bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery and structural characterization of chicoric acid as a SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein ligand and RNA binding disruptor
Authors: Mercaldi Gustavo Fernando , Bezerra Eduardo Henrique Salviano , Batista Fernanda Aparecida Heleno , Tonoli Celisa Caldana Costa , Soprano Adriana Santos , Shimizu Jacqueline Farinha , Nagai Alice , da Silva Jaqueline Cristina , Filho Helder Veras Ribeiro , do Nascimento Faria Jéssica , da Cunha Marcos Guilherme , Zeri Ana Carolina Mattos , Nascimento Andrey Fabricio Ziem , Proenca-Modena José Luiz , Bajgelman Marcio Chaim , Rocco Silvana Aparecida , Lopes-de-Oliveira Paulo Sérgio , Cordeiro Artur Torres , Bruder Marjorie , Marques Rafael Elias , Sforça Mauricio Luis , Franchini Kleber Gomes , Benedetti Celso Eduardo , Figueira Ana Carolina Migliorini , Trivella Daniela Barretto Barbosa 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe nucleocapsid (N) protein plays critical roles in coronavirus genome transcription and packaging, representing a key target for the development of novel antivirals, and for which structural information on ligand binding is scarce. We used a novel fluorescence polarization assay to identify small molecules that disrupt the binding of the N protein to a target RNA derived from the SARS-CoV-2 genome packaging signal. Several phenolic compounds, including L-chicoric acid (CA), were identified as high-affinity N-protein ligands. The binding of CA to the N protein was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry, 1H-STD and 15N-HSQC NMR, and by the crystal structure of CA bound to the N protein C-terminal domain (CTD), further revealing a new modulatory site in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Moreover, CA reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell cultures. These data thus open venues for the development of new antivirals targeting the N protein, an essential and yet underexplored coronavirus target.
Instantaneous 4D micro-particle image velocimetry (µPIV) via multifocal microscopy (MUM)
Authors: Guastamacchia M. G. R. , Xue R. , Madi K. , Pitkeathly W. T. E. , Lee P. D. , Webb S. E. D. , Cartmell S. H. , Dalgarno P. A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMultifocal microscopy (MUM), a technique to capture multiple fields of view (FOVs) from distinct axial planes simultaneously and on one camera, was used to perform micro-particle image velocimetry (µPIV) to reconstruct velocity and shear stress fields imposed by a liquid flowing around a cell. A diffraction based multifocal relay was used to capture images from three different planes with 630 nm axial spacing from which the axial positions of the flow-tracing particles were calculated using the image sharpness metric. It was shown that MUM can achieve an accuracy on the calculated velocity of around (0.52 ± 0.19) µm/s. Using fixed cells, MUM imaged the flow perturbations at sub-cellular level, which showed characteristics similar to those observed in the literature. Using live cells as an exemplar, MUM observed the effect of changing cell morphology on the local flow during perfusion. Compared to standard confocal laser scanning microscope, MUM offers a clear advantage in acquisition speed for µPIV (over 300 times faster). This is an important characteristic for rapidly evolving biological systems where there is the necessity to monitor in real time entire volumes to correlate the sample responses to the external forces.
Deep learning model to predict Epstein–Barr virus associated gastric cancer in histology
Authors: Jeong Yeojin , Cho Cristina Eunbee , Kim Ji-Eon , Lee Jonghyun , Kim Namkug , Jung Woon Yong , Sung Joohon , Kim Ju Han , Lee Yoo Jin , Jung Jiyoon , Pyo Juyeon , Song Jisun , Park Jihwan , Moon Kyoung Min , Ahn Sangjeong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in gastric cancer patients is crucial for clinical decision making, as it is related with specific treatment responses and prognoses. Despite its importance, the limited medical resources preclude universal EBV testing. Herein, we propose a deep learning-based EBV prediction method from H&E-stained whole-slide images (WSI). Our model was developed using 319 H&E stained WSI (26 EBV positive; TCGA dataset) from the Cancer Genome Atlas, and 108 WSI (8 EBV positive; ISH dataset) from an independent institution. Our deep learning model, EBVNet consists of two sequential components: a tumor classifier and an EBV classifier. We visualized the learned representation by the classifiers using UMAP. We externally validated the model using 60 additional WSI (7 being EBV positive; HGH dataset). We compared the model’s performance with those of four pathologists. EBVNet achieved an AUPRC of 0.65, whereas the four pathologists yielded a mean AUPRC of 0.41. Moreover, EBVNet achieved an negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score of 0.98, 0.86, 0.92, 0.60, and 0.71, respectively. Our proposed model is expected to contribute to prescreen patients for confirmatory testing, potentially to save test-related cost and labor.
Neuroprotective metabolites via fungal biotransformation of a novel sapogenin, cyclocephagenol
Authors: Küçüksolak Melis , Üner Göklem , Ballar Kırmızıbayrak Petek , Bedir Erdal 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCyclocephagenol (1), a novel cycloartane-type sapogenin with tetrahydropyran unit, is only encountered inAstragalusspecies. This rare sapogenin has never been a topic of biological activity or modification studies. The objectives of this study were; (i) to perform microbial transformation studies on cyclocephagenol (1) usingAstragalusendophyte,Alternaria eureka1E1BL1, followed by isolation and structural characterization of the metabolites; (ii) to investigate neuroprotective activities of the metabolites; (iii) to understand structure–activity relationships towards neuroprotection. The microbial transformation of cyclocephagenol (1) usingAlternaria eurekaresulted in the production of twenty-one (2–22) previously undescribed metabolites. Oxidation, monooxygenation, dehydration, methyl migration, epoxidation, and ring expansion reactions were observed on the triterpenoid skeleton. Structures of the compounds were established by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-MS analyses. The neuroprotective activities of metabolites and parent compound (1) were evaluated against H2O2-induced cell injury. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) was established, and the results revealed that1and several other metabolites had potent neuroprotective activity. Further studies revealed that selected compounds reduced the amount of ROS and preserved the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. This is the first report of microbial transformation of cyclocephagenol (1).
Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan leads to a lasting increase in social distancing
Authors: Barak Darija , Gallo Edoardo , Rong Ke , Tang Ke , Du Wei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractOn 11th Jan 2020, the first COVID-19 related death was confirmed in Wuhan, Hubei. The Chinese government responded to the outbreak with a lockdown that impacted most residents of Hubei province and lasted for almost three months. At the time, the lockdown was the strictest both within China and worldwide. Using an interactive web-based experiment conducted half a year after the lockdown with participants from 11 Chinese provinces, we investigate the behavioral effects of this ‘shock’ event experienced by the population of Hubei. We find that both one’s place of residence and the strictness of lockdown measures in their province are robust predictors of individual social distancing behavior. Further, we observe that informational messages are effective at increasing compliance with social distancing throughout China, whereas fines for noncompliance work better within Hubei province relative to the rest of the country. We also report that residents of Hubei increase their propensity to social distance when exposed to social environments characterized by the presence of a superspreader, while the effect is not present outside of the province. Our results appear to be specific to the context of COVID-19 and are not explained by general differences in risk attitudes and social preferences.
Effect of local anesthesia on pain scale and specimen adequacy in fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules for liquid-based cytology
Authors: Lee Tsung-Lun , Wei Pei-Yin , Tai Shyh-Kuan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a routine diagnostic test for thyroid nodules. The use of local anesthesia (LA) before the procedure is still controversial. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the degree of pain and specimen adequacy in liquid-based cytology (LBC) for FNAB of thyroid nodules with and without LA. A total of 100 consecutive patients with thyroid nodules who underwent FNAB with and without LA between January and December 2020 were included. Patients who received LA had a significantly lower immediate pain scale score (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that no use of LA (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50–8.10, P = 0.004) and lesion abutting the trachea (OR = 6.14, 95% CI = 1.56–24.12, P = 0.009) were independently and significantly associated with pain degree immediately after FNAB. A higher proportion of patients who previously underwent FNAB thought that LA was helpful and should be performed prior to FNAB. However, the use of LA did not improve the specimen adequacy (P = 0.075). The results showed that administration of LA with a proper technique before ultrasound-guided FNAB might reduce immediate pain after the procedure, and patients may experience more pain when the aspirated nodules abut the trachea.
Ecological transition and sustainable development: integrated statistical indicators to support public policies
Authors: Rotondo Francesco , Perchinunno Paola , L’Abbate Samuela , Mongelli Lucia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe evolution of the concept of sustainability and the availability of new statistical information requires constant checks on the set of indicators so that they accurately perform the task of representing well-being in our society. The Sustainable Development Goals refer to various development domains relating to environmental, social, economic, and institutional issues that have been placed at the basis of the Missions envisaged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Specifically, the subject of ecological transition and the related statistical indicators and the evaluations of the effectiveness of the programming implemented by the NRRP to pursue it in practice are of significant interest. The numerous data available were analyzed at a regional level through multivariate statistical methodologies (Totally Fuzzy and Relative method) capable of synthesizing the various information to evaluate the territorial adequacy of the economic planning of its various components. Through the representation on a GIS basis of the geographical distribution of the synthesis values of the fuzzy indices, the paper highlights the different starting point existing between Italian regions. So, these integrated statistical indicators can help public policies to be oriented in a more coherent way with their environmental declared objectives. Starting from the availability of multiple data, it is developed an integrated approach to the evaluation of the local government policies in place and to monitor the progress of subsequent interventions by the Italian government.
Investigation of the spermathecal morphology, reproductive strategy and fate of stored spermatozoa in three important thysanopteran species
Authors: Krueger Stephanie , Martins de S. e Silva Juliana , Santos de Oliveira Cristine , Moritz Gerald 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn insects, females can keep sperm capable of fertilisation over a long period with the help of the spermatheca. The effectiveness of storing fertile sperm is expected to reflect in the reproductive strategy and, thus, the morphology of the involved organs. In this work, we focused on the relationship between reproduction and morphology in the haplodiploid Thysanoptera, especially if a loss of these traits occurs under thelytoky. The spermathecal morphology and the fate of stored spermatozoa were studied by microscopic techniques (high-resolution x-ray computed tomography and transmission electron microscopy) in three species with different reproductive modes and lifestyles (Suocerathrips linguis, Echinothrips americanus, Hercinothrips femoralis). Mating experiments were conducted to analyse the use of the transferred sperm in the thelytokous H. femoralis. Results show that the spermathecae are relatively simple, which can be explained by the availability of sperm and the short lifespan of the females. However, the spermatheca in H. femoralis seems to be vestigial compared to the arrhenotokous species and females do not use sperm for fertilisation. No substantial change was observed in the structure of spermatozoa, despite an enlargement of the sperm organelles being measured during storage in all three species. The results of this work demonstrate differences in the morphology of the spermatheca, especially concerning the reproduction mode, promoting the understanding of the complex interaction between morphology and behaviour.
Improvement of the aerodynamic behaviour of the passenger car by using a combine of ditch and base bleed
Authors: Al-Saadi Ahmed , Al-Farhany Khaled , Faisal Ahmed Essa , Alomari Mohammed Azeez , Jamshed Wasim , Eid Mohamed R. , Tag El Din El Sayed M. , Amjad Ayesha 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe current study investigates different methods to minimize the drag coefficient (CD) without ignoring the safety factor related to the stability of a vehicle, i.e., the lift coefficient (CL). The study was carried out by employing an SUV car analyzed numerically using one of the CFD software, Ansys. Four different models such as realizable k–ε, standard k–ω, shear stress transport k–ω, and Reynolds stress model (RSM). The considered models have been validated with experimental data and found in good agreement. The considered inlet velocity varies from 28 to 40 m/s, the results showed that the drag coefficient and the stability are both improved by applying a modification on the roof of the considered car.
Prodigiosin inhibits the proliferation of glioblastoma by regulating the KIAA1524/PP2A signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Wenguo , Gao Dezheng , Ning Liping , Jiang Yousheng , Li Zhao , Huang Bin , Chen Anjing , Wang Chuanwei , Liu Yuguang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractProdigiosin (PG), a member of a family of natural red pigments produced by a variety of bacteria, was first discovered in Serratia marcescens. PG has been reported to have an apoptosis-inducing effect in many cancers, such as lymphoma, colon cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. For this study, we used three glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines (LN229, U251 and A172) to explore the effect of prodigiosin on GBM cells. A CCK8 assay was used to evaluate cell viability. We determinedthe cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry and measured proliferation by an EdU incorporation assay. The expression of different molecules was investigated by western blotting and RT-PCR. We further confirmed our results by plasmid transfection and lentiviral transduction. The LN229 xenograft model was used to study the effect of prodigiosin in vivo. We confirmed that prodigiosin played an anticancer role in several GBM cell lines through the KIAA1524/PP2A/Akt signalling pathway. Prodigiosin inhibited the protein expression of KIAA1524 by suppressing its transcription, which led to activation of PP2A. Afterward, PP2A inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, thereby inducing increased expression of p53/p21. Furthermore, it was verified that prodigiosin inhibited the KIAA1524/PP2A/Akt axis in vivo in the LN229 xenograft model. These data improve the understanding of the anticancer effects of prodigiosin and further highlight the potential of prodigiosin for the development of anti-glioma drugs.
About the age and depositional depth of the sediments with reported bipedal footprints at Trachilos (NW Crete, Greece)
Authors: Zachariasse Willem Jan , Lourens Lucas J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNew data on the foraminifers and the regional geological setting of the Trachilos sediments (NW Crete, Greece) from which Gierlinski et al. (Proc Geol Assoc 128: 697–710, 2017) described hominin-like footprints show that the published 6.05 Ma-shallow marine interpretation is incorrect. In our new interpretation, the Trachilos succession is Late Pliocene and part of a shallowing marine series that became subaerially exposed some 3 millions of years ago. Placed in a larger geological context, Crete was an island during the Late Pliocene and separated by ~ 100 km of open sea from the nearest European mainland, and therefore out of reach of Late Pliocene hominins.
Positive effect of inaudible high-frequency components of sounds on glucose tolerance: a quasi-experimental crossover study
Authors: Kawai Norie , Honda Manabu , Nishina Emi , Ueno Osamu , Fukushima Ariko , Ohmura Rikka , Fujita Nahiko , Oohashi Tsutomu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAlthough stress significantly impacts on various metabolic syndromes, including diabetes mellitus, most stress management techniques are based on psychological and subjective approaches. This study examined how the presence or absence of the inaudible high-frequency component (HFC) of sounds, which activates deep-brain structures, affects glucose tolerance in healthy participants using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Sounds containing HFC suppressed the increase in glucose levels measured by incremental area under the curve in the OGTT compared with the otherwise same sounds without HFC. The suppression effect of HFC was more prominent in the older age group and the group with high HbA1c. This suggests that sounds with HFC are more effective in improving glucose tolerance in individuals at a higher risk of glucose intolerance.
Postharvest treatments with MnCl2 and ZnCl2 reduce enzymatic browning and enhance antioxidant accumulation in soya bean sprout
Authors: Jin Xijun , Zhou Weixin , Cao Liang , Zhang Yuxian 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSoya bean sprout is a nutrient-abundant vegetable. However, enzymatic browning of soya bean sprouts during storage remains a challenge. In this study, the effects of treatment with MnCl2or ZnCl2on the browning index, antioxidant nutrient accumulation, total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were investigated in soya bean sprouts after storage at 4 °C and 90% relative humidity for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The results showed that postharvest treatment with 1, 2 and 10 mM MnCl2or ZnCl2profoundly retarded enzymatic browning in soya bean sprouts to different extents. Compared with the control, the 10 mM MnCl2and ZnCl2treatments drastically enhanced ascorbic acid, total thiol and phenolic content, and enhanced FRAP (ferric-reducing ability of plasma) antioxidant capacity in stored soya bean sprouts. Moreover, the MnCl2and ZnCl2treatments enhanced SOD, CAT and PAL but decreased PPO and POD activities compared with the control. In addition, the Mn and Zn content in soya bean sprouts significantly increased, by approximately two- to threefold, compared with the control. This study provides a new method for improving the nutrient quality of soya bean sprouts based on postharvest Mn or Zn supplementation.
Soret and Dufour influences on forced convection of Cross radiative nanofluid flowing via a thin movable needle
Authors: Rehman M. Israr Ur , Chen Haibo , Hamid Aamir , Qayyum Sajid , Jamshed Wasim , Raizah Zehba , Eid Mohamed R. , Din El Sayed M. Tag El 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe main feature of the current investigation is to analyze the magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection flow of Cross fluid. Flow is due to a movable thin needle with Soret and Dufour effect. Heat generation/absorption and nonlinear heat radiation are used in the energy equation. Characteristics of the chemical reaction and thermal activation are given special attention. Appropriate variables are introduced for the transformation of partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations. With the assistance of Runge–Kutta Fehlberg's fourth- fifth-order method with the shooting technique, we determined the prominent result numerically. The prominent examined parameters range is velocity and temperature ratios, heat generation, Dufour, Hartmann, Schmidt numbers ($$0.1\le{{\lambda}},{{{\theta}}}_{{{w}}},{{Q}},{{{D}}}_{{{u}}},\boldsymbol{ }{{M}},{{S}}{{c}}\le 0.7$$

0.1
≤
λ
,

θ
w

,
Q
,

D
u

,

M
,
S
c
≤
0.7

), needle thickness ($$0\le {{a}}\le 15$$

0
≤
a
≤
15

), radiative parameter ($$5\le {{R}}{{d}}\le 8$$

5
≤
R
d
≤
8

), and Weissenberg number ($$0.01\le {{W}}{{e}}\le 0.09$$

0.01
≤
W
e
≤
0.09

), respectively. Graphs for velocity, thermal, concentration, Skin friction coefficient, and heat and mass transport rates are displayed and analyzed for physical parameters. A similar observation of mixed convection and needle thickness parameter is seen on the velocity field. Temperature and heat transfer rate are reverse behavior in the frame of the Dufour effect. Moreover, an enhancement in chemical reaction shows decay to the concentration field.
Improving Clinical Competence Through Simulated Training in Evidence-Based Practice for Stuttering: A Pilot Study
Authors: Byrd Courtney T. , Croft Robyn L. , Kelly Ellen M. 
Published: November 2022

Purpose:The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of an initial module (1.1; active listening skills) of the Simulated Training in Evidence-Based Practice for Stuttering (STEPS) program, a theory-driven, multimodule, content and learning platform designed to advance knowledge and skills in working with culturally and linguistically diverse persons who stutter of all ages.Method:Fifteen preservice speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were randomly assigned to complete either the STEPS 1.1 module or a control module. In both conditions, all participants engaged in pre– and post–clinical interviews with a standardized patient portraying a parent of a child who stutters. Prior to participation, all participants provided self-ratings on the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy–Health Profession Student. Post participation, trained observers rated all participants' active listening behaviors using the Active Listening Observation Scale–Modified. Post participation, the STEPS 1.1 participants also completed an intervention acceptability questionnaire.Results:No differences between groups were found in self-perceived clinical empathy prior to participation. Participants who completed the STEPS 1.1 condition utilized paraphrasing and client-directed eye gaze significantly more frequently at posttest than at pretest and significantly more than the control group at posttest. Quantitative and qualitative responses from the participants who completed STEPS 1.1 indicated high acceptability of its content, structure, duration, and perceived impact.Conclusion:Preliminary data from the present pilot study support use of the STEPS 1.1 module to improve preservice SLPs' use of skills that have been shown to predict perceived clinical empathy and increase assessment and treatment effectiveness.