bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-falciparum species and submicroscopic infections in three epidemiological malaria facets in Cameroon
Authors: Foko Loick Pradel Kojom , Hawadak Joseph , Motse Francine Dorgelesse Kouemo , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Mawabo Lugarde Kamgain , Pande Veena , Singh Vineeta 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: There are growing reports on non-falciparum species and submicroscopic infections in sub-Saharan Africa countries but little information is available from Cameroon. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in four towns (Douala, Maroua, Mayo-Oulo and Pette) from three malaria epidemiological strata (Forest, Sahelian and Soudanian) of Cameroon. Malaria parasites were detected by Giemsa light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-falciparum samples were characterized and their 18S gene sequences were BLASTed. Results: Malaria parasites were PCR-detected in 82.4 % (98/119) of the patients and among them 12.2% (12/98) of asymptomatic cases. Three Plasmodium species viz. P. falciparum (Pf), P. ovale curtisi (PoC), and P. vivax (Pv), and two co-infection types (Pf + Pv and Pf + PoC) were found. The remaining infections were mono-infections with either Pf or PoC. All non-Pf infections were symptomatic and microscopic. The overall proportion of submicroscopic infections was 11.8% (14/119). Most of asymptomatic and submicroscopic infections cases were self-medicated with antimalarial drugs and/or medicinal plants. PoC sequences were phylogenetically closer to sequences from New Guinea, Benin and Guinea Bissau while Pv isolates appeared closer to those from China, Yemen and Iran. No G6PD-d case was found among the non-Pf infections. Conclusions: This study confirms our previous works on the circulation of Pv and PoC, and absence of P. knowlesi in Cameroon. More studies are needed to address non-falciparum malaria along with submicroscopic infections in context of antimalarial drug self-medication to efficiently manage and control malaria in Cameroon.
Assessment of the effects of multigenerational succession on soil chemical environment, fertility and enzyme activity in Eucalyptus plantations using structural equation modeling
Authors: Tang Jian , Zhao Junyu , Shi Yuanyuan , Qin Zuoyu , Chen Lijun , Song Xianchong , Huang Xiaorui , Wu Lichao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Eucalyptus is a short-rotation tree species widely used in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. However, the
high-intensity management mode of multi-generational succession has also made eucalyptus planting controversial due to
ecological and environmental problems, including soil degradation and declines in stand biomass. This paper aims to reveal
the effects of multi-generational succession of eucalyptus on soil fertility, organic structure, and biological properties. Soil
samples were collected from eucalyptus plantations of different stand ages (5, 11, 17, and 21 years old) in a typical area in
south Asia; soil organic fraction structure and content characteristics were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR);
and structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect influences of soil fertility, enzyme activity, and
organic fraction on stand biomass. The results showed that the soil fertility and enzymatic activity indexes were significantly
different (p < 0.05) in different stand age soils, with the exception of total potassium and cellulase. FTIR analysis showed that
11 infrared absorption peaks existed in the soils of this study area, attributed to silicates, aromatics, carbonate ions, sugars,
esters and polysaccharides, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and phenolic alcohols. Combined with the results of peak area integration,
the content of esters (1088, 1165 cm1), aromatics (1631 cm1), and phenolic alcohols (3423 cm1) was significantly higher in 17-
and 21-year-old stand soils than in control soils. The results of the structural equation model showed that organic components
were negatively related (p < 0.01) to enzyme activity and biomass fertility, with standardized coefficients of 0.53 and 0.49,
respectively. In summary, we concluded that multi-generation succession of eucalyptus trees can change the structure of soil
organic functional group composition and promote the enrichment of aromatic and phenolic alcohol functional groups. The
results of the structural equation modeling established the relationships between stand age and soil fertility, organic fraction,
enzyme activity, and biomass. The increase in aromatic and phenolic alcohol functional groups was the main change in the
organic fraction of the soil. Such changes can directly inhibit the increase in eucalyptus biomass and indirectly negatively affect
biomass by inhibiting enzyme activity, and the combination of these two inhibitory pathways could be the main reason for the
decline in stand biomass after successive plantings of eucalyptus.
Cytotoxic effects of molybdenum oxide nanoparticles and {Mo36} polyoxomolybdate nanoclusters to the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Kalehjahi Hanifeh Akbarian , Kosari-Nasab Morteza , Amini Mojtaba , Movafeghi Ali 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In recent years, molybdenum-based nanomaterials have been widely used in different industrial sectors because of their multifunctional properties. Despite their extensive industrialization, there is a lack of needed information concerning their adverse influences on ecosystems and living organisms. In this study, molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) and {Mo36} polyoxomolybdate nanoclusters ({Mo36} NCs) were synthesized using hydrothermal methods and characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM techniques. Subsequently, their toxic effects on the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris were measured. Both nanomaterials (NMs) induced cytotoxicity by reducing the cell number and biomass of algae in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy revealed shape modification and plasmolysis of the microalgal cells after exposure to nanomaterials. Flow cytometric analyses confirmed the reduction in cell viability in the samples exposed to 100 mg L− 1 of MoO3 NPs and {Mo36} NCs for 4 days. According to the results, MoO3 NPs had more drastic effects on the viability of C. vulgaris cells compared to {Mo36} NCs. In addition, after exposure of algal cells to the high concentrations of nanomaterials, the content of photosynthetic pigments has decreased. Enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) concurrent with alteration of phenol and flavonoid contents as non-enzymatic antioxidants indicated the activation of cell defense systems in response to the oxidative stress induced by nanomaterials. Our findings conclusively established that MoO3 NPs and {Mo36} NCs cause life-threatening cytotoxicity in algal cells and induce oxidative stress.
Mechanism of Curaxin-dependent Nucleosome Unfolding by FACT
Authors: Studitsky Vasily , Volokh Olesya , Sivkina Anastasiia , Moiseenko Andrey , Popinako Anna , Karlova Maria , Valieva Maria , Kotova Elena , Kirpichnikov Mikhail , Formosa Tim , Sokolova Olga 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Human FACT (FACT) is a multifunctional histone chaperone involved in transcription, replication and DNA repair. Curaxins are anticancer compounds that induce FACT-dependent nucleosome unfolding and trapping of FACT in the chromatin of cancer cells (c-trapping) through an unknown molecular mechanism. Here, we analyzed the effects of curaxin CBL0137 on nucleosome unfolding by FACT using spFRET and electron microscopy. By itself, FACT adopted multiple conformations, including a novel, compact, four-domain state in which the previously unresolved NTD of the SPT16 subunit of FACT was localized, apparently stabilizing a compact configuration. Multiple, primarily open conformations of FACT-nucleosome complexes were observed during curaxin-supported nucleosome unfolding. The structures of intermediates suggest “decision points” in the unfolding/folding pathway where FACT can either promote disassembly or assembly of nucleosomes, with the outcome possibly being influenced by additional factors. The data suggest novel mechanisms of nucleosome unfolding by FACT and c-trapping by curaxins.
Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotic and organic dyes using biogenic synthesized CuO/Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite: Pathways and mechanism insights
Authors: Kaushal Sandeep , Kumar Avdhesh , Bains Himani , Singh Pritpal 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Tetracycline (TC) is a frequently administered antibiotic in many countries, due to its low price and excellent potency. However, certain antibiotics can be hazardous to living creatures due to their accumulation by complexation with metal ions which can contribute to teratogenicity and carcinogenicity. In this investigation, ferrous oxide-copper oxide nanocomposite (CuO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite) were synthesised employing Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf extract as a reductant and a capping agent in an environment friendly and economical green synthesis method. The as-synthesized CuO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite were comprehensively characterized using various sophisticated techniques and their efficiency as photocatalyst for degradation of TC antibiotic and toxic dyes i.e. rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The CuO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite exhibited exceptional efficiency for degradation of TC antibiotic (88% removal in 80 min), RhB (96% removal in 40 min) and MB (93% elimination in 40 min) with apparent rate constant of 0.048, 0.068 and 0.032 min− 1. In the degradation experiments, photocatalytic activities of CuO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite were studied by varying different factors such as time of contact, catalyst dose and solution pH. The role of reactive species in antibiotics and dye degradation was validated by radical scavenging studies which indicated that .OH radical has a critical role in photocatalytic decomposition. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) investigations were employed to anticipate a plausible mechanism for TC degradation.
Exact Gaussian Processes for Massive Datasets via Non-Stationary Sparsity-Discovering Kernels
Authors: Noack Marcus , Krishnan Harinarayan , Risser Mark , Reyes Kristofer 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A Gaussian Process (GP) is a prominent mathematical framework for stochastic function approximation in science and engineering applications. This success is largely attributed to the GP's analytical tractability, robustness, non-parametric structure, and natural inclusion of uncertainty quantification.
Unfortunately, the use of exact GPs is prohibitively expensive for large datasets due to their unfavorable numerical complexity of $O(N^3)$ in computation and $O(N^2)$ in storage.
All existing methods addressing this issue utilize some form of approximation --- usually considering subsets of the full dataset or finding representative pseudo-points that render the covariance matrix well-structured and sparse. These approximate methods can lead to inaccuracies in function approximations and often limit the user's flexibility in designing expressive kernels.
Instead of inducing sparsity via data-point geometry and structure, we propose to take advantage of naturally-occurring sparsity by allowing the kernel to discover --- instead of induce --- sparse structure.
The premise of this paper is that GPs, in their most native form, are often naturally sparse, but commonly-used kernels do not allow us to exploit this sparsity. The core concept of exact, and at the same time sparse GPs relies on kernel definitions that provide enough flexibility to learn and encode not only non-zero but also zero covariances. This principle of ultra-flexible, compactly-supported, and non-stationary kernels, combined with HPC and constrained optimization, lets us scale exact GPs well beyond 5 million data points.
Rational Design of Stable Fluorescent and Hydrophobic Cellulose-based Film for Full-band UV-blocking by Surface Modification
Authors: Qiu Changjing , Liu Hongchen , Shen Kaiyuan , Yuan Mengzhen , Qi Haisong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A novel fluorescent, hydrophobic cellulose-based UV-blocking film was developed via chemical surface modification. Cellulose acetoacetate (CAA) film was firstly regenerated by acetyl acetylation of cellulose in a homogeneous system. Based on this esterified film with acetoacetyl groups, both 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) fluorescent ring and hydrophobic octadecylamine (ODA) were bonded to cellulose chains through Hantzsch reaction and the formation of enamine bond, by using a one-pot process under room temperature. The resulting film exhibited bright fluorescent and excellent UV-blocking properties (shielding almost 100% UV), which are very stable even being exposed to long periods of UV radiation, harsh temperature treatment and different solvents. In addition, this film has good hydrophobic feature (the contact angle reach up to 112°). This work provided a facile and environmentally friendly strategy to fabricate multifunctional cellulose-based film, which had great application potential in the field of UV protection, fluorescent materials, packaging and cover materials for greenhouse.
Clinical Significance of Curcuminoids Alone in Alleviating Pain and Dysfunction for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Zhao , Tian Linling , Mu Panyun , Hu Yimei , Xiong Feng , Ma Xu 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Curcuminoids (CURs) are the principal ingredients of Curcuma longa L. [Zingiberaceae] (CL)—an herbal plant used in east Asia to alleviate pain and inflammation. Thus far, the therapeutic effects of CURs for knee osteoarthritis (OA) uncovered by multiple reviews remained uncertain due to broadly involving trials with different agents-combined or CURs-free interventions. Therefore, we formed stringent selection criteria and assessment methods to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness of CURs alone in the treatment of knee OA.Methods: A series of databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of CURs for knee OA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using meta-analysis and the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for both statistical and clinical significance.Results: Fourteen studies with 1633 patients were included. Overall, CURs were significantly more effective than controls in the improvements of VAS for pain (WMD: −1.46, 95% CI: −2.13 to −0.8), WOMAC total score (WMD: −7.06, 95% CI: −12.27 to −1.84), WOMAC pain score (WMD: −1.42, 95% CI: −2.41 to −0.43), WOMAC function score (WMD: −5.04, 95% CI: −7.65 to −2.43), but not in WOMAC stiffness score (WMD: −0.34, 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.1). Moreover, the effect sizes of VAS for pain and WOMAC total score exceeded their MCID, while WOMAC subscale scores did not. Additionally, CURs did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events (AEs) compared with placebo (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.67), and significantly lowered the incidence of AEs when compared with NSAIDs (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.9).Conclusions: CURs alone can be expected to achieve considerable analgesic and functional promotion effects for patients with symptomatic knee OA in short term, without inducing an increase of adverse events. However, considering the low quality and substantial heterogeneity of present studies, a cautious and conservative recommendation for broader clinical use of CURs should still be made. Further high-quality studies are necessary to investigate the impact of different dosages, optimization techniques and administration approaches on long-term safety and efficacy of CURs, so as to strengthen clinical decision making for patients with symptomatic knee OA.
Estimation of the ED50 of propofol with intravenous lidocaine for inserting gastroscope without body movement in adult patients: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Qi Xiu-Ru , Sun Jing-Yi , An Li-Xin , Zhang Ke 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundCirculatory and respiratory depression are common problems that occur in propofol alone sedation during gastroscopy. As a widely used analgesic adjuvant, intravenous lidocaine can reduce the consumption of propofol during ERCP or colonoscopy. However, it is still unknown the ED50 of propofol when combined with lidocaine intravenously. This study aimed to estimate the ED50 of propofol, when combined with lidocaine as an adjuvant, for inserting gastrointestinal endoscope successfully.Methods59 patients undergoing gastroscopy or gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were randomly divided into control group (Group C, normal saline + propofol) or lidocaine group (Group L, lidocaine + propofol). Patients were initially injected a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine in Group L, whereas equivalent volume of 0.9% saline in Group C. Anaesthesia was then induced with a single bolus of propofol in all subjects. The induction dose of propofol was determined by the modified Dixon's up-and-down method, and the initial dose was 1.5mg/kg in both groups. The primary outcome was the ED50 of propofol induction dose. The secondary outcomes were the first time to add propofol, the movements and adverse events.ResultsTotally, 59 patients were enrolled and completed this study. Compared with the Group C, the ED50 of propofol induction dose was significantly reduced in the Group L (1.68±0.11 mg/kg vs. 1.88 ± 0.13 mg/kg) (P = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in induction time (P = 0.115) and the first propofol bolus time (P = 0.655) between the two groups.ConclusionThe estimated ED50 of propofol induction dose with intravenous lidocaine for successful endoscope insertion in adult patients, was significantly reduced compared with the saline group.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, No: ChiCTR2200059450. Registered on 29 April 2022. Prospective registration. http://www.chictr.org.cn.
Experimental and computational investigations on structural, spectroscopic, electronic and thermodynamic, druggability and pharmacokinetics of a hybrid organic-inorganic synthetic arsenate
Authors: Mhadhbi Noureddine , Dgachi Souad , Issaoui Noureddine , Nasr Samia , Badraoui Riadh , Badraoui Bechir , Naïli Houcine 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
An experimental and theoretical study of the molecular structure of an organic arsenate templated by 4-aminopyridine, with the general formula (C5H7N2)(C5H8N2)[AsO4]·H2O ((4-APH)(4-APH2)[AsO4]·H2O), is presented. The optimized geometry, vibrational frequencies and various thermodynamic parameters of the title compound calculated using DFT methods are in agreement with the experimental values. The theoretical calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) basis set levels. A detailed interpretation of the IR and Raman spectra were reported. The thermodynamic functions (heat capacity, entropy, and enthalpy) from spectroscopic data by statistical methods were obtained for the range of temperature 100–1000 K. The molecular orbital calculations such as Natural Bond Orbitals (NBOs), AIM approach, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), NLO characteristic and Hirshfeld surface analysis were performed with the same DFT level. Electronic stability of the compound arising from hyper conjugative interactions and charge delocalization were investigated based on the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The molecular docking simulation results showed an excellent agreement with the experimental findings and satisfactory support the antiviral effects, the druggability and pharmacokinetic properties of the compound.
Congenital hypopituitarism and multiple midline defects in a newborn with non-familial Cat Eye syndrome
Authors: Serra Gregorio , Giambrone Clara , Antona Vincenzo , Cardella Francesca , Carta Maurizio , Cimador Marcello , Corsello Giovanni , Giuffrè Mario , Insinga Vincenzo , Maggio Maria Cristina , Pensabene Marco , Piro Ettore 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundCat eye syndrome (CES) is a rare chromosomal disease, with estimated incidence of about 1 in 100,000 live newborns. The classic triad of iris coloboma, anorectal malformations, and auricular abnormalities is present in 40% of patients, and other congenital defects may also be observed. The typical associated cytogenetic anomaly relies on an extra chromosome, derived from an inverted duplication of short arm and proximal long arm of chromosome 22, resulting in partial trisomy or tetrasomy of such regions (inv dup 22pter-22q11.2).Case presentationWe report on a full-term newborn, referred to us soon after birth. Physical examination showed facial dysmorphisms, including hypertelorism, down slanted palpebral fissures, and dysplastic ears with tragus hypoplasia and pre-auricular pit. Ophthalmologic evaluation and heart ultrasound identified left chorioretinal and iris coloboma and ostium secundum type atrial septal defect, respectively. Based on the suspicion of cat eye syndrome, a standard karyotype analysis was performed, and detected an extra small marker chromosome confirming the CES diagnosis. The chromosomal abnormality was then defined by array comparative genome hybridization (a-CGH, performed also in the parents), which identified the size of the rearrangement (3 Mb), and its de novo occurrence. Postnatally, our newborn presented with persistent hypoglycemia and cholestatic jaundice. Endocrine tests revealed congenital hypothyroidism, cortisol and growth hormone (GH) deficiencies, which were treated with replacement therapies (levotiroxine and hydrocortisone). Brain magnetic resonance imaging, later performed, showed aplasia of the anterior pituitary gland, agenesis of the stalk and ectopic neurohypophysis, confirming the congenital hypopituitarism diagnosis. She was discharged at 2 months of age, and included in a multidisciplinary follow-up. She currently is 7 months old and shows a severe global growth failure, and developmental delay. She started GH replacement treatment, and continues oral hydrocortisone, along with ursodeoxycholic acid and levothyroxine, allowing an adequate control of glycemic and thyroid profiles as well as of cholestasis.ConclusionsCES phenotypic spectrum is wide and highly variable. Our report highlights how among the possible associated endocrine disorders, congenital hypopituitarism may occur, leading to persistent hypoglycemia and cholestasis. These patients should be promptly assessed for complete hormonal evaluations, in addition to major malformations and midline anomalies. Early recognition of such defects is necessary to decrease fatal events, as well as short and long-term related adverse outcomes.
Muscle deoxygenation and oxygen uptake plateau occurrence in children with obesity
Authors: Toulouse Louis , NEZONDET Charlie , MOREL Pierre , Mucci Patrick , Peze Thierry , ZUNQUIN Gautier 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: In children with obesity, the imbalance between O2 delivery and extraction might be related to the inability to achieve VO2max during treadmill tests. The aim of the study is to characterize the changes in muscle deoxyhemoglobin (BPdeoxy[heme]) in the gastrocnemius medialis of children with obesity. 26 children with obesity (11.6±1.7 y) performed a treadmill walking test to exhaustion during which pulmonary gas exchanges and gastrocnemius medialis deoxy[heme] responses were measured continuously. BPdeoxy[heme] was determined for each participant using piecewise double-linear regressions. VO2peak and deoxy[heme] responses were compared between participants who achieved the criteria for verifying VO2max (VO2 plateau or both heart rate >95% and respiratory exchange ratio >1.0) and those not. Results: BPdeoxy[heme] was detected in 25 out of 26 participants at 77±9% VO2peak and occurred at a similar relative intensity both subgroups. There was no relationship between BPdeoxy[heme] and VO2peak. Conclusion: The imbalance between O2 delivery and extraction occur at high intensites during a treadmill walking test in youth with obesity, that may partly explain their difficulty to further continue the test regardless of the achievement of the criteria for verifying VO2max.