Cheminformatics-based analysis identified (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxy benzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one as an inhibitor of Marburg replication by interacting with NP.

The highly pathogenic Marburg virus (MARV) is a member of the Filoviridae family, a non-segmented negative-strand RNA virus. This article represents the computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach for identifying drug-like compounds that prevent the MARV virus disease by inhibiting nucleoprotein, which is responsible for their replication. This study used a wide range of in silico drug design techniques to identify potential drugs. Out of 368 natural compounds, 202 compounds passed ADMET, and molecular docking identified the top two molecules (CID: 1804018 and 5280520) with a high binding affinity of -6.77 and -6.672 kcal/mol, respectively. Both compounds showed interactions with the common amino acid residues SER_216, ARG_215, TYR_135, CYS_195, and ILE_108, which indicates that lead compounds and control ligands interact in the common active site/catalytic site of the protein. The negative binding free energies of CID: 1804018 and 5280520 were -66.01 and -31.29 kcal/mol, respectively. Two lead compounds were re-evaluated using MD modeling techniques, which confirmed CID: 1804018 as the most stable when complexed with the target protein. PC3 of the (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one (CID: 1804018) was 8.74 %, whereas PC3 of the 2'-Hydroxydaidzein (CID: 5280520) was 11.25 %. In this study, (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one (CID: 1804018) unveiled the significant stability of the proteins' binding site in ADMET, Molecular docking, MM-GBSA and MD simulation analysis studies, which also showed a high negative binding free energy value, confirming as the best drug candidate which is found in Angelica archangelica which may potentially inhibit the replication of MARV nucleoprotein.

Investigating the Knuckleball Effect in Soccer Using a Smart Ball and Training Machine.

The term knuckleball in sporting jargon is used to describe a ball that has been launched with minimal spin, resulting in a trajectory that is erratic and unpredictable. This phenomenon was first observed in baseball (where the term originated) and has since been observed in other sports. While knuckleball has long fascinated the scientific community, the bulk of research has primarily focused on knuckleball as it occurs in baseball. Following the changes in the design of the soccer ball after the 2006 World Cup, knuckleball and ball aerodynamics were exploited by soccer players. This research examined the properties of a knuckleball in the sport of soccer. We designed and evaluated a system that could reproduce the knuckleball effect on soccer balls based on previous theories and characteristics outlined in our literature review. Our system is comprised of the Adidas miCoach Smart Ball, a companion smart phone app for data collection, a ball-launching machine with programmable functions, and a video-based tracking system and Tracker motion analysis software. The results from the testing showed that our system was successfully able to produce knuckleball behaviour on the football in a highly consistent manner. This verified the dynamic models of knuckleball that we outline. While a small portion of the data showed some lateral deviations (zig-zag trajectory), this erratic and unpredictable trajectory was much smaller in magnitude when compared to examples seen in professional games. The sensor data from the miCoach app and trajectory data from the Tracker motion analysis software, showed that the knuckleballs were consistently reproduced in-line with theoretical dynamics.

Investigation into the Trampoline Dynamic Characteristics and Analysis of Double Bounce Vibrations.

Double bounce is an unusual and potentially very hazardous phenomenon that most trampoline users may have experienced, yet few would have really understood how and why it occurs. This paper provides an in-depth investigation into the double bounce. Firstly, the static and dynamic characteristics of a recreational trampoline are analysed theoretically and verified through experiments. Then, based on the developed trampoline dynamic model, double bounce simulation is conducted with two medicine balls released with different time delays. Through simulation, the process of double bounce is presented in detail, which comprehensively reveals how energy is transferred between users during double bounce. Furthermore, the effect of release time delay on double bounce is also presented. Finally, we conducted an experiment which produced similar results to the simulation and validated the reliability of the trampoline dynamic model and double bounce theoretical analysis.

A Measurement of 'Walking-the-Wall' Dynamics: An Observational Study Using Accelerometry and Sensors to Quantify Risk Associated with Vertical Wall Impact Attenuation in Trampoline Parks.

This study illustrates the application of a tri-axial accelerometer and gyroscope sensor device on a trampolinist performing the walking-the-wall manoeuvre on a high-performance trampoline to determine the performer dynamic conditions. This research found that rigid vertical walls would allow the trampolinist to obtain greater control and retain spatial awareness at greater levels than what is achievable on non-rigid vertical walls. With a non-rigid padded wall, the reaction force from the wall can be considered a variable force that is not constrained, and would not always provide the feedback that the trampolinist needs to maintain the balance with each climb up the wall and fall from height. This research postulates that unattenuated vertical walls are safer than attenuated vertical walls for walking-the-wall manoeuvres within trampoline park facilities. This is because non-rigid walls would provide higher g-force reaction feedback from the wall, which would reduce the trampolinist's control and stability. This was verified by measuring g-force on a horizontal rigid surface versus a non-rigid surface, where the g-force feedback was 27% higher for the non-rigid surface. Control and stability are both critical while performing the complex walking-the-wall manoeuvre. The trampolinist experienced a very high peak g-force, with a maximum g-force of approximately 11.5 g at the bottom of the jump cycle. It was concluded that applying impact attenuation padding to vertical walls used for walking-the-wall and similar activities would increase the likelihood of injury; therefore, padding of these vertical surfaces is not recommended.

Analysis of Racing Greyhound Path Following Dynamics Using a Tracking System.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has been working closely with the Australasian greyhound industry for more than 5 years to reduce greyhound race-related injuries. During this period, UTS has developed and deployed several different techniques including inertial measurement units, drones, high-frame-rate cameras, track geometric surveys, paw print analysis, track soil spring-force analysis, track maintenance data, race injury data, race computer simulation and modelling to assist in this task. During the period where the UTS recommendations have been adopted, the injury rate has dropped significantly. This has been achieved by animal welfare interventions that lower racing congestion, and lower transient forces and jerk rates the greyhounds experience during a race. This study investigated the use of a greyhound location tracing system where small and lightweight signal emitting devices were placed inside a pocket in the jackets of racing greyhounds. The system deployed an enhanced version of a player tracking system currently used to track the motion of human athletes. Greyhounds gallop at speeds of almost 20 m/s and are known to change their heading direction to exceed a yaw rate of 0.4 rad/s. The high magnitudes of velocity, acceleration and jerk posed significant technical challenges, as the greyhounds pushed the human tracking system beyond its original design limits. Clean race data gathered over a six-month period were analysed and presented for a typical 2-turn greyhound racing track. The data confirmed that on average, greyhounds ran along a path that resulted in the least energy wastage, which includes smooth non-linear paths that resemble easement curves at the transition between the straights to the semi-circular bends. This study also verified that the maximum jerk levels greyhounds experienced while racing were lower than the jerk levels that had been predicted with simulations and modelling for the track path. Furthermore, the results from this study show the possibility of such a systems deployment in data gathering in similar settings to greyhound racing such as thoroughbred and harness horse racing for understanding biomechanical kinematic performance.

Uricostatic and uricosuric effect of grapefruit juice in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

The aim of this study was to examine the preventive action of grapefruit juice (GFJ) against potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. The results showed that GFJ significantly (p < .05) inhibit the serum and hepatic xanthine oxidase enzyme, lower uric acid level, serum creatinine, uromodulin, and blood urea nitrogen levels to normal and lower inflammation related genes IL-1ß, caspase-1, NLRP3, and ASC. Furthermore, histopathology analysis revealed that GFJ markedly improve the renal and intestinal morphology. The mRNA expression of urate transporter 1, glucose transporter 9 were downregulated, whereas ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCG2) was upregulated in the GFJ-treated group. The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that the ABCG2 protein expression in the small and large intestine was significantly upregulated after the GFJ administration. These results suggested that GFJ can be used as a urate lowering agent and future mechanistic studies should be conducted. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results of current study indicated that utilization of GFJ as an anti-hyperuricemic agent for the treatment of hyperuricemia. This article will be very valuable for all those peoples which are directly or indirectly linked with this disease.

Intranasal meningoencephalocoele-a rare childhood condition.

Congenital or acquired intranasal meningocoele or meningoencephalocoele is a rare condition ever reported in world literature. We report a case of intranasal meningoencephalocoele in which a 10 month old male child presented with left sided progressive nasal obstruction, nasal mass and reluctant to feed. On examination slight broadening of the bridge of the nose with obliteration of left nasomaxillary fold, mucoid discharge and a pinkish, polypoidal, non tender, non pulsatile mass with prominent blood vessels on the surface occupying almost 3/4(th) of the nasal cavity was observed. On probing it appeared to be attached to roof of left nasal cavity. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense area in the nasal cavity but there was no bony defect in the skull base. Peroperatively on aspiration of nasal cystic mass revealed free flow of clear fluid which was biochemically CSF. A one stage, Lynch Howarth approach, correctional procedure was performed. We present here a discussion of findings and surgical treatment. Early diagnosis and referral are of paramount importance, because failure to identify this leads to fatal outcome if surgery performed.

Ameliorating effects of Raphanus sativus leaves on sodium arsenite-induced perturbation of blood indices in Swiss albino mice

Objective: To evaluate the ameliorating effects of Raphanus sativus leaves (RSL) against sodium arsenite(Sa)-induced adverse effects through mice experiments. Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided into four equal groups: control, Sa, RSL, RSL + Sa. Sa (10 mg/kg body weight/day), and powder form of RSL (50 mg/kg body weight/day) were provided as food supplement orallty. Blood indices were measured using commercially available kits through colorimetric methods. Results: It was observed that lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly(P<0.05) higher in Sa-treated mice than those in the control group.RSL significantly reduced Sa-induced elevation of the activities of these enzymes in serum significantly (P < 0.05). Serum butyrylcholinesterase activity and high density lipoproteins cholesterol levels in Sa-treated mice were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the control group, and the food supplementation of RSL could significantly(P<0.05)prevent the reduction of Sa-mediated serum butyryl cholinesterase activity and high density lipoproteins cholesterol levels.RSL could also reduce the Sa-induced elevation of serum urea level significantly(P<0.05). Conclusions: Results of this study suggest the protective or ameliorating effects of RSL on Sa-induced perturbation of blood indices are related to the hepatic,cardiovascular and kidney dysfunction.Therefore,RSL may be useful to reduce arsenic toxicity in human in the future.

Comparative analysis of antibody production by mRNA 1273, AZD 1222 and BBIBP-CorV on elderly people suffering from different co-morbidity in Bangladesh

BackgroundAs the pandemic spread so quickly all over the world, the scientist did not get the right time to cover all age group populations for a vaccine trial. The elderly population is usually vulnerable for COVID-19 which was proven by different research work and focus was to save this group of people was the prime concern for every country of the world. Though vaccines that got emergency use authorization have proven their efficacy which one is better for elderly people suffering from different co-morbid conditions is still not established. In this study, we want to evaluate the antibody production by mRNA 1273, AZD 1222, and BBIBP-CorV in elderly people with different comorbidity. MethodWe include 40 people in each group who have at least one comorbid condition and the total sample size was 120. The sample was taken from them before vaccination and 14 days after the second dose. Adverse event following immunization was recorded if any. Antibody measurement was done by ELISA method by using DiaSino SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD IgG Quant. ResultAmong 120 participants with an equal number of participants in each of the vaccine groups all of them were aged between 60-72 years, of whom 65% were males and 35 % were females. Anti S1 RBD IgG was detected among all the participants from each vaccine group after 14 days of taking their 2nd dose. A non-parametric multiple comparison test (Kruskal-Wallis test) of Anti S1 RBD IgG levels among three vaccine groups revealed significant differences (P-value <0.05) between groups. The IgG level was almost twice in the mRNA-1273 group (mean 577.1{+/-} 44.33 AU/ml) compared to AZD1222(mean 308.5 {+/-}37.91 AU/ml) and BBIBP-CorV group. ConclusionFrom this small sample size, we predicate that mRNA 1273 produce much higher anti-S1 RBD IgG than the other two vaccines. Every vaccine is safe and effective whose is approved by WHO. Calculative use of the vaccine may produce an outcome for the future as we are still way behind in the proper amount of vaccine production.

Third dose vaccine With BNT162b2 and its response on Long COVID after Breakthrough infections

BackgroundBreakthrough events are not rare after emerging of Delta variant. On the other hand, long COVID is an unsolved issue where sufferers suffer a lot. Some study has shown that COVID-19 vaccine has improved some clinical and libratory parameters in long COVID. But what will be the possible measures against long COVID after the breakthrough event is still a burning question. MethodWe have observed the third dose by BNT162b2 in a small group(n=20) who were diagnosed as long COVID after breakthrough infections, in Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. CRP(C-reactive protein) and Anti S1 RBD IgG responses were measured. ResultAll 20 participants in the study received both dosage of "ChAdOx1-nCoV-19" in between February 2021 to April 2021 and had breakthrough infection in the same or following month which led to long COVID syndrome. They all received a third dose of "BNT162b2". A before and after 3rd dose (14 days after) CRP from participants serum was measured. A Wilcoxon matched paired signed rank test revealed significant (P value <0.05) reduction of inflammatory marker (CRP) after receiving the 3rd vaccine dose. Pre and post 3rd dose quantitative anti S1-RBD IgG response was measured and compared that revealed significant boosting effect that clearly correlates with the CRP response. ConclusionCoverage of vaccines all over the world is still not expected level to control this pandemic. WHO has not recommended the use of a third/booster dose of COVID vaccines. Though our results show some sort of hope for the long COVID in breakthrough events after getting the third dose more study is needed to conclude this issue.