bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Postural Stability among Amputees by Tactile Sensory Substitution
Authors: Chen Lijun , Feng Yanggang , Chen Baojun , Wang Qining , Wei Kunlin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFor lower-limb amputees, wearing a prosthetic limb helps restore their motor abilities for daily activities. However, the prosthesis's potential benefits are hindered by limited somatosensory feedback from the affected limb and its prosthesis. Previous studies have examined various sensory substitution systems to alleviate this problem; the prominent approach is to convert foot-ground interaction to tactile stimulations. However, positive outcomes for improving amputees' postural stability are still rare. We hypothesize that the intuitive design of tactile signals based on psychophysics shall enhance the feasibility and utility of real-time sensory substitution for lower-limb amputees. MethodsWe designed a wearable device consisting of four pressure sensors and two vibrators and tested it among the unilateral transtibial amputees (n=7) and the able-bodied (n=8). The real-time measurements of foot pressure were fused into a single representation of foot-ground interaction force, which was encoded by varying vibration intensity of the two vibrators attached to the participants’ forearm. The layout of vibrators was spatially congruent with the foot force sensors' placement; the vibration intensity followed a logarithmic function of the force representation, in keeping with principles of tactile psychophysics. The participants were tested with a classical postural stability task in which visual disturbances perturbed their quiet standing. ResultsWith a brief familiarization of the system, the participants exhibited better posture stability against visual disturbances when switching on sensory substitution than without. The body sway was substantially reduced, as shown in head movements and excursions of the center of pressure. The improvement was present for both amputees and able-bodied controls and was particularly pronounced in more challenging conditions with larger visual disturbances. ConclusionsSubstituting otherwise-missing foot pressure feedback with vibrotactile signals can improve postural stability for lower-limb amputees. The intuitive design of the mapping between the foot-ground interaction force and the tactile signals is essential for the user to utilize the surrogated tactile signals for postural control, especially for situations that their postural control is challenged.
Material Basis and Mechanism of Chansu Injection for COVID-19 Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Xu Yong , Peng Wenpan , Han Di , Wang Zhichao , Gu Cheng , Feng Fanchao , Zhou Xian-mei , Wu Qi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging and rapidly evolving disease with no effective drug treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used to treat COVID-19 in China. Chansu and its major active constituent, bufalin, exert broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Although the clinical efficacy of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment has been confirmed, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Objectives: In this study, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the potential material basis and mechanism of action of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment. Methods: The main components of Chansu injection were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, SEA, and TCMID databases were used to screen for the active ingredients and therapeutic targets of Chansu injection while the OMIM and GeneCards Suite databases were used to search for COVID-19-related targets. The STRING database was used for protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction and topological analysis while DAVID was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets. Molecular docking of the three Chansu injection components (i.e., cinobufagin, resibufogenin, and bufalin) to angiotensin-converting enzyme II, spike (S) protein, 3CL protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was also carried out. Results: The three Chansu injection compounds were identified using HPLC. A total of 236 drug-related targets and 16,611 disease-related targets were identified, and 77 common targets were determined through mapping. The PPI mapping results revealed 16 core targets obtained through topological analysis and screening. Further, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K and JAK–STAT signaling pathways are the major pathways regulated by Chansu injection in COVID-19 treatment. The molecular docking results suggest that the three Chansu injection components have high binding energies to the S protein. Conclusions: This study revealed that the potential mechanism of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment involves multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and further research.
Study of Filtration in Polyethylene Fibers used in Masks for Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 via Luminescent Aerosolized Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Rezk Ayman , Ashraf Juveiriah , Alnaqbi Wafa , Hadi Sabina Abdul , Dushaq Ghada , Alhammadi Aisha , Kukhun Tala El , Rasras Mahmood , Nusair Ahmad , Nayfeh Munir , Nayfeh Ammar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Commercial polyethylene (PE) fiber-based masks are currently used as personal filters for protection against various microorganisms. Due to the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of 2020, the use of masks has become the critical mechanism in reducing the spread. The PE mask filter uses a sieve (geometry) in a spider web fashion to filter out microorganisms using Van der Waals atomic forces. However, the non-geometrical part of the filtration process is not fully understood. In this work, we utilized luminescent ultra-small silicon nanoparticles, which are Si-H or/and Si-OH terminated to examine how the filter operates at a chemical level. The particles were sprayed onto the fiber network by an atomizer and we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscope and fluorescence spectroscopy under UV radiation. The images and measurements clearly showed that the Si nanoparticles bonded to the PE fiber network. The results were analyzed in terms of chemical bonding between Si nanoparticle and fiber. Our findings suggest that the PE fibers could act as a chemical filter via hydrogen or hydrolysis–based bonding or via Si-C bonding, which is complementary to their physical filtration ability via the geometric sieve process. Moreover, the results indicate that the filter would be effective against the novel coronavirus, not only by the geometrical sieve but can be additionally enhanced as a chemical filter by allowing the amine, carboxyl and hydroxyl function groups of the virus to attach to fibers via C-N and C-O bonds.
The Coral Holobiont Madracis Decactis Associates With Multiple Types of Symbiodiniaceae
Authors: Varasteh Tooba , Salazar Vinícius , Tschoeke Diogo , Francini-Filho Ronaldo , Swings Jean , Garcia Gizele , Thompson Cristiane , Thompson Fabiano Lopes 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The scleractinian reef building coral Madracis decactis is a cosmopolitan species. Understanding host–symbiont associations is critical for assessing the coral’s habitat occupancy and it’s response to environmental changes. In this study, we performed fine grained phylogenetic analyzes of Symbiodiniaceae algae associated with Madracis across a broad latitudinal gradient in the SW Atlantic (Abrolhos Bank, and St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago). Previous studies have argued that Madracis is a specialist coral, with colonies harboring a single symbiont type B. However, these previous studies have not precisely addressed if Madracis is colonized by several types of Symbiodiniaceae simultaneously, or if whether this coral is a specialist. The hypothesis that Madracis is a generalist coral host was evaluated in the present study. A total of 1.9 million reads of ITS2 nuclear ribosomal DNA were obtained by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. ITS2 sequences were classified into Clades A, B, and C in Abrolhos, and only clade B symbionts recorded in St. Peter and St. Paul. This study also demonstrate that a single Madracis colony can host different symbiont types with >30 Symbiodiniaceae species. Abrolhos corals presented a higher photosynthetic potential as a possible result of co-occurrence of multiple Symbiodiniaceae in a single coral colony. Multiple clades of Symbiodiniaceae possibly confer coral hosts with broader environmental tolerance and ability to occupy diverse or changing habitats.
Carrier Free Delivery System of Monoacylglycerol Lipase Hydrophobic Inhibitor for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Muhammad Adeel , Saorin Gloria , Boccalon Giacomo , Sfriso Andrea Augusto , Parisi Salvatore , Moro Isabella , Palazzolo Stefano , Caligiuri Isabella , Granchi Carlotta , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Tuccinardi Tiziano , Rizzolio Flavio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is an emerging therapeutic target for cancer. It is involved in lipid metabolism and its inhibition impairs many hallmarks of cancer including cell proliferation, migration/invasion and tumor growth. For these reasons, our group has recently developed a potent reversible MAGL inhibitor (MAGL23), which showed promising anticancer activities. Here in, to improve its pharmacological properties, a nanoformulation based on nanocrystals coated with albumin was prepared for therapeutic applications. MAGL23 was solubilized by a nanocrystallization method with Pluronic F-127 and Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactants into an organic solvent and was recovered as nanocrystals in water after solvent evaporation. Finally, the solubilized nanocrystals were stabilized by human serum albumin to create a smart delivery carrier. Results: An in-silico prediction (lipophilicity, structure at different pH and solubility in water), as well as experimental study (solubility), have been performed to check the chemical properties of the inhibitor and nanocrystals. The solubility in water increases from less than 0.01 mg/mL (0.0008 mg/mL, predicted) up to 0.82 mg/mL in water. The formulated inhibitor maintained its potency in ovarian and colon cancer cell lines as the free drug. Furthermore, the system was thoroughly observed at each step of the solubilization process till the final formulation stage by different spectroscopic techniques and a comparative study was performed to check the effects of Pluronic F-127 and CTAB as surfactants. The formulated system is favorable to release the drug at physiological pH conditions (at pH 7.4, after 24h, less than 20% of compound is released). Conclusions: As per our knowledge, we are reporting the first ever nanoformulation of a MAGL inhibitor, which is promising as a therapeutic system where the MAGL enzyme is involved, especially for cancer therapeutic applications.
Cortical Hemodynamic Mechanisms of Reversal learning using High-Resolution Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study
Authors: piau charlotte , Mahmoudzadeh Mahdi , Kibleur Astrid , Polosan Mircea , David Olivier , Wallois Farbice 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Reversal learning is widely used to analyze cognitive flexibility and characterize behavioral abnormalities associated with impulsivity and disinhibition. Recent studies using fMRI have focused on regions involved in reversal learning with negative and positive reinforcers. Although the frontal cortex has been consistently implicated in reversal learning, few studies have focused on whether reward and punishment may have different effects on lateral frontal structures in these tasks. Here, in eight healthy subjects, we used functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) to characterize brain activity dynamics and differentiate the involvement of frontal structures in learning driven by reward and punishment. Results: We observed functional hemispheric asymmetries between punishment and reward processing by fNIRS following reversal of a learned rule. Moreover, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) were activated under the reward condition only, whereas the orbito-frontal cortex (OFC) was significantly activated under the punishment condition, with a tendency towards activation for the right cortical hemisphere (r-DLPFC and r-IFG). Our results are compatible with the suggestion that the DLPFC is involved in the detection of contingency change. We propose a new representation for reward and punishment, with left lateralization for the reward process. Conclusions: These results provide insights into the indirect neural mechanisms of reversal learning and behavioral flexibility and confirm the use of fNIRS imaging in reversal-learning tasks as a translational strategy, particularly in subjects who cannot undergo fMRI recordings.
Determinants of Gender-based Violence Among Girls and Young Women Aged 11-24 Years Seeking Care at a Rural Hospital in Zimbabwe: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chipanga Elizabeth , Mundagowa Paddington Tinashe , Chikanya Violet 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Physical and sexual violence against women and girls has become a widespread public health challenge associated with negative physical and psychological consequences not only to the victim but to society at large. Gender-based violence (GBV) can result in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, anxiety, stress, depression, and sexually transmitted infections. The problem is more prevalent in low-income settings like Zimbabwe and this study aimed to investigate the determinants of GBV among young women and girls aged between 11- 24 years, seeking healthcare services at a rural hospital in Zimbabwe.Methods: A 1:1 unmatched case-control study was conducted at a rural hospital in Buhera District, Zimbabwe. A total of 104 cases and 104 controls were recruited using purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively. The data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and data were analyzed using Epi Info statistical package. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression at 95% confidence interval and statistical significance were set at p-value<0.05.Results: The pooled mean age of participants was 17.6±3.8 years and 89.4% of the cases had no familial relations with perpetrators. Bivariate analysis revealed that young age (<19 years), apostolic religion, having no formal education, not married, living in a polygamous family, and having >3 siblings were associated with GBV. Cases were more likely to report to a health center and were less likely to confide in someone. The most prevalent causes of GBV were religious and cultural beliefs, forced marriages, and alcohol abuse within a family. After multivariate analysis, young age [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.8; 95% Confidence interval (CI):1.3-17.2], polygamy [AOR: 13.8(3.6-53.1)], alcohol abuse in the family [AOR: 4.1(1.3-13.3)] were associated with GBV, while confiding in someone was protective [AOR: 0.05 (0.01-0.2)].Conclusion: Community religious and cultural beliefs and family structure are major areas to consider when intervening against violence against women. To eradicate GBV, there is a need for collaborative multi-sectoral interventions aimed at sensitizing the community on gender equality and the use of peaceful conflict resolution methods. Education on GBV should integrate children of school-going age, faith-based organizations, and community members in crafting sustainable interventions.
An optical flash on Venus detected by the AKATSUKI spacecraft
Authors: Takahashi Yukihiro , Imai Masataka , Sato Mitsuteru , Lorenz Ralph , Nakamura Masato , Satoh Takehiko , Yamazaki Atsushi , Sato Takao , Imamura Takeshi , Yair Yoav , Aplin Karen , Fischer Georg , Yoshida Jun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Detection of lightning discharges on Venus has been attempted using both radio waves and optical methods for over 40 years. For optical observations, claims of lightning detection were controversial due to the lack of time resolution of optical emissions that is needed to separate lightning from artificial or natural noise. Here we show the first high-time-resolution light curve of a transient optical phenomenon observed by the Lightning and Airglow Camera (LAC), a dedicated instrument on the Venus orbiter Akatsuki. The observed transient was 10 times brighter than a typical terrestrial lightning flash and had a duration of a few hundred milliseconds, whereas that of typical Earth lightning is only a millisecond. These characteristics are not typical, but are well within the variability of Earth lightning. An origin as a bolide flare cannot be excluded, but considering the expected occurrence frequency of meteoroids at Venus, is improbable. The low flash rate and long duration determined by the Akatsuki observation are not inconsistent with non-detection of lightning radio waves by the Cassini spacecraft.
Leaf Functional Traits Differentiation and Its Trade-off Strategies of Urban Plant are Related to Atmospheric Particulate Pollution
Authors: Zhu Jiyou , Xu Qing , Xu Chengyang , Zhang Xinna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Functional trait-based ecological research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of understanding of environmental changes. It is still, however, unclear how the functional traits of urban plants respond to atmospheric particulate pollution, and what trade-off strategies are shown. In order to explore the variation of plant functional traits with urban atmospheric particulate pollution gradient, we divided atmospheric particulate pollution into three levels according to road distance, and measured the variation of six key leaf functional traits and their trade-off strategies. Results: Here, we show that the functional traits of plants can be used as predictors or indicators of the response of plant to urban atmospheric particulate pollution. Within studies, there was a positive correlation between leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, leaf tissue density, stomata density and leaf dust deposition. While chlorophyll content index and specific leaf area were negatively correlated with the leaf dust deposition. Plants improve the efficiency of gas exchange by optimizing the spatial distribution of stomata of leaves. Dust deposition promotes the regular distribution of stomata. Due to the pressure of atmospheric particles, urban plant shows a trade-off relationship of economics spectrum traits at the leaf level. Taken together, these results indicate that urban atmospheric particulate pollution is the main factor causing the variation of plant functional traits. Conclusion：Under the influence of urban atmospheric particulate matter, plant show a "slow investment-return" type in the global leaf economics spectrum, with lower specific leaf area, lower chlorophyll content, larger leaf thickness, higher leaf dry matter content, higher leaf tissue density and higher stomatal density. This finding provides a new perspective for understanding the resource trades-off strategy of plants adapting to air pollution environment.
Reference Plasmid pHXB2_D is an HIV-1 Molecular Clone that Exhibits Identical LTRs and a Single Integration Site Indicative of an HIV Provirus
Authors: Gener Alejandro R. , Zou Wei , Foley Brian T. , Hyink Deborah P. , Klotman Paul E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To compare long-read nanopore DNA sequencing (DNA-seq) with short-read sequencing-by-synthesis for sequencing a full-length (e.g., non-deletion, nor reporter) HIV-1 model provirus in plasmid pHXB2_D. Design: We sequenced pHXB2_D and a control plasmid pNL4-3_gag-pol(Δ1443-4553)_EGFP with long- and short-read DNA-seq, evaluating sample variability with resequencing (sequencing and mapping to reference HXB2) and de novo viral genome assembly. Methods: We prepared pHXB2_D and pNL4-3_gag-pol(Δ1443-4553)_EGFP for long-read nanopore DNA-seq, varying DNA polymerases Taq (Sigma-Aldrich) and Long Amplicon (LA) Taq (Takara). Nanopore basecallers were compared. After aligning reads to the reference HXB2 to evaluate sample coverage, we looked for variants. We next assembled reads into contigs, followed by finishing and polishing. We hired an external core to sequence-verify pHXB2_D and pNL4-3_gag-pol(Δ1443-4553)_EGFP with single-end 150 base-long Illumina reads, after masking sample identity. Results: We achieved full-coverage (100%) of HXB2 HIV-1 from 5' to 3' long terminal repeats (LTRs), with median per-base coverage of over 9000x in one experiment on a single MinION flow cell. The longest HIV-spanning read to-date was generated, at a length of 11,487 bases, which included full-length HIV-1 and plasmid backbone with flanking host sequences supporting a single HXB2 integration event. We discovered 20 single nucleotide variants in pHXB2_D compared to reference, verified by short-read DNA sequencing. There were no variants detected in the HIV-1 segments of pNL4-3_gag-pol(Δ1443-4553)_EGFP. Conclusions: Nanopore sequencing performed as-expected, phasing LTRs, and even covering full-length HIV. The discovery of variants in a reference plasmid demonstrates the need for sequence verification moving forward, in line with calls from funding agencies for reagent verification. These results illustrate the utility of long-read DNA-seq to advance the study of HIV at single integration site resolution.
Pedagogical intervention to improve didactics through science and innovation
Authors: Sierra Antonio Jesús Pérez , Brown Julio Montes , Maldonado Denisse Danya Rodríguez , Sainz Héctor Manuel Sarabia , González Juan Francisco Viera 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The main objective of the article is to analyze the pedagogical intervention to improve didactics through science and innovation in the teaching-learning process of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity. The research presented is qualitative, the study is descriptive, based on a non-experimental design. The participating subjects were selected intentionally, confirmed by the 31 eighth semester students of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Culture and Sports of the University of Sonora, 16 of them are related to the female gender (51.62%), the other students are male 15 (48.38%). Of the eight teachers, five are female (62.5%), while three are male (37.5%). The methods applied were observation, questionnaire, review of documents, inclusion criteria and statistical analysis verifying the levels of reliability and validity of the data, which gave us a confidence interval of (90%), the SPSS program version 23 to determine the statistics presented in the materials and methods to deepen the importance of the art of teaching and integrating science and innovation as part of the structural categories that make up the didactics as: content, objectives, methods, means and evaluation for the welfare of the quality of education.