bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression the nisin gene in Lactobacillus plantarum Running title: Cloning and expression of nisin gene
Authors: Ahmad Mohsen Ali , Tukmechi Amir , Ownagh Abdulghaffar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Currently, researchers are exploring the capability of lactic acid bacteria to produce therapeutic molecules through the use of living microorganisms. This study aims to clone the nisin gene in Lactobacillus plantarium. The process involves isolating the nisin gene from Lactococcus lactis and transferring it to a pET-21a(+) plasmid. To achieve this, the nisin gene and plasmid were cut using BamHI and HinIII enzymes in an enzymatic environment. Moreover, the T4 ligase enzyme was employed to ligation of the nisin gene and plasmid together. To increase the number of plasmids, they were cloned in E. coli DH5α prior to introducing the nisin gene. The multiplication of bacteria helped to increase the plasmid count. Afterward, heat shock was used to transfer the plasmid into L. plantarium. Following this, the bacteria were grown in a culture medium that contained ampicillin. Only those bacteria with the pET-21a(+) plasmid were able to grow due to their possession of the ampicillin resistance gene. Sequencing was performed on the obtained clones, confirming the presence of the desired gene. PCR reaction was used to confirm the cloning, and the study demonstrated that nisin protein can be expressed functionally in L. plantarium, increasing its antimicrobial activity. This opens up the possibility of producing nisin as a recombinant protein in Lactobacillus plantarum. Finally, the genes of E. coli, L. plantarum, and Lactobacillus lactis were registered in the World Gene Bank with the numbers OQ674135, OQ674136, and OP546029 respectively.
Impact of metformin on the all-cause mortality of diabetic patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: An observational study using acute heart failure registry data
Authors: Chun Kyeong-Hyeon , Oh Jaewon , Lee Chan Joo , Park Jin Joo , Lee Sang Eun , Kim Min-Seok , Cho Hyun-Jai , Choi Jin-Oh , Lee Hae-Young , Hwang Kyung-Kuk , Kim Kye Hun , Yoo Byung-Su , Choi Dong-Ju , Baek Sang Hong , Jeon Eun-Seok , Kim Jae-Joong , Cho Myeong-Chan , Chae Shung Chull , Oh Byung-Hee , Kang Seok-Min 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Although the hypothesis that metformin is beneficial for patients with diabetes and heart failure (HF) has been steadily raised, there is limited data on metformin use in patients with acute HF. We investigated the impact of metformin on all-cause mortality in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and acute HF.
Methods
The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry enrolled patients hospitalized for acute HF from 2011 to 2014. Among this cohort, we analyzed patients with diabetes with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 ml/min/1.73m2 or more. We retrospectively investigated the all-cause mortality at 1 year after discharge. Inverse probability treatment weighting method was used to adjust baseline differences on metformin treatment.
Results
The study analyzed data from 1,309 patients with diabetes (mean age 69 years, 56% male). Among them, 613 (47%) patients were on metformin. During the median follow-up period of 11 months, 132 (19%) and 74 (12%) patients not receiving and receiving metformin treatment died, respectively. The all-cause mortality rate was lower in metformin users than in non-users (hazard ratio 0.616 [0.464–0.819], P < 0.001). HF readmission rate was not significantly different. After adjustment, metformin was significantly associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.677 [0.495–0.928], P-value = 0.015). In subgroup analyses, this association remains significant irrespective of baseline kidney function (eGFR < 60 or ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2, P-for-interaction = 0.176) or left ventricular ejection fraction (< 40%, 40–49%, or ≥ 50%, P-for-interaction = 0.224).
Conclusions
Metformin treatment at the time of admission was associated with a lower risk for 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes, hospitalized for acute HF.
High-temperature cyclic oxidation of conventional CSZ and CSZ + MoSi 2 self-healing thermal barrier coatings at 1100 °C
Authors: Keyvani Ahmad , Soltani Peiman , Bahamirian Milad 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Cyclic oxidation in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) based on ZrO2 with MoSi2 + Al2O3 has gained increasing attention. The present study the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) process was used for applying a new dual-layer TBC (CSZ: ZrO2-25 wt.% CeO2-2.5 wt.% Y2O3 / MAC: MoSi2 + Al2O3 + CSZ) with enhanced oxidation resistance compared to the single-layer CSZ. CSZ/MAC and CSZ TBCs on NiCrAlY (bond coat) to nickel-based superalloy (IN738LC). The self-healing effects of the MAC overlayer were studied at 720°C for 5 and 10 h. The high-temperature cyclic oxidation tests were performed at 1100°C for 4 h in each cycle in an air-electric furnace and the samples were cooled during each cycle in the furnace. The role of MAC over layer in the improvement of the oxidation behaviour of CSZ was investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The coating was healed during the oxidation process due to the reaction of healing particles (MoSi2) on the surface of the sample with oxygen through the cracks at temperatures above 720°C. The MAC coatings showed improved oxygen diffusion resistance due to the filling and sealing effect. Thus, there is a low partial pressure of oxygen at the interface of BC-CSZ in the CSZ/MAC samples than in the CSZ samples. The low partial pressure of oxygen resulted in a slow growth rate of TGO, resulting in the improved oxidation and spallation resistance of the CSZ/MAC coatings. The results showed the higher oxidation resistance of dual-layer CSZ/MAC compared to the single-layer CSZ coating. Results of the study indicate that the MAC layer over the CSZ layer increased the coatings’ oxidation resistance for extended periods by preventing oxygen infiltration into the CSZ layer.
Screening for Iron Deficiency among Pregnant Women
Authors: AlQurashi Wejdan S. , Abdulgader Reham A. , Gari Rawan A. , Badawi Maha A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are extremely common in females in Saudi Arabia and are highly prevalent in pregnancy. The Saudi MOH Mother Health Passport recommends that pregnant women undergo testing for complete blood count and ferritin in every trimester. In this project, our goals were to describe practices of screening pregnant women for ID or IDA during pregnancy and to identify the prevalence of anemia and IDA in the study population, along with prescribed treatments.
Methods
In this retrospective study, all women who delivered in an academic tertiary care center from January to March 2022 were identified. From these, the study population included all patients who had at least 2 antenatal visits in the same center. Women with inflammatory conditions or inherited blood disorders were excluded. Data about gravidity and parity, results of testing of hemoglobin and iron profile, specially ferritin, were retrieved from health records. Records were also reviewed to identify patients who were prescribed iron (orally or intravenously) or received a blood transfusion.
Results
The study included 336 women. 591 (51.5%) hemoglobin tests were performed during pregnancy for the study sample, which represents a 50% gap in comparison with MOH recommendations of measuring Hb in every trimester. The overall prevalence of anemia was 28.6%, 12.2% in the first trimester, 37.2% in the second trimester, and 36.3% in the third trimester. Ferritin was measured in less than 5% of patients, and most women had ferritin levels below 15 ng/ml.
Conclusions
Screening practices for IDA and ID among pregnant women are suboptimal, and the prevalence of both entities is substantial. The development of detailed national guidelines for screening and managing ID and IDA in pregnancy is recommended.
Evaluation of Tear Film Break-Up Time after First-Time Wearing of Verofilcon A Silicone Hydrogel, 1-day Disposable Contact Lenses: FTVeA study
Authors: Misu Naoko , Mimura Tatsuya , Noma Hidetaka , Kawashima Makoto , Mizuno Yoshinobu , Yamaguchi Masao , Shinbo Koichiro , Inoue Yuji 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The dryness and discomfort associated with soft contact lenses (SCLs) prevent their continued use. Recently, verofilcon A, a new daily disposable silicone hydrogel material SCL, was introduced, which has a high-water content (surface water content of 80% or more) that overcomes the low water content drawback of silicone hydrogels. Furthermore, the surface treatment with SMARTSURFACE® Technology is expected to improve water-wettability during SCL wear. In this study, we evaluated the non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and comfort level in individuals wearing verofilcon A SCL for the first time.
Methods
We enrolled 42 first-time SCL wearers, comprising 84 eyes. NIBUT was measured using the DR-1α® dry eye observation device, at the state of the naked eye before SCL wear (baseline), and at 1 and 4 weeks after the first SCL wear. Additionally, we conducted a questionnaire survey during the fourth week to assess the comfort level (0–10) of SCL wear.
Results
The NIBUT values were significantly higher at 1 week (10.8 ± 2.2 s, p < 0.01) and 4 weeks (11.4 ± 2.2 s, p < 0.01) after the first SCL wear than those at baseline (5.9 ± 2.0 s). Comfort level in SCL use was significantly higher at 1 week (9.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.01) and 4 weeks (8.7 ± 1.2, p < 0.01) than that at baseline (7.8 ± 1.8), and this level was higher regardless of the baseline NIBUT value.
Conclusion
Prolonged BUT and increased comfort levels were observed in individuals wearing verofilcon A SCLs. Improvement in tear fluid retention was found to alleviate dry eye and discomfort, suggesting that verofilcon A may be a beneficial introductory lens for the first-time SCl wearers.
Trial registration number and date: UMIN registration numbers: UMIN000041107 (July/15/2020) and UMIN000042265 (October/28/2020)
Metagenomic insights into the structure and function of the soil microbiome in typical ecological regions across China
Authors: Li Yuqiang Q. , Duan Yulong L. , Wu Fasi , Zhao Jianhua , Luo Chun , Zhang Junbiao , Chen Yun , Wang Lilong , Wang Xuyang , Li Yulin , Jia Rongliang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The structure and functioning of soil microbiomes in the eco-regions of China remain largely undetermined. Thus, we report on a comprehensive, continental-scale metagenomic study of topsoil samples (0–20 cm depth; n = 41 locations) collected from six eco-regions of China. A total of 54.7 million non-redundant genes were deposited in our metagenomic libraries and could be assigned to 105 taxonomic phyla, consisting of 82 bacterial, 12 archaea, 10 eukaryota phyla, and 1 virus phylum. Of these, the bacteria as represented by Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria dominated the metagenomic libraries across all samples. A total of 76 differentially abundant KEGG pathways spanning the six eco-regions could be classified into 23 classes, these chiefly concerning carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, energy metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, replication and repair, and lipid metabolism. According to the KEGG database, we identified six CAZyme-encoding genes (GHs, GTs, PLs, CEs, AAs, and CBMs) involved in the decomposition and biosynthesis of SOC (soil organic carbon); 41 KOs of seven clusters—nitrogen (N) fixation, nitrification, denitrification, DNRA, ANRA, N transport, and organic N metabolism—encoding enzymes critical for N cycling; and 21 KOs of three clusters (ASR, DSR, and thiosulfate oxidation) encoding enzymes crucial to sulfur (S) cycling, from all samples across the six regions. In addition, the functional gene abundance related to the cycling of SOC, N, and S were associated with the NDVI, soil properties, and climatic variables. Among these, SOC (both for SOC and S cycling) and MAP (for N cycling) as being two dominant drivers on the functional gene abundance distribution pattern. Altogether, these findings advance our understanding of the soil microbial functional characteristics of typical eco-regions across China.
Pasive and active intruders motion in a two-dimensional granular medium
Authors: Vidales-Hernández Citlalli Gabriela , Carrillo-Estrada Jose Luis , Donado Fernando 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We study passive and active intruders moving through a two-dimensional granular medium. We use the radial distribution function and the sixth-bond-orientational order parameter to characterize the medium structurally and the mean squared displacement to characterize both the intruder and the medium dynamics. We start analyzing the movement of a passive intruder inside a granular media composed of soft spherical particles over a slightly tilted container under vibration and shear. We found that the intruder's trajectories fall through regions of less order of the granular medium. As expected, the passive intruder's motion increases the medium's disorder beside its path. For the task of comparison, we conducted experiments with an active intruder moving in a bead of particles distributed in a horizontal container. We observed again that the intruder moves through the more disordered regions, and as a consequence of its motion, the regions near its track get more ordered as the intruder passes. The intruder motion tends to be in closed paths; this effect is more noticeable for high particle concentrations. Finally, we study the motion of an active intruder in conditions similar to the passive intruder conditions. We observe that the active intruder, under these conditions, also moves through lower-order regions.
Efficacy of Dupilumab in the treatment of Chinese patients under 18-years of age with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Su Huichun , Chen Xiangqi , Lin Lihang , Han Yue 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the efficacy of Dupilumab in the treatment of Chinese children under 18 years of age with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to analyze the associated risk factors.
Methods
The clinical data of children under 18 years old diagnosed with AD and treated with Dupilumab in the dermatology department of our hospital from 2021 to 2022 were collected, and the changes of SCORAD, BSA, NRS and DLQI were compared before and 4 weeks after treatment. and adverse events during the treatment period were counted. A multifactorial logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the risk factors affecting the outcome of Dupilumab treatment in children with AD.
Results
A total of 144 children were included in the study. The SCORAD, NRS, DLQI and BSA scores all decreased significantly (P < 0.001) 4 weeks after Dupilumab treatment. No adverse events occurred during treatment in all children. logistic regression models showed that age, course of disease/age, comorbidity, pet ownership, and dietary bias were the main risk factors for improvement in SCORAD (P < 0.05) and eosinophilia, place of residence, sleep duration, and home renovation as the main risk factors for improvement in NRS (P < 0.05), household income and staying up late as the main risk factors for improvement in DLQI (P < 0.05), course The main risk factors for improvement in BSA were course of disease/age, family history, comorbidity, and place of residence (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Dupilumab for 4 weeks significantly improved the severity of lesions (including lesion area) and pruritus in children under 18 years of age with AD, thus improving the quality of life of the children and their families with good efficacy and safety. Age, course of disease/age, comorbidity, pet ownership and dietary bias mainly influenced the improvement of lesion severity; eosinophils, place of residence, sleep duration, home renovation mainly influenced the improvement of lesion area; household income and staying up late mainly influenced the improvement of pruritus; course of disease/age, family history, comorbidity and place of residence mainly influenced the improvement of quality of life.
Virtual myocardial PET generated from deep learning of SPECT and PET datasets: potential for attenuation correction in CT-less SPECT
Authors: Kawakubo Masateru , Nagao Michinobu , Kaimoto Yoko , Nakao Risako , Yamamoto Atsushi , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Iwaguchi Takafumi , Matsuo Yuka , Kaneko Koichiro , Sakai Akiko , Sakai Shuji 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
Deep-learning approaches have attracted attention for improving the scoring accuracy in computed tomography-less single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). This study evaluated the improvement in visual ischemia scoring accuracy to investigate the performance of virtual positron emission tomography (vPET) generated by a deep-learning model.
Methods
This retrospective study included the patient-to-patient stress, resting SPECT, and PET datasets of 54 patients. The vPET generation model was trained and validated using 34 cases with over 1200 image pairs using an image-to-image translation network. The SPECT, PET, and vPET images from another 20 cases were blindly scored in the stress and resting states.
Results
The SPECT rest scores at septal and inferior walls (segments #2 and #15) were significantly higher than those of PET. However, no significant differences were observed between the vPET and PET scores. Diagnostic performance of SPECT for detecting PET defect areas were improved with the use of vPET visual scores.
Conclusions
vPET, a new approach for improving ischemic visual score at rest in the well-known attenuated region on SPECT, can be applied as a clinical support tool that provides powerful auxiliary information for myocardial blood flow diagnosis since standalone SPECT is used worldwide.
Enhancing Human Motion Prediction through Joint-based Analysis and AVI Video Conversion
Authors: Xiong Yi , Moqurrab Syed Atif , Ahmad Awais 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Human joint motion exhibits a high degree of freedom, with different joints capable of moving and rotating in various directions. Consequently, accurately capturing the features of posture motion becomes challenging, resulting in lower prediction accuracy for human joint motion. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel method for predicting and verifying human motion based on joints using AVI video conversion. The foreground of human motion images in AVI videos is extracted using a Gaussian background model, and the AVI format video is transformed into a 3D video by fusing the foreground and background images. The spatio-temporal weighted attitude motion features of the 3D video frames are extracted and utilized as input for a CNN algorithm. Motion feature vectorization is employed to reduce motion edge detection errors through a spatio-temporal weighted adaptive interpolation method. Subsequently, the motion basis is generated after processing the fusion of attitude edge features. The particle filter algorithm is utilized to establish the human joint motion model, and joint-based motion prediction is conducted based on the motion basis. Experimental results demonstrate that the 3D conversion enhances the background depth of the 2-dimensional AVI video. Additionally, the proposed method extracts motion bases with clear performance, accurate actions, smooth outlines, and non-redundant backgrounds. The prediction results of human movement based on joints exhibit accuracy, with the error in comparison to actual movement falling within a controllable range.
Lipiodol Chemoembolization for Colorectal Cancers: Experimental Animal and Preliminary Clinical Study
Authors: Li Xiaobing , Yin Meipan , Du Chunyan , Chang Weilong , Ma Yaozhen , Wu Gang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of lipiodol chemoembolization of colorectal artery in animal experiments and a retrospective clinical study for advanced colorectal cancer patients.
Methods
The lipiodol chemoembolization of the posterior mesenteric artery was conducted on six Large White pigs in experimental study. Between September 2021 and June 2022, 12 advanced colorectal cancer patients underwent lipiodol chemoembolization once or twice with 1-month intervals in between.
Results
Following chemoembolization, there were no serious complications, in the pigs. Acute colorectal edema seen on day 1 after the procedure gradually decreased over time and the lipiodol was completely eliminated by day 14. Pathological changes included mucosal and submucosal infiltration by inflammatory cells, local mucosal erosion, and superficial ulceration. None of the patients had any serious adverse events during the peri-interventional period. Mild abdominal pain, mucinous stool, and a sense of urgency and heaviness after chemoembolization were common, but improved in a short time. Overall disease control and objective response rates were 91.6% and 83.3%, respectively.
Conclusion
Lipiodol chemoembolization of the colorectal artery appears to be technically feasible and safe. It may be considered a novel treatment option for patients with advanced colorectal cancers.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with CALR-mutated myelofibrosis: a study of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Hernandez-Boluda Juan Carlos , Eikema Diderik-Jan , Koster Linda , Kroeger Nicolaus , Robin Marie , de Witte Moniek , Finke Jürgen , Finazzi Maria Chiara , Broers Annoek , Raida Luděk , Schaap Nicolaas , Chiusolo Patrizia , Verbeek Mareike , Hazenberg Carin , Hałaburda Kazimierz , Kulagin Alexander , labussiere helene , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Rabitsch Werner , Raj Kavita , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Battipaglia Giorgia , Polverelli Nicola , Czerw Tomasz , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , McLornan Donal 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is curative for myelofibrosis (MF) but assessing risk-benefit in individual patients is challenging. This complexity is amplified in CALR-mutated MF patients, as they live longer with conventional treatments compared to other molecular subtypes. We analyzed outcomes of 346 CALR-mutated MF patients who underwent allo-HCT in 123 EBMT centers between 2005 and 2019. After a median follow-up of 40 months, the estimated overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 81%, 71%, and 63%, respectively. Patients receiving busulfan-containing regimens achieved a 5-year OS rate of 71%. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 1, 3, and 5 years was 16%, 22%, and 26%, respectively, while the incidence of relapse/progression was 11%, 15%, and 17%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that older age correlated with worse OS, while primary MF and HLA mismatched transplants had a near-to-significant trend to decreased OS. Comparative analysis between CALR- and JAK2-mutated MF patients adjusting for confounding factors revealed better OS, lower NRM, lower relapse, and improved graft-versus-host disease-free and relapse-free survival (GRFS) in CALR-mutated patients. These findings confirm the improved prognosis associated with CALR mutation in allo-HCT and support molecular profiling in prognostic scoring systems to predict OS after transplantation in MF.