bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Development of a robust method for propagation of Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. &amp; G.Forst. from semi-hardwood cuttings
Authors: Hancox Tate Jason James , Burton Rachel A , Delaporte Kate Louise 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLeptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. is highly valued for the production of antimicrobial honey. Both researchers and the Australian honey industry are interested in the clonal propagation of these plants to be used for experiments and plantation establishment. However, little information is available on clonal propagation by cuttings. Here we sought to develop a detailed method for L. scoparium propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings by testing the influence of genotype and auxin (indole butyric acid (IBA) and IBA + naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)) concentration on plants originating from four natural populations in Victoria, Australia. ResultsThere was no significant difference in root induction, which ranged from 50.9 – 68.0%, in the four clonal source plants selected. The application of 3 g/L IBA increased root induction from 46.6% of the control cuttings to 77.6% of treated cuttings and stimulated longer roots. The application of 8 g/L IBA increased leaf fall, the presence of necrosis, from 22.5% on the controls to 82.8% on dipped cuttings, and cutting death.Although there was no significant difference in root induction, cuttings that were ‘watered-in’ after planting dropped significantly fewer leaves and had significantly lower rates of necrosis than cuttings watered in after 2-3 days. It was also found that the maturity stage of semi-hardwood cuttings did not significantly affect any of the variables measured. Transplant survival ranged from 78.1 – 89.0% for cuttings treated with auxin and 77.3 to 92.2% for the four clonal source plants. ConclusionThis study found that the clonal source plants selected did not affect the success of propagation. Overall for maximum success, semi-hardwood cuttings can be collected from the current or previous seasons growth, be treated with 3 g/L IBA gel, ‘watered in’ and placed into a propagation tent for approximately six weeks. Cuttings that form roots will transplant easily with high transplant survival.
Does Universal Health Insurance Coverage Reduce Unmet Healthcare Needs in China? Evidence from the National Health Service Survey
Authors: Zhou Shenping , Huang Tianyu , Li Anqi , Wang Zhonghua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: China has nearly achieved universal health insurance coverage, but considerable unmet healthcare needs still exist. Although this topic has attracted great attention, there have been few studies examining the relationship between universal health insurance coverage and unmet healthcare needs. This study aimed to clarify the impact of universal health insurance coverage and other associated factors on Chinese residents’ unmet healthcare needs.Methods: Data was derived from the fourth, fifth, and sixth National Health Service Survey of Jiangsu Province, which were conducted in 2008, 2013, and 2018, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs. Binary multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association between unmet healthcare needs and universal health insurance coverage, along with other socioeconomic factors.Results: 8.99%, 1.37%, 53.37%, and 13.16% of the respondents in Jiangsu Province reported non-use of outpatient services, inpatient services, physical examinations, and early discharge from hospital, respectively. The trend in the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs showed a decline from 2008 to 2018. Health insurance had a significant reducing effect on non-use of outpatient services, inpatient services, or early discharge from hospital. People having health insurance in 2013 and 2018 were significantly less likely to report unmet healthcare needs compared to those in 2008. The effect of health insurance and its universal coverage on reducing unmet healthcare needs was greater in rural than in urban areas. Other socioeconomic factors, such as age, marital status, educational level, income level, or health status, also significantly affected unmet healthcare needs.Conclusions: Universal health insurance coverage has significantly reduced Chinese residents’ unmet healthcare needs. Policy efforts should pay more attention to the benefits of health insurances in rural areas and optimize urban-rural health resources to promote effective utilization of healthcare.
LncRNA SNHG1 and RNA Binding Protein hnRNPL form a Complex and Coregulate CDH1 to Boost the Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tan Xiao , Chen Wen-Bin , Lv Dao-Jun , Yang Tao-Wei , Wu Kai-Hui , Zou Li-Bin , Luo Junqi , Zhou Xu-Min , Liu Guo-Chang , Shu Fang-Peng , Mao Xiangming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The interaction between LncRNA and RNA-binding protein (RBPs) plays an essential role in the regulation over the malignant progression of tumors. Previous studies on the mechanism of SNHG1, an emerging lncRNA, have primarily focused on the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism between SNHG1 and RBPs in tumors remains to be explored, especially in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods：SNHG1 expression profiles in PCa were determined through the analysis of TCGA data and tissue microarray at the mRNA level. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the biological role of SNHG1 in PCa initiation and progression. RNA-seq, immunoblotting, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses were utilized to clarify potential pathways with which SNHG1 might be involved. Finally, rescue experiments were carried out to further confirm this mechanism.Results: We found that SNHG1 was dominantly expressed in the nuclei of PCa cells and significantly upregulated in PCa patients. The higher expression level of SNHG1 was dramatically correlated with tumor metastasis and patient survival. Functionally, overexpression of SNHG1 in PCa cells induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), accompanied by down-regulation of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, and up-regulation of the mesenchymal marker, vimentin. Increased proliferation and migration, as well as accelerated xenograft tumor growth, were observed in SNHG1-overexpressing PCa cells, while opposite effects were achieved in SNHG1-silenced cells. Mechanistically, SNHG1 competitively interacted with hnRNPL to impair the translation of protein E-cadherin, thus activating the effect of SNHG1 on the EMT pathway, eventually promoting the metastasis of PCa. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that SNHG1 is a positive regulator of EMT activation through the SNHG1-hnRNPL-CDH1 axis. SNHG1 may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for PCa.
Nogo-A is critical for pro-inflammatory gene regulation in myocytes and macrophages
Authors: Ullah H M Arif , Elfadl A. K. , Park SunYoung , Kim Yong Deuk , Chung Myung-Jin , Son Ji-Yoon , Yun Hyun-Ho , Park Jae-Min , Yim Jae-Hyuk , Jung Seung-Jun , Choi Young-Chul , Shin Jin-Hong , Kim Dae-Seong , Park Jin-Kyu , Jeong Kyu-Shik 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Nogo-A (Rtn 4A), a member of the reticulon 4 (Rtn4) protein family, is a neurite outgrowth inhibitor protein that is primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the role of Nogo-A in inflammatory mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we used Nogo-knockout (KO) mice to explore its potential role in the inflammatory process. Here, we investigated whether Nogo-A affects the inflammatory process through transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Results: Our results demonstrated that Nogo-A, CHOP, and pro-inflammatory factors were activated in the following: notexin-induced muscle injury, in human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice, in differentiated C2C12 myoblast cells, and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Moreover, we found that Nogo-KO BMDM exhibited lower migratory ability compared with wild type (WT) BMDM after LPS treatment. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the Nogo-A-CHOP signaling pathway regulated the inflammatory process in notexin-induced injured muscle, in mdx mice, in DMD patients, in differentiated C2C12 cells, and in LPS-stimulated BMDM. Taken together, these results suggest that Nogo-A plays a vital role in inflammatory processes, which resembles the pathological mechanisms observed in the CNS.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with S-1 Compared with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Docetaxel and Cisplatin for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xi-Lei , Yu Chang-Hua , Wang Wan-Wei , Ji Fu-Zhi , Xiong Yao-Zu , Zhu Wei-Guo , Tong Yu‐Suo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This retrospective study was to assess and compare the toxicity and efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with S-1 or docetaxel and cisplatin in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Patients who had locally advanced ESCC and received CCRT with S-1 (70mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14, every 3 weeks for 2 cycles, S-1 group) or docetaxel (25mg/m2) and cisplatin (25mg/m2) on day 1 weekly (DP group) between 2014 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment-related toxicities, response rate, and survival outcomes were compared between groups. Results: A total of 175 patients were included in this study (72 in the S-1 group and 103 in the DP group). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse events were significantly lower in the S-1 group than in the DP group (22.2% versus 45.6%, p = 0.002). The objective overall response rate (complete response + partial response) was 68.1% in the S-1 group, and 73.8% the DP group (p = 0.497). The 3-year overall survival was 34.7% in the S-1 group, and 38.8% in the DP group (p = 0.422). The 3-year progression free survival in the DP group was higher than that in the S-1 group but without significant difference (33.0% versus 25.0%, p = 0.275). Conclusion: CCRT with S-1 is not inferior to CCRT with docetaxel and cisplatin and is better tolerated in in elderly patients with locally advanced ESCC.
Value Chain Analysis of Smallholder Dairy Production in Debark District, Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Betelhem Tsedalu , Getu Abebaw Abibo , Akililu Zework , Feleke Fikremariam Birara 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
IntroductionMilk production in Ethiopia is done largely by the smallholder farmers in the high lands and in low land areas of the country. However, the Ethiopian dairy production and market systems face severe constraints like poor genetics, insufficient access to proper animal feed and poor management practices all contribute to the low productivity levels. Similarly, dairy producers and downstream actors in the value chains face many challenges in getting milk to market. Hence this study analyzes dairy products value chain. MethodsValue chain analysis framework and financial analysis were used. Result and conclusionThe dairy value chain is complex involving multiple actors and their interaction. The major direct actors include input suppliers, small holder farmers, village collectors, cooperatives, semi processors, hotel and cafés and consumers. Besides indirect actors such as supportive and regulatory service providers are also involved. Though all actors have positive profit margin, the largest share goes to hotel and cafés. The financial analysis along the entire value chain shows that Producing and marketing of dairy products is profitable and creates higher value added. Concerned body should improve access to services and collective actions to enhance local value additions and Smallholder milk producers must be organized into dairy cooperative groups and subsequently into dairy unions.
Assessing Production Efficiency by Farm Size in Rwanda: A Zero-inefficiency Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Ngango Jules , Hong Seungjee 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between farm size and technical efficiency for maize production in Rwanda. Since levels of technical efficiency tend to vary considerably across farms in sub-Saharan Africa, with a mixture of both inefficient and fully efficient farms, the use of the conventional stochastic frontier method is not appropriate. In this paper, we apply a zero-inefficiency stochastic frontier method that manages both efficiency and inefficiency in the studied sample. The average technical efficiency of maize farms for the full sample is estimated at 0.64, demonstrating that maize output can be improved by approximately 36% without increasing the proportion of farm inputs used. Regarding the relationship between farm size and technical efficiency, the study results show a positive relationship between farm size and technical efficiency for maize production in Rwanda. Thus, the enforcement of land reforms such as land consolidation and enhanced aggregate productivity growth are needed. The results also indicate that education, cooperative membership, extension services, access to credit, off-farm income, land tenure, and livestock ownership have significant and positive effects on technical efficiency.
Can a Shift to Regional and Organic Diets Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Food System? A Case Study from Qatar
Authors: Vicente Jose Luis Vicente , Piorr Annette 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundQatar is one of the countries with the highest carbon (C) footprints per capita in the world with an increasing population and food demand. Furthermore, the international blockade by some countries that is affecting Qatar – which has been traditionally a highly-dependent country on food imports – since 2017 has led the authorities to take the decision of increasing food self-sufficiency. In this study we have assessed the effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of shifting diets from conventional to organic products and from import-based diets to more regionalized diets for the first time in a Gulf country.ResultsWe found that considering the production system, the majority of the emissions come from the animal products, but the differences between conventional and organic diets are very small (738 and 722 Kg CO2-eq capita-1 yr-1, of total emissions, respectively). Conversely, total emissions from plant-based products consumption are one order of magnitude smaller, but the differences in the emissions between the two systems were higher, leading to a decrease in 88 Kg CO2-eq capita-1 yr-1 when changing from conventional to organic consumption. Regarding the change to 100% regionalized diets, we found that packaging has a small influence on the total amount of GHG emissions, whereas emissions from transportation would be reduced in 780Kg CO2 capita-1 yr-1 for the business as usual scenario of 2015.ConclusionsDue to the extreme adverse pedoclimatic conditions of the country, commercial organic regional livestock would not be possible without emitting very high GHG emissions and just only some traditional livestock species could be farmed in a climate-friendly way. On the other hand, organic and regional low-CO2 emission systems of plant-based products would be possible by implementing innovations in irrigation or other innovations whose GHG emissions must be further studied in the future. Therefore, we conclude that shifting towards more plant-based organic regional products consumption by using climate-friendly irrigation innovations in combination with a decrease in the total meat and dairy consumption and a shift to traditional livestock species farming is a suitable solution to both increasing self-sufficiency and reducing C footprint.
Immediate Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury at a Tertiary Care Hospital Of Pakistan- A Retrospective Study
Authors: Khan Maria , Yaqoob Uzair , Hassan Zair , Uddin Muhammad Muizz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world and the impact is much worse in Pakistan. The objective of the study is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with TBI in our country and to determine the immediate outcomes of patients with TBI after the presentation.Method: This retrospective study was conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital. Data were extracted from the medical record room from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. The severity of TBI was based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and was divided into mild (GCS 13-15), moderate (GCS 9-12), and severe TBI (GCS <8) based on the GCS. SPSS v.23 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 5047 patients, 3689 (73.1%) males and 1358 (26.9%) females. The most commonly affected age group was 0-10 years (25.6%) and 21-30 years (20.1%). was the predominant cause of injury (38.8%, n=1960) followed by fall (32.7%, n=1649). Most (93.6%, n=4710) of the TBIs were mild. After the full initial assessment and workup, and completing all first-aid management, the immediate outcome was divided into four, most frequent (67.2%, n=3393) of which was “disposed (discharged)”, and 9.3% (n=470) were admitted for further management.Conclusion: Our study represents a relatively conclusive picture of epidemiological data on the burden of TBI in Pakistan. Although a large proportion of patients had a mild TBI, they may likely be under-diagnosed. This warrants for further investigation of MTBI in population-based studies across the globe.
Green Synthesis of Yellow-fluorescent Carbon Nano-Dots for Cancer-Cell Image and Photocatalytic Inactivation by Using Microplasma
Authors: He Jie , Qin Xing , Liu Jinlin , Zhang Qing , Chen Wantao , Zhong Xiaoxia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In recent years, multifunctional nanoparticles with combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions show great promise in nanomedicine. In this work, we report the environmentally friendly synthesis of fluorescent carbon nano-dots such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by microplasma using o-phenylenediamine. The produced CQDs exhibited a wide absorption peaks at 380-500 nm and emitted bright yellow fluorescence with a peak at 550 nm. The CQDs were rapidly taken up by HeLa cancer cells. When excited under blue light, a bright yellow fluorescence signal and intense reactive oxygen species (ROS) were efficiently produced, enabling simultaneous fluorescent cancer cell imaging and photodynamic inactivation, with a 40% decrease in relative cell viability. Furthermore, the CQDs has 98% cell viability at concentrations of 400 μg·mL-1 in the dark demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. The newlyprepared CQDs are thus demonstrated to be materials that can be effectively for imaging-guided cancer therapy.
Lyophilized powder of mesenchymal stem cell supernatant attenuates acute lung injury through the IL-6–p-STAT3–p63–JAG2 pathway
Authors: Peng Wenjun , Chang Meijia , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhu Wensi , Tong Lin , Zhang Ge , Wang Qin , Liu Jie , Zhu Xiaoping , Cheng Tingting , Li Yijia , Chen Xi , Weng Dong , Liu Sanhong , Zhang Hongwei , Su Yao , Zhou Jian , Li Huayin , Song Yuanlin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may contribute to repair in severe diseases including acute lung injury (ALI). However, applications with MSCs have been restricted due to safety considerations and limitations in terms of large-scale production and industrial delivery. Alternatively, the MSC secretome has been considered promising for use in therapeutic approaches and has been advanced to pre-clinical and clinical trials. Furthermore, the MSC secretome can be freeze-dried into a stable and ready-to-use supernatant lyophilized powder (SLP) form.Methods: Intratracheal bleomycin was used to induce ALI in mice, and intratracheal MSC SLP was delivered as a treatment. Histopathological assessment was achieved by hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. Apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration, immunological cell counts, cytokine levels, and mRNA- and protein-expression levels of relevant targets were measured by performing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assays, determining total cell and protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, flow cytometry, multiple cytokine-detection techniques, and reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Plasma lipid profiles were detected by performing lipidomics analysis.Results: Here, we found that intratracheal MSC SLP considerably promoted cell survival, inhibited epithelial cell apoptosis, attenuated inflammatory cell recruitment, and reversed immunological imbalances induced by bleomycin. MSC SLP inhibited signaling through the interleukin 6–phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway to activate tumor protein 63–jagged 2 signaling in basal cells, suppress T helper 17 cell differentiation, promote p63+ cell proliferation and lung damage repair, and relieve inflammatory responses. Furthermore, MSC SLP significantly reversed changes in plasma lipid profiles caused by bleomycin.Conclusions: MSC SLP ameliorated ALI by activating p63 and promoting p63+ cell proliferation and the repair of damaged epithelial cells. The findings of this study also shed insight into ALI pathogenesis and imply that MSC SLP shows considerable therapeutic promise for treating ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our findings also suggest that phosphatidylserine has potential for serving as a pharmaceutical or dietary supplement for alleviating ALI.
Human water contact patterns in active schistosomiasis endemic areas
Authors: Oso O. G. , Odaibo A. B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOne major risk factor common to individuals in schistosomiasis endemic areas is water contact patterns. Effort to determine the dynamics in water contact patterns in different regions needs utmost attention in order to suggest a better control strategy for schistosome infection. Quantitative observations on human water contact activities were recorded in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State for a period of two years. Frequency and duration of observed water contact activities were recorded. Males had the highest water contact during the rainy season with 51.1% compared to females with 48.9%. Females had the highest water contact with 51.0% while males had 49.0% during the dry season. The age group 10–19 years had the highest water contact with 27.1%, this was followed by 20–29 years and 30–39 years age groups with 23.6% and 22.1%, respectively, during the rainy season. Our results showed that water contact activities differ with respect to different communities, sex and age groups. Previous high prevalence of schistosome infection in the study areas could be attributed to high water contact activities. Therefore, provision of adequate pipe-borne water, good sanitation and improved knowledge on schistosome life cycle among the community members will reduce the high rate of human water contacts.