bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis and degradation mechanisms of different protein degradation methods
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Dekun , Liu Hongtao , Chen Kai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe abrasive debris produced by wear test of artificial joints in vitro is encapsulated by proteins in serum lubricants, which hinder the characterization of debris analysis. One of the key issues of isolating wear debris from serum is degrading the proteins wrapping the wear debris. In this article, the proteins in calf serum were degraded by a strong alkali, a strong acid, and an enzyme. The residual concentration of proteins in calf serum was detected by UV absorption. Quantitative analysis of protein degradation and the protein degradation rate was proposed, following treatment with different degradation reagents and different incubation times. The results showed that when 10 mL of 25% volume calf serum was added with 40 mL of NaOH and incubated at 65°C for 24 h, the protein degradation rate reached a maximum of 95.52%. The protein degradation rate in the solution ranged from 31.86% to 71.64% when a different volume of 37% HCl was added and incubated at 60°C. The highest protein degradation rate was 94.98% in the protease degradation solution. When the protein degradation rate is less than 70%, the particles were coated by protein. When the protein degradation rate was more than 95%, there was no protein coating around the particles. The three protein degradation methods have different processes and protein degradation rates. A suitable method for protein degradation can be selected according to these practical applications.
Embelin: A novel XIAP inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases
Authors: Devi Daimary Uzini , Girisa Sosmitha , Parama Dey , Verma Elika , Kumar Aviral , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractChronic diseases are a serious health concern worldwide, especially in the elderly population. Most chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases are caused due to the abnormal functioning of multiple signaling pathways that give rise to critical anomalies in the body. Although a lot of advanced therapies are available, these have failed to entirely cure the disease due to their less efficacy. Apart from this, they have been shown to manifest disturbing side effects which hamper the patient's quality of life to the extreme. Since the last few decades, extensive studies have been done on natural herbs due to their excellent medicinal benefits. Components present in natural herbs target multiple signaling pathways involved in diseases and therefore hold high potential in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Embelin, a benzoquinone, is one such agent isolated from Embelia ribes, which has shown excellent biological activities toward several chronic ailments by upregulating a number of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, CAT, GSH, etc.), inhibiting anti‐apoptotic genes (e.g., TRAIL, XIAP, survivin, etc.), modulating transcription factors (e.g., NF‐κB, STAT3, etc.) blocking inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., NO, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, etc.), monitoring cell cycle synchronizing genes (e.g., p53, cyclins, CDKs, etc.), and so forth. Several preclinical studies have confirmed its excellent therapeutic activities against malicious diseases like cancer, obesity, heart diseases, Alzheimer's, and so forth. This review presents an overview of embelin, its therapeutic prospective, and the molecular targets in different chronic diseases.
Effectiveness of EMDR for decreasing symptoms of over‐arousal: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Balkin Richard S. , Lenz A. Stephen , Russo G. Michael , Powell Brent W. , Gregory Halie M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of symptoms of over‐arousal and comparing effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thirty‐two effect sizes from randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Findings were mixed, indicating that EMDR was more effective than alternative viable treatments in the treatment of over‐arousal, but that true effect may range from 210% of a standard deviation favoring EMDR to 66% of a standard deviation favoring alternative viable treatments. No statistically significant differences for effectiveness were noted in the use of EMDR when treating anxiety versus trauma. Our findings indicate that on average, EMDR may be beneficial, but there is an equivalent chance that future applications with similar samples could result in findings regarded as considerably or categorically ineffective.
Long non‐coding RNA MIR31HG as a prognostic predictor for malignant cancers: A meta‐ and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wei Yuanfeng , Zhai Yingjie , Liu Xiaoang , Jin Shan , Zhang Lu , Wang Chengyan , Zou Hong , Hu Jianming , Wang Lianghai , Jiang Jinfang , Shen Xihua , Pang Lijuan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe possible regulatory mechanism of MIR31HG in human cancers remains unclear, and reported results of the prognostic significance of MIR31HG expression are inconsistent.MethodsThe meta‐analysis and related bioinformatics analysis were conducted to evaluate the role of MIR31HG in tumor progression.ResultsThe result showed that high MIR31HG expression was not related to prognosis. However, in the stratified analysis, we found that the overexpression of MIR31HG resulted in worse OS, advanced TNM stage, and tumor differentiation in respiratory system cancers. Moreover, our results also found that MIR31HG overexpression was related to shorter OS in cervical cancer patients and head and neck tumors. In contrast, the MIR31HG was lower in digestive system tumors which contributed to shorter overall survival, advanced TNM stage, and distant metastasis. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis showed that MIR31HG was highly expressed in normal urinary bladder, small intestine, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and low in colon, lung, and ovary. The results obtained from FireBrowse indicated that MIR31HG was highly expressed in LUSC, CESC, HNSC, and LUAD and low in STAD and BLCA. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the co‐expressed genes of MIR31HG were most enriched in the biological processes of peptide metabolism and KEGG pathways were most enriched in Ras, Rap1, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway.ConclusionMIR31HG may serve as a potential biomarker in human cancers.
Association between serum uric acid and carotid atherosclerosis in elderly postmenopausal women: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Dong Xiao‐kang , Luo Dan , Chen Wen‐jing , Wang Rong‐rong , Yang Jie , Niu Miao‐miao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundCarotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and implicated in 20–30% of strokes.Methods504 patients were included in this study. The detailed medical history and the results of physical examination, carotid ultrasound examination, and routine laboratory tests were collected. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between the SUA and the presence of carotid plaques. And the relationship between SUA and the progression of CAS was analyzed by multiple linear regression. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on CAS has also be evaluated.Results412 patients (81.7%) had carotid plaques of different sizes by carotid ultrasound examination. We found a positive association between the level of SUA and the probability of having carotid plaque by univariate logistic regression (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.83–2.19, p = 0.003). At 2 years post‐discharge, we found that 1 mg/dL increase in SUA levels was expected to 0.946% increase in plaque score and 0.026 cm increase in carotid intima‐media thickness, separately. Moreover, patients treated by long‐term HRT (≥5 years) had a lower level of SUA and blood lipid and the less change of plaque score and carotid intima‐media thickness than patients without HRT.ConclusionThe presence and progression of CAS had significantly positive associations with the level of SUA. And the HRT may have the ability to prevent the presence and progression of CAS. However, the safety and long‐term outcome of HRT on CAS should be evaluated in further studies.
ABC typing and extracellular enzyme production of Candida albicans isolated from Candida vulvovaginitis
Authors: Gharaghani Maral , Shabanzadeh Mahbubeh , Jafarian Hadis , Zarei Mahmoudabadi Ali 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundCandida albicans is the most common and virulent genus Candida. Detection of virulence factors in this species plays an important role in the better understanding of pathogenesis and antifungal treatment. Molecular typing investigations are important in the epidemiological interpretation of infection. This study aimed to evaluate extracellular enzyme activity and genotyping of C. albicans species isolated from vulvovaginal samples.MethodsOne hundred and three vaginal C. albicans isolates were tested for esterase, phospholipase, proteinase, and hemolysin activities by specific media. Besides, the DNA of C. albicans isolates was extracted and amplified for ABC genotyping.ResultsThe highest enzyme production of C. albicans isolates was for proteinase (97.1%) and esterase (95.2%), whereas 59.2% of C. albicans isolates were negative for hemolysin secretion. Genotype C (83.5%) was the most frequent genotype followed by genotype B (12.6%) and genotype A (3.9%).ConclusionIt is concluded that genotype C was the predominant genotype in all examined vulvovaginal C. albicans isolates. Also, there was a significant difference between enzyme production in each genotype (except for proteinase).
Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants isolated from wound specimen of a tertiary care hospital in China
Authors: Min Changhang , Wang Haichen , Xia Fengjun , Tang Mengli , Li Jun , Hu Yongmei , Dou Qingya , Zou Mingxiang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmall colony variants (SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) frequently lead to chronic and recurrent infections, but they are always ignored and there are few researches on their clinical isolates. We intended to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of S. aureus SCVs.MethodsNone‐duplicated S. aureus strains isolated from wound samples were collected from January 2018 to December 2020. The characteristics (i.e. colony morphology, growth rate, coagulase, biofilm formation, and pathogenic characteristics), antimicrobial susceptibilities, and resistance mechanisms of SCVs were also investigated. The genetic background of SCVs was analyzed through staphylococcal protein A (SPA) typing, sequence typing, and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).ResultsThree SCVs were screened from 278 S. aureus strains (1.1%). They formed pinpoint white colonies on blood agar plates with weak hemolysis. The reproduction speed in liquid medium was very slow for SCVs strains. The coagulase weakened or disappeared, and the ability to form biofilm varied greatly. Only slight inflammation was triggered when wound infected. The SPA typing was t2592, t233, and t023, and the sequence typing was ST88, ST239, and ST965, respectively. The PFGE revealed three SCVs were singletons.ConclusionsThe rate of SCVs in wound sample is low in our hospital, and the formation is associated with the usage of antimicrobial. SCVs grow slowly, and their colony morphology and biochemical characteristics are significantly different from classic S. aureus. SCVs may cause chronic infection and weak inflammation. SCVs form in resistant or susceptible strains, and there is no clonal epidemic in this hospital.
Association between TBXT rs2305089 polymorphism and chordoma in Iranian patients identified by a developed T‐ARMS‐PCR assay
Authors: Jalessi Maryam , Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Razmara Ehsan , Hassanzadeh Sajad , Sadeghipour Alireza , Jahanbakhshi Amin , Tabibkhooei Alireza , Bahrami Eshagh , Falah Masoumeh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundChordoma is a locally aggressive bone tumor with a high capability of recurrence. Because chordoma often occurs at critical locations next to neurovascular structures, there is an urgent need to introduce validated biomarkers. T‐box transcription factor T (TBXT; OMIM: 601397) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and survival of chordoma cells.MethodsHerein, we aimed to show whether rs2305089 polymorphism is correlated with chordoma in the Iranian population. In order to detect rs2305089, tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR) was used. In total, 19 chordoma patients and 108 normal healthy individuals were recruited and screened using T‐ARMS‐PCR. The results were subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe genotype distributions and allele frequencies were significantly different among the patient and healthy groups (p‐value <0.05). The A allele of rs2305089 showed a significant positive association with chordoma risk (p‐value <0.05). DNA sequencing verified the T‐ARMS‐PCR results as well. This study demonstrated the association between TBXT rs2305089 and chordoma in an Iranian population using a simple, accurate, and cost‐effective T‐ARMS‐PCR assay.ConclusionsOur results were in line with those of previous studies showing that TBXT rs2305089 is associated with chordoma development. We also developed an efficient T‐ARMS‐PCR assay to determine the genotype of rs2305089.
Neighborhood as a place to foster generalized trust among young adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Angel H.‐Y. , Leung Carman K.‐M. , Chan Channey K.‐Y. , Lam William T.‐L. , So Christy T.‐Y , Lau Wendy S.‐Y. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsGeneralized trust is a crucial determinant of individual and social well‐being and is the fundamental element of a healthy society. However, a decline in generalized trust was observed among Hong Kong young adults, despite local neighborhoods, and placed‐based experiences gaining popularity among Hong Kong young people. Hence, this paper examines the effect of neighborhood‐level factors on promoting generalized trust.MethodCross‐sectional data were obtained from 1635 young adults aged 17–23 through mixed‐mode surveys—a computer‐assisted telephone interviewing CATI telephone survey, an online survey, and a mail survey.ResultsLogistic regression results showed that neighborhood cohesiveness, being an active member of a religious organization, being an active member of a local youth organization, acceptance of ethnic diversity, and having a good parental relationship were related to higher odds of reporting generalized trust.ConclusionResearch and practice implications and the international relevance of the findings are discussed.
Medical knowledge and information needs among women with pathogenic variants in moderate‐risk genes for hereditary breast cancer attending genetic counseling at an academic hospital in Germany—A qualitative approach
Authors: Stracke Claudia , Lemmen Clarissa , Rhiem Kerstin , Schmutzler Rita , Kautz‐Freimuth Sibylle , Stock Stephanie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWith 69,000 newly diagnosed cases every year, breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer disease among women in Germany. Familial clustering is seen in about 30% of newly diagnosed cases. Besides the high‐risk genes BRCA1/2, there are also moderate‐risk BC genes (MBCG) that are associated with a 20%–50% risk of BC, such as CHEK2, ATM, and PALB2. In Germany, carriers of pathogenic variants in MBCG receive specific information on their test results, individual risks, and preventive options during genetic counseling for the disclosure of the results in a specialized center. Little is known about the medical knowledge that women have after attending counseling. This study aims to identify the medical knowledge, further information needs, and the possible impact of a lack of information on dealing with everyday life for women with pathogenic variants in MBCG who have attended genetic counseling at an academic hospital in Germany.Problem‐centered, guided, individual interviews were conducted with twelve women carrying pathogenic variants in MBCG. The interview guide was developed based on the methods of the problem‐centered interview according to Witzel. The interview analysis was based on Mayring's qualitative content analysis. The women were between 29 and 59 years old and carried pathogenic variants in the risk genes CHEK2 (n = 8), ATM (n = 1), or PALB2 (n = 3). Several medical uncertainties and information needs emerged from the data, concerning (a) medical terms, (b) risk perception, (c) BC therapy for hereditary BC, (d) lifestyle advice and risk factors, and (e) family planning and risk‐reducing mastectomy. Women with pathogenic variants in MBCG might develop their own conceptions regarding the onset of disease and inheritance. In order to meet the need for information and address the uncertainties that may still exist after genetic counseling, structured, evidence‐based and comprehensible written information in German should be developed for this group.
Meta‐analysis of arbidol versus lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Yu Miao , Wang Deng‐Chao , Li Sheng , Lei Yue‐Hua , Wei Jian , Huang Li‐Yan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of arbidol and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) using a meta‐analysis method.MethodsThe China Knowledge Network, VIP database, WanFang database PubMed database, Embase database, and Cochrane Library were searched for a collection of comparative studies on arbidol and lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of COVID‐19. Meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Arbidol and lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of COVID‐19.ResultsThe results of the systematic review indicated that Arbidol had a higher positive‐to‐negative conversion rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid on Day 7 (p = 0.03), a higher positive‐to‐negative conversion rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid on Day 14 (p = 0.006), a higher improvement rate of chest computed tomography on Day 14 (p = 0.02), a lower incidence of adverse reactions (p = 0.002) and lower rate of mortality (p = 0.007). There was no difference in the rate of cough disappearance on Day 14 (p = 0.24) or the rate of severe/critical illness (p = 0.07) between the two groups.ConclusionsArbidol may be superior to lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of COVID‐19. However, due to the small number of included studies and the number of patients, high‐quality multicenter large‐sample randomized double‐blind controlled trials are still needed for verification.
LGM ice extent and deglaciation history in the Gurktal and Lavantal Alps (eastern European Alps): first constraints from 10Be surface exposure dating of glacially polished quartz veins
Authors: Wölfler Andreas , Hampel Andrea , Dielforder Armin , Hetzel Ralf , Glotzbach Christoph 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCompared with the western European Alps, the ice extent during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the subsequent deglaciation history of the eastern Alps east of the Tauern Window remain less well constrained. Also, considerable discrepancies exist between the mapped LGM ice margin and the ice extent predicted by ice‐sheet models. Here we present the first 10Be surface exposures ages from two regions east of the Tauern Window (the Gurktal and Lavantal Alps), which provide constraints on the LGM ice extent and the deglaciation history. Our results show that the deglaciation of the Gurktal Alps occurred between 16 and 14 ka, which agrees with the predictions from ice‐sheet models. In contrast, the 10Be ages from the Lavantal Alps located farther east are either LGM in age or predate the LGM, indicating that these regions were ice free or only partially covered by LGM ice. This finding suggests that ice‐sheet models may have overestimated the LGM ice extent in the easternmost Alps. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for more age data from the eastern Alps to refine the location of the LGM ice margin and the deglaciation history, which is also crucial for climate‐evolution and postglacial‐rebound models.
Physicochemical characterization and linear epitopes identification of arginine kinase allergen from Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Zhao Xiaohan , Li Guoming , Feng Xiaowen , Cheng Qingli , Lu Zhihao , Gu Ruizeng , Lu Jun , Liu Wenying 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDMolluscan shellfish, including oysters, often cause allergic reactions in sensitive people throughout the world. It has been demonstrated that arginine kinase (AK) is one of the major allergens of oyster. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunoreactivity and structure of oyster AK as affected by heat treatment, pH change, and in vitro digestion. What is more, the immunoglobulin E‐binding epitopes of this allergen were also predicted and validated.RESULTSThermal and pH assays revealed that AK was unstable at temperature >40 °C or pH ≤5.0 by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism, and the digestibility assays suggested that AK was more easily digested by pepsin than by trypsin and chymotrypsin. The potential epitopes were predicted through immunoinformatics tools, and seven linear epitopes were identified by indirect competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay with pooled sera and individual serum from oyster‐allergic patients. The critical amino acids in each epitope were also confirmed using mutant peptides. These linear epitopes and critical amino acids were apt to distribute on the outer surface of homology‐based AK model. Moreover, the three denaturants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, β‐mercaptoethanol, and urea) can destroy the spatial structure of AK and increase or reduce its allergenicity by denaturation treatments.CONCLUSIONProcessing conditions lay the foundation for the variation of allergenicity. Seven linear epitopes and their critical amino acids were identified by indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. These findings will be helpful in allergy diagnosis and development of hypoallergenic products in the near future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.