bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A skeletochronological estimation of age structure of a population of the paddy frog, Fejervarya multistriata, from the central east of China
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Sheng Yongsun , Yuan Xiangyu , Zhong Xueting , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Age determination is crucial for a full understanding of population dynamics. In this context, we studied the age structure of the paddy frog, Fejervarya multistriata, in a population from the central east of China, using a skeletochronological method. The lines of arrested growth in the phalanges were distinct, and each line was assumed to represent one year of age. Ages ranged between one and four years for adult males and two and four years for adult females. No significant difference was observed in the mean adult age between the sexes. In addition, a significant relationship between age and body size within each sex was detected. Results of ANCOVA analysis suggested a significant difference in body size between sexes when the effect of age was removed. The von-Bertalanffy model showed that females had a larger asymptotic body size than males, and the growth rate of females was higher than that of males. Therefore, the growth rate is a major factor underlying body size patterns in both sexes of F. multistriata in the study population.
Human ferroportin mediates proton-coupled active transport of iron
Authors: Li Shuang , Yang Yihu , Li Weikai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
As the sole iron exporter in humans, ferroportin controls systemic iron homeostasis through exporting iron into the blood plasma. The molecular mechanism of how ferroportin exports iron under various physiological settings remains unclear. Here we found that purified ferroportin incorporated into liposomes preferentially transports Fe2+ and exhibits lower affinities of transporting other divalent metal ions. The iron transport by ferroportin is facilitated by downhill proton gradients at the same direction. Human ferroportin is also capable of transporting protons, and this activity is tightly coupled to the iron transport. Remarkably, ferroportin can conduct active transport uphill against the iron gradient, with favorable charge potential providing the driving force. Targeted mutagenesis suggests that the iron translocation site is located at the pore region of human ferroportin. Together, our studies enhance the mechanistic understanding by which human ferroportin transports iron and suggest that a combination of electrochemical gradients regulates iron export.
Comparison of outcomes of HCT in blast phase of BCR-ABL1− MPN with de novo AML and with AML following MDS
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Kim Soyoung , Hu Zhen-Huan , Liu Ying , Aljurf Mahmoud , Bacher Ulrike , Beitinjaneh Amer , Cahn Jean-Yves , Cerny Jan , Copelan Edward , Gadalla Shahinaz M. , Gale Robert Peter , Ganguly Siddhartha , George Biju , Gerds Aaron T. , Gergis Usama , Hamilton Betty K. , Hashmi Shahrukh , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Kamble Rammurti T. , Kindwall-Keller Tamila , Lazarus Hillard M. , Liesveld Jane L. , Litzow Mark , Maziarz Richard T. , Nishihori Taiga , Olsson Richard F. , Rizzieri David , Savani Bipin N. , Seo Sachiko , Solh Melhem , Szer Jeff , Verdonck Leo F. , Wirk Baldeep , Woolfrey Ann , Yared Jean A. , Alyea Edwin P. , Popat Uday R. , Sobecks Ronald M. , Scott Bart L. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Saber Wael 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Comparative outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for BCR-ABL1− myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in blast phase (MPN-BP) vs de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and AML with prior myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs; post-MDS AML), are unknown. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database, we compared HCT outcomes in 177 MPN-BP patients with 4749 patients with de novo AML, and 1104 patients with post-MDS AML, using multivariate regression analysis in 2 separate comparisons. In a multivariate Cox model, no difference in overall survival (OS) or relapse was observed in patients with MPN-BP vs de novo AML with active leukemia at HCT. Patients with MPN-BP in remission had inferior OS in comparison with de novo AML in remission (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.76]) due to higher relapse rate (HR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.69-2.80]). MPN-BP patients had inferior OS (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.00-1.43]) and increased relapse (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.31-1.96]) compared with post-MDS AML. Poor-risk cytogenetics were associated with increased relapse in both comparisons. Peripheral blood grafts were associated with decreased relapse in MPN-BP and post-MDS AML (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.57-0.86]). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was similar between MPN-BP vs de novo AML, and MPN-BP vs post-MDS AML. Total-body irradiation–based myeloablative conditioning was associated with higher NRM in both comparisons. Survival of MPN-BP after HCT is inferior to de novo AML in remission and post-MDS AML due to increased relapse. Relapse-prevention strategies are required to optimize HCT outcomes in MPN-BP.
Phase 2 trial to assess lebrikizumab in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Maher Toby M. , Costabel Ulrich , Glassberg Marilyn K. , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Ogura Takashi , Scholand Mary Beth , Kardatzke David , Howard Monet , Olsson Julie , Neighbors Margaret , Belloni Paula , Swigris Jeffrey J. 
Published: October 2020

This phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab, an interleukin (IL)-13 monoclonal antibody, alone or with background pirfenidone therapy, in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Patients with IPF aged ≥40 years with forced vital capacity (FVC) of 40%–100% predicted and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of 25%–90% predicted and who were treatment-naïve (cohort A) or receiving pirfenidone (2403 mg·day−1; cohort B) were randomised 1:1 to receive lebrikizumab 250 mg or placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was annualised rate of FVC % predicted decline over 52 weeks.In cohort A, 154 patients were randomised to receive lebrikizumab (n=78) or placebo (n=76). In cohort B, 351 patients receiving pirfenidone were randomised to receive lebrikizumab (n=174) or placebo (n=177). Baseline demographics were balanced across treatment arms in both cohorts. The primary endpoint (annualised rate of FVC % predicted decline) was not met in cohort A (lebrikizumabversusplacebo, −5.2%versus−6.2%; p=0.456) or cohort B (lebrikizumabversusplacebo, −5.5%versus−6.0%; p=0.557). In cohort B, a non-statistically significant imbalance in mortality favouring combination therapy was observed (hazard ratio 0.42 (95% CI 0.17–1.04)). Pharmacodynamic biomarkers indicated lebrikizumab activity. The safety profile was consistent with that in previous studies of lebrikizumab and pirfenidone as monotherapies.Lebrikizumab alone or with pirfenidone was not associated with reduced FVC % predicted decline over 52 weeks despite evidence of pharmacodynamic activity. Lebrikizumab was well tolerated with a favourable safety profile. These findings suggest that blocking IL-13 may not be sufficient to achieve a lung function benefit in patients with IPF.
Crystalline and Electrical Property Improvement of Filtrated, Exfoliated Graphite Sheets by an In-Plane Current and Heating Treatment
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Oshima Azusa , Yumura Motoo , Hata Kenji , Futaba Don N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe report an approach to fabricate high conductivity graphite sheets based on a heat-and-current treatment of filtrated, exfoliated graphite flakes. This treatment combines heating (~ 900 °C) and in-plane electrical current flow (550 A·cm−2) to improve electrical conductivity through the reduction of crystalline defects. This process was shown to require only a 1-min treatment time, which resulted in a 2.1-fold increase in electrical conductivity (from 1088 ± 72 to 2275 ± 50 S·cm−1). Structural characterization by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction indicated that the improvement electrical conductivity originated from a 30-fold improvement in the crystallinity (Raman G/D ratio increase from 2.8 to 85.3) with no other observable structural transformations. Significantly, this treatment was found to act uniformly across a macroscopic (10 mm) sheet surface indicating it is on the development of applications, such as electrodes for energy generation and storage and electromagnetic shielding, as well as on the potential for the development of large-scale treatment technologies.
Direct and correlated responses to selection for autumn lambing in sheep
Authors: Asadi-Fozi Masood , Bradford Heather L. , Notter David R. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Seasonal reproduction limits productivity, flexibility, and profitability in commercial sheep production. Hormonal and (or) photoperiodic manipulation can be used to control estrous cycles in sheep and reduce limitations that are imposed by the seasonal anestrous but are often impractical or incompatible with the extensive management systems preferred for ruminant livestock. Thus, the current study investigated the use of selection to improve realized fertility (i.e., the proportion of ewes that lambed) following an out-of-season spring joining period (May and June) in a crossbred sheep population.

Results
Over 17 years, estimated breeding values (EBV) for fertility in selected (S) ewes increased by 0.175 (0.01 per year). The mean EBV for fertility of S ewes was greater than that of control ewes by year 10 (P = 0.02), and the fertility of adult (≥ 3 years old) ewes reached 0.88 ± 0.05 by year 17. Lambing began approximately 140 days after the introduction of rams, and 64% of the S ewes that lambed did so in the first 17 days of the potential lambing season, which indicated that most of the S ewes were cycling at the time of ram introduction and were not induced to cycle by the introduction of breeding males (i.e., the so-called “ram effect”). Animals in the S line had modest increases in body weight and scrotal circumference. A modest negative trend in the additive maternal effect on birth weight was observed but was reversed by additional selection on EBV for maternal birth weight. The heritability of litter size in autumn lambing was low (0.04) and could potentially limit the response to selection for this trait.

Conclusions
Selection improved realized ewe fertility in out-of-season mating, with absolute increases of approximately 1% per year in the percentage of joined ewes that lambed in the autumn. Genetic antagonisms with other performance traits were generally small. A modest antagonism with maternal breeding values for birth weight was observed but it could be accommodated by selection on EBV for maternal birth weight. Our results support results of previous studies that indicate that these selected ewes had one of the shortest seasonal anestrous periods reported for temperate sheep breeds and that spring-lambing lactating ewes from the selection line were capable of relatively rapid rebreeding in the spring.
SAPPHIRE: a neural network based classifier for σ70 promoter prediction in Pseudomonas
Authors: Coppens Lucas , Lavigne Rob 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn silico promoter prediction represents an important challenge in bioinformatics as it provides a first-line approach to identifying regulatory elements to support wet-lab experiments. Historically, available promoter prediction software have focused on sigma factor-associated promoters in the model organismE. coli.As a consequence, traditional promoter predictors yield suboptimal predictions when applied to other prokaryotic genera, such asPseudomonas,a Gram-negative bacterium of crucial medical and biotechnological importance.ResultsWe developedSAPPHIRE,a promoter predictor for σ70 promoters inPseudomonas.This promoter prediction relies on an artificial neural network that evaluates sequences on their similarity to the − 35 and − 10 boxes of σ70 promoters found experimentally inP. aeruginosaandP. putida.SAPPHIREcurrently outperforms established predictive software when classifyingPseudomonasσ70 promoters and was built to allow further expansion in the future.ConclusionsSAPPHIREis the first predictive tool for bacterial σ70 promoters inPseudomonas. SAPPHIRE is free, publicly available and can be accessed online atwww.biosapphire.com. Alternatively, users can download the tool as a Python 3 script for local application from this site.
An enigmatic translocation of the vertebrate primordial eye field
Authors: Loosemore R. G. , Matthaei S. D. , Stanger T. C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe primordial eye field of the vertebrate embryo is a single entity of retinal progenitor cells spanning the anterior neural plate before bifurcating to form bilateral optic vesicles. Here we review fate mapping data from zebrafish suggesting that prior to evagination of the optic vesicles the eye field may undergo a Maypole-plait migration of progenitor cells through the midline influenced by the anteriorly subducting diencephalon. Such an enigmatic translocation of scaffolding progenitors could have evolutionary significance if pointing, by way of homology, to an ancient mechanism for transition of the single eye field in chordates to contralateral eye fields in vertebrates.
Development of a relevant strategy using de novo transcriptome assembly method for transcriptome comparisons between Muscovy and common duck species and their reciprocal inter-specific mule and hinny hybrids fed ad libitum and overfed
Authors: Liu Xi , Hérault Frédéric , Diot Christian , Corre Erwan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Common Pekin and Muscovy ducks and their intergeneric hinny and mule hybrids have different abilities for fatty liver production. RNA-Seq analyses from the liver of these different genetic types fed ad libitum or overfed would help to identify genes with different response to overfeeding between them. However RNA-seq analyses from different species and comparison is challenging. The goal of this study was develop a relevant strategy for transcriptome analysis and comparison between different species.

Results
Transcriptomes were first assembled with a reference-based approach. Important mapping biases were observed when heterologous mapping were conducted on common duck reference genome, suggesting that this reference-based strategy was not suited to compare the four different genetic types. De novo transcriptome assemblies were then performed using Trinity and Oases. Assemblies of transcriptomes were not relevant when more than a single genetic type was considered. Finally, single genetic type transcriptomes were assembled with DRAP in a mega-transcriptome. No bias was observed when reads from the different genetic types were mapped on this mega-transcriptome and differences in gene expression between the four genetic types could be identified.

Conclusions
Analyses using both reference-based and de novo transcriptome assemblies point out a good performance of the de novo approach for the analysis of gene expression in different species. It also allowed the identification of differences in responses to overfeeding between Pekin and Muscovy ducks and hinny and mule hybrids.
Database: web application for visualization of the cumulated RNAseq data against the salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Woo Dong U , Jeon Ho Hwi , Park Halim , Park Jin Hwa , Lee Yejin , Kang Yang Jae 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Plants have adapted to survive under adverse conditions or exploit favorable conditions in response to their environment as sessile creatures. In a way of plant adaptation, plant hormones have been evolved to efficiently use limited resources. Plant hormones including auxin, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene have been studied to reveal their role in plant adaptation against their environment by phenotypic observation with experimental design such as mutation on hormone receptors and treatment / non-treatment of plant hormones along with other environmental conditions.
With the development of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, it became possible to score the total gene expression of the sampled plants and estimate the degree of effect of plant hormones in gene expression. This allowed us to infer the signaling pathway through plant hormones, which greatly stimulated the study of functional genomics using mutants. Due to the continued development of NGS technology and analytical techniques, many plant hormone-related studies have produced and accumulated NGS-based data, especially RNAseq data have been stored in the sequence read archive represented by NCBI, EBI, and DDBJ.

Description
Here, hormone treatment RNAseq data of Arabidopsis (Col0), wild-type genotype, were collected with mock, SA, and MeJA treatments. The genes affected by hormones were identified through a machine learning approach. The degree of expression of the affected gene was quantified, visualized in boxplot using d3 (data-driven-document), and the database was built by Django.

Conclusion
Using this database, we created a web application (http://pgl.gnu.ac.kr/hormoneDB/) that lists hormone-related or hormone-affected genes and visualizes the boxplot of the gene expression of selected genes. This web application eventually aids the functional genomics researchers who want to gather the cases of the gene responses by the hormones.
Effectiveness and long-term outcomes of different crossing strategies for the endovascular treatment of iliac artery chronic Total occlusions
Authors: Zhang Huan , Li Xiangtao , Niu Luyuan , Feng Yaping , Luo Xiaoyun , Zhang Changming , Zhang Fuxian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The iliac occlusive disease is usually treated with endovascular procedures in recent years. The effectiveness of different crossing approaches for these occlusions is not precisely known. We performed a retrospective study to explore the optimal crossing approach (antegrade versus retrograde) for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and to examine the long-term outcomes.

Materials and methods
We performed a study on 107 patients (116 iliac occlusive lesions, mean age 64.0 ± 11.1, 88 men) who underwent an iliac CTO endovascular intervention attempted with the use of both crossing strategies but were managed with one final crossing approach between August 2012 and August 2018. Baseline data, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were described. A Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier method were developed to assess the differences in the two crossing approaches in terms of the 1-year and 5-year primary patency rates, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse limb events (MALEs).

Results
Common iliac artery (CIA) lesions were more likely to be crossed successfully in the retrograde direction (6.8% for antegrade vs. 20.9% for retrograde, p = 0.005), while lesions in the CIA/ external iliac artery (EIA) were more prone to be crossed successfully in the antegrade direction (58.9% for antegrade vs. 39.5% for retrograde, p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in the crossing approach for EIA lesions between the two groups. The two crossing approaches were associated with similar estimates of 1- and 5-year primary patency, TLR and MALE rates.

Conclusion
The antegrade approach was associated with a higher rate of successful crossing in CIA/EIA CTO lesions, while the CIA-only CTOs were more likely to be crossed successfully with the retrograde approach.
The University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS) BIRTH COHORT study: rationale, design and methods
Authors: Duri Kerina , Gumbo Felicity Z. , Munjoma Privilege T. , Chandiwana Precious , Mhandire Kudakwashe , Ziruma Asaph , Macpherson Andrew , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Gomo Exnevia , Misselwitz Benjamin , Mazengera Lovemore Ronald ,   the UZ-CHS Birth Cohort Team, Altfeld M. , Bunders M. , Rowland Jones S. , Dandara C. , Mleya V. , Mutambara J. , Kandawasvika G. , Kuona P. , Chimhuya S. , Nyamakura R. , Mtapuri-Zinyowera S. , Chandiwana S. P. , Marashiki C. , Mataramvura H. , Mazengera E. , Taremeredzwa N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundCommencing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following HIV diagnosis (Option B+), has greatly improved maternal-infant health. Thus, large and increasing numbers of HIV-infected women are on ART during pregnancy, a situation concurrently increasing numbers of HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants. Compared to their HIV-unexposed-uninfected (HUU) counterparts, HEU infants show higher rates of adverse birth outcomes, mortality, infectious/non-communicable diseases including impaired growth and neurocognitive development. There is an urgent need to understand the impact of HIV and early life ART exposures, immune-metabolic dysregulation, comorbidities and environmental confounders on adverse paediatric outcomes.MethodsSix hundred (600) HIV-infected and 600 HIV-uninfected pregnant women ≥20 weeks of gestation will be enrolled from four primary health centres in high density residential areas of Harare. Participants will be followed up as mother-infant-pairs at delivery, week(s) 1, 6, 10, 14, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 after birth. Clinical, socio-economic, nutritional and environmental data will be assessed for adverse birth outcomes, impaired growth, immune/neurodevelopment, vertical transmission of HIV, hepatitis-B/C viruses, cytomegalovirus and syphilis. Maternal urine, stool, plasma, cord blood, amniotic fluid, placenta and milk including infant plasma, dried blood spot and stool will be collected at enrolment and follow-up visits. The composite primary endpoint is stillbirth and infant mortality within the first two years of life in HEU versus HUU infants. Maternal mortality in HIV-infected versus -uninfected women is another primary outcome. Secondary endpoints include a range of maternal and infant outcomes. Sub-studies will address maternal stress and malnutrition, maternal-infant latent tuberculosis,Helicobacter pyloriinfections, immune-metabolomic dysregulation including gut, breast milk and amniotic fluid dysbiosis.DiscussionThe University of Zimbabwe-College of Health-Sciences-Birth-Cohort study will provide a comprehensive assessment of risk factors and biomarkers for HEU infants’ adverse outcomes. This will ultimately help developing strategies to mitigate effects of maternal HIV, early-life ART exposures and comorbidities on infants’ mortality and morbidity.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov Identifier:NCT04087239. Registered 12 September 2019.
Altered expression of the DISC1 gene in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fu Xiaoqian , Zhang Guofu , Liu Yansong , Zhang Ling , Zhang Fuquan , Zhou Conghua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Schizophrenia is a severe, heritable, and refractory psychiatric disorder. Several studies have shown that the disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene is closely associated with schizophrenia by its role in neuronal morphology, synaptic function, brain development, and dopamine homeostasis etc. This study intended to investigate the expression levels of DISC1 gene in schizophrenia patients compared with healthy controls, and the expression variation of DISC1 gene before and after antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients.

Methods
In this study, we compared DISC1 expression levels in blood of 48 healthy controls, and 32 schizophrenia patients before and after 12 weeks of antipsychotic treatment using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis.

Results
The expression levels of DISC1 gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of schizophrenia patients before antipsychotic treatment were higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.01); whereas after antipsychotic treatment, the expression levels of DISC1 gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of schizophrenia patients still remained increased (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
Our study provided further support for the involvement of DISC1 in the development of schizophrenia.