bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saliva samples for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients
Authors: Tutuncu Emin Ediz , Ozgur Didem , Karamese Murat 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic has been rapidly spreading throughout the world with confirmed case numbers already exceeding 75 million. Although nasopharyngeal swabs are the most commonly utilized samples for based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA detection, collecting these specimens requires healthcare workers and necessitates the use of personal protective equipment as it presents a nosocomial transmission risk. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of saliva samples in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with confirmed Covid‐19.MethodsWe performed a cohort study to validate the use of saliva for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid‐19. Saliva samples of the patients were analyzed by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).ResultsIn May 2020, 28 asymptomatic and 25 mildly symptomatic patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 37 years (range 4–70). None of the patients had a fever on presentation. Among 53 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 detected in the nasopharyngeal sample, the real‐time RT‐PCR was positive in the saliva specimens in 48 (90.56%) patients. The mean cycle threshold (CT) values for nasopharyngeal and saliva specimens (27.80 ± 3.44 and 30.64 ± 2.83, respectively) were significantly correlated between the two sample types (p = .016). The mean CT values of nasopharyngeal and saliva samples in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (27.18 ± 3.53 and 30.24 ± 3.29 vs. 28.36 ± 3.31 and 30.98 ± 2.39, respectively) were not significantly different (p = .236 and p = .733, respectively).ConclusionsSaliva specimens can be considered as a reliable and less resource‐intensive alternative to nasopharyngeal specimens for screening asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
Assessing climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment load in the upstream of the Mekong River basin
Authors: Ma Di , Qian Budong , Gu Haiting , Sun Zhilin , Xu Yue‐Ping 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAssessments of climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment processes are essential for developing science‐based sustainable watershed management plans. We assessed climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment load in the upstream of the Mekong River Basin, as a case study. Future climate scenarios including an ensemble‐mean climate scenario (EnM scenario) were generated based on 20 GCMs in CMIP5, using a stochastic weather generator (LARS‐WG) coupled with a distribution‐free shuffle procedure. The SWAT model was applied to simulate changes in streamflow and sediment load for the future period 2071–2100 under RCP8.5 with respect to the baseline period 1971–2000. Results show that mean monthly maximum and minimum temperature were projected to increase by all the 20 GCMs, with an ensemble‐mean increase of 4.6–5.7°C and 4.2–5.8°C across the 12 months, respectively. An increase in mean annual precipitation (3.4–55.8%) and streamflow (1.0–72.7%) was also projected by all GCMs. However, projected changes in sediment load were not consistent. One half of the GCMs projected an increase (5.2–53.2%) in annual sediment load while the other half projected a decrease (5.1%–43.2%). In each month, at least three‐quarters of the GCMs projected an increase in monthly streamflow. For monthly sediment load, an increase in May to July was projected by over half of the GCMs, while a decrease was projected by a majority of the GCMs for other months. Our results indicate large uncertainties in streamflow and sediment projections under climate change, demonstrating the need to use multi‐model ensembles in climate change impact studies. Moreover, it was found that the streamflow and sediment loads simulated using the EnM scenario were often close to the ensemble means simulated using the 20 GCMs, which implies that the single EnM scenario has the potential of effectively and efficiently estimating the ensemble means of projections in a multi‐model ensemble.
Interannual variation in summer extreme precipitation over Southwestern China and the possible associated mechanisms
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Chen Huopo , Wang Huijun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study explores the spatial–temporal variations in summer extreme precipitation over Southwestern China (SWC). The frequency of summer extreme precipitation (FEP) has exhibited strong interannual variation with slightly strengthened intensity in recent decades. The associated anomalous water vapour transport mainly originates from northern China, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Northwest Pacific. The high FEP over SWC is generally associated with the strong Eurasian (EU) pattern and the pattern that is similar to Pacific‐Japan (PJ) teleconnection. The results further indicate that the anomalous May Arctic sea ice concentration and the sea surface temperature anomaly over the Northwest Pacific play an important role in the variation of FEP over SWC. On the one hand, the reduction in Arctic sea ice concentration intensifies Rossby wave propagation and then stimulates the formation of EU teleconnection pattern. The associated anomalous northeasterly integrated water vapour transport and high‐level westerly anomalies can result in strong interannual changes in FEP over SWC. On the other hand, the sea surface temperature anomaly over the Northwest Pacific can induce an anomalous PJ‐like pattern, and the associated anomalous southwesterly water vapour transport also exerts an impact on the change in FEP over SWC.
Selective extraction of galactomannan from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecumL.) seed husk and its enzyme inhibitory potential associated with hyperglycaemia
Authors: Srinivasa Uma Maheshwari , Naidu Madeneni Madhava 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFenugreek seeds host various bioactive compounds, and galactomannan (GM) is a significant soluble fibre. In this study, selective extraction is adapted to extract fenugreek seed GM to improvise the yield recovery. The seeds are fractionated, separated and classified as husk and cotyledons. Comparative studies have been performed to evaluate the crude and pure GM yield between different groups such as the whole seed, and the classified fractions. Characterization is done using Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, monosaccharide composition and optical density, and the structure is elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance. The GM obtained through extraction is used to study its enzyme inhibitory property associated with hyperglycaemia.RESULTSGM yield extracted from the husk is highly significant compared to other groups. Crude GM and pure GM yield was 2 and 3.25 times higher than that obtained through whole seed samples. The characterization of the pure GM is on a par with the existing reports. The purified GM inhibited α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes in vitro, with an IC50 of 21.08 ± 0.085 and 67.17 ± 5.15 μg mL−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONSelective extraction prompts enhancement in the recovery of the bioactive compound, minimal use of resources, and promotes industrial viability. Characterization of the compound confirms the structure. Its enzyme inhibitory property makes GM a valuable compound in diabetic prevention/treatment. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein extraction pH and cross‐linking affect physicochemical and textural properties of protein gels made from channel catfish by‐products
Authors: Tan Yuqing , Chang Sam KC 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDChannel catfish farming is very important aquaculture industry in the southern states of the USA. However, huge amounts of by‐products are generated from catfish fillet‐processing. The by‐products (mostly heads and bone frames) are excellent sources of proteins. Currently, catfish by‐product has little value, and is regarded as a ‘waste’, which if not utilized properly could cause serious environmental pollution. Therefore, to find a way to utilize those by‐products is critical for the economy of aquaculture.METHODProtein isolates were extracted from the mixture of catfish by‐products (heads and frames) under different alkaline conditions (pH 7.5–11) and made into protein gels. Secondary structures of extracted protein isolates were studied. Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase, 0–4 U g–1 proteins) was incorporated to improve gel structure. Gelling, physicochemical, textural and thermal properties of protein gels treated with/without MTGase were investigated. Protein pattern changes of MTGase‐treated protein gels were studied and the microstructure of the protein gels was analyzed.RESULTSAlpha‐helicity of protein isolates made at pH 11 was 21.5% lower than that extracted at pH 8.5. Storage modulus (G′) of protein gel decreased with increasing extraction pH (pH > 9) of the corresponding protein isolate. MTGase treatment exhibited significant effects on denaturation temperature and enthalpy of protein gels. Excessive MTGase (>2 U g–1) could weaken the gel structure.CONCLUSIONProtein isolates can be extracted from catfish by‐products and made into protein gels, which are a value‐added product. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Nontargeted metabolomic analysis and multiple criteria decision‐making method induced robust quality markers screening for the authentication of herbal medicines from different origins by taking Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker‐Gawl. as a case study
Authors: Jin Xu , Zhang Jianqing , Li Yun , Wu Wenyong , Zhang Hang , Yao Changliang , Wei Wenlong , Yao Shuai , Huang Yong , Qu Hua , Guo De‐an 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA key segment in medicinal plant authentication is the establishment of quality markers that embody the intrinsic metabolites difference independent of instruments and experiment conditions. A strategy integrating nontargeted metabolomics and multicriteria decision‐making model for robust quality markers discovery is presented and applied to authenticate Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker‐Gawl. First, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight MSE approach was established for global metabolites profiling and identification. Second, multivariate statistical analysis was performed to explore potential quality markers of different origins of ophiopogonis radix. Third, potential quality markers were ordered and filtered by multicriteria decision‐making model to infer robust quality markers and further validated in different instruments and experiment conditions by validation model. Fourth, the validation model using the robust quality markers managed to discriminate the origins of ophiopogonis radix samples procured from the herbal markets. Consequently, two robust quality markers, cixi‐ophiopogon B and ophiopogonin D, were discovered and further validated on different instruments and experiment conditions. This integrated strategy provided a practical solution for reliable and convenient authentication of geo‐authentic herb.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1 axis in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ou , Jiang Bo , Yi Wei‐Min , Zhang Yu , Yang Pin‐Zhou , Guo Chao , Sun Zeng‐Peng , Peng Chuang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive and malignant tumor. In this study, the effect and molecular mechanism of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in CCA were elucidated. The expressions of NEAT1, microRNA‐186‐5p (miR‐186‐5p), and PTP4A1 were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The protein levels were measured by Western blotting. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to create survival curves. The interactions between NEAT1, miR‐186‐5p, and PTP4A1 were assessed through the dual luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by colony formation, flow cytometry, the Transwell assay, and the wound healing assay, respectively. NEAT1 and PTP4A1 were significantly upregulated in CCA tissues and cells, but miR‐186‐5p was downregulated. NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with the survival of CCA patients and has remarkable correlation with serum CA199 levels and lymph node metastasis. Besides, NEAT1 could act as a molecular sponge for miR‐186‐5p to upregulate PTP4A1 expression. More importantly, the knockdown of NEAT1 or overexpression of miR‐186‐5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells, and the inhibition of miR‐186‐5p reversed the effects of the knockdown of NEAT1. In addition, NEAT1 could also activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulate the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1 axis. In conclusion, NEAT1 was involved in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CCA, and the NEAT1/miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1/PI3K/AKT axis indicated novel regulatory mechanisms and therapeutics for the treatment of CCA.
Chemically‐Induced Cross‐Linking of Peptidic Fibrils for Scaffolding Polymeric Particles and Macrophages
Authors: Armen Jennifer M. , Schueller Nathan R. , Velankar Ketki Y. , Abraham Nevil , Palchesko Rachelle N. , Fan Yong , Meng Wilson S. , Gawalt Ellen S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEAK16‐II (EAK) is a self‐assembling peptide (SAP) that forms β‐sheets and β‐fibrils through ionic‐complementary interactions at physiological ionic strengths. The soft materials can be injected in vivo, creating depots of drugs and cells for rendering pharmacological and biological actions. The scope of the applications of EAK is sought to extend to tissues through which the flow of extracellular fluid tends to be limited. In such anatomical locales the rate and extent of the fibrilization are limited insofar as drug delivery and cellular scaffolding would be impeded. A method is generated utilizing a carbodiimide cross‐linker by which EAK fibrils are pre‐assembled yet remain injectable soft materials. It is hypothesized that the resulting de novo covalent linkages enhance the stacking of the β‐sheet bilayers, thereby increasing the lengths of the fibrils and the extent of their cross‐linking, as evidenced in Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses. The cross‐linked EAK (clEAK) retains polymeric microspheres with an average diameter of 1 µm. Macrophages admixed with clEAK remain viable and do not produce the inflammatory mediator interleukin‐1β. These results indicate that clEAK should be investigated further as a platform for delivering particles and cells in vivo.
We Must Talk about Sex and Focal Dystonia
Authors: Rafee Shameer , O'Riordan Sean , Reilly Richard , Hutchinson Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn a recent workshop on “Defining research priorities in dystonia,”, there was absolutely no reference to sex as a factor in disease pathogenesis. In this viewpoint paper, we argue that the most distinctive aspects of adult onset isolated focal dystonia are the marked sex‐related differences demonstrated by epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies in patients with adult onset dystonia, particularly in cervical dystonia, the most common presentation. We propose that the future focus of research should be on neurobiological mechanisms underlying the profound sexual dimorphism in this disorder. Targeting research into gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic function, which also shows similar sexual dimorphism, would be most productive in elucidating the pathogenesis of adult onset dystonia. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Higher Concentration of Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in Wilson Disease Patients with Neurological Manifestations
Authors: Lin Jie , Zheng Yexiang , Liu Ying , Lin Yi , Wang Qiqi , Lin Xiao‐Hong , Zhu Wenli , Lin Wei‐Hong , Wang Ning , Chen Wan‐Jin , Fu Ying 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundWilson disease is a rare, disabling, neurological genetic disease. Biomarkers of brain damage are less well developed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker for neurological involvement in patients with Wilson disease.MethodsThis prospective cross‐observational study compared plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein concentration among different subtypes of patients with Wilson disease and healthy control subjects. Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels were measured in 94 patients and 25 healthy control subjects. Patients were divided into two subtypes: patients with neurological manifestations (n = 74) or hepatic manifestations (n = 20).ResultsMedian levels of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein were significantly elevated in patients with neurological manifestations (143.87 pg/mL) compared with those with hepatic manifestations (107.50 pg/mL) and healthy control subjects (86.85 pg/mL). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that a plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein cutoff value of 128.8 pg/mL provides sufficient sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (63.5%) to differentiate patients with neurological manifestations from those with hepatic manifestations.ConclusionsPlasma glial fibrillary acidic protein may serve as a biomarker for distinguishing different subtypes of Wilson disease. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ribosome‐targeting antibacterial agents: Advances, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Zhang Laiying , He Jun , Bai Lang , Ruan Shihua , Yang Tao , Luo Youfu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRibosomes, which synthesize proteins, are critical organelles for the survival and growth of bacteria. About 60% of approved antibiotics discovered so far combat pathogenic bacteria by targeting ribosomes. However, several issues, such as drug resistance and toxicity, have impeded the clinical use of ribosome‐targeting antibiotics. Moreover, the complexity of the bacteria ribosome structure has retarded the discovery of new ribosome‐targeting agents that are considered as the key to the drug‐resistance and toxicity. To deal with these challenges, efforts such as medicinal chemistry optimization, combination treatment, and new drug delivery system have been developed. But not enough, the development of structural biology and new screening methods bring powerful tools, such as cryo‐electron microscopy technology, advanced computer‐aided drug design, and cell‐free in vitro transcription/translation systems, for the discovery of novel ribosome‐targeting antibiotics. Thus, in this paper, we overview the research on different aspects of bacterial ribosomes, especially focus on discussing the challenges in the discovery of ribosome‐targeting antibacterial drugs and advances made to address issues such as drug‐resistance and selectivity, which, we believe, provide perspectives for the discovery of novel antibiotics.
Choroidal neovascularization fusion visualization for spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography images
Authors: Huang Chen , Xie Keren , Zhang Yuhan , Li Mingchao , Yuan Songtao , Chen Qiang 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) images and OCT angiography (OCTA) images can provide complementary information for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) visualization. We expected to simultaneously display multifaceted characteristics of CNV in a single projection image.MethodsWe proposed a fusion method for CNV visualization by combining structural and angiographic images, which mainly involves four steps: (a) Generate SD‐OCT and OCTA projection images from original volumetric data with retinal layer restriction. (b) For SD‐OCT projection images, enhance retinal vessels and CNV. (c) For OCTA images, detect CNV region based on multimodal data and display the neovascularization in false color. (d) A maximum fusion strategy was adopted to generate the fused images.ResultsExperimental results with 30 cases from 30 patients demonstrate that the fused images are more effective in displaying CNV than single‐modality projection images. The average information entropy and the mean gradient in the CNV regions for SD‐OCT projection images, OCTA images, and the fusion images are 4.66/0.21, 5.45/0.45, and 6.8/0.58, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed method is more effective for CNV visualization than the conventional single‐modality image‐based method. The proposed method can combine complementary information from multimodal images and provide a satisfying visual effect.
Quantitative T2‐mapping magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of muscle motor unit recruitment patterns
Authors: Argentieri Erin C. , Tan Ek Tsoon , Whang Jeremy S. , Queler Sophie C. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Lin Bin , Sneag Darryl B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn this study, we aimed to determine whether muscle transverse relaxation time (T2) magnetic resonance (MR) mapping results correlate with motor unit loss, as defined by motor unit recruitment patterns on electromyography (EMG).MethodsEMG and 3‐Tesla MRI exams were acquired no more than 31 days apart in subjects referred for peripheral nerve MRI. Two musculoskeletal radiologists qualitatively graded T2‐weighted, fat‐suppressed sequences for severity of muscle edema‐like patterns and manually placed regions of interest within muscles to obtain T2 values from T2‐mapping sequences. Concordance was calculated between qualitative and quantitative MR grades and EMG recruitment categories (none, discrete, decreased) as well as interobserver agreement for both MR grades.ResultsThirty‐four muscles (21 abnormal, 13 control) were assessed in 13 subjects (5 females and 8 males; mean age, 46 years) with 14 EMG‐MRI pairs. T2‐relaxation times were significantly (P < .001) increased in all EMG recruitment categories compared with control muscles. T2 differences were not significant between EMG grades of motor unit recruitment (P = .151‐.702). T2 and EMG score concordance was acceptable (Harrellʼs concordance index [c index]: rater A, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51‐0.87; rater B, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.91). Qualitative MRI and EMG score concordance was poor to acceptable (c index: rater A, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.50‐0.79; rater B, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.89). T2 values had moderate‐to‐substantial ability to distinguish between absent vs incomplete (ie, decreased or discrete) motor unit recruitment (c index: rater A, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.50‐1.00; rater B, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.57‐1.00).DiscussionQuantitative T2 MR muscle mapping is a promising tool for noninvasive evaluation of the degree of motor unit recruitment loss.