bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of prebiotic (Lacto-N-neotetraose) and probiotic (B. infantis EVC001) supplementation on gut inflammation and fecal pH in young infants suffering from severe acute malnutrition: findings from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Palit Parag , Nuzhat Sharika , Gazi Md Amran , Islam Md Ridwan , Mahfuz Mustafa , Islam M Munirul , Alam Md Ashraful , Flannery Robin L , Kyle David J , Sarker Shafiqul A , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) is associated with high levels of gamma Proteobacteria chronic gut inflammation and poor gut health. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of probiotic and/or prebiotic supplementation on gut inflammation and fecal pH in young infants with SAM.MethodsThis study was a single-blind RCT where infants aged between 2 and 6 months were randomized to receive either: probiotic (B. infantis EVC001), synbiotic (prebiotic, Lacto-N-neotetraose [LNnT] plus probiotic [B. infantis EVC001]), or placebo (Lactose) for 28 days followed by 28 days of post-supplementation follow up. Stool samples were collected at baseline and at day 10, day 28 and day 56. Fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO), as an indicator of gut inflammation and fecal pH were measured and the change in the levels of these biochemical parameters between the sample collection time points were calculated and denoted as ∆MPO and ∆pH. Kruskal-Wallis test was done to assess the effect of the supplementations on ∆MPO and ∆pH. Multivariate quantile regression analysis was performed to analyze the association of the supplements with ∆MPO and ∆pH.ResultsIn comparison to the placebo group at day 10, a significant decrease in ∆MPO was found for the probiotic group (β-coefficient: -18.44; 95% CI: -31.62 µg/ml, -52.47 µg/ml; p = 0.007) and for the synbiotic group (β-coefficient: -17.24; 95% CI: -30.94 µg/ml, -35.36 µg/ml; p = 0.015). This reduction in ∆MPO in comparison to the placebo group was sustained only in the synbiotic group at other time points. Decrease in ∆pH was observed only in the synbiotic group at day 10 and day 28, but not at day 56 in comparison to the placebo group.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the use of this synbiotic supplementation may result in sustained effects in reduction of gut inflammation in young infants with SAM. However, further studies are required to fully evaluate the role of this synbiotic intervention for sustained reduction in fecal pH in this study population.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT0366657). Registered on 12 September, 2018 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03666572)
Low Noise Moving Target Detection In High Resolution Radar Using Binary Codes
Authors: Algethami Majid 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Now-a-days, entire nations need securities against warfare equipment’s to save their nation, and improve the battle field surveillance. Radar, alone is the major equipment that fulfills these requirements. However the radar technology possesses certain challenges to detect targets when they are moving with high speed as static and slow moving targets can be easily detected. In this connection the research community tried to improve the radar technology to detect fast moving targets in presence of Doppler noise. In this paper various binary codes have been designed to minimize the noise peaks below the radar threshold limit, which creates multiple windows and gives precise information of the moving targets. These sequences also have good autocorrelation property to get higher range resolution and compression ratio. The validation of the paper is done by Matlab.
Network pharmacology reveals hub bio-active ingredients and possible mechanisms of a Chinese herbal prescription Ru-kang-yin against breast cancer
Authors: Chu Shirun , Chen Fang , Li Jun , Yang Mei , Xu Delin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Ru-kang-yin (RKY), a traditional Chinese herbal prescription, has been clinically used as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer via inhibiting cell invasion, proliferation, and promoting apoptosis. However, its anti-breast cancer bio-active ingredients and possible mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, the hub bio-active compounds and underlying mechanisms of RKY in treatment of breast cancer were systematically elucidated by the approach of network pharmacology.
Methods

By using network pharmacology approach, a total of 53 nonredundant bio-active components met the drug screening criteria and 155 putative targets of RKY in treatment of breast cancer were identified. Besides, 381 potential breast cancer-related targets were obtained. Among of the targets, 56 shared targets of RKY and breast cancer were acquired.
Results

Based on topological network analysis of PPI network of shared targets, 19 hub therapeutic targets of RKY against breast cancer were obtained. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of core therapeutic targets showed that the core targets remarkably involved in multiple biological functions and KEGG pathways which mainly participated in inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
Conclusions

These findings uncover the hub bio-active compounds and underlying mechanisms of RKY against breast cancer and provide crucial information regarding using RKY as a promising candidate for treating breast cancer.
Gastrointestinal symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019: a cross-sectional study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Lu Zuneng , Wang Bo , Chang Jinxing , Ma Yonggang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

To investigate the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly the prevalence, time of symptom onset, and duration of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using paper questionnaires. COVID-19 patients in a temporary hospital in Wuhan voluntarily completed surveys collecting data on COVID-19 symptoms and investigation results.
Results

A total of 212 adults were enrolled in this study, of whom 127 (59.9%) were female, mean age was 48.50 ± 13.15 years. Concerning symptoms, 78.8% (167/212) had fever, and 66% (140/212) had cough. Diarrhoea occurred in 43.8% (93/212) of patients. Nausea and vomiting were also common (20.7%). Fever and cough were frequently the initial symptoms of COVID-19, and they lasted for 5.00 [interquartile range (IQR): 3.00–10.00] days and 10.00 (IQR: 5.00–24.00) days, respectively. Most patients developed nausea and vomiting 2.00 (IQR: 0–9.00) days and diarrhoea 5.00 (IQR: 0.25–11.00) days after the onset of initial symptoms, respectively. There was a median duration of 4.00 (IQR: 2.00–8.75) days with diarrhoea, and 6.00 (IQR: 4.00–10.00) days with nausea and vomiting. The patients with diarrhoea were younger [45.85 ± 13.28 years vs 50.61 ± 12.82 years, P = 0.009] and were more likely to have an abnormal chest CT (95.7% vs 82.4%, P = 0.001) than those without diarrhoea.
Conclusions

In our cohort of patients, GI symptoms were common in COVID-19, occurred mostly during the middle stage of the disease, and lasted for a short duration. GI symptoms may not be associated with COVID-19 related treatment.
Primary mantle cell lymphoma complicated with cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type: a rare case report of composite non-Hodgkin lymphoma in different organs
Authors: Jiang Yanfeng , Zeng Zhiming , Yang Lihua , Zeng Jie , Qin Fengyan , Du Lihua , Ma Jie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Composite lymphomas (CLs) are a kind of rare disease that two distinct categories of lymphomas occur in the same patient. Histologically, composite lymphomas can be composed of a Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a non-Hodgkin lymphoma or two distinct non-Hodgkin lymphomas. So far, most of the cases have been reported to occur in a single anatomical site or mass.
Case presentation:

A 61-year-old man without any B-type symptoms complained of an enlarging mass in the abdomen for one month. A 10 × 10 cm abdominal mass could be touched in the hypogastric region. Through pathological biopsy, mantle cell lymphoma can be diagnosed. After one cycle chemotherapy regimen of FCD, red rashes and blisters came out on the patient's right lower extremity. Cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was diagnosed by skin biopsy. In this report, we describe a case of composite lymphoma occurring in different organs, which consisted of primary mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and cutaneous DLBCL, leg type. The patient then received a series of chemotherapy regimens without rituximab then achieved partial response (PR).
Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is a rare case of CLs occurring in different anatomic sites that were treated by chemotherapy and achieved PR. As we learn more about the mechanisms and treatment of CLs, we look forward to more treatment options in the future for patients to give them a better prognosis.
Mapping the Spatial and Temporal Variation of Agricultural and Metrological Drought Using Geospatial Techniques, Ethiopia
Authors: Senamaw Abebe , Addisu Solomon , Suryabhagavan K.V. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing play an important role for near real time monitoring of drought condition over large areas. The objective of this study was to assess spatial and temporal variation of agricultural and metrological drought using temporal image of eMODIS NDVI based vegetation condition index (VCI) and standard precipitation index (SPI). To validate the strength of drought indices correlation analysis was made between VCI and crop yield anomaly as well as SPI and crop yield anomaly. The results revealed that the year 2009 and 2015 were drought years while the 2001 and 2007 were wet years. There was also a good correlation between NDVI and rainfall (r=0.71), VCI and crop yield anomaly (0.72), SPI and crop yield anomaly (0.74). Frequency of metrological and agricultural drought was compiled by using historical drought intensity map. ResultThe result shows that there was complex and local scale variation in frequency of drought events in the study period. There was also no year without drought in many parts of the study area. Combined drought risk map also showed that 8%, 56%, 35% and 8% of study area were vulnerable to very severe, severe and moderate drought condition respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, the study area is highly vulnerable to agricultural and meteorological drought. Thus besides mapping drought vulnerable areas, integrating socioeconomic data for better understand other vulnerable factors were recommended.
Structure Parameters and Displacement Equations of Goldberg Mechanisms With the Rank More Than sixStructure Parameters and Displacement Equations of Goldberg Mechanisms With the Rank More Than Six
Authors: Zhang Yitong , Lu Ling , Liu Wenlan , Li Yanwen , Hu Bo , Mu Dejun , Lu Wenjuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
An infinite number of N-bar Goldberg mechanisms with the rank more than six are proposed. A single closed-loop eight-bar mechanism is first developed by removing the common side links of adjacent loops from the five-loop Bennett mechanism in which all loop frames are collinear. An analysis of trajectory circles of the links shows that the mechanism developed maintains the original constraint conditions and kinematic characteristics, and that its degree of freedom (DOF) is also one. This novel single-loop mechanism is named the eight-bar Goldberg mechanism because of its similar constraint characteristics with the five-bar and six-bar Goldberg mechanisms. The eight displacement parameters of this mechanism are analyzed by using the interior angles of adjacent links, and the five cosine equations for the tangent product of the stagger angles between adjacent links are established in together with one angular displacement equation of odd links and one angular displacement equation of even links. This novel mechanism has one DOF, eight displacement parameters and seven independent displacement equations. The loop rank of the eight-bar Goldberg mechanism is seven, which revises the existing mechanism theory of single closed-loop mechanisms with the rank no more than six. Similarly, a nine-bar Goldberg mechanism is constructed, and its nine displacement parameters are analyzed. This mechanism has eight independent displacement equations and the loop rank is eight, proving that the mechanisms with the rank more than six are not rare. Then, according to the characteristics of the independent displacement equations of the eight-bar and nine-bar Goldberg mechanisms, the N (N>7) displacement parameters of N-bar Goldberg mechanisms are analyzed, and the (N–1) independent displacement equations are deduced with odd and even Ns. It is proved that the loop rank of N-bar Goldberg mechanisms is (N–1), so there exist an infinite number of mechanisms with the rank more than six
Synthesis and accumulation of amylase-trypsin inhibitors and FODMAPs in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during grain development
Authors: Call Lisa , Haider Elisabeth , D’Amico Stefano , Reiter Elisabeth , Grausgruber Heinrich 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Recent gastroenterology studies assume that amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) and FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols) play an important role in promoting wheat sensitivity. Hitherto, no study has investigated the formation of ATIs during the development of the wheat caryopsis. We collected caryopses of common wheat cv. ‘Arnold’ at eight different grain developmental stages to study compositional changes in ATI and FODMAP content.
Results
The harvested caryopses were analysed for their size, protein and carbohydrate concentrations. ATIs were further characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, and their trypsin inhibition was evaluated by an enzymatic assay. The results showed that ATI accumulation started about one week after anthesis and subsequently increased steadily until physiological maturity. However, the biological activity of ATIs in terms of enzyme inhibition was not detectable before about four weeks after anthesis. Carbohydrate analysis revealed the abundance of short-chain fructans in early stages of grain development, whereas non water soluble carbohydrates increased during later developmental stages.
Conclusions
The compositional changes of ATIs and FODMAPs during the development of wheat grains were characterized by qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results provide new insights into the complex metabolisms during grain filling and maturation, with particular emphasis on the ATI content as well as the inhibitory potential towards trypsin. The time lag between ATI accumulation and development of their biological activity is supposed to be attributed to the assembling of ATIs to dimers and tetramers, which seems to be crucial for their inhibitory potential.
Stored Whole Blood Transfusion Initiate Serum Amyloid A Activation Monitored by Real-Time Dynamic Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Wang Zhengjun , Liu Lei , Zhou Qianqian , Sun Sujing , Ma Ping , Lv Liping , Wang Xiaohui , Zhan Linsheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transfusion of stored whole blood (SWB) is increasingly routine practice to resuscitate severe traumatic hemorrhage patients in military operations and civilian emergency centers. It has been well established that transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) after prolonged storage exerts harmful effects that are mainly mediated by inflammation. Whether the storage lesion that related to inflammation will happen in SWB remains unclear.METHODS: A hepatocyte SAA (serum amyloid A) specific reporter mouse that facilitated non-invasive imaging of hepatocyte SAA expression was used for the evaluation of acute inflammation and acute-phase reaction after the transfusion of SWB or components separated from end-stage whole blood. Donor C57BL/6 mouse whole blood was used to model an allogeneic transfusion in Balb/C mouse recipients. RESULTS: End-stage whole blood (14 days of storage) transfusion induced the most significant SAA expression, while 10-day-storage evoked much weaker signal compared to their fresh and 5-day-storage counterparts. It was RBCs rather than white blood cells and plasma-containing platelets that should be responsible for the systemic inflammatory and SAA activation during end-stage whole blood transfusion. Circulatory and hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines induced the SAA expression in hepatocyte. The macrophage M1 polarization aroused by SWB activated SAA through nuclear transcription factor NF-κB. CONCLUSION: Storage lesion will also happen during the storage of whole blood, which is related to the change of RBCs after prolonged storage. The side effect induced by systemic inflammation and acute-phase reaction should be taken into consideration before resuscitation by long-term storage whole blood transfusion.
Mimecan Regulates Corticosterone Secretion and Plays A Critical Role in Adrenal Responses to Stress
Authors: Su Bin , Zhang Qianyue , Li Xuesong , Yu Huimin , Li Ping , Ma Junhua , Cao Huangming , Sun Fei , Zhao Shuangxia , Zheng Cuixia , Ru Ying , Song Huaidong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: A functional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is critical for host defenses to outside stimuli. The adrenal cortex is seemingly endowed with distinct functional units that are regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We have found that mimecan, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan expressed in the adrenal gland, has yet to be characterized in functional terms.Results: Herein, we have demonstrated the following properties: 1) adrenal mimecan expression in mouse models is significantly downregulated under hypoglycemia and scalded stress; 2) expression of mimecan in adrenal cells may be downregulated through ACTH or upregulated by glucocorticoid via related receptors (GRs); and 3) mimecan stimulates corticosterone secretion in adrenal tissues. The latter was proven using in vivo and in vitro studies to confirm the ACTH-independent activity of mimecan-maltose-binding protein (-MBP). Relative to litter-mate mice, the basal-state diurnal rhythm of corticosterone secretion is disrupted in mimecan knockout mice, and corticosterone secretion is increased under restraint stress conditions. Conclusions: These findings offer the first evidence that mimecan is key in regulating the HPA axis, assuming a critical role in adrenal responses to stress.
Single cell transcriptomics of human PINK1 iPSC differentiation dynamics reveal a core network of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Novak Gabriela , Kyriakis Dimitrios , Grzyb Kamil , Bernini Michela , Finkbeiner Steven , Skupin Alexander 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons (mDA) in the midbrain. The heterogenous pathology and complex underlying mechanisms are only partly understood and there is no treatment able to reverse PD progression. Here, we targeted the disease mechanisms by focusing on the ILE368ASN mutation within the PINK1 (PARK6) gene and systematically characterized midbrain dopaminergic neurons obtained from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and pairwise analysis of gene expression identified genes consistently differentially expressed during the mDA neuron differentiation process. Subsequent network analysis revealed that these genes form a core network, which interacts with all known 19 protein-coding Parkinson’s disease-associated genes and includes ubiquitination, mitochondrial, protein processing, RNA metabolism, and secretory pathways as important subnetworks. Our findings indicate a unified network underlying PD pathology and offers new interpretation of the phenotypic heterogeneity of PD.
Neuronal signature of an antipsychotic response
Authors: Parrilla-Carrero Jeffrey , Kruyer Anna , Chalhoub Reda M. , Powell Courtney , Resendez Shanna , Amato Davide 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
D2 receptor blockade has been cited as a principal mechanism of action of all antipsychotic medications, but is poorly predictive of symptom improvement or neurophysiological responses recorded using human brain imaging. A potential hurdle in interpreting such human imaging studies arises from the inability to distinguish activity within neuronal subcircuits. We used single cell resolution imaging to record activity in distinct populations of medium spiny neurons in vivo within the mouse ventral striatum, a structure associated with schizophrenia symptoms and antipsychotic therapeutic efficacy. While we expected the antipsychotic haloperidol to excite D2 receptor expressing neurons, we report a strong cellular depression mediated by the hypofunctional NMDA channel, which may be mediated in part by the action of haloperidol on the sigma1 receptor. Altogether, the impact of haloperidol on Ca2+ events in D2 receptor expressing neurons predicted psychomotor inhibition. Our results elucidate mechanisms by which antipsychotics act rapidly in the brain to impact psychomotor outputs.
Long-Term Prognosis of Short QT Interval in Asian Patients: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Dae-Young , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Min , Kim In-Soo , Jin Moo-Nyun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Jong-Youn , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Short QT syndrome is a rare, inherited channelopathy associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) but characteristics and prognosis of short QT interval (SQTI) in Asian patients remain unclear. This study aimed to determine clinical characteristics of and outcomes in patients with SQTI in an Asian population.Methods: Consecutive patients with SQTI were recruited. SQTI was defined as a Bazett’s formula-corrected QT interval (QTc) ≤340 ms in serial electrocardiograms. Age- and sex-matched patients with a normal QTc and without overt cardiovascular disease were included at a 1:4 ratio. Clinical and ECG features and outcomes were compared between patients with and without SQTI. Results: Thirty-four patients with SQTI [age, 23.5 (21–30.5) years; 31 male] were followed up for 4.8 (2.0–7.8) years. Early repolarization, tall T wave, and U wave were significantly more frequent in patients with SQTI than the patients without SQTI. QT dispersion [44.0 (28.0–73.0) vs. 20.0 (12.0–35.0) ms, P<0.001] was significantly wider and heart rate [52.0 (47.0–58.0) vs. 70.0 (62.3–84.0) /min, P<0.001] was significantly slower in patients with SQTI than patients without SQTI. Atrial fibrillation (AF, 11.8% vs. 2.2%, P=0.030) and ventricular arrhythmia (VA)/SCA (8.7% vs 0%, P=0.007) were significantly more frequent in patients with SQTI than patients without SQTI. SQTI was significantly associated with AF [odds ratio, 5.911; 95% confidence interval, 1.257–27.808; P=0.025] and VA/SCA.Conclusions: In this Asian population, SQTI was associated with AF and VA/SCA.