bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐occurrence of Guillain–Barre syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis in a young female: A case report from a low middle‐income country
Authors: Nazir Zainab , Habib Ashna , Ali Tooba , Shafiq Khan Kiran , Abbas Jaffri Samar , Haque Md Ariful 
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical MessageWe present the case of an adult female who had rheumatoid arthritis at first but later tested positive for Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). In symptomatic GBS patients (related to large joints), physicians (and therapists) should consider rheumatoid arthritis when risk factors are present.AbstractThe co‐existence of GBS and other autoimmune disorders is uncommon. We present the case of an adult female who had rheumatoid arthritis at first but later tested positive for GBS. Further details are provided regarding the interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapy strategy that led to the patient's complete recovery. An adult female patient with rheumatoid arthritis presented with progressive weakness in her lower limbs, affecting her arm and causing numbness in her left hand and bilateral lower limbs. She has not passed stool for the last 2 days and has experienced gastroenteritis with watery, profuse diarrhea. On admission, the patient was awake, alert, and able to communicate. She had a thorough history of vital signs, with no signs of dehydration, jaundice, pallor, or edema. The patient's lower limbs were hypotonic and her upper limbs were normal. She experienced loss of sensation in her lower limbs, vibration, and proprioception. The patient's EMG‐NCS report indicated sensory and motor axonal neuropathy (AMSAN variant). Plasmapheresis sessions were finished in our patient, and a very good result was achieved. In symptomatic GBS patients (related to large joints), physicians (and therapists) should consider rheumatoid arthritis when risk factors are present. Appropriate clinical treatment, which includes prompt evaluation of alternate diagnoses in the case of therapeutic failure, can improve patient outcomes.
Gastric outlet obstruction due to an intragastric balloon in a patient returning from the Caribbean
Authors: Martins Maria Florencia , De la Hoz Gomez Alejandro , Manivannan Alan , Shapira‐Daniels Ayelet , Campbell Reardon Christine Lee 
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical MessageGastric outlet obstruction can be a dangerous complication of intragastric balloons, as it can result in severe metabolic alkalosis. As weight loss procedures and medical tourism become more popular, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for complications of invasive procedures, particularly in returning travelers.AbstractIntragastric balloons for weight loss have decreased in frequency in the United States. However, they are still frequent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Severe complications occur in less than 3% of patients who undergo this procedure. Herein, we present a case of gastric outlet obstruction, severe metabolic alkalosis, and refeeding syndrome in a patient returning from the Dominican Republic. She presented with 2 weeks of emesis and obstipation, followed by a pre‐syncope and altered mental status. An intragastric mass was observed on computerized tomography, which was characterized as an intragastric balloon and retrieved endoscopically. All metabolic derangements were corrected, and the patient improved without sequelae. As weight loss procedures and medical tourism become more popular, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for complications of invasive procedures, particularly in returning travelers.
A new fluorocarbon adhesive: Inhibiting agglomeration during combustion of propellant via efficient F–Al2O3 preignition reaction
Authors: Yao Qifa , Xia Min , Wang Chao , Yang Fanzhi , Yang Wei , Luo Yunjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInhibiting the agglomeration of molten aluminum particles packed in the binder network is a promising scheme to achieve efficient combustion of solid propellants. In this investigation, the hydroxyl‐terminated structured fluorinated alcohol compound (PFD) was introduced to modify the traditional polyethylene glycol/polytetrahydrofuran block copolymerization (HTPE) binder; that is, a unique fluorinated polyether (FTPE) binder was synthesized by embedding fluorinated organic segments into the HTPE binder via crosslinking curing. The FTPE was applied in aluminum‐based propellants for the first time. Due to the complete release of fluorinated organic active segments in the range of 300°C to 400°C, the burning rate of FTPE‐based propellant increased from 4.07 (0% PFD) to 6.36 mm/s (5% PFD), increased by 56.27% under 1 MPa. The reaction heat of FTPE propellants increased from 5.95 (0% PFD) to 7.18 MJ/kg (5% PFD) under 3.0 MPa, indicating that HTPE binder modified with PFD would be conducive to inhibiting the D90 of condensed combustion products (CCPs) dropped by 81.84% from 75.46 (0% PFD) to 13.71 μm (5% PFD) under 3.0 MPa, in consistent with the significant reduction of aluminum agglomerates observed on the quenched burning surface of the propellants. Those results demonstrated that a novel FTPE binder with PFD can release fluorinated organic active segments, which motivate preignition reaction with the alumina shell in the early stage of aluminum combustion, and then enhance the melting diffusion effect of aluminum to inhibit the agglomeration.
Tractable Quinolone Hydrazides Exhibiting Sub‐Micromolar and Broad Spectrum Antitrypanosomal Activities
Authors: Chirwa Kgothatso A. , Francisco Karol R. , Dube Phelelisiwe S. , Park Hayoung , Legoabe Lesetja J. , Teixeira Thaiz Rodrigues , Caffrey Conor R. , Beteck Richard M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNagana and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by (sub)species of Trypanosoma, are diseases that impede human and animal health, and economic growth in Africa. The few drugs available have drawbacks including suboptimal efficacy, adverse effects, drug resistance, and difficult routes of administration. New drugs are needed. A series of 20 novel quinolone compounds with affordable synthetic routes was made and evaluated in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei and HEK293 cells. Of the 20 compounds, 12 had sub‐micromolar potencies against the parasite (EC50 values=0.051–0.57 μM), and most were non‐toxic to HEK293 cells (CC50 values>5 μM). Two of the most potent compounds presented sub‐micromolar activities against other trypanosome (sub)species (T. cruzi and T. b. rhodesiense). Although aqueous solubility is poor, both compounds possess good logD values (2–3), and either robust or poor microsomal stability profiles. These varying attributes will be addressed in future reports.
Grain quality deterioration of hybrid rice is associated with alterations in physicochemical and structural properties of starch under saline conditions
Authors: Jin Wenyu , Wei Zhongwei , Li Lin , Ashraf Umair , He Wenli , Zhang Yuzhu , Qi Shaowu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSaline water could affect the structural and physicochemical properties of starch and rice (Oryza sativa L.) quality. In the present study, two high‐quality hybrid rice varieties, that is, Y Liangyou 957 (YLY957) and Jing Liangyou 534 (JLY534), were grown in a mixture of underground and sea water having 0, 5, and 11 dS m−1 electrical conductivity (EC). The mixtures of water were applied at active tillering stage. Results showed that the application of saline water decreased the total starch and amylose content and increased the protein content, thus reduced the taste value. In addition, the B2 chain content in amylopectin increased by 3.83%–5.30% under the application of saline water, leading to delayed pasting and higher gelatinization temperature. Application of saline water also altered the relative crystallinity, which affected the surface smoothness of starch granules (increased the percentage of small and medium starch granules [d < 10 μm]). Overall, the results indicated that salt stress during the whole growth period changed the physicochemical properties and structure of starch and reduced the eating and cooking qualities.
Pericardial delta like non‐canonical NOTCH ligand 1 (Dlk1) augments fibrosis in the heart through epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Jensen Charlotte Harken , Johnsen Rikke Helin , Eskildsen Tilde , Baun Christina , Ellman Ditte Gry , Fang Shu , Bak Sara Thornby , Hvidsten Svend , Larsen Lars Allan , Rosager Ann Mari , Riber Lars Peter , Schneider Mikael , De Mey Jo , Thomassen Mads , Burton Mark , Uchida Shizuka , Laborda Jorge , Andersen Ditte Caroline 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure due to myocardial infarction (MI) involves fibrosis driven by epicardium‐derived cells (EPDCs) and cardiac fibroblasts, but strategies to inhibit and provide cardio‐protection remains poor. The imprinted gene, non‐canonical NOTCH ligand 1 (Dlk1), has previously been shown to mediate fibrosis in the skin, lung and liver, but very little is known on its effect in the heart.MethodsHerein, human pericardial fluid/plasma and tissue biopsies were assessed for DLK1, whereas the spatiotemporal expression of Dlk1 was determined in mouse hearts. The Dlk1 heart phenotype in normal and MI hearts was assessed in transgenic mice either lacking or overexpressing Dlk1. Finally, in/ex vivo cell studies provided knowledge on the molecular mechanism.ResultsDlk1 was demonstrated in non‐myocytes of the developing human myocardium but exhibited a restricted pericardial expression in adulthood. Soluble DLK1 was twofold higher in pericardial fluid (median 45.7 [34.7 (IQR)) μg/L] from cardiovascular patients (n = 127) than in plasma (median 26.1 μg/L [11.1 (IQR)]. The spatial and temporal expression pattern of Dlk1 was recapitulated in mouse and rat hearts. Similar to humans lacking Dlk1, adult Dlk1−/− mice exhibited a relatively mild developmental, although consistent cardiac phenotype with some abnormalities in heart size, shape, thorax orientation and non‐myocyte number, but were functionally normal. However, after MI, scar size was substantially reduced in Dlk1−/− hearts as compared with Dlk1+/+ littermates. In line, high levels of Dlk1 in transgenic mice Dlk1fl/flxWT1GFPCre and Dlk1fl/flxαMHCCre/+Tam increased scar size following MI. Further mechanistic and cellular insight demonstrated that pericardial Dlk1 mediates cardiac fibrosis through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the EPDC lineage by maintaining Integrin β8 (Itgb8), a major activator of transforming growth factor β and EMT.ConclusionsOur results suggest that pericardial Dlk1 embraces a, so far, unnoticed role in the heart augmenting cardiac fibrosis through EMT. Monitoring DLK1 levels as well as targeting pericardial DLK1 may thus offer new venues for cardio‐protection.
Probing the effects of gold doping on structural, electronic and nonlinear optical properties of caged X20H20 (X=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Li Xiaojun , Lu Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCarbon family elements (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique structural features and potential applications in microelectronics industry. Here, the structure, chemical stability, electronic properties, and nonlinear optical properties of neutral and charged Au@X20H20 (X=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters have been systematically studied using density‐functional theory calculations. Structurally, the neutral/anionic Au@X20H20 (X=Si, Ge, Sn) as well as cationic Au@Pb20H20 possess Au‐endohedral (XH)20 unit, forming fullerene‐like framework, whereas other species are Au‐doped structures with hydrogen‐bridged bond. Analysis of binding energy and HOMO‐LUMO energy gaps reveals that the charged clusters possess high chemical stabilities due to closed‐shell structures. The charge transfers from X20 cage to Au atom, and the Au atom acts as electron acceptor. The Au atom and charged states play an important role in the structural stability, and can effectively modulate the electronic properties of clusters. Interestingly, the neutral Au@X20H20 (X=Si, Sn) clusters possess large first hyperpolarizabilities, especially for Au@Sn20H20, which has remarkably giant value (~5.65×108 a. u.), and the enhanced NLO behaviors can be further explained by the TDDFT calculation. The work may provide a theoretical reference for further applications considered as novel cluster‐assembled nanomaterials.
A fair share: Effects of disparity, allocation strategy and system justification on perceptions of policy support in the education domain
Authors: Igliozzi David , Granot Yael , Ottati Victor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUtilizing experimental methods across a pilot and two studies, we explore and contrast the relationship between system‐justifying attitudes and fairness perceptions of and support for redistributive policies based on theoretical accounts of distributive justice, highlighting three allocation strategies: equality, equity and need. We began our investigation with a test across multiple policy domains (e.g., health care, education, employment) to examine broad associations between system justification and policy support. Then, we chose one specific domain – education – to narrow our focus on and designed two experimental studies to test more complex models of the interaction between system justification and the type of distributive justice on support and fairness perceptions. Results indicate that as system‐justifying attitudes increase, so does the level of support and perception of fairness of policies based on equality or equity. Conversely, there is no relationship between system justification and support or fairness when considering a need‐based policy in the education domain.
Identification of a novel SH3PXD2B::FER fusion in a case of plexiform myofibroblastic tumor and review of the literature
Authors: Vallese Silvia , Tancredi Chantal , Giovannoni Isabella , Diociaiuti Andrea , Stracuzzi Alessandra , Rossi Sabrina , Alaggio Rita , Barresi Sabina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors encompass a wide spectrum of lesions. Among them, plexiform myofibroblastoma (PM) represents a rare and distinctive entity recently described as mostly occurring in children and with a favorable prognosis. Histologically, PM shows SMA, CD34, and desmin expression in most cases, while it is negative for β‐catenin and S100. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying PM tumorigenesis remain largely unknown. Herein, we describe a 7‐year‐old girl with a myofibroblastic lesion with plexiform features arising in the right deltoid region. The tumor proved positive for SMA staining, in absence of desmin, CD34, S100, and EMA expression. RNAseq analysis revealed a novel in‐frame SH3PXD2B::FER fusion gene. The FER gene encodes a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase which is implicated in several biologically aggressive tumors, where it is overexpressed and associated with EGFR recycling and stabilization. In our case, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong positivity for EGFR indicating an upregulation of EGFR transcription that might correlate with the novel chimeric protein involving the FER kinase domain. To our knowledge, the SH3PXD2B::FER fusion has never been reported previously. Whether the current case represents an example of a plexiform myofibroblastic tumor or a distinct tumor entity remains to be determined.
The use of customized 3D‐printed mandibular prostheses with pressure‐reducing device: A clinical trial
Authors: Chen Chun‐Feng , Chen Chun‐Ming , Huang Wei‐Chin , Liu Sung‐Ho , Wang Ling‐Lin , Liu Pei‐Feng , Chen Ping‐Ho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSegmental bone defects of the mandible result in the complete loss of the affected region. We had incorporated the pressure‐reducing device (PRD) designs into the customized mandible prostheses (CMP) and conducted a clinical trial to evaluate this approach.MethodsSeven patients were enrolled in this study. We examined the association among the history of radiotherapy, the number of CMP regions, the number of chin regions involved, and CMP exposure.ResultsWe included five men and two women with an average age of 55 years. We excised tumors with an average weight of 147.8 g and the average weight of the CMP was 68.5 g. No significant difference between the two weights was noted (p = 0.3882). Three patients received temporary dentures and the CMP remained stable in all patients.ConclusionThe use of PRD in CMP may address the previous challenges associated with CMP, but further research is necessary.
Synoptic sampling reveals spatial stability in flow and chemistry patterns despite large seasonal variability in a subarctic mountain catchment
Authors: Grewal Arsh , Carey Sean K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeasonality plays a critical role in cold mountain regions as variation in air temperature, ground thermal status, and precipitation phase alter the rate, timing and magnitude of hydrological and chemical transport. Additionally, cold mountain catchments can have highly variable topography, geology, permafrost, and landcover, which intrinsically add to this irregularity. Understanding how external and internal variability act to control mass fluxes requires sampling at a high spatial resolution over time, which rarely occurs in cold remote regions. In this work, we conduct five snapshot sampling surveys across 34 subcatchments during the ice‐free period in Wolf Creek Research Basin (a mesoscale montane subarctic catchment) and two additional winter surveys across a subset of sites to assess the drivers of variability in stream chemistry and discharge. We sampled for specific conductance (SpC), major ions, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and used statistical metrics and Bayesian mixing analysis to quantify patterns of flow and chemistry across space and time. Our results indicate patterns in both flow and chemistry remain largely consistent across seasons for all solutes. However, there was weaker correlation of chemistry between sites, suggesting asynchronous behaviour within the catchment. There was evidence of increasing production of ions and DOC along the stream network during high spring flows but not during low flows. Although concentrations and flows exhibit high seasonality in subarctic mountains, this seasonal variability does not alter spatial patterns that arise from highly variable catchment characteristics.
Getting your money's worth: Testing the value of data for hydrological model calibration
Authors: Seibert Jan , Clerc‐Schwarzenbach Franziska M. , (Ilja) van Meerveld H. J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite the big data era, observational data continue to be a limiting factor in the environmental sciences. To collect the most informative field data, studies on the value of data are essential. This article describes a model‐based approach to assess the value of data. While we discuss the approach for hydrological model calibration, the approach is applicable across the environmental sciences. The overall goal is to provide guidance on optimal data collection strategies, that is, what to measure, where, and when.
Household chaos and parenting: The effect of household chaos does not depend on sensory‐processing sensitivity and self‐regulation
Authors: Andeweg Suzanne M. , Bodrij F. Fenne , Prevoo Mariëlle J. L. , Rippe Ralph C. A. , Alink Lenneke R. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have found evidence for a causal effect of household chaos on parenting and suggest that this effect may be stronger for parents with higher sensory‐processing sensitivity (SPS) or lower self‐regulation. This study investigates whether primary caregivers of children around age 1.5–2 years show greater improvement in parenting after a decrease in household chaos if parents have higher SPS or lower self‐regulation. The study employs a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with an intervention aimed at reducing household chaos. A total of 125 parents of toddlers participated in the study. All participants were living in the Netherlands at the time of the study, 89% identified with the Dutch ethnicity and 11% with a non‐Dutch ethnicity. Self‐report as well as objective measures were used, including videotaped parent‐child interactions and home observations. The effect of the intervention on parenting did not depend on SPS or self‐regulation. When studying the relation between change in measures of household chaos and posttest parenting, decreased self‐reported household chaos was related to less harsh discipline in parents with higher self‐regulation, and to more harsh discipline in parents with lower self‐regulation. However, this is a tentative finding that should be further explored in future research.
Host‐pathogen dialogues in different cell death modes during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Ruan Hongxia , Lyu Mengyuan , Lai Hongli , Niu Lu , Zhao Zhenzhen , Liu Tangyuheng , Lei Shuting , Ying Binwu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a fatal infectious disease that continues to pose a serious public health threat. The emergence of drug‐resistant TB has further worsened the burden of the disease. The interaction between the host and the pathogen involves multiple modes of cell death, which play a role in determining immune outcomes. Several studies have established a strong correlation between cell death and TB progression. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of various cell death modes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and how Mtb's virulence effectors regulate these pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting cell death pathways have shown promising results in TB treatment. Importantly, this review highlights the significant potential of mitochondria in mediating communication between different cell death modes and influencing the final outcomes. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive summary of the role of cell death in host immune responses and immune evasion by Mtb. It also offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of TB and immune evasion strategies employed by Mtb and contributes to the development of more effective anti‐TB therapies.
Prediction of soil moisture using machine learning techniques: A case study of an IoT‐based irrigation system in a naturally ventilated polyhouse
Authors: Challa Lakshmi Poojitha , Singh Chandra Deep , Rao Kondapalli Venkata Ramana , Subeesh Anakkallan , Srilakshmi Mandru 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe agricultural sector faces a massive challenge in enhancing food production for the growing population with limited water resources. For effective and optimum utilization of fresh water, developing smart irrigation systems based on the internet of things (IoT) is essential for scheduling irrigation based on crop water requirements. In this study, an IoT‐based irrigation system was developed and evaluated inside a greenhouse located in the experimental fields of Indian Council of Agricultural Research‐Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (ICAR‐CIAE), Bhopal, India. Data on microenvironmental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, soil temperature and soil moisture were collected from the sensors developed inside the greenhouse. Soil moisture was predicted based on the field data collected via different machine learning techniques, such as the decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), multiple linear regression (MLR), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods, with three input combinations. The ANN (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.942, 0.939) models performed well but were found to be less effective than the RF (R2 = 0.991, 0.951) and XGB (R2 = 0.997, 0.941) models in the training and testing phases, respectively. The RF and XGB models outperformed the other models, while the MLR (R2 = 0.955, 0.875) technique underperformed. With respect to both the testing and training datasets, the models trained with all four inputs outperformed the models trained with two or three inputs.