bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alanine, a potential amino acid biomarker of pediatric sepsis: a pilot study in PICU
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Xu Yaya , Hu Shaohua , Feng Shuyun , Zhang Hong , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Chunxia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSepsis is characterized by a metabolic disorder of amino acid occurs in the early stage; however, the profile of serum amino acids and their alterations associated with the onset of sepsis remain unclear. Thus, our objective is to identify the specific kinds of amino acids as diagnostic biomarkers in pediatric patients with sepsis. Serum samples were collected from patients with sepsis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between January 2019 and December 2019 on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day following admission. Demographic and laboratory variables were also retrieved from the medical records specified times. Serum amino acid concentrations were detected by UPLC-MS/MS system. PLS-DA (VIP > 1.0) and Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) were employed to identify potential biomarkers. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was conducted to find the potential association between amino acid levels and clinical features. The diagnostic utility for pediatric sepsis was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Most of amino acid contents in serum were significantly decreased in patients with sepsis, but approached normal levels by the seventh day post-diagnosis. Threonine (THR), lysine (LYS), valine (VAL) and alanine (ALA) emerged as potential biomarkers related for sepsis occurrence, though they were not associated with PELOD/PELOD-2 scores. Moreover, alterations in serum THR, LYS and ALA were linked to complications of brain injury, and serum ALA levels were also related to sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Further analysis revealed that ALA was significantly correlated with the Glasgow score, serum lactate and glucose levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other indicators for liver or kidney dysfunction. Notably, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for ALA in distinguishing sepsis from healthy controls was 0.977 (95% CI: 0.925-1.000). The serum amino acid profile of children with sepsis is significantly altered compared to that of healthy controls. Notably, ALA shows promise as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis in septic children.
Diagnose Glioblastom und das Geschäft mit der Hoffnung
Authors: Oberndorfer Stefan , Rubeis Giovanni , Kreye Gudrun , Nikolic Katarina , Calabek-Wohinz Bernadette 
Published: July 2024

ZusammenfassungEine qualitativ hochwertige Versorgung von Patient:innen mit Glioblastomen erfolgt in Österreich durch die etablierten Neuroonkologischen Zentren (NONKZ, Versorgungsmodell ÖSG). Die interdisziplinäre und fächerübergreifende Zusammenarbeit ist das wesentliche Element für die bestmögliche diagnostische und therapeutische Sicherheit und Effizienz.Vor allem sog. „alternativmedizinische“ u. a. Methoden, angewandt bei Patient:innen mit Glioblastomen, eröffnen ein breites ethisches Spannungsfeld. Diese Patient:innen mit hochmalignen Erkrankungen sind eine besonders vulnerable Personengruppe. Neben dem offensichtlichen Geschäft mit der Hoffnung in einer persönlichen Ausnahmesituation für Patient:innen und Angehörige sind zusätzliche tumorbedingte kognitive Einschränkungen bei dieser Patientengruppe, mit potenziell einhergehender Beeinträchtigung der Entscheidungsfähigkeit, von besonderer Problematik.Ansätze zur Lösung beinhalten eine vermehrte und strukturierte Aufklärung von Patient:innen und Angehörigen zu komplementären/alternativen Praktiken, eine psychoonkologische Betreuung, ausreichende personelle Ressourcen in den neuroonkologischen Zentren, einen kritischen Journalismus und den öffentlicher Diskurs über Ethik in der Medizin.
Crosstalk between bone and the immune system
Authors: Okamoto Kazuo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBone functions not only as a critical element of the musculoskeletal system but also serves as the primary lymphoid organ harboring hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune progenitor cells. The interdisciplinary field of osteoimmunology has illuminated the dynamic interactions between the skeletal and immune systems, vital for the maintenance of skeletal tissue homeostasis and the pathogenesis of immune and skeletal diseases. Aberrant immune activation stimulates bone cells such as osteoclasts and osteoblasts, disturbing the bone remodeling and leading to skeletal disorders as seen in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, intricate multicellular network within the bone marrow creates a specialized microenvironment essential for the maintenance and differentiation of HSCs and the progeny. Dysregulation of immune–bone crosstalk in the bone marrow environment can trigger tumorigenesis and exacerbated inflammation. A comprehensive deciphering of the complex “immune–bone crosstalk” leads to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of immune diseases as well as skeletal diseases, and might provide insight into potential therapeutic approaches.
Development of a defined medium for the heterotrophic cultivation of Metallosphaera sedula
Authors: Sedlmayr Viktor Laurin , Luger Maximilian , Pittenauer Ernst , Marchetti-Deschmann Martina , Kronlachner Laura , Limbeck Andreas , Raunjak Philipp , Quehenberger Julian , Spadiut Oliver 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe heterotrophic cultivation of extremophilic archaea still heavily relies on complex media. However, complex media are associated with unknown composition, high batch-to-batch variability, potential inhibiting and interfering components, as well as regulatory challenges, hampering advancements of extremophilic archaea in genetic engineering and bioprocessing. For Metallosphaera sedula, a widely studied organism for biomining and bioremediation and a potential production host for archaeal ether lipids, efforts to find defined cultivation conditions have still been unsuccessful. This study describes the development of a novel chemically defined growth medium for M. sedula. Initial experiments with commonly used complex casein-derived media sources deciphered Casamino Acids as the most suitable foundation for further development. The imitation of the amino acid composition of Casamino Acids in basal Brock medium delivered the first chemically defined medium. We could further simplify the medium to 5 amino acids based on the respective specific substrate uptake rates. This first defined cultivation medium for M. sedula allows advanced genetic engineering and more controlled bioprocess development approaches for this highly interesting archaeon.
A novel missense variant in the ATPase domain of ATP8A2 and review of phenotypic variability of ATP8A2-related disorders caused by missense changes
Authors: Flannery Kyle P. , Safwat Sylvia , Matsell Eli , Battula Namarata , Hamed Ahlam A. A. , Mohamed Inaam N. , Elseed Maha A. , Koko Mahmoud , Abubaker Rayan , Abozar Fatima , Elsayed Liena E. O. , Bhise Vikram , Molday Robert S. , Salih Mustafa A. , Yahia Ashraf , Manzini M. Chiara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractATPase, class 1, type 8 A, member 2 (ATP8A2) is a P4-ATPase with a critical role in phospholipid translocation across the plasma membrane. Pathogenic variants in ATP8A2 are known to cause cerebellar ataxia, impaired intellectual development, and disequilibrium syndrome 4 (CAMRQ4) which is often associated with encephalopathy, global developmental delay, and severe motor deficits. Here, we present a family with two siblings born from a consanguineous, first-cousin union from Sudan presenting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, spasticity, ataxia, nystagmus, and thin corpus callosum. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant in the nucleotide binding domain of ATP8A2 (p.Leu538Pro) that results in near complete loss of protein expression. This is in line with other missense variants in the same domain leading to protein misfolding and loss of ATPase function. In addition, by performing diffusion-weighted imaging, we identified bilateral hyperintensities in the posterior limbs of the internal capsule suggesting possible microstructural changes in axon tracts that had not been appreciated before and could contribute to the sensorimotor deficits in these individuals.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric noninfectious uveitis and risk factors for severe disease: a single-center study
Authors: Koru Lutfiye , Esen Fehim , Turkyilmaz Ozlem , Kucuk Elif , Kaya Feray , Aydin Zelal , Haslak Fatih , Ozturk Kubra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to present the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data of children with non-infectious uveitis and to evaluate the risk factors for the development of complications and the need for biological treatment.

Method
Patients diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis in childhood and followed up for at least 1 year were included in the study. Demographic data, including age, gender, age at diagnosis, uveitis in first-degree relatives, and rheumatologic diseases, were obtained retrospectively from medical records. The presence of complications or the need for biologic therapy was considered a composite outcome suggesting severe disease.

Results
The study included 123 patients (female: n = 59, 48%). The mean age at diagnosis was 14.89 ± 4.86 years. Uveitis was symptomatic in 104 patients (84.6%). Approximately one-quarter of the patients had at least one rheumatic disease (n = 35, 28.5%), the most common being juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Thirty-three patients (26.8%) had anti-nuclear antibody positivity. Biologic agents were needed in 60 patients (48.8%). Complications developed in 14 patients (11.4%). Early age at disease onset (aOR, 0.875; 95% C.I. 0.795–0.965, p = 0.007) and female gender (aOR, 2.99; 95% C.I. 1.439–6.248, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with the need for biologic treatment, while Behçet’s disease (BD) was strongly associated with uveitis-related complications (aOR, 14.133; 95% C.I. 2.765–72.231, p = 0.001).

Conclusion
We suggest that among pediatric patients with non-infectious uveitis, females, those with an early age of disease onset, and those with BD need to be closely monitored due to a significantly increased risk of severe disease.

Key Points• Limited data exist on the clinical course of non-infectious uveitis in children and the associated risk factors for severe disease.• Our study reveals that nearly a quarter of pediatric patients with non-infectious uveitis also have a rheumatic disease.• Among pediatric patients diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis, we observed an increased risk of severe disease in those with an earlier onset age, in female patients, and in those diagnosed with Behçet’s disease.
Looks like home: numerosity, but not spatial frequency guides preference in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)
Authors: Adam Elisabeth , Zanon Mirko , Messina Andrea , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Despite their young age, zebrafish larvae have a well-developed visual system and can distinguish between different visual stimuli. First, we investigated if the first visual surroundings the larvae experience during the first days after hatching shape their habitat preference. Indeed, these animals seem to “imprint” on the first surroundings they see and select visual stimuli accordingly at 7 days post fertilization (dpf). In particular, if zebrafish larvae experience a bar background just after hatching, they later on prefer bars over white stimuli, and vice versa. We then used this acquired preference for bars to investigate innate numerical abilities. We wanted to specifically test if the zebrafish larvae show real numerical abilities or if they rely on a lower-level mechanism—i.e. spatial frequency—to discriminate between two different numerosities. When we matched the spatial frequency in stimuli with different numbers of bars, the larvae reliably selected the higher numerosity. A previous study has ruled out that 7 dpf zebrafish larvae use convex hull, cumulative surface area and density to choose between two numerosities. Therefore, our results indicate that zebrafish larvae rely on real numerical abilities rather than other cues, including spatial frequency, when spontaneously comparing two sets with different numbers of bars.
Cinnamaldehyde and baicalin reverse colistin resistance in Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter baumannii strains
Authors: Mireles Natalia A. , Malla Cristina F. , Tavío María M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Colistin is used as a last resort antibiotic against infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, especially carbapenem-resistant bacteria. However, colistin-resistance in clinical isolates is becoming more prevalent. Cinnamaldehyde and baicalin, which are the major active constituents of Cinnamomum and Scutellaria, have been reported to exhibit antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of cinnamaldehyde and baicalin to enhance the antibiotic activity of colistin in Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter baumannii strains.

Methods
The MICs of colistin were determined with and without fixed concentrations of cinnamaldehyde and baicalin by the broth microdilution method. The FIC indices were also calculated. In addition, time-kill assays were performed with colistin alone and in combination with cinnamaldehyde and baicalin to determine the bactericidal action of the combinations. Similarly, the effects of L-arginine, L-glutamic acid and sucrose on the MICs of colistin combined with cinnamaldehyde and baicalin were studied to evaluate the possible effects of these compounds on the charge of the bacterial cell- wall.

Results
At nontoxic concentrations, cinnamaldehyde and baicalin partially or fully reversed resistance to colistin in Enterobacterales and A. baumannii. The combinations of the two compounds with colistin had bactericidal or synergistic effects on the most resistant strains. The ability of these agents to reverse colistin resistance could be associated with bacterial cell wall damage and increased permeability.

Conclusion
Cinnamaldehyde and baicalin are good adjuvants for the antibiotic colistin against Enterobacterales- and A. baumannii-resistant strains.
Convergence in distribution of randomized algorithms: the case of partially separable optimization
Authors: Luke D. Russell 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe present a Markov-chain analysis of blockwise-stochastic algorithms for solving partially block-separable optimization problems. Our main contributions to the extensive literature on these methods are statements about the Markov operators and distributions behind the iterates of stochastic algorithms, and in particular the regularity of Markov operators and rates of convergence of the distributions of the corresponding Markov chains. This provides a detailed characterization of the moments of the sequences beyond just the expected behavior. This also serves as a case study of how randomization restores favorable properties to algorithms that iterations of only partial information destroys. We demonstrate this on stochastic blockwise implementations of the forward–backward and Douglas–Rachford algorithms for nonconvex (and, as a special case, convex), nonsmooth optimization.
Adaptive unified defense framework for tackling adversarial audio attacks
Authors: Du Xia , Zhang Qi , Zhu Jiajie , Liu Xiaoyuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAdversarial attacks aimed at subverting recognition systems have laid bare significant security vulnerabilities inherent in deep neural networks. In the automatic speech recognition (ASR) domain, prevailing defense mechanisms have primarily centered on pre-processing procedures to mitigate adversarial threats stemming from such attacks. However, despite their initial success, these methods have shown surprising vulnerabilities when confronted with robust and adaptive adversarial attacks. This paper proposes an adaptive unified defense framework tailored to address the challenges posed by robust audio adversarial examples. The framework comprises two pivotal components: (1) a unified pre-processing mechanism is designed to disrupt the continuity and transferability of adversarial attacks. Its objective is to thwart the consistent operation of adversarial examples across different systems or conditions, thereby enhancing the robustness of the defense. (2) an adaptive ASR transcription method is proposed to further bolster our defense strategy. Empirical experiments conducted using two benchmark audio datasets within a state-of-the-art ASR system affirm the effectiveness of our adaptive defense framework. It achieves an impressive 100% accuracy rate against representative audio attacks and consistently outperforms other state-of-the-art defense techniques, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.5% even when faced with various challenging adaptive adversarial attacks.
Four decades of changing dissolved organic matter quality and stoichiometry in a Swedish forest stream
Authors: Evans Chris D. , Jutterström Sara , Stadmark Johanna , Peacock Mike , Futter Martyn , Kothawala Dolly , Monteith Don , Moldan Filip 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations have risen by a factor of two or more across much of Europe and North America during recent decades. These increases have affected the carbon cycle, light regime, drinking water treatability, and the energy and nutrient budgets of lakes and streams. However, while trends in DOM quantity are well characterised, information on how/whether qualitative properties of DOM have changed are scarce. Here, we describe over 40 years of monitoring data from a forested headwater stream in the Gårdsjön experimental catchment, southwest Sweden, which provides a unique record of biogeochemical change, including optical and stoichiometric DOM quality metrics, spanning the entire period of recovery from acidification. For the period 1980–2020 we find a 71% reduction in decadal mean sulphate concentrations, and a similar reduction in inorganic aluminium concentrations, alongside a 64% increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Over the same period, colour (absorbance at 420 nm) increased almost twice as much as DOC, whereas dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) increased by only one third as much. These results demonstrate a shift in stream water composition, with DOM becoming dominated by highly coloured, complex, nitrogen-poor compounds. This material is likely more resistant to biological degradation, but more susceptible to photochemical degradation. Changes in DOM stoichiometry could lead to intensified nitrogen and/or phosphorus limitation in surface waters, while increased colour/DOC ratios could intensify light-limitation of primary production beyond that expected from DOC increases alone. We observed increases in organic matter associated metals (iron 117%, organically complexed aluminium 85%) that exceeded the increase in DOC, consistent with their increased mobilisation by more aromatic organic matter. All observed changes are consistent with recovery from acidification being the primary driver of change, implying that past acidification, and ongoing recovery, have profoundly affected terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemistry, ecology and the carbon cycle.
Background, establishment and initial experiences of the Danish cardiovascular homograft biobank
Authors: Stenehjem Margrete , Holm Dorte Kinggaard , Riber Lars , Nielsen Christian , Riber Sara Schødt , Akgül Cengiz , Lindholt Jes S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOdense University Hospital is a major tertiary vascular hospital in Scandinavia, performing approx. 200 aortic repairs annually. This article presents the rationale behind this endeavor and the early outcomes of the initial implantation of locally processed homografts. All patients receiving a homograft were identified from the established homograft biobank database and their medical records were reviewed after obtaining consent. All surgeons in charge of homograft implantations were semi structured interviewed regarding the harvesting procedure, the tools for detecting available homografts, their quality and delivery. The National board of Health approved the biobank fulling the EU Directive of Tissues and Cells after 18 months of preparation. From May 6, 2021, to March 1, 2023, 26 patients had a homograft implantation, with 7 for mycotic aneurysms, 10 for aorto-iliac graft infection, 6 for infra-inguinal graft infection, and 3 for graft infection in thoracic aorta. Six (23%) were emergently performed. Two (7.7%) died within 30 days postoperatively, both following in situ replacement of an infected aortoiliac graft, corresponding to a 20% mortality in this subgroup. The incidence of reinfections was 19.2%; one each in the mycotic aneurysm group, the aortoiliac graft infection group, and the thoracic graft infection group. After 90 days, two patients were diagnosed with aorto-enteric fistula. All involved surgeons could easily identify available suitable homografts, and within 2 h have homografts of acceptable quality and requested dimensions. The establishment of the Danish Cardiovascular Homograft Biobank was straightforward and effectively serves cardiovascular procedures performed 24/7. Additionally, the initial experiences seem comparable to others experiences.
Application of RiTiCE in understanding hydro-meteorological controls on ice break-up patterns in River Tornionjoki
Authors: Shahrood Abolfazl Jalali , Ahrari Amirhossein , Karjalainen Niina , Klöve Björn , Haghighi Ali Torabi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Arctic region experiences significant annual hydrologic events, with the spring flood and ice break-up being the most prominent. River ice break-up, in particular, poses high socioeconomic and ecological expenses, including morphological changes and damage to riverine structures. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of river ice in the River Tornionjoki, including the timing of ice break-up at different latitudes. We utilized observation data and remote sensing techniques to track changes in ice patterns overtime on the River Tornionjoki. The study indicates that the ice break-up in the River Tornionjoki basin typically occurs during Apr-Jun based on the reach location in different latitudes; therefore, different stations behave according to their latitudinal location. We observed significant spatial variations in ice break-up timing across the basin, with an earlier break-up in the lower latitudes compared to the upper latitudes. The average ice break-up day in lower latitude stations ranges between 200–205, while in higher latitude stations the average ice break-up day ranges between 215–228.
Analysis of Autistic Adolescents’ Essays Using Computer Techniques
Authors: Chojnicka Izabela , Wawer Aleksander 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Challenges associated with narrative discourse remain consistently observable across the entire spectrum of autism. We analyzed written narratives by autistic and non-autistic adolescents and aimed to investigate narrative writing using quantitative computational methods.

Methods
We employed Natural Language Processing techniques to compare 333 essays from students in the final eighth grade of primary school: 195 written by autistic and 138 by non-autistic participants.

Results
Autistic students used words with a positive emotional polarity statistically less frequently (p < .001), and their stories were less abstract (p < .001) than those written by peers from the non-autistic group. However, autistic adolescents wrote more complex stories in terms of readability than participants from the non-autistic group (p < .001). The writing competencies assessed by teachers did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that written narratives by autistic individuals may exhibit characteristics similar to those detected by computational methods in spoken narratives. Collecting data from national exams and its potential usefulness in distinguishing autistic individuals could pave the way for future large-scale and cost-effective epidemiological studies on autism.