. No stillbirths or early neonatal deaths were recorded. NICU admission was associated with gestational age (preterm vs. term [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 18.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.0–90.4]), birth weight (small vs. appropriate [aOR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.9–22.7] and large vs. appropriate birth weight [aOR: 20.3, 95% CI 2.9–143.7]) and the number of indications for cesarean section (≥2 vs. one [aOR: 0.2, 95% 0.1–0.8]).

Conclusions
Prematurity, small and large for gestational age neonates; and indications for cesarean section were associated with increased likelihood of neonatal admission following cesarean delivery. These findings could inform ongoing quality enhancement initiatives to improve NICU admission outcomes at the study site, and other similar settings.
Nominal and pronominal negative concord, through the lens of Belizean and Jamaican Creole
Authors: van der Auwera Johan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe article aims to advance the general understanding of negative concord through a comparative analysis of nominal and pronominal negative concord in Jamaican and Belizean Creole, based on the translations of the New Testament. It supplies a general characterization of Jamaican and Belizean negative concord and then focuses on negative concord with a negator like what corresponds to Englishnotand either a pronoun or a nominal like what corresponds to Englishnobodyorno man, respectively. The paper makes a strong plea for studying nominal negative concord in its own right. It shows how it differs from pronominal negative concord and for both it lays bare a variety of non-concordant patterns. It explains the variation in terms of a number of principles, one of which is what is standardly called the ‘Negative First’ principle, but it is defined in a new way. The article shows that there can be concord with definite negative nominals.
Leptin and PCSK9 concentrations are associated with vascular endothelial cytokines in patients with stable coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zheng Bo , Chen Peng , Lei Yan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Leptin and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) play an important role in regulating blood lipid concentration. Recently, they have been found to show the ability to independently regulate the immune response. Vascular immune response has an important pathological function in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) and thrombosis. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between leptin, PCSK9, and vascular endothelial cell related inflammatory factors. First, detailed clinical information were collected and analyzed for 27 patients with stable CHD and corresponding 27 healthy controls. Second, using liquid-phase protein chip technology, leptin, PCSK9, and vascular-related inflammatory factors, such as E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-17 (IL-17), were detected on the same platform. Finally, the correlation between leptin, PCSK9, and the inflammatory factors was analyzed. Through collecting clinical information of patients, it was suggested that there was a significant positive correlation between leptin and blood lipid level in CHD. Compared with healthy people, the levels of leptin, PCSK9, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 were significantly high in patients with CHD. There was a high positive correlation between leptin and E-selectin, ICAM-1, IFN-γ, and IL-17. Also, a high positive correlation between PCSK9 and E-selectin, IFN-γ, and IL-17 concentrations was observed. In general, leptin and PCSK9 may not only be able to regulate lipid metabolism, but may also be able to regulate inflammation in CHD.