bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation by spray-drying and freeze-drying of extract of phenolic compounds obtained from ciriguela peel
Authors: da Silva Júnior Marcony Edson , Araújo Maria Vitória Rolim Lemos , Martins Ana Cristina Silveira , dos Santos Lima Marcos , da Silva Flávio Luiz Honorato , Converti Attilio , Maciel Maria Inês Sucupira 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMicrocapsules of ciriguela peel extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were prepared by spray drying, whose results were compared with those of freeze-drying as a control. The effects of spray-drying air temperature, feed flow rate and ratio of encapsulating agents (maltodextrin and arabic gum) were studied. Encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, colorimetric parameters, phenolic profile by HPLC/DAD, simulated gastrointestinal digestion and morphology of spray-dried and freeze-dried microcapsules were evaluated, as well as their stability of TPC during 90 days storage at 7 and 25 °C. Spray-dried extract showed higher encapsulation efficiency (98.83%) and TPC (476.82 mg GAE g−1) than freeze-dried extract. The most abundant compounds in the liquid extract of ciriguela peel flour were rutin, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid and quercetin. Rutin and myricetin were the major flavonoids in the spray-dried extract, while quercetin and kaempferol were in the freeze-dried one. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion test of microencapsulated extracts revealed the highest TPC contents after the gastric phase and the lowest one after the intestinal one. Rutin was the most abundant compound after the digestion of both spray-dried (68.74 µg g−1) and freeze-dried (93.98 µg g−1) extracts. Spray-dried microcapsules were of spherical shape, freeze-dried products of irregular structures. Spray-dried microcapsules had higher phenolic compounds contents after 90 days of storage at 7 °C compared to those stored at 25 °C, while the lyophilized ones showed no significant difference between the two storage temperatures. The ciriguela agro-industrial residue can be considered an interesting alternative source of phenolic compounds that could be used, in the form of bioactive compounds-rich powders, as an ingredient in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
Long-term monitoring of COVID-19 prevalence in raw and treated wastewater in Salvador, the largest capital of the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: de Araújo Rolo Carolina , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , dos Santos Matheus Carmo , dos Santos Rosângela Fernandes , Fonseca Maísa Santos , Hodel Katharine Valéria Saraiva , Silva Jéssica Rebouças , Nunes Danielle Devequi Gomes , dos Santos Almeida Edna , de Andrade Jailson Bittencourt 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) becomes an interesting epidemiological approach to monitoring the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 broadly and non-invasively. Herein, we employ for the first time WBE, associated or not with the PEG 8000 precipitation method, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in samples of raw or treated wastewater from 22 municipal wastewater treatment stations (WWTPs) located in Salvador, the fourth most populous city in Brazil. Our results demonstrate the success of the application of WBE for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in both types of evaluated samples, regardless of the usage of PEG 8000 concentration procedure. Further, an increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was observed in samples collected in months that presented the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (May/2021, June/2021 and January/2022). While PEG 8000 concentration step was found to significantly increase the positivity rate in treated wastewater samples (p < 0.005), a strong positive correlation (r: 0.84; p < 0.002) between non-concentrated raw wastewater samples with the number of new cases of COVID-19 (April/2021–February/2022) was observed. In general, the present results reinforce the efficiency of WBE approach to monitoring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in either low- or high-capacity WWTPs. The successful usage of WBE even in raw wastewater samples makes it an interesting low-cost tool for epidemiological surveillance.
Influence of plastic aggregate geometry on strength properties of cement-stabilized macadam
Authors: Chi Mingxiang , Shen Zhenzong , Chen Shibin , Yao Yunshi , Shen Jianjun , Li Chao , Yan Qingyao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn order to improve the toughness and flexibility of cement-stabilized macadam and inhibit crack formation and propagation, the influence of plastic aggregate geometry on the strength properties of cement-stabilized macadam is studied. The surface roughness of plastic aggregate was designed into Ra 12.5 and Ra 25. When the content of plastic coarse aggregate was gradually increased from 4 to 8%, 12%, 16%, 20%, and 24%, the compressive strength, splitting strength, and the tensile-compression ratio of the cement-stabilized macadam made of aggregate with rough surface texture were found higher than those of aggregate with smooth surface texture. The rough cylindrical, spherical, spindle, and dumbbell-shaped plastic coarse aggregates were designed and prepared for testing. The test results showed the maximum compressive strength, splitting strength, and tensile-compression ratio of cement-stabilized macadam with the dumbbell-shaped plastic coarse aggregate. The tensile-compression ratio increased by 15.2% compared to natural aggregate cement-stabilized macadam. The results show that under the same conditions, the plastic aggregate with different geometry can improve the compressive and splitting strengths of cement-stabilized macadam and significantly improve the toughness and flexibility, with dumbbell-shaped plastic coarse aggregate having the greatest improvement, especially compared with natural aggregate cement-stabilized crushed stone. This research provides insights for improving pavement engineering quality and new ideas for utilizing waste plastics.
Influence of silicon nano-particles on Avena sativa L. to alleviate the biotic stress of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Ahmad Faiza , Jabeen Khajista , Iqbal Sumera , Umar Aisha , Ameen Fuad , Gancarz Marek , Eldin Darwish Doaa Bahaa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAvena sativa L. a cereal crop that is badly affected by several abiotic and biotic stresses. In the current study, silicon nanoparticles are used to mitigate the harmful effects of root rot disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn on the growth of A. sativa. In vitro (Petri plates) and in vivo (pots experiment) were performed to measure the various physiological and biochemical parameters i.e. osmotic potential, chlorophyll, proline content, growth parameters, sugar, fresh and dry weight, and disease index. Results revealed that physiological and biochemical parameters were reduced under fungal stress with silicon nanoparticles treatment as compared to the control group. Si nanoparticles helped to alleviate the negative effects caused by fungus i.e. germination percentage upto 80%, germination rate 4 n/d, radical and plumule length was 4.02 and 5.46, dry weight 0.08 g, and relative water content was (50.3%) increased. Fungus + Si treatment showed the maximum protein content, i.e. 1.2 µg/g as compared to Fungus (0.3 µg/g) treated group. The DI was maximum (78.82%) when the fungus directly attacked the target plant and DI reduced (44.2%) when the fungus was treated with Si nanoparticles. Thus, silicon nanoparticles were potentially effective against the stress of R. solani and also used to analyze the plant resistance against fungal diseases. These particles can use as silicon fertilizers, but further studies on their efficacy under field conditions and improvement in their synthesis are still needed.
Long-term changes in physical fitness components determining the motor performance of young people studying physiotherapy in 2001–2020
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Siedlaczek Marcin , Piekorz Zuzanna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study is to assess changes in basic somatic features and motor components of physical fitness of physiotherapy students in the years 2001–2020. Hypotheses were made about the lack of a secular trend in body height and weight, the deterioration of motor efficiency and the lack of conditioning of the examined changes by social factors. Every year, students of physiotherapy at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) were examined in terms of height, weight, chest circumference, balance, speed, power, agility and endurance. The results were obtained from 1161 female students and 464 male students. There was weight gain in the group of women (R2 = 0.41, p = 0.00314), deterioration of speed (for women R2 = 0.579, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.301, p = 0.0185) and deterioration of power (for women R2 = 0.51, p = 0.001, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.0432, p = 0.00303). The stability of the remaining features was also found, as well as the lack of their conditioning by social factors. Predictors of maintaining motor fitness were identified, i.e. male gender, fitness exam qualifying for studies and chest circumference. The creation of conditions and requirements encouraging greater care for the appropriate level of motor fitness of people undertaking physiotherapy studies seems justified. This observation may apply to other academia providing training for the profession of physiotherapist.
Wideband dispersion-free THz waveguide platform
Authors: Rohrbach David , Kang Bong Joo , Zyaee Elnaz , Feurer Thomas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe present a versatile THz waveguide platform for frequencies between 0.1 THz and 1.5 THz, designed to exhibit vacuum-like dispersion and electric as well as magnetic field enhancement. While linear THz spectroscopy benefits from the extended interaction length in combination with moderate losses, nonlinear THz spectroscopy profits from the field enhancement and zero dispersion, with the associated reshaping-free propagation of broadband single- to few-cycle THz pulses. Moreover, the vacuum-like dispersion allows for velocity matching in mixed THz and visible to infrared pump-probe experiments. The platform is based on the motif of a metallic double ridged waveguide. We experimentally characterize essential waveguide properties, for instance, propagation and bending losses, but also demonstrate a junction and an interferometer, essentially because those elements are prerequisites for THz waveform synthesis, and hence, for coherently controlled linear and nonlinear THz interactions.
Genetic risk assessment based on association and prediction studies
Authors: Astrologo Nicole Cathlene N. , Gaudillo Joverlyn D. , Albia Jason R. , Roxas-Villanueva Ranzivelle Marianne L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe genetic basis of phenotypic emergence provides valuable information for assessing individual risk. While association studies have been pivotal in identifying genetic risk factors within a population, complementing it with insights derived from predictions studies that assess individual-level risk offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding phenotypic expression. In this study, we established personalized risk assessment models using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 200 Korean patients, of which 100 experienced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and 100 patients demonstrated high levels of HBsAg. The risk assessment models determined the predictive power of the following: (1) genome-wide association study (GWAS)-identified candidate biomarkers considered significant in a reference study and (2) machine learning (ML)-identified candidate biomarkers with the highest feature importance scores obtained by using random forest (RF). While utilizing all features yielded 64% model accuracy, using relevant biomarkers achieved higher model accuracies: 82% for 52 GWAS-identified candidate biomarkers, 71% for three GWAS-identified biomarkers, and 80% for 150 ML-identified candidate biomarkers. Findings highlight that the joint contributions of relevant biomarkers significantly influence phenotypic emergence. On the other hand, combining ML-identified candidate biomarkers into the pool of GWAS-identified candidate biomarkers resulted in the improved predictive accuracy of 90%, demonstrating the capability of ML as an auxiliary analysis to GWAS. Furthermore, some of the ML-identified candidate biomarkers were found to be linked with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), reinforcing previous claims that HCC can still occur despite the absence of HBsAg.
Development of a nomogram model for the early prediction of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Peng Milin , Deng Fuxing , Qi Desheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSepsis-associated acute kidney injury is a common complication of sepsis, but it is difficult to predict sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. In this retrospective observational study, adult septic patients were recruited from the MIMIC-III database as the training cohort (n = 4764) and from Xiangya Hospital (n = 1568) and Zhang’s database as validation cohorts. We identified eleven predictors with seven independent risk predictors of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury [fluid input_day1 ≥ 3390 ml (HR hazard ratio 1.42), fluid input_day2 ≥ 2734 ml (HR 1.64), platelet_min_day5 ≤ 224.2 × 109/l (HR 0.86), length of ICU stay ≥ 2.5 days (HR 1.24), length of hospital stay ≥ 5.8 days (HR 1.18), Bun_max_day1 ≥ 20 mmol/l (HR 1.20), and mechanical ventilation time ≥ 96 h (HR 1.11)] by multivariate Cox regression analysis, and the eleven predictors were entered into the nomogram. The nomogram model showed a discriminative ability for estimating sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. These results indicated that clinical parameters such as excess input fluid on the first and second days after admission and longer mechanical ventilation time could increase the risk of developing sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. With our study, we built a real-time prediction model for potentially forecasting acute kidney injury in septic patients that can help clinicians make decisions as early as possible to avoid sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.
Profiling tear film enzymes reveals major metabolic pathways involved in the homeostasis of the ocular surface
Authors: Akkurt Arslan Murat , Brignole-Baudouin Françoise , Chardonnet Solenne , Pionneau Cédric , Blond Frédéric , Baudouin Christophe , Kessal Karima 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe ocular surface (OS) enzymes are of great interest due to their potential for novel ocular drug development. We aimed first to profile and classify the enzymes of the OS to describe major biological processes and pathways that are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis. Second, we aimed to compare the enzymatic profiles between the two most common tear collection methods, capillary tubes (CT) and Schirmer strips (ScS). A comprehensive tear proteomic dataset was generated by pooling all enzymes identified from nine tear proteomic analyses of healthy subjects using mass spectrometry. In these studies, tear fluid was collected using CT (n = 4), ScS (n = 4) or both collection methods (n = 1). Classification and functional analysis of the enzymes was performed using a combination of bioinformatic tools. The dataset generated identified 1010 enzymes. The most representative classes were hydrolases (EC 3) and transferases (EC 2). Phosphotransferases, esterases and peptidases were the most represented subclasses. A large portion of the identified enzymes was common to both collection methods (n = 499). More enzymes were specifically detected in the ScS-extracted proteome. The major pathways in which the identified enzymes participate are related to the immune system and protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Metabolic processes for nucleosides, cellular amides, sugars and sulfur compounds constituted the most enriched biological processes. Knowledge of these molecules highly susceptible to pharmacological manipulation might help to predict the metabolism of ophthalmic medications and develop novel prodrug strategies as well as new drug delivery systems. Combining such extensive knowledge of the OS enzymes with new analytical approaches and techniques might create new prospects for understanding, predicting and manipulating the metabolism of ocular pharmaceuticals. Our study reports new, essential data on OS enzymes while also comparing the enzyme profiles obtained via the two most popular methods of tear collection, capillary tubes and Schirmer strips.
In-depth proteome analysis of brain tissue from Ewsr1 knockout mouse by multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag labeling
Authors: Jung Jin Woo , Kim Hyeyoon , Park Joonho , Woo Jongmin , Jeon Eunji , Lee Geeeun , Park Minseo , Kim Sarang , Seo Hoseok , Cheon Seongmin , Dan Kisoon , Lee Junghee , Ryu Hoon , Han Dohyun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEWS RNA binding protein 1 (EWSR1) is a multifunctional protein whose epigenetic signatures contribute to the pathogenesis of various human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, skin development, and tumorigenic processes. However, the specific cellular functions and physiological characteristics of EWSR1 remain unclear. In this study, we used quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics with tandem mass tag labeling to investigate the global proteome changes in brain tissue in Ewsr1 knockout and wild-type mice. From 9115 identified proteins, we selected 118 differentially expressed proteins, which is common to three quantitative data processing strategies including only protein level normalizations and spectrum-protein level normalization. Bioinformatics analysis of these common differentially expressed proteins revealed that proteins up-regulated in Ewsr1 knockout mouse are mostly related to the positive regulation of bone remodeling and inflammatory response. The down-regulated proteins were associated with the regulation of neurotransmitter levels or amino acid metabolic processes. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the physiological function and pathogenesis of EWSR1 on protein level. Better understanding of EWSR1 and its protein interactions will advance the field of clinical research into neuronal disorders. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD026994.
Enhancing the performance of a mutant pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase to create a highly versatile eukaryotic cell-free protein synthesis tool
Authors: Schloßhauer Jeffrey L. , Zemella Anne , Dondapati Srujan K. , Thoring Lena , Meyer Manpreet , Kubick Stefan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractModification of proteins with a broad range of chemical functionalities enables the investigation of protein structure and activity by manipulating polypeptides at single amino acid resolution. Indeed, various functional groups including bulky non-canonical amino acids like strained cyclooctenes could be introduced by the unique features of the binding pocket of the double mutant pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (Y306A, Y384F), but the instable nature of the enzyme limits its application in vivo. Here, we constructed a cell-free protein production system, which increased the overall enzyme stability by combining different reaction compartments. Moreover, a co-expression approach in a one-pot reaction allowed straightforward site-specific fluorescent labeling of the functional complex membrane protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Our work provides a versatile platform for introducing various non-canonical amino acids into difficult-to-express proteins for structural and fluorescence based investigation of proteins activity.
Tele-monitoring system for intensive care ventilators in isolation rooms
Authors: Kim Su Hyeon , Seo Hyo-Chang , Choi Sanghoon , Joo Segyeong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and discovery of new mutant strains have a devastating impact worldwide. Patients with severe COVID-19 require various equipment, such as ventilators, infusion pumps, and patient monitors, and a dedicated medical team to operate and monitor the equipment in isolated intensive care units (ICUs). Medical staff must wear personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection. This study proposes a tele-monitoring system for isolation ICUs to assist in the monitoring of COVID-19 patients. The tele-monitoring system consists of three parts: medical-device panel image processing, transmission, and tele-monitoring. This system can monitor the ventilator screen with obstacles, receive and store data, and provide real-time monitoring and data analysis. The proposed tele-monitoring system is compared with previous studies, and the image combination algorithm for reconstruction is evaluated using structural similarity index (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The system achieves an SSIM score of 0.948 in the left side and a PSNR of 23.414 dB in the right side with no obstacles. It also reduces blind spots, with an SSIM score of 0.901 and a PSNR score of 18.13 dB. The proposed tele-monitoring system is compatible with both wired and wireless communication, making it accessible in various situations. It uses camera and performs live data monitoring, and the two monitoring systems complement each other. The system also includes a comprehensive database and an analysis tool, allowing medical staff to collect and analyze data on ventilator use, providing them a quick, at-a-glance view of the patient's condition. With the implementation of this system, patient outcomes may be improved and the burden on medical professionals may be reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic-like situations.
Effects of oxygen availability on mycobenthic communities of marine coastal sediments
Authors: Yang Yanyan , Rivera Pérez Carmen Alicia , Richter-Heitmann Tim , Nimzyk Rolf , Friedrich Michael W. , Reich Marlis 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn coastal marine sediments, oxygen availability varies greatly, and anoxic conditions can develop quickly over low spatial resolution. Although benthic fungi are important players in the marine carbon cycle, little is known about their adaptation to fluctuating availability of oxygen as terminal electron acceptor. Here, we study which part of a mycobenthic community from oxic coastal sediments can thrive under temporarily anoxic conditions. We test whether phylogeny or certain fungal traits promote plasticity in respect to changes in oxygen availability. Therefore, we incubated mycobenthos under oxic and anoxic conditions, performed ITS2 Illumina tag-sequencing and an additional meta-analysis on a literature survey. Half of all OTUs showed a plasticity towards changing oxygen availability and exhibited different strategies towards anoxic conditions, with rapid response within hours or a delayed one after several days. The strategy of dimorphism and facultative yeasts were significantly linked to OTU occurrence in anoxic conditions, while phylogeny and other traits had less effect. Our results suggest that different fungal niches are formed over the duration of prolonged anoxic conditions. The taxon-specific proliferation seems to be regulated by the fine-tuning of various traits and factors. It is essential to take these results into account when conducting conceptual work on the functionality of the marine benthos.