bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and downstream processing optimization of plant-made Osmotin and its functional analysis
Authors: Nawaz Taufiq , Khan Umair , Fahad Shah , Tahmasebi Azade , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Khan Imran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Plant-made therapeutic proteins are getting acceptance because of the cost-effective production that displays equal efficacy to the more established platform such as mammalian or bacterial-based production systems. This study demonstrates that the stable expression of recombinant osmotin (rOSM) expressed and purified in large amounts is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) lettuce leaf tissues. In this study, we designed experiments to explore a plant-based system for the expression of rOSM known for exhibiting antifungal activity and stress tolerance. The codon-optimized osmotin sequences for higher expression in lettuce were added with 6xHistag and ER retention signal peptide and three independent transgenic lines were generated and screened for transgene expression with PCR. The protein extraction was optimized considering the impact of ultrasonication, PIC, and tween-20 impact on total protein extraction. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the induction of ~ 28.5 kDa recombinant fusion protein and ELISA quantitation was carried out to confirm the expression level of 127 mg/kg fresh weight (FW) in lettuce leaf tissues. The method has been developed to purify recombinant proteins from leaf tissues with relatively convenient manual techniques for histidine-tagged protein with final product purity of > 90%. The functional analysis of purified proteins exhibited antifungal activity was verified using two human pathogenic fungal strains. In addition, the expression of rOSM made this plant more versatile to tolerate adverse environmental conditions when compared with wild-type cultivars. In this study, we demonstrated that the lettuce plant can produce a high level of functional protein and therefore is a promising production system for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, we outline the dual functionality of expressing osmotin for the synthesis of therapeutic proteins, thereby endowing engineered plants with enhanced stress tolerance.
A new α-CBC polymer with elevated heat-resistance prepared via catalytic hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene-butadiene-styrene terpolymer over Ni x Pd/NCNT@MFN monolithic catalyst
Authors: Cao Chun-Yan , Qian Shao-Kang , Cao Gui-Ping , Yan Jun-Yang , Gao Peng , Ji Shuang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Elevating the heat resistance of the highly transparent cyclic block copolymer CBC is of great significance for the synthesis of high performance polymers. In this study, a novel bimetallic Ni x Pd/NCNT@MFN catalyst was prepared and applied in the hydrogenation of α methylstyrene butadiene styrene ( α SBS) ternary block copolymer. Ni 2 Pd/NCNT@MFN exhibited excellent catalytic performance, and after 8 hour s of reaction, a new fully hydrogenated polymer α CBC was obtained. The hydrogenation of the butadiene segment in α SBS bec a me more difficult as the length of the segment increase d . The pr esence of α methyl result ed in the highest adsorption activation energy for the α methylstyrene monomer unit, leading to a longer hydrogenation time with increasing length of this segment. Furthermore, t he introduction of α methylstyrene not only increased the glass transition temperature of the styrene and α methylstyrene S) segment s in α SBS, but also increased the glass transition temperature of α CBC even more after hydrogenation. This conclusion provides valuable theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high heat resistant α CBC polymers.
Assessing Muscle Quality as a Key Predictor of Fall Risk in Older Adults
Authors: MICHEL Emeline , ZORY Raphael , GUERIN Olivier , PRATE Frederic , SACCO Guillaume , CHORIN Fréderic 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Falling is an important public health issue because of its high frequency and severe consequences. Evaluating muscle performance is important when assessing the risk of falling. The aim of this study was to identify factors (namely muscle functionality and spatio-temporal gait attributes) that best discriminate between fallers and non-fallers in older adults. The main hypothesis is that muscle quality, defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass, is the best predictor of fall risk.
Methods
184 patients were included, 81% (n = 150) were women and the mean age was 73.6 ± 6.83 years. We compared the body composition, mean handgrip strength, spatio-temporal parameters and muscle function (strength, quality and power) of fallers and non-fallers. Muscle quality was calculated as the ratio of maximum strength to fat-free mass. Mean handgrip strength and power were also weighted by fat-free mass.
Results
The falling patients had lower muscle quality, weighted power and mean weighted handgrip strength than the non-falling patients. The univariate analysis, logistic regression and ROC curves enabled us to highlight the importance of muscle quality rather than quantity. The ROC curves have shown that muscle quality is the most predictive factor of falling.
Conclusion
This study of older adults showed that muscle quality is the best predictor of fall risk, more than muscle mass and spatial and temporal gait parameters. Our results confirm that muscle quality is a clinically meaningful assessment and may be a useful complement to other assessments for fall prevention in the ageing population.
Kawasaki disease with shock as the primary manifestation: How to distinguish from toxic shock syndrome？ A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Weijuan , Wang Huixia , Wang Huijiao , Cheng Jun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis syndrome of small to medium-sized arteries that has typical clinical characteristics such as fever, rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, and mucosal changes. Cardiac manifestations, including coronary artery aneurysms, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death, are the most serious complications observed in KD. On rare occasions, it may accompanied with reduced organ perfusion due to systolic hypotension, a condition known as Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). KDSS is a serious complication that can be presented to the emergency department(ED) as an initial feature when typical clinical symptoms of KD have not be detected.
Case Presentation
We report the case of a twelve-year-old boy admitted with prolonged fever, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, and shock symptoms such as hypotension and tachycardia. Laboratory findings showed elevated inflammatory markers, hypoalbuminemia, and sterile pyuria. He was initially treated with intravenous cefotaxime and vancomycin considering the possible diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome(TSS), while the treatment was not effective. Subsequent Chest computerized tomography(CT) and ultrasound identified pulmonary consolidation and polyserous effusion. Echocardiography revealed mild biatrial dilatation and mild valvular regurgitation with preserved left ventricular function. After a multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of KDSS was made. To prevent coronary artery lesions and other severe complications, the patient immediately received immunoglobulin, corticoid, and acetylsalicylic acid. Soon afterwards, he showed significant improvement, with resolution of fever, polyserous effusions, and hypotension. Follow-up echocardiography revealed normal results.
Conclusions
This case indicated that elder children with KD are even more likely to develop KDSS. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for KD and consider pulmonary involvement and polyserous effusions as potential complications. For children with KD, any symptoms pointing to infection should be carefully considered. When there is no etiologic evidence, antibiotics should be used with caution. Our case also highlights the importance of considering KDSS as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with prolonged fever and shock. Early recognition, timely treatment, and close monitoring are key to preventing severe complications and ensuring favorable outcomes in patients with KDSS.
Percutaneous Gastric Embolisation in Obese Patients: A Prospective Study of Mid-Term Outcomes
Authors: Suárez Carlos Ivan Soledispa , Cedeño Robert Alarcón , Fonseca Luis Mariano de la Torre , Bonilla Stephanie Susana Alberca , Cedeño Fabiola Loor , Fajardo Mayra Elizabeth Briones , Salvadores Pablo Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Obesity represents one of the most pressing public health challenges that needs to be solved globally, with serious health implications. Percutaneous gastric embolisation has emerged as a promising technique in the management of obesity.
Objective
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between endovascular procedure and weight loss in obese patients. In addition, to determine the complications related to percutaneous gastric embolisation in these patients.
Design:
Prospective longitudinal cohort study during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2022 and received treatment with percutaneous gastric embolisation
Setting:
This study includes patients admitted to the Haemodynamics Service of the Cardiovascular Health Institute during the year 2022.
Participants:
This study includes 15 patients diagnosed with grade III obesity who met the following criteria: patients ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of obesity as determined by a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 and less than 40 kg/m 2, admitted between January to December 2022, and patients with a diagnosis of obesity with BMI > 40 kg/m2 with contraindication or refusal of bariatric.
Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s):
This is one of the largest studies in percutaneous gastric embolisation an obese population, while assessing the sustainability of weight loss outcomes. The main findings of the study can be summarised as follows: a) The procedure is safe without major complications, ulcers or gastric ischaemia, b) These technique achieves significant weight loss that is maintained over time.
Results
86.7% were successful. Treated patients experienced significant weight loss when comparing baseline weight (101.2 ± 23.0 SE = 5.9) with weight at 6 months after the interventional procedure (91.5 ± 19.8, SE = 5.1) t(14) = 5.3, p < 0.001, d = 0.45. Especially males (106.7 ± 18.4, p = 0.01). No major vascular complications, gastric ulcer or ischaemia, or abdominal symptoms were documented in any of the patients included in the study. Only 6 patients (40%) presented with epigastralgia, 9 (60%) with nausea and 3 (20%) with vomiting.
Conclusions
Percutaneous gastric embolisation is an effective and safe procedure to reduce body mass index with a high success rate, well tolerated by obese patients, without major complications, whose results are maintained over time.
Anti-microbial and Anti-insecticidal activity along with GC-MS report of Lantana camara and development of Innovative Insecticide
Authors: Agrawal Kashish , Gokhale Mamta , Faraz Rumana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Weeds are still major problem in all over the World. Human society is unable for total eradication of weed till today. It is demand of time that we must move towards positive aspect of weeds. Present work is based on the same strategy, in which an innovative product is developed using the leaves of Lantana camara. The leaves of the L.camara have fungicidal, antibacterial and insecticidal activities. During the process of development of product ethanolic extract of leaves was analysed for its antimicrobial analysis, secondary metabolite analysis and activity against insects. Antimicrobial activity was tested against three pathogenic bacterial strains i.e.; Micrococcus luteus, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus aureus and two fungal strains i.e.;Aspergillus niger and Paecilomyces sinensis. The fungi Paecilomyces sinesisis an Entomopathogenic fungi, that infect and kill harmful insects. In some cases, it is also found as Endophytic fungi.
The maximum zone of inhibition was found in Citrobacter freundii and Aspergillus niger when tested with 10% concentration of ethanolic extract of L.camara. Secondary metabolite analysis was performed using GC-MS,which reveals 27 compounds. The research reveals that Diethyl Phthalate has the maximum area percent in this ethanolic extract which is mainly used in insecticides. Anti-insecticidal activity was analyzed on the plant Calotrope gigantea against the insect Oleander aphid and on the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis against the insect Aphis fabae.
Longitudinal soluble marker profiles reveal strong association between cytokine storms resulting from macrophage activation and disease severity in COVID-19 disease
Authors: Meijgaarden Krista van , Veen Suzanne , Tsonaka Roula , Ruibal Paula , Roukens Anna HE , Arbous M Sesmu , Manniën Judith , Cannegieter Suzanne C , Ottenhoff Tom HM , Joosten Simone A , Geluk BEAT-COVID group ,   COVID19 LUMC group Rosendaal
Published: March 2024

Abstract

SARS-CoV2 infection results in a range of disease severities, but the underlying differential pathogenesis is still not completely understood. At presentation it remains difficult to estimate and predict severity, in particular, identify individuals at greatest risk of progression towards the most severe disease-states. Here we used advanced models with circulating serum analytes as variables in combination with daily assessment of disease severity using the SCODA-score, not only at single time points but also during the course of disease, to correlate analyte levels and disease severity. We identified a remarkably strong pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine profile in serum which correlated with COVID-19 disease severity and overall outcome. Although precise analyte levels differed, resulting biomarker profiles were highly similar at early and late disease stages, and even during convalescence similar biomarkers were elevated. Taken together, strong pro-inflammatory marker profiles were identified in patients with COVID-19 disease which correlated with overall outcome and disease severity.
Predicting Bone Degradation Using Vision Transformer and Synthetic Cellular Microstructures Dataset
Authors: Hashemi Moahmmad Saber , Sheidaei Azadeh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Bone degradation, especially for astronauts in microgravity conditions, is crucial for space exploration missions since the lower applied external forces accelerate the diminution in bone stiffness and strength substantially. Although existing computational models help us understand this phenomenon and possibly restrict its effect in the future, they are time-consuming to simulate the changes in the bones, not just the bone microstructures, of each individual in detail. In this study, a robust yet fast computational method to predict and visualize bone degradation has been developed. Our deep-learning method, TransVNet, can take in different 3D voxelized images and predict their evolution throughout months utilizing a hybrid 3D-CNN-VisionTransformer autoencoder architecture. Because of limited available experimental data and challenges of obtaining new samples, a digital twin dataset of diverse and initial bone-like microstructures was generated to train our TransVNet on the evolution of the 3D images through a previously developed degradation model for microgravity.
Article Highlights:
• Long-term manned space missions face the challenges of microgravity-accelerated bone degradation.
• We developed a suitable AI generalizing and accelerating the bone degradation prediction using our synthetic dataset.
• The results show the high accuracy and scalability of our proposed TransVNet compared with conventional models.
Reviving the Critically Ill: Exploring Effective Fluid Resuscitation Approaches for Diverse Hypovolemic Shock Cases – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaban Eman , Elgassim Mohamed , Shaban Ahmed , Ahmed Amina , Mohamed Mazin Sharafeldien Elsayed , Elgassim Moayad , Lloyd Stuart , Zaki Hany 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypovolemic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition, which when left untreated, may result in multiple organ failure. This condition is characterized by circulatory failure as a result of intravascular volume loss; therefore, fluid resuscitation is fundamental for its management. Fluid resuscitation constitutes a wide range of products generally classified as colloids or crystalloids. However, the ideal fluid for resuscitation is still the subject of debate. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of different resuscitation fluids in critically ill patients presenting any type of hypovolemic shock.
Methods
We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for randomized trials published in English from January 1990 to August 2023. The risk of bias and methodological quality assessment was performed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool embedded within the Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4.1). Moreover, this software was used to perform all the statistical analyses in the present study. During these analyses, the random effects model and 95% confidence interval was employed.
Results
Our initial database search resulted in 4768 articles, of which only 16 were reviewed and analyzed. A subgroup analysis of data from 4 of these studies showed that hydroxyethyl starches (HES), gelatins and albumins had no significant mortality benefit compared to crystalloids (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.75–1.17; p = 0.58, RR: 0.71; 95% 0.46–1.08; p = 0.11 and RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.77–1.43; p = 0.77, respectively). Similarly, a subgroup analysis of data from 9 studies showed that hypertonic saline plus dextran (HSD) had no significant mortality benefit over normal saline (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.62–1.13; p = 0.24) or Lactated ringer’s solution (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.75–1.42; p = 0.87). In addition, we found that hypertonic saline had a similar effect on the overall mortality as isotonic crystalloids (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68–1.25; p = 0.60). Also, our analysis shows that modified fluid gelatins had a similar mortality effect as HES ((RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.52–2.02; p = 0.95).
Conclusion.
Colloids, whether individually or in hypertonic crystalloids (HSD), had no mortality benefit over crystalloids in adult patients with hypovolemic shock.
Significant bias in pond surface temperature measurements caused by solar radiation
Authors: Bärenbold Fabian , Bouffard Damien , Schmid Martin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Water temperature is a key abiotic factor routinely measured in ponds and lakes. Here we investigate potential inaccuracies in water temperature measurements caused by the heating of loggers by direct solar radiation. We conducted a comparative analysis between surface temperature measurements obtained from deploying three different logger types in a small pond and a large lake. For temperature loggers with sensing element inside the housing, our results show temperature differences up to 0.8°C between shielded and non-shielded loggers in the small pond. This temperature excess of the non-shielded logger correlates with solar radiation measurements, suggesting that indeed direct solar radiation is the main source of uncertainty for non-shielded loggers at the water surface. In contrast, a more accurate logger with sensing element outside the logger housing was found to remain comparably insensitive to direct solar radiation with temperature difference never exceeding 0.3°C even in the small pond. Finally, measurement differences were always below 0.25°C for all types of loggers in the near-shore of a large lake. We show that using non-shielded temperature loggers to calculate surface heat fluxes may overestimate total heat flux by up to a few tens of Wm− 2 on sunny days. Averaged over longer periods, the overestimation caused by using non-shielded loggers can lead to a bias of a few Wm− 2. In conclusion, we suggest that cheap but widely used temperature loggers with internal sensing element should be protected from direct sunlight when used in still water bodies.
The Short- and Longer-Term Effects of Brief Behavioral Parent Training Versus Care as Usual in Children with Behavioral Difficulties: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Doornik Roos S. van , Oord Saskia van der , Luijckx Joli , Groenman Annabeth P. , Leijten Patty , Luman Marjolein , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Hoofdakker Barbara J. van den , Dekkers Tycho J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The access to and uptake of evidence-based behavioral parent training for children with behavioral difficulties (i.e., oppositional, defiant, aggressive, hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive behavior) are currently limited because of a scarcity of certified therapists and long waiting lists. These problems are in part due to the long and sometimes perceived as rigid nature of most evidence-based programs and result in few families starting behavioral parent training and high dropout rates. Brief and individually tailored parenting interventions may reduce these problems and make behavioral parent training more accessible. This protocol paper describes a two-arm, multi-center, randomized controlled trial on the short- and longer-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a brief, individually tailored behavioral parent training program for children with behavioral difficulties.
Methods
Parents of children aged 2–12 years referred to a child mental healthcare center are randomized to (i) three sessions of behavioral parent training with optional booster sessions or (ii) care as usual. To evaluate effectiveness, our primary outcome is the mean severity of five daily ratings by parents of four selected behavioral difficulties. Secondary outcomes include measures of parent and child behavior, well-being, and parent-child interaction. We explore whether child and parent characteristics moderate intervention effects. To evaluate cost-effectiveness, the use and costs of mental healthcare and utilities are measured. Finally, parents’ and therapists’ satisfaction with the brief program are explored. Measurements take place at baseline (T0), one week after the brief parent training, or eight weeks after baseline (in case of care as usual) (T1), and six months (T2) and twelve months (T3) after T1.
Discussion
The results of this trial could have meaningful societal implications for children with behavioral difficulties and their parents. If we find the brief behavioral parent training to be more (cost-)effective than care as usual, it could be used in clinical practice to make parent training more accessible.
Trial registration:
The trial is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05591820) on October 24th, 2022 and updated throughout the trial.
Optimizing Photovoltaic Solar Model Parameters
Authors: Jeridi Ahmed , messaoud ramzi ben , zaafouri abderrahmen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the last decade, accurate parameter estimation in photovoltaic (PV) system modeling has gained significant attention due to its crucial role in overall system performance. Despite the complexity of this problem, meta-heuristic algorithms (MHA) show promise, although conventional MHAs often suffer from slow convergence. The challenge lies in developing algorithms that balance exploration and exploitation while accurately determining PV model parameters. A recent approach combines ”War Strategy Optimization” (WSO) and ”Mountaineering Team-Based Optimization” (MTBO), along with the Newton- Raphson technique, to precisely estimate parameters in solar cell models. Evaluations of this new model, WSO-MTBO, confirm its effectiveness, particularly demonstrated through robust testing on three distinct photovoltaic systems, including the RTC France solar cell, over a 30-iteration period. Results highlight the superiority of WSO-MTBO over conventional algorithms, suggesting promising prospects for parameter optimization in photovoltaic systems, thereby enhancing accuracy and design efficiency.