bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiota transplantation combined with prebiotics ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Qian Xueyi , Jiang Hua , Wu Yao , Shao Min Hui , He Jie Wei , Bao Xin , He Jun Lian , Jia Liang Yu , Xu Yu Zhen 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic effects and mechanisms underlying fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) are unclear. Prebiotics may regulate intestinal flora in UC. Thus, this study investigated the effects of combined FMT and prebiotic blends for the treatment of UC in a mouse model.Methods: Dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce UC in mice. Mice were treated with FMT alone or combined with various ratios of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Treatment effects were evaluated by assessing Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores and colonic tissue stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Intestinal flora and inflammation-related factors were investigated in feces or peripheral blood by 16S rRNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Protein or mRNA expression levels of free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFAR3) and ZO-1, a tight junction protein, in colonic tissue were detected by PCR, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence. Results: Compared with FMT treatment alone, FMT combined with GOS:FOS (9:1) significantly reversed body weight loss, decreased DAI scores, and ameliorated indications of UC. This combined treatment also increased intestinal levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and promoted short-chain fatty acid metabolism, with increased expression of acetic acid, butyric acid, FFAR3 mRNA, and ZO-1 protein.Conclusions: Treatment with FMT plus a prebiotic blend ameliorated UC in a mouse model, restoring the structure of the intestinal flora and increasing the levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, FFAR3, and ZO-1. These findings provide evidence that clinical studies are warranted assessing FMT plus prebiotic blends for treatment of patients with UC.
Land fill leachates a new threat to water quality: A case study from Temperate Himalayas
Authors: Islam Shayesta , Bano Haleema , Bhat Javeed Iqbal Ahmad , Aziz Malik Asif , Islam Shahid ul , Nazir Nageena , Ali Tahir , Wani Owais Ali 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Landfills are regarded most cost effective and accomplishable operation for managing waste in numerous parts of the world. Inspite of many merits, it gives rise to remarkable menace to different domains of the environment owing to the existence of noxious inanimate and animate components in the leachate and imperfectly evolved solid refuse handling techniques. Water is indispensable for bolstering existence, growth, and the environment and is one of the fundamental indicator of fiscal expansion and communal opulence of a country. Percolation of noxious substances from unscientific dumpsites is among the main environmental consequences of these landfills in majority of the progressing countries like India. Leachate serves as a prominent point source of contamination in many environmental media like soil, ground water and surface water around the world. So the prime issues humans are experiencing are associated with water quality. Thus the investigation was accomplished to investigate the impact of leachate from Achan landfill on surface water quality in Temperate Himalayas. Monitoring was done during all the four seasons viz, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Leachate outflow site was found to have highest mean value of pH (8.4), EC (4.50), total Nitrogen (3.55), P (5.78),K (1.90), Ca (114.40), Mg (60.35), Fe (2.25), Cu (0.84), Mn (1.03), BOD (29.32), COD (95.68), temperature (20.23), NTU (19.70) during summer season, while as lowest mean values of EC (0.12), total Nitrogen (0.79), P (2.19),K (0.25), Ca (43.06), Mg (21.83), Fe (0.67), Cu (0.25), Mn (0.30), BOD (6.08), COD (24.55), temperature (3.56), NTU (1.78) were recorded at control site during winter season. From the study we concluded that a decreasing trend was observed during all the seasons in the concentration of all physico chemical paramaters with increase in distance from landfill. So it is recommended that the leachate should be treated at source before disposing into the water body and landfill should be lined properly to prevent the entry of leachate into water sources.
Sjogren Syndrome Presenting as Edema and Extensive Pleural Effusion: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Zhang Chen-xing , Yin Lei , Mao You-ying , Zhou Zheng-yu , Shen Jia-yao , Zhou Wei 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: To describe a case of pediatric Sjogren syndrome (SS) which initially presented as edema and extensive pleural effusion without sicca symptoms. Case presentation: A 16-year-old female presented to the pediatric nephrology clinic with complaint of bilateral eyelid swelling for approximately 2 months. The laboratory examinations and labial glands biopsy were consistent with SS, for which she was started on a oral prednisone regimen. Despite initial improvement, she re-presented with significantly worsened eyelid swelling and edema of the lower limbs. Abdomen distention and shifting dullness was palpable at this time. Thoracentesis was performed and analysis of hydrothorax indicated exudates. The patient also developed neurological disorder manifesting as static tremor in the course. Intravenous methylprednisolone and immunosuppression therapy was initiated. Reduction of hydrothorax and alleviation of anasarca was observed. She was able to wean off prednisone 7 months later and still remains on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapy after 31 months post diagnosis. Her illness remained stable without any symptoms until now.Conclusions: Sjogren syndrome in the pediatric population may present in diverse ways in the absence of sicca symptoms. We report a case of pediatric SS, presenting with edema and extensive pleural effusion without sicca symptoms, which was successfully treated with immunosuppression. Given the wide spectrum manifestations upon disease onset, it is of great significance to improve our understanding and awareness of this presumably under-diagnosed disease.
Elucidation of epigenetic action mechanisms of Strip2 involved in differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sriniva Sureshkumar Perumal , Nemade Harshal , Cherianidou Anna , Cruz-Molina Sara , Rada-Iglesias Alvaro , Sachinidis Agapios 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
There is significant evidence that Strip2 is a key regulator of the differentiation processes of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. However, the epigenetic role of Strip2 in lineage differentiation is quite unknown. In the present study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanisms involved in Strip2-induced differentiation processes using, Chip-seq, promoter assay, Co-IP and global proteomics. Here, we identified protein-protein interactions of Strip2 with the co-repressor proteins of the NuRD/Trim28/HDACs/SETDB1 histone methyltransferase complex which is involved in regulation of the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. The complex is normally activated by binding of Krueppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger proteins (KRAB Zfps) to specific DNA motifs thereby causing methylation of H3 to Lysin-9 residues (H3K9). Notably, our Chip-seq data showed that Strip2 binds to a similar gene motif (20 base pairs) like the KRAB Zfps). We further prove that Strip2 is an epigenetic modifier of the NuRD/Trim28/HDACs/SETDB1 histone methyltransferase complex thereby regulating the differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells.
DNA methylation changes and increased mRNA expression of coagulation proteins, Factor V and Thrombomodulin in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Westin Ida Maria , Landfors Mattias , Giannopoulos Antonios , Viberg Andreas , Osterman Pia , Byström Berit , Degerman Sofie , Golovleva Irina 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Late-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a disease affecting the corneal endothelium (CE) associated with a cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat expansion at the CTG18.1 locus in the transcription factor 4 ( TCF4 ) gene. It is unknown if CTG18.1 expansions affect global methylation including TCF4 gene in CE, or if global CE methylation changes at advanced age. Using genome-wide DNA methylation array, we investigated methylation in CE from FECD patients with CTG18.1 expansions and studied if the methylation in healthy CE is age dependent. The most significant DNA methylation findings were analyzed by gene expression and protein analysis.
3488 CpGs had significantly altered methylation pattern in FECD though no significant changes were found in TCF4 . The most hypermethylated site was in promoter of aquaporin 1 ( AQP1 ) gene, and the most hypomethylated site was in promoter of coagulation factor V ( F5 ). In FECD, AQP1 mRNA expression was variable while F5 gene expression showed a ~23-fold increase. FV protein was present in both healthy and affected CE. Further gene expression analysis of coagulation factors interacting with FV revealed a ~34-fold increase of thrombomodulin ( THBD ). THBD protein was detected only in CE from FECD patients. Additionally, we observed an age-dependent hypomethylation in elderly healthy CE.
Thus, tissue-specific genome-wide and gene-specific methylation changes associated with altered gene expression were discovered in FECD. An age-associated hypomethylation was observed in healthy elderly CE, that could contribute to FECD’ late onset. TCF4 pathological methylation in FECD because of CTG18.1 expansion was ruled out.
On secrecy performance analysis of multi-antenna STAR-RIS-assisted downlink NOMA systems
Authors: Xu Shu , Liu Chen , Wang Hong , Qian Mu jun , Li Jin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
To accommodate the stringent requirements of enhanced coverage quality and improved spectral efficiency, simultaneous transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS)-aided communication has been perceived as an interesting research topic. This paper investigates a downlink STAR-RIS-aided non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system, where a STAR-RIS is deployed to enhance the transmission qualities between users and a multiple-antenna base station (BS).
The considered STAR-RIS utilizes the energy splitting (ES) protocol to serve a pair of NOMA users located on both sides of STAR-RIS. Based on ES protocol, each reconfigurable element can operate in the modes of transmission and reflection simultaneously. In an effort to characterize the secrecy performance, we first derive the closed-form expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) for STAR-RIS-aided NOMA system. Then, the asymptotic performance of the derived SOP is analyzed.
For gleaning further insights, secrecy diversity order (SDO) is derived according to the asymptotic approximation in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and main-to-eavesdropper ratio (MER) regimes. As a further advance, the system parameters are optimized to minimize the SOP of the system. Our analytical results demonstrate that the multiple-antenna BS has almost no impact on SDO for STAR-RIS-aided NOMA system. In simulations, it is demonstrated that the theoretical results match with the simulation results very vell and the SOP of STAR-RIS-aided NOMA is less than that of conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) system obviously.
Study on the Relationship between Genetic Polymorphism of Reductive Folic Acid Carrier and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Yang Xusen , fan guofeng , Wang Zengliang , Li Shaoshan , Qin Hu , Wang Yun , Ma Xiaohu , Ji Wenyu , Wang Yongxin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphism with neural tube defects (NTDs) in Chinese population.
Methods
The subjects were divided into two groups, 495 children with NTDs (NTDs group) and 255 healthy children (control group).
Results
The levels of folic acid, s-adenosine methionine (SAM) and Sam/s-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) in NTDs group were lower than those in control group. There were significant differences in hey, SAH and Sam levels between two groups, but there was no significant difference in folic acid content. High fever in early pregnancy, taking antiepileptic drugs, father's exposure to organic solvents, folic acid deficiency and mother's diabetes were the important risk factors in NTDs. MTHFR 677C > T gene was a risk factor for NTD in children, while 1298A > C gene was a protective factor.
Conclusion
Folic acid metabolism markers were different in NTDs children and their mothers, and the overall trend showed that folate, SAM and SAM/SAH levels were decreased, while Hcy and SAH levels were increased; MTHFR 677C > T gene of SNPs was a risk factor for the occurrence of NTDs, and MTHFR 1298A > C gene was a protective factor, and the environmental risk factor had a synergistic effect on occurrence of NTDs.
A hybrid averaging and harmonic balance method for weakly nonlinear asymmetric resonators
Authors: Shaw Steven W. , Rosenberg Sahar , Shoshani Oriel 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Models for nonlinear vibrations commonly employ polynomial terms that arise from series expansions about an equilibrium point. The analysis of symmetric systems with cubic terms is very common, and the inclusion of asymmetric quadratic terms is known to modify the effective cubic nonlinearity in weakly nonlinear systems. The net effect is a monotonic dependence of the vibration frequency on the amplitude squared in both cases. However, in many applications, such a monotonic dependence is not observed, necessitating the use of techniques for strongly nonlinear systems or the inclusion of higher-order terms in a weakly nonlinear formulation. In either case, the analysis involves very tedious and/or numerical approaches for determining the system response. In the present work, we propose a method that is a hybrid of the methods of averaging and harmonic balance, which provides, with relatively straightforward calculations, good approximations for the amplitude-frequency dependence and for the steady-state response of damped, driven vibrations, including information about overtone harmonics and stability. The method is described, and general results are obtained for an asymmetric system with up to quintic nonlinear terms. The results are applied to a numerical example and validated using simulations. This approach will be useful for analyzing various systems with higher-order polynomial nonlinearities.
Efficient and Tunable Enhancement of NLO Performance for Indaceno Based Donor Moiety in A-π-D-π-D-π-A Type First DSSC Design by End Capped Acceptors
Authors: Hassan Abrar U. , Sumrra Sajjad H. , Mustafa Ghulam , Nazar Muhammad F. , Zafar Muhammad N. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Using 2,2'-((4-heptyl-4,9,9-trihexyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis(methanylylidene)bis(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-yl-2-ylidene)dimalononitrile (IDIC) as a starting point, a series of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) related dyes (IDIC-R1-IDIC-R9) are designed by varying the end capped fluorinated (1-oxo-1H-inden-3-yl)propanedinitrile moieties (A1-A6). At the M06 level, DFT and TD-DFT based features, including the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, were created to investigate NLO responses to acceptor modification. For IDIC to IDIC-R a significant reduction of band gap (2.01 eV) was observed all the dyes (IDIC-R1-IDIC-R9) had further reduced band gaps to range between 0.11–2.42. Only IDIC-R3 had higher value that the IDIC-R, demonstrating smaller and bigger levels for and softness properties, and was linked to global reactivity data. Their first ionization potential ranged between the 2.65–7.21 eV to imply that the dyes have strong tendency to lose electrons. The λmax of the dyes ranged between 479–498 nm which were slightly redshifted from the IDIC (476 nm) and IDIC-R (479 nm). NBO analysis showed the S63LP→C61-C62π* with highest stabilization energy of 30.11 kcal/mol. Their electron injection analysis showed that these dyes can be a good anode material against the aluminum and gold electrodes with HIE values range of 6.87–11.49 eV. The intra electronic charge transferring (ICT) process and stability of the title dyes pounds were investigated using frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and natural bond orbital (NBO) research, respectively. For all produced dyes, IDIC-R8 has the highest linear polarizability, and second order hyperpolarizability (βtotal). All the suggested dyes demonstrated possible NLO properties due to their low charge transfer barriers. Scientists would be able to exploit these NLO properties to identify NLO materials for existing applications.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) applied in the manufacture of Master Sample for the automotive industry
Authors: Fischer Lucas Aurélio Stelziner , Foggiatto José Aguiomar , Marcondes Paulo Victor Preste , Lajarin Sérgio Fernando 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In order to supply auto parts to the automotive industry the companies must meet all Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements. One of the biggest difficulties to obtain the approval of the APQP is in the preparation of the “Master Sample”, which will be used for validation of jigs, production and dimensional control devices. The procedures for manufacturing Master Samples through conventional manufacturing processes are outdated, slow and cost-effective, which goes against the concepts of Industry 4.0. Therefore, this work aims to propose a procedure for Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) that analyzes the feasibility and systematizes the manufacture of Master Sample through Additive Manufacturing (AM). Two model parts were submitted to the procedure, manufactured by AM and validated as Master Samples. In this work, a comparative analysis between the parts produced conventionally and those produced by AM showed that the time and costs in order to obtain the Master Samples using the proposed procedure was significantly shorter. The reduction in time to obtain Master Samples speeds up the evaluation and validation of control devices from suppliers, can speed up the acquisition of APQP documentation and reduce the time in the development of the serial parts by manufacturing process. Furthermore, the use of the proposed DFAM procedure is innovative in the context of the automotive industry, as it suggests a change in the production concept and inserts AM as another option in the manufacturing process and not just as a rapid prototyping tool.
Sensation seeking correlates with increased white and grey matter integrity of structures associated with visuospatial and decision-making processing in healthy adults
Authors: Escelsior Andrea , Inuggi Alberto , Amadeo Maria Bianca , Engel-Yeger Batya , Trabucco Alice , Esposito Davide , Campus Claudio , Pereira Beatriz , Serafini Gianluca , Gori Monica , Amore Mario 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: The ability to process sensory information is an essential adaptive function, and hyper- or hypo-sensitive maladaptive profiles of repones to environmental stimuli generate sensory processing disorders linked to cognitive, affective, and behavioural alterations. The research on neuroradiological correlates of the sensory processing profiles is still in its infancy and is mainly limited to the young-age population or neurodevelopmental disorders. So, the knowledge concerning the impact of the different sensory profiles on the structural and functional characteristics of the typically developed adult brain remains largely obscure. In this framework, this study aims to examine the structural and functional MRI correlates of sensory profiles in a sample of healthy adults. Method: We investigated structural T1, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) correlates of Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire subscales in 57 typical developing subjects (34 females; mean age: 32.7±9.3). Results: Only the AASP sensation seeking subscale provided significant results. Positive and negative correlations emerged with FA and RD in arcuate fasciculus (AF), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), optic radiation (OR), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), corpus callosum (CC), and the dorsal part of the cingulum bundle (dCB). In addition, we found a positive correlation between sensation seeking and grey matter volume in the parahippocampal cortex (PHC), precentral gyrus (PG), inferior temporal gyrus (IFG) and cuneus regions, and with cortical thickness in the IFG and postcentral gyrus (PCG). We did not find any correlation between rs-fMRI parameters and AASP subscales. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest a positive correlation between sensation seeking and higher structural integrity in critical regions mainly involved in visuospatial and decision-making processing. We speculate that the better structural integrity associated with sensation seeking might at least partially reflect a possible neurobiological substrate of this sensory profile, characterized by active research of sensory stimuli and impulsive decision-making tendency. Further studies are needed to investigate the neuroradiological correlates of sensory profiles and their impact on behaviour, cognition, and affectivity in different developmental stages and psychiatric disorders.
Association Between Body Stature with Ocular Biometrics and Refraction among Chinese Preschoolers
Authors: Li Linling , Liao Chimei , Zhang Xiaojuan , Lu Juan , Zeng Yangfa , Fu Min , Wang Decai 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the association of body stature with ocular biometrics and refraction in preschool children. MethodsA cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted in Shenzhen, China. Preschool children aged 3 to 6 from 10 randomly-selected kindergartens were recruited. Ocular biometric parameters were measured using non-contact partial-coherence laser interferometry. Cycloplegic refractions were obtained by a desktop autorefractor. Body height and weight were measured using standard procedures.ResultsA total of 373 preschoolers were included. Only the right eyes were analyzed. Ocular biometrics, including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), corneal radius curvature (CR), and axial length to corneal radius ratio (AL-to-CR ratio), were positively associated with height and weight (p<0.05), whereas lens thickness (LT) was negatively associated with height and weight (p<0.01). No association was observed between stature and central cornea thickness and refraction. After adjusted for age and gender in a multivariable regression model, AL had positive associations with height (p<0.01) and weight (p<0.01). However, refraction had no significant association with stature parameters.ConclusionTaller and heavier preschoolers had eyes with longer AL, deeper vitreous chamber, and flatter cornea. The significant associations between body stature and ocular biometric parameters reveal the driving influence of body development on the growth of eyeballs in preschoolers.