bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Correlation Study of Gut Microbiome between Children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and their Mothers
Authors: Zhao Changying , Wang Ying , Yang Junjie , Zhang Jiaming , Liu Xuemei , Zhang Hongxia , Wang Xingcui , Shen Nan , Chen Bin , Liu Yi , Zhang Lei , Gai Zhongtao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Vertical microbiome transmission from mothers plays an important role inchildren with the establishment and development of gutmicrobiome.Our previous study has found that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with Henoch-Schönleinpurpura(HSP) in children,while it is unclear whether there is a correlation between the gut microbiome of the HSP children and their mothers. Methods: In this study, 50HSP child-mother pairs and 61 matched healthy child-mother pairs were enrolled and examined.Stool samples were collected for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA genesequencing, followed by analyses of the gut microbiota composition.Results: Significant differences were observed in the gut microbiome composition between HSP children and healthy children. Several unique biomarkers, such as Enterococcus, Fusobacterium,Veillonellaand Streptococcus were identified. A significant increase of the relative abundance of Prevotella and Megamonas were observed in HSP’s mothers (HSP-M) compared with mothers of the healthy children (H-M). HSP children’s gut microbiome is closely associated with that of their mothers, and the taxon of AcidaminococcusandRoseburiawere onlyfound in the gut microbiome of HSP children and their mothers (HSP-M+C).Conclusions: Our preliminary study revealed that the gut microbiome of HSP children are closely associated with that of their mothers, although children with HSP still possess unique bacterial biomarkers. Dysbiosis of the maternal gut microbiota may play a critical role in increasing the risk of HSP in children, which deserve further longitudinalinvestigations to uncover its mechanisms.
A Comparison of Breastfeeding Experiences between Mothers Spending the Traditional Chinese Confinement Period in a Confinement Centre or at Home
Authors: Foong Siew Cheng , Tan May Loong , Foong Wai Cheng , Ho Jacqueline J , Rahim Fairuz Fadzilah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEthnic Chinese mothers in Malaysia adhere to 30 days of traditional post-partum practices (the “confinement period”) aimed at recuperation after delivery. Recently there has been an emergence of confinement centres (CCs), where mothers stay and receive traditional confinement care. Ethnic Chinese mothers have low breastfeeding rates. There are concerns that practices in CCs could contribute to this but no data exists. We describe mother’s breastfeeding experience at CCs and identify areas for potential improvement in breastfeeding support.MethodsEthnic Chinese mothers intending to breastfeed their healthy infants were recruited post-delivery, then telephone interviewed about their experience 1 and 6 months later. For every participant going to CCs, another mother going home was recruited. Chi-square test was used to compare groups and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of confinement place on exclusive breastfeeding. Results Of 187 mothers, 88(47%) went to CCs. Significantly more were primigravida and fewer had previous breastfeeding experience. Response rates for one- and 6- month interviews were 87.5% (CC) vs 97% (home); and 77.3% (CC) versus 86.7% (home).Exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 and 6 months were similar between the groups. Multiple logistic regressiondid not show that CCs were a factor affecting exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 month (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.85 to 3.28) or 6 months (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.70). However, significantly more CC participants only fed expressed breastmilk. Despite 66% of CC participants reporting that their centre supported breastfeeding, only 6(8%) CC participants compared to 66(69%) of home participants slept with their baby. The proportion encountering breastfeeding difficulties were similar between groups. CC participants sought help for breastfeeding problems mainly from CC staff and support groups while home participants obtained help from friends and healthcare professionals. ConclusionsContrary to current perceptions, breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding rates were similar at CCs and home but there were gaps in how CCs supported breastfeeding. Targeted training to CC staff to support breastfeeding may result in better outcomes for mothers staying in CCs. Trial registrationNational Medical Research Register NMRR-17-1174-36384S1
Targeting blood-brain barrier leakage for visualizing , monitoring, and evaluating ischemia reperfusion injury with Rus-Tc99m Probe
Authors: Gong Shuaishuai , Wang Jieman , Chen Zhuo , Pan Xuewei , Wu Yunhao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yu Boyang , Li Fang , Kou Junping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background : Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury as a serious threat to human health is characterized by cerebral endothelial leakage, as a result of the damage of blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is thus quite attractive to realize real-time monitoring of BBB damage for therapeutic surveillance.Methods : In this study, a radioactive probe is constructed by conjugating ruscogenin (Rus), a neuroprotectants, to technetium-99m (Tc 99m ) to assess the damage of cerebral endothelial in BBB.Results : In vitro study proves that the probe can penetrate more efficiently in damaged BBB. Then, longitudinal nuclear imaging distinguishes mice with BBB leakage from normal ones, which is validated by evans blue staining of brain tissue. Higher nuclear signal also correlates with poorer blood circulation in brain. Further, by visualizing brain signal during drug treatment, the probe finds that the most obvious protective efficacy of Rus occurs at 12 h post administration, which is superior than edaravone (Edara).Conclusion : Altogether, the probe is promising to monitor I/R injury real-time by radioactive-imaging of BBB integrity. Importantly, Rus as a neuroprotectants may serve as a potential theranostic agent for I/R treatment.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Relation Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Atherosclerosis in the Iranian Population
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Karbalaei Mohsen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Various evidences have recently been provided indicating the relationship between infection with Helicobacter pylori and the extra-gastric complication, especially atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the most important predisposing factor for cardiovascular disorders due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disorders in developing countries (areas where a high population of people are infected with Helicobacter pylori), in particular in Iran.Methods: In a current systematic review and meta-analysis study, we collected all studies of the isolation of Helicobacter pylori from atherosclerotic plaques in Iranian cardiovascular patients to investigate the presence or absence of a relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and susceptibility to atherosclerosis. The present meta-analysis was done by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA-Ver. 2.0). This software has the ability to combine studies and impact sizes into the results and is highly acceptable.Results: Overall, the frequency of H. pylori in atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery disease (CAD) patients was estimated to be 41.30%. However, the highest and lowest frequency of infection with Helicobacter pylori were 80% and 0%, respectively.Conclusions: However generally, regarding the previous studies, we collected all the Iranian published articles and showed that the infection with Helicobacter pylori was significantly related with the atherosclerosis, but further complementary and more extensive studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Transcriptome-wide identification and characterization of the MYB gene family in sickle seagrass (Thalassia hemprichii)
Authors: Jie Shen , Zefu Cai , Shiquan Chen , Daoru Wang , Wu Zhongjie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Sickle seagrass ( Thalassia hemprichii ) is one of the most important marine plants living in the tropical climate, mainly distributed in Southeast Asian waters. It is an important food source for marine herbivores and plays important roles in nitrogen fixation, water purification and maintaining the balance of marine ecology. In recent years, the area of aquatic plants has declined rapidly, affecting the ecological balance. However, the molecular mechanism of aquatic plants has been poorly studied.Results: In this study, all transcriptional information of T. hemprichii was obtained by using high-throughput sequencing technology, and 32,097 unigenes were identified by annotation. In addition, 119 MYB transcription factors were screened, and 61 genes with complete ORF were sequenced. Furthermore, 17 clays were identified according to the information of Arabidopsis .Conclusions: This study provides useful information for enriching the genetic information of T. hemprichii , and further exploring the molecular mechanisms of the evolution, development, and physiological functions of Sickle seagrass.
Risk factors for recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis in infants: 2-year follow up in China
Authors: Chen Sainan , Gu Wenjing , Wu Min , Hao Chuangli , Zhu Canhong , Shao Xuejun , Wang Yuqing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the incidence of post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing and the risk factors.Methods: Infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled from November 2016 through March 2017. 24 healthy children were enrolled as the control group. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for detecting respiratory virus including by using RT-PCR and direct immunofluorescent assay. The serum levels of cytokine including TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α were measured by using flow cytometry. The patients were followed every 3 months for a duration of 2 years by telephone or outpatient.Results: 1. 89 infants were enrolled, of which 81 patients were successfully followed up. 2. 22.2% of the patients experienced recurrent wheezing episodes. 3. The proportion of eczema, systemic glucocorticoid treatment and patients with moderate to severe condition were significantly higher in recurrent wheezing group than in non-recurrent wheezing group (52.4% vs 83.3%; 36.5% vs 66.7%; 33.3% vs 61.1%, respectively, both P<0.05); The serum level of TNF- α was lower in recurrent wheezing group (P< 0.05) ;The serum levels of IL-4、IL-5、IL-25、IL-33 were significantly higher among patients without recurrent wheezing (P< 0.05). 4. Logistic regression analysis showed that eczema was an independent risk factor for post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing (OR=7.488; 95% CI, 1.447-38.759; P=0.016). Conclusion: The prevalence of recurrent wheezing among infants after bronchiolitis was 22.2% in 2-year follow-up. Eczema is the only independent risk factor and no correlation was found between the specific virus and disease severity with post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.81573167; Jiangsu Science and Technology Department, No. BE2017657; Science and Technology Project of Suzhou, No. SYSD2017092; No. LCZX201809
Three-dimensional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal hilar tumors: an empirical analysis of 290 patients
Authors: Yang Feiya , Mou Lianjie , Xing Nianzeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective To explore the feasibility of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN) in the treatment of renal hilar tumors. Methods Clinical data of 290 patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from January 2013 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 27 patients with renal hilar tumors and 263 patients with non-hilar renal tumors. Perioperative data and follow-up results were compared between the two groups. Results Tumor size in Group A is smaller(2.97±0.88 vs 3.55±1.46,p<0.05), R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of Group A is higher(8.4±1.3 vs 6.5±1.7,p<0.01).The operation time, WIT and intraoperative blood loss in the Group A were slightly higher, but with no statistical difference (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative ultrasound rate, collection system repair rate, drainage time,postoperative hospital stay, and eGFR changes (p>0.05).The median follow-up period was 40 months. One patient with postoperative pathologic report of angiomyolipoma was found tumor recurrence and was currently undergoing regular reexamination. Conclusion Three-dimensional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal hilar tumors is safe and feasible after detailed preoperative evaluation of the tumor and selection of appropriate surgical strategies.
Phenology Modelling and Forest Disturbance Mapping with Sentinel-2 time series in Austria
Authors: Löw Markus , Tatjana Koukal 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background Worldwide, forests provide natural resources and ecosystem services. However, forest ecosystems are threatened by increasing forest disturbance dynamics, caused by direct human activities or an altering natural environment. It is decisive to trace the intra- to trans-annual dynamics of these forest ecosystems. National to local forest communities request detailed area-wide maps that delineate forest disturbance dynamics at various spatial scales. Methods We developed a remote sensing based time series analysis (TSA) framework that comprises data access, data management, image pre-processing, and an advanced but flexible TSA. The data basis is a dense time series of multispectral Sentinel-2 images with a spatial resolution of 10 metres. We use a dynamic Savitzky-Golay-filtering approach to reconstruct robust but sensitive phenology courses. Deviations from the latter are further used to derive spatiotemporal information on forest disturbances. In a first case study, we apply the TSA to map forest disturbances directly or indirectly linked to recurring bark beetle infestation in Northern Austria. Finally, we use zonal statistics on different spatial scales to provide aggregated information on the extent of forest disturbances between 2018 and 2019.Results and Conclusion The outcomes are a) individual phenology models and deduced phenology metrics for each 10 metres by 10 metres forest pixel in Austria and b) forest disturbance maps useful to investigate the occurrence, development and extent of bark beetle infestation. The phenology modelling results provide area-wide consistent data, also useful for downstream analyses (e.g. forest type classification). Results of the forest disturbance detection demonstrate that the TSA is capable to systematically delineate disturbed forest areas. Information derived from such a forest monitoring tool is highly relevant for various stakeholders in the forestry sector, either for forest management purposes or for decision-making processes on different levels.
Combinatorial analyses reveal that cellular composition changes have different impact on transcriptomic changes of cell type specific genes in Alzheimer’s Disease brains
Authors: Xiang Shunian , Johnson Travis , Dong Tianhan , Huang Zhi , Cheng Michael , Wang Tianfu , Yang Kai , Ni Dong , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains are characterized by progressive neuron loss and gliosis which involves mostly microglia and astrocytes. Comparative transcriptomic analysis on AD vs. normal brain tissues helps to identify key genes/pathways involved in AD initiation and progression. However, many such studies using bulk brain tissue samples have not considered cell composition changes in AD brains, which may lead to expression changes that are not due to transcriptional regulation.

Methods

Using five large transcriptomic datasets including 1,681 brain tissue samples (882 AD, 799 normal) in total, we first mined frequent co-expression network modules across them, then combined differential expression and differential co-expression analysis on the mined modules in AD versus normal brains. Integrated with cell type deconvolution analysis, we addressed the question of whether the module expression changes are due to altered cellular composition or transcriptional regulation. We then used four additional large AD/normal transcriptomic datasets to validate our findings.

Results

The integrative analysis revealed highly elevated expression level of microglia modules in AD without co-expression change. Decreased expression and elevated co-expression are observed for neuron modules in AD, while significant over-expression and co-expression perturbation are observed in astrocyte modules, all of which has not been previously reported. The expression levels of astrocyte modules also show the strongest correlation with the clinicopathological biomarkers among all cell type specific modules.

Conclusion

Further analysis indicated that the overall increased expression of the core microglia modules can be well explained by the increased microglia cell population in AD brains instead of bona fide microglia genes’ upregulation. In contrast, the decreased expression and perturbed co-expression in AD neuron modules are due to both neuron cell loss and expression regulation of neuronal pathways including differentially expressed transcription factors such as BCL6 and STAT3, which previous study was not able to identify from the shadow of the cellular composition change. Similarly, the strong changes in expression and co-expression in the astrocyte modules may be also due to a combinatory effect from astrogliosis and astrocyte gene activation in AD brains. In this work, we demonstrated that the combinatorial analyses not only provide a powerful approach to delineate the origin of transcriptomic changes in bulk tissue data, but also lead to a deeper understanding of genes in AD.
Do we really have a lack of ventilators?
Authors: Nosáľ Vladimír 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The pandemia of COVID-19 is considered as „ventilator dependent“ disease. In a short study there are presented data from Switzerland showing that there was only short period of time when most of ventilators were needed, and moreover, their lack is highly probably not associated with increased frequency of deaths. COVID-19 showed us, that others parameters such as number of hospitalizations, patients on ICUs and ventilated patients may be important epidemiological markers.
Variations In Trim5α And Cyclophilin A Genes Among HIV-1 Elite Controllers and Non Controllers In Uganda; A Laboratory-Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Amanya Sharon Bright , Nyiro Brian , Wasswa Francis , Obura Bonniface , Nakabazi Rebecca , Nabulime Eva , Katabazi Shaba Fred , Nabatanzi Rose , Bayiyana Alice , Mboowa Gerald , Kayongo Alex , Wayengera Misaki , Sande Obondo J 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Tripartite Motif Containing 5 alpha (TRIM5α), a restriction factor produced ubiquitously in cells and tissues of the body plays an important role in the immune response against HIV. TRIM5α targets the HIV capsid for proteosomal destruction. Cyclophilin A, an intracellular protein has also been reported to influence HIV infectivity in a cell-specific manner. Accordingly, variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophilin A genes have been documented to influence HIV-1 disease progression. However, these variations have not been documented among Elite controllers in Uganda and whether they play a role in viral suppression remains largely undocumented. Our study focused on identifying the variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophilin A genes among HIV-1 Elite controllers and non-controllers in Uganda.Methods PBMCs previously collected from HIV-1 Elite controllers and non-controllers were thawed, CD4+ T cells isolated and then cultured in presence of Anti-CD3 & Anti-CD28 for 48 hours in a CO2 incubator. RNA was extracted and RT qPCR was done using QuantiTect Probe RT-PCR Kit in a Rotor gene Q real-time PCR machine. mRNA was quantified using the delta CT relative quantification method. DNA was extracted using Qiagen Blood Genomic DNA Kit, PCR amplified and sequenced the exon 2 of TRIM5α and the promoter region of the CyclophillinA gene. Sequence data were analyzed using Mutation Surveyor to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).Results From the sequence analysis, the rs10838525 G>A mutation in exon 2 of TRIM5α was found only among elite controllers (30%) while the rs3824949 was seen among 25% of the non-controllers. In the Cyclophilin A promoter, rs6850 was seen among 62.5% of the non-controllers and only among 10% elite controllers. rs17860048 was predominantly seen among elite controllers (30%) and 12.5% non-controllers. From gene expression analysis, we noted that the respective genes were generally elevated among elite controllers, however, this difference was not statistically significant (TRIM5α p=0.6095; Cyclophilin A p=0.6389).Conclusion Variations in TRIM5α and Cyclophillin A promoter may influence HIV viral suppression. The rs10838525 SNP in TRIM5α may contribute to viral suppression among HIV-1 elite controllers. The rs6850 in the cyclophillin A gene may be responsible for HIV-1 rapid progression among HIV-1 non-controllers.
COVID-19 Outbreak Prediction with Machine Learning
Authors: Ardabili Sina F. , Mosavi Amir , Ghamisi Pedram , Ferdinand Filip , Varkonyi-Koczy Annamaria R. , Reuter Uwe , Rabczuk Timon , Atkinson Peter M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Several outbreak prediction models for COVID-19 are being used by officials around the world to make informed-decisions and enforce relevant control measures. Among the standard models for COVID-19 global pandemic prediction, simple epidemiological and statistical models have received more attention by authorities, and they are popular in the media. Due to a high level of uncertainty and lack of essential data, standard models have shown low accuracy for long-term prediction. Although the literature includes several attempts to address this issue, the essential generalization and robustness abilities of existing models needs to be improved. This paper presents a comparative analysis of machine learning and soft computing models to predict the COVID-19 outbreak as an alternative to susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) and susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) models. Among a wide range of machine learning models investigated, two models showed promising results (i.e., multi-layered perceptron, MLP, and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system, ANFIS). Based on the results reported here, and due to the highly complex nature of the COVID-19 outbreak and variation in its behavior from nation-to-nation, this study suggests machine learning as an effective tool to model the outbreak. This paper provides an initial benchmarking to demonstrate the potential of machine learning for future research. Paper further suggests that real novelty in outbreak prediction can be realized through integrating machine learning and SEIR models.