bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allometric equation for aboveground biomass estimation in moist Afromontane forest in Gesha and Sayilem district in Kaffa zone, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Merti Admassu , Soromessa Teshome , Bareke Tura 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Allometric equations which are regressions linking the biomass to some independent variables are used to estimate tree components from the forest. The generic equation developed by many authors may not adequately reveal the tree biomass in a specific region in tropics including in Ethiopia. Therefore, the use of species specific allometric equations is important to achieve higher levels of accuracy because trees of different species may differ. The objective of the study was to develop species-specific allometric equations for Apodytes dimidiata, Ilex mitis, Sapium ellipticum and shrubs (Galiniera saxifraga and Vernonia auriculifera) using semi-destructive method for estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB). For purpose of sampling trees, individual species were categorized into trees whose Diameter at breast height (DBH) is ≥ 5 cm.Results: All the necessary biomass calculations were done, and biomass equations were developed for each species. The regression equations relate AGB with DBH, height (H), and density (ρ) were computed and the models were tested for accuracy based on observed data. The best model was selected based higher adj R2 and lower residual standard error and Akaike information criterion than rejected models. The relations for all selected models are significant (p<0.000), which showed strong correlation AGB with selected dendrometric variables. Accordingly, the AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and was not signiﬁcantly correlated with wood density and height individually in Ilex mitis. In combination, AGB was strongly correlated with DBH, height; DBH and wood density; are better for carbon assessment than general equations.Conclusions: The specific allometeric equation developed for the Gesha-Sayilem Afromontane Forest which can be used in similar moist forests in Ethiopia for the implementation of Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) activities to benefit the local communities from carbon trade.
WITHDRAWN: Characteristics of Cuticular Wax and Analysis of Wax Biosynthesis Related Genes in Lanzhou Lily(Lilium Davidii Var. Unicolor) Under Drought Stress
Authors: Li Wenmei , Wang Yajun , Zhang Yubao , Guo Zhihong , Qiu Yang , Xie Zhongkui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Plant wax is the general term of cuticle lipid components on the outer surface of plant tissue, which is closely related to drought resistance of plants. Lanzhou lily has the characteristics of wide adaptability, strong drought resistance, high ornamental and edible value. Plants were grown under three drought intensity treatments, namely, being watered at intervals of 5, 15, and 25 days. In this study, we analyzed the structure and component of cuticular wax of Lanzhou lily and Tresor under drought stress by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We employed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to investigate transcriptomic changes in the Lanzhou lily in response to drought stress.Results: In present study, the wax crystals of Lanzhou lily were mainly irregular flakes and filaments, while the wax crystals of Tresor lily were mainly granular. There were four kinds of compounds in the cuticle wax of Lanzhou lily and Tresor lily, which were acids, esters, alkanes and alcohols. Among them, the main components of Lanzhou lily were alkanes, and the content of acids in Tresor lily was more. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that KCS homologous gene TRINITY_ DN101578_ c0_ g3 and TRINITY _ DN98845_ c1_ g2 genes were clustered into one group, TRINITY_ DN95975_ c0_ g3 and dicotyledons were clustered into the same branch. In addition, transcriptome analysis of Lanzhou lily showed that the metabolic pathway of fatty acid elongation was significant under severe drought stress. KCS1, KCS3, KCS6 and KCS11 encoding fatty acid elongation were significantly expressed under moderate drought stress. The expression of MYB96 transcription factor was only significant under severe drought stress. Conclusions: The wax content and components of Lanzhou lily were more than those of Tresor lily. Drought stress increased the wax content of Lanzhou lily and enhanced its drought resistance. Our research has revealed some important significant expression genes not only improved the drought tolerance of Lanzhou lily, but also had high application value in the development of drought tolerant varieties.
Understanding risk factors in grade 3 breast cancer in NZ
Authors: Meharry Sharita , Ramsaroop Reena , Borotkanics Robert , Merien Fabrice 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women, accounting for approximately 3000 new registrations per year, affecting one in nine women and resulting in more than 600 deaths annually. This study analysed data of patients selected with prognostic factor of Nottingham grade 3 tumours over a specified five- year period. These represent a heterogeneous group of cancers with variable survival rates.

Method

All women diagnosed with Nottingham grade 3 invasive breast cancer between 1 st January 2011 to 31 st December 2015, from four Breast Cancer Registries in New Zealand (Auckland, Waikato, Christchurch, and Wellington) were studied.

Results

Applying Fine-Gray analyses, the study of 2,493 women found that subjects in the older age group (>70 years) had a higher five-year mortality risk (SHR: 1.74 to 2.25, p: 0.053 to <0.001). Analysis of hormonal receptors showed that tumours with hormonal profile ER-positive, PR negative and ER-negative, PR negative subjects were at increased mortality risk (SHR: 3.56, p: <0.001) and (SHR: 2.67, p: <0.001) respectively. Molecular subtypes TNBC and Luminal B subjects were at increased risk of five-year mortality (SHR: 3.01 and 3.35 respectively, both p: <0.001). HER2 enriched subjects, were at elevated risk (SHR: 1.66, p: 0.11). Women identifying as NZ European ethnicity were at elevated risk of mortality overall (SHR: 1.70, p: 0.11), and they presented with the highest CIF across ethnicities. The NZ Europeans represented the largest proportion of HER2 enriched and TNBC subjects; however, Pacific Islanders experienced the highest HER2 CIF.

Conclusion

The survival rates for grade 3 breast cancer vary across the selected prognostic factors and ethnicity. Although grade 3 breast cancer is considered as high grade heterogeneous cancer, this study showed that not every patient has a poor outcome. NZ Europeans are worst affected followed by Pacific Islanders. Biology of the cancer and ethnicity needs to be looked at as a possible factor associated with this disease for survival differences. The results of this study make an initial contribution to the understanding of high-grade malignancy and other prognostic factors must be included in order to get a better understanding of survival differences.
Molecular detection of Staphylococcal enterotoxins and mecA genes products in food samples collected from different areas in Khartoum state
Authors: Yahya Mohammed , Ali Hashim Abdalbagi , Gorish Babbiker Mohammed Taher , Ali Sara Omer , Abdalrhim Eman Saif Aldein , Mergani Mawada Hamza , Elgadir Asmaa Abass Abd , Mohammed Somaya Khalid , Ahmed Salma Omer , Musa Naglaa Alsaeid , Ahmed Alaa Saeed , Abdalla Wafaa Mohammed , Hamedelnil Yousif Fadlallah , Hashim Ahmed Ibrahim , Altayeb Hisham N. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Staphylococcal Food Poisoning is an intoxication that results from the consumption of improperly prepared or stored foods containing sufficient amounts of one or more preformed S. aureus enterotoxins. Now days many researchers worldwide noted an emerging of resistant strains Staphylococci especially for the antibiotic Methicillin. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the existence of Staphylococcus aureus and its enterotoxins, mecA genes in food samples.
Results

A total of 400 samples were collected from different areas in Khartoum state. The type of foods included Cheese, Meat products, Fish and Raw milk, 100 samples for each. out of 400 samples cultivated 137 (34.25%) isolates were identified as S. aureus, 126 (31.5%) were identified as bacteria other than S. aureus and 137 (34.25%) were yield no growth. Of 137 S.aureus isolates, 84 were randomly selected and examined for the presence mecA and enterotoxin genes products. Oxacillin sensitivity test showed that 15(11%) of 137 S.aureus isolates were Oxacillin resistant. The PCR assay showed that mecA gene was detected in 15 of 84 (17%) S. aureus isolates. While only 2 (2.385%) out of 84 S. aureus isolates were show an enterotoxin B gene product.
Conclusion

There was a relatively moderate prevalence of Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus with very low frequency of enterotoxin B gene in different kinds of food samples which collected from Khartoum state. These findings highlight the high potential risk for consumers of meat and dairy products especially in the absence of strict hygienic and preventive measures to avoid Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins production in foods.
circCOL6A3_030 is involved in the metastasis of gastric cancer by encoding polypeptide
Authors: Pan Wensheng , Geng Xiaoge , Wang Jingya , Zhang Chenjing , Zhou Xiaolu , Jing Jiyong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious digestive tract disease that threatens human life worldwide, and the prognosis of gastric cancer accompanied by distant lymph node or the distant metastasis organs is worse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of circular RNA COL6A3_030 (circBase ID: hsa_circ_0006401; circRNADb ID: hsa_circ_28198; circBank ID: hsa_circCOL6A3_030) in GC metastasis.
Methods

qRT-PCR analysis using back-splicing primers and Sanger sequencing of PCR products were performed to identify circCOL6A3_030 in GC tissues and cell lines; RNA-FISH assay was performed to validate the subcellular localization of circCOL6A3_030. Transwell and wound-healing assays were carried out to evaluate the migration ability of GC cells. Western blot was conducted to detect the polypeptide encoded by circCOL6A3_030 in cells.
Results

circCOL6A3_030 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines, while circCOL6A3_030 was up-regulated in GC with distant lymph node metastasis. The migration of circCOL6A3_030 silenced GC cells was significantly inhibited in both SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cell lines. Importantly, in vivo assay, silencing circCOL6A3_030 could reduce liver metastases from gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, further studies suggested that circCOL6A3_030 encoded a small peptide that had a function as a tumor-promoting metastasis factor and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of this polypeptide.
Conclusions

To sum up, our study showed that circCOL6A3_030 promoted GC cell migration by encoding a small peptide called circCOL6A3_030_198aa. Therefore, our results highlight the potential role of circCOL6A3_030 for clinical diagnosis and treatment of GC with distant lymph node metastasis.
Virtual Ward Round Teaching Pilot - A new education method.
Authors: Siow Mayven Tien Li , Robertson Alexander Myles , Begbey Austin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Final year medical students at King’s College London undergo an 8-week module to enable transition to Foundation Year 1 (FY1). New graduates often cite ward rounds as a challenge and we undertook this pilot to enhance skills not formally incorporated into the curriculum. A teaching session simulating a ward round for final year medical students was piloted at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
METHODS
Two-hour teaching sessions were facilitated by medical trainees on a one-to-one basis, where students would see several real patients under direct supervision and conduct a simulated ward round. Facilitators gave feedback on students’ consultation skills after the session.
RESULTS
Quantitative feedback from students was 97% positive overall, and comments showed that students felt the session increased their confidence. Facilitators agreed that the session was good way to help the transition to becoming a real doctor and found it beneficial to get teaching experience themselves.
CONCLUSION
Ward rounds are an integral part of daily life as a new doctor. However, previous studies have shown that final-year students lack ward round skills, and that this can be improved by simulation. This pilot shows that it is feasible and cost-effective to simulate a ward round involving real patients and thereby preparing students to step up when the time comes.
Does trans fatty acid affect low birth weight? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mirmiran Parvin , Simbar Masoumeh , Mirabi Parvaneh , Asghari Golaleh , Alamolhoda Seideh Hanieh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of low trans fatty acids (TFAs) dietary pattern during pregnancy on risk of low birth weight (LBW).Methods: All pregnant women who received prenatal care with gestational age <8 weeks and aged ≤35 years were included in this randomized controlled trial study that took place in Tehran from December 2014 to August 2016. Women in the intervention group received individualized dietary pattern with TFAs content of < 1%; those in control group had dietary intake with no change on TFAs content. Dietary intakes were assessed by 3 non-consecutive 24-hour recalls at first prenatal care visit and at gestation age 13, 25 and 35 week. Hazard ratio was calculated using Cox proportional‐hazards models. Incidence and hazard ratio (95% CI) for low birth weight based on multivariable adjusted models were calculated.Result: Of the 800 women (n=407 in control and n=393 in intervention groups), 108 (13.5%) women were diagnosed with low birth weight. The incidence of LBW in intervention group was 12% and in control group was 19%. After multivariable adjustment for confounders, the hazard ratios for incident low birth weight in intervention group were 0.65 (0.44-0.96). Kaplan-Meier plot showed significant difference between two groups in incidence of LBW.Conclusion: Intake of low TFAs dietary pattern during pregnancy reduced risk of LBW.Trial registration The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical. Registration number: IRCT2016092729902N3. Registered 8 November 2016, https://en.irct.ir/trial/23919
LncRNA CRNDE acts as a ceRNA and regulates AML cell proliferation and apoptosis via miR136-5p/MCM5 axis
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhong Liang , Shen Chenlan , Chu Xuan , Luo Xu , Yu Lihua , Ye Jiao , Xiong Ling , Dan Wenran , Li Jian , Liu Beizhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Increasing evidence demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important factors in the regulation of cell processes and tumorigenesis. The long-noncoding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene has been found to be related to several types of cancer. Although CRNDE is highly expressed in AML, its mechanism of action in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unknown.

Methods

The expression levels of CRNDE and miR-136-5p mRNAs were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The effects of CRNDE knockdown on cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of proteins related to cell cycle, cell apoptosis and MCM5 were analyzed by Western blotting. The luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between CRNDE and miR-136-5p and between MCM5 and miR-136-5p in AML. The RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to verify whether CRNDE exists in the miRNA mediated RISC complex.

Results

In this study, we used GEPIA database to confirm that CRNDE expression was significantly upregulated in AML samples. The silencing of CRNDE inhibited AML cells’ proliferation ability, increased AML cells’ apoptotic rate and arrested AML cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Mechanistically, CRNDE served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-136-5p and upregulated MCM5 expression by sponging miR-136-5p. In addition, rescue assays revealed that the effects of CRNDE knockdown could be reversed by miR-136-5p inhibitors in AML cells.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the CRNDE-miR-136-5p-MCM5 axis modulates AML progression and provide a new regulatory network of CRNDE in AML.
The LUCID Study: Living With Ulcerative Colitis; Identifying the Socioeconomic Burden in Europe
Authors: Casas Leonardo Ruiz , Evans Jonathan , Rose Alison , Pedra Gabriel Ghizzi , Lobo Alan , Finnegan Alan , Hayee Bu , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Sturm Andreas , Burisch Johan , Terry Helen , Avedano Luisa , Tucknott Seb , Fiorino Gionata , Limdi Jimmy K 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundUlcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Current treatment strategies place considerable economic and humanistic burdens on patients. The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic burden of UC in adult patients in European countries in a real-world setting.MethodsIn this retrospective, cross-sectional and observational pan-European study, patients with moderate or severe UC were assigned to ARM 1 and patients who had moderate or severe UC but achieved mild or remission status 12 months before index date (or clinical consultation date), were assigned to ARM 2. Clinical and medical resource use data were collected via electronic case report forms (eCRFs), and data on non-medical and indirect costs, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were collected via patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) questionnaires. Per-patient annual total costs per ARM and per country were calculated using the collated resource use in the last 12 months (between the start of the documentation period and patient consultation or index date) and country specific unit costs. Quality of life and was described by arm and by country. ResultsIn the physician-reported eCRF population (n=2,966), the mean annual direct medical cost was 4,065 in ARM 1 (n=1,835) and €2,935 in ARM 2 (n=1,131). In the PPIE population (ARM 1, n=1,001; ARM 2, n=647), mean annual direct cost was €4,526 in ARM 1 and €3,057 in ARM 2, mean annual direct non-medical cost was €1,162 in ARM 1 and €1,002 in ARM 2, mean annual indirect cost was €3,098 in ARM 1 and €2,309 ARM 2, and mean annual total cost was in €8,787 in ARM 1 and €6,368 in ARM 2. HRQoL scores showed moderate to high burden of UC in both groups.ConclusionsThe cost and HRQoL burden were high in patients in both ARM 1 and ARM 2 indicating unmet needs in the UC active population.
Effects of Microscopic Hydrodynamic Conditions and Exposure Time on the Biomass of Benthic Diatoms
Authors: Zhu Zaixiang , Li Hong , You Lihua , Wang Zhiguang , Wang Hongwei , Liu Qingyuan , Wang Hao , Li Yong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Benthic algae are at the bottom of the nutrient chain in the river ecosystem and are the basic guarantee to maintain the health of the river ecosystem. Human activities lead to changes in the hydrology and hydrodynamics of many rivers, which affect the growth of benthic diatoms. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on the effects of hydrodynamic conditions and exposure time on the growth of benthic diatoms, so the protection of benthic diatoms and other bait resources is difficult to be realized. Methods: Based on this, a continuous field observation was carried out to study the growth situation of benthic diatom on pebbles under different flow patterns. The three-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical simulation was used to further analyze the flow field surrounding the pebble. And then, the effects of hydrodynamic conditions and exposure time on the biomass of benthic diatoms were studied. Result: The research results show that (1) the species composition and dominant species of benthic diatoms are different at different growth stages; (2) there is an appropriate velocity range for the growth of benthic diatoms, and too low and too high flow rates are not conducive to the growth of benthic diatoms; (3) the growth suitability at different parts on the pebble for benthic diatoms from high to low is the rear part of the pebble (without direct erosion), the side parts of the pebble, the upper part of the pebble and the front part of the pebble (direct erosion); (4) most benthic diatoms die if exposed to air for more than four hours. Conclusion: The effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the biomass of benthic diatoms are obvious on the microscopic scale. The research results in this paper are helpful to further understand the growth status of benthic diatoms in microscopic environment and provide reference and information for the restoration of the hydraulic habitat of benthic diatoms in the reach affected by human activities.
Associations of Education and Income With Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Non-Smoking Pregnant Women in Japan: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Ueno Fumihiko , Noda Aoi , Kuriyama Shinichi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Associations of education and income with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure have been well documented in the general population. However, evidence among non-smoking pregnant women is limited, including in Japan. The purpose of the study was to examine the associations of education and income with SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women in Japan.Methods: We analyzed data from 17815 non-smoking pregnant women in Japan who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study from 2013 to 2017. SHS exposure was defined as indoor exposure to someone else’s cigarette smoke ≥1 day/week during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether pregnant women’s educational attainment or equivalent household income was associated with SHS exposure, adjusting for age, work status, smoking history, partners’ education, and income/education. Stratified analyses by work status were also conducted.Results: The prevalence of SHS exposure during pregnancy was 34.0%; 29.4% among non-working women and 37.1% among working women. Lower educational attainment was associated with an increased risk of SHS exposure; the odds ratio of high school education or lower compared with university education or higher was 1.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.59–1.99). Lower equivalent household income was associated with an increased risk of SHS exposure; the odds ratio of the lowest compared with the highest level of income was 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.51–1.84). These associations did not differ between non-working women and working women.Conclusions: Pregnant women with lower education and/or lower household income had higher risks of SHS exposure in Japan. These findings imply that educational interventions and financial incentives are needed for pregnant women and their household smokers in helping to reduce SHS exposure among non-smoking pregnant women.