bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Larvicidal activity of Acacia nilotica extracts against Culex pipiens and their suggested mode of action by molecular simulation docking
Authors: Baz Mohamed M. , El-Shourbagy Nancy M. , Alkhaibari Abeer Mousa , Gattan Hattan S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Selim Abdelfattah , Radwan Ibrahim Taha 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMosquitoes are one of the deadliest and most hazardous animals on Earth, where they transmit several diseases that kill millions of people annually. There is an ongoing search almost everywhere in the world for more effective and contemporary ways to control mosquitoes other than pesticides. Phytochemicals are affordable, biodegradable biological agents that specialize in eliminating pests that represent a risk to public health. The effectiveness of Acacia nilotica methanol and aqueous leaf extracts against 4th instar larvae was evaluated. The results revealed that the methanol extract of A. nilotica had a noticeable influence on the mortality rate of mosquito larvae, especially at high concentrations. Not only did the mortality rate rise significantly, but the hatching of the mosquito eggs was potentially suppressed.Terpenes, fatty acids, esters, glycosides, pyrrolidine alkane, piperazine, and phenols were the most prevalent components in the methanol extract, while the aqueous extract of A. nilotica exclusively showed the presence of fatty acids. The insecticidal susceptibility tests of both aqueous and alcoholic extract of A. nilotica confirmed that the Acacia plant could serves as a secure and efficient substitute for chemical pesticides because of its promising effect on killing larvae and egg hatching delaying addition to their safety as one of the natural pesticides. Molecular docking study was performed using one of the crucial and life-controlling protein targets, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) and the most active ingredients as testing ligands to describe their binding ability. Most of the structurally related compounds to the co-crystallized ligand, OLA, like hexadecanoic acid furnished high binding affinity to the target protein with very strong and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and this is quite similar to OLA itself. Some other structural non-related compounds revealed extraordinarily strong binding abilities like Methoxy phenyl piperazine. Most of the binding reactivities of the majortested structures are due to high structure similarity between the positive control, OLA, and tested compounds. Such structure similarity reinforced with the binding abilities of some detected compounds in the A. nilotica extract could present a reasonable interpretation for its insecticidal activity via deactivating the FABP protein. The FABP4 enzyme inhibition activity was assessed for of both methanolic and aqueous of acacia plant extract and the inhibition results of methanol extract depicted noticeable potency if compared to orlistat, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.681, and 0.535 µg/ml, respectively.
Albendazole metabolites excretion in human saliva as a biomarker to assess treatment compliance in mass drug administration (MDA) anthelmintic programs
Authors: Nieves E. , Cimino R. , Krolewiecki A. , Juarez M. , Lanusse C. , Alvarez L. , Ceballos L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSoil-transmitted-helminth (STH) infections continue to be a persistent global public health problem. Control strategies for STH have been based on the use of mass drug administration (MDA). Coverage and compliance assessment is critical to understanding the true effectiveness of albendazole (ABZ) in those MDA programs. The aims of this work were to characterize the pattern of albendazole and metabolites excretion in human saliva, and to develop a saliva-based biomarker (HPLC drug/metabolite detection) useful to accurately estimate the coverage/compliance in MDA campaigns. The study subjects were 12 healthy volunteers treated with a single oral dose of ABZ (400 mg). Saliva and blood (dried blood spot, DBS) samples were taken previously and between 2 and 72 h post-treatment. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with UV detection, C18 reversed-phase column. ABZ sulphoxide was the main analyte recovered up to 72 h p.t. in blood and saliva. The concentration profiles measured in the blood (DBS samples) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in saliva, however, this ABZ-metabolite was recovered longer in saliva. The in vivo measurement of drugs/metabolites in saliva samples from ABZ-treated volunteers offers strong scientific evidence to support the use of saliva as a valid biological sample for assessing compliance in MDA programs.
Identification of Hedyotis diffusa Willd-specific mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA network in rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental verification
Authors: Jiang Jing , Huang Meng , Zhang Si-Si , Wu Yong-Gang , Li Xiao-Long , Deng Hui , Qili Xin-Yu , Chen Jian-Lin , Meng Yao , Sun Wen-Kui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHedyotisdiffusa Willd (HDW) possesses heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain under-researched. In this study, we identified potential targets of HDW and collected differentially expressed genes of RA from the GEO dataset GSE77298, leading to the construction of a drug-component-target-disease regulatory network. The intersecting genes underwent GO and KEGG analysis. A PPI protein interaction network was established in the STRING database. Through LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE algorithms, we identified the core gene MMP9. Subsequent analyses, including ROC, GSEA enrichment, and immune cell infiltration, correlated core genes with RA. mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA regulatory networks were predicted using databases like TargetScan, miRTarBase, miRWalk, starBase, lncBase, and the GEO dataset GSE122616. Experimental verification in RA-FLS cells confirmed HDW’s regulatory impact on core genes and their ceRNA expression. We obtained 11 main active ingredients of HDW and 180 corresponding targets, 2150 RA-related genes, and 36 drug-disease intersection targets. The PPI network diagram and three machine learning methods screened to obtain MMP9, and further analysis showed that MMP9 had high diagnostic significance and was significantly correlated with the main infiltrated immune cells, and the molecular docking verification also showed that MMP9 and the main active components of HDW were well combined. Next, we predicted 6 miRNAs and 314 lncRNAs acting on MMP9, and two ceRNA regulatory axes were obtained according to the screening. Cellular assays indicated HDW inhibits RA-FLS cell proliferation and MMP9 protein expression dose-dependently, suggesting HDW might influence RA’s progression by regulating the MMP9/miR-204-5p/MIAT axis. This innovative analytical thinking provides guidance and reference for the future research on the ceRNA mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA.
Predicting overstriding with wearable IMUs during treadmill and overground running
Authors: Baker Lauren M. , Yawar Ali , Lieberman Daniel E. , Walsh Conor J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRunning injuries are prevalent, but their exact mechanisms remain unknown largely due to limited real-world biomechanical analysis. Reducing overstriding, the horizontal distance that the foot lands ahead of the body, may be relevant to reducing injury risk. Here, we leverage the geometric relationship between overstriding and lower extremity sagittal segment angles to demonstrate that wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) can predict overstriding during treadmill and overground running in the laboratory. Ten recreational runners matched their strides to a metronome to systematically vary overstriding during constant-speed treadmill running and showed similar overstriding variation during comfortable-speed overground running. Linear mixed models were used to analyze repeated measures of overstriding and sagittal segment angles measured with motion capture and IMUs. Sagittal segment angles measured with IMUs explained 95% and 98% of the variance in overstriding during treadmill and overground running, respectively. We also found that sagittal segment angles measured with IMUs correlated with peak braking force and explained 88% and 80% of the variance during treadmill and overground running, respectively. This study highlights the potential for IMUs to provide insights into landing and loading patterns over time in real-world running environments, and motivates future research on feedback to modify form and prevent injury.
Grass species with potential for rangelands restoration in northern Mexico: an assessment with environmental niche modeling
Authors: Álvarez-Holguín Alan , Morales-Nieto Carlos Raúl , Corrales-Lerma Raúl , Ochoa-Rivero Jesús Manuel , Ponce-García Omar Castor , Prieto-Amparán Jesús Alejandro , Vega-Mares José Humberto , Villarreal-Guerrero Federico 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnvironmental niche modeling (ENM) has emerged as a promising tool for identifying grass species with potential for rangeland restoration. This approach can detect suitable areas and environments where these species can be planted. In this study, we employed ENM to estimate the potential distribution range of 50 grass species of the grasslands and shrublands of northern Mexico. The outcome of the ENM served to identify grass species with potential for restoration in Mexico, especially those not commonly used for that purpose in the past. Results suggested the possibility of selecting seven grass species with the potential for revegetating degraded grasslands, nine for shrublands, and six for alkaline soils. This research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of different grass species distributed in the rangelands of northern Mexico. Ecologists, conservation planners, researchers, and range managers could use these outcomes and the maps of the potential distribution ranges as supportive information to conduct effective restoration efforts. In turn, this can assist in increasing the probability of success of future rangelands restoration programs, which are often costly in terms of financial investments and labor.
Non-destructive visualization of internal structural changes in humidified magnesium oxide tablets using X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Amemiya Takahiro , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Tomita Takashi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDetailed examinations of the internal structure of tablets are imperative for comprehending their formulation, physical attributes, and ensuring their safe utilization. While X-ray computed tomography (CT) is valuable for noninvasively analyzing internal structural changes, the influence of humidity on these structural changes remains unexplored. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the viability of X-ray CT in non-destructively evaluating the internal structure of humidified magnesium oxide (MgO) tablets. MgO tablets were subjected to conditions of 40 °C and 75% humidity for 7 days, weighed pre- and post-humidification, and subsequently stored at room temperature (22–27 °C) until day 90. Their internal structure was evaluated using X-ray CT. We observed a substantial increase in the weight of MgO tablets concomitant with moisture absorption, with minimal changes observed upon storage at room temperature. The skewness reduced immediately post-moisture absorption, remained almost the same post-storage at room temperature, and failed to revert to pre-humidification levels during the storage period. These findings highlight the utility of X-ray CT as an effective tool for non-destructive, three-dimensional, and detailed evaluation of internal structural transformations in MgO tablets.
Dynamic constitutive identification of concrete based on improved dung beetle algorithm to optimize long short-term memory model
Authors: Li Ping , Zhao Haonan , Gu Jiming , Duan Shiwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn order to improve the accuracy of concrete dynamic principal identification, a concrete dynamic principal identification model based on Improved Dung Beetle Algorithm (IDBO) optimized Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is proposed. Firstly, the apparent stress–strain curves of concrete containing damage evolution were measured by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test to decouple and separate the damage and rheology, and this system was modeled by using LSTM network. Secondly, for the problem of low convergence accuracy and easy to fall into local optimum of Dung Beetle Algorithm (DBO), the greedy lens imaging reverse learning initialization population strategy, the embedded curve adaptive weighting factor and the PID control optimal solution perturbation strategy are introduced, and the superiority of IDBO algorithm is proved through the comparison of optimization test with DBO, Harris Hawk Optimization Algorithm, Gray Wolf Algorithm, and Fruit Fly Algorithm and the combination of LSTM is built to construct the IDBO-LSTM dynamic homeostasis identification model. The final results show that the IDBO-LSTM model can recognize the concrete material damage without considering the damage; in the case of considering the damage, the IDBO-LSTM prediction curves basically match the SHPB test curves, which proves the feasibility and excellence of the proposed method.
Optimizing energy efficiency in induction skull melting process: investigating the crucial impact of melting system structure
Authors: Zhang Chaojun , Zhang Lunyong , Cao Fuyang , Jin Zhishuai , Cao Guanyu , Shen Hongxian , Huang Yongjiang , Sun Jianfei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInduction skull melting (ISM) technology could melt metals with avoiding contamination from crucible. A long-standing problem of ISM is that the low charge energy utilization and inhomogeneous fields have obstructed its application in many critical metal materials and manufacturing processes. The present work investigated the problem through the structure optimization strategy and established a numerical electromagnetic-field model to evaluate components’ eddy current loss. Based on the model, the effect of crucible and inductor structure on charge energy utilization, etc. was studied. Furtherly, the charge energy utilization was increased from 27.1 to 45.89% by adjusting the system structure. Moreover, structure modifications are proposed for enhancing electromagnetic intensity and uniformity, charge soft contact and uniform heating. The work constructed a basis for framing new solutions to the problem through ISM device structure optimization.
Application of the transformer model algorithm in chinese word sense disambiguation: a case study in chinese language
Authors: Li Linlin , Li Juxing , Wang Hongli , Nie Jianing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aims to explore the research methodology of applying the Transformer model algorithm to Chinese word sense disambiguation, seeking to resolve word sense ambiguity in the Chinese language. The study introduces deep learning and designs a Chinese word sense disambiguation model based on the fusion of the Transformer with the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) algorithm. By utilizing the self-attention mechanism of Transformer and the sequence modeling capability of BiLSTM, this model efficiently captures semantic information and context relationships in Chinese sentences, leading to accurate word sense disambiguation. The model’s evaluation is conducted using the PKU Paraphrase Bank, a Chinese text paraphrase dataset. The results demonstrate that the model achieves a precision rate of 83.71% in Chinese word sense disambiguation, significantly outperforming the Long Short-Term Memory algorithm. Additionally, the root mean squared error of this algorithm is less than 17, with a loss function value remaining around 0.14. Thus, this study validates that the constructed Transformer-fused BiLSTM-based Chinese word sense disambiguation model algorithm exhibits both high accuracy and robustness in identifying word senses in the Chinese language. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for advancing the intelligent development of word senses in Chinese language applications.
Microplastics and nanoplastics size distribution in farmed mussel tissues
Authors: Fraissinet Silvia , De Benedetto Giuseppe E. , Malitesta Cosimino , Holzinger Rupert , Materić Dusan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMicroplastics and nanoplastics are hazardous to ecosystems, wildlife, and through seafood, also for human health. Due to biological, chemical, and physical characteristics, nanoplastics can slip through cell membranes, being even more toxicologically important than microplastics. Thermal Desorption - Proton Transfer Reaction - Mass Spectrometry was used to analyze mussels from the Apulian region, Italy. All the analyzed organisms have plastics (values ranging from 10 to 187 ng of microplastics and nanoplastics per dry weight mg). The highest mass of plastics was detected in the size groups >2.2 µm (218 ng per dry weight mg) and 20–200 nm (187 ng per dry weight mg). Upscaling data we estimated that people in Europe could ingest more than 2 mg of nanoplastics per year through seafood consumption. The detected presence of nanoplastics in farmed mussels here presented contributes to establishing a baseline for monitoring these pollutants.
MTHFD2 in healthy and cancer cells: Canonical and non-canonical functions
Authors: Pardo-Lorente Natalia , Sdelci Sara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) is a mitochondrial enzyme of the folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism pathway. MTHFD2 has become a highly attractive therapeutic target due to its consistent upregulation in cancer tissues and its major contribution to tumor progression, although it also performs vital functions in proliferating healthy cells. Here, we review the diversity of canonical and non-canonical functions of this key metabolic enzyme under physiological conditions and in carcinogenesis. We provide an overview of its therapeutic potential and describe its regulatory mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the recently described non-canonical functions of MTHFD2 and the mechanistic basis of its oncogenic function. Finally, we speculate on novel therapeutic approaches that take into account subcellular compartmentalization and outline new research directions that would contribute to a better understanding of the fundamental roles of this metabolic enzyme in health and disease.
Characterisation and beneficial effects of a Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysate obtained by immobilisation of the enzyme alcalase®
Authors: Santos-Sánchez Guillermo , Cruz-Chamorro Ivan , Márquez-López José Carlos , Pedroche Justo , Álvarez-López Ana Isabel , Millán-Linares María del Carmen , Lardone Patricia Judith , Carrillo-Vico Antonio 
Published: March 2024

Lupinus angustifolius protein was hydrolysed by the immobilised alcalase® enzyme and the activity of the resulting hydrolysate was assessed in vitro and in vivo, showing antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular protection properties.
Improved topology identification for distribution network with relatively balanced power supplies
Authors: Luan Wenpeng , Xu Da , Liu Bo , Jiang Wenqian , Feng Li , Liu Wenbin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHaving correct distribution network topology information is essential for system state estimation, line loss analysis, electricity theft detection and fault location. At present, with continuous deployment of smart sensors, a large amount of monitoring data is collected, which enables refined management for distribution network. A data‐driven low voltage (LV) distribution network topology identification method is proposed, which realises transformer‐customer pairing and customer phase identification for distribution network with relatively balanced power supplies. Firstly, an integrated similarity coefficient of voltage curve is proposed, which can reflect the neighbourhood relationship within stations while increase the distinction between stations; the K‐Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithm is used to propagate the service transformer labels to complete transformer‐customer association. Then, the influence of power fluctuation on voltage curve is analysed and a dynamic sliding window model is adopted to search for voltage segments with significantly difference among three phase feeders to formulate a voltage time series to identify customer phase. Finally, the results are corrected and verified based on the principle of network power balance. The proposed algorithm is tested in two different real substations in China and Europe and shows high accuracy and robustness especially in distribution network with relatively balanced power supplies.
Altorientalische Musik- und Bewegungstherapie
Authors: Güvenç Andrea Azize 
Published: March 2024

SummaryDie Ursprünge und die Entwicklung der Altorientalischen Musik- und Bewegungstherapie lassen sich aus verschiedenen Quellen speisen. Dazu gehören Klänge, Lieder, Tänze und Bewegungen aus den schamanischen Kulturen Zentralasiens, Volkslieder und Tänze aus Zentralasien, Makam-Musik sowie spirituelle Lieder (Ilahi), Semâ-Rituale und vertonte Poesie. Diese Klänge können eine Veränderung auf der körperlichen, emotionalen und geistig-seelischen Ebene bewirken – und führen gelegentlich bis zur Ekstase. So initiieren Sufimeiste­r*innen, zum Beispiel in Kasachstan, Usbekistan, der Mongolei, im Iran oder in der Sahara, mithilfe von Klängen, Atemtechniken, Gesängen und Tänzen Rituale durch, in denen die Menschen in Trance geraten.
Singen: ein Plus für die Gesundheit
Authors: Kreutz Gunter 
Published: March 2024

SummarySingen wirkt sich positiv auf das menschliche Wohlbefinden aus. Durch Musik werden verschiedene neurohumorale Systeme reguliert, unter anderem in Bezug auf Stress, Belohnung, Motivation, soziale Bindung und das Immunsystem. Studien zeigen, dass das Singen sich positiv auf den Verlauf verschiedener Krankheiten auswirkt. So kann es unter anderem Angststörungen oder Depressionen lindern, aber auch Symptome bei neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen und Lungenerkrankungen.
Musikunterstützte Therapie nach Schlaganfall und bei der Parkinson-Erkrankung
Authors: Münte Thomas , Heldmann Marcus , Scholz Daniel S. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryZusätzlich zur klassischen Musiktherapie konnten Behandelnde mit der musikunterstützten Therapie (MST) bei Parkinson- und Schlaganfallpatient*innen gute Erfolge erzielen. Hierbei handelt es sich um strukturiertes Trainingsprogramm mit Keyboard- und Trommelübungen zur Verbesserung der motorischen Funktionen der oberen Gliedmaßen. Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien belegen die Wirksamkeit. Musikalische ­Interventionen können die Mobilität der oberen Gliedmaßen sowohl bei subakuten als auch bei chronischen Schlaganfallpatien­t*innen verbessern. Musikbasierte Interventionen, die auf rhythmischer Stimulation beruhen, haben bei Parkinson-Patient*innen einen positiven Einfluss auf die Gehgeschwindigkeit, die Schrittlänge und die Mobilität.
Musiktherapeutische Improvisation – Definition, Kontext und Wirksamkeit
Authors: Neugebauer Lutz , Ostermann Thomas 
Published: March 2024

SummaryImprovisation ist ein zentrales und häufig anzutreffendes Element in der Musiktherapie. Sie ist nicht an eine vorgegebene Form gebunden, das heißt, es kommen je nach Art der Improvisation unterschiedliche Formelemente zum Tragen. Daher erfordert sie von Thera­peut*innen eine umfassende Kenntnis musikalischer Formen und Strukturen. Die Untersuchung musiktherapeutischer Interventionen in standardisierten Settings wie etwa in klinischen Studien ist mit großen methodischen Herausforderungen verbunden. Die Evidenz zeigt jedoch, dass improvisierte Musiktherapie bei verschiedenen Indikationen, zum Beispiel im onkologischen Setting, bei Patient*innen mit Drogenmissbrauch, nach einem Schlaganfall oder bei der Behandlung von Depressionen erfolgreich eingesetzt werden kann.