bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating polymer interplay after hot water pretreatment to investigate maize stem internode recalcitrance
Authors: Leroy Amandine , Falourd Xavier , Foucat Loïc , Méchin Valérie , Guillon Fabienne , Paës Gabriel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundBiomass recalcitrance is governed by various molecular and structural factors but the interplay between these multiscale factors remains unclear. In this study, hot water pretreatment (HWP) was applied to maize stem internodes to highlight the impact of the ultrastructure of the polymers and their interactions on the accessibility and recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic biomass. The impact of HWP was analysed at different scales, from the polymer ultrastructure or water mobility to the cell wall organisation by combining complementary compositional, spectral and NMR analyses.ResultsHWP increased the kinetics and yield of saccharification. Chemical characterisation showed that HWP altered cell wall composition with a loss of hemicelluloses (up to 45% in the 40-min HWP) and of ferulic acid cross-linking associated with lignin enrichment. The lignin structure was also altered (up to 35% reduction in β–O–4 bonds), associated with slight depolymerisation/repolymerisation depending on the length of treatment. The increase in$${T}_{1\rho }^{H}$$T1ρH,$${T}_{HH}$$THHand specific surface area (SSA) showed that the cellulose environment was looser after pretreatment. These changes were linked to the increased accessibility of more constrained water to the cellulose in the 5–15 nm pore size range.ConclusionThe loss of hemicelluloses and changes in polymer structural features caused by HWP led to reorganisation of the lignocellulose matrix. These modifications increased the SSA and redistributed the water thereby increasing the accessibility of cellulases and enhancing hydrolysis. Interestingly, lignin content did not have a negative impact on enzymatic hydrolysis but a higher lignin condensed state appeared to promote saccharification. The environment and organisation of lignin is thus more important than its concentration in explaining cellulose accessibility. Elucidating the interactions between polymers is the key to understanding LB recalcitrance and to identifying the best severity conditions to optimise HWP in sustainable biorefineries.
An open-label study to evaluate biomarkers and safety in systemic sclerosis patients treated with paquinimod
Authors: Hesselstrand Roger , Distler Jörg H. W. , Riemekasten Gabriela , Wuttge Dirk M. , Törngren Marie , Nyhlén Helén C. , Andersson Fredrik , Eriksson Helena , Sparre Birgitta , Tuvesson Helén , Distler Oliver 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the changes in disease-related biomarkers and safety of paquinimod, an oral immunomodulatory compound, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods
In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter study, SSc patients with a rapidly progressive disease received paquinimod for 8 weeks. Blood and skin biopsies were collected at baseline, during treatment, and at follow-up for the analyses of type I interferon (IFN) activity, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and the number of myofibroblasts. The safety of paquinimod was evaluated throughout the study.

Results
Nine SSc patients were enrolled and completed the study treatment with paquinimod at 3 mg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment, a reduction of type I IFN activity in the plasma from one patient with elevated baseline IFN activity was recorded. A trend towards reduced IFN activity in the skin after treatment was also observed in patients. The serum level of CCL2 was reduced in 7 of 9 patients after paquinimod treatment. There was a median reduction of 10% of the number of myofibroblasts in skin biopsies at week 8 compared to baseline. No change in modified Rodnan skin score and quality of life was detected in the study. Reported adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and expected with the most common being arthralgia (n = 3) and headache (n = 3), and C-reactive protein (CRP) increase.

Conclusions
Analysis of biomarkers before and after treatment suggest reduced type I IFN activity and reduced number of myofibroblasts in lesional skin. Paquinimod was overall well tolerated with mild to moderate and expected AEs.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01487551. Registered on 7 September 2011
Expression profiling of ileal mucosa in asthma reveals upregulation of innate immunity and genes characteristic of Paneth and goblet cells
Authors: Nowak Jan K. , Dworacka Marzena , Gubaj Nazgul , Dossimov Arystan , Dossimov Zhumabek , Walkowiak Jarosław 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The expression profiles of the intestinal mucosa have not been comprehensively investigated in asthma. We aimed to explore this in the Correlated Expression and Disease Association Research (CEDAR) patient cohort.

Methods
Differential expression analysis of ileal, transverse colon, and rectal biopsies were supplemented by a comparison of transcriptomes from platelets and leukocytes subsets, including CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD15+, and CD19+ cells. Asthma patients (n = 15) and controls (n = 15) had similar age (p = 0.967), body mass index (p = 0.870), similar numbers of females (80%) and smoking rates (13.3%).

Results
Significant differential expression was found in the ileum alone, and not in any other cell/tissue types. More genes were found to be overexpressed (1,150) than under-expressed (380). The most overexpressed genes included Fc Fragment of IgG Binding Protein (FCGBP, logFC = 3.01, pFDR = 0.015), Mucin 2 (MUC2, logFC = 2.78, pFDR = 0.015), and Alpha 1B Defensin (DEFA1B, logFC = 2.73, pFDR = 0.024). Gene ontology implicated the immune system, including interleukins 4 and 13, as well as antimicrobial peptides in this overexpression. There was concordance of gene over- (STAT1, XBP1) and underexpression (NELF, RARA) in asthma and Crohn’s disease ileum when our results were compared to another dataset (p = 3.66 × 10–7).

Conclusion
Ileal mucosa in asthma exhibits a specific transcriptomic profile, which includes the overexpression of innate immune genes, mostly characteristic of Paneth and goblet cells, in addition to other changes that may resemble Crohn’s disease.
Predictive factors of spontaneously regressed uterine endometrial polyps during the waiting period before hysteroscopic polypectomy
Authors: Okamura Asuka , Yano Eriko , Isono Wataru , Tsuchiya Akira , Honda Michiko , Saito Ako , Tsuchiya Hiroko , Matsuyama Reiko , Fujimoto Akihisa , Nishii Osamu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The presence of uterine endometrial polyps is associated with not only abnormal uterine bleeding but also infertility, so the use of hysteroscopic polypectomy has been increasing. This operation is considered to increase cost-effectiveness when performed prior to infertility treatments. However, there are typical problems to consider, including the possibility of spontaneous regression of the polyp and the duration of complete endometrial wound healing after surgery. Meaningless interventions must be avoided, when possible. Therefore, data acquisition and analysis of various findings obtained from surgery have become important for improving treatment procedures and patient selection. To estimate the spontaneous regression rates and contributions of multiple factors to uterine endometrial polyps during the waiting period (approximately 2–3 months) before hysteroscopic polypectomy, we performed a multivariate analysis of data from the records in our hospital.

Methods
The medical records of 450 cases from September 2014 to April 2021 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed under the approval of our Institutional Review Board. We included all cases of hysteroscopic polypectomy with postoperative pathological diagnosis. We defined cases as having a “spontaneously regressed polyp” when the target polyp was not detected by postoperative pathological examination. We extracted data on the following ten factors: “Advanced age” (≥ 42 years), “Small polyp” (< 10 mm), “High body mass index” (≥ 25 kg/m2), “Nulliparity,” “Single polyp,” “Infertility,” “Hypermenorrhea,” “Abnormal bleeding,” “No symptom,” and “Hormonal drug use.” We also classified cases into five groups according to the size of the polyp (≤ 4.9 mm, 5.0–9.9 mm, 10.0–14.9 mm, 15.0–19.9 mm, and ≥ 20.0 mm) and determined the frequency of spontaneously regressed polyp in each group.

Results
After exclusion of cases with insufficient data or other diseases, such as submucosal leiomyoma, 424 cases were analyzed. Among them, 28 spontaneously regressed polyps were identified, and the highest frequency of spontaneously regressed polyp was detected among the cases with polyps measuring 5.0–9.9 mm (16.4%). On multivariate analysis of the ten factors, “Small polyp” and “Hormonal drug use” were found to significantly impact the frequency of spontaneously regressed polyp.

Conclusions
On the basis of the factors identified in this analysis, the indications for observation or medical therapy adapted to small polyps might be expanded.
Antimicrobial compounds were isolated from the secondary metabolites of Gordonia, a resident of intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana
Authors: Ma Yan , Xu Minhua , Liu Hancong , Yu Tiantian , Guo Ping , Liu Wenbin , Jin Xiaobao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGordonia sp. are members of the actinomycete family, their contribution to the environment improvement and environmental protection by their biological degradation ability, but there are few studies on the antimicrobial activity of their secondary metabolites. Our team isolated and purified an actinomycete WA 4-31 from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana, firstly identified the strain WA 4-31 by the morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analyses, and found it was completely homologous to the strain of Gordonia terrae from the Indian desert. Meanwhile, actinomycin D (1), actinomycin X2 (2), mojavensin A (3) and cyclic (leucine-leucne) dipeptide (4) were obtained from the EtOAc extract from the broth of WA 4-31. Compounds 1–4 showed anti-fungus activities against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus and Trichophyton rubrum, also anti-MRSA and inhibited Escherichia coli in different degree. Interestingly, we found when 3 was mixed with 4 with ratio of 1:1, the activity of the mixture on anti-Candida albicans was better than the single. Besides, compounds 1–3 had varying degrees of antiproliferative activities on CNE-2 and HepG-2 cell lines. These indicated that Gordonia rare actinomycete from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana possessed a potential as a source of active secondary metabolites.
Outcomes of ICU patients with and without perceptions of excessive care: a comparison between cancer and non-cancer patients
Authors: Benoit Dominique D. , van der Zee Esther N. , Darmon Michael , Reyners An K. L. , Metaxa Victoria , Mokart Djamel , Wilmer Alexander , Depuydt Pieter , Hvarfner Andreas , Rusinova Katerina , Zijlstra Jan G. , Vincent François , Lathyris Dimitrios , Meert Anne-Pascale , Devriendt Jacques , Uyttersprot Emma , Kompanje Erwin J. O. , Piers Ruth , Azoulay Elie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Whether Intensive Care Unit (ICU) clinicians display unconscious bias towards cancer patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of critically ill patients with and without perceptions of excessive care (PECs) by ICU clinicians in patients with and without cancer.

Methods
This study is a sub-analysis of the large multicentre DISPROPRICUS study. Clinicians of 56 ICUs in Europe and the United States completed a daily questionnaire about the appropriateness of care during a 28-day period. We compared the cumulative incidence of patients with concordant PECs, treatment limitation decisions (TLDs) and death between patients with uncontrolled and controlled cancer, and patients without cancer.

Results
Of the 1641 patients, 117 (7.1%) had uncontrolled cancer and 270 (16.4%) had controlled cancer. The cumulative incidence of concordant PECs in patients with uncontrolled and controlled cancer versus patients without cancer was 20.5%, 8.1%, and 9.1% (p < 0.001 and p = 0.62, respectively). In patients with concordant PECs, we found no evidence for a difference in time from admission until death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.60–1.72 and HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.49–1.54) and TLDs (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.33–1.99 and HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.27–1.81) across subgroups. In patients without concordant PECs, we found differences between the time from admission until death (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.58–3.15 and 1.66, 95% CI 1.28–2.15), without a corresponding increase in time until TLDs (NA, p = 0.3 and 0.7) across subgroups.

Conclusions
The absence of a difference in time from admission until TLDs and death in patients with concordant PECs makes bias by ICU clinicians towards cancer patients unlikely. However, the differences between the time from admission until death, without a corresponding increase in time until TLDs, suggest prognostic unawareness, uncertainty or optimism in ICU clinicians who did not provide PECs, more specifically in patients with uncontrolled cancer. This study highlights the need to improve intra- and interdisciplinary ethical reflection and subsequent decision-making at the ICU.
Image fusion algorithm in Integrated Space-Ground-Sea Wireless Networks of B5G
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Cui Yingliu , Wang Xin , Zhang Jinjin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent years, in Space-Ground-Sea Wireless Networks, the rapid development of image recognition also promotes the development of images fusion. For example, the content of a single-mode medical image is very single, and the fused image contains more image information, which provides a more reliable basis for diagnosis. However, in wireless communication and medical image processing, the image fusion effect is poor and the efficiency is low. To solve this problem, an image fusion algorithm based on fast finite shear wave transform and convolutional neural network is proposed for wireless communication in this paper. This algorithm adopts the methods such as fast finite shear wave transform (FFST), reducing the dimension of the convolution layer, and the inverse process of fast finite shear wave transform. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a very good effect in both objective indicators and subjective vision, and it is also very feasible in wireless communication.
A new aspect of generalized integral operator and an estimation in a generalized function theory
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh , Almusawa Hassan , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper we investigate certain integral operator involving Jacobi–Dunkl functions in a class of generalized functions. We utilize convolution products, approximating identities, and several axioms to allocate the desired spaces of generalized functions. The existing theory of the Jacobi–Dunkl integral operator (Ben Salem and Ahmed Salem in Ramanujan J. 12(3):359–378, 2006) is extended and applied to a new addressed set of Boehmians. Various embeddings and characteristics of the extended Jacobi–Dunkl operator are discussed. An inversion formula and certain convergence with respect to δ and Δ convergences are also introduced.
q-Hardy type inequalities for quantum integrals
Authors: Alp Necmettin , Sarikaya Mehmet Zeki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe aim of this work is to obtain quantum estimates for q-Hardy type integral inequalities on quantum calculus. For this, we establish new identities including quantum derivatives and quantum numbers. After that, we prove a generalized q-Minkowski integral inequality. Finally, with the help of the obtained equalities and the generalized q-Minkowski integral inequality, we obtain the results we want. The outcomes presented in this paper are q-extensions and q-generalizations of the comparable results in the literature on inequalities. Additionally, by taking the limit $q\rightarrow 1^{-}$
q
→

1
−

, our results give classical results on the Hardy inequality.
Fredholm-type integral equation in controlled metric-like spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Mlaiki Nabil , Rizk Doaa , Onunwor Enyinda 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this article we make an improvement in the Banach contraction using a controlled function in controlled metric like spaces, which generalizes many results in the literature. Moreover, we present an application on Fredholm type integral equation.
On periodic solutions of a discrete Nicholson’s dual system with density-dependent mortality and harvesting terms
Authors: Eswari Rajendiran , Alzabut Jehad , Samei Mohammad Esmael , Zhou Hui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, we discuss the existence of positive periodic solutions of a class of discrete density-dependent mortal Nicholson’s dual system with harvesting terms. By means of the continuation coincidence degree theorem, a set of sufficient conditions, which ensure that there exists at least one positive periodic solution, are established. A numerical example with graphical simulation of the model is provided to examine the validity of the main results.
Degenerate poly-Bell polynomials and numbers
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Hye Kyung 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNumerous mathematicians have studied ‘poly’ as one of the generalizations to special polynomials, such as Bernoulli, Euler, Cauchy, and Genocchi polynomials. In relation to this, in this paper, we introduce the degenerate poly-Bell polynomials emanating from the degenerate polyexponential functions which are called the poly-Bell polynomials when $\lambda \rightarrow 0$
λ
→
0
. Specifically, we demonstrate that they are reduced to the degenerate Bell polynomials if $k = 1$
k
=
1
. We also provide explicit representations and combinatorial identities for these polynomials, including Dobinski-like formulas, recurrence relationships, etc.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation in low-resource settings: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Tomczyk Sara , Storr Julie , Kilpatrick Claire , Allegranzi Benedetta 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has again demonstrated the critical role of effective infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation to combat infectious disease threats. Standards such as the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC minimum requirements offer a basis, but robust evidence on effective IPC implementation strategies in low-resource settings remains limited. We aimed to qualitatively assess IPC implementation themes in these settings.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with IPC experts from low-resource settings, guided by a standardised questionnaire. Applying a qualitative inductive thematic analysis, IPC implementation examples from interview transcripts were coded, collated into sub-themes, grouped again into broad themes, and finally reviewed to ensure validity. Sub-themes appearing ≥ 3 times in data were highlighted as frequent IPC implementation themes and all findings were summarised descriptively.

Results
Interviews were conducted with IPC experts from 29 countries in six WHO regions. Frequent IPC implementation themes including the related critical actions to achieve the WHO IPC core components included: (1) To develop IPC programmes: continuous advocacy with leadership, initial external technical assistance, stepwise approach to build resources, use of catalysts, linkages with other programmes, role of national IPC associations and normative legal actions; (2) To develop guidelines: early planning for their operationalization, initial external technical assistance and local guideline adaption; (3) To establish training: attention to methods, fostering local leadership, and sustainable health system linkages such as developing an IPC career path; (4) To establish health care-associated (HAI) surveillance: feasible but high-impact pilots, multidisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, careful consideration of definitions and data quality, and “data for action”; (5) To implement multimodal strategies: clear communication to explain multimodal strategies, attention to certain elements, and feasible but high-impact pilots; (6) To develop monitoring, audit and feedback: feasible but high-impact pilots, attention to methods such as positive (not punitive) incentives and “data for action”; (7) To improve staffing and bed occupancy: participation of national actors to set standards and attention to methods such as use of data; and (8) To promote built environment: involvement of IPC professionals in facility construction, attention to multimodal strategy elements, and long-term advocacy.

Conclusions
These IPC implementation themes offer important qualitative evidence for IPC professionals to consider.
Impact of a total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) on deep surgical site infections and other complications after orthopedic surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Unterfrauner Ines , Hruby Laura A. , Jans Peter , Steinwender Ludwig , Farshad Mazda , Uçkay Ilker 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
A total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) entailed a restriction of elective orthopedic surgeries in Switzerland. While access to the hospital and human contacts were limited, hygiene measures were intensified. The objective was to investigate the impact of those strict public health guidelines on the rate of intra-hospital, deep surgical site infections (SSI), wound healing disorders and non-infectious postoperative complications after orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Methods
In a single-center study, patients with orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown from March 16, 2020 to April 26, 2020 were compared to cohorts that underwent orthopedic intervention in the pre- and post-lockdown periods of six months each. Besides the implementation of substantial public health measures (promotion of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene), no additional infection control bundles have been implemented.

Results
5791 patients were included in this study. In multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusting for the large case-mix, the lockdown was unrelated to SSI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6–4.8), wound healing disorders (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.1–5.7) or other non-infectious postoperative complications (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.5) after a median follow-up of seven months.

Conclusion
The risks for SSI, wound healing disorders and other complications in orthopedic surgery were not influenced by the extended public health measures of the total Covid-19 lockdown.
Trial registration BASEC 2020–02646 (Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich).
Level of evidence: Level III.