bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dramatic Improvement Followed by Rapid Deterioration after Glucocorticoid Pulse Therapy in a Case of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease with Hashimoto's Encephalopathy Features: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Tianchen , Liang Yan , Wu Zhengzheng , Chen Jinbin , Zhang Zhennian , Yang Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that results in rapidly progressive dementia. The diagnosis of CJD is often delayed due to the reliance on brain tissue biopsy, which is not a routine clinical examination. Therefore, the confirmation of CJD in patients is often delayed. We reported a case of patient presented with rapid-onset neurological symptoms, initially resembling Hashimoto's Encephalopathy but later diagnosed as CJD. The patient's serum thyroid antibodies were significantly elevated, which initially led us to consider a diagnosis of Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE). After receiving steroid pulse therapy, the patient's clinical symptoms dramatically improved, but one week later, there was a rapid deterioration in cognitive function. The patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tested positive for 14-3-3 protein, and the RT-QuIC assay revealed the presence of prion protein in the CSF. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with CJD. We present the series of EEG and MRI abnormalities to raise awareness of the value of diagnosing early cerebral injury in patients with CJD.
Optimization of NADESs-UAE extraction of phytochemicals from African nutmeg (Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal) Peels: antioxidant and antiradical scavenging activity by Rotatable Center Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (RCCD-RSM)
Authors: Okeke Udodinma Jude , Micucci Matteo , Mihaylova Dasha , Cappiello Achile 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A RCCD-RSM was used to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from African nutmeg peels based on UAE-NADESs. Four independent factors determined in previous studies that significantly affect bioactive molecule extraction were optimized to elucidate the best conditions that produce the maximum TPC and TFC extracts, with high antiradical scavenging activity through CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH inhibition. The optimized conditions with maximum desirability for TPC, TFC, CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH were temperature, time, volume, and concentration of 45ºc, 5 min, 25 ml, & 90%; 30ºc, 5min, 25 ml, & 90%; 30ºc, 5 min, 25 ml, % 90%; 45ºc, 25 min, 25 ml, & 50%; and 50ºc, 15 min, 15 ml, & 70%, respectively. CaFr11 performs highest for TPC and TFC extraction as well as in CUPRAC antiradical scavenging activity at the optimized conditions than the rest of the NADESs studied. CaSu11 had the highest FRAP power, while CaXy12 gave the highest DPPH inhibition at optimized conditions. Besides, all the studied NADESs were better than water in TPC, TFC extraction, and in DPPH inhibition. Our results are similar to results obtained by other researchers who performed optimization of extraction based on UAE-NADESs using other plant materials.
Prepartal vaccination has no influence on mammary health and milk yield of dairy cows: a retrospective study addressing non-specific effects of vaccination
Authors: Kuhn Caroline , Zerbe Holm , Schuberth Hans-Joachim , Römer Anke , Egmond Debby Kraatz-van , Wesenauer Claudia , Resch Martina , Stoll Alexander , Zablotski Yury 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Prepartal vaccinations against newborn calf diarrhea pathogens are performed in the last weeks of pregnancy, with the intention to induce a maternal adaptive humoral immune response and to protect calves in the first weeks of life via colostral transferred pathogen-specific antibodies. There is evidence that vaccination-related innate immune responses can also affect the mother's immune system response to stressors. Whether such non-specific vaccine effects alter the disease susceptibility of dairy cows in the very sensitive transition period has not been addressed so far. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, we investigated the influence of prepartal maternal vaccination on mammary health and milk yield of the periparturient dairy cow. Herd record data from 73,378 dairy cows from 20 farms located in Eastern Germany, together with on-site-collected survey data, were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression, quantile regression and random forest machine-learning algorithms. A total of 57,166 transition periods without prior vaccination, distributed along 16 herds, and 63,228 transition periods on 13 herds with prior vaccination are included. Additionally healthy primiparous cows from alternately vaccinated herds were analyzed.
Results: Herd management-related factors, such as herd in general and calving year, as well as parity proved to be most influential for mammary health and milk yield, while prepartal vaccination occurred as least influential. Vaccinated cows did not show significant differences in mastitis prevalence and somatic cell count as compared with non-vaccinated cows. Also, energy corrected milk yield on first test day of milk recordings, as well as in 305-days of lactation, of healthy primiparous cows with and without prior vaccination showed no significant differences.
Conclusions: This study presents evidence that prepartal vaccination against newborn calf diarrhea does not have significant non-specific effects on mammary health and milk yield parameters. Instead, the findings highlight the importance of herd management factors. This work emphasizes the significance of multivariable analysis based on a large database with high statistical power. It also recommends further research to explore potential non-specific vaccination effects on other organ systems, infectious diseases, and production metrics in cows.
Bioequivalence Study of Azilsartan in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Liu Xiaobei , Dai Xiangrong , Yu Xiaohui , Zhou Huan , Xie Jing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
To study the bioequivalence of generic Azilsartan tablet and original drug in Chinese healthy subjects under single dose fasting and postprandial conditions.
Methods
A single-center, randomized, open, single-dose, double-cycle, double-cross clinical trial was designed. For fasting and postprandial tests, 30 healthy subjects were included for random cross-administration, respectively. The concentration of Azilsartan in human plasma was determined by liquid chromatographer-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after a single oral administration of test preparation and reference preparation 20mg (1 tablet). The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin8.2 software, and the equivalence was evaluated by SAS 9.4.
Results
The main pharmacokinetic parameters of test preparation and reference preparation of Azilsartan tablets in fasting test group were as follows: AUC0-t was (1.51×104±3511.19) and (1.58×104±3642.97) h•ng•mL-1, AUC0-∞ was (1.54×104±3692.29) and (1.62×104±3784.64) h•ng•mL-1, Cmax was (2055.00±438.70) and (2306.67±534.82) ng•mL-1, Tmax was (2.89±1.38) and (1.99±0.58) h, and t1/2 was (9.68±1.02) and (9.76±0.90) h, respectively. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test preparation and reference preparation of Azilsartan tablets in the postprandial test group were as follows: AUC0-t was (1.52×104±3278.33) and (1.54×104±3362.99) h•ng•mL-1, AUC0-∞ was (1.57×104±3474.30) and (1.58×104±3606.97) h•ng•mL-1, Cmax was (1959.67±304.10) and (1966.55±331.73) ng•mL-1, Tmax was (3.42±1.00) and (3.57±1.26) h, and t1/2 was (10.29±1.02) and (10.32±1.07) h, respectively. The geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of test preparation and reference preparation in fasting test group and postprandial test group were in the range of 80.00%~125.00%. The incidence of adverse events in fasting and postprandial tests was 30% (9/30) and 33.3% (10/30), respectively, and no serious adverse events and unintended adverse drug reactions occurred.
Conclusion
The test preparation and the reference preparation of Azilsartan tablets are bioequivalent and safe in Chinese healthy subjects under fasting and postprandial conditions.
Assessment of Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors among Infants Aged from 6-24 months in Hargeisa, Somaliland: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2024"
Authors: Hassan Hamse Kh. , Ahmed Abdeta M , Ahmed Mohamed A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The weaning process from the breast milk to intake of other foods and drinks, during infancy is a very crucial stage whereby a child is vulnerable to malnourishment should proper feeding practices not be put into practice. This work was essentially important to assess the prevalence and associated factors of appropriate complementary feeding practice among infants aged from 6-24 months in Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland 2024. .
Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out among the primary health facilities in Hargeisa. The multistage sampling approach was very used and recruited 370 mother-and-child pairs. The data collection was done through the pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire with the WHO infant and young children feeding indicators (IYCF) IBM SPSS version 23 was employed to go into and encode quantitative data. data was presented in descriptive statistics using tables and figures by computing the frequencies and percentages of Appropriate complementary feeding practices, Bivariate logistic regression analyses was done to identify candidate variables for adjusted regression at p-values of <0.05 and multivariable logistic regression were presented as p-value <0.05 with Adjusted Odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals. All tests were two sided to determine statistical significance
Results: The analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practices was 46%. While Unemployed mothers were more likely to practice ACFP compared to employed ones (AOR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.15-5.69, p<0.001). Larger families (≥5 members) exhibited higher adherence to ACFP (AOR=4.193, 95% CI: 2.650-6.634, p<0.001). Avoiding bottle feeding (AOR=2.907, 95% CI: 1.88-4.49, p<0.001), maintaining good WASH and hygiene status (AOR=4.488, 95% CI: 2.86-7.05, p<0.001), achieving adequate dietary diversity (AOR=0.032, 95% CI: 0.05-0.068, p<0.001), meeting the minimum acceptable diet (AOR=0.012, 95% CI: 0.005-0.027, p<0.001), and timely introduction of complementary foods at 6 months (AOR=2.504, 95% CI: 1.636-3.832, p<0.001) were all significantly associated with higher ACFP adherence. These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-demographic and dietary factors to improve infant feeding practices in the community.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The research revealed that problematic complementary feeding practices were in the high cases. Measurement of composite indices showed a qualitative picture of these various practices and their components, understanding the diverse manifestations of complementary feeding. This information may be very indispensable to obtain targeted interventions aimed at improving the complementary feeding practices in this community.
Removal of Copper From the Vineyard Land of Pješivci (Montenegro) Using Amino Acids
Authors: Kastratović Vlatko , Knežević Bojana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Copper compounds in the form of fungicides are most commonly used as a measure of protection against vine diseases. Typically, around a dozen treatments are done throughout a year with a dispersion of approximately 5–10 kg of Cu per hectare. For many years, the remediation of heavy metals has often involved the use of ex-situ soil washing with chelating reagents. Amino acids have a lower metal chelation capability compared to EDTA and its derivatives, but they have numerous other advantages in comparison. The main goal of this research was to investigate the ability of 9 amino acids and one dipeptide to extract Cu from various vineyard soil samples and compare their chelating ability with other 'green' chelating agents. The average content of Cu extracted with amino acids is 34.7 ± 16.7 mg/kg or 30.3 ± 5.43 wt.% relative to the pseudo-total content. This is more than what was extracted with carboxylic acid salts (9.91 ± 7.49 mg/kg or 8.45 ± 5.56 wt.%) but less than with EDTA (98.5 ± 42.7 mg/kg or 79.9 ± 7.12 wt.%). The descending order of tested amino acids relative to the removed Cu (mg/kg) is: His > Ser > Thr > Leu > Gly > Val > Phe > Gly-Gly ~ Ala > Arg. The results of this paper show that the amino acid structure is the most important factor for efficient Cu extraction, while the physicochemical properties of the vineyard soil have less impact.
Modified Lomax Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Telee Lal Babu Sah , Yadav Ram Suresh , Kumar Vijay 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Here, a new distribution having three called Modified Lomax Distribution is proposed. Some important statistical properties of the introduced distribution are explained ere. The Least Square method of Estimation (LSE), Cramer-Von Mises method of estimation (CVM) and Maximum Likelihood method (MLE) methods are used for estimation of the parameter using R programming software. A data set is discussed and performed the goodness-of-fit to assess the application of the proposed distribution. Various methods of model comparison and model validation are also used. The proposed model called Modified Lomax Distribution is better than some earlier defined probability model.
Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Min , Li Ping , He Yongqiang , Zhao Chenhao , Yu Fuchang , Dong Hui , Zhang Zhenjie , Qi Meng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cryptosporidiumspp. infection is common in rodents worldwide. In this study, 435 wild brown rats were captured from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China, and a fecal sample was collected directly from the rectal contents of each rat. The extracted DNA from all fecal samples was examined for Cryptosporidium spp. by PCR at SSU rRNA gene. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in brown rats was 5.5% (24/435). The infection rates varied across different animal enclosures. Specifically, infection rates were 0% (0/51) in chicken coop, 0% (0/3) in cowshed, 6.1% (6/98) in sheepfold, 7.6% (10/132) in pigsty, 7.0% (5/71) in dovecote, and 3.8% (3/80) in outdoor environments. The study identified three species and one genotype of Cryptosporidium, including C. occultus (n = 10), C. parvum (n = 4), C. ditrichi (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium Rat genotype IV (n = 9). Of the C. parvum isolates, two were successfully subtyped as IIdA19G1 (n = 2) at the gp60 gene. These findings present fundamental data on the prevalence and genetic evolution of Cryptosporidium in rodents.
A sensitive fluorescence analysis method of pathogenic microorganisms based on Silicon Photomultiplier
Authors: Chen Yi , Dai Licheng , Zhang Fei , Zhao Tianqi , Jin Shangzhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The monitor of pathogenic microorganisms in water is important for public health and disease outbreaks prediction. Recently, the optical detection techniques have drawn much attention due to the advantages of rapid response, security and high sensitivity. In this paper, a fluorescence spectrometer based on 375 nm exciting laser and the microchannel liquid sample flow technology is proposed. The 4×4 narrowband filter array was coupled to a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) array with single-photon sensitivity. B500 fluorescent microspheres and Escherichia coli were used for performance evaluation of the spectrometer. As a result, it is feasible to use random particle counting method to detect the bacteria concentration level in water even low to several CFU/mL. In addition, based on Python tools and neural network algorithm models, the fluorescence spectra of different kinds of substances (biotic and abiotic) can be classified with an accuracy of more than 97%. The method was successfully applied to tap water samples. The results suggest that the proposed method is applicable for on-site bacteria detection.
Long-term probabilistic analysis of slope stability: a case study from Northeast Algeria
Authors: Ghedjati Samir , Lamara Mohammed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A large landslide has occurred causing extend soil mass instabilities, along side the East-West motorway El Harrouch section, located in Ain Bouzian commune, Skikda province within Northeastern Algeria. In this paper a probabilistic study was performed for a slope profile with a total height of 36 m. In order to assess the effect of saturation conditions on the slope stability two hydrology cases are considered with and without water table. The analysis was conducted assuming long-term conditions; therefore the effective stresses and soil properties were adopted. First a determinist analysis was done using limit equilibrium and strength reduction methods. Then in order to investigate the failure probability of the slope, the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) was employed. The input random variables considered in this analysis are the Cohesion C’ and friction angle φ’, with factor of safety (FOS) is the probabilistic system responses. In addition, a parametric study was carried out to inspect the effect of input geotechnical parameter variations on the reliability of slope stability.
Integrating the Classical and Molecular Approaches Toward Passion Fruit Resistance Against CABMV
Authors: de Oliveira Julie Anne Vieira Salgado , Viana Alexandre Pio , Cavalcante Natan Ramos , Santos Eileen Azevedo , Boechat Marcela Santana Bastos , Mendes Débora Souza , Coelho Luis Carlos Loose , Silva Flavia Alves , Lima Joameson Antunes , Costa Thays Correa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Passion fruit, a tropical species cultivated across various nations, faces challenges in expanding its cultivation areas due to several constraints, including total crop losses, caused by the fruit woodiness virus. In Brazil, this condition is attributed to the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), and currently, no passion fruit cultivars are resistant to this virus. This research aimed to assess the resistance to CABMV within the third backcross generation (BC3) of passion fruit, employing both phenotypic and genotypic methodologies to identify the most promising families and genotypes. The study utilized a randomized block design and a rating scale to evaluate the manifestation of virus symptoms, facilitating the estimation of the area under the disease progress curve. The 'disease resistance' trait was analyzed using mixed models to estimate variance components through Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) and to predict selection gains via Best Unbiased Linear Prediction (BLUP). Twenty-seven microsatellite markers (SSR) were applied to determine the genetic distances among 95 genotypes within the studied population. These SSR markers were effective in differentiating the evaluated groups. Among the top 30 genotypes ranked for CABMV resistance, four genotypes from different families exhibited superior traits, making them suitable candidates for the next backcross generation.
Molecular Cloning and Immunogenicity Determination of Norovirus Proteins as Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Bingül Demet Yalçın , Başbülbül Gamze 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Human Noroviruses (HuNoVs) are considered the main cause of gastroenteritis in developed and developing countries. Aim of this research was to recombinant production of some structural and functional Norovirus proteins and to determine their immunogenicity in mice. Synthetic VP1, VP2, p22 and a polypeptide (EP123) sequences were amplified with PCR and then amplicons in pET-30a (+) expression vector were transformed into E. coli BL21 cells. Recombinantly produced proteins were purified by Ni-NTA chromotograhy and ammonium sulphate precipitation. Molecular weights of recombinant VP1, VP2, P22 and EP123 were estimated as 63, 34.4, 26 and 27.9 kDa, respectively. Indirect ELISA method was applied to detect IgG levels from serum samples of vaccinated mice. Considering that samples with a p/n ratio of 2 and greater than 2 were positive, VP1 was found to be immunogenic up to a dilution of 1/160 (p/n = 2.09). While VP2 and P22 were found to be immunogenic up to a dilution of 1/80 and 1/20 respectively, EP123 did not give positive result in any dilution. These results suggest that recombinantly produced VP1, has immunogenic potential, whereas VP2, P22 and EP123 polypeptide did not show promising result as a vaccine candidate.
Associations between urine glyphosate levels and metabolic health risks: insights from a large cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Otaru Sarah , Jones Laura E. , Carpenter David O. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in American adults has risen from 37.6% in the 2011-12 period to 41.8% in 2017-2018. Environmental exposure, particularly to common compounds such as glyphosate, has drawn increasing attention as a potential risk factor.
Methods: We employ three cycles of data (2013-2018) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in a cross-sectional study to examine potential associations between urine glyphosate measurements and the MetS. We first created a MetS score using Exploratory Factor Analysis of 6 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for MetS, with data drawn from the 2013-2018 NHANES cycles, and validated this score independently on an additional associated metric, Albumin to Creatinine Ratio. The score was validated via a machine-learning approach in predicting ACR score via binary classification, then used in multivariable regression to test association between quartile-categorized glyphosate exposure and the MetS score.
Results: In adjusted multivariable regressions, quartile regressions between glyphosate exposure and MetS score show a significant inverted U-shaped or saturating dose-response profile, often with largest effect for exposures in quartile 3. Exploration of potential effect modification by sex, race, and age category shows significant differences by race and age, with older people (ages > 65 years) and non-Hispanic African American participants showing larger effect sizes for all exposure quartiles.
Conclusions: We find that urinary glyphosate is significantly associated with a statistical score designed to capture the MetS, and that dose-response is nonlinear, with advanced age and non-Hispanic African American and Mexican American and other Hispanic participants showing higher effect sizes.
Performance Improvement of Savonius Hydrokinetic Turbine Using Upstream Crescent Shape Deflector
Authors: Rehman Muneeb Ur , Ali Zaib 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The use of non-renewable sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil for energy generation has caused negative environmental impacts. In response, clean and sustainable energy technologies are being rapidly developed. Hydrokinetic turbines, which can harness kinetic energy from free-flowing water in various settings, have been studied for their potential to generate electricity. The Savonius turbine is a hydrokinetic turbine that utilizes drag force and has a straightforward design that is independent of flow direction but suffers from lower efficiency. In this work, the effect of a crescent-shaped deflector installed upstream of the returning blade on the performance of the Savonius hydrokinetic turbine has been investigated. The numerical results indicate that the overall performance of the Savonius hydrokinetic turbine was positively influenced by the installation of the crescent deflector upstream, with a maximum power coefficient (Cp) of 0.264 achieved at a Tip Speed Ratio (TSR)=0.8. A further increase of up to 19.51% in the coefficient of power (Cp) of the Savonius hydrokinetic turbine was obtained at TSR=0.8 when a flat plate deflector upstream of the driving blade was installed along with a crescent-shaped deflector.