bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions among symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients in Central Vietnam
Authors: Thang Ngo Duc , Rovira-Vallbona Eduard , Binh Nguyen Thi Huong , Dung Dang Viet , Ngoc Nguyen Thi Hong , Long Tran Khanh , Duong Tran Thanh , Martin Nicholas J. , Edgel Kimberly A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) remain the main point-of-care tests for diagnosis of symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic areas. However, parasites with gene deletions in the most common RDT target, histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2/HRP2), can produce false-negative RDT results leading to inadequate case management. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hrp2/3 deletions causing false-negative RDT results in Vietnam (Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces).

Methods
Individuals presenting with malaria symptoms at health facilities were screened for P. falciparum infection using light microscopy and HRP2-RDT (SD Bioline Malaria Antigen Pf/Pv RDT, Abbott). Microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infections were analysed for parasite species by 18S rRNA qPCR, and pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 exon2 deletions were investigated by nested PCR. pfhrp2 amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger method and HRP2 plasma levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
The prevalence of false-negative RDT results among symptomatic cases was 5.6% (15/270). No pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were identified. False-negative RDT results were associated with lower parasite density (p = 0.005) and lower HRP2 plasma concentrations (p < 0.001), as compared to positive RDT.

Conclusions
The absence of hrp2/3 deletions detected in this survey suggests that HRP2-based malaria RDTs remain effective for the diagnosis of symptomatic P. falciparum malaria in Central Vietnam.
Touch Hand 4.5: low-cost additive manufacturing prosthetic hand participated in Cybathlon 2020 ARM discipline
Authors: Moodley Kashreya , Fourie Jode , Imran Zaahid , Hands Clive , Rall William , Stopforth Riaan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The Touch Hand 4.5 is a highly customisable prosthetic hand, which features an optimised modular design of the Touch Hand 4. The Touch Hand team has developed a low-cost prosthetic hand, which has been built using an additive manufacturing process. The functionality and features are discussed that are crucial for amputees.

Methods
This paper documents the design and integration of the Touch Hand 4.5 to be used in the Cybathlon 2020 event as well as the development of the mechanical structure of the hand, socket, electronics and control system utilized. The Touch Hand 4.5 was designed and continuously optimized, with the goal to achieve the tasks in the Cybathlon 2020 event.

Results
The performance and functionality of the Touch Hand 4.5 was tested on a global scale at the Cybathlon 2020. The device and technology were evaluated against the leading prosthetics and prototypes from around the world. A series of everyday tasks, as set by the Cybathlon event, were performed to determine the capabilities of the device, with the pinch grip, full grip, half grip, and a thumb grip. The Touch Hand team was the only team to complete the Haptic Box task in all three races, which comprised of the identification of objects without the aid of visual input or perception, with a duration between 100 and 120 s. The Breakfast task entailed completing a series of everyday breakfast tasks, such as cutting a loaf of bread, lighting a candle, opening a sugar packet, opening a plastic bottle and a jar, as well as opening a tin can with a can opener. This task was only completed in Race 3, with a duration of 132 s, due to a faulty equipment that was supplied.

Conclusion
The first contribution that was achieved was the design and development of an additive manufactured hand and socket, considering the socket to have comfort, breathability and decreased irritability. The second contribution was the design optimisation with the linear actuator integration, for a multi-grip hand, which allowed for the pinch grip, full grip, half grip, and a thumb grip. Slippage prevention with grip force control system integration was also implemented.
Trial registration number: Ethical clearance certificate HCC/0161/011.
Biodefense and emergency use authorization: different originations, purposes, and evolutionary paths of institutions in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Kim HyunJung 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundEmergency-use-authorization (EUA) is the representative biodefense policy that allows the use of unlicensed medical countermeasures or off-label use of approved medical countermeasures in response to public health emergencies. This article aims to determine why the EUA policies of the United States and South Korea produced drastically different outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these outcomes were determined by the originations and evolutionary paths of the two policies.MethodHistorical institutionalism (HI) explains institutional changes—that is, how the institution is born and how it evolves—based on the concept of path dependency. However, the HI analytical narratives remain at the meso level of analysis in the context of structure and agency. This article discusses domestic and policy-level factors related to the origination of the biodefense institutions in the United States and South Korea using policy-learning concepts with the Event-related Policy Change Model.ResultsThe 2001 anthrax letter attack (Amerithrax) and the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak prompted the establishment of biodefense institutions in the United States and South Korea, respectively. Due to the different departure points and the mechanism of path dependency, the two countries’ EUAs evolved in different ways—the United States EUA reinforced the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) function, while the South Korea EUA strengthened the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI) function.ConclusionsThe evolution and outcomes of the two EUAs are different because both policies were born out of different needs. The United States EUA is primarily oriented toward protecting homeland security against CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threats, whereas the South Korea EUA is specifically designed for disease prevention against infectious disease outbreak.
Small regions as key sources of traditional knowledge: a quantitative ethnobotanical survey in the central Balkans
Authors: Janaćković Pedja , Gavrilović Milan , Miletić Milica , Radulović Maja , Kolašinac Stefan , Stevanović Zora Dajić 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundStarting from the idea that unexplored areas may yield new and different ethnobotanical information, we performed a survey of traditional uses of plants in two neighboring districts situated in east Serbia (Bor and Aleksinac), both lacking in previous ethnobotanical reports, but characterized by an interesting history and culture, together with some specific features. In this study, we hypothesized that such small and specific areas could be of high ethnobotanical importance.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were used with 155 informants. Relative cultural importance (RCI) indices, such as the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), informant consensus factor (ICF-FIC), use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Jaccard index (JI), were calculated, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was performed.ResultsIn this study, 2333 use-reports and 114 plants were recorded. Of the 101 medical herbs, 33 are included in the European Pharmacopoeia Edition 8.0. The most frequently used mode of preparation was as an infusion (50.0%), while leaf (44.7%) was the most used plant part. The highest FC and RFC values were recorded forHypericum perforatumL. (13.1 and 0.2, respectively), while the highest RI was documented forUrtica dioicaL. (1.0). ICF and FL indices showed important differences among selected groups of informants. The PCoA showed three homogeneous plant groups. Plants were mostly used for the treatment of digestive (49.1%), circulatory (41.2%) and respiratory system disorders (35.1%). Thirty-seven (32.5%) herbs were used for human nutrition, 14 (12.3%) in veterinary medicine, 17 (14.9%) in rituals and ethnoculture, while 24 (21.0%) for miscellaneous purposes. The highest degree of similarity was determined with studies conducted in close proximity. Four species are new to Balkan ethnobotany. New uses for some well-known plants are highlighted.ConclusionThe study indicated that small and specific areas in the Balkans may be an important reservoir of ethnobotanical knowledge.
Proteins secreted by brain arteriolar smooth muscle cells are instructive for neural development
Authors: Li Xuzhao , Zhou Lili , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Jin Yuxiao , Zhao Bingrui , Zhang Dongdong , Xi Chengjie , Ruan Jiayu , Zhu Zhu , Jia Jie-Min 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntercellular communication between vascular and nerve cells mediated by diffusible proteins has recently emerged as a critical intrinsic program for neural development. However, whether the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) secretome regulates the connectivity of neural circuits remains unknown. Here, we show that conditioned medium from brain VSMC cultures enhances multiple neuronal functions, such as neuritogenesis, neuronal maturation, and survival, thereby improving circuit connectivity. However, protein denaturation by heating compromised these effects. Combined omics analyses of donor VSMC secretomes and recipient neuron transcriptomes revealed that overlapping pathways of extracellular matrix receptor signaling and adhesion molecule integrin binding mediate VSMC-dependent neuronal development. Furthermore, we found that human arterial VSMCs promote neuronal development in multiple ways, including expanding the time window for nascent neurite initiation, increasing neuronal density, and promoting synchronized firing, whereas human umbilical vein VSMCs lack this capability. These in vitro data indicate that brain arteriolar VSMCs may carry direct instructive information for neural development through intercellular communication in vivo.
Parameters associated with successful weaning of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review
Authors: Charbonneau Francis , Chahinian Karina , Bebawi Emmanuel , Lavigueur Olivier , Lévesque Émilie , Lamarche Yoan , Serri Karim , Albert Martin , Noly Pierre-Emmanuel , Cournoyer Alexis , Cavayas Yiorgos Alexandros 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to restore organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock until native heart recovery occurs. It may be challenging, however, to determine when patients can be weaned successfully from ECMO—surviving without requiring further mechanical support or heart transplant. We aimed to systematically review the medical literature to determine the biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters associated with successful weaning of VA-ECMO in adults with cardiogenic shock and to present an evidence-based weaning algorithm incorporating key findings.

Method
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Google Scholars, Web of Science and the Grey literature for pertinent original research reports. We excluded studies limited to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as the neurological prognosis may significantly alter the decision-making process surrounding the device removal in this patient population. Studies with a mixed population of VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest were included. We excluded studies limited to patients in which ECMO was only used as a bridge to VAD or heart transplant, as such patients are, by definition, never “successfully weaned.” We used the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies. The study was registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020178641).

Results
We screened 14,578 records and included 47 that met our pre-specified criteria. Signs of lower initial severity of shock and myocardial injury, early recovery of systemic perfusion, left and right ventricular recovery, hemodynamic and echocardiographic stability during flow reduction trial and/or pump-controlled retrograde trial off predicted successful weaning. The most widely used parameter was the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, an indicator of stroke volume. Most studies had a moderate or high risk of bias. Heterogeneity in methods, timing, and conditions of measurements precluded any meta-analysis.

Conclusions
In adult patients on VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock, multiple biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters may be used to track resolution of systemic hypoperfusion and myocardial recovery in order to identify patients that can be successfully weaned.

Graphical Abstract
Blood–brain barrier penetrating neprilysin degrades monomeric amyloid-beta in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rofo Fadi , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Saubi Cristina , Suominen Laura , Godec Ana , Sehlin Dag , Syvänen Stina , Hultqvist Greta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundAggregation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reducing Aβ levels in the brain by enhancing its degradation is one possible strategy to develop new therapies for AD. Neprilysin (NEP) is a membrane-bound metallopeptidase and one of the major Aβ-degrading enzymes. The secreted soluble form of NEP (sNEP) has been previously suggested as a potential protein-therapy degrading Aβ in AD. However, similar to other large molecules, peripherally administered sNEP is unable to reach the brain due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB).MethodsTo provide transcytosis across the BBB, we recombinantly fused the TfR binding moiety (scFv8D3) to either sNEP or a previously described variant of NEP (muNEP) suggested to have higher degradation efficiency of Aβ compared to other NEP substrates, but not per se to degrade Aβ more efficiently. To provide long blood half-life, an Fc-based antibody fragment (scFc) was added to the designs, forming sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3. The ability of the mentioned recombinant proteins to degrade Aβ was first evaluated in vitro using synthetic Aβ peptides followed by sandwich ELISA. For the in vivo studies, a single injection of 125-iodine-labelled sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 was intravenously administered to a tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD, using scFc-scFv8D3 protein that lacks NEP as a negative control. Different ELISA setups were applied to quantify Aβ concentration of different conformations, both in brain tissues and blood samples.ResultsWhen tested in vitro, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 retained sNEP enzymatic activity in degrading Aβ and both constructs efficiently degraded arctic Aβ.When intravenously injected, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 demonstrated 20 times higher brain uptake compared to sNEP. Both scFv8D3-fused NEP proteins significantly reduced aggregated Aβ levels in the blood of tg-ArcSwe mice, a transgenic mouse model of AD, following a single intravenous injection. In the brain, monomeric and oligomeric Aβ were significantly reduced. Both scFv8D3-fused NEP proteins displayed a fast clearance from the brain.ConclusionA one-time injection of a BBB-penetrating NEP shows the potential to reduce, the likely most toxic, Aβ oligomers in the brain in addition to monomers. Also, Aβ aggregates in the blood were reduced.
ATG spectrum analysis and interference mitigation for intelligent UAV IoT
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Chaofei , Zhao Yikun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAs UAV Internet of things applications continue to grow, so does interest in the development of air-to-ground (ATG) systems, which can effectively expand communication system coverage. To maximize utilization of frequency resources, the ATG system adopts frequency reuse with the 5G system on the ground. This research studies the co-channel interference between ATG and 5G at 3.5 GHz as well as the neighboring channel interference with C-band fixed satellite service. We do research on various ATG aircraft flying altitudes and horizontal distances, which yields multiple potential interference reduction strategies. Finally, numerical results are shown to demonstrate the efficacy and productivity of our proposed methods.
Positive ground states for nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff equations with periodic potential or potential well in $\mathbf{R}^{3}$
Authors: Chen Wei , Fu Zunwei , Wu Yue 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis work is devoted to the nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff-type equation $$ - \biggl( a+b \int _{\mathbb{R}^{3}} \vert \nabla u \vert ^{2} \,\text{d}x \biggr) \Delta u+V(x)u=f(x,u), \quad \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{3}, $$
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is 3-superlinear and the potential V is either periodic or exhibits a finite potential well. By the mountain pass theorem, Lions’ concentration-compactness principle, and the energy comparison argument, we obtain the existence of positive ground state for this problem without proving the Palais–Smale compactness condition.
The mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half-line
Authors: Hwang Guenbo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe analyze the initial-boundary value problem for the mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation posed on the half-line by using the Fokas method. Assuming that a smooth solution exists, we show that the solution can be represented in term of the solution of a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem formulated in the complex plane. The jump matrix is defined in terms of the spectral functions obtained from the initial and boundary values. We derive a certain relation, the so-called global relation that involves all initial and boundary values. Furthermore, it can be shown that the solution for the mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation posed on the half-line exists, which can be determined by the unique solution of the associated Riemann–Hilbert problem, as long as the spectral functions satisfy the above global relation.
Effect of shrub encroachment on leaf nutrient resorption in temperate wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China
Authors: Yu Le-Lin , Zhang Xin-Hou , Shi Fu-Xi , Mao Rong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Nutrient resorption is an important plant nutrient conservation strategy in wetlands. However, how shrub encroachment alters plant nutrient resorption processes is unclear in temperate wetlands. Here, we collected green and senesced leaves of common sedge, grass, and shrub species in wetlands with high (50–65%) and low (20–35%) shrub covers in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China, and assessed the impact of shrub encroachment on leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption efficiency and proficiency at both plant growth form and community levels.

Results
The effects of shrub cover on leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency were identical among shrubs, grasses, and sedges. Irrespective of plant growth forms, increased shrub cover reduced leaf N resorption efficiency and proficiency, but did not alter leaf P resorption efficiency and proficiency. However, the effect of shrub cover on leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency differed between plant growth form and community levels. At the community level, leaf N and P resorption efficiency decreased with increasing shrub cover because of increased dominance of shrubs with lower leaf nutrient resorption efficiency over grasses and sedges. Accordingly, community-level senesced leaf N and P concentrations increased with elevating shrub cover, showing a decline in leaf N and P resorption proficiency. Moreover, the significant relationships between leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency indicate that shrub encroachment increased senesced leaf nutrient concentrations by decreasing nutrient resorption efficiency.

Conclusions
These observations suggest that shrub encroachment reduces community-level leaf nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency and highlight that the effect of altered plant composition on leaf nutrient resorption should be assessed at the community level in temperate wetlands.
Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of regional infrastructure facilities to support scientific, technical and innovation activities in the context of the synergy effect: analysis, formation and study
Authors: Byvshev Vladimir , Parfenteva Kristina , Panteleeva Irina , Uskov Danil , Demin Vadim 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe objective of the study is to develop a method for the evaluation of efficiency of the regional infrastructure facilities for the support of scientific, research, technical and innovation activities. This paper presents an analysis of the methods currently used in Russia and abroad, identifying their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the analysis, the author suggests a list of parameters characterizing the given domain, and develops a system for the integrated parameter calculation; a list of the regions is provided with the potential for the most objective efficiency evaluation and testing of the developed method; conclusions are made based on the demonstrated calculations. As a result, the developed method is considered effective and promising. Regardless of the composite index currently being in the stability zone, some of its components may lie in the catastrophic risk zone, posing potential threats to the further innovative development of the subject. At the same time, it is found out that an important role in the efficient functioning of the infrastructure supporting the scientific, research, technical and innovation activities belongs to the legislative environment and the closed innovative cycle (synergy effect).
Experimental Study on Dynamic Tensile Properties of Macro-Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Yang Guoliang , Bi Jingjiu , Dong Zhiwen , Li Ying , Liu Yi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUsing a high-speed photography system and a split Hopkinson pressure bar, macro-polypropylene fiber reinforced cementitious composites are tested to reveal the effects of the macro-polypropylene fiber volume fraction and loading rate on the dynamic tensile strength and failure mode. We also analyze the functional relationship between the dynamic tensile strength, loading rate, and fiber volume fraction, and study the splitting failure process using digital image correlation technology. The evolution law of the strain and displacement fields of the specimens is obtained, and the effect of the fiber volume fraction on the crack initiation strain value is quantitatively studied. The results show that the appropriate fiber content (1.5–2%) can significantly improve the dynamic tensile strength, while a higher fiber content (2.5%) leads to deterioration of the specimen. Adding macro-polypropylene fiber prevents the specimen from undergoing central tensile fracturing under dynamic loading, and distributes the impact load more evenly, thus improving the ability of the specimen to resist cracking.