bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effectiveness of Lishi Oral Liquid combined with levocetirizine in treating atopic dermatitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Chai Jingxiu , Ren Jie , Yan Kexiang , Xu Feng , Ma Ying , Zhu Xiaohua , Yan Fang , Yang Yongsheng , Gu Chaoying , Wu Jinfeng , Xu Jinhua 
Published: August 2020

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Lishi Oral Liquid (LOL), a Chinese herbs formula, combined with levocetirizine, an antihistamine drug, in patients with damp-heat atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients diagnosed with damp-heat atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to Lishi Oral Liquid group and control group at the ratio of 1:1. Patients were given one Lishi Oral Liquid or placebo three times per day. Both groups were treated with allantoin and vitamin E cream by topical use and levocetirizine by oral administration. Patients were followed up at the second and fourth week. The primary outcome was the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). The secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Results: After two weeks of treatment, there were statistical differences in SCORAD between these two groups ([Formula: see text]), whereas VAS and DLQI showed no statistical differences. There were significant differences in SCORAD and VAS between two groups at the end of four weeks of treatment ([Formula: see text]). However, no significant differences were observed in DLQI after four weeks of treatment. No serious adverse event was found during this clinical trial. Conclusion: LOL combined with levocetirizine is effective and safe for damp-heat AD treatment.
Skill of Seasonal Rainfall and Temperature Forecasts for East Africa
Authors: Young Hannah R. , Klingaman Nicholas P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSkillful seasonal forecasts can provide useful information for decision-makers, particularly in regions heavily dependent on agriculture, such as East Africa. We analyze prediction skill for seasonal East African rainfall and temperature one to four months ahead from two seasonal forecasting systems: the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Coupled Forecast System Model, version 2 (CFSv2), and the Met Office (UKMO) Global Seasonal Forecast System, version 5 (GloSea5). We focus on skill for low or high temperature and rainfall, below the 25th or above the 75th percentile, respectively, as these events can have damaging effects in this region. We find skill one month ahead for both low and high rainfall from CFSv2 for December–February in Tanzania, and from GloSea5 for September–November in Kenya. Both models have higher skill for temperature than for rainfall across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, with skill two months ahead in some cases. Performance for rainfall and temperature change in the two models during certain El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) phases, the impacts of which vary by country, season, and sometimes by model. While most changes in performance are within the range of uncertainty due to the relatively small sample size in each phase, they are significant in some cases. For example, La Niña lowers performance for Kenya September–November rainfall in CFSv2 but does not affect skill in GloSea5.
A Comparison of Tropical Cyclone Genesis Forecast Verification from Three Global Forecast System (GFS) Operational Configurations
Authors: Halperin Daniel J. , Penny Andrew B. , Hart Robert E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOperational forecasting of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis has improved in recent years but still can be a challenge. Output from global numerical models continues to serve as a primary source of forecast guidance. Bulk verification statistics (e.g., critical success index) of TC genesis forecasts indicate that, overall, global models are increasingly able to predict TC genesis. However, as global model configurations are updated, TC genesis verification statistics will change. This study compares operational and retrospective forecasts from three configurations of NCEP’s Global Forecast System (GFS) to quantify the impact of model upgrades on TC genesis forecasts. First, bulk verification statistics from a homogeneous sample of model initialization cycles during the period 2013–14 are compared. Then, composites of select output fields are analyzed in an attempt to identify any key differences between hit and false alarm events. Bulk statistics indicate that TC genesis forecast performance decreased with the implementation of the 2015 version of the GFS, but then modestly recovered with the 2016 version of the model. In addition, the composite analysis suggests that false alarm forecasts in the 2015 version of the GFS may have been the result of inaccurately forecasting the location and/or strength of upper-level troughs poleward of the TC. There is also evidence of convective feedbacks occurring, such as ridging above the low-level circulation and upper-level convective outflow that were too strong, in this same set of false alarm forecasts. Overall, analyzing retrospective forecasts can assist forecasters in determining the strengths and weaknesses associated with a new configuration of a global model with respect to TC genesis.
The Postcricoid Cushion: An Unusual and Surgically Treatable Cause of Infant Aspiration
Authors: Jones Joel W. , Fiorillo Caitlin E. , Clark Christine , Bauman Nancy 
Published: August 2020

Objectives: To highlight the importance of recognizing the postcricoid cushion as a surgically treatable cause of newborn aspiration in select cases unresponsive to conservative measures. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a single case of neonatal aspiration at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Results: Resolution of aspiration was achieved in an otherwise healthy six-week old term infant following ablation of a postcricoid cushion using microlaryngeal instrumentation and coblation. Prior airway and swallowing evaluations, along with a trial of reflux therapy and pacing of feeds, preceded the surgical excision, successfully avoiding gastrostomy tube placement. Conclusions: Otolaryngology consults for neonatal dysphagia and aspiration are challenging. The postcricoid cushion is considered an anatomic variant that can engorge with crying. When large, it can prevent feeds from entering the esophagus and lead to pooling and aspiration. The postcricoid cushion is evident on flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, but without a vigilant eye may be easily overlooked. This single case report suggests that surgical ablation may be effective management in select cases after ruling out concomitant aerodigestive pathology and neurodevelopmental causes of aspiration and only after conservative therapy has failed. A video demonstrating the surgical ablation is included.
Neonatal Lateral Epiglottic Defects
Authors: Peterson Joseph D. , Goyal Vinay , Puricelli Michael D. , Thatcher Aaron , Smith Richard J. 
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Multiple congenital abnormalities of the epiglottis have been reported and iatrogenic injuries to the larynx and subglottis are well known. We present a new pattern of defect not previously reported in the literature. Methods: Epiglottic abnormalities at two institutions are reviewed. Cases of defects involving the lateral aspect of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic fold are identified. A literature review of known epiglottic defects is performed. Results: Two children possessing lateral notch injuries at the aryepiglottic attachment to the epiglottis are described. Both children have a history of multiple laryngeal instrumentation attempts and prolonged intubation. Both have swallowing difficulties and are gastrostomy dependent. Congenital epiglottic defects include aplasia and midline bifidity, however, no lateral congenital epiglottic defects have been reported. Conclusion: Epiglottic defects, while rare, should be part of the differential for children with aspiration and feeding difficulties. A new pattern of defect is described and iatrogenic etiology proposed.
The MC4R SNPs, their haplotypes and gene-environment interactions on the risk of obesity
Authors: Wei Bi-Liu , Yin Rui-Xing , Liu Chun-Xiao , Deng Guo-Xiong , Guan Yao-Zong , Zheng Peng-Fei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Little is known about the correlation between the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of obesity. This research sought to test the MC4R rs17782313, rs476828 and rs12970134 SNPs, their haplotypes and gene-environment interactions on the risk of obesity in the Maonan ethnic group, an isolated minority in China.

Methods
A case-control study comprised of 1836 participants (obesity group, 858; and control group, 978) was conducted. Genotypes of the three SNPs were determined by the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.

Results
The genotypic frequencies of the three SNPs were different between the obesity and control groups (P <  0.05 for all). The minor allelic frequency of the MC4R rs17782313C, rs476828C and rs12970134A was higher in obesity than in control groups (13.8% vs. 8.3%, P <  0.001, 17.1% vs. 10.9%, P <  0.001; and 15.5% vs. 11.5%, P <  0.001; respectively). Additionally, the dominant model of rs17782313 and rs476828 SNPs revealed an increased morbidity function on the risk of obesity (P <  0.05). A correlation between SNP-environment and the risk of obesity was also observed. The rs17782313C-rs476828C-rs12970134A haplotype was associated with high risk of obesity (OR = 1.796, 95% CI = 1.447–2.229), whereas the rs17782313T-rs476828T-rs12970134G and rs17782313T-rs476828T-rs12970134A haplotypes were associated with low risk of obesity (OR = 0.699, 95% CI = 0.586–0.834 and OR = 0.620, 95% CI = 0.416–0.925; respectively). The interactions between haplotype and waist circumference on the risk of obesity were also noted.

Conclusions
We discovered that the MC4R rs17782313, rs476828 and rs12970134 SNPs and their haplotypes were associated with the risk of obesity in the Chinese Maonan population.
A catechol-type lignan and neolignans are specifically present in the seed coat of tung trees
Authors: Suzuki Toshisada , Onishi Yuma , Katagi Ayako , Kim Tae-Wook , Katayama Takeshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe tung tree produces large seeds with approximately 40–50% of their composition consisting of non-edible oil. α-Eleostearic acid makes up about 80% of tung oil, while linoleic acid and oleic acid make up 7 and 6%, respectively. The oil is readily oxidized due to the three, conjugated double bonds in α-eleostearic acid; however, it is stable inside the tung seed, which is expected to contain strong antioxidative compounds that protect the oil from oxidation. Previously, we isolated and identified a catechol-type lignan (3,3′-bisdemethylpinoresinol) and neolignans (isoamericanol A and americanol A) from the seeds of tung tree fruits that exhibited strong antioxidative activity, similar to that of Trolox. In this study, we show that the catechol-type lignan and neolignans are specifically present in the seed coat of the tung tree fruit seeds. The lignans were not detected in any other tissue, such as the pericarp, bark, leaves, or wood of the tree. The lignan content was determined in each developmental stage of the fruit, and the amount of the three lignans in the tung seeds was the highest in the green mature stage. This was likely because the amount of tung oil was also at its highest during this stage, and the oil composition was stable. Our results indicate that the catechol-type lignan and neolignans are located within the seed coat of the tung tree fruit seeds, where they protect the oil in the endosperm from autoxidation and polymerization processes.
Effects of HPV16 E6 protein on Daxx-induced apoptosis in C33A cells
Authors: Tang Shuangyang , Ding Shuang , Yu Lan , Shen Haiyan , Wan Yanping , Wu Yimou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aims
Daxx is a highly conserved nuclear protein with an important role in transcription, apoptosis and other cell processes. We investigated the role of HPV16 E6 in Daxx-induced apoptosis through their interactions in C33A cells.

Methods
The binding of HPV16 E6 and Daxx was confirmed in C33A cells using co-immunoprecipitation and indirect immunofluorescence assays. Quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the RNA and protein expressions of Daxx, respectively. Automatic cell count and MTT assays were performed to investigate the proliferation of C33A cells. The apoptosis rate of C33A cells was determined via flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The relative activity of caspase-8 was tested using ELISA.

Results
HPV16 E6 can bind with Daxx and cause its translocation in C33A cells. The transfected HPV16 E6 can cause a decrease in relative quantification for Daxx in Daxx-overexpressing cells. After Daxx transfection, cell proliferation was found to decrease sharply and cell apoptosis to increase sharply. However, when HPV16 E6 was co-transfected with Daxx, this decrease and increase both became gentle. Similarly, HPV16 E6 made the Daxx-induced increase in caspase-8 activity milder.

Conclusions
HPV16 E6 is involved in inhibiting apoptosis through deregulation of Daxx-induced caspase-8 activities.
Recurrent sequence evolution after independent gene duplication
Authors: A. von der Dunk Samuel H. , Snel Berend 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Convergent and parallel evolution provide unique insights into the mechanisms of natural selection. Some of the most striking convergent and parallel (collectively recurrent) amino acid substitutions in proteins are adaptive, but there are also many that are selectively neutral. Accordingly, genome-wide assessment has shown that recurrent sequence evolution in orthologs is chiefly explained by nearly neutral evolution. For paralogs, more frequent functional change is expected because additional copies are generally not retained if they do not acquire their own niche. Yet, it is unknown to what extent recurrent sequence differentiation is discernible after independent gene duplications in different eukaryotic taxa.

Results
We develop a framework that detects patterns of recurrent sequence evolution in duplicated genes. This is used to analyze the genomes of 90 diverse eukaryotes. We find a remarkable number of families with a potentially predictable functional differentiation following gene duplication. In some protein families, more than ten independent duplications show a similar sequence-level differentiation between paralogs. Based on further analysis, the sequence divergence is found to be generally asymmetric. Moreover, about 6% of the recurrent sequence evolution between paralog pairs can be attributed to recurrent differentiation of subcellular localization. Finally, we reveal the specific recurrent patterns for the gene families Hint1/Hint2, Sco1/Sco2 and vma11/vma3.

Conclusions
The presented methodology provides a means to study the biochemical underpinning of functional differentiation between paralogs. For instance, two abundantly repeated substitutions are identified between independently derived Sco1 and Sco2 paralogs. Such identified substitutions allow direct experimental testing of the biological role of these residues for the repeated functional differentiation. We also uncover a diverse set of families with recurrent sequence evolution and reveal trends in the functional and evolutionary trajectories of this hitherto understudied phenomenon.
Comparative gene expression profiling between optic nerve and spinal cord injury in Xenopus laevis reveals a core set of genes inherent in successful regeneration of vertebrate central nervous system axons
Authors: Belrose Jamie L. , Prasad Aparna , Sammons Morgan A. , Gibbs Kurt M. , Szaro Ben G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe South African claw-toed frog,Xenopus laevis, is uniquely suited for studying differences between regenerative and non-regenerative responses to CNS injury within the same organism, because some CNS neurons (e.g., retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve crush (ONC)) regenerate axons throughout life, whereas others (e.g., hindbrain neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI)) lose this capacity as tadpoles metamorphose into frogs. Tissues from these CNS regions (frog ONC eye, tadpole SCI hindbrain, frog SCI hindbrain) were used in a three-way RNA-seq study of axotomized CNS axons to identify potential core gene expression programs for successful CNS axon regeneration.ResultsDespite tissue-specific changes in expression dominating the injury responses of each tissue, injury-induced changes in gene expression were nonetheless shared between the two axon-regenerative CNS regions that were not shared with the non-regenerative region. These included similar temporal patterns of gene expression and over 300 injury-responsive genes. Many of these genes and their associated cellular functions had previously been associated with injury responses of multiple tissues, both neural and non-neural, from different species, thereby demonstrating deep phylogenetically conserved commonalities between successful CNS axon regeneration and tissue regeneration in general. Further analyses implicated the KEGG adipocytokine signaling pathway, which links leptin with metabolic and gene regulatory pathways, and a novel gene regulatory network with genes regulating chromatin accessibility at its core, as important hubs in the larger network of injury response genes involved in successful CNS axon regeneration.ConclusionsThis study identifies deep, phylogenetically conserved commonalities between CNS axon regeneration and other examples of successful tissue regeneration and provides new targets for studying the molecular underpinnings of successful CNS axon regeneration, as well as a guide for distinguishing pro-regenerative injury-induced changes in gene expression from detrimental ones in mammals.
Effect of phosphorus supply on root traits of two Brassica oleracea L. genotypes
Authors: Pongrac Paula , Castillo-Michel Hiram , Reyes-Herrera Juan , Hancock Robert D. , Fischer Sina , Kelemen Mitja , Thompson Jacqueline A. , Wright Gladys , Likar Matevž , Broadley Martin R. , Vavpetič Primož , Pelicon Primož , White Philip J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Phosphorus (P) deficiency limits crop production worldwide. Crops differ in their ability to acquire and utilise the P available. The aim of this study was to determine root traits (root exudates, root system architecture (RSA), tissue-specific allocation of P, and gene expression in roots) that (a) play a role in P-use efficiency and (b) contribute to large shoot zinc (Zn) concentration in Brassica oleracea.

Results

Two B. oleracea accessions (var. sabellica C6, a kale, and var. italica F103, a broccoli) were grown in a hydroponic system or in a high-throughput-root phenotyping (HTRP) system where they received Low P (0.025 mM) or High P (0.25 mM) supply for 2 weeks. In hydroponics, root and shoot P and Zn concentrations were measured, root exudates were profiled using both Fourier-Transform-Infrared spectroscopy and gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry and previously published RNAseq data from roots was re-examined. In HTRP experiments, RSA (main and lateral root number and lateral root length) was assessed and the tissue-specific distribution of P was determined using micro-particle-induced-X-ray emission. The C6 accession had greater root and shoot biomass than the F103 accession, but the latter had a larger shoot P concentration than the C6 accession, regardless of the P supply in the hydroponic system. The F103 accession had a larger shoot Zn concentration than the C6 accession in the High P treatment. Although the F103 accession had a larger number of lateral roots, which were also longer than in the C6 accession, the C6 accession released a larger quantity and number of polar compounds than the F103 accession. A larger number of P-responsive genes were found in the Low P treatment in roots of the F103 accession than in roots of the C6 accession. Expression of genes linked with “phosphate starvation” was up-regulated, while those linked with iron homeostasis were down-regulated in the Low P treatment.

Conclusions
The results illustrate large within-species variability in root acclimatory responses to P supply in the composition of root exudates, RSA and gene expression, but not in P distribution in root cross sections, enabling P sufficiency in the two B. oleracea accessions studied.
Patterns of urinary albumin and IgM associate with markers of vascular ageing in young to middle-aged individuals in the Malmö offspring study
Authors: Swärd Per , Tofik Rafid , Bakoush Omran , Torffvit Ole , Nilsson Peter M. , Christensson Anders 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Increased urinary excretion of IgM and low-grade albuminuria are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between urinary IgM, albuminuria, and vascular parameters reflecting arterial structure and function.

Methods
Subjects of the present study were from the Malmö Offspring study (MOS) cohort, and included 1531 offspring (children and grand-children) to first-generation subjects that participated in the Malmö Diet Cancer-Cardiovascular Arm study cohort. At baseline, technical measurements of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity; c-f PWV), carotid arterial morphology, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure recordings, ankle-brachial-index (ABI), and evaluation of endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index, RHI) were performed. Urinary (U) IgM, U-albumin, and U-creatinine were measured. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression was used to test whether U-IgM excretion and increasing urinary albumin excretion were related to vascular parameters.

Results
Detectable U-IgM was independently associated with higher systolic blood pressure, odds ratio (OR) 1.021, 95% confidence interval (CI, 1.003–1.039), p = 0.025 and lower ABI; ABI dx: OR 0.026, 95% CI (0.002–0.381), p = 0.008, ABI sin: OR 0.040, 95% CI (0.003–0.496), p = 0.012. Low-grade albuminuria was independently associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aortic blood pressure, the c-f PWV and the number of carotid intima plaques (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
In young to middle-aged, mostly healthy individuals, increased U-IgM excretion and low-grade albuminuria are associated with adverse vascular parameters. Increased U-IgM excretion may reflect subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis, whereas increased U-albumin excretion is associated with a wide range of cardiovascular abnormalities. This may reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms.