bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data-driven malaria prevalence prediction in large densely populated urban holoendemic sub-Saharan West Africa
Authors: Brown Biobele J. , Manescu Petru , Przybylski Alexander A. , Caccioli Fabio , Oyinloye Gbeminiyi , Elmi Muna , Shaw Michael J. , Pawar Vijay , Claveau Remy , Shawe-Taylor John , Srinivasan Mandayam A. , Afolabi Nathaniel K. , Rees Geraint , Orimadegun Adebola E. , Ajetunmobi Wasiu A. , Akinkunmi Francis , Kowobari Olayinka , Osinusi Kikelomo , Akinbami Felix O. , Omokhodion Samuel , Shokunbi Wuraola A. , Lagunju Ikeoluwa , Sodeinde Olugbemiro , Fernandez-Reyes Delmiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOver 200 million malaria cases globally lead to half-million deaths annually. The development of malaria prevalence prediction systems to support malaria care pathways has been hindered by lack of data, a tendency towards universal “monolithic” models (one-size-fits-all-regions) and a focus on long lead time predictions. Current systems do not provide short-term local predictions at an accuracy suitable for deployment in clinical practice. Here we show a data-driven approach that reliably produces one-month-ahead prevalence prediction within a densely populated all-year-round malaria metropolis of over 3.5 million inhabitants situated in Nigeria which has one of the largest global burdens of P. falciparum malaria. We estimate one-month-ahead prevalence in a unique 22-years prospective regional dataset of > 9 × 104 participants attending our healthcare services. Our system agrees with both magnitude and direction of the prediction on validation data achieving MAE ≤ 6 × 10–2, MSE ≤ 7 × 10–3, PCC (median 0.63, IQR 0.3) and with more than 80% of estimates within a (+ 0.1 to − 0.05) error-tolerance range which is clinically relevant for decision-support in our holoendemic setting. Our data-driven approach could facilitate healthcare systems to harness their own data to support local malaria care pathways.
Comparative effects of virtual reality training and sensory motor training on bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers in post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Nambi Gopal , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Elsayed Shereen H. , Khalil Mona A. , Alrawaili Saud M. , Alsubaie Saud F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study is to compare the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) and sensory-motor training (SMT) in bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and inflammatory biomarkers expression in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after the anterior cruciate ligament injury. Through a simple random sampling method, 60 eligible participants were allocated into VRT (n = 20), SMT (n = 20), and control groups (n = 20). They underwent training programs for 4 weeks. Clinical (pain intensity and functional disability) and biochemical (bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers) values were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 3 months follow up. Four weeks following training, the VRT group shows more significant changes in pain intensity and functional disability than SMT and control groups (P < 0.001). Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) measures such as BMP 2, 4, 6, and 7 don’t show any significant changes between the groups. But at the same time, the VRT group shows positive improvement in inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) analysis than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Our study suggests that including virtual reality training in PTOA shows beneficial changes in pain, functional disability, and modification of inflammatory biomarkers than sensory-motor training, but at the same time it shows a negligible effect on bone morphogenic proteins.
Anisotropic characteristics and improved magnetic performance of Ca–La–Co-substituted strontium hexaferrite nanomagnets
Authors: Lee Jimin , Lee Eun Jae , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Kim Jongryoul , Choa Yong-Ho 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent studies on next-generation permanent magnets have focused on filling in the gap between rare-earth magnets and rare-earth-free magnets, taking into account both the cost-effectiveness and magnetic performance of the magnetic materials. As an improved rare-earth-free magnet candidate, here, Ca-substituted M-type Sr-lean hexaferrite particles within a nano- to micro-scale regime, produced using an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method, are investigated. Theoretically, the maximum coercivity (Hc) can be achieved in submicron Sr-ferrite crystals (i.e., 0.89 μm). The plate-like resultants showed a significant enhancement in Hc, up to a record high of 7880.4 Oe, with no deterioration in magnetization (M: 71–72 emu/g). This resulted in more favorable magnetic properties than those of the traditional Sr–La–Co ferrites. On the basis of microstructural analysis and fitting results based on the law of approach to saturation method, the Ca-substitution effects on the change in size and anisotropic characteristics of the ferrite particles, including pronounced lateral crystal growth and a strong increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy, are clearly demonstrated. The cost-effective, submicron, and Ca-substituted Sr-ferrite is an excellent potential magnet and moreover may overcome the limitations of traditional hard magnetic materials.
Novel diffuse white matter abnormality biomarker at term-equivalent age enhances prediction of long-term motor development in very preterm children
Authors: Parikh Nehal A. , Harpster Karen , He Lili , Illapani Venkata Sita Priyanka , Khalid Fatima Chughtai , Klebanoff Mark A. , O’Shea T. Michael , Altaye Mekibib 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOur objective was to evaluate the independent prognostic value of a novel MRI biomarker—objectively diagnosed diffuse white matter abnormality volume (DWMA; diffuse excessive high signal intensity)—for prediction of motor outcomes in very preterm infants. We prospectively enrolled a geographically-based cohort of very preterm infants without severe brain injury and born before 32 weeks gestational age. Structural brain MRI was obtained at term-equivalent age and DWMA volume was objectively quantified using a published validated algorithm. These results were compared with visually classified DWMA. We used multivariable linear regression to assess the value of DWMA volume, independent of known predictors, to predict motor development as assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development, Third Edition at 3 years of age. The mean (SD) gestational age of the cohort was 28.3 (2.4) weeks. In multivariable analyses, controlling for gestational age, sex, and abnormality on structural MRI, DWMA volume was an independent prognostic biomarker of Bayley Motor scores ($$\beta $$
β
= −12.59 [95% CI −18.70, −6.48] R2 = 0.41). Conversely, visually classified DWMA was not predictive of motor development. In conclusion, objectively quantified DWMA is an independent prognostic biomarker of long-term motor development in very preterm infants and warrants further study.
Controlling the flux of reactive species: a case study on thin film deposition in an aniline/argon plasma
Authors: Sciacqua D. , Pattyn C. , Jagodar A. , von Wahl E. , Lecas T. , Strunskus T. , Kovacevic E. , Berndt J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe plasma based synthesis of thin films is frequently used to deposit ultra-thin and pinhole-free films on a wide class of different substrates. However, the synthesis of thin films by means of low temperature plasmas is rather complex due to the great number of different species (neutrals, radicals, ions) that are potentially involved in the deposition process. This contribution deals with polymerization processes in a capacitively coupled discharge operated in a mixture of argon and aniline where the latter is a monomer, which is used for the production of plasma-polymerized polyaniline, a material belonging to the class of conductive polymers. This work will present a particular experimental approach that allows to (partially) distinguish the contribution of different species to the film growth and thus to control to a certain extent the properties of the resulting material. The control of the species flux emerging from the plasma and contributing to the film growth also sheds new light on the deposition process, in particular with respect to the role of the ion component. The analysis of the produced films has been performed by means of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS).
Neutrophil elastase promotes macrophage cell adhesion and cytokine production through the integrin-Src kinases pathway
Authors: Krotova Karina , Khodayari Nazli , Oshins Regina , Aslanidi George , Brantly Mark L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere are a number of respiratory diseases characterized by the presence of excess neutrophil elastase (NE) activity in tissues, including cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NE is considered a primary contributor to disease development, but the precise mechanism has yet to be fully determined. We hypothesized that NE alters the function of macrophages (Mɸ) which play a critical role in many physiological processes in healthy lungs. We demonstrate that monocyte-derived Mɸ exposed to NE releases active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), increase expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-8, and reduce capacity to phagocytose bacteria. Changes in Mɸ function following NE treatment were accompanied by increased adhesion and cytoskeleton re-arrangement, indicating the possibility of integrin involvement. To support this observation, we demonstrate that NE induces phosphorylation of kinases from the Src kinase family, a hallmark of integrin signaling activation. Moreover, pretreatment of Mɸ with a specific Src kinase inhibitor, PP2 completely prevents NE-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Taken together these findings indicate that NE participates in lung destruction not only through direct proteolytic degradation of matrix proteins, but also through activation of Mɸ inflammatory and proteolytic functions.
Gram-positive bacteria control the rapid anabolism of protein-sized soil organic nitrogen compounds questioning the present paradigm
Authors: Enggrob Kirsten Lønne , Larsen Thomas , Peixoto Leanne , Rasmussen Jim 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe cycling of especially large size organic nitrogen (N) from plants into stable microbial derived soil organic carbon (C) and N pools is understudied, in spite of organic N composing 90% of soil N and the intimate link between organic N and soil C stabilization. We investigated the fate of peptide-size and protein-size organic N fractions in soils from two long-term field experiments markedly differing in conditions for microorganisms. We combined amino acid stable isotope probing (AA-SIP) fingerprinting with PLFA-SIP to trace organic N into the soil microbial biomass. Contrary to the present paradigm, we found for both soils that greater molecular size did not protect against decomposition of these compounds neither did protection via strong sorption to the soil mineral phase. Instead, we found strong evidence that gram-positive bacteria are the key actors in the decomposition of protein-sized nitrogen compounds and that amino acids bound in large organic nitrogen compounds directly contribute to the build-up of bacterial tissue. We conclude that when large organic nitrogen compounds are dissolved, turnover occurs rapidly, irrespective of molecular size, and the bacterial incorporation of these rapid cycling compounds makes an important contribution to soil organic matter formation.
Egr1 loss-of-function promotes beige adipocyte differentiation and activation specifically in inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue
Authors: Bléher Marianne , Meshko Berbang , Cacciapuoti Isabelle , Gergondey Rachel , Kovacs Yoann , Duprez Delphine , L’Honoré Aurore , Havis Emmanuelle 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn mice, exercise, cold exposure and fasting lead to the differentiation of inducible-brown adipocytes, called beige adipocytes, within white adipose tissue and have beneficial effects on fat burning and metabolism, through heat production. This browning process is associated with an increased expression of the key thermogenic mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, Ucp1. Egr1 transcription factor has been described as a regulator of white and beige differentiation programs, and Egr1 depletion is associated with a spontaneous increase of subcutaneous white adipose tissue browning, in absence of external stimulation. Here, we demonstrate that Egr1 mutant mice exhibit a restrained Ucp1 expression specifically increased in subcutaneous fat, resulting in a metabolic shift to a more brown-like, oxidative metabolism, which was not observed in other fat depots. In addition, Egr1 is necessary and sufficient to promote white and alter beige adipocyte differentiation of mouse stem cells. These results suggest that modulation of Egr1 expression could represent a promising therapeutic strategy to increase energy expenditure and to restrain obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
Deciphering collaborative sidechain motions in proteins during molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Taddese Bruck , Garnier Antoine , Abdi Hervé , Henrion Daniel , Chabbert Marie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe dynamic structure of proteins is essential for their functions and may include large conformational transitions which can be studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. However, details of these transitions are difficult to automatically track. To facilitate their analysis, we developed two scores of correlation between sidechain dihedral angles. The CIRCULAR and OMES scores are computed from, respectively, dihedral angle values and rotamer distributions. As a case study, we applied our methods to an activation-like transition of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, observed during accelerated MD simulations. The principal component analysis of the correlation matrices was consistent with the networking structure of the top ranking pairs. Both scores identify a set of residues whose “collaborative” sidechain rotamerization immediately preceded or accompanied the conformational transition of CXCR4. Detailed analysis of the sequential order of these rotamerizations suggests that an allosteric mechanism, involving the outward motion of an asparagine residue in transmembrane helix 3, might be a prerequisite to the large scale conformational transition of CXCR4. This case study provides the proof-of-concept that the correlation methods developed here are valuable exploratory techniques to help decipher complex reactional pathways.
Gender differences in adolescent sleep neurophysiology: a high-density sleep EEG study
Authors: Markovic Andjela , Kaess Michael , Tarokh Leila 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDuring adolescence, differences between males and females in physiology, behavior and risk for psychopathology are accentuated. The goal of the current study was to examine gender differences in sleep neurophysiology using high-density sleep EEG in early adolescence. We examined gender differences in sleep EEG power and coherence across frequency bands for both NREM and REM sleep in a sample of 61 adolescents (31 girls and 30 boys; mean age = 12.48; SD = 1.34). In addition, sleep spindles were individually detected and characterized. Compared to boys, girls had significantly greater spindle activity, as reflected in higher NREM sigma power, spindle amplitude, spindle frequency and spindle density over widespread regions. Furthermore, power in higher frequency bands (16.2–44 Hz) was larger in girls than boys in a state independent manner. Oscillatory activity across frequency bands and sleep states was generally more coherent in females as compared to males, suggesting greater connectivity in females. An exception to this finding was the alpha band during NREM and REM sleep, where coherence was higher (NREM) or not different (REM) in boys compared to girls. Sleep spindles are generated through thalamocortical circuits, and thus, the greater spindle activity across regions in females may represent a stronger thalamocortical circuit in adolescent females as compared to males. Moreover, greater global connectivity in females may reflect functional brain differences with implications for cognition and mental health. Given the pronounced gender differences, our study highlights the importance of taking gender into account when designing and interpreting studies of sleep neurophysiology.
A randomised trial evaluating the effect of intraoperative iron administration
Authors: Lee Bora , Kim Eun Jung , Song Jaewoo , Jung Young-Soo , Koo Bon-Nyeo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPerioperative anaemia increases postoperative morbidity and mortality, and iron deficiency is anaemia’s most common cause in surgical patients. Preoperative intravenous iron increases postoperative haemoglobin; however, data regarding intraoperative intravenous iron’s effectiveness are inadequate. This study examined intraoperative intravenous iron’s effects on postoperative haemoglobin levels in adults. Fifty-seven healthy subjects (aged 19–40 years) scheduled for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were assigned randomly to the iron (n = 28) or control (n = 29) groups. The iron group received intravenous ferric derisomaltose (1,000 mg) after anaesthetic induction. The control group received an identical volume of intravenous normal saline. The primary outcome was postoperative haemoglobin level. Secondary outcomes included other postoperative haematologic and iron parameters. Laboratory data were obtained preoperatively and at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Haemoglobin was higher in the iron group 2 weeks postoperatively (12.9 g/dL vs. 12.2 g/dL), but the between-group difference was not significant after adjustment for multiple testing. However, the reticulocyte production index was significantly higher in the iron group 2 weeks postoperatively. Intraoperative intravenous iron maintains postoperative haemoglobin values in patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery by increasing haematopoietic function and iron bioavailability and therefore appears to be a useful strategy for blood management.
Treatment optimization of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure therapy
Authors: Niriayo Yirga Legesse , Asgedom Solomon Weldegebreal , Demoz Gebre Teklemariam , Gidey Kidu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlthough evidence based guidelines recommend optimal use of beta blockers in all patients with chronic heart failure unless contraindicated, they are often underutilized and/or prescribed below the recommended dosage in the majority of patients with heart failure. To our knowledge, however, the optimal use of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure is not investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the utilization and optimization of beta blockers in the management of patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. A prospective observational study was conducted among ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. We included adult patients with a diagnosis of heart failure with a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% who had been on follow-up for at least 6 months. Patients were recruited into the study during their appointment for medication refilling using simple random sampling technique. All patients were followed for at least 6 months to determine the optimal use of beta blockers. The optimal use of beta blockers was determined according to evidence based guidelines. After explaining the purpose of the study, we obtained written informed consent from all participants. Data were collected through patient interview and review of patients’ medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with utilization of beta blockers. A total of 288 patients were included in the study. Out of the total, 67% of the patients were receiving beta blockers. Among the patients who received beta blockers, 34.2% were taking guideline recommended beta blockers while 65.8% were taking atenolol, which is not guideline recommended beta blocker. Among the patients who received guideline recommended beta blockers, only 3% were taking optimal dose. Prior hospitalization [Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.76], dose of furosemide > 40 mg (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20–0.76), ischemic heart disease (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 1.66–6.45), atrial fibrillation (AOR 4.41, 95% CI 1.38–14.13) were significantly associated with the utilization of beta-blockers. Despite proven benefit, beta blockers were not optimally used in most of the participants in this study. The presence of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were positively associated with the utilization of beta blockers while hospitalization and higher diuretic dose were negatively associated with the utilization of beta blockers. Clinicians should attempt to use evidence based beta blockers at guideline recommended target doses that have been shown to have morbidity and mortality benefit in chronic heart failure. Moreover, more effort needs to be done to minimize the potentially modifiable risk factors for underutilization of beta blocker in chronic heart failure therapy.
PKIS deep dive yields a chemical starting point for dark kinases and a cell active BRSK2 inhibitor
Authors: Tamir Tigist Y. , Drewry David H. , Wells Carrow , Major M. Ben , Axtman Alison D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Published Kinase Inhibitor Set (PKIS) is a publicly-available chemogenomic library distributed to more than 300 laboratories by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) between 2011 and 2015 and by SGC-UNC from 2015 to 2017. Screening this library of well-annotated, published kinase inhibitors has yielded a plethora of data in diverse therapeutic and scientific areas, funded applications, publications, and provided impactful pre-clinical results. GW296115 is a compound that was included in PKIS based on its promising selectivity following profiling against 260 human kinases. Herein we present more comprehensive profiling data for 403 wild type human kinases and follow-up enzymatic screening results for GW296115. This more thorough investigation of GW296115 has confirmed it as a potent inhibitor of kinases including BRSK1 and BRSK2 that were identified in the original panel of 260 kinases as well as surfaced other kinases that it potently inhibits. Based on these new kinome-wide screening results, we report that GW296115 is an inhibitor of several members of the Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG) list of understudied dark kinases. Specifically, our results establish GW296115 as a potent lead chemical tool that inhibits six IDG kinases with IC50 values less than 100 nM. Focused studies establish that GW296115 is cell active, and directly engages BRSK2. Further evaluation showed that GW296115 downregulates BRSK2-driven phosphorylation and downstream signaling. Therefore, we present GW296115 as a cell-active chemical tool that can be used to interrogate the poorly characterized function(s) of BRSK2.