bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trajectories and predictive significance of inflammatory parameters for clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Gliga Smaranda , Massion Pascal , Ackermann Carla , de Angelis Clara , Flasshove Charlotte , Freise Noemi , Lübke Nadine , Timm Jörg , Bode Johannes , Jensen Björn-Erik Ole , Luedde Tom , Orth Hans Martin , Feldt Torsten 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab reduces mortality and morbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 through its effects on hyperinflammation and was approved as adjuvant therapy. Since tocilizumab changes the levels of inflammatory markers, we aimed to describe these changes in patients treated with tocilizumab, analyse their value in predicting death and bacterial superinfection and determine their influence on mortality rates.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 76 patients who were treated with tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 was conducted. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin) were documented before and up to seven days after tocilizumab administration.
Results: The overall mortality was 25 % and 53.8 % in patients who required invasive respiratory support. Deceased patients had higher baseline IL-6 (p=0.026) and peak IL-6 levels after tocilizumab vs those who survived (p<0.0001). A peak IL-6 value >1000 pg/dl after tocilizumab administration was a good predictor of mortality (AUC=0.812). Of the deceased patients 41.1 % had a renewed CRP increase after an initial decrease following tocilizumab administration, compared to 7.1 % of the surviving patients (p=0.0011). Documented bacterial superinfections were observed in 35.5 % (27/76) of patients, of whom 48.1 % (13/27) died.
Conclusion: CRP-decline and IL-6 increase after tocilizumab treatment occurs regularly. An increase of IL-6 levels exceeding tenfold of baseline IL-6 levels, an absolute peak of 1000pg/ml or a renewed increase of CRP are associated with higher mortality. Suppressed CRP synthesis can impede the diagnosis of bacterial superinfections, thus increasing the risk for complications.
Technical quality of oak (Quercus sp.) wood from archaeological excavations in Elbląg Old Town
Authors: Lachowicz Hubert , Kulak Patrycja , Komorowicz Magdalena , Marcinkowski Mirosław , Sieńkowska Urszula 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the chemical composition and the structural, physical, and mechanical properties of historical oak wood from archaeological excavations in Elbląg (Poland). The small average ring width (1.72 mm) indicates that the foundation sill wood came from trees growing in natural forests. The wood fibres have an average length of 1.33 mm and a width of 0.0193 mm. The narrow lumen (0.0055 mm) and high cell wall thickness (0.0069 mm) contribute to the low elasticity of the fibres (0.2814). The chemical composition of the wood has undergone only slight changes, mainly due to a decrease in the content of substances soluble in water (especially cold), ethanol, and 1% NaOH. The cellulose content (38.43%) is close to that found in contemporary wood, while the content of pentosans (22.14%) is slightly lower, and the lignin content (27.35%) is higher. Contents of nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, and the proportion of ash in the wood (1.8%) were shown to be higher. The wood has a high air-dry density (787 kg/m3), this being the result of penetration by inorganic substances. It also exhibited strong moisture-induced deformation (20.34% in the tangential and 10.18% in the radial direction). Static bending strength was higher (96 MPa), but compression strength parallel to the grain (50 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (11.006 MPa) were lower than in contemporary wood. The anaerobic conditions and a high groundwater level in which the wood had remained had not significantly impaired its technical quality, except for a large increase in wood shrinkage.
Limited bisphenol A (BPA) degradation acceleration by pre-acclimating microplastic biofilms with BPA in natural lake water
Authors: Gao Xiang , Zhao Renxin , Jiang Jinhui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) and microplastics are prevalent in aquatic environments. Microplastic biofilms play a crucial role in the environmental degradation of BPA, but related research is lacking. We designed experiments to investigate the effect of BPA on microplastic biofilms and the effect of pre-acclimating biofilms on BPA degradation.
Results: Even at low concentrations (0.1 mg L-1), BPA significantly reduced microplastic biofilm biomass (P < 0.05). High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that BPA altered biofilm diversity, as evidenced by changes in Chao-1 and Shannon indices. The primary phyla in the microplastic biofilm included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. On the 7th day of biofilm formation, the dominant bacterial genus shifted from Ohtaekwangia to Bdellovibrio in groups with BPA treatment, and the relative abundance of Bdellovibrio reached 4.32% ± 5.34%. On the 14th day, Methylobacillus significantly increased in all treatments compared with the 7th day (P < 0.05). Adonis analysis demonstrated that the metabolic composition of the bacterial community also changed significantly (P < 0.05). BPA (0.1 mg L-1) pre-acclimation of microplastic biofilms led to a significant increase in the amount of BPA-degrading bacteria with no significant effect on BPA degradation efficiency. After 7 days, the BPA removal rate in high-concentration microplastic treatments (1600 mg L-1) reached > 90%.
Conclusions: Biofilms significantly increased the BPA degradation rate by 174.78% to 889.25% on the third day, indicating that the biofilm accelerates BPA degradation efficiency in the short term. Our findings provide a foundation for further understanding the environmental risks associated with the coexistence of bisphenols and microplastics.
Identification of a novel mutation of Alpha-L-iduronidase gene in Tunisian families
Authors: Rebai Mariem , Chkioua Latifa , Amri Yessine , Sahli Chayma , Fodah Hajer , Massoud Taieb , Boudabous Hela , Abdennebi Hassen ben , Ferchichi Salima 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency. MPS I is a severe condition with a heterogeneous clinical spectrum including progressive visceral, bone and, in severe forms, neurological damage. The aim of this study was the detection of a novel mutation and a mutation that has been already described in the IDUAgene from four MPS I patients with various clinical phenotypes (severe; 2 cases, intermediate 1 case and mild; 1 case).
Patients and methods: Biological and molecular studies were carried out on 4 patients from 3 distinct families, each from a consanguineous marriage and originating from different regions of Tunisia: Mahres (Sax), Skhira (Sfax) and Kairouan. Indeed, bioinformatics software were used to predict the potential functional impact of the identified mutations on IDUA protein.
Results: Two IDUA mutations were detected: one is a p.His356_Gln362del mutation, a novel mutation found in two patients with a severe phenotype. The other mutation p.P533R that produces an intermediate and a mild phenotype was found in two patients.
Crystallographic analysis of the IDUA protein revealed that an amino acid sequence spanning from His 356 to Gln 362 forms an essential bend involved in substrate binding. Indeed, the new mutation results in a deletion of seven amino acids (His356_Gln362del) of this elbow, resulting in undectable enzymatic activity. This observation was confirmed in patient P3, who died at the age of 6 years. The p.P533R mutation involves the modification of a proline amino acid with an arginine in the IDUA protein. This substitution results in the introduction of a bulkier amino acid, requiring more space in the contact region between the β-sheet structure and the substrate-bound helix. It is likely that this leads to a decrease in the affinity between the IDUA protein and its substrate.
Conclusion: Our study on the genetic profile of MPSI has provided more information into the disease, particularly through the identification of a novel small deletion (His356_Gln362del) and the identification of the most frequently encountered in Tunisian population p.P533R.
Methylene Blue Dye Removal Utilizing Green Waste-Banana Stem Based Biomass
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Keralia Jenius Jayesh , Sarkar Ila Jogesh Ramala , Shah Maulin Pramod 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Industrial dyes are used extensively for manufacturing of textile, painting, paper, food and leather etc. The existence of those artificial dyes creates negative impact to the aquatic organisms and human beings when release without treating to the ecosystem. The dyes comprise of toxic and multi faceted elements. Relating to the amount and its detrimental effects, it is essential to create efforts to decrease harmful dye concentration prior to discharge to the water bodies. Farming leftover has been exploring its adsorption capabilities to remove dyes from textile wastewater. In this work, banana stem activated carbon as adsorbent was investigated for methylene blue dye removal and its efficiency was analyzed. The adsorption was examined by changing several constraints for example; pH of dye solutions, activated carbon doses, dye concentration etc.
Sombor Index of Sun and Broken Sun Graphs and Its Application
Authors: Mohammadi Maryam , Barzegar Hasan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, at first, we study the (reduced and average) Somber index of the sun graphs and broken sun graphs in total state and express some theories about them. Then we obtain the Sombor index of these graphs with their Zagreb index and finally compare it with the boiling point and molecular mass of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Structural, biochemical characterization and molecular mechanism of Cerastokunin: A new Kunitz-type peptide with potential inhibition of thrombin, factor Xa and platelets
Authors: Saghour Noussaiba , Chérifi Fatah , Saoud Samah , Zebbiche Younes , Meribai Amel , Bekkari Nadjia , Taright-Mahi Samya , Laraba-Djebari Fatima 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The current investigation focused on separating Cerastes cerastes venom to produce the first Kunitz-type peptide. Three stages of chromatography were used to purify a 7.75 kDa peptide called Cerastokunin with pI 8.48 till homogeneity based on antitrypsin activity. Cerastokunin was found to include 67 amino acid residues that were obtained by de novo sequencing using LC-MALDI-MSMS. Upon alignment with kunitz-type peptides, there was a high degree of similarity. Cerastokunin's 3D structure had 12% α-helices and 21% β-strands. Cerastokunin showed a strong anticoagulant potential by completely eliminating the protease activity of thrombin and trypsin as well as blocking the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. In both PT and aPPT, Cerastokunin increased the blood clotting time in a dose-dependent way. Using Lys48 and Gln192 for direct binding, Cerastokunin inhibited thrombin, Factor Xa and trypsin as shown by molecular docking. Cerastokunin exhibited a dose-response blockade of PARs-dependent pathway platelet once stimulated by thrombin. In vivo study showed a substantial reduction in tail thrombus of mice-carrageenan model; in contrast to antithrombotic medications, this antithrombosis was boosted by a greater dose of Cerastokunin. Throughout the trial course, no in vivo toxicity was observed in challenged mice at any of Cerastokunin doses up to 6 mg/kg.
Automating Translation of Scientific Literature for Different Languages
Authors: Gupta Rishabh , Hemani Harsh , Sakthivel N. , Malshe U.D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The increasing volume of scientific research necessitates efficient and accurate methods for processing and disseminating knowledge across languages. This paper presents a pipeline for the comprehensive translation of scientific documents, addressing crucial gaps in existing open-source solutions. Our pipeline encompasses four key stages: PDF-to-image conversion for enhanced document layout analysis, robust text recognition, language-specific translation tailored to scientific terminology, and document reconstruction. Our pipeline establishes a way for one-click translation of scientific documents from other languages into English, addressing a critical need in the scientific community. The pipeline comprises four stages: PDF-to-image conversion, robust text recognition, language-specific translation, and document reconstruction. Text recognition is enhanced through image processing techniques, while translation is tailored to scientific terminology using domain-specific translation models. Experiments demonstrate significant improvement of translation accuracy compared to other open-source models for Russian reaching BLUE score 45 for Scientific documents . We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through experiments, showing significant improvements in translation accuracy by significantly reducing errors in scientific terminology and by predicting optimized document structure.
The biocontrol efficacy endophytic bacteria against fungal plant pathogens Cercospora punicae and Ceratocystis fimbriata
Authors: Thankam Shaju Reema , Manuel Suba G.A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the constant raise in the world population, the demand for food supply has increased. Even though the use of agrochemicals helps in controlling pests and pathogens and increasing yield, it causes major environmental pollution. Hence, biocontrol which involves the use of living organisms or their metabolic by-products to control pests and pathogens, is important. Endophytes are a major biocontrol’s used and their association with other symbiotic bacteria helps in improving nutrient acquisition and resistance. In the present study the biocontrol efficacy of six endophytic bacteria (bacterial consortium) were assessed against two fungal pathogens (Cercospora punicae and Ceratocystis fimbriata). The seedlings were inoculated with bacterial consortium (Test). The untreated seedlings were labelled as Control. They were challenge inoculated with fungal pathogens and the plant growth parameters were recorded for 45 days. Percentage of infection, biological control efficacy, and disease incidence were calculated. The successful transmission of the endophytes was assessed through isolation of the endophytes from the soil and the seedlings and imaging the plant tissues using confocal microscope. The ability of endophytes to release certain bioactive compounds like chitinase, siderophores, indole acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, and 2,4- Diacetyl phloroglucinol was also analysed. The seedlings in Test showed better growth and resistance against fungal pathogens when compared to Control. The biocontrol efficacy was 87.45 ± 2.55 and 88.47 ± 2.79% in Test respectively. Confocal imaging showed successful transmission of endophytes into the plant tissue. The endophytes were able to release bioactive compounds, thus increasing the plant’s ability to resist fungal pathogens and grow.
Homogeneity analysis of daily precipitation series in Paraná State, southern Brazil
Authors: Silva André Rodrigues da , Bolonhez Bruna Forestieri , Pinheiro Hemerson Donizete 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The analysis of extreme precipitation events plays a crucial role in the management of water resources, infrastructure, public water supply, agriculture, fire control, and public health. For an accurate characterization of precipitation events using historical series, the observed variations must be solely attributable to weather and climate conditions. This study aimed to identify homogeneous gauge stations in Paraná State, southern Brazil, based on four statistical tests (SNHT, Buishand, Pettitt, and von Neumann) and conduct a homogeneity analysis of daily rainfall data. Missing values were imputed into the time series, and only stations with up to 25% of data gaps were included. Of the 482 stations analyzed in the state, 73.7% (n = 355) demonstrated homogeneity, 11.6% (n = 56) were considered doubtful, and 14.7% (n= 71) were deemed suspect. The highest number of homogeneity breaks was recorded from 1990 to 2005. The number of breaks during this period was estimated at 75 (59.1%) by SNHT, 86 (67.7%) by the Buishand test, and 89 (70.1%) by the Pettitt test. The year with the highest number of homogeneity breaks was 1998, with 81 breaks identified by the Pettitt test. These breaks may be related to El Niño and La Niña phenomena, given that a large sample of rainfall stations was analyzed in the study.
Synthetic biology design principles enable efficient bioproduction of Heparosan with low polydispersion index for the biomedical industry
Authors: Boada Yadira , Vázquez Marcelo Flores , Córdova Marco , Flores Francisco J , Vignoni Alejandro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Heparosan, a natural polymer with unique chemical and biological properties, holds great promise for various biomedical applications. Of particular interest is the production of low molecular weight and low polydisperse heparosan polymers, which offer enhanced functionality and suitability for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Polydispersity, a measure of the distribution of molecular weight within a polymer sample, is a critical factor influencing the performance of heparosan-based materials. Achieving precise control over the synthesis process to consistently produce heparosan with low molecular weight and low polydispersity index can be challenging, requiring tight regulation of reaction conditions, enzyme activity, and precursor concentrations. To address this challenge, we propose a novel approach utilizing synthetic biology principles to precisely control heparosan biosynthesis in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our strategy involves the design and implementation of a biomolecular controller capable of regulating the expression of genes involved in heparosan biosynthesis using biosensors of both precursors, thereby enabling fine-tuned control over the polymerization process. Through this approach, we successfully envision the implementation of the proposed system, demonstrating the potential to produce heparosan in probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 with a low Mw and a low PDI that meets the stringent quality standards required for biomedical applications. This study represents a significant advancement in the field of heparosan production, offering new opportunities for the development of advanced biomaterials with tailored properties for diverse biomedical applications.
Variation of Amino acid composition in dried bovine dairy powders from a range of product streams
Authors: Gilmour Simon Robert , Holroyd Stephen E. , Fuad Maher D. , Elgar Dave , Fanning Aaron C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Multiple samples of a range of dairy powders were analysed for their amino acid (AA) content, allowing an in-depth analysis of the differences between their AA profiles and how various manufacturing processes give rise to the differences between product types. The products analysed were whole milk powder (WMP), skim milk powder (SMP), cheese whey protein concentrate (WPC-C), lactic acid whey protein concentrate (WPC-L), high fat whey protein concentrate (WPC-HF), hydrolysed whey protein concentrate (WPH) and demineralised whey protein (D90). Analysis demonstrated that WMP and SMP share broadly similar AA profiles with minor differences that were most probably due to the small levels of protein in milk fat, which is close to absent in SMP. When comparing WPC-C and WPC-L, there were higher levels of threonine, serine, glutamic acid, and proline in the former, but lower levels of tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. This is due to these products being separated from casein via different methods. WPI and WPC-HF show differences in the levels of every AA with the exception of histidine; they originate from similar sweet whey streams, but then processing diverges, resulting in the AA variation. D90 was consistently lower in every AA when compared with WPC-C; while both originate from sweet whey streams, D90 has a nanofiltration step in its manufacture that increases its non-protein nitrogen content, impacting its AA levels.
Reducing Spatial Discretization Error on Coarse CFD Simulations Using an OpenFOAM-Embedded Deep Learning Framework
Authors: Gonzalez-Sieiro Jesus , Pardo David , Nava Vincenzo , Calo Victor M. , Towara Markus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We propose a method for reducing the spatial discretization error of coarse computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems by enhancing the quality of low-resolution simulations using a deep learning model fed with high-quality data. We substitute the default differencing scheme for the convection term by a feed-forward neural network that interpolates velocities from cell centers to face values to produce velocities that approximate the fine-mesh data well. The deep learning framework incorporates the open-source CFD code OpenFOAM, resulting in an end-to-end differentiable model. We automatically differentiate the CFD physics using a discrete adjoint code version. We present a fast communication method between TensorFlow (Python) and OpenFOAM (c++) that accelerates the training process. We applied the model to the flow past a square cylinder problem, reducing the error to about 50% for simulations outside the training distribution compared to the traditional solver in the x- and y-velocity components using an 8x coarser mesh. The training is affordable in terms of time and data samples since the architecture exploits the local features of the physics while generating stable predictions for mid-term simulations.
Metabolic flexibility and resting autonomic function in active menopausal women
Authors: Monferrer-Marín Jordi , Roldán Ainoa , Helge Jørn Wulff , Blasco-Lafarga Cristina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose The present study aims to analyze the relationship between cardiac autonomic control at rest - i.e., baseline Heart Rate Variability (HRV)-, and metabolic flexibility assessed by means of the FATox and CHOox oxidation rates at the intensities of maximum fat and carbohydrate oxidation (MFO and MCO, respectively).Methods Twenty-four active over-60 women (66.8 ± 4.4 years) had their HRV assessed with 10 min recordings under resting conditions and this was analysed with Kubios Scientific software. After this an incremental submaximal cycling test, starting at 30 watts, with increments of 10 watts every 3 min 15 sec was performed. FATox & CHOox were calculated in the last 60sec at each step, using Frayn's equation. MFO and MCO were further obtained.Results Nonlinear SampEn and 1-DFAα1 (Detrending Fluctuation Analysis score) at rest, were both moderate and significantly (p < 0.05) related to FATox (r = 0.43, r=-0.40) and CHOox (r=-0.59, r = 0.41), as well as RER (r=-0.43, r = 0.43) at FATmax intensity. At the MCO intensity, no association was observed between HRV and oxidation rates. However, DFAα1 (r=-0.63, p < 0.05), the frequency ratio LF/HF (r=-0.63, p < 0.05), and the Poincaré ratio SD1/SD2 (r = 0.48, p < 0.05), were correlated with blood lactate concentration.Conclusion These results are in line with the autonomic resources hypothesis (better autonomic function at rest as a consequence of enhanced metabolic flexibility) in postmenopausal women, supporting the comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular-autonomic health with ageing. The results imply that nonlinear DFAα1 and SampEn are appropriate to analyze this association in health of the ageing cardiovascular-autonomic system.