bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of EGCG in Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy.
Authors: Romano Adriana , Martel Fátima 
Published: December 2020

Background::
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Green tea has been studied
for breast cancer chemopreventive and possibly chemotherapeutic effects due to its high content in
polyphenolic compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Method::
This review is based on literature research that included papers registered on the Medline®
database. The research was conducted through PubMed, applying the following query: “EGCG”AND
"breast cancer”. The result was a total of 88 articles in which this review stands on.

Results::
In vitro, EGCG shows antioxidant or pro-oxidant properties, depending on the concentration
and exposure time. EGCG blocks cell cycle progression and modulates signaling pathways that affect
cell proliferation and differentiation. EGCG also induces apoptosis, negatively modulates different
steps involved in metastasis, and targets angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF transcription. In vivo investigations
have shown that oral administration of EGCG results in the reduction of tumor growth and in
antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects in animal xenograft and allograft models.

Discussion::
Much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effects
of EGCG on mammary carcinogenesis. In addition, more studies in vivo are necessary to determine
the potential toxicity of EGCG at higher doses and to elucidate its interactions with other drugs.

Conclusion::
A protective effect of EGCG has been shown in different experimental models and under
different experimental conditions, suggesting clinical implications of EGCG for breast cancer prevention
and therapy. The data presented in this review support the importance of further investigations.
Healing Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles in Deep Tissue Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Zirui , Han Shangcong , Liu Panpan , Yang Xu , Han Jing , Wang Aimin , Zhang Ju 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Chronic inflammation and lack of angiogenesis are the important pathological
mechanisms in Deep Tissue Injury (DTI). Curcumin is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
agent. However, curcumin is unstable under acidic and alkaline conditions and can be
rapidly metabolized and excreted in the bile, which shortens its bioactivity and efficacy.

Objective:
This study aimed to prepare curcumin-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles
(CPNPs) and to elucidate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of wound healing
in DTI models.

Methods:
CPNPs were evaluated for particle size, biocompatibility, in vitro drug release and their
effect on in vivo wound healing.

Results :
The results of in vivo wound closure analysis revealed that CPNP treatments significantly
improved wound contraction rates (p<0.01) at a faster rate than the other three treatment groups.
H&E staining revealed that CPNP treatments resulted in complete epithelialization and thick granulation
tissue formation. In contrast, control groups resulted in a lack of compact epithelialization
and persistence of inflammatory cells within the wound sites. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis
showed that treatment with CPNPs suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression, and up-regulated
TGF-β, VEGF-A and IL-10 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis showed up-regulated protein
expression of TGF-β, VEGF-A and phosphorylated-STAT3.

Conclusion:
Our results showed that CPNPs enhanced wound healing in DTI models through modulation
of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway and subsequent upregulation of pro-healing factors.
Preparation and Characterization of Natural Quercetin-Based Mongolia Medicine Sendeng-4 Nanoemulsion (N-QUE-NE) and its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Zhang Yanfang , Du Rina , Zhao Pengwei , Lu Sha , Wu Rina , Wu Shikui 
Published: December 2020

Introduction:
Quercetin is the main active ingredient of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.
Traditional compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine has typically reported a synergistic
interaction among multiple components, while the synergistic effects of nanoemulsion have not
been fully clarified.

Objective:
The paper aims to study the preparation and characterization of quercetin-based Mongolia
Medicine Sendeng-4 nanoemulsion (N-QUE-NE) and its antibacterial activity and mechanisms.

Methods:
The morphology of the nanoemulsion was observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM), and the zeta potential, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and particle size distribution were
determined by the nanometer particle size analyze. The stability of nanoemulsion was investigated
by light test, high-speed centrifugal test and storage experiment at different temperatures. The combined
bacteriostatic effect of N-QUE-NE was studied in vitro by the double-dilution method and
checkerboard dilution method.

Results:
The appearance of N-QUE-NE was pale yellow, clear and transparent. The nanoemulsion
particles were spherical and uniformly distributed under TEM. The PDI was 0.052, the average particle
size was 19.6nm, and the Zeta potential was -0.2mV. When quercetin nanoemulsion (QUENE)
was used in combination with tannin nanoemulsion (TAN-NE) and toosendanin nanoemulsion
(TOO-NE), it exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect. However, the combination of QUE-NE
and geniposide nanoemulsion (GEN-NE) exhibited an antagonistic effect. It was revealed that the
antibacterial effect was in the order of quercetin-tannin-toosendanin nanoemulsion (QUE-TANTOO-
NE) > quercetin-tannin nanoemulsion (QUE-TAN-NE) > QUE-NE > quercetin-tannintoosendanin-
geniposide nanoemulsion (QUE-TAN-TOO-GEN-NE).

Conclusion:
This study explored the preparation and efficacy of N-QUE-NE, and the results
showed that quercetin, tannin and toosendanin had satisfactory synergistic antibacterial effects.
The antagonistic effect of quercetin and geniposide in nanoemulsion indicated that it is not beneficial
to the antibacterial effect of Sendeng-4, and further research needs to be conducted to clarify
its antibacterial effect.
Proteomic Study of the Mechanism of Talin-C as an Inhibitor of HIV Infection
Authors: Yin Lin , Zhang Yujiao , Shi Huichun , Xing Yaru , Lu Hongzhou , Zhang Lijun 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Talin-1 is involved in the invasion and synapse development of the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We found that talin-1 was cleaved into a 38 KDa fragment
(talin-C) in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of HIV patients; however, the underlying
mechanisms remain unknown.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the relationship between talin-C and HIV infection and
to identify the mechanisms underlying the ability of this protein to influence HIV infection.

Methods:
PBMCs were derived from HIV-infected patients enrolled in this study. N- and C-terminal
peptides matching the potential sequence of talin-C were detected in PBMCs by Multiple Reaction
Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. TZM-b1 cells were infected with HIV-1 pseudotyped
virus (HIVpp) for different durations to detect the talin-C product. Three stable cell lines overexpressing
the talin head (TLN1-H) or TLN1-C or with TLN1 knockdown (shTLN1) were created and
infected by HIVpp. The HIV marker protein (P24) was then detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay. Finally, an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics
study was performed to detect the TLN1-C-regulated proteins with or without HIVpp infection
in TZM-bl cells. The identified proteins were analyzed by R version 4.0.2 and STRING software
(Version: 11.0) (https://string-db.org).

Results:
N- and C-peptides of talin-C were detected to have higher expression in patients with lower
HIV load. Talin-C was produced during HIVpp infection. TLN1-C significantly inhibited HIVpp
infection in the TZM-b1 cells. Additionally, a proteomic study found that TLN1-C regulated the expression
of 99 proteins in TZM-b1 cells with and without HIVpp infection, respectively. According
to Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, proteins with cellular metabolic processes and binding function
were found to be enriched. Thirty-four proteins have protein-protein interaction, 19 down- and
15 up-regulated proteins, respectively.

Conclusion:
Talin-C was produced following HIV infection and was inversely proportional to
HIV load. A proteomic study indicated that TLN1-C might be involved in HIV infection through
regulating metabolic processes.
A Quantitative LC-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of the Presence of R-α-lipoic Acid and S-α-lipoic Acid After Protein Precipitation in Rat Plasma and its Application in a Toxicokinetic Study
Authors: Qiao Hongqun , Zhou Wenjun , Xu Lingling , Yuan Yanjuan , Shao Qing 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Lipoic acid is the only known chiral antioxidant that is both lipidsoluble
and water-soluble. It is often used as a treatment for peripheral polyneuropathy
caused by diabetes, alcohol, and chemicals. However, only a few long-term toxicological studies
have been conducted on R-α-lipoic acid, which is a bioactive ingredient in lipoic acid.

Objective:
In this study, a simple, efficient, sensitive and stable LC-MS/MS method was used to
determine RLA in rats, using deu-lipoic acid as an internal standard.

Method:
The samples to be detected were plasma samples treated with protein precipitation and
the simultaneous determination of the presence of R-α-lipoic acid and S-α-lipoic acid was conducted
using LC-MS/MS. An isocratic elution program with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile
and 0.1% formic acid water solution (52/48) used for chromatographic separation was set up
using a CHIRALPAK® IE C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min.
A negative electrospray ionization source was chosen, and the multiple monitoring (MRM) mode
was applied.

Results:
R-α-lipoic acid and S-α-lipoic acid both were found to be present at a linear range of 5-
5000 ng/mL. The plasma samples were stable under various storage conditions and temperatures.
The toxicokinetics study indicated that there were gender differences and that R-α-lipoic acid
showed bioaccumulative toxicity after long-term daily administration. In addition, R-α-lipoic acid
and S-α-lipoic acid were not converted into each other in the rats.

Conclusions:
The method established was successfully used for the long-term toxicokinetic study
of R-α-lipoic acid administered to rats through caudal vein injection. The toxicokinetics results
indicated the presence of gender differences and the toxic accumulation of R-α-lipoic acid. The
two enantiomers were not converted into each other in the rats.
The Effect of Pomegranate Juice on the Expression of Some Murine UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases Genes
Authors: Irshaid Yacoub M. , Alani Ruba , Al-Rawashdeh Razan , Al-Ghazawi Tuqa , Hijazi Hiba , Amara Dana , Hammad Amena , Shahrure Zaineh M. , Al-Shhab Mohammad 
Published: December 2020

Background::
Food-drug interactions may lead to suppression or induction of drug metabolizing
enzymes. Pomegranate is a commonly used fruit in folk medicine all over the world. Data
concerning the effect of pomegranate on the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) is
scarce.

Objective::
The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice ingestion on
the transcription of ugt2b1, ugt2a3, and ugt1a9 in the liver and small intestine of male mice.

Methods::
Pomegranate juice was administered to 10 male mice for 14 days in drinking bottles instead
of water. Ten control mice received water in the drinking bottles. On the 15th day, the mice
were sacrificed and the liver and the small intestine were removed. The small intestine was divided
into 3 parts. Total mRNA was extracted from samples of these specimens, and cDNA was synthesized
by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for
each ugt gene.

Results::
The ugt1a9 mRNA level was reduced by 2.25-fold in the liver and by 6-, 1.5-, and 3-folds
in the first, second and third part of the small intestine, respectively. The ugt2b1 mRNA level in
the liver and the third part of the small intestine was not affected, while it was reduced by 3.7- and
3-folds in the first and second parts of the small intestine, respectively. The ugt2a3 mRNA level
was not affected in the liver and the 3 parts of the small intestine.

Conclusions::
Some ugt mRNA levels may be reduced by the ingestion of pomegranate juice, which
may reduce the metabolism of their drug substrates. The consequences may be an accumulation of
such drugs in the body and enhanced toxicity.
Natural Products, the Continuous Source of Therapeutic Molecules for Various Diseases: Literature Landscape Analysis
Authors: Yeung Andy W.K. , Mocan Andrei , Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Šmejkal Karel , Heiss Elke H. , Atanasov Atanas G. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Substances present in nature have been a continuous source for the development of drugs for
cardiovascular and infectious diseases, cancer, and many other diseases. As the literature concerning these natural
products grows, it becomes more difficult for a reader to quickly grasp the essential facts and develop a well-informed
impression of this field of research. Until now, it has also been difficult to determine which natural products and research
objectives were receiving the most attention as measured by number of citations.

Objective:
The current study of all published articles concerned with natural products sought to identify which natural
products and which research objectives are connected with the major contributors to scientific journals based on the
number of relevant publications and the number of times each publication was cited elsewhere.

Methods:
Bibliometric data, including citation data, were extracted from the Web of Science database using the search
string TS=(“natural product*)” and analyzed by the VOSviewer software.

Results:
The search yielded 63,194 articles, with more than half of the manuscripts published since 2012. The ratio of
original articles to reviews was 5.8:1. The major contributing countries were the United States, China, Germany, Japan, and India. Articles were published mainly in journals focused on chemistry, pharmacology or biochemistry. Curcumin,
resveratrol, and terpenoids were the most frequently cited natural products.

Conclusion:
The results of the current study provide researchers from different backgrounds and healthcare professionals
with a brief overview of the major trends in natural-product research in the form of a citation-based summary of the
relevant literature.
Functional Materials Based on Nanoparticle Modified Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Tchaikovskaya Olga N. , Bocharnikova Elena N. , Lysak Ilya A. , Malinovskaya Tatiana D. , Lysak Galina V. , Plotnikova Inna , Sakipova Saule E. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The formation and modification of the surface of polypropylene fibers provide
a versatile material for a variety of applications.

Objective:
This research examines the production of new materials by pneumatic spraying of a polypropylene
melt jet, on the surface of which metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are prepared using
the sol-gel technique and photoreduction followed by ultra-high frequency processing. We used the
obtained materials to remove Bisphenol A in the photoreactor.

Method:
Based on an analysis of the obtained values of the numerical characteristics in the spray
zone and the physical essence of the criteria under consideration, a mechanism for the destruction of
the melt jet from the formation of a fiber-forming system is proposed. Analysis of the degradation of
Bisphenol A was carried out by electron spectroscopy and fluorescence.

Results:
A composite active layer, “polymer – inorganic nanoparticles”, on the surface of polypropylene
fibers has been demonstrated to create new photocatalytic materials. Bisphenol A in water
was examined as a toxicant.

Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the obtained values of the numerical characteristics in the
spray zone and the physical essence of the considered criteria, it was found that the pressure drop in
the nozzle, the nozzle critical section area, and the rheological properties of the melt are dominating
factors in the influence on the morphology and size of the ultra-fine fibers obtained by pneumatic
spraying. It was determined that materials based on a polypropylene carrier with the largest diameter
of 6.71 μm have the best sorption capacity for Bisphenol A. A decrease in the concentration of bisphenol
A in water by more than two times in 30 minutes of UV irradiation in the presence of polypropylene
was achieved without additional injection of oxidants.
Ameliorative Potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extracts on Memory Impairments
in Stress Triggered Rats
Authors: Kamboj Parul , Thakur Ajit Kumar 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) is known to be a very useful
medicinal plant in the Traditional Medicinal Systems since centuries. With ethnopharmacological
values, it is a well-reported plant for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, expectorant and
antidepressant activities.

Objective:
Although the plant has been described to possess memory enhancing activity, the present
study focused on examining the comparative effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts viz.
flavonoid rich (GGFE) and glycyrrhizin rich (GGGE) in stress-triggered rats and providing future
research insights on this herbal drug, for which no scientific justification has been reported till
now.

Methods:
Male Wister rats divided into 7 different groups (n= 6 per group) were given chronic
foot-shock stress for 21 successive days with scheduled administration of the extracts (50 and 100
mg/kg) and standard drug (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Elevated Plus Maze, Rectangular Maze, Morris
Water Maze, and Locomotor activity were performed to test behavioral alteration and learning ability
of stressed rats. Further, rats were sacrificed to assay acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant
activity in brain samples for their mechanistic role in learning and memory.

Results:
Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra indicated a significant alteration in stress-induced learning
and memory deficiency in behavioral parameters studied. These extracts also modulated significant
changes in acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzyme activity to improve the learning and memory
of stressed rats.

Conclusions:
Both the extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GGFE and GGGE) were found to exert memory
enhancing property in stress-triggered rats. Moreover, the comparative results confirmed that
the high potential of GGGE in comparison to GGFE might be due to the rich glycyrrhizin content
present in GGGE responsible for acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzyme modulatory activities.
Therefore, GGGE could be used as a promising lead for further mechanistic and molecular
studies for defining the role of glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Design and Development of Smart and Safe Helmet for Inhibiting COVID-19 Virus Infection: A Simple Idea for Solving the Big Crisis
Authors: Manjunatha C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently spread worldwide due to the
SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been declared a pandemic. A possible solution to prevent or restrict the
spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is proposed in this article. Uncontrolled spread of the virus
through breathing is a major concern. It is ideal if the entry of the virus inside the human body is restricted,
as prevention is better than cure. Use of a “Smart-HELMET” that allows uncontaminated
air (virus/bacteria/microbes-free) to breathe is proposed. The design of the Smart-HELMET, its
working mechanism, the chemistry and biology of the virus-cell interaction inside a human body
are discussed in detail. The proposed ‘Smart-HELMET’ prevents the spread of any respiratory illness
through breathing. This is the need of the hour until a medicine/vaccine is made available in in
vivo condition.
Verder reiken naar genezing. Een theologisch gesprek tussen christenen uit Afrika, de Andes en Nederland
Authors: Bom K.L. 
Published: December 2020

This article aims to establish an intercultural theological dialogue among African, South American Andes and Dutch perspectives about healing. Part one explores different cultural contexts. Traditional cultures in both African and the Andes contribute to the Christian and integral understandings of healing of the body and mind of the individual, the spiritual and social dimensions, and the material environment. In the Netherlands, however, illness and healing are mainly understood from a modern point of view, one which understands religion and spirituality as strictly private issues that should be separated from public health care. Part two examines three major themes of the intercultural encounter on healing among people from these three contexts: (1) the nature – supernature divide; (2) Divine providence; and, (3) the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Association Between Chronic Disease and Serious COVID-19 Outcomes and Its Influence on Risk Perception: Survey Study and Database Analysis
Authors: Laires Pedro Almeida , Dias Sónia , Gama Ana , Moniz Marta , Pedro Ana R , Soares Patricia , Aguiar Pedro , Nunes Carla 
Published: December 2020

Background
COVID-19, a viral respiratory disease first reported in December 2019, quickly became a threat to global public health. Further understanding of the epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk perception of the community may better inform targeted interventions to reduce the impact and spread of COVID-19.

Objective
In this study, we aimed to examine the association between chronic diseases and serious outcomes following COVID-19 infection, and to explore its influence on people’s self-perception of risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods
This study draws data from two databases: (1) the nationwide database of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Portugal, extracted on April 28, 2020 (n=20,293); and (2) the community-based COVID-19 Barometer survey, which contains data on health status, perceptions, and behaviors during the first wave of COVID-19 (n=171,087). We assessed the association between relevant chronic diseases (ie, respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal diseases; diabetes; and cancer) and death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission following COVID-19 infection. We identified determinants of self-perception of risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes using logistic regression models.

Results
Respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal diseases were associated with mortality and ICU admission among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, 95% CI 1.11-1.98; OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.80-6.40; and OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.66-3.06, respectively). Diabetes and cancer were associated with serious outcomes only when considering the full sample of COVID-19–infected cases in the country (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.64; and OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03-1.89, respectively). Older age and male sex were both associated with mortality and ICU admission. The perception of risk for severe COVID-19 disease in the study population was 23.9% (n=40,890). This was markedly higher for older adults (n=5235, 46.4%), those with at least one chronic disease (n=17,647, 51.6%), or those in both of these categories (n=3212, 67.7%). All included diseases were associated with self-perceptions of high risk in this population.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the association between some prevalent chronic diseases and increased risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes. It also brings forth a greater understanding of the community’s risk perceptions of serious COVID-19 disease. Hence, this study may aid health authorities to better adapt measures to the real needs of the population and to identify vulnerable individuals requiring further education and awareness of preventive measures.