bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subseasonal and Diurnal Variability in Lightning and Storm Activity over the Yangtze River Delta, China, during Mei-yu Season
Authors: Yang Ji , Zhao Kun , Chen Xingchao , Huang Anning , Zheng Yuanyuan , Sun Kangyuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUsing 5 years of operational Doppler radar, cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning observations, and National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data, this study examined the spatial and temporal characteristics of and correlations between summer storm and lightning activity over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), with a focus on subseasonal variability and diurnal cycles. The spatiotemporal features of storm top, duration, maximum reflectivity, size, and cell-based vertical integrated liquid water were investigated using the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking algorithm. Our results revealed that there was high storm activity over the YRD, with weak diurnal variations during the mei-yu period. Specifically, storms were strongly associated with mei-yu fronts and exhibited a moderate size, duration, and intensity. On average, afternoon storms exhibited stronger reflectivity and higher storm tops than morning storms, as evidenced by the afternoon peak in CG lightning. The storm intensity strengthened in the post-mei-yu period, due to an increase in atmospheric instability; this was accompanied by a higher frequency of CG lighting. The diurnal cycles of storm frequency and CG lightning in the post-mei-yu period followed a unimodal pattern with an afternoon peak. This is attributable to increased thermodynamic instability in the afternoon, as little diurnal variation was observed for wind shear and moisture. An inverse correlation between lightning occurrence and mean peak current (MPC) for negative CG lightning was evident during the pre-mei-yu and mei-yu periods. The diurnal variation in MPC for negative CG lightning agreed well with that for storm intensity.
Influence of Eastern Tibetan Plateau Spring Snow Cover on North American Air Temperature and Its Interdecadal Change
Authors: Wang Zhibiao , Wu Renguang , Duan Anmin , Qu Xia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPrevious studies revealed the influence of the autumn–winter Tibetan Plateau snow cover on atmospheric circulation and climate in the North American region. The present study documents the relationship between the eastern Tibetan Plateau snow cover and the North American air temperature in spring and the associated physical processes using satellite-based snow cover, reanalysis atmospheric and surface variables, observation-based surface air temperature (SAT), and sea surface temperature (SST). A stable relationship is identified between the eastern Tibetan Plateau snow cover and the North American SAT in spring before the mid-2000s. Positive snow-cover anomalies over the eastern Tibetan Plateau induce cooling in the local atmospheric column. The atmospheric cooling stimulates a large-scale atmospheric wave pattern at the upper level that extends northeastward from the eastern Tibetan Plateau via northeast Asia and the North Pacific to North America. An anomalous high forms over North America, accompanied by anomalous descent. In the northwestern part, the horizontal advection by anomalous southerly winds along the west flank of anomalous anticyclone induces SAT increase. In the central part, the enhanced surface sensible heat flux following anomalous descent-induced downward shortwave radiation increase leads to SAT increase. The relationship between the eastern Tibetan Plateau snow cover and the North American SAT is weakened after the mid-2000s. The weakened relationship is attributed to an intensified impact of tropical central Pacific SST anomalies on the North American SAT variations through a Pacific–North America-like atmospheric circulation pattern, which overcomes the influence of the Tibetan Plateau snow-cover anomalies.
Projected Changes in the Southern Indian Ocean Cyclone Activity Assessed from High-Resolution Experiments and CMIP5 Models
Authors: Cattiaux Julien , Chauvin Fabrice , Bousquet Olivier , Malardel Sylvie , Tsai Chia-Lun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe evolution of tropical cyclone activity under climate change remains a crucial scientific issue. Physical theory of cyclogenesis is limited, observational datasets suffer from heterogeneities in space and time, and state-of-the-art climate models used for future projections are still too coarse (~100 km of resolution) to simulate realistic systems. Two approaches can nevertheless be considered: 1) perform dedicated high-resolution (typically <50 km) experiments in which tropical cyclones can be tracked and 2) assess cyclone activity from existing low-resolution multimodel climate projections using large-scale indices as proxies. Here we explore these two approaches with a particular focus on the southern Indian Ocean. We first compute high-resolution experiments using the rotated-stretched configuration of our climate model (CNRM-CM6-1), which is able to simulate realistic tropical cyclones. In a 2-K warmer world, the model projects a 20% decrease in the frequency of tropical cyclones, together with an increase in their maximum lifetime intensity, a slight poleward shift of their trajectories, and a substantial delay (about 1 month) in the cyclone season onset. Large-scale indices applied to these high-resolution experiments fail to capture the overall decrease in cyclone frequency, but are able to partially represent projected changes in the spatiotemporal distribution of cyclone activity. Last, we apply large-scale indices to multimodel CMIP5 projections and find that the seasonal redistribution of cyclone activity is consistent across models.
AML displays increased CTCF occupancy associated with aberrant gene expression and transcription factor binding
Authors: Mujahed Huthayfa , Miliara Sophia , Neddermeyer Anne , Bengtzén Sofia , Nilsson Christer , Deneberg Stefan , Cordeddu Lina , Ekwall Karl , Lennartsson Andreas , Lehmann Sören 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a key regulator of gene expression through organization of the chromatin structure. Still, it is unclear how CTCF binding is perturbed in leukemia or in cancer in general. We studied CTCF binding by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in normal bone marrow (NBM) in the context of gene expression, DNA methylation, and azacitidine exposure. CTCF binding was increased in AML compared with NBM. Aberrant CTCF binding was enriched for motifs for key myeloid transcription factors such as CEBPA, PU.1, and RUNX1. AML with TET2 mutations was characterized by a particularly strong gain of CTCF binding, highly enriched for gain in promoter regions, while AML in general was enriched for changes at enhancers. There was a strong anticorrelation between CTCF binding and DNA methylation. Gain of CTCF occupancy was associated with increased gene expression; however, the genomic location (promoter vs distal regions) and enrichment of motifs (for repressing vs activating cofactors) were decisive for the gene expression pattern. Knockdown of CTCF in K562 cells caused loss of CTCF binding and transcriptional repression of genes with changed CTCF binding in AML, as well as loss of RUNX1 binding at RUNX1/CTCF-binding sites. In addition, CTCF knockdown caused increased differentiation. Azacitidine exposure caused major changes in CTCF occupancy in AML patient cells, partly by restoring a CTCF-binding pattern similar to NBM. We conclude that AML displays an aberrant increase in CTCF occupancy that targets key genes for AML development and impacts gene expression.
TCF 4 tumor suppressor: a molecular target in the prognosis of sporadic colorectal cancer in humans
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz , Malhotra Pooja , Kochhar Rakesh , Bhatia Alka , Mahmood Akhtar , Singh Rajinder , Mahmood Safrun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
A huge array of function is played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in development by balancing gene expression through the modulation of cell-specific DNA binding downstream effectors such as T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF). The β-catenin/TCF-4 complex is a central regulatory switch for differentiation and proliferation of intestinal cells (both normal and malignant). Thus, in the present study we evaluated each of 60 cases of sporadic adenocarcinoma, alongside adjoining and normal mucosa specimens of colorectum in humans, for mutation and expression analysis of the gene coding for TCF-4 protein.

Methods
DNA sequencing following PCR amplification and SSCP analysis (single strand conformation polymorphism) was employed to detect TCF-4 gene mutations in the case of exon 1. Quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), confocal microscopy and western blot analysis were used to detect TCF-4 gene/protein expression.

Results
Sequencing analysis confirmed 5/60 patients with a point mutation in exon 1 of the TCF-4 gene in tumor samples. mRNA expression using qRT-PCR showed approximately 83% decreased TCF-4 mRNA expression in tumor tissue and adjoining mucosa compared to normal mucosa. Similarly, a significant decrease in protein expression using IHC showed decreased TCF-4 protein expression in tumor tissue and adjoining mucosa compared to normal mucosa, which also corresponds to some important clinicopathological factors, including disease metastasis and tumor grade. Mutational alterations and downregulation of TCF-4 mRNA and hence decreased expression of TCF-4 protein in tumors suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of CRC.

Conclusions
A remarkable decrease in TCF-4 mRNA and protein expression was detected in tumorous and adjoining tissues compared to normal mucosa. Hence the alterations in genomic architecture along with downregulation of TCF-4 mRNA and decreased expression of TCF-4 protein in tumors, which is in accordance with clinical features, suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of CRC. Thus, deregulation and collaboration of TCF-4 with CRC could be a concrete and distinctive feature in the prognosis of the disease at an early stage of development.
A comprehensive analysis of sialolith proteins and the clinical implications
Authors: Busso Carlos S. , Guidry Jessie J. , Gonzalez Jhanis J. , Zorba Vassilia , Son Leslie S. , Winsauer Peter J. , Walvekar Rohan R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSialolithiasis or salivary gland stones are associated with high clinical morbidity. The advances in the treatment of sialolithiasis has been limited, however, by our understanding of their composition. More specifically, there is little information regarding the formation and composition of the protein matrix, the role of mineralogical deposition, or the contributions of cell epithelium and secretions from the salivary glands. A better understanding of these stone characteristics could pave the way for future non-invasive treatment strategies.MethodsTwenty-nine high-quality ductal stone samples were analyzed. The preparation included successive washings to avoid contamination from saliva and blood. The sialoliths were macerated in liquid nitrogen and the maceration was subjected to a sequential, four-step, protein extraction. The four fractions were pooled together, and a standardized aliquot was subjected to tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). The data output was subjected to a basic descriptive statistical analysis for parametric confirmation and a subsequent G.O.-KEGG data base functional analysis and classification for biological interpretation.ResultsThe LC–MS output detected 6934 proteins, 824 of which were unique for individual stones. An example of our sialolith protein data is available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD012422. More important, the sialoliths averaged 53% homology with bone-forming proteins that served as a standard comparison, which favorably compared with 62% homology identified among all sialolith sample proteins. The non-homologous protein fraction had a highly variable protein identity. The G.O.-KEGG functional analysis indicated that extracellular exosomes are a primary cellular component in sialolithiasis. Light and electron microscopy also confirmed the presence of exosomal-like features and the presence of intracellular microcrystals.ConclusionSialolith formation presents similarities with the hyperoxaluria that forms kidney stones, which suggests the possibility of a common origin. Further verification of a common origin could fundamentally change the way in which lithiasis is studied and treated.
Identification of differentially expressed circulating exosomal lncRNAs in IgA nephropathy patients
Authors: Guo Na , Zhou Qin , Huang Xiang , Yu Jianwen , Han Qianqian , Nong Baoting , Xiong Yuanyan , Liang Peifen , Li Jiajia , Feng Min , Lv Jun , Yang Qiongqiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Although immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the foremost primary glomerular disease, treatment of IgAN is still in infancy. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed for IgAN diagnosis. We investigate the difference in expression profiles of exosomal long non-coding-RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma from IgAN patients compared with their healthy first-degree relatives, which may reveal novel non-invasive IgAN biomarkers.

Methods
We isolated exosomes from the plasma of both IgAN patients and their healthy first-degree relatives. High-throughput RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate lncRNA expression profiles. Pathway enrichment analysis was used to predict their nearest protein-coding genes.

Results
lncRNA-G21551 was significantly down-regulated in IgAN patients. Interestingly, the nearest protein-coding gene of lncRNA-G21551 was found to be encoding the low affinity receptor of the Fc segment of immunoglobulin G (FCGR3B).

Conclusions
Exosomal lncRNA-G21551, with FCGR3B as the nearest protein-coding gene, was down-regulated in IgAN patients, indicating its potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for IgAN.
Widespread occurrence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ in elm species in Germany
Authors: Schneider Bernd , Kätzel Ralf , Kube Michael 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ is the agent associated with elm yellows and has been categorised in the European Union as a quarantine pathogen. For central and northern European countries, information on the occurrence and distribution of the pathogen and its impact on elms is scarce, so a survey of native elm trees has been conducted in Germany.

Results
About 6500 samples from Ulmus minor, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus glabra, were collected nationwide. Phytoplasma detection was performed by applying a universal 16Sr DNA-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and a novel ‘Ca. P. ulmi’ specific qPCR assay targeting the 16S–23S spacer region. Both assays revealed that 28% of the samples were infected by ‘Ca. P. ulmi’, but infection rates of the elm species and regional incidences differed. The phytoplasma presence in the trees was not correlated to disease-specific symptoms. The survey identified a regional disparity of infection which was high in east, south and central Germany, whereas only a few infected sites were found in the western and northern parts of the country. Monitoring the seasonal titre of ‘Ca. P. ulmi’ in an infected tree by qPCR revealed a high colonisation in all parts of the tree throughout the year.

Conclusions
‘Ca. P. ulmi’ is widely present in elms in Germany. The rare occurrence of symptoms indicates either a high degree of tolerance in elm populations or a low virulence of pathogen strains enabling high infection rates in a long-living host.
Impact of perioperative hemodynamic optimization therapies in surgical patients: economic study and meta-analysis
Authors: Silva-Jr João M. , Menezes Pedro Ferro L. , Lobo Suzana M. , de Carvalho Flávia Helena S. , de Oliveira Mariana Augusta N. , Cardoso Filho Francisco Nilson F. , Fernando Bruna N. , Carmona Maria Jose C. , Teich Vanessa D. , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo S. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Several studies suggest that hemodynamic optimization therapies can reduce complications, the length of hospital stay and costs. However, Brazilian data are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to evaluate whether the improvement demonstrated by hemodynamic optimization therapy in surgical patients could result in lower costs from the perspective of the Brazilian public unified health system.

Methods
A meta-analysis was performed comparing surgical patients who underwent hemodynamic optimization therapy (intervention) with patients who underwent standard therapy (control) in terms of complications and hospital costs. The cost-effectiveness analysis evaluated the clinical and financial benefits of hemodynamic optimization protocols for surgical patients. The analysis considered the clinical outcomes of randomized studies published in the last 20 years that involved surgeries and hemodynamic optimization therapy. Indirect costs (equipment depreciation, estate and management activities) were not included in the analysis.

Results
A total of 21 clinical trials with a total of 4872 surgical patients were selected. Comparison of the intervention and control groups showed lower rates of infectious (RR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.58–0.74), renal (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.54–0.87), and cardiovascular (RR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.76–0.99) complications and a nonstatistically significant lower rate of respiratory complications (RR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.67–1.02). There was no difference in mortality (RR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.80–1.3) between groups. In the analysis of total costs, the intervention group showed a cost reduction of R$396,024.83-BRL ($90,161.38-USD) for every 1000 patients treated compared to the control group. The patients in the intervention group showed greater effectiveness, with 1.0 fewer days in the intensive care unit and hospital. In addition, there were 333 fewer patients with complications, with a consequent reduction of R$1,630,341.47-BRL ($371,173.27-USD) for every 1000 patients treated.

Conclusions
Hemodynamic optimization therapy is cost-effective and would increase the efficiency of and decrease the burden of the Brazilian public health system.
Lebanese students’ motivation in medical school: does it change throughout the years? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarkis Anne-Sophie , Hallit Souheil , Hajj Aline , Kechichian Anthony , Karam Sarkis Dolla , Sarkis Antoine , Nasser Ayoub Eliane 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Students entering medical school are driven by different types of motivation: autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, or amotivation. Motivation types can influence students’ performance, outcome and well-being. To our knowledge, this topic has never been studied in Lebanese medical students. This study aims to identify students’ motivation types in the first 5 years of medical school at two Lebanese universities (USJ and USEK). It also aims to determine the predominant motivation type of the whole sample. Results may be the first step towards raising awareness about this topic and implementing actions that enhance autonomous motivation.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed between January and June 2017. A questionnaire was sent to medical students by e-mail. The students’ academic motivation was assessed using the Academic Motivation Scale.

Results
A higher mean autonomous motivation score was found in each academic year, as compared to the mean controlled motivation and amotivation scores. The highest mean autonomous motivation score was seen among second year students, whereas the lowest score was noted in fifth year students. The highest scores for controlled motivation and amotivation belonged to the fourth-year students, and the lowest to the first-year students. Students who were still satisfied with medical studies had a higher autonomous motivation score. Finally, USJ students who were satisfied with their second year training had a higher mean autonomous motivation score than those who were not.

Conclusion
This study showed high levels of autonomous motivation in the first five years of medical school. Autonomous motivation was the predominant type in the whole sample. The highest scores of controlled motivation and amotivation were noted in the fourth year. Moreover, high levels of self-determination were seen in students who enjoyed their early contacts with patients through trainings. Actions should be implemented in medical schools to enhance and maintain autonomous motivation, and consequently students’ outcome and health-care quality.
Should the PBL tutor be present? A cross-sectional study of group effectiveness in synchronous and asynchronous settings
Authors: Edelbring Samuel , Alehagen Siw , Mörelius Evalotte , Johansson AnnaKarin , Rytterström Patrik 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The tutorial group and its dynamics are a cornerstone of problem-based learning (PBL). The tutor’s support varies according to the setting, and it is pertinent to explore group effectiveness in relation to different settings, for example online or campus-based. The PBL groups’ effectiveness can partly be assessed in terms of cognitive and motivational aspects, using a self-report tool to measure PBL group effectiveness, the Tutorial Group Effectiveness Instrument (TGEI).
This study’s aim was to explore tutor participation in variations of online and campus-based tutorial groups in relation to group effectiveness. A secondary aim was to validate a tool for assessing tutorial group effectiveness in a Swedish context.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with advanced-level nursing students studying to become specialised nurses or midwives at a Swedish university. The TGEI was used to measure motivational and cognitive aspects in addition to overall group effectiveness. The instrument’s items were translated into Swedish and refined with an expert group and students. The responses were calculated descriptively and compared between groups using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A psychometric evaluation was performed using the Mokken scale analysis. The subscale scores were compared between three different tutor settings: the tutor present face-to-face in the room, the tutor present online and the consultant tutor not present in the room and giving support asynchronously.

Results
All the invited students (n = 221) participated in the study. There were no differences in motivational or cognitive aspects between students with or without prior PBL experience, nor between men and women. Higher scores were identified on cognitive aspects (22.6, 24.6 and 21.3; p < 0.001), motivational aspects (26.3, 27 and 24.5; p = 002) and group effectiveness (4.1, 4.3, 3.8, p = 0.02) for the two synchronously tutored groups compared to the asynchronously tutored group. The TGEI subscales showed adequate homogeneity.

Conclusions
The tutor’s presence is productive for PBL group effectiveness. However, the tutor need not be in the actual room but can provide support in online settings as long as the tutoring is synchronous.
Postoperative pain pathophysiology and treatment strategies after CRS + HIPEC for peritoneal cancer
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Tianzuo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundCytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment choice for peritoneal cancer. However, patients commonly suffer from severe postoperative pain. The pathophysiology of postoperative pain is considered to be from both nociceptive and neuropathic origins.Main bodyThe recent advances on the etiology of postoperative pain after CRS + HIPEC treatment were described, and the treatment strategy and outcomes were summarized.ConclusionConventional analgesics could provide short-term symptomatic relief. Thoracic epidural analgesia combined with opioids administration could be an effective treatment choice. In addition, a transversus abdominis plane block could also be an alternative option, although further studies should be performed.