bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in Singaporean adults – the Yishun Study
Authors: Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Wee Shiou Liang , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Ng Daniella Hui Min , Tan Queenie Lin Ling , Chen Kenneth Kexun , Jagadish Mallya Ullal , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To describe the normative values of sarcopenia among community-dwelling adults (≥21), compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using AWGS2014, AWGS2019 and EWGSOP2 guidelines, and identify factors associated with sarcopenia.Design: Participants were recruited through random sampling. Sarcopenia assessments were performed using a DXA scan (muscle mass), handgrip test (muscle strength) and usual walking test (physical performance). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate lifestyle and cognition.Setting and Participants: 542 community-dwelling Singaporeans were recruited (21-90 years old, 57.9% women). Methods: We assessed anthropometry, body composition, and questionnaire-based physical and cognitive factors, and estimated sarcopenia prevalence according to the AWGS2014, AWGS2019 and EWGSOP2 recommendations, and examined associations using logistic regression.Results: According to AWGS2019, the Singapore population-adjusted sarcopenia prevalence was 13.6% (men 13.0%; women 14.2%) overall, and 32.2% (men 33.7%, women 30.9%) in those aged 60 and above. The cut-offs derived from young adult reference group for low ALMI is 5.28 kg/m2 for men and 3.69 kg/m2 for women (lower than AWGS recommended cut-off); for GS it is 0.82 m/s, (AWGS2019 recommended cut-off 1.0m/s, AWGS2014 cut-off was 0.8 m/s); for HGS, it is 27.9 kg /m2 for men, and 16.7 kg/m2 for women (close to AWGS2019 recommendation). Age, gender, marital status, alcoholism, physical activity, BMI, waist circumference and global cognition were associated with sarcopenia (p<.05).Conclusions and Implications: This is the first study to provide reference values of muscle mass, strength and gait speed across the adult lifespan of Singaporeans. Using AWGS2019 criteria, sarcopenia is prominent in older age (32.2% in ≥60 years old); but it is already non-trivial (6.9%) among young and middle-aged persons. Multi-domain lifestyle modifications addressing muscle strength, cognition and nutrition over the adult lifespan is important to delay the development of sarcopenia.
Analysis of the role of Chest X-Ray in a large cohort of 1117 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an Italian multicenter study﻿
Authors: Vespro Valentina , Andrisani Maria Carmela , Fusco Stefano , Meglio Letizia Di , Plensich Guido , Scarabelli Alice , Stellato Elvira , Ierardi Annamaria , Scudeller Luigia , Coppola Andrea , Gori Andrea , Pesenti Antonio , Grasselli Giacomo , Aliberti Stefano , Blasi Francesco , Villa Chiara , Ippolito Sonia , Pirrò Barbara , Damiani Guglielmo , Galli Massimo , Rizzardini Giuliano , Catena Emanuele , Orlandi Matteo Agostino , Magnani Sandro , Cipolla Giuseppe , Ianiello Andrea Antonio , Petrillo Mario , Xhepa Genti , Cazzulani Alberto , Carrafiello Gianpaolo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective. To describe the radiographic key patterns on CXR in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, assessing the prevalence of radiographic signs of interstitial pneumonia. To evaluate pattern variation between a baseline and a follow-up CXR.Materials and methods. 1117 patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection were retrospectively enrolled from four centers in Lombardy region. All patients underwent a CXR at presentation. Follow-up CXR was performed when clinically indicated.Two radiologists in each center reviewed CXR images and classified them as suggestive or not for interstitial pneumonia, recording the presence of ground-glass opacity (GGO), reticular pattern or consolidation and their distribution.Pearson’s chi-square test for categorical variables and McNemar test (chi-square for paired data) were performed.Results. Patients mean age 63.3 years, 767 were males (65.5%). The main result is the large proportion of positive CXR in COVID-19 patients.Baseline CXR was positive in 940 patients (80.3%), with significant differences in age and sex distribution between patients with positive and negative CXR. 382 patients underwent a follow-up CXR. The most frequent pattern on baseline CXR was the GGO (66.1%), on follow-up was consolidation (53.4%). The most common distributions were peripheral and middle-lower lung zone.Conclusions. We described key-patterns and their distribution on CXR in a large cohort of COVID-19 patients: GGO was the most frequent finding on baseline CXR, while we found an increase in the proportion of lung consolidation on follow-up CXR. CXR proved to be a reliable tool in our cohort obtaining positive results in 80.3% of the baseline cases.
Gut metagenomics discriminates unique microbial signatures in diverse symptomatic profiles with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Li Yan , Sun Haiting , Huang Yufen , Yin Anqi , Wang Ping , Han Jiao , Qu Dingding , Zhuo Lixia , Tian Mei , Wang Chen , Jian Fangfang , Zhao Jinyang , Sun Silong , Rohde Luis Augusto , Xie Xuefeng , Sun Xin , Xiong Lize 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that can be divided into inattentive (I-ADHD), hyperactive-impulsive (HI-ADHD), and combined (C-ADHD) subtypes. Different early life events and environmental factors correlated with the gut microbiota community have been implicated in the development of ADHD. However, whether different ADHD symptomatic presentations are associated with distinct microbiota composition and function still unknown. Therefore, we carried out metagenomic analysis from 207 subjects to characterize the gut microbial profiles in ADHD and subgroup patients.ResultsThe current study revealed that the gut microbiota composition (beta diversity) can be effectively distinguished between C-ADHD patients and HCs, but not I-ADHD patients and HCs, nor general ADHD patients and HCs. Features include underrepresentation of 8 species belonging to the genus Bacteroides and enrichment of 5 species of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella in general ADHD patients (all p < 0.05). Eight of the above species became progressively reduced (ovatus, thetaiotaomicron, intestinalis, cellulosilyticus, and fluxus belonging to the genus Bacteroides) or enriched (Prevotella_copri, Prevotella_buccae and Bifidobacterium_breve) from healthy controls (HCs) to I-ADHD and C-ADHD patients. Predicted metabolic functions from these distinguished gut microbial markers described a certain compensatory host metabolism in ADHD and subgroup patients. Particularly, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (a dominant vitamin B6 active type) biosynthesis pathways were significantly reduced in C-ADHD patients, because serum vitamin B6 deficiency in ADHD patients was found previously. Of note, we identified diverse virulence factor and antibiotic resistance from the gut microbiota of ADHD patients. The abundance of antibiotic resistance ontology ANT(9)-Ia positively correlated with the abundance of Prevotella_amnii, which was enriched in ADHD patients. Moreover, species-based bacterial markers were used to construct classifiers and achieved a higher AUC of 0.87 in C-ADHD vs. HC than that in ADHD vs. HC (AUC = 0.84).ConclusionsThese findings uncover alterations in microbial composition in subgroup patients and provide potential biomarkers for diagnosis different symptomatic presentations for ADHD.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03447223. Registered 27 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03447223?term=03447223&draw=2&rank=1
Comparison between wild and related cultivated rice species reveals strong impacts of crop domestication on methane metabolism of the rhizomicrobiome
Authors: Tian Lei , Chang Jingjing , Shi Shaohua , Ji Li , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Xiujun , Veen Johannes A van , Kuramae Eiko E , Tian Chunjie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Rice root-inhabited microbial communities are seriously affected by domestication as evidenced by comparing the rhizomicrobiomes of wild and related cultivated rice species. While earlier studies focused on the structures of the rhizomicrobiomes, here, we compared the functioning of the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of wild versus that of related cultivated rice species, which were originated from Africa and Asia.
Results

The microbial functions involved in carbon metabolism and nucleotide metabolism were found to be enriched in wild rice species, whereas those involved in nitrogen metabolism, lipid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and xenobiotic biodegradation were more enriched in cultivated rice species. Among the overall carbon metabolism, specifically, methane metabolism of the rhizomicrobiomes clearly differed between wild and cultivated rice. The key enzymes in methane production and utilization were overrepresented in wild rice species, suggesting that the rhizomicrobiome of wild rice maintained a better ecological balance for methane production and utilization than the related cultivated rice species.
Conclusions

For the first time, the impacts of rice domestication on the main metabolic pathways of the rhizomicrobiome were assessed, which revealed the strong impacts of rice domestication on methane metabolism that is one of the most critical functions of the microbial community of the rhizosphere of rice. The results provide important guidelines for future breeding and cultivation of rice in the framework of more sustainable rice production.
Changing trends of birth weight with maternal age: a cross-sectional study in Xi'an city of Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Yang Liren , Shang Li , Yang Wenfang , Qi Cuifang , Huang Liyan , Xie Guilan , Wang Ruiqi , Chung Mei Chun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Most studies have shown that maternal age was associated with birth weight. However, specific relationships between each additional year of maternal age and birth weight remain unclear. The study aimed to analyze the specific association between maternal age at birth and birth weight.

Methods

Raw data for all live births from 2015 to 2018 was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Xi’an, China. 490143 mother-child pairs with full-term singleton live birth and the maternal age ranged from 20 to 40 years old were included in our study. Birth weight, gestational age, the birth date of the newborns, maternal birth date, residence, and ethnicity were collected. Generalized additive model and two-piece wise linear regression model were used to analyze the specific relationship between maternal age and birth weight, risk of low birth weight, and risk of macrosomia.

Results

The relationships between maternal age and birth weight, risk of low birth weight, and risk of macrosomia were nonlinear. Birth weight increased 16.204 g per year before age 24(95%CI: 14.323, 18.086), and increased 12.051g per year when maternal age ranged from 24 to 34(95%CI: 11.609, 12.493), then decreased 0.824g per year (95% CI: -3.112, 1.464). The risk of low birth weight decreased until age 36(OR= 0.917, 95%CI: 0.903, 0.932 for maternal age younger than 27; OR= 0.965, 95%CI: 0.955, 0.976 for maternal age ranged from 27 to 36), then increased (OR= 1.133, 95%CI: 1.026, 1.250). The risk of macrosomia increased with the increase of maternal age (OR=1.102, 95%CI: 1.075, 1.129 for maternal age younger than 24; OR=1.065, 95%CI: 1.060, 1.071 for maternal age ranged from 24 to 33; OR= 1.029, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.046 for maternal age older than 33).

Conclusions

For women of childbearing age (20-40 years old), the threshold maternal age for low birth weight was 36 years old, and the risk of macrosomia increased with the increase of maternal age.
Sensitivity of FAO Penman–Monteith reference evapotranspiration (ETo) to climatic variables under different climate types in Nigeria
Authors: Emeka Ndulue , Ikenna Onyekwelu , Okechukwu Michael , Chinenye Anyadike , Emmanuel Echiegu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of changes in climatic variables on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is important for predicting possible implications of climate change on the overall hydrology of an area. This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in ETo with respect to changes in climatic variables. In addition, the specific objective was to determine the sensitivity coefficients of ETo in seven different locations in Nigeria with distinct agroecology, namely Maiduguri (Sahel savannah), Sokoto (Sudan savannah), Kaduna (Guinea savannah), Jos (Montane), Enugu (Derived Savannah), Ibadan (tropical rainforest), and Port Harcourt (coastal). The results showed that ETo is most sensitive to changes in maximum temperature (Tmax) in Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Jos. In Enugu and Ibadan, ETo is most sensitive to changes in solar radiation (Rs), while in Port Harcourt, ETo is most sensitive to relative humidity (RH). Overall, based on the average annual sensitivity coefficients (SCs) of the study area, the SC is ranked in the order: RH &gt; Rs &gt; Tmax &gt; U2 &gt; Tmin. Also, the results showed positive SCs of ETo to Rs, Tmax, U2, Tmin, and negative SC for RH. This study can serve as a baseline for sustainable water management in the context of climate change and adapted to areas with a similar climate.
Machine Learning-Based Scoring Functions, Development and Applications with SAnDReS
Authors: Bitencourt-Ferreira Gabriela , Rizzotto Camila , de Azevedo Junior Walter Filgueira 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Analysis of atomic coordinates of protein-ligand complexes can provide
three-dimensional data to generate computational models to evaluate binding affinity and
thermodynamic state functions. Application of machine learning techniques can create models
to assess protein-ligand potential energy and binding affinity. These methods show superior
predictive performance when compared with classical scoring functions available in docking
programs.

Objective:
Our purpose here is to review the development and application of the program
SAnDReS. We describe the creation of machine learning models to assess the binding affinity
of protein-ligand complexes.

Methods:
SAnDReS implements machine learning methods available in the scikit-learn library.
This program is available for download at https://github.com/azevedolab/sandres.
SAnDReS uses crystallographic structures, binding and thermodynamic data to create targeted
scoring functions.

Results:
Recent applications of the program SAnDReS to drug targets such as Coagulation
factor Xa, cyclin-dependent kinases and HIV-1 protease were able to create targeted scoring
functions to predict inhibition of these proteins. These targeted models outperform classical
scoring functions.

Conclusion:
Here, we reviewed the development of machine learning scoring functions to
predict binding affinity through the application of the program SAnDReS. Our studies show
the superior predictive performance of the SAnDReS-developed models when compared with
classical scoring functions available in the programs such as AutoDock4, Molegro Virtual
Docker and AutoDock Vina.
Deciphering the Omics of Plant-Microbe Interaction: Perspectives and New Insights
Authors: Sharma Minaxi , Sudheer Surya , Usmani Zeba , Rani Rupa , Gupta Pratishtha 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:Plants do not grow in isolation, rather they are hosts to a variety of microbes in their natural environments. While, few thrive in the plants for their own benefit, others may have a direct impact on plants in a symbiotic manner. Unraveling plant-microbe interactions is a critical component in recognizing the positive and negative impacts of microbes on plants. Also, by affecting the environment around plants, microbes may indirectly influence plants. The progress in sequencing technologies in the genomics era and several omics tools has accelerated in biological science. Studying the complex nature of plant-microbe interactions can offer several strategies to increase the productivity of plants in an environmentally friendly manner by providing better insights. This review brings forward the recent works performed in building omics strategies that decipher the interactions between plant-microbiome. At the same time, it further explores other associated mutually beneficial aspects of plant-microbe interactions such as plant growth promotion, nitrogen fixation, stress suppressions in crops and bioremediation; as well as provides better insights on metabolic interactions between microbes and plants through omics approaches. It also aims to explore advances in the study of Arabidopsis as an important avenue to serve as a baseline tool to create models that help in scrutinizing various factors that contribute to the elaborate relationship between plants and microbes. Causal relationships between plants and microbes can be established through systematic gnotobiotic experimental studies to test hypotheses on biologically derived interactions.Conclusion:This review will cover recent advances in the study of plant-microbe interactions keeping in view the advantages of these interactions in improving nutrient uptake and plant health.
Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Defatted Microalgal Biomasses of Botryococcus Braunii and Dunaliella Tertiolecta showing a Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Lee Da G. , Kashif Shaheen A. , Yoo Ah Y. , Choi Ji W. , Park Yong I. , Synytsya Andriy , Park Jae K. 
Published: May 2020

Aims:
This study aims to elucidate the structural difference and biochemical properties of bioactive compounds of microalgal biomasses.

Background :
The structural difference and biochemical properties of bioactive compounds termed as water-soluble macromolecules
(WSMs) are interested in evaluating their biological activities.

Methods:
This study was performed to elucidate the structural difference and biochemical properties of bioactive compounds termed
as water-soluble macromolecules (WSMs) isolated from defatted microalgal biomasses of Botryococcus braunii and Dunaliella tertiolecta.

Results:
The compositional analysis of both WSMs revealed that WSM-Bb is a hetero-macromolecule consisting of various monosaccharides, whereas WSM-Dt was characterized as a homo-macromolecule that mainly consists of glucose. Interestingly, WSM-Bb
showed the significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity with the increase of both the concentration and reaction time. Whereas, there was
no significant inhibitory activity observed by WSM-Dt.

Conclusion:
Inhibitory action of WSM-Bb toward both tyrosinase and tyrosine in the either simultaneous or separate reaction may be
mainly due to the physical affinity of WSM-Bb. These results emphasize the identification of the primary components of these WSMs
and their relevance with the antioxidant function.
Obesity: The New Global Epidemic Pharmacological Treatment, Opportunities and Limits for Personalized Therapy
Authors: Milano Walter , De Biasio Valeria , Di Munzio Walter , Foggia Giuseppina , Capasso Anna 
Published: May 2020

Background:The increase in global obesity rates over the past three decades has been remarkable, a true epidemic, both in developed and in developing countries. The projections, based on current trends, suggest an increase in the prevalence of obesity at 60% in adult men, 40% in adult women and 25% in children in 2050. Given the limitations of lifestyle and surgery interventions bariatric, drug therapy approaches for the treatment of obesity, therefore become important options.Aim:The purpose of this review is a review of the literature, based on research on MEDLINE until 2019, on the possible pharmacological options in the treatment of obesity.Results:Currently, the FDA has approved several molecules for the treatment of obesity, both in monotherapy and in combination. Pharmacological monotherapies focus mainly on a single protein target and include orlistat, lorcaserin and liraglutide while the combination molecules propose a multitarget approach and include phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion. All the approved drugs showed, in the different studies, a weight reduction of at least 5%, compared to placebo, in 52 weeks of observation. Phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide have been associated with the highest probability of at least 5% weight loss. Liraglutide and naltrexone-bupropion had the lowest rates of therapy discontinuation due to adverse events.Conclusion:The drugs, associated with the standard diet and/or exercise protocols, represent a good therapeutic opportunity to allow not only weight loss but also to reduce the risk of developing diseases caused by obesity, particularly cardiovascular diseases, and to maintain the set objectives over time. However, future research on the pharmacological treatment of obesity should encourage greater personalization of therapy, given the differences in safety, efficacy and response to therapy, in the different subpopulations of patients with obesity.
Xanthoangelol Isolated from Angelica keiskei Roots Prevents Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Treated Colitis in Mice
Authors: Kimura Yoshiyuki , Baba Kimye 
Published: May 2020

Background:
The therapeutic effects of a number of natural products on Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD) have recently been examined in detail. The whole herb and roots of Angelica
keiskei (Umblliferae) have traditionally been used as a diuretic, to treat gastrointestinal diseases such
as gastric ulcers and diarrhea in Japan.

Objectives:
The present study was performed to investigate the effects of xanthoangelol, a major
chalcone of Angelica keiskei roots, on diarrhea and inflammation in the large intestine of IBD model
mice.

Methods:
Xanthoangelol (10 & 25 mg/kg) was orally administered to mice with 3% Dextran Sulfate
Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Blood samples were collected during the experimental period, subjected
to a full blood count test, and colonic cytokine and chemokine levels were measured.

Results:
Xanthoangelol (25 mg/kg) reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI) of colitis. It also attenuated
DSS-induced reductions in red blood cell and platelet counts as well as Hb and Ht levels. A
histological examination of the colon using direct fast scarlet staining showed that xanthoangelol
prevented DSS-induced mucosal ulceration and eosinophil infiltration. Xanthoangelol also reduced
DSS-induced increases in colonic MCP-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels.

Conclusions:
Xanthoangelol reduced DSS-induced increases in colonic IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1
levels and prevented eosinophil infiltration, which supports its potential as a treatment for IBD.