bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production in milk fermented by specific wild lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from artisanal Mexican cheeses
Authors: Santos-Espinosa Alejandro , Beltrán-Barrientos Lilia María , Reyes-Díaz Ricardo , Mazorra-Manzano Miguel Ángel , Hernández-Mendoza Adrián , González-Aguilar Gustavo Adolfo , Sáyago-Ayerdi Sonia Guadalupe , Vallejo-Cordoba Belinda , González-Córdova Aarón Fernando 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to screen wild GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisanal Mexican cheeses and to evaluate the fermentation conditions for the enhancement of the GABA yield in fermented milk.

Methods
A qualitative test was carried out to select the GABA-producing LAB and the GABA was quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in fermented milk (FM). Two inoculum concentrations (107 and 109 CFU/mL), two incubation temperatures (30 and 37 °C), three glutamate concentrations (1, 3, and 5 g/L), and three pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) concentrations (0, 100, and 200 μM) were assessed to establish suitable conditions to enhance the GABA yield in FM.

Results
Results showed that, from a total of 94 LAB strains, fermented milk with two Lactococcus lactis strains (L-571 or L-572) presented the highest GABA production. However, 37 °C of incubation and 109 CFU/mL and 3 g/L of glutamate significantly led the highest GABA yield in FM with L-571. Further studies are needed to establish the optimum conditions for producing GABA by this strain, and in vivo studies may reveal its potential use as GABA-producing culture.

Conclusion
These results highlight the importance of wild LAB strains in order to generate new alternatives and opportunities in the development of functional foods containing GABA.
Relationship between serum inhibitory activity for IgE and efficacy of Artemisia pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: a preliminary self-controlled study
Authors: Wang Wenping , Yin Jinshu , Wang Xueyan , Ma Tingting , Lan Tianfei , Song Qingkun , Guo Yifan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Biomarkers of clinical efficacy for subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) on allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been identified yet. This study aims to assess the clinical relevance of serum inhibitory activity for IgE by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent facilitated antigen binding (ELIFAB) during SCIT for Artemisia-sensitized AR patients.

Methods
19 AR patients were studied who had undergone Artemisia-specific SCIT for more than 8 months (19.68 months on average, ranging from 9 to 33 months). Peripheral bloods were collected before and after treatment. The serum inhibitory activity for IgE was tested by ELIFAB and the level of Artemisia-specific IgG4 (Artemisia-sIgG4) was determined by ELISA. Clinical improvement was evaluated based on the symptom scores and rescue medication use (SMS). The 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Spearman rank test (two-tailed) were used to analyze data by using SPSS 20.0, with P values of less than 0.05 considered as significant.

Results
The SMS decreased significantly after SCIT (before: 12.79 ± 4.250, after: 6.11 ± 3.828, P = 0.000 < 0.01), the treatment was remarkably effective for 6 patients, effective for 10 and ineffective for 3, along with a total effective rate 84.21%. The serum inhibitory activity for IgE increased significantly after SCIT (P < 0.05) and was correlated with the levels of Artemisia-sIgG4 (r = − 0.501, P = 0.002 < 0.01). The levels of Artemisia-sIgG4 elevated dramatically after treatment (P < 0.01) and were related with the duration of treatment (r = 0.558, P = 0.000 < 0.01). But there was no relationship between clinical improvements and the serum inhibitory activity for IgE.

Conclusions
The serum inhibitory activity for IgE increased significantly after SCIT, however, there was no correlation between it and clinical improvements by statistics analysis. So whether the serum inhibitory activity for IgE can act as biomarker of efficacy for SCIT or not needs to be studied further.
Protective effects of human iPS-derived retinal pigmented epithelial cells on retinal degenerative disease
Authors: Zhu Deliang , Xie Mengyuan , Gademann Fabian , Cao Jixing , Wang Peiyuan , Guo Yonglong , Zhang Lan , Su Ting , Zhang Jun , Chen Jiansu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptor cells. This study aim at exploring the effect of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC-RPE) on the retina of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, which are characterized with progressive photoreceptor death.

Methods
We generated RPE from hiPSCs by sequential supplementation with retinal-inducing factors and RPE specification signaling factors. The three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture method was used to obtain optimal injectable hiPSC-RPE cells. Subretinal space transplantation was conducted to deliver hiPSC-RPE cells into the retina of rd10 mice. Neurotrophic factor secretion from transplanted hiPSC-RPE cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunostaining, Western blotting, electroretinography (ERG), and visual behavior testing were performed to determine the effects of hiPSC-RPE on the retinal visual function in rd10 mice.

Results
Our data demonstrated that hiPSC-RPE cells exhibited classic RPE properties and phenotype after the sequential RPE induction from hiPSCs. hiPSC-RPE cells co-cultured with mouse retinal explants or retinal ganglion cells 5 (RGC5) exhibited decreased apoptosis. The viability and functional properties of hiPSC-RPE cells were enhanced by 3D spheroid culture. Transplanted hiPSC-derived RPE cells were identified by immunostaining with human nuclear antigen staining in the retina of rd10 14 days after subretinal space injection. The pigment epithelium-derived factor level was increased significantly. The expression of CD68, microglial activation marker, reduced after transplantation. The light avoidance behavior and ERG visual function in rd10 mice improved by the transplantation of hiPSC-RPE cells.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that injectable hiPSC-RPE cells after 3D spheroid culture can rescue the structure and function of photoreceptors by sub-retinal transplantation, which lay the foundation for future clinical cell therapy to treat RP and other retinal degeneration diseases.
Disruption of histamine/H1R signaling pathway represses cardiac differentiation and maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Zhu Xiaowei , Ding Suling , Li Hui , Zhang Zhiwei , Xu Lili , Wu Jian , Wang Xiangfei , Zou Yunzeng , Yang Xiangdong , Ge Junbo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficiency and quality of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are crucial for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug screening, and the study of the development events during cardiac specification. However, their applications have been hampered by the differentiation efficiency, poor maturation, and high interline variability. Recent studies have reported that histamine plays important roles in hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and neutrophil maturation. However, its roles in cardiovascular tissue regeneration have not been thoroughly investigated. In the current study, we identified a novel physiological function of the histamine/histamine 1 receptor (H1R) signal in regulating the differentiation of hiPSC-CMs and heart development.

Methods
Transgenic zebrafish model (cmlc2: mCherry) was treated with histamine and histamine receptor (HR) antagonists. Histological morphology and ultrastructure of zebrafish heart were measured. Histamine-deficient pregnant mice (HDC−/−) were treated with H1R antagonist (pyrilamine) by intragastric administration from E8.5 to E18.5. Cardiac histological morphology and ultrastructure were analyzed in neonatal mice, and cardiac function in adult mice was measured. In vitro, histamine and HR antagonists were administrated in the culture medium during hiPSC-CM differentiation at different stages. The efficiency and maturation of cardiac differentiation were evaluated. Finally, histamine-treated hiPSC-CMs were transplanted into ischemic myocardium to detect the possible therapeutic effect.

Results
Administration of H1R antagonist during heart development induced cardiac dysplasia in zebrafish. Furthermore, using histidine decarboxylase (HDC) knockout mice, we examined abnormal swelling of myocardial mitochondria and autophagy formation under the condition of endogenous histamine deficiency. Histamine significantly promoted myocardial differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with better structure and function via a H1R-dependent signal. The activation of histamine/H1R signaling pathway augmented hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) differentiation through the ERK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, histamine-pre-treated hiPSC-CMs were transplanted into the ischemic hearts of myocardial injured mice and exhibited better survival and myocardial protection.

Conclusions
Thus, these findings indicated that histamine/H1R and its downstream signals were not only involved in cardiac differentiation but also provided a better survival environment for stem cell transplanted into ischemic myocardium.
A cooperative construction method for the measurement matrix and sensing dictionary used in compression sensing
Authors: Shen Zhi Yuan , Cheng Xin Miao , Wang Qian Qian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA measurement matrix and sensing dictionary are the basic tools for signal compression sampling and reconstruction, respectively, which are important aspects in the field of compression sensing. Previous studies which have divided the measurement matrix and sensing dictionary into two separate processes did not make full use of their inherent intercorrelations. In case of which could be fully utilized, the mutual coherence of the atoms of measurement matrix and sensing dictionary can be further reduced under the premise of ensuring that the original signal information is stored, which could improve the accuracy of signal recovery. The present study attempted to reduce the mutual coherence between the sensing dictionary and measurement matrix by proposing the t-average mutual coherence coefficient as an evaluation index for the sensing dictionary. A mathematical model for co-constructing a measurement matrix and sensing dictionary is firstly proposed. Then, the measurement matrix and sensing dictionary cooperative construction(MSCA)algorithm is proposed to solve the model at a faster rate. The simulated results for sparse signal and binary image show that the proposed algorithm has faster computing speed and higher solution precision than the state-of-the-art construction algorithms.
Salvage therapy for progressive, treatment-refractory or recurrent pediatric medulloblastoma: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Adile Ashley A. , Kameda-Smith Michelle M. , Bakhshinyan David , Banfield Laura , Salim Sabra K. , Farrokhyar Forough , Fleming Adam J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Central nervous system tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related mortality amongst children with solid tumors, with medulloblastoma (MB) representing the most common pediatric brain malignancy. Despite best current therapies, patients with recurrent MB experience have an alarmingly high mortality rate and often have limited therapeutic options beyond inadequate chemotherapy or experimental clinical trials. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature regarding treatment strategies employed in recurrent pediatric MB will evaluate previous salvage therapies in order to guide future clinical trials. The aim of this systematic review will be to investigate the efficacy and safety of salvage therapies for the management of children with progressive, treatment-refractory, or recurrent MB.

Methods
We will conduct literature searches (from 1995 onwards) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies examining the survival and toxicity of therapies administered to treatment-refractory pediatric MB patients will be included. Two reviewers will independently assess the search results based on predefined selection criteria, complete data abstraction, and quality assessment. The primary outcomes of this review will be overall and progression-free survival. Secondary outcomes will include safety and toxicity of each therapy administered. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Due to the nature of the research question and published literature, we expect large inter-study heterogeneity and therefore will use random effects regression analysis to extract the combined effect. In additional analyses, we will investigate the role of re-irradiation and mono- vs. poly-therapy in recurrent disease, and whether molecular subgrouping of MB influences salvage therapy.

Discussion
This systematic review will provide an overview of the current literature regarding salvage therapies for relapsed MB patients. Investigation of clinically tested therapies for children with recurrent MB has significant implications for clinical practice. By reviewing the efficacy and toxicity of MB salvage therapies, this study will identify effective therapeutic strategies administered to recurrent MB patients and can inform future clinical trials aimed to improve patient survivorship and quality of life.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020167421
Comprehensive evaluation of the metabolic effects of insect meal from Tenebrio molitor L. in growing pigs by transcriptomics, metabolomics and lipidomics
Authors: Meyer Sandra , Gessner Denise K. , Braune Maria S. , Friedhoff Theresa , Most Erika , Höring Marcus , Liebisch Gerhard , Zorn Holger , Eder Klaus , Ringseis Robert 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The hypothesis was tested that insect meal (IM) as protein source influences intermediary metabolism of growing pigs. To test this, 30 male, 5-week-old crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 10 pigs each with similar body weights (BW) and fed isonitrogenous diets either without (CON) or with 5% IM (IM5) or 10% IM (IM10) from Tenebrio molitor L. for 4 weeks and key metabolic tissues (liver, muscle, plasma) were analyzed using omics-techniques.

Results
Most performance parameters did not differ across the groups, whereas ileal digestibilities of most amino acids were 6.7 to 15.6%-units lower in IM10 than in CON (P < 0.05). Transcriptomics of liver and skeletal muscle revealed a total of 166 and 198, respectively, transcripts differentially expressed between IM10 and CON (P < 0.05). Plasma metabolomics revealed higher concentrations of alanine, citrulline, glutamate, proline, serine, tyrosine and valine and a lower concentration of asparagine in IM10 than in CON (P < 0.05). Only one out of fourteen quantifiable amino acid metabolites, namely methionine sulfoxide (MetS), in plasma was elevated by 45% and 71% in IM5 and IM10, respectively, compared to CON (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of both, major carnitine/acylcarnitine species and bile acids were not different across groups. Lipidomics of liver and plasma demonstrated no differences in the concentrations of triacylglycerols, cholesterol and the main phospholipids, lysophospholipids and sphingolipids between groups. The percentages of all individual phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) species in the liver showed no differences between groups, except those with 6 double bonds (PC 38:6, PC 40:6, PE 38:6, PE 40:6), which were markedly lower in IM10 than in CON (P < 0.05). In line with this, the percentage of C22:6n-3 in hepatic total lipids was lower in IM10 than in the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Comprehensive analyzes of the transcriptome, lipidome and metabolome of key metabolic tissues indicate that partial or complete replacement of a conventional protein source by IM in the diet has only a weak impact on the intermediary metabolism of growing pigs. Thus, it is concluded that IM from Tenebrio molitor L. can be used as a dietary source of protein in pigs without causing adverse effects on metabolism.
Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Holtzhausen Nicol , Fitzgerald Keersten , Thakur Ishaan , Ashley Jack , Rolfe Margaret , Pit Sabrina Winona 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Swipe-Based Dating Applications (SBDAs) function similarly to other social media and online dating platforms but have the unique feature of “swiping” the screen to either like or dislike another user’s profile. There is a lack of research into the relationship between SBDAs and mental health outcomes.
The aim of this study was to study whether adult SBDA users report higher levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, compared to people who do not use SBDAs.

Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 437 participants. Mental health (MH) outcomes included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2 scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios of having a MH condition. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used with an apriori model which considered all four mental health scores together in a single analysis. The apriori model included user status, age and gender.

Results
Thirty percent were current SBDA users. The majority of users and past users had met people face-to-face, with 26.1%(60/230) having met > 5 people, and only 22.6%(52/230) having never arranged a meeting. Almost 40%(39.1%; 90/230) had previously entered into a serious relationship with someone they had met on a SBDA. More participants reported a positive impact on self-esteem as a result of SBDA use (40.4%; 93/230), than a negative impact (28.7%;66/230).
Being a SBDA user was significantly associated with having psychological distress (OR = 2.51,95%CI (1.32–4.77)), p = 0.001), and depression (OR = 1.91,95%CI (1.04–3.52), p = 0.037) in the multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for age, gender and sexual orientation. When the four MH scores were analysed together there was a significant difference (p = 0.037) between being a user or non-user, with SDBA users having significantly higher mean scores for distress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.015) and depression (p = 0.005). Increased frequency of use and longer duration of use were both associated with greater psychological distress and depression (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
SBDA use is common and users report higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress compared to those who do not use the applications. Further studies are needed to determine causality and investigate specific patterns of SBDA use that are detrimental to mental health.
A computer programming hybrid MOOC for Greek secondary education
Authors: Koutsakas Philippos , Karagiannidis Charalampos , Politis Panagiotis , Karasavvidis Ilias 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe present paper presents the planning, implementation, observation and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data of a participatory action research, aiming to study the potential role, value and uses of MOOCs in secondary education. Within the context of this research, a computer programming hybrid MOOC (named PROG15) which combined aspects of both x- and c-MOOCs architecture and pedagogy was designed, implemented and openly provided to Greek Secondary Education students.The MOOC completion rate (xMOOC dimension) was relatively low, but similar to that of typical xMOOCs for adults, while the degree of collaboration with other students and contribution to the course content (the cMOOC dimension) was relatively average. Before their involvement in the MOOC, the participating students recorded particularly high learning expectations from the specific course and from the collaborative learning model it proposed and quite positive views regarding the impact of this new educational tool on secondary education. Their attitude towards these issues was even more positive after their involvement in the MOOC, while their overall experience was particularly positive.The above findings, although they resulted from a comparatively small sample of students for the measures of MOOCs and within a very specific educational context, they form a particularly promising background for the utilization of this new tool in secondary education in general and specifically for the preparation of students for higher education studies, in subjects related to computer programming. Of course, further research and investigation is required on the design, development and implementation of the next generation of MOOCs and the practical and theoretical research outcomes resulted from this research can be a quite valuable input.
Polymorphisms in the CTLA4 promoter sequence are associated with canine hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Boag Alisdair M. , Short Andrea , Kennedy Lorna J. , Syme Hattie , Graham Peter A. , Catchpole Brian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Canine hypoadrenocorticism is an immune-mediated endocrinopathy that shares both clinical and pathophysiological similarities with Addison’s disease in humans. Several dog breeds are overrepresented in the disease population, suggesting that a genetic component is involved, although this is likely to be polygenic. Previous research has implicated CTLA4 as a potential susceptibility gene. CTLA4 is an important regulator of T cell function and polymorphisms/mutations in CTLA4 have been associated with a number of autoimmune phenotypes in both humans and rodent models of autoimmunity. The aim of the current study was to undertake a case:control association study of CTLA4 promotor polymorphisms in three dog breeds, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels and West Highland white terriers (WHWT).

Results
Polymorphisms in the CTLA4 promoter were determined by PCR and sequence-based typing. There were significant associations with three promoter haplotypes in cocker spaniels (p = 0.003). A series of SNPs were also associated with hypoadrenocorticism in cocker spaniels and springer spaniels, including polymorphisms in predicted NFAT and SP1 transcription factor binding sites.

Conclusions
This study provides further evidence that CTLA4 promotor polymorphisms are associated with this complex genetic disease and supports an immune mediated aetiopathogenesis of canine hypoadrenocorticism.