bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaccine-induced antibody level predicts the clinical course of breakthrough infection of COVID-19 caused by delta and omicron variants: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kim Min Hyung , Nam Yooju , Son Nak-Hoon , Heo Namwoo , Kim Bongyoung , Kang Eawha , Shin Areum , Yang Andrew Jihoon , Park Yoon Soo , Kim Heejung , Kyong Taeyoung , Kim Yong Chan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundOmicron variant viruses spread rapidly, even in individuals with high vaccination rates. This study aimed to determine the utility of the antibody against the spike protein level as a predictor of the disease course of COVID-19 in vaccinated patients.MethodsBetween 11 December 2021 and 10 February 2022, we performed a prospective observational cohort study in South Korea, which included patients infected with delta –and –omicron variants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between antibody levels and the outcomes was conducted.The relationship between antibody levels and cycle threshold (Ct) values was confirmed using a generalised linear model.ResultsFrom 106 vaccinated patients (39 delta and 67 omicron), the geometric mean titres of antibodies in patients withfever (≥37.5 °C), hypoxia (≤94% of SpO2), pneumonia, C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation (>8 mg/L), or lymphopenia (<1,100 cells/μL) were 1,201.5 U/mL, 98.8 U/mL, 774.1 U/mL, 1,335.1 U/mL, and 1,032.2 U/mL, respectively. Increased antibody levels were associated with a decrease in the fever occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.51), hypoxia (aOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.7), CRP elevation (aOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29–0.0.94), and lymphopenia (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33–0.98). Ct values showed a positive correlation between antibody levels (P =0.02).ConclusionAntibody levels are predictive of the clinical course of COVID-19 in vaccinated patients with delta and omicron variant infections. Our data highlight the need for concentrated efforts to monitor patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who are at risk of low antibody levels.SummaryIn this prospective observation cohort study, antibody level predicts clinical course of breakthrough infection of COVID-19. Fever (aOR 0.23[0.12-0.51], hypoxia (aOR 0.23[0.08-0.7]), CRP elevation(aOR 0.52[0.29-0.0.94] and lymphopenia (aOR 0.57[0.33-0.98]) were inversely correlated with antibody levels.
Amputation in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Etiology, Characteristics and Clinical status from a Large Tertiary Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Shahine Enas M. , Silarbi Mohamed T. , Alzeer Abdullah , Bukhamseen Mostafa , Alzaraa Khalid Mohammed , Saba Iram 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionLimb amputation significantly impacts the patient’s physical, emotional, and social life. Multiple etiological factors may lead to limb amputation. Unfortunately, there is limited data about amputation in Saudi Arabia. Since Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC) is a tertiary centre receiving such patients, we collected data from ten years to look at the etiology, characteristics, and clinical impact of amputations in the Kingdom.MethodsA retrospective study of 1409 amputee patients’ data at SBAHC collected over ten years included demographic variables, etiology, site, level, and type of amputation. We also collected Functional independent measurement (FIM) scores for 618 patients.ResultMales constitute the majority of amputees (75.7%) and the average age in males was higher in males compared to females (45 vs 36 years respectively, p<0.001). Vascular diseases (42.3%) and Trauma (36.8%) were the leading cause of amputation in this cohort. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity (40.5%), followed by hypertension (26.2%). Transtibial amputations were the most typical (22.58%), followed by trans-femoral amputation (14.12%). Traumatic trans-femoral amputation was more prevalent among young adults than traumatic trans-tibial amputation. Trauma-related amputation cases were highest in the age group of 21-30 years (69.2%), while vascular related amputations were highest in the age group of 70 and above years (89.5%). FIM scores improved significantly in locomotion (33.6%) followed by transfer (30.6%) and self-care (16.4%) at six-month post discharge compared to admission (all p-values<0.01).ConclusionVascular pathology arising due to chronic diseases is the primary risk factor that may lead to amputation and warrant primary and secondary prevention programs. Seatbelt enforcement can significantly decrease amputation related to Road Traffic Accidents, which has been the second most familiar cause of amputation.
Assessment of Androgen Receptor splice variant-7 as a biomarker of clinical response in castration-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Sowalsky Adam G. , Figueiredo Ines , Lis Rosina T. , Coleman Ilsa , Gurel Bora , Bogdan Denisa , Yuan Wei , Russo Joshua W. , Bright John R. , Whitlock Nichelle C. , Trostel Shana Y. , Ku Anson T. , Patel Radhika A. , True Lawrence D. , Welti Jonathan , Jimenez-Vacas Juan M. , Rodrigues Daniel Nava , Riisnaes Ruth , Neeb Antje , Sprenger Cynthia T. , Swain Amanda , Wilkinson Scott , Karzai Fatima , Dahut William L. , Balk Steven P. , Corey Eva , Nelson Peter S. , Haffner Michael C. , Plymate Stephen R. , de Bono Johann S. , Sharp Adam 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTherapies targeting the androgen receptor (AR) have improved the outcome for patients with castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). Expression of the constitutively active AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) has shown clinical utility as a predictive biomarker of AR-targeted therapy resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but its importance as predictive biomarker in CSPC remains understudied.MethodsWe explored multiple approaches to quantify AR-V7 mRNA and protein in prostate cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, in both publicly available and independent institutional clinical cohorts, to identify reliable approaches for detecting AR-V7 mRNA and protein, and its association with clinical outcome.ResultsIn publicly available benign prostate, CSPC and CRPC cohorts, AR-V7 mRNA was much less abundant when detected using reads across splice boundaries than when considering isoform-specific exonic reads. The RM7 AR-V7 antibody had increased sensitivity and specificity for AR-V7 protein detection by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in CRPC cohorts and identified AR-V7 protein reactivity very rarely in CSPC cohorts, when compared to the EPR15656 AR-V7 antibody. Using multiple CRPC PDX models, we demonstrated that AR-V7 expression was exquisitely sensitive to hormonal manipulation. In CSPC cohorts, AR-V7 protein quantification by either assay did not associate with time to development of castration-resistance or overall survival, and intense neoadjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy did not lead to significant detectable AR-V7 mRNA or staining following treatment, and neither pre- nor post-treatment AR-V7 levels associated with the volume of residual disease after therapy.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that further analytical validation and clinical qualification is required before AR-V7 can be considered for clinical use in CSPC as a predictive biomarker.
Current epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in the Republic of Belarus: characteristics of the epidemic process, sanitary and anti-epidemic measures
Authors: Dashkevich Ala M , Kolomiets Natalia D , Vysotskaya Veronika S , Hlinskaya Iryna N , Skuranovich Anzhela L , Tarasenka Aliaksandr A , Karaban Inna A , Gasich Elena L 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis is an analysis of the features of the COVID-19 pandemic the population of the Republic of Belarus from February 2020 to January 2022, the characteristics of sanitary and anti-epidemic measures carried out in the country, assessment of study the safety (tolerance) of the vaccines used the epidemiological efficacy of the vaccination.A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Belarus from the beginning of registration (February 28, 2020) to January, 3, 2022 was performed. Vaccine safety (tolerance) and efficacy were assessed in an observational study. Safety (tolerance) was assessed by presence/absence of adverse reactions: general (fever, malaise, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, etc) and local ones (redness, swelling, soreness at the injection place).The COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Belarus is characterized by successive development stages: from no cases in early 2020 to detected cases where most individuals had no history of contact with COVID-19 patients; periods of rising and falling incidenceVaccines against COVID-19 (Gam-COVID-Vac (Russia), inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (Vero Cell) Sinopharm / BIBP (China) demonstrated a high safety profile in mass vaccination of the population of the Republic of Belarus.
Prevalence and Predictors of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Elderly in the aftermath of COVID-19: A Quantitative Study from Central India
Authors: Malhotra Varun , Javed Danish , Bharshankar Rajay , Singh Vijender , Gautam Namita , Mishra Shweta , Chundawat Digpal S. , Kushwah Anuradha , Singh Gyanendra 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundElderly persons have been more prone to depression, anxiety and stress during COVID-19 pandemic. They need more care and support towards mental health during these difficult times.MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted in the state of Madhya Pradesh, during the month of March 2021 to August 2021. Participants were recruited from a population aged more than 60 years, those who were able to read and write Hindi/English or having at least one family member; reporting to a tertiary care teaching hospital during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. Those who were confirmed COVID-19 cases & undergoing treatment, with diagnosed mental health disorders and who didn’t give consent were excluded. A semi-structured questionnaire along with DASS-21 scale was completed by participants online.ResultsOut of 690 subjects, 7.25% had mild and moderate depression, 0.58% had severe and extremely severe depression. Mild and moderate anxiety symptoms were reported by 9.56%, 2.46% reported severe and extremely severe anxiety. Mild and moderate stress was reported by 4.78%, while 0.42% were severely and extremely stressed. A positive statistical association was found between alcohol addiction and depression (p=0.028). The elderly subjects had a nap the day time were significantly less depressed during COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.033). It was found that older the subjects, more were they anxious during the pandemic (p=0.042). An association was found between alcohol addiction and stress (p=0.043).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms in participants were positively correlated with alcohol addiction. Females reported higher level of stress. There is a felt need to formulate psychological interventions for elderly to improve their mental health and psychological resilience. We need to tackle and fight the stigma, fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19, which is greater than disease itself.Key messageWhat is already knownPsychological problems like anxiety, depressive symptoms, fearfulness, a state of uncertainty and stress are common in all age groups; furthermore older adults are more prone to develop mental health issues in wake of stressful situations.What this study adds toAbout one fourth of elderly developed anxiety, depression and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.Effect on practice and policyThere is a need for proactive identification through screening of elderly for mental health issues following unprecedented stress like COVID-19 pandemic.
Victimization and witnessing of workplace bullying and physician-diagnosed physical and mental health and organizational outcomes: a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample in Japan
Authors: Tsuno Kanami , Kawakami Norito , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Shimazu Akihito , Inoue Akiomi , Odagiri Yuko , Shimomitsu Teruichi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundCompared to the numerous reports on mental health outcomes of workplace bullying victims, research on organizational outcomes of witnesses and physical health outcomes of victims and witnesses is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bullying victimization and witnessing and various physical and mental health outcomes and organizational outcomes such as sickness absence, work performance, and job satisfaction.MethodsThis study used cross-sectional data from a nationally representative, community-based sample of 5,000 Japanese residents aged 20-60. We analyzed data from 1,496 respondents after excluding those not working at the time of the survey and those with missing values. Workplace bullying, psychological distress, physical complaints, and job satisfaction were assessed with the New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire and work performance with the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. In addition, subjective health status, physician-diagnosed mental or physical illness, and sickness absence were asked as one item. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis or Poisson regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between victimization/witnessing workplace bullying and health and organizational outcomes.ResultsBoth victimization and witnessing workplace bullying were significantly associated with psychological distress, physical complaints, subjective poor health, physician-diagnosed mental disorders, and job dissatisfaction. Victimization of workplace bullying was further associated with physician-diagnosed respiratory diseases, sickness absence (≥7 days), and poor work performance. Victims were absent from work for 4.5 more sick days and had 11.2% lower work performance than non-victims.ConclusionsThe results showed that both victimization and witnessing workplace bullying were significantly associated with physical and mental outcomes and various organizational outcomes. Organizations should implement further measures to prevent personal and organizational losses due to workplace bullying.
Cellular and humoral immune response to a third dose of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine – a prospective observational study
Authors: Herzberg Jonas , Fischer Bastian , Becher Heiko , Becker Ann-Kristin , Honarpisheh Human , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Strate Tim , Knabbe Cornelius 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSince the introduction of various vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2020, rates of infection have continued to climb worldwide. This led to the establishment of a third dose vaccination in several countries, known as a booster. To date, there has been little real-world data about the immunological effect of this strategy.MethodsWe compared the humoral- and cellular immune response before and after the third dose of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine BNT162b2, following different prime-boost regimes. Humoral immunity was assessed by determining anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies using a standardized quantitative assay. In addition, neutralizing antibodies were measured using a commercial surrogate ELISA-assay. Interferon-gamma release was measured after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay to evaluate the cellular immune response.ResultsThe median antibody level increased significantly after the third dose to 2663.1 BAU/ml vs. 101.4 BAU/ml (p < 0.001) before administration of the boosting dose. This was also detected for neutralizing antibodies with a binding inhibition of 99.68% ± 0.36% vs. 69.06% ± 19.88% after the second dose (p < 0.001).96.3% of the participants showed a detectable T-cell-response after the third dose with a mean interferon-gamma level of 2207.07 mIU/ml ± 1905 mIU/ml.ConclusionThis study detected a BMI-dependent increase after the third dose of BNT162b2 following different vaccination protocols, whereas all participants showed a significant increase of their immune response. This, in combination with the limited post-vaccination-symptoms underlines the potential beneficial effect of a BNT162b2-boosting dose.
Correlates of circulating extracellular vesicle cargo with key clinical features of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Casu Anna , Lopez Yury O. Nunez , Yu Gongxin , Clifford Christopher , Bilal Anika , Petrilli Alejandra M. , Cornnell Heather , Corbin Karen , Iliuk Anton , Maahs David , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Pratley Richard E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractType 1 diabetes (T1D) is a heterogeneous disease with a slower evolution in individuals diagnosed at older ages. There are no validated clinical or laboratory biomarkers to predict the rate of insulin secretion decline either before or after the clinical onset of the disease, or the rate of progression to chronic complications of the disease. This pilot study aimed to characterize the proteomic and phosphoproteomic landscape of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) across a range of obesity in carefully matched established T1D and control subjects. We used archived serum samples from 17 human subjects (N=10 with T1D and N=7 normal healthy volunteers) from the ACME study (NCT03379792). EVs were isolated using EVtrap® technology (Tymora). Mass spectrometry-based methods were used to detect the global circulating EV proteome and phosphoproteome. Differential expression, coexpression network (WGCNA), and pathway enrichment analyses were implemented. The detected proteins and phosphoproteins were highly enriched (75%) in exosomal proteins cataloged in the ExoCarta database. A total of 181 differentially expressed EV proteins and 15 differentially expressed EV phosphoproteins were identified, with 8 upregulated EV proteins (i.e., CD63, RAB14, VCP, BSG, FLNA, GNAI2, LAMP2, and EZR) and 1 downregulated EV phosphoprotein (i.e., TUBA1B) listed among the top 100 ExoCarta proteins. This suggests that T1D could indeed modulate EV biogenesis and secretion. Enrichment analyses of both differentially expressed EV proteins and EV phosphoproteins identified associations of upregulated features with neutrophil, platelet, and immune response functions, as well as prion disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, among others. On the other hand, downregulated EV proteins were involved in MHC class II signaling and the regulation of monocyte differentiation. Potential novel key roles in T1D for C1q, plasminogen, IL6ST, CD40, HLA-DQB1, and phosphorylated S100A9, are highlighted. Remarkably, WGCNA uncovered two protein modules significantly associated with pancreas size, which may be implicated in the pathogenesis of T1D. Similarly, these modules showed significant enrichment for membrane compartments, processes associated with inflammation and the immune response, and regulation of viral processes, among others. This study demonstrates the potential of EV proteomic and phosphoproteomic signatures to provide insight into the pathobiology of type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Malaria burden and associated risk factors in an area of pyrethroid-resistant vectors in southern Benin
Authors: Accrombessi Manfred , Akogbeto Martin C. , Dangbenon Edouard , Akpovi Hilaire , Sovi Arthur , Yovogan Boulais , Adoha Constantin , Assongba Landry , Ogouyemi-Hounto Aurore , Padonou Germain Gil , Thickstun Charles , Rowland Mark , Ngufor Corine , Protopopoff Natacha , Cook Jackie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMalaria remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Benin despite the scale-up of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying, and malaria case management. This study aimed to determine the malaria burden and its associated risk factors in a rural area of Benin characterized by high net coverage and pyrethroid-resistant mosquito vectors. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three districts in southern Benin. Approximately 4,320 randomly selected participants of all ages were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests within 60 clusters. Risk factors for malaria infection were evaluated using mixed-effect logistic regression models. Despite high population net use (96%), malaria infection prevalence was 43.5% (cluster range: 15.1-72.7%). Children (58.7%) were more likely to be infected than adults (31.2%), with a higher malaria prevalence among older children (5-10 years: 69.1%; 10-15 years: 67.9%) compared to young children (<5 years: 42.1%); however, young children were more likely to be symptomatic. High household density, low socioeconomic status, young age (<15years), poor net conditions, and low net usage during the previous week were significantly associated with malaria infection. Malaria prevalence remains high in this area of intense pyrethroid resistance despite high net use. New classes of LLINs effective against resistant vectors are therefore crucial to further reduce malaria in this area.
Relative assessment of cloth mask protection against ballistic droplets: a frugal approach
Authors: Márquez-Alvarez V. , Amigó-Vera J. , Rivera A. , Batista-Leyva A. J. , Altshuler E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the relevance of evaluating the effectiveness of face masks –especially those made at home using a variety of materials– has become obvious. However, quantifying mask protection often requires sophisticated equipment. Using a frugal stain technique, here we quantify the “ballistic” droplets reaching a receptor from a jet-emitting source which mimics a coughing, sneezing or talking human –in real life, such droplets may host active SARS-CoV-2 virus able to replicate in the nasopharynx. We demonstrate that materials often used in home-made face masks block most of the droplets. Mimicking situations eventually found in daily life, we also show quantitatively that less liquid carried by ballistic droplets reaches a receptor when a blocking material is deployed near the source than when located near the receptor, which supports the paradigm that your face mask does protect you, but protects others even better than you. Finally, the blocking behavior can be quantitatively explained by a simple mechanical model.