bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A chemoenzymatic approach enables the site‐specific conjugation of recombinant proteins
Authors: Wang Yan , Dong Mingming , Ye Mingliang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMany biotechniques including protein microarray, drug screening, biosensors rely on the immobilization of recombinant proteins on the solid supports. It is well known that random orientation of the immobilized proteins could impair their biologic functions. Thus, it is very important to develop new site‐specific immobilization approach. In this study, we presented a chemoenzymatic approach for site‐specific conjugation of recombinant proteins onto solid support. In this strategy, the affinity tag on recombinant protein was enzymatically cleaved to expose the N‐terminal serine, which was oxidized to carry an aldehyde group and was then covalently coupled to hydrazide resin through hydrazone ligation. As this approach takes advantage of the most frequently used TEV protease, it requires no further sequence design on recombinant protein. This method was validated by site specific coupling of a synthetic peptide and a recombinant protein onto solid supports. It was found that the site specific immobilized SH2 domain is functional and could be used to enrich tyrosine phosphorylated peptides.
Microfabricated liquid junction hybrid capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry interface for fully automated operation
Authors: Krenkova Jana , Kleparnik Karel , Luksch Jaroslav , Foret Frantisek 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOne of the challenging instrumental aspects in coupling an automated CE instrument with ESI mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) is finding the balance between the stability, reproducibility and sensitivity of the analysis and compatibility with the standard CE instrumentation. Here, we present a development of a new liquid junction based electrospray interface for automated CE‐MS, with a focus on the technical design followed by computer modeling of transport conditions as well as characterization of basic performance of the interface. This hybrid arrangement designed as a microfabricated unit attachable to the automated CE instrument allows using of a wide range of separation capillaries with respect to their diameter, length or internal coating (e.g., for suppressed electroosmotic flow). Different compositions of the ESI liquid and background electrolyte solutions can be used if needed. The microfabricated part, prepared by laser machining from polyimide, includes a self‐aligning liquid junction, a short transport channel, and a pointed sprayer for the electrospray ionization. This microfabricated part is positioned in a plastic connection block securing the separation capillary and flushing ports. Transport conditions were modelled using computer simulation and the real life performance of the interface was compared to that of a commercial sheath liquid interface. The basic performance of the interface was demonstrated by separations of peptides, proteins, and oligosaccharides.
Effect of cold plasma on essential oil content and composition of lemon verbena
Authors: Ebadi Mohammad‐Taghi , Abbasi Soleiman , Harouni Amir , Sefidkon Fatemeh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCold plasma is known as a novel nonthermal processing method for decontamination of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs); however, there are little research studies about its effects on active ingredients of these plants. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of low‐pressure cold plasma (LPCP) treatments (1, 3, and 5 min) on the essential oil (EO) content and composition of lemon verbena leaves. The EO content was determined using hydro‐distillation, and the composition of the extracted EOs was quantified using gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. The results showed that by increasing the LPCP treatment duration, the EO content was reduced from 1.2 to 0.9 (% v/w). The highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (e.g., spathulenol and globulol) was also observed in LPCP‐treated ones, whereas the oxygenated monoterpenes (e.g., citral) content of control was measurably higher than those treated with LCPC.
Content variations in compositions and volatile component in jujube fruits during the blacking process
Authors: Sun Xin , Gu Duanyin , Fu Quanbin , Gao Lin , Shi Chuan , Zhang Rentang , Qiao Xuguang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDried jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) was incubated at high temperature and humidity for 96 hr in blacking process and sampled every 12 hr. Results showed that the saccharose reduced from 195.6 to 3.1 g/kg rapidly in 24 hr. The total acid content was mild with 8.82 g/kg and increased to 23.45 g/kg by 177.21% with thermal processing for 96 hr. The contents of total polyphenols were enhanced during 0–48 hr processing, and the amount of the compound increased with treatment by 50.99%. The total reducing sugar increased 29.79% on 60 hr. cAMP was decreased with aging and ripening by 65.85%. 5‐HMF was keep growing to 3.52 g/kg. The volatile component had great change in black jujube fruits compared to untreated jujubes, especially treated in 12 hr. The results indicated that backing pretreatment can facilitate the generation of functional food materials and support the development of this nutrition product.
Retinal microglia signaling affects Müller cell behavior in the zebrafish following laser injury induction
Authors: Conedera Federica Maria , Pousa Ana Maria Quintela , Mercader Nadia , Tschopp Markus , Enzmann Volker 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicroglia are the resident tissue macrophages of the central nervous system including the retina. Under pathophysiological conditions, microglia can signal to Müller cells, the major glial component of the retina, affecting their morphological, molecular, and functional responses. Microglia–Müller cell interactions appear to be bidirectional shaping the overall injury response in the retina. Hence, microglia and Müller cell responses to disease and injury have been ascribed both positive and negative outcomes. However, Müller cell reactivity and survival in the absence of immune cells after injury have not been investigated in detail in adult zebrafish. Here, we develop a model of focal retinal injury combined with pharmacological treatments for immune cell depletion in zebrafish. The retinal injury was induced by a diode laser to damage photoreceptors. Two pharmacological treatments were used to deplete either macrophage–microglia (PLX3397) or selectively eliminate peripheral macrophages (clodronate liposomes). We show that PLX3397 treatment hinders retinal regeneration in zebrafish, which is reversed by microglial repopulation. On the other hand, selective macrophage elimination did not affect the kinetics of retinal regeneration. The absence of retinal microglia and macrophages leads to dysregulated Müller cell behavior. In the untreated fish, Müller cells react after injury induction showing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Phospho‐p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2), and PCNA upregulation. However, in the immunosuppressed animals, GFAP and phospho‐p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) expression was not upregulated overtime and the reentry in the cell cycle was not affected. Thus, microglia and Müller cell signaling is pivotal to unlock the regenerative potential of Müller cells in order to repair the damaged retina.
Network abnormalities among non‐manifesting Parkinson disease related LRRK2 mutation carriers
Authors: Jacob Yael , Rosenberg‐Katz Keren , Gurevich Tanya , Helmich Rick C. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Giladi Nir , Mirelman Anat , Hendler Talma , Thaler Avner 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNon‐manifesting carriers (NMC) of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene represent an “at risk” group for future development of Parkinson's disease (PD) and have demonstrated task related fMRI changes. However, resting‐state networks have received less research focus, thus this study aimed to assess the integrity of the motor, default mode (DMN), salience (SAL), and dorsal attention (DAN) networks among this unique population by using two different connectivity measures: interregional functional connectivity analysis and Dependency network analysis (DEPNA). Machine learning classification methods were used to distinguish connectivity between the two groups of participants. Forty‐four NMC and 41 non‐manifesting non‐carriers (NMNC) participated in this study; while no behavioral differences on standard questionnaires could be detected, NMC demonstrated lower connectivity measures in the DMN, SAL, and DAN compared to NMNC but not in the motor network. Significant correlations between NMC connectivity measures in the SAL and attention were identified. Machine learning classification separated NMC from NMNC with an accuracy rate above 0.8. Reduced integrity of non‐motor networks was detected among NMC of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene prior to identifiable changes in connectivity of the motor network, indicating significant non‐motor cerebral changes among populations “at risk” for future development of PD.
Which groups of the poor are supported more by the law? Pro‐poor health policy network in Iran
Authors: Etemadi Manal , Ashtarian Kioomars , Gorji Hasan Abolghasem , Kangarani Hananneh Mohammadi 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundConsidering the challenges of health services utilization of the poor in Iran, it is necessary to examine the supportive policy documents about the poor in order to identify such challenges.MethodsThis study is a policy documents analysis that has evaluated the legal documents in the health financial support to the poor. The researchers looked in the websites for documents and referred to related organizations. Social network analysis approach and UCINET software were chosen for data analysis.ResultsTwenty‐seven different disadvantaged groups were identified for financial support in the legal documents. The main focus was on “poor people,” “unsupported women and children,” and “disabled and elderly poor people.” There is a bundle of confusion about the number of supporting institutions for different groups and the amount of support in the network.ConclusionThe coverage of the poor in Iran has been impaired by a lack of clear boundary in their support. Because of the interorganizational partnership challenges, much more promising results would have been achieved if there was only one administrative institution for the Iranian poor. Given the inconsistencies seen in the support types and levels for the poor to access health services, it is inevitable to amend the laws.
Benzodiazepine usage and patient preference for alternative therapies: A descriptive study
Authors: Sake Fatema‐Tun‐Naher , Wong Keith , Bartlett Delwyn J. , Saini Bandana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsThe prevalence of chronic benzodiazepine use in primary care settings remains high despite clear evidence of adverse health outcomes resulting from long‐term use and the availability of effective alternative behavioural therapies. Eliciting factors influencing past or current usage experience of benzodiazepine users and their future behavioural intention regarding discontinuation or alternative behavioural therapy adoption could be useful in developing informed strategies facilitating successful benzodiazepine withdrawal in long‐term users. The aim of this study was to identify patient factors influencing their current long‐term benzodiazepine use, past withdrawal attempt, and future intention to trial safer alternative behavioural therapies. Additionally, the study also aimed to explore patients' preference for information sources on behavioural therapies.MethodsPoint of purchase surveys were conducted with patients obtaining benzodiazepines from selected pharmacies across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Survey items included the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ‐specific), questions about patient's sociodemographic characteristics, as well as their views about long‐term benzodiazepine use and behavioural therapies.ResultsSeventy‐five patients were recruited from 12 pharmacies across New South Wales (NSW). The surveys were conducted from November 2016 to July 2017. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 54.3 (±16.7) with a range of 23 to 86 years, and 67% of the participants had been using the benzodiazepine for at least 1 year. Lower‐education levels, stronger beliefs about the necessity of use, and lower concerns about ongoing benzodiazepine use were significantly associated with prolonged use. Sixty‐four percent of the participants were not interested in behavioural therapies, and there was a significant relationship between the participants' future preference for behavioural therapies and their concerns about the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines. A majority of the participants rated general practitioners (GPs) as their first choice and pharmacists as the second choice for discussing behavioural therapies.ConclusionsSpecific individual sociodemographic characteristics of benzodiazepine users and their medication‐related beliefs influence their current benzodiazepine usage and future intention to trial behavioural therapies as an alternative to their benzodiazepines. Based on the reported preferences of benzodiazepine users in this study, developing and evaluating GP‐pharmacist collaborative services to improve the uptake of behavioural therapies as an alternative to benzodiazepines can be recommended.
Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage with dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate elevation in a patient with suspected adrenal cortical carcinoma
Authors: Shimokihara Kota , Kawahara Takashi , Mochizuki Taku , Morinaga Ryota , Izumi Koji , Sanjyo Hiroyuki , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro , Otani Masako , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionSpontaneous adrenal hemorrhage is a relatively rare disease that is sometimes difficult to differentiate from adrenal cortical carcinoma. We herein report a case of spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage with dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate elevation.Case presentationThe patient was a 78‐year‐old man with an adrenal tumor that had increased in size to 42 mm. With the exception of an elevated dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate level (2281 ng/mL), the results of a hormone analysis were almost normal. Laparoscopic adrenal tumor resection was performed. The pathological diagnosis was adrenal hematoma.ConclusionWe reported a case of spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage in a patient with dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate elevation.
Curcumin‐galactomannosides mitigate alcohol‐induced liver damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and enhance bioavailability on TLR4/MMP events compared to curcumin
Authors: Mohan Ratheesh , Jose Svenia , Sukumaran Sandya , S Asha , S Sheethal , John Grace , I M Krishnakumar 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlcoholic liver diseases are classified as one of the major reasons for worldwide morbidity and mortality. Curcuminoids exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities that are beneficial for health, including hepatoprotective effects, but its clinical significance is limited due to poor oral bioavailability. In the present study, a novel formulation of curcumin as curcumin‐galactomannosides (CGM) with enhanced oral bioavailability alleviated alcohol‐induced liver damage in wistar rats with an increased potency compared to the unformulated natural curcuminoids (CM). Ethanol administration significantly elevated liver toxicity markers, lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers with a simultaneous reduction in antioxidant defenses. Supplementation of CGM reversed all of the pathological effects of alcohol administration, almost close to the normal level, when compared with CM. Histopathology of liver tissue also confirmed the better protective effect of CGM, indicating the enhancement in antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects as a function of bioavailability.
Upregulation of DLEU1 expression by epigenetic modification promotes tumorigenesis in human cancer
Authors: Pang Boran , Sui Shiyao , Wang Qin , Wu Junqiang , Yin Yanling , Xu Shouping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe function of DLEU1 in human cancer is largely unknown. The Cancer Genome Atlas data were applied to identify the landscape of differential genes between tumor tissues and normal tissues, which was further validated by our cohort data and pan‐cancer data including 33 cancer types with 11,060 patients. Next, DLEU1 was selected to validate the novel finding and result showed that it promoted tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DLEU1 promotes SRP4 expression via increasing H3K27ac enrichment to SRP4 locus epigenetically. Moreover, epigenetic modification leads to upregulation of DLEU1 expression via decreased DNA methylation and increased H3K27ac and H3K4me3 histone modification in its locus. Finally, high expression of DLEU1 correlates with worse prognosis not only in specific cancer type patients but also in patients in the pan‐cancer cohort. In summary, the work broadens the function landscape of known long noncoding RNAs in human cancer and provides novel insights into their roles in tumorigenesis.
Ebp1 p48 promotes oncogenic activities in human colon cancer cells through regulation of TIF‐90‐mediated ribosomal RNA synthesis
Authors: Nguyen Dang Quan , Hoang Dinh Hoa , Nguyen Thanh Thao Vo , Ho Huu Duc , Huynh Vu , Shin June Ho , Ly Quoc Trung , Thi Nguyen Dai Dong , Ghoda Lucy , Marcucci Guido , Nguyen Le Xuan Truong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe ErbB3‐binding protein 1 (Ebp1) has been reported as either an oncogenic regulator or a tumor suppressor in a variety of cancers. Here, we show that Ebp1 p48, a predominant expression isoform, is highly expressed in the majority of human colon tumor cells compared with normal adjacent tissues and its expression is required for the oncogenic activities of these cells. Depletion of Ebp1 expression in primary colon cancer cells inhibits cell proliferation, colony forming, and invasion in vitro as well as tumor formation in vivo and enhances cell sensitivity to irradiation. We further demonstrated that Ebp1 interacts with TIF‐90, a splice variant of transcription initiation factor IA (TIF‐IA) of the RNA polymerase I complex, allowing for regulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and oncogenesis in human colon cancer cells. Moreover, Ebp1 expression is essential for Akt protected TIF‐90 stability by preventing TIF‐90's ubiquitination by Mdm2 and hence, its proteasomal degradation. The results of the present study support a mechanism of underlying oncogenic activities by means of Ebp1 through regulation of TIF‐90‐mediated rRNA synthesis and suggest the potential therapeutic treatment of colon cancer by targeting Ebp1 and its signaling.
Cachexia and advanced dementia
Authors: Minaglia Cecilia , Giannotti Chiara , Boccardi Virginia , Mecocci Patrizia , Serafini Gianluca , Odetti Patrizio , Monacelli Fiammetta 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCachexia is a complex metabolic process that is associated with several end‐stage organ diseases. It is known to be also associated with advanced dementia, although the pathophysiologic mechanisms are still largely unknown. The present narrative review is aimed at presenting recent insights concerning the pathophysiology of weight loss and wasting syndrome in dementia, the putative mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of energy balance, and the interplay among the chronic clinical conditions of sarcopenia, malnutrition, and frailty in the elderly. We discuss the clinical implications of these new insights, with particular attention to the challenging question of nutritional needs in advanced dementia and the utility of tube feeding in order to optimize the management of end‐stage dementia.
Magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors: Review of conventional features and focus on nonmorphologic imaging
Authors: Ahlawat Shivani , Fritz Jan , Morris Carol D. , Fayad Laura M. 
Published: February 2019

The majority of peripheral musculoskeletal soft tissue masses encountered in routine clinical practice are benign and associated with an excellent prognosis, whereas a small proportion of soft tissue masses are malignant and are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Owing to the excellent tissue contrast resolution provided, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a primary modality for the diagnostic evaluation of soft tissue masses, particularly for defining the anatomic extent. MRI is also useful for the characterization of soft tissue masses; however, after the exclusion of cysts and lipomas, it is challenging to accurately categorize neoplastic lesions as benign or malignant with conventional anatomic MRI. Quantitative MRI biomarkers obtained with nonconventional pulse sequences are becoming increasingly available, and can improve the accuracy of determining the character of soft tissue masses. In this article we discuss established qualitative and emerging quantitative MRI‐based biomarkers available with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging, and MR spectroscopy and their utility for the characterization of untreated soft tissue masses.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy Stage: 5J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:11–27.
Antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and clinical outcomes in a cohort of immigrants patients affected by hepatitis delta: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Boglione Lucio , Lupia Tommaso , Cariti Giuseppe , Ghisetti Valeria , Milia Maria Grazia , Burdino Elisa , Di Perri Giovanni 
Published: February 2019

AbstractChronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is the most severe chronic hepatitis, with no satisfactory treatment options and severe clinical outcomes. This infection is frequent in the migrant subjects from endemic areas, especially from Africa and East‐Europe. The pegylated (PEG)‐interferon α (IFN) is limited by side effects and poor response. In this retrospective analysis, we reported our experience of treatment with PEG‐IFN in a cohort of immigrant patients affected by CHD. We evaluated the virological responses are as follows: complete response (CR; clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and hepatitis D virus [HDV]‐RNA), partial response (PR; HBsAg clearance with HDV‐RNA+), and null response (NR; HBsAg and HDV‐RNA+). Clinical outcomes were clinical stabilization, disease progression, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), death, and liver transplantation. Forty‐six patients were included. At the end of treatment (ET), 11 patients gained a CR (23.9%), 10 were PR (21.7%), and 16 were NR (34.8%). After 1 year, 10 remained with CR (21.7%), after 2 years, 9 (19.5%), and at 3 years, 8 (17.4%). Relapse rate was 2.2%, 4.4%, and 6.5% at year 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Favorable factors were CR at the ET (odds ratio [OR] = 4.559, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.219‐7.116; P = 0.003), PEG‐IFN course greater than 1 (OR = 1.240, 95% CI: 0.998‐4.839; P = 0.012), prolonged treatment (OR = 1.276, 95% CI: 0.816‐3.108; P = 0.018), quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) decline at 12 weeks greater than 0.5 log IU/mL (OR = 4.816, 95% CI: 2.190‐8.194; P < 0.001). The unfavorable factors were cirrhosis (OR = 3.122, 95% CI: 1.466‐4.190; P = 0.012), active hepatitis B virus (OR = 2.334, 95% CI: 1.788‐3.992; P = 0.018), NR at ET (OR = 6.998, 95% CI: 5.987‐11.404; P < 0001). Treatment of CHD is limited by poor virological response; is NR unfavorable outcomes were unavoidable. No other treatment options were available.