bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rich2 inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome in epilepsy formation by regulating autophagy
Authors: Guo Hao-Kun , Xu Tao , Xie Xiao-Yong , Zhang Hui , Hu Li-Qin , Tang Feng-Lin , Zhao Yu-Ping , Luo Jing , Ma Yuan-Lin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The intricate pathophysiology of epilepsy has hindered the advancement of efficacious therapies. Despite the existence of a dozen antiseizure drugs (ASDs) with favorable effects on seizure management globally, approximately 30% of patients continue to exhibit resistance to ASDs. Neuroinflammation seems to play a pivotal role in the disease's progression. Rich2 (Rho GTP enzyme-activated protein 44) is a protein-coding gene, the functions of which include participation in the RAC1 GTP enzyme cycle and the RHOC GTP enzyme cycle. Recent studies have found that the dysfunction of Rac 1-autophagy-related pathways not only hinders the clearance of pathogens or nonorganicparticles but also participates in the dysfunction of T cells and macrophages and that the activation of Rac 1 or mTOR can reverse ibandronate (IBAN)-induced autophagy. It has been shown that autophagy can regulate the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is significantly enhanced after the inhibition of autophagy. However, the role of Rich2 in epilepsy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Rich2 in epilepsy.
Methods
Adult male C57BL/6 mice were intracranially administered kainic acid (KA) to establish an epilepsy model and were pretransfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) three weeks prior to KA injection. Additionally, SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with AAV for 48 hours and subsequently treated with KA for 6 hours. Immunoblot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, seizure video monitoring, LFP (local field potential) recording, and Nissl staining were performed individually. VX 765 was orally administered 30 minutes prior to KA induction (at 10 am and 4 pm) for a duration of 7 days until the mice were euthanized.
Results
In the KA-induced temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) model, Rich2 expression was reduced in the hippocampus, and it was lowest at 3 days after KA injection. Overexpression of Rich2 significantly attenuated epileptic activity, reduced neuronal damage after status epilepticus (SE), and downregulated IL-1β, IL-18 and pyrin domain protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression through activation of autophagy, while downregulation of Rich2 hadthe opposite effects. Inhibition of cysteine-aspartic-specific proteinase-1 (caspasase-1) by VX765 reversed the effect of Rich2 knockdown.
Conclusion
Rich2 influences seizure activity and impacts neuronal viability in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy induced by KA. Additionally, Rich2 governs neuroinflammation in epileptic subjects through the regulation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling via autophagy activation.
Crop Rotations and Changes in Saskatchewan Fertilizer Use: 1991-94 and 2016-19
Authors: Lika Elisabeta , Sutherland Chelsea , Gleim Savannah , Smyth Stuart J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Over the past 30 years, Saskatchewan, which holds over 40% of Canada’s cropland, has seen a shift in dryland crop production. Previously, fields were often left fallow with tillage as the primary weed control. The 1995 introduction of herbicide-tolerant canola transformed this, leading to continuous crop rotations and increased nitrogen-fixing pulse crops. This research, based on a 2020–2021 online survey, aimed to assess the impact of these changes on fertilizer use. Findings showed that while pulses positively impacted crop rotations, their effect on nitrogen fertilizer requirements varied. Additionally, GMHT canola required fewer fertilizers compared to the conventional canola in the 1991–1994 period. These changes highlight improved fertilizer efficiency, suggesting that expanding the pulse crop industry could further enhance prairie agriculture’s environmental sustainability.
A wetland condition assessment to consider ecological relationships of a Maya cultural keystone species within the Lake Atitlan, Guatemala littoral zone
Authors: Garcia-Polo Jorge , Diemont Stewart A.W. , Falkowski Tomasz B. , Leopold Donald J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Littoral wetland plant species such as Typha domingensis and Schoenoplectus californicus (both locally called tul) in Lake Atitlan provide diverse ecosystem services (ES). These ES include removal of pollutants, oxygenation, and raw material for handicrafts. Human communities, most of whom are Indigenous Maya, actively steward littoral wetlands informed by their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Our goal was to assess the wetland condition in four Maya Tz'utujil communities (Santiago Atitlan, San Pedro, San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna), each with different Indigenous uses and management practices. We used a three-level wetland condition assessment: 1) littoral vegetation extent measured with remote Sentinel-2 and Google Earth photographs, 2) field plant survey to measure vegetation structure and plant diversity, and 3) wetland stressor assessment. Stressors analyzed were land use, non-native macrophyte (Hydrilla verticillata) and lake-level fluctuations. In Santiago, where wetland plant TEK is most intact, remote sensing results showed the highest tul concentrations (81% of the overall 5 ha of S. californicus and 98% of the 5.2 ha for T. domingensis), and the highest structure and diversity indices (first-order Jackknife and Shannon index). San Juan showed higher plant structure (number of stalks, diameter, and cover) than San Pablo and San Pedro. Santiago and San Juan were however, the most vulnerable to water-level reduction. Traditional Tulero practice in Santiago, including planting and cutting tul and removing invasive macrophytes, has sustained these wetlands. Ecological value embedded in Indigenous resource management suggests the need to include these practices in governmental environmental management and policy.
Progress in controlling the transmission of schistosome parasites in Southern Ethiopia – the Geshiyaro project in the Wolaita Zone
Authors: Mengsitu Birhan , Liyew Ewnetu Firdawek , Chernet Melkie , Tasew Geremew , Gomez Santiago Rayment , Maddren Rosie , Collyer Benjamin , Anjulo Ufaysa , Tamiru Adugna , Forbes Kathryn , Mehari Zelalem , Deribe Kebede , Yadeta Teshale , Salasibew Mihretab , Tollera Getachew , Anderson Roy 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This paper describes changes in the prevalence and intensity of schistosome parasite infections in a project integrating mass drug administration (MDA), water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH), and behavioral change interventions.
Method
The Geshiyaro project has three intervention arms. Arm 1 is divided into two subgroups: “Arm 1 pilot” with one district, and Arm 1 with four other districts. Both groups received integrated community-wide MDA, WaSH and behavioral change interventions. Arm 2 includes 17 districts with community-wide MDA, while Arm 3, which was used as a control has implemented school-based MDA in three districts. The participants were randomly assigned to five age groups (0–4, 5–14, 15–19, 20–35, and 35 + years) with equal sizes. The number of individuals in each arm was 584 for Arm 1 pilot, 1636 for Arm 1, 2203 for Arm 2, 2238 for Arm 3. The prevalence and intensity of infection were compared across different arms using statistical tests.
Result
The prevalence of schistosome parasite infection ranged from 0–2.6%, and 1.7–25.7%, across districts respectively employing the Kato Katz (KK) and Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) diagnostics. The mean infection intensity level employing both diagnostics did not show any marked difference at baseline and follow-up surveys when measured by (KK) except in Arm 2 (t = 6.89, p < 0.0001). Infection prevalence reduced significantly in Arm 1 (t = 8.62, p < 0.0001), Arm 2 (t = 6.94, p < 0.0001) and Arm 3 (t = 8.83, p < 0.0001) but not in Arm 1 pilot (t = 1.69, p = 0.09) by POC-CCA, when trace was considered positive. The decrease was significant only in Arm 1 (t = 3.28, p = 0.0001) and Arm 2 (t = 7.62, p < 0.0001) when the trace was considered negative in POC-CCA. Arm 2 demonstrated significant difference in difference (DID) compared to the control group, Arm 3, regardless of whether trace in POC-CCA was considered positive (DID = 3.9%, df = 8780, p = 0.025) or negative (DID=-5.2, df = 8780, p-value = 0.0004).
Conclusion
The prevalence of schistosomiasis was low by KK but moderate in some locations by POC-CCA diagnostics. The infection level has decreased across all arms of the Geshiyaro study at mid-term of the seven-year project but more needs to be done to reduce the rate of parasite transmission based on the POC-CCA diagnostic scores.
Efficacy of an oral formulation of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime against Tunga penetrans in naturally infested dogs
Authors: Santos Katharine Costa , Tielemans Eric , Cutolo Andre Antonio , Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão , Harvey Tatiani Vitor , Teixeira Jamille Bispo Carvalho , Vitor Rebeca Costa , Sevá Anaiá Paixão , Navarro Adan William Melo , Lima Ana Carolina Ribeiro , Botteon Karin Denise , Bittar Thammy Vieira , Albuquerque George Rêgo , Borges Fernando Almeida , Beugnet Frederic , Carlos Renata Santiago Alberto 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The sand flea Tunga penetrans is one of the agents of tungiasis, an important parasitic skin disease affecting humans and their co-living mammalian animals. Tungiasis is mainly observed in disadvantaged rural and peripheral urban communities in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The dog is a major reservoir of Tunga fleas. Hematophagous adult female Tunga spp. embed and grow in their host’s epidermis and cause cutaneous inflammatory disorders. NexGard Spectra® (IVP) is an oral endectocide product for dogs combining the isoxazoline afoxolaner and the macrocyclic lactone milbemycin oxime. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this product against canine tungiasis.
Methods
A blinded, negative-controlled field trial was conducted in a Brazilian community known to be highly endemic for tungiasis. Sixty-six (66) dogs naturally infested with live T. penetrans were randomly allocated to a treated group (44 dogs) and an untreated control group (22 dogs). In a first phase, dogs from the treated group were treated on Days 0, 30 and 60. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the macroscopical aspect of the parasitic skin lesions (Fortaleza classification), on Days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. In a second phase, all dogs were treated on Day 90 and evaluated every two weeks until at least 30% of dogs were infested with live sand fleas.
Results
During the first phase, an efficacy (reduction of live sand fleas) of 92.4% was demonstrated on Day 7. From Day 14 and until Day 90, the efficacy of the IVP was 100%. In the second phase all dogs were free of live T. penetrans from Day 15 until Day 45 after treatment, 11% of dogs were re-infested at Day 60 post-treatment, and 40% were re-infested at Day 75 post-treatment.
Conclusions
NexGard Spectra® was demonstrated highly efficient against canine tungiasis. In addition to an obvious beneficial effect on the health and welfare of the treated dog, the use of this product may have a one-health benefit on human cases by controlling the main reservoir of sand fleas.
Analysis of Meshing Safety for High-Speed Gears under Complex Loads and Stochastic Excitations
Authors: Li Xuguang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the complex meshing conditions faced by multi-factor gear under high-speed operating conditions in order to ensure the safety of the meshing condition and improve the dynamic performance of the gear system. Through numerical simulation, the safety of the system's meshing states is determined and the effect of stochastic excitation on the transition of response states is analyzed to gain insight into the dynamic characteristics of the system. The research findings reveal the influence of parameter on the dynamic performance and reliability of the gear system. Under high-speed and light-load conditions, it was observed that the system operates in a relatively safe state with unilateral disengagement collision meshing state when the stiffness is high. However, as the stiffness decreases, there is a possibility of unsafe bilateral collision meshing states occurring. Conversely, under high-speed and heavy-load conditions, the system demonstrates improved safety. Furthermore, in the presence of stochastic excitation, increasing the stiffness amplitude leads to a decrease in the time required for the system's response transition. In conclusion, the results of this study provide valuable references for selecting and optimizing gear system parameters, enabling the achievement of a more reliable and efficient transmission.
Synthesis and properties of a bio-based plasticizer derived from fatty acid methyl ester of erucic acid
Authors: Jadhav Pravin D. , Girase Chetan D. , Kulkarni Ravindra D. , Patwardhan Anand V. , Unnithan Unnikrishnan R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Using bio plasticizers with nontoxicity and excellent biocompatibility in a wide range of polymer applications is becoming increasingly important. In this study, a bio plasticizer was synthesized by epoxidizing erucic acid fatty acid methyl ester. The final product was compared to a conventional plasticizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was used to confirm the structures of bio-based plasticizers (1H NMR). The bio plasticizer was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To assess the efficacy of plasticization, mechanical characteristics of the films and migration tests were performed. Mechanical testing of bio plasticizers reveals that they function similarly to conventional plasticizers. The bio plasticizer plasticizing action was further validated by a shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) towards lower temperatures in the plasticized films.
Effects of Introvision, a self-regulation method with a mindfulness-based perception technique in migraine prevention: a monocentric randomized waiting-list controlled study (IntroMig Study)
Authors: Empl Monika , Löser Sonja , Spille Petra , Rozwadowska Agnieszka , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Straube Andreas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Migraine is a brain disorder with recurrent headache attacks and altered sensory processing. Introvision is a self-regulation method based on mindfulness-like perception techniques, developed at the University of Hamburg. Here, we examined the effect of Introvision in migraine prevention.
Methods: Migraineurs with at least five headache days per month were block-randomized to the experimental group (EG) or waiting list group (WL), the latter starting Introvision training six weeks after the EG. Participants learned Introvision in six weekly on-site group sessions with video-conference support followed by three individual video-conference sessions. Headache diaries and questionnaires were obtained before Introvision training and three months after the last individual Introvision session.
Results: 51 patients completed the study. The primary outcome, headache days of the EG after Introvision training compared to those of the WL before the training, showed no significant effect (10.6+/-7.7, n=22; vs. 10.9 +/- 6.3, n=29, p=0.63; Mann-Whitney-U-Test). The secondary outcome, comparing pooled EG and WL data before and after Introvision training, revealed a significant reduction of headache days (from 11.7+/- 6.5 to 9.8+/-7.0; p=0.003; Wilcoxon-paired-Test) as well as of acute medication intake and Headache-Impact-Test 6 (HIT-6) scores and increased self-efficacy as quantified by increased FKMS-scores.
Conclusion: Although the study did not reach its primary endpoint, several secondary outcome parameters showed an improvement of migraine after Introvision training with a decrease in monthly headache days by 1.9 days/ month.
Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03507400, Registration date 09.03.2018
Lead generation of UPPS inhibitors targeting MRSA: Using 3D- QSAR pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Qandeel Basma M. , Mowafy Samar , Abouzid Khaled , Farag Nahla A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Due to the threat of emerging antibiotic resistance, the quest for new antibacterial agents remains an essential endeavor in drug discovery. Bacterial resistance can be combated by using inhibitors that work on a different mechanism than current antibiotics thus avoiding cross-resistance by targeting new enzymes in the same pathway. Undecaprenyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (UPPS) is a vital target enzyme located in the very early steps of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. UPPS inhibitors were found to have anti-bacterial activity on resistant strains such as MRSA and VRE when used alone or in combination with current agents. We used several consecutive computer-based protocols to identify novel UPPS inhibitors. The 3D QSAR pharmacophore generation (HypoGen algorithm) methodology in Discovery studio 4.1 was adopted to generate a valid predictive pharmacophore model utilizing a set of UPPS inhibitors with known reported activity. The generated model consists of four features: one Hydrogen Bond Acceptor (HBA), two Hydrophobic (HYD), and one Ring Aromatic (RA). It had a correlation coefficient of 0.86 and a null cost difference of 191.39 reflecting its high predictive power. Hypo1 was proven statistically significant using Fischer's randomization at 95% confidence level. The validated pharmacophore model was used for the virtual screening of several databases (ZINC15 library, drug-like Diverse, Mini Maybridge, and scPDB). The resulting hits were filtered using SMART and Lipinski's filters. The hits were docked into the binding site of the UPPS protein (PDB ID: 5KH5) affording 70 hits with higher docking affinities than the reference compound (6TC, − 21.17 Kcal/mol). The top five hits were eventually elected through extensive docking analysis and visual inspection based on docking affinities, fit values, and key residue interactions with the UPPS receptor. Molecular dynamic simulations of the top five hit-protein complexes were performed using Discovery Studio (DS) to confirm the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. As a result, these promising five hit molecules may be considered as promising novel UPPS inhibitors.
Inline and continuous gas monitoring in
gastrointestinal tract models with carbon
nanotube-based chemiresistive sensors
Authors: Vasquez Sahira , Angeli Martina Aurora Costa , Polo Andrea , Costantini Alice , Petrelli Mattia , Enrico Avancini , Cagno Raffaella Di , Gobbetti Marco , Gaiardo Andrea , Valt Matteo , Lugli Paolo , Petti Luisa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In-vitro simulators of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract are remarkable technological platforms for studying the impact of
food on the gut microbiota, enabling continuous and real-time monitoring of key biomarkers. In these systems, comprehensive
real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers is required with a cost-effective approach, which has been challenging to perform
experimentally to date. In this work, we demonstrate the integration and in-line use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based
chemiresitive gas sensors coated with a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane for the continuous monitoring of gases
within the Simulator of the Human Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). The findings demonstrate the ability of the gas sensor to
continuously monitor the different phases of gas production in this harsh, anaerobic, highly humid, and acidic environment for a
long exposure time (16 h) without saturation. Our findings thus provide a successful sensor platform for monitoring gaseous
biomarkers in real time in an in-vitro system such as SHIME®.
COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT MAXILLARY ADVANCEMENT PROTOCOLS IN PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Akdemir Guleser , Coskuner Hande Gorucu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distributions and possible amount of movement in the maxillofacial region resulted from different maxillary advancement protocols in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
Material and Methods
A model with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP model) was created for finite element analysis. Three different protocols were compared: (1) usage of a face mask with elastics over a conventional acrylic plate; (2) usage of a face mask with elastics over miniplates placed in the infrazygomatic crest region; (3) usage of elastic from the menton plate placed in the mandible to the infrazygomatic plates in the maxilla.
Results
Dental effects were greater in the protocol with a face mask over a conventional acrylic plate, whereas skeletal effects were greater in maxillary protraction protocols using skeletal anchorage. The maximum amount of counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla was observed in traditional acrylic plate face mask protocol.
Conclusions
Skeletally anchored face mask caused more skeletal impact and displacement than other models. Clockwise rotation of the mandible was observed in the face mask model, while counterclockwise rotation was observed in the model with infrazygomatic plates and menton plate.
Clinical relevance:
When planning maxillary protraction treatment in patients with cleft lip and palate, it should be considered that more movement in the sagittal plane might be expected on the cleft side than the non-cleft side, and miniplate and screws on the cleft side are exposed to more stress when using infrazygomatic plates as skeletal anchorage.
Between benefits and sacrifices: a study of the value perceived by users of a Bicycle-Sharing-System (BSS)
Authors: Silva Marianny , Cerqueira Kaetana , de Moura Maria , de Lima Maria , Delfino Lorena , Santos Anne 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Bicycle-Sharing-Systems offer a modal alternative for urban mobility, allowing individuals to use bicycles without the burden of ownership while reducing carbon emissions. Previous research has emphasized the importance of considering the perceived values of those interested and involved in BSS. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand the benefits and sacrifices perceived by users of a specific system, namely Bike PE-Brazil System. Using a qualitative approach, this article collected data through direct observations and semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analyzed using Social-hermeneutic Discourse Analysis. Several dimensions were identified that shape BSS users' perception of value. These dimensions were categorized into the core benefit of value, which is access to bicycle usage, and motivators and inhibitors that influence users' perception and their continued engagement with the BSS. The findings led to the development of a theoretical model of value for BSS, encompassing motivators in economic, social, environmental, and cultural spheres, as well as inhibitors related to emotional, physical, time, research, and additional monetary costs, along with functional and physical risks. This theoretical model provides a structural perspective that expands the existing literature on sharing practices, emphasizing the role of value in ensuring the continued use of BSS.