bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repurposing the Pathogen Box compounds for identification of potent anti-malarials against blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum with PfUCHL3 inhibitory activity
Authors: Bharti Hina , Singal Aakriti , Saini Manisha , Cheema Pradeep Singh , Raza Mohsin , Kundu Suman , Nag Alo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMalaria has endured as a global epidemic since ages and its eradication poses an immense challenge due to the complex life cycle of the causative pathogen and its tolerance to a myriad of therapeutics. PfUCHL3, a member of the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH) family of deubiquitinases (DUBs) is cardinal for parasite survival and emerges as a promising therapeutic target. In this quest, we employed a combination of computational and experimental approaches to identify PfUCHL3 inhibitors as novel anti-malarials. The Pathogen Box library was screened against the crystal structure of PfUCHL3 (PDB ID: 2WE6) and its human ortholog (PDB ID: 1XD3). Fifty molecules with better comparative score, bioavailability and druglikeliness were subjected to in-vitro enzyme inhibition assay and among them only two compounds effectively inhibited PfUCHL3 activity at micro molar concentrations. Both MMV676603 and MMV688704 exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by altering the parasite phenotype at late stages of the asexual life cycle and inducing the accumulation of polyubiquitinated substrates. In addition, both the compounds were non-toxic and portrayed high selectivity window for the parasite over mammalian cells. This is the first comprehensive study to demonstrate the anti-malarial efficacy of PfUCHL3 inhibitors and opens new avenues to exploit UCH family of DUBs as a promising target for the development of next generation anti-malaria therapy.
Effect of nano-SiO2 and nano-CaCO3 on the static and dynamic properties of concrete
Authors: Wang Zhi-hang , Bai Er-lei , Xu Jin-yu , Du Yu-hang , Zhu Jing-sai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThree kinds of nano-concrete, i.e., 2.0% nano-SiO2 doped, 2.0% nano-CaCO3 doped and 1.0% nano-SiO2-1.0% nano-CaCO3 co-doped concretes (NS, NC, NSC) were prepared for a study on static property and dynamic property under different strain rates (50–130 s−1) using HYY series hydraulic servo test system and Φ100 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar test system, and a comparison with plain concrete (PC) as well. The results have shown that under static load, as compared with PC, NC has both strength and elastic modulus increased obviously, while NS has strength decreased and elastic modulus increased, and under dynamic load, there is an obvious strain rate effect for the dynamic compressive strength, impact toughness, energy dissipation and impact failure mode of concrete. Under the same strain rate, the dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, impact toughness and energy dissipation of NC are significantly increased, while its dynamic elastic modulus is decreased. Compared with PC, NS has dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, impact toughness and energy dissipation decreased, and dynamic elastic modulus increased, NC has static and dynamic mechanical properties improved, NS has static and dynamic mechanical properties weakened, and NSC is between PC and NC in static and dynamic mechanical properties, but generally improved. Doped with nano-CaCO3, NC has compactness improved, weak areas reduced, and pore size distribution optimized, while doped with nano-SiO2, NS has obvious internal weak areas, with pore structure degraded.
A case–control study of the causes of acute respiratory infection among hospitalized patients in Northeastern Laos
Authors: Phommasone Koukeo , Xaiyaphet Xaipasong , Garcia-Rivera Jose A. , Hontz Robert D. , Pathavongsa Viengmone , Keomoukda Patsalin , Vongsouvath Malavanh , Mayxay Mayfong , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Newton Paul N. , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Dubot-Pérès Audrey 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWith the advent of highly sensitive real-time PCR, multiple pathogens have been identified from nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). However, the detection of microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract does not necessarily indicate disease causation. We conducted a matched case–control study, nested within a broader fever aetiology project, to facilitate determination of the aetiology of ARIs in hospitalised patients in Northeastern Laos. Consenting febrile patients of any age admitted to Xiengkhuang Provincial Hospital were included if they met the inclusion criteria for ARI presentation (at least one of the following: cough, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and/or abnormal chest auscultation). One healthy control for each patient, matched by sex, age, and village of residence, was recruited for the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from participants and tested for 33 pathogens by probe-based multiplex real-time RT-PCR (FastTrack Diagnostics Respiratory pathogen 33 kit). Attributable fraction of illness for a given microorganism was calculated by comparing results between patients and controls (= 100 * [OR − 1]/OR) (OR = odds ratio). Between 24th June 2019 and 24th June 2020, 205 consenting ARI patients and 205 matching controls were recruited. After excluding eight pairs due to age mismatch, 197 pairs were included in the analysis. Males were predominant with sex ratio 1.2:1 and children < 5 years old accounted for 59% of participants. At least one potential pathogen was detected in 173 (88%) patients and 175 (89%) controls. ARI in admitted patients were attributed to influenza B virus, influenza A virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 17.8%, 17.2%, 7.5%, and 6.5% of participants, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any cases or controls. Determining ARI aetiology in individual patients remains challenging. Among hospitalised patients with ARI symptoms presenting to a provincial hospital in Northeastern Laos, half were determined to be caused by one of several respiratory viruses, in particular influenza A virus, influenza B virus, HMPV, and RSV.
Distinct spatio-temporal and spectral brain patterns for different thermal stimuli perception
Authors: Tayeb Zied , Dragomir Andrei , Lee Jin Ho , Abbasi Nida Itrat , Dean Emmanuel , Bandla Aishwarya , Bose Rohit , Sundar Raghav , Bezerianos Anastasios , Thakor Nitish V. , Cheng Gordon 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the human brain’s perception of different thermal sensations has sparked the interest of many neuroscientists. The identification of distinct brain patterns when processing thermal stimuli has several clinical applications, such as phantom-limb pain prediction, as well as increasing the sense of embodiment when interacting with neurorehabilitation devices. Notwithstanding the remarkable number of studies that have touched upon this research topic, understanding how the human brain processes different thermal stimuli has remained elusive. More importantly, very intense thermal stimuli perception dynamics, their related cortical activations, as well as their decoding using effective features are still not fully understood. In this study, using electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from three healthy human subjects, we identified spatial, temporal, and spectral patterns of brain responses to different thermal stimulations ranging from extremely cold and hot stimuli (very intense), moderately cold and hot stimuli (intense), to a warm stimulus (innocuous). Our results show that very intense thermal stimuli elicit a decrease in alpha power compared to intense and innocuous stimulations. Spatio-temporal analysis reveals that in the first 400 ms post-stimulus, brain activity increases in the prefrontal and central brain areas for very intense stimulations, whereas for intense stimulation, high activity of the parietal area was observed post-500 ms. Based on these identified EEG patterns, we successfully classified the different thermal stimulations with an average test accuracy of 84% across all subjects. En route to understanding the underlying cortical activity, we source localized the EEG signal for each of the five thermal stimuli conditions. Our findings reveal that very intense stimuli were anticipated and induced early activation (before 400 ms) of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Moreover, activation of the pre-frontal cortex, somatosensory, central, and parietal areas, was observed in the first 400 ms post-stimulation for very intense conditions and starting 500 ms post-stimuli for intense conditions. Overall, despite the small sample size, this work presents novel findings and a first comprehensive approach to explore, analyze, and classify EEG-brain activity changes evoked by five different thermal stimuli, which could lead to a better understanding of thermal stimuli processing in the brain and could, therefore, pave the way for developing a real-time withdrawal reaction system when interacting with prosthetic limbs. We underpin this last point by benchmarking our EEG results with a demonstration of a real-time withdrawal reaction of a robotic prosthesis using a human-like artificial skin.
Cardiac troponin I and T for ruling out coronary artery disease in suspected chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Tveit Sjur H. , Myhre Peder L. , Hanssen Tove Aminda , Forsdahl Signe Helene , Iqbal Amjid , Omland Torbjørn , Schirmer Henrik 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo compare the performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and T (hs-cTnI; hs-cTnT) in diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD50) in patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). A total of 706 patients with suspected CCS, referred for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography, were included. cTn concentrations were measured using the Singulex hs-cTnI (limit of detection [LoD] 0.08 ng/L) and Roche hs-cTnT (LoD 3 ng/L) assays. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD50) was defined as ≥ 50% coronary stenosis. Cardiovascular risk was determined by the NORRISK2-score. Median age of the patients was 65 (range 28–87) years, 35% were women. All patients had hs-cTnI concentrations above the LoD (median 1.9 [Q1-3 1.2–3.6] ng/L), 72% had hs-cTnT above the LoD (median 5 [Q1-3 2–11] ng/L). There was a graded relationship between hs-cTn concentrations and coronary artery calcium. Only hs-cTnI remained associated with CAD50 in adjusted analyses (OR 1.20 95% Confidence Interval [1.05–1.38]), p = 0.009). The C-statistics for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT were 0.65 (95% CI [0.60–0.69]) and 0.60 (0.56–0.64). The highest specificity and negative predictive values for CAD50 were in the lowest NORRISK2-tertile. hs-cTn concentrations provide diagnostic information in patients with suspected CCS, with superior performance of hs-cTnI compared to hs-cTnT in regard to CAD50. The diagnostic performance appeared best in those with low cardiovascular risk.
Feasibility analysis of an ultrasound on line diagnostic approach for oral and bone surgery
Authors: Cutolo Maria Alessandra , Cafiero Carlo , Califano Luigi , Giaquinto Martino , Cusano Andrea , Cutolo Antonello 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDuring implant surgery procedures, surgical precision is an essential prerequisite for the functional and aesthetic success of the prosthetic crown to be placed on the dental implant. A modern implant surgical approach should be standardized as much as possible to guarantee extreme precision in the insertion of the implant into the upper and lower bone jaws. Among the most common surgical errors during implant surgery there is the over-preparation of the surgical alveolus with possible damage to the contiguous anatomical structures. To avoid this problem, in the recent years, there has been an increasing attention to the development of new control techniques. In this paper, we describe an innovative ultrasound approach, which exploits the integration of an electro-acoustic transducer with the surgical drill used for realizing the alveolus in the bone that will host the implant. Specifically, he proposed approach is based on the “time-of-flight” detection technique for measuring the thickness of the residual bone subjected to the drilling. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, here we report on a detailed numerical analysis aimed at studying the propagation of ultrasonic waves through the drill-bit and through the involved tissues. The obtained results confirm the validity of our approach, and enable for a future first prototype implementation of a hi-tech surgical drill-bit, which in general is suitable not only for dental implant surgery but also for other uses in oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery and for bone surgery.
Response of soil structure and crop yield to soft rock in Mu Us sandy land, China
Authors: Zhang Jian , Guo Zhen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe sandy land leaks water and fertilizer, and is seriously degraded, while the soft rock has a special depression structure, which plays a role in retaining water and fertilizer. The application of soft rock new material to sand reclamation can improve the ecological environment and ensure the quality of basic cultivated land. The soft rock and sand were mixed in different volume ratios (1:0, 11:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 7:5, 1:1, 5:7, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:11, 0:1) to prepare the composite soil, and its Raman spectrum characteristics, microstructure, texture composition and potato yield were studied. The results show that there are more silt and clay particles in the soft rock and more coarse particles in the sand. The peak position of the sand is 464.5 cm−1. With the increase of the content of the soft rock, the peak position decreases gradually. When the content of the soft rock accounts for more than 50%, the soil structure collapses and also becomes compact, at the same time the compressive stress is generated between the soil particles. When the ratio of soft rock to sand is 1:1, the soil texture is loam. The potato yield of the soil with the ratio of 1:5 of soft rock and sand cover increases significantly by 4.89–37.31% and 4.08–35.95% compared with that of 1:1 and 1:2 compound soils. Under the condition of 1:1 and 1:2 compounded ratio of soft rock and sand, there are more cementitious materials between the soil particles generated. The compounded ratio 1:5 is most suitable ratio for potato growth of local economic crop. The results confirmed that the Raman spectroscopy characteristics of SiO2 molecules can be used to study the cementation force between composite soil particles. When the compound ratio is 1:5, the soil improvement of Mu Us sandy land and the high yield of potatoes can be achieved, which could also provides a theoretical basis for sandy land remediation.
Bacteriophage EK99P-1 alleviates enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K99-induced barrier dysfunction and inflammation
Authors: Kim Narae , Gu Min Jeong , Kye Yoon-Chul , Ju Young-Jun , Hong Rira , Ju Do Bin , Pyung Young Jin , Han Seung Hyun , Park Byung-Chul , Yun Cheol-Heui 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBacteriophages, simply phages, have long been used as a potential alternative to antibiotics for livestock due to their ability to specifically kill enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which is a major cause of diarrhea in piglets. However, the control of ETEC infection by phages within intestinal epithelial cells, and their relationship with host immune responses, remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of phage EK99P-1 against ETEC K99-infected porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2). Phage EK99P-1 prevented ETEC K99-induced barrier disruption by attenuating the increased permeability mediated by the loss of tight junction proteins such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-3. ETEC K99-induced inflammatory responses, such as interleukin (IL)-8 secretion, were decreased by treatment with phage EK99P-1. We used a IPEC-J2/peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transwell co-culture system to investigate whether the modulation of barrier disruption and chemokine secretion by phage EK99P-1 in ETEC K99-infected IPEC-J2 would influence immune cells at the site of basolateral. The results showed that phage EK99P-1 reduced the mRNA expression of ETEC K99-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-8, from PBMC collected on the basolateral side. Together, these results suggest that phage EK99P-1 prevented ETEC K99-induced barrier dysfunction in IPEC-J2 and alleviated inflammation caused by ETEC K99 infection. Reinforcement of the intestinal barrier, such as regulation of permeability and cytokines, by phage EK99P-1 also modulates the immune cell inflammatory response.
Experimental research on the spontaneous combustion of Yangquan coal induced by electrochemical oxidation of pyrite
Authors: Zhang Xun , Lu Bing , Fu Xiang , Qiao Ling , Wang Jiren , Wang Lijie , Ding Cong , Gao Dameng , Zhang Jing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe 15# coal seam of Yangmei No.5 Mine, which produces anthracite, which is the least prone to spontaneous combustion, has a serious hidden danger of spontaneous combustion due to the high sulfur content in the coal. Based on the better conductivity of anthracite, we designed an electrolysis experiment to accelerate the electrochemical oxidation of pyrite in coal. Through experiments and analysis of thermodynamic characteristic parameters, it is obtained that the electrochemical oxidation of pyrite and its main products Fe3+ and Fe2+ have a coupled catalytic effect on the spontaneous combustion of high-sulfur coal in Yangquan. Combined with the FTIR test and analysis, it is found that the electrochemical process causes spatial polarization in the coal, so that polar groups such as –OH undergo spatial diversion and increase the activity. Due to the high content of –OH in Yangquan anthracite, the electrochemical process has the greatest effect on promoting –OH oxidation. Fe3+ and Fe2+ act as strong oxidants and free radicals to promote the –CH2– reaction to generate C=O and promote the generation of CO. This research provides a new direction for the exploration of the spontaneous combustion mechanism of high-sulfur anthracite.
Improved acquisition of contact heat evoked potentials with increased heating ramp
Authors: De Schoenmacker I. , Archibald J. , Kramer J. L. K. , Hubli M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractContact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) represent an objective and non-invasive measure to investigate the integrity of the nociceptive neuraxis. The clinical value of CHEPs is mostly reflected in improved diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and spinal lesions. One of the limitations of conventional contact heat stimulation is the relatively slow heating ramp (70 °C/s). This is thought to create a problem of desynchronized evoked responses in the brain, particularly after stimulation in the feet. Recent technological advancements allow for an increased heating ramp of contact heat stimulation, however, to what extent these improve the acquisition of evoked potentials is still unknown. In the current study, 30 healthy subjects were stimulated with contact heat at the hand and foot with four different heating ramps (i.e., 150 °C/s, 200 °C/s, 250 °C/s, and 300 °C/s) to a peak temperature of 60 °C. We examined changes in amplitude, latency, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the vertex (N2-P2) waveforms. Faster heating ramps decreased CHEP latency for hand and foot stimulation (hand: F = 18.41, p < 0.001; foot: F = 4.19, p = 0.009). Following stimulation of the foot only, faster heating ramps increased SNR (F = 3.32, p = 0.024) and N2 amplitude (F = 4.38, p = 0.007). Our findings suggest that clinical applications of CHEPs should consider adopting faster heating ramps up to 250 °C/s. The improved acquisition of CHEPs might consequently reduce false negative results in clinical cohorts. From a physiological perspective, our results demonstrate the importance of peripherally synchronizing afferents recruitment to satisfactorily acquire CHEPs.
Investigation of electrocatalytic and photocatalytic ability of Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs Nanocomposites for detection and degradation of antibiotic drug Furaltadone
Authors: Vasu Dhanapal , Karthi Keyan Arjunan , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chiu Te-Wei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this manuscript, “Get two mangoes with one stone” strategy was used to study the electrochemical detection and photocatalytic mineralization of furaltadone (FLT) drug using Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites for the first time. The bi-functional nanocomposites were synthesized through a hydrothermal synthesis technique. The successfully synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed by various analytical techniques. The Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites decorated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) exhibit a good electrocatalytic ability towards detection of FLT. Moreover, the electrocatalytic detection of FLT based on the nanocomposites decorated SPCE have high stability, lower detection limit, and excellent sensitivity of 0.0949 μM and 1.9288 μA μM−1 cm−2, respectively. In addition, the nanocomposites decorated SPCE electrodes performed in real samples, such as river water and tap water, the satisfactory results were observed. As UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed that the Cu/Ni/TiO2/MWCNTs nanocomposites had an excellent photocatalytic ability for degradation of FLT drug. The higher degradation efficiency of 75% was achieved within 45 min under irradiation of visible light. In addition, after the degradation process various intermediates are produced which is confirmed by GC–MS analysis. The excellent photocatalytic ability was improved to the dopant ions and restrictions of electron–hole pair.
Potential risk groups and psychological, psychosocial, and health behavioral predictors of pharmacological neuroenhancement among university students in Germany
Authors: Heller Sebastian , Tibubos Ana Nanette , Hoff Thilo A. , Werner Antonia M. , Reichel Jennifer L. , Mülder Lina M. , Schäfer Markus , Pfirrmann Daniel , Stark Birgit , Rigotti Thomas , Simon Perikles , Beutel Manfred E. , Letzel Stephan , Dietz Pavel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAiming to develop and implement intervention strategies targeting pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) among university students more specifically, we (1) assessed the prevalence of PN among German university students, (2) identified potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups, and (3) investigated sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior related factors predicting the 12-month prevalence of PN. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to students of the University of Mainz, Germany. A binary logistic regression with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups was performed to predict PN. A total number of 4351 students out of 31,213 registered students (13.9%) participated in the survey, of whichN = 3984 answered the question concerning PN. Of these, 10.4% had used one substance for PN at least once in the past 12 months. The regression analysis revealed 13 variables that were significantly related to the 12-month prevalence of PN. Specifically, the group of health behavior related variables showed the strongest relationship with PN. Therefore, an approach to the prevention of PN should be multifactorial so that it addresses social conditions, as well as education on substance use and healthy behaviors in terms of non-pharmacological strategies as alternatives of PN.