bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public awareness and concern about harmful algal blooms – United States, 2020
Authors: Jacobi Amy L. , Thuneibat Muhammad , Vigar Marissa K. , Rutt Candace , Andújar Ashley , Roberts Virginia A. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Harmful algal blooms can cause human and animal illnesses, environmental damage, and socioeconomic impacts. We analyzed data from the first nationally representative survey to estimate public awareness and concerns about the health impacts of harmful algal blooms. Porter Novelli's Fall 2020 ConsumerStyles survey was sent to 4,548 U.S. adults between September 24 and October 10, 2020, with an overall response of 3,625 adults (80%). Weighted descriptive analyses found that over half (59%) of respondents were aware that harmful algal blooms can be a health threat, while almost a third (32%) were concerned about health or economic impacts. Awareness and concern varied by demographic characteristics. Those who reported awareness of at least one health impact were more likely to be older, White, non-Hispanic, have higher income and education levels, and not have a child in the household. Concern about harmful algal bloom impacts was lowest among males, Mountain region and inland state residents, those with higher income and education levels, and those who identify as White and non-Hispanic. Public health practitioners can improve outreach about harmful algal blooms by using information about public awareness and concerns to tailor messages for different audiences.
Estimation of willingness to pay for improved water supply service: Case of Algerian households
Authors: Boukhari Sofiane , Kertous Mourad , Nassiri Abdelhak , Maliki Samir B. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to evaluate the water company in Algeria (ADE) subscribers’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for a better service offer. This study assessed the WTP for improved drinking water in the department of Souk-Ahras (Algeria), using contingent valuation survey data of 5,342 households, with a response rate of 10.86% (greater than 10% of each municipality's total number of subscribers). Then, Probit and Tobit models were applied to analyze the determinants of WTP. The results show that the majority of respondents (62.84%) testified that they were not satisfied with the quality of the service provided in terms of quantity and quality of the water distributed. This research revealed that the WTP for an improved water supply service was approximately 16.18 Algerian dinar (DZD)/m3 (approximately 0.11 US$/m3) instead of the current tariff (6.3 DZD/m3–0.04 US$ /m3). With this new water tariff, the average water charge for a household is around 1.37% of the average monthly income.
Utilizing big data to determine the temperature dependency of Legionella in hot water systems
Authors: Kistemann Thomas , Zacharias Nicole , Droop Felix , Freier Lia , Schreiber Christiane , Mutters Nico T. , Rechenburg Andrea 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Domestic hot water installations provide an ideal habitat for Legionella spp. and pose a potential risk of human infection. Heating the water is considered the major preventive measure against Legionella contamination. Our study aimed to understand better the relationships between hot water temperatures and Legionella spp. occurrence within such systems. We utilized routine monitoring data from public and apartment buildings, comprising 292,937 data sets. We employed the analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and relative probability of occurrence to quantitatively assess statistical relationships. In the case of supply flow (SF) and return flow (RF), i.e. near the water heater, water temperature strongly regulates Legionella spp. growth. Below calculated tipping points (SF: 56 °C, RF: 53 °C), the relative probability of Legionella spp. occurrence is 18.7 and 7.5 times higher, respectively. For peripheral samples, the relationship between temperature and Legionella spp. occurrence is less pronounced. Additionally, statistical relationships between central and peripheral temperatures, as well as between central temperatures and peripheral Legionella spp. concentrations within one system, were weak or zero, respectively. Thus, the central temperature regime of hot water systems alone is insufficient to control the occurrence of Legionella spp. in the periphery.
Urban drainage channels as a pathway for microplastics in riverine systems: A case study of Delhi, India
Authors: Vaid Mansi , Sarma Kiranmay , Gupta Anshu 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Urban drainage channels act as significant routers of microplastics (MPs) originating from terrestrial to aquatic systems. In the present study, contamination of MPs (250–5,000 μm size) has been investigated in an interlinked urban aquatic system comprising Najafgarh drain, corresponding secondary drains, and Yamuna River in Delhi, India. A range of 100–4,300 MPs/m3 (pre-monsoon) and 100–6,700 MPs/m3 (post-monsoon) were detected in secondary drains, which meet the Najafgarh drain through its course in the city. Najafgarh drain showed an average abundance of 771 and 343 MPs/m3 during pre- and post-monsoon season, respectively. The discharge of MP-laden wastewater from the Najafgarh drain into the Yamuna River created a rise in MP abundance in the river at the drain’s downstream location. Thus, revealing that secondary drains play a significant role in MP channelization to the Najafgarh drain and subsequently Yamuna River. White MP fragments were dominating in the study area. Chemical characterization revealed 11 types of MP polymers, with a predominance of polyethylene. Considering the knowledge gap in MP database of interconnected urban aquatic systems in India, this study might help in providing baseline information and encourage more studies addressing the magnitude of this problem for predicting long-term environmental risks.
Pellets produzidos a partir da biomassa de capim elefante BRS Kurumi, lodo flotado e bagaço de mandioca
Authors: Juppa Anna Maria , Andriola Maria Paula , Oliveira Diaz de Lima Victória , Bavaresco dos Santos Aline , Caetano de Oliveira Luciano , Ferla de Oliveira Adriana 
Published: June 2024

Os pellets são biocombustíveis sólidos granulados produzidos a partir de biomassa vegetal moída e compactada. A presente pesquisa apresenta uma alternativa de aproveitamento da biomassa vegetal de capim elefante BRS Kurumi, lodo flotado junto à bagaço de mandioca como aglutinante, com o objetivo de produzir pellets. Os pellets foram caracterizados quanto a análise imediata, densidade aparente e a granel, poder calorífico superior e densidade energética. Observou-se que os pellets produzidos com 100% capim BRS Kurumi (TK) apresentaram um elevado teor de cinzas (14,66%), e com a adição de 20% do lodo flotado (TKL) esse valor diminuiu (7,28%), aumentando o teor de carbono fixo (18,14%), o que consequentemente aumentou o poder calorífico superior para 16,20 MJ.kg-1. Com adição de 2% do bagaço de mandioca a densidade energética aparente foi de 15,15 GJ.m-3, enquanto TKL apresentou 17,73 GJ.m-3. De modo geral, todos os tratamentos propostos são possíveis de serem realizados apresentando características físico-químicas e energéticas promissoras para sua utilização como biocombustíveis sólidos.
An Overview of the Deubiquitinase USP53: A Promising Diagnostic
Marker and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Xia Guangce , Guo Yulin , Zhang Jiajia , Han Meng , Meng Xiangchao , Lv Ji 
Published: June 2024

:
Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are important mechanisms to maintain normal physiological
activities, and their disorders or imbalances can lead to various diseases. As a subgroup of
deubiquitinases (DUBs), the ubiquitin-specific peptidase (USP) family is closely related to many
biological processes. USP53, one of the family members, is widely expressed in human tissues and
participates in a variety of life activities, such as cell apoptosis, nerve transmission, and bone remodeling.
Mutations in the USP53 gene can cause cholestasis and deafness and may also be a potential
cause of schizophrenia. Knockout of USP53 can alleviate neuropathic pain induced by
chronic constriction injury. Loss of USP53 up-regulates RANKL expression, promotes the cytogenesis
and functional activity of osteoclasts, and triggers osteodestructive diseases. USP53 plays a
tumor-suppressive role in lung cancer, renal clear cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, liver cancer,
and esophageal cancer but reduces the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer and esophageal cancer to
induce radioresistance. Through the in-depth combination of literature and bioinformatics, this review
suggested that USP53 may be a good potential biomarker or therapeutic target for diseases.
Immunoprotective Potential of Adenylosuccinate Synthetase Protein
(PurA) in Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus Infections
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Sihuan , Gao Shuji , Yang Weiping , Wang Yuxin , Wang Yang , Yi Li 
Published: June 2024

Background::
Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is one important pathogen.
There are still sporadic outbreaks in China, northern United States and the Netherlands. Adenylosuccinate
synthetase PurA, a newly discovered protein in prior research, requires further assessment
of its protective effectiveness.

Methods::
In this study, we focused on the expression of recombinant PurA from SEZ ATCC
35246. We evaluated the immunoreactivity of this recombinant protein using convalescent minipig
sera. Additionally, we conducted experiments in mice to assess its immunogenic properties.

Results::
Our findings revealed that the recombinant PurA triggered a substantial antibody response
in mice, resulting in an 80% protection rate against SEZ infection. Notably, mice immunized
with PurA exhibited significantly reduced bacterial colonization in all organs compared to
the PBS control group. Furthermore, the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α in mouse serum
were significantly elevated in the PurA-immunized group compared to the control group. Hyperimmune
sera targeting PurA effectively eliminated SEZ in bactericidal tests. Remarkably, antibodies
against PurA demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on developing SEZ biofilm.

Conclusion::
Immunization with PurA elicited robust humoral and cellular immune responses in
mice. These promising results suggest the potential utility of PurA in developing SEZ vaccine immunogens,
providing a valuable avenue for further research into SEZ infection prevention and control.
In silico Exploration of a Novel ICMT Inhibitor with More Solubility than Cysmethynil against Membrane Localization of KRAS Mutant in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mouhcine Mohammed , Kadil Youness , Segmani Ibtihal , Rahmoune Imane , Filali Houda 
Published: June 2024

Background:
ICMT (isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase) is an enzyme
that plays a key role in the post-translational modification of the K-Ras protein. The carboxyl
methylation of this protein by ICMT is important for its proper localization and function.
Cysmethynil (2-[5-(3-methylphenyl)-l-octyl-lH-indolo-3-yl] acetamide) causes K-Ras mislocalization
and interrupts pathways that control cancer cell growth and division through inhibition
of ICMT, but its poor water solubility makes it difficult and impractical for clinical use. This
indicates that relatively high amounts of cysmethynil would be required to achieve an effective
dose, which could result in significant adverse effects in patients.

Objective:
The general objective of this work was to find virtually new compounds that present
high solubility in water and are similar to the pharmacological activity of cysmethynil.

Materials and Methods:
Pharmacophore modeling, pharmacophore-based virtual screening,
prediction of ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity),
and water solubility were performed to recover a water-soluble molecule that shares the same
chemical characteristics as cysmethynil using Discovery Studio v16.1.0 (DS16.1), SwissADME
server, and pkCSM server.

Results:
In this study, ten pharmacophore model hypotheses were generated by exploiting the
characteristics of cysmethynil. The pharmacophore model validated by the set test method was
used to screen the "Elite Library®" and "Synergy Library" databases of Asinex. Only 1533 compounds
corresponding to all the characteristics of the pharmacophore were retained. Then, the
aqueous solubility in water at 25°C of these 1533 compounds was predicted by the Cheng and
Merz model. Among these 1533 compounds, two had the optimal water solubility. Finally, the
ADMET properties and Log S water solubility by three models (ESOL, Ali, and SILICOS-IT)
of the two compounds and cysmethynil were compared, resulting in compound 2 as a potential
inhibitor of ICMT.

Conclusion:
According to the results obtained, the identified compound presented a high solubility
in water and could be similar to the pharmacological activity of cysmethynil.
The Importance of Structural Water in HDAC8 for Correct Binding Pose Applied for Drug Design of Anticancer Molecules
Authors: Morales-Herrejón Gerardo , Mendoza-Figueroa Humberto Lubriel , Martínez-Archundía Marlet , Correa-Basurto José 
Published: June 2024

Aims:
Validating the docking procedure and maintaining the structural water molecules at HDAC8
catalytic site.

Background:
Molecular docking simulations play a significant role in Computer-Aided Drug Design, contributing
to the development of new molecules. To ensure the reliability of these simulations, a validation process
called "self-docking or re-docking" is employed, focusing on the binding mode of a ligand co-crystallized with
the protein of interest.

Objective:
In this study, several molecular docking studies were conducted using five X-ray structures of
HDAC8-ligand complexes from the PDB.

Methods:
Ligands initially complexed with HDAC8 were removed and re-docked onto the free protein, revealing
a poor reproduction of the expected binding mode. In response to this, we observed that most HDAC8-ligand
complexes contained one to two water molecules in the catalytic site, which were crucial for maintaining the cocrystallized
ligand.

Results:
These water molecules enhance the binding mode of the co-crystallized ligand by stabilizing the proteinligand
complex through hydrogen bond interactions between ligand and water molecules. Notably, these interactions
are lost if water molecules are removed, as is often done in classical docking methodologies. Considering
this, molecular docking simulations were repeated, both with and without one or two conserved water molecules
near Zn+2 in the catalytic cavity. Simulations indicated that replicating the native binding pose of co-crystallized
ligands on free HDAC8 without these water molecules was challenging, showing greater coordinate displacements
(RMSD) compared to those including conserved water molecules from crystals.

Conclusion:
The study highlighted the importance of conserved water molecules within the active site, as their
presence significantly influenced the successful reproduction of the ligands' native binding modes. The results
suggest an optimal molecular docking procedure for validating methods suitable for filtering new HDAC8 inhibitors
for future experimental assays.
Determination of Temperature Stresses during the Construction of Massive Monolithic Foundation Slabs, Taking into Account the Subgrade Compliance
Authors: Chepurnenko Anton , Turina Vasilina , Akopyan Vladimir 
Published: June 2024

Background
The problem of early cracking caused by the heat of concrete hardening is relevant for massive reinforced concrete structures, including foundation slabs. The purpose of this work is to develop the methodology for determining temperature stresses during the construction of foundation slabs, taking into account the interaction with the subgrade.

Methods
The Pasternak elastic foundation model with two-bed coefficients is used for the soil. The temperature of the foundation slab is considered a function of only one coordinate z (temperature changes only along the thickness of the slab). As a result, to determine the stress-strain state of the slab, a fourth-order differential equation for deflection was obtained. A technique for numerically solving the resulting equation using the finite difference method is proposed. The calculation of the stress-strain state is preceded by the calculation of the temperature field, which is performed by the finite element method in a simplified one-dimensional formulation.

Results
The solution to the test problem is presented for a constant modulus of elasticity of concrete over time. The results were compared with finite element calculations in a three-dimensional formulation in the ASNYS software. The calculation was also performed taking into account the dependence of the mechanical characteristics of concrete on its degree of maturity. In this case, the picture of the stress-strain state changes significantly. The proposed method was also successfully tested on experimental data.

Conclusion
The proposed approach can significantly save calculation time compared to the finite element analysis in a three-dimensional setting.
Isolation, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity Study of Bioactive Compounds from Leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum
Authors: Mohammed Adem Getahun , Tadesse Mesfin Getachew , Bachheti Rakesh Kumar , Bayeh Yosef , Ashebr Tesfay G. 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Cyphostemma cyphopetalum is a herbaceous climber species within the Vitaceae family, found in various tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It has a history of traditional use in Ethiopia for treating various health issues in humans and livestock, includ-ing snake bites, rabies, and eczema. Despite its reported ethnomedicinal uses, there is a lack of sufficient scientific literature regarding the isolation and characterization of its bioactive chem-ical compounds.

Objective:
The objective of this work was to isolate bioactive compounds from the leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum, characterize their chemical structures using FTIR and NMR spec-troscopy, and evaluate their antimicrobial activities.

Methods:
Isolation was done using column chromatographic separation techniques. Spectro-scopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, were used for functional group identification and structural elucidation. Moreover, the paper disc dif-fusion bioassay method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the isolated bioactive compounds.

Results:
Three fractions were successfully isolated using chloroform with dichloromethane and
chloroform with ethyl acetate as eluting solvents and silica gel as a stationary phase. After careful
interpretation of the experimental results and comparison with the literature, the isolated
fractions were constituted mainly by stigmasterol (fraction 1), β-sitosterol (fraction 2), and
trans-resveratrol (fraction 3). The antibacterial activities of each isolated fraction were tested
against Ralstonia solanacearum, a gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus, a
gram-positive bacterial pathogen.

:
Comparatively, the highest mean inhibitory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by fraction
2, which was followed by 6.25 ± 0.05 mm inhibition activity recorded for fraction 1 against R.
solanacearum, while fraction 3 did not exhibit any bacterial activity against both the strains.

Conclusion:
We have successfully isolated and characterized three compounds (1-3) from leaves of C. cyphopetalum and evaluated their antibacterial activity. A maximum mean inhibi-tory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by compound 2 against R. solanacearum.
Data Collection and Management of mHealth, Wearables, and Internet of Things in Digital Behavioral Health Interventions With the Awesome Data Acquisition Method (ADAM): Development of a Novel Informatics Architecture
Authors: Pulantara I Wayan , Wang Yuhan , Burke Lora E , Sereika Susan M , Bizhanova Zhadyra , Kariuki Jacob K , Cheng Jessica , Beatrice Britney , Loar India , Cedillo Maribel , Conroy Molly B , Parmanto Bambang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The integration of health and activity data from various wearable devices into research studies presents technical and operational challenges. The Awesome Data Acquisition Method (ADAM) is a versatile, web-based system that was designed for integrating data from various sources and managing a large-scale multiphase research study. As a data collecting system, ADAM allows real-time data collection from wearable devices through the device’s application programmable interface and the mobile app’s adaptive real-time questionnaires. As a clinical trial management system, ADAM integrates clinical trial management processes and efficiently supports recruitment, screening, randomization, data tracking, data reporting, and data analysis during the entire research study process. We used a behavioral weight-loss intervention study (SMARTER trial) as a test case to evaluate the ADAM system. SMARTER was a randomized controlled trial that screened 1741 participants and enrolled 502 adults. As a result, the ADAM system was efficiently and successfully deployed to organize and manage the SMARTER trial. Moreover, with its versatile integration capability, the ADAM system made the necessary switch to fully remote assessments and tracking that are performed seamlessly and promptly when the COVID-19 pandemic ceased in-person contact. The remote-native features afforded by the ADAM system minimized the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the SMARTER trial. The success of SMARTER proved the comprehensiveness and efficiency of the ADAM system. Moreover, ADAM was designed to be generalizable and scalable to fit other studies with minimal editing, redevelopment, and customization. The ADAM system can benefit various behavioral interventions and different populations.