bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propionic acid production by Propionibacterium acidipropionici CDBB‐B‐1981 from enzymatic hydrolysates of Agave bagasse pretreated by steam explosion
Authors: Duran‐Cruz Veronica , Hernández Sergio , Ortíz Irmene 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe biochemical pathway for propionic acid (PA) production is an interesting alternative that can include the utilization of biomass as feedstock. This study evaluated the utilization of Agave bagasse (AB), a lignocellulosic residue, to produce PA by Propionibacterium acidipropinici in batch systems (125 mL‐hermetic bottles and 1000 mL‐bioreactor). The process included a steam explosion pretreatment at 142°C for 15 min and enzymatic hydrolysis, where solid loading (2.75% and 5% in pretreatment and 2.5%, 3.75%, and 5% in enzymatic hydrolysis) was evaluated. Furthermore, the enzymatic concentrations of 18.3 filter paper unit (FPU)/gAB (1×) of Cellic® CTec2 and 1.5× and 3× were tested. The yields of total carbohydrates (TC) obtained at the two solid loadings tested in the pretreatment were statistically similar, but the 3x enzymatic concentration enhanced the yields of TC, glucose, and xylose (0.23 ± 0.01, 0.15 ± 0.01 and 0.03 ± 0.01 g/gAB, respectively). The hydrolysates obtained under these conditions were evaluated as carbon sources for PA production, obtaining a productivity of 0.069 ± 0.006 g/L h and a yield product/substrate of 0.44 gPA/gTC. The control of pH in the culture reduced the fermentation time in the bioreactor by 52% compared with the hermetic bottles without pH control. The potential of hydrolysates as carbon sources for PA production was evidenced, as approximately 50% of the initial carbon was converted to this product. The observed yield product/substrate was similar to those reported from hydrolysates of diverse biomass types, pretreatments, or enzymatic cocktails and the same or related microorganisms. However, the system studied has advantages, such as not requiring the addition of chemical or detoxification stage, and lower temperature and time compared to other pretreatments.
Novel performance‐based seismic reinforcement method for the dry masonry retaining wall located in an urban residential area
Authors: Sano Kazuya , Sahare Anurag , Itoh Kazuya , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Suemasa Naoaki , Konami Takeharu , Taniyama Shingo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn Japan, recently there has been an increase in the failure of dry masonry retaining walls located in an urban residential area due to strong earthquakes. However, currently there are no established optimal seismic reinforcement methods for such dry masonry retaining walls due to issues related to workability and construction cost. This paper presents a novel reinforcement method wherein the tilting reinforcement bars were installed from top of the retaining wall whose individual blocks were integrated. A detailed investigation and discussion on the mechanical behavior of a dry masonry retaining wall is made by comparing the results among different experimental cases which had different seismic reinforcement treatment with the help of tilting table experiments conducted in a geotechnical centrifuge. The results highlighted that the proposed method, the application of tilting reinforcement bars together with the integration of individual wall blocks, led to the best seismic resilient performance of the retaining wall with the least measured soil deformations and soil strains at the backfill. Among all the tested cases, the proposed method resulted in the least mobilization of axial force and bending moment at the top of reinforcement bars which may result in the overall reduction of the construction cost (i.e., by reducing the number of reinforcement bars) aiming toward a performance‐based design. Lastly, an analytical evaluation of the factor of safety (FOS) against collapse as per the Mononobe‐Okabe theory was made which was found to be in excellent agreement with the centrifuge experiments revealing the proposed method to perform best among all the cases.
An advanced rate‐dependent analytical model of lead rubber bearing
Authors: Aghaeidoost Vahid , Billah A. H. M. Muntasir 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLead rubber bearings (LRBs) are a type of isolation bearing that have a combination of rubber and lead as the main components. These bearings are widely used in bridges, buildings, and other important structures due to their high load‐carrying capacity and excellent energy dissipation capability. However, the behavior of LRBs is complex and nonlinear, making it difficult to predict their behavior and performance under different loading conditions. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive analytical model of LRBs that can accurately predict their behavior under low to large levels of strain. The proposed model considers nonlinearity, hysteresis, stiffness, damping, and rate‐dependent behavior of LRBs. The model is also able to consider the effect of temperature on the rubber and lead components of the bearing. The developed model is validated using experimental results and is shown to provide accurate predictions of the LRB response under different strain levels. The accuracy of the developed LRB model is also validated using shake table test results of an LRB‐isolated bridge under low and large strain. This research provides a valuable tool for engineers and designers to predict the behavior and performance of LRBs and optimize their design.
Using deep (machine) learning to forecast US inflation in the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Stoneman David , Duca John V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe 2021–2022 surge in US inflation was unanticipated by the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) and other macroeconomists and institutions. This study assesses whether nascent deep learning frameworks and methods more accurately project recent core personal consumption expenditures inflation. We create a recurrent neural network (RNN) to forecast long‐term inflation, and after training on 60 years of quarterly data, the model outperforms the SPF and projects a spike in inflation similar to that of recent years. We compare the model's performance with and without COVID‐19–specific data and discuss some implications of our findings for economic forecasting in global crises.
Physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of yogurt with Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and probiotic bacteria
Authors: Vahdat Farahnaz , Mehdizadeh Tooraj , Kazemeini Hamidreza , Reale Anna , Kaboudari Ata 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of yogurt prepared with the addition of Persian shallot and probiotic bacteria. The effect of Persian shallot on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) was evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects of shallot and probiotic bacteria on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli species were investigated. The experiments were performed on days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21. The results showed that the survival of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in the presence of shallots (p < .05). The addition of two different probiotic bacteria to the yogurt samples inhibited the pathogenic bacteria. While E. coli bacteria had a 3‐log reduction, L. monocytogenes did not grow at all in the presence of probiotic bacteria and shallots. Based on these experiments, it was concluded that the addition of shallots not only increased the survival of probiotic bacteria but also reduced the growth of food‐borne pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the addition of probiotic bacteria increased the acceptance of sensory properties of yogurt samples.
Mothers' school starting age and infant health
Authors: Borra Cristina , González Libertad , Patiño David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe study the effects of women's school starting age on the infant health of their offspring. In Spain, children born in December start school a year earlier than those born the following January, despite being essentially the same age. We follow a regression discontinuity design to compare the health at birth of the children of women born in January versus the previous December, using administrative, population‐level data. We find small and insignificant effects on average weight at birth, but, compared to the children of December‐born mothers, the children of January‐born mothers are more likely to have very low birthweight. We then show that January‐born women have the same educational attainment and the same partnership dynamics as December‐born women. However, they finish school later and are (several months) older when they have their first child. Our results suggest that maternal age is a plausible mechanism behind our estimated impacts of school starting age on infant health.
Quality of life following surgery for head and neck cancer: Evidence from ACRIN 6685
Authors: Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Duan Fenghai , Subramaniam Rathan M. , Taurone Alexander , Sicks JoRean , Lowe Val J. , Stack Brendan C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the trajectory of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with clinical stage N0 HNSCC enrolled in ACRIN 6685 who underwent elective neck dissection(s).MethodsHRQoL of 230 patients in the ACRIN 6685 trial was measured prospectively up to 2 years following surgery using the University of Washington Quality of Life instrument.ResultsGeneral Health Within the Last 7 Days did not differ significantly from baseline at any follow‐up. General Health Relative to Before Cancer fell significantly by 5.8 points following surgery (p = 0.048), and then returned to 3.0 points above baseline at 1 year (p = 0.65). For Overall Quality of Life, HRQoL fell significantly by 4.3 points following surgery (p = 0.031) and then returned to levels not significantly different from baseline.ConclusionsPatients with stage N0 HNSCC experience significant declines in HRQoL immediately following surgery, including neck dissection, which recovers to near or better than baseline within 1–2 years.
A survey on the willingness of outpatients to participate in fundus examination procedures conducted by ophthalmology training residents in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Haidong , Li Tiankun , Fan Yuanyuan , Zheng Bin , Zhao Yun‐e 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe National Standardized Training for Resident Doctors (STRD) in mainland China encounters many challenges in its implementation. To investigate whether outpatients are willing to undergo indirect ophthalmoscopy examination conducted by ophthalmology residents in the ophthalmology STRD program in China.MethodsThis study conducted a cross‐sectional survey at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between September 2021 and September 2023. A cohort of 300 initial outpatients requiring indirect ophthalmoscopy examinations were enlisted from the outpatient department. Based on whether the patients are willing to undergo an indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by resident doctors, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (willing) and Group 2 (unwilling), and their questionnaire responses were comparatively analyzed.ResultsA total of 261/300 (87%) valid questionnaires were returned in the survey, which included 149 males and 112 females. No notable gender difference (p = 0.400) or disparity in medical expense categories (p = 0.786) was observed between the two groups. However, variables such as outpatient marital status (p = 0.002), the presence of training faculty during fundus examinations with residents and outpatients (p < 0.001), the demeanor of training residents toward patients (p < 0.001), and the quality of doctor–patient communication (p < 0.001) significantly varied between the groups.ConclusionThe level of outpatients' cooperation with ophthalmology residents during fundus examinations in the Chinese ophthalmology STRD program was observed to be low. Enhancing the presence of training faculty during examinations and enhancing the communication skills of training residents could significantly improve this situation.
Prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells and tumor related transcripts in small cell lung cancer: A step further to clinical implementation
Authors: Welsch Eva , Holzer Barbara , Schuster Eva , Fabikan Hannah , Weinlinger Christoph , Hauptmann‐Repitz Elisabeth , Illini Oliver , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Fischer Michael B. , Weiss Esther , Zeillinger Robert , Obermayr Eva 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSmall‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in liquid biopsy samples may serve as predictive and prognostic biomarkers; but the analysis of CTCs is still challenging. By using microfluidic or density gradient CTC enrichment in combination with immunofluorescent (IF) staining or qPCR of CTC‐related transcripts, we achieved a 60.8% to 88.0% positivity in SCLC blood samples. Epithelial and neuroendocrine transcripts including the druggable target DLL3 were associated with shorter overall survival (OS), indicating the clinical value of these markers in terms of differential diagnosis and treatment decisions. High CTC counts and the presence of CTC duplets detected by IF staining were prognostic for OS, and thus may serve as indicators of disease progression or therapy failure. In patient samples with high CTC load detected by IF staining, a concordance of the transcripts positivity in circulating free plasma RNA and CTCs was observed. Our data emphasize the role of CTCs and CTC‐related transcripts and underline the clinical value of liquid biopsy analysis in SCLC.
The effect of IFRS adoption on bank internationalisation
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Oyewo Babajide 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBanking is one of the highly regulated industries, where a single set of global standards is likely to play a significant role in eliminating double reporting and reducing information asymmetry. Accordingly, we use data on 98 countries over 9 years to examine whether the use of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) drives bank internationalisation. The results show that the use of IFRS is positively and significantly associated with an increase in foreign investment in the banking sector by easing regulatory compliance. However, in developing countries, the benefit of IFRS increasing foreign investment banks is associated with both easing regulatory compliance and reducing information asymmetry between banks and their clients. Our results are consistent across different sub‐samplings, including EU versus non‐EU, high versus low absence, and divergence between domestic standard and IFRS. These results provide reassurance and clear evidence of how IFRS facilitates the global flow of capital, even in a highly regulated industry such as banks. The results are robust to alternative measurements of variables and endogeneity tests using the Two‐Stage Least Square, Two‐step System Generalised Method of Moments and Propensity Score Matching.
Autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with disseminated sarcoidosis: A case report
Authors: Billotte Maxime , Eszto Peter , Thomas Benoît , Groizard Pierre , Perez Pierre , Campagne Julien 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease known to be associated with multiple autoimmune disorders. There is a restricted number of descriptions of the association between sarcoidosis and autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). We present the case of a 63‐year‐old woman admitted to the hospital to investigate a possible sarcoidosis who had hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, with low ADAMTS13 activity and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies, leading to a diagnosis of aTTP. Sarcoidosis was later confirmed and the two conditions evolved separately after 6 months, questioning the link between them. Clinicians should be aware of this rare cause of thrombocytopenia in patients with sarcoidosis, as aTTP is a life‐threatening condition.
MicroRNAs: Potential prognostic and theranostic biomarkers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ali Afgar , Mahla Sattarzadeh Bardsiri , Reza Vahidi , Hossein Arezoomand , Bahareh Kashani , Mohammad Hosseininaveh , Fatemeh Sharifi , Mostafa Amopour Bahnamiry , Leili Rouhi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSmall noncoding ribonucleic acids called microRNAs coordinate numerous critical physiological and biological processes such as cell division, proliferation, and death. These regulatory molecules interfere with the function of many genes by binding the 3'‐UTR region of target mRNAs to inhibit their translation or even degrade them. Given that a large proportion of miRNAs behave as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes, any genetic or epigenetic aberration changeing their structure and/or function could initiate tumor formation and development. An example of such cancers is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent adult leukemia in Western nations, which is caused by unregulated growth and buildup of defective cells in the peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Genetic alterations at cellular and molecular levels play an important role in the occurrence and development of CLL. In this vein, it was noted that the development of this disease is noticeably affected by changes in the expression and function of miRNAs. Many studies on miRNAs have shown that these molecules are pivotal in the prognosis of different cancers, including CLL, and their epigenetic alterations (e.g., methylation) can predict disease progression and response to treatment. Furthermore, miRNAs are involved in the development of drug resistance in CLL, and targeting these molecules can be considered a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease. MiRNA screening can offer important information on the etiology and development of CLL. Considering the importance of miRNAs in gene expression regulation, their application in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of CLL is reviewed in this paper.
Scapular morphology variation affects reverse total shoulder arthroplasty biomechanics. A predictive simulation study using statistical and musculoskeletal shoulder models
Authors: Silvestros Pavlos , Athwal George S. , Giles Joshua W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractReverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) accounts for over half of shoulder replacement surgeries. At present, the optimal position of RTSA components is unknown. Previous biomechanical studies have investigated the effect of construct placement to quantify mobility, stability and functionality postoperatively. While studies have provided valuable information on construct design and surgical placement, they have not systematically evaluated the importance of scapular morphology on biomechanical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of scapular morphology variation on RTSA biomechanics using statistical models, musculoskeletal modeling and predictive simulation. The scapular geometry of a musculoskeletal model was altered across six modes of variation at four levels (±1 and ±3 SD) from a clinically derived statistical shape model. For each model, a standardized virtual surgery was performed to place RTSA components in the same relative position on each model then implemented in 50 predictive simulations of upward and lateral reaching tasks. Results showed morphology affected functional changes in the deltoid moment arms and recruitment for the two tasks. Variation of the anatomy that reduced the efficiency of the deltoids showed increased levels of muscle force production, joint load magnitude and shear. These findings suggest that scapular morphology plays an important role in postoperative biomechanical function of the shoulder with an implanted RTSA. Furthermore a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach for construct surgical placement may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes across a clinical population. Patient glenoid as well as scapular anatomy may need to be carefully considered when planning RTSA to optimize postoperative success.
Indirect influence of microRNA‐146a on the association of IL‐6 and TNF‐α genetic polymorphisms with the increased risk of hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Tudor Karlo , Baranasic Jurica , Knezevic Jelena , Serer Vicevic Marta , Sutic Maja , Dembic Zlatko , Jotanovic Zdravko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrimary osteoarthritis (POA) is a complex hereditary disease that involves the interplay between genetics and epigenetics. MicroRNA molecules play important roles in epigenetic mechanisms. MicroRNA‐146a (miR‐146a) is a negative regulator of the immune response in osteoarthritis (OA). So, variations in the miR‐146a gene could affect OA risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the miR‐146a, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Toll‐like receptor 10 (TLR10), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFA) genes and the risk for development of advanced‐stage primary hip osteoarthritis (PHOA) and primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) in the Croatian population. A total of 609 POA patients and 656 healthy donors were genotyped for SNPs in the miR‐146a (rs2910164, G>C). Since we used same patients and controls as two studies before us, we already had information about IL‐6 (rs1800795, C>G), TLR10 (rs11096957, C>T), and TNFA (rs1800629, C>T) genotypes of our subjects. None of the differences were statistically significant comparing either allelic or genotypic frequencies of miR‐146a SNP rs2910164 (G>C) between the PHOA and PKOA patients and controls. However, we found a significant association with risk to PHOA for the combination of genotypes (stratified miR‐146a genotype with the IL‐6, and stratified miR‐146a genotype with the TNFA). In a multifactorial disease such as POA, we have shown the indirect relevance of a second modifying factor (miR‐146a), which apparently contributes to the overall risk of PHOA. There was no risk association with the PKOA, indicating that these two localities (hip and knee) might have different risk‐modifying factors.