bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Levels of I.B.A Concentration on Clonal Propagation of Eucalyptus Species in Ghana West Africa.
Authors: Sarpong Nana Yaw , Agyemang Frank Ofori , Siaw Daniel E.K.A , Menason Essakku 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIncreasing global wood demands have necessitated an overall push for cost-effective methods of vegetative propagation using cuttings. Vegetative plant propagation through cuttings although a breakthrough is mostly hampered with the inability of cuttings to root effectively to achieve maximum yield. Ten clones each of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (E. grandis x E. urophylla) and Eucalyptus pellita (E. pellita) were treated with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations of 0 ppm (control), 2000 ppm, 3000 ppm and 4000 ppm respectively.ResultsOverall mean survival of cuttings was low (< 50%) for all concentrations of IBA used in this research. Survival rates of individual clones however varied from clone to clone. E. grandis x E. urophylla cuttings had the highest mean survival (43.39%) when treated with 2000 ppm of IBA and lowest mean survival (37.86%) when treated with 0 ppm. Results from the survival rates of E. grandis × E. Urophylla and Eucalyptus pellita cuttings were subjected to an Analysis of Variance test to identify any significant differences between hormone concentration and cutting survival. ANOVA results indicated that differences between cutting–IBA concentrations for E. grandis × E. Urophylla were significant (p=1.85x10-08) which is lower than standard p value (p=0.05) used in the test.For E. pellita (P) cuttings the highest mean survival (27.14%) was achieved when treated with 2000 ppm of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Individual clones however showed significant differences in survival. E. pellita clone P2 achieved the highest survival (52.68%) in the control experiment (0 ppm). Some clones i.e P51 and P82 achieved survivals of less than 10% in all four levels of IBAConclusionThe best surviving Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clone (GH11) achieved a mean survival rate of 75% when the GH11 basal cutting was treated with 2000 ppm IBA. The results indicated that the production of clones with survival rates of less than 20% should be discarded since it makes no economic sense clones with survival rates of more than 40% should be planted out in the field to compare field performance with greenhouse survival.
Cloning and Functional Verification of Gene GmELF4-LIKE4 in Soybean&nbsp;[Glycine max (L.) Merr]
Authors: Jin Yukun , Zhao He , Lamboro Abraham , Xiao Zhifeng , Zhang Qi , Guan Shuyan , Qu Jing , Zhao Rengui , Wang Piwu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSoybean grain is an important oil crop with high-quality vegetable protein and vegetable oil. Extreme weather can cause crop yield reduction, among which drought is most likely to cause a decline in annual soybean yield. How to overcome the impact of drought on soybean yield has become a major work in current breeding research.ResultsIn our study, the gene GmELF4-LIKE4 was obtained through RNA-Seq and differential gene screening technology, and the plant over expression vector and RNAi vector were constructed. Then, the Colombian Arabidopsis thaliana and soybean JN18 were genetically transformed and added to the Agrobacterium-mediated method in to T2 generation. We have verified in Arabidopsis thaliana that over expression of ELF4-LIKE4 will delay the flowering of Arabidopsis thaliana, while inhibition of ELF4-LIKE4 expression will advance the flowering period. At the same time, we verified the regulation analysis of GmELF4-LIKE4 on EARLY FLOWERING 3 and CONSTANTS-like in soybeans, and found that GmELF4-LIKE4 positively regulates ELF3 and COL; meanwhile, over expression soybeans and RNAi soybeans were tested in drought. Stressing the relative conductivity, malondialdehyde content and peroxidase activity under 0 days and 5 days, the result indicate that the over expression of GmELF4-LIKE4 gene can reduce the drought resistance of soybean. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the identification of GmELF4-LIKE4 gene function and the breeding of drought-resistant varieties.ConclusionWe found that overexpression of GmELF4-LIKE4 will delay the flowering period of Arabidopsis thaliana and reduce the drought resistance of soybeans. Conversely, inhibiting GmELF4-LIKE4 will advance the flowering of Arabidopsis thaliana and increase the drought resistance of soybeans.
A Mathematical Calculation Method for Hysteresis Characteristics Analysis of Arc-Shaped Finger Seal
Authors: Du Chun-Hua , Zhang Yan-Chao , Cui Ya-Hui , Dong Shu-Na , Ji Hong-Hu , Song Dan-Long 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In order to accurately predict the hysteresis characteristics of finger seal, the minimum hysteresis which can directly reflect the hysteresis of finger seal is proposed to characterize the hysteresis of finger seal. The mathematical model for calculating the minimum hysteresis of finger seal is established, the correction coefficient in the mathematical model is determined, and the mathematical model is verified by experiments. The influence of the structure and working condition parameters of finger laminates on the hysteresis characteristics is studied based on the modified calculation model, and the rule of influence is obtained in the end. Research results show that the maximum error between the leakage characteristics numerical calculation of finger seal base on modified calculation model and the experiment results is 7.64%, and the mathematical model of the minimum hysteresis is reasonable and reliable. The descending order of influence degree of structural parameters on the hysteresis characteristics of finger seal is: thickness of each finger laminate, finger repeat angle, arc radius of the finger beam arcs‘ centers, diameter of the finger base circle, width of the interstice between fingers, arc radius of finger beam. The research results provide a theoretical basis for further research on the influence of hysteresis on the finger seal leakage characteristics and the optimal design of finger seal structure.
Acute Aggression After Progesterone Discontinuation in a Young Female
Authors: Shad Mujeeb U 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Although cyclical changes in progesterone activity have been linked with various psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, mood, and premenstrual dysphoria, less is known about the effects of contraceptive use of progesterone and behavioral aggression. Case Presentation:We report a case of a 23-year old hospitalized African female diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolarity and history of alcohol use disorder, who developed significant behavioral aggression within a short time of removing her progestin (progesterone) implant. The association between abrupt behavioral deterioration and discontinuation of the contraceptive implant was further supported by resolution of patient’s aggression after 3 days of starting a long-acting progesterone contraceptive, medroxyprogesterone acetate, instead of the progestin implant to prevent non-adherence. This, to our knowledge, is the first case to document relationship between discontinuation of a progesterone contraceptive and aggressive behavior in a patient with significant trauma and psychiatric history.Discussion & Conclusion:This may be the first documented case of behavioral aggression in a young African female after removal of a progesterone implant followed by resolution of aggression after initiating a long acting progesterone injection. Although several studies, mostly in animals, have shown a link between progesterone levels and aggression, there are no reports of aggression concerning contraceptive use of progesterone. Such aggression may be rare in healthy subjects but may be more common in a psychiatrically vulnerable patient with significant trauma history.
Using Thermodynamics to Improve Bat Houses in Cold Climates
Authors: Fontaine Amélie , Simard Anouk , Dutel Julien , Dubois Bryan , Elliott Kyle 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Wildlife managers design artificial structures, such as bird and bat houses, to provide alternative habitats that aid wildlife conservation. However, prototypes may not be equally efficient at all sites due to varying climate or habitat characteristics influencing thermal properties. For example, bat houses are a popular measure employed to protect bats and educate citizens, yet bat houses have achieved limited success in cool climates. To address this problem, we tested different orientations and mountings for both traditional and newly designed bat house models based on modern architectural energy saving concepts, by recording temperatures in bat houses across a climate gradient in Quebec, Canada. Bat houses mounted on buildings had warmer conditions at night than those on poles and warmed sooner in the morning when facing east. Our new insulated model with passive heating maximized the time in the extended optimal temperature range (22 − 40 °C) of targeted species by up to 13% compared to the Classic model, providing bats with an estimated average daily energy savings of up to 7.8% when mounted on a building. We conclude that the use of energy-saving concepts from architecture can improve the thermal performance of wildlife structures.
Profiles of 2-Drug Regimen in People Living with HIV-1 in A Real World Setting: A Large-Scale Medical Claim Database Analysis in Japan
Authors: Ruzicka Daniel J. , Kamakura Mayuko , Kuroishi Naho , Oshima Nobuyuki , Yamatani Miyuki , Yi Jingbo , Crawford Bruce , Tsukada Kunihisa , Oka Shinichi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Regimen simplification to 2-drug antiretroviral therapy (2-ART) may address potential tolerability issues, increase adherence, and reduce toxicity and potential drug-drug-interactions among people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). However, real-world treatment patterns and patient profiles associated with 2-ART are unclear. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study employed a large-scale medical claim database of Japanese hospitals to extract data on 4,293 PLWH aged ≥18 years with diagnosis of HIV and treated with any ART regimens between April 2008 and April 2019. A 2-ART cohort was compared with a 3-drug antiretroviral therapy (3-ART) cohort in terms of patient characteristics, comorbid conditions, and treatment patterns. Treatment switching rates were calculated for each cohort followed by sensitivity analysis to confirm the robustness of the findings.Results There were 94 patients identified in the 2-ART cohort. Compared to the standard 3-ART cohort (n=3,993), the 2-ART cohort was older (mean age 54.4 vs 43.4 years), with a lower proportion of males (87.2% vs 93.8%), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (mean score 6.9 vs 5.3), more co-medications (mean 8.3 vs 5.0), and a higher percentage of AIDS-defining conditions (66.0% vs 42.8%). The most common 2-ART were protease inhibitor (PI) + integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) + INSTI (33.0% and 31.9%, respectively). Overall, most of the regimens were nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-sparing (71.3%), with a decreasing trend over time (76.2% to 70.2%). ART regimen switch occurred more often in the 2-ART cohort than in the 3-ART cohort (33.0% vs 21.2%). Conclusion The profiles of patients on 2-ART in Japan were demonstrated to be complex. Most patients were treated with NRTI-sparing regimens which may reflect an effort to reduce treatment-related toxicities.
Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as New Diagnostic Markers for Detection of Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis in Full-term Newborns.
Authors: Mahmoud Nagwa Mohamed Sabry Abdelsalam , Baheeg Gamal , Abdelhakeem Mohammed , Mohamed Hadir Haroun Ahmed 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in term neonates and its impact on management of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis (EOS).Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 40 term neonates diagnosed with EOS compared with 40 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were prematurity, post- maturity, small or large for gestational age according to week of pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, congenital major anomalies, and cyanotic congenital heart disease. Results: A total of 80 term neonates were included in the study. Of these, 40 were diagnosed with EOS and 40 were healthy controls. NLR and PLR as predictors of early-onset neonatal sepsis, sensitivity of NLR was 67% and PLR was 70% and specificity of NLR was 99% and PLR was 73% and PPV of NLR was 98%, PLR was 72%. There is a significant weak positive correlation between platelets and sepsis, significant fair positive correlation between WBCs and PLR with sepsis, significant moderate positive correlation between immature neutrophils, I.T and NLR with sepsis, finally a significant negative fair correlation between lymphocytes and sepsis.Conclusions: NLRs and PLRs were positively correlated with EOS in term neonates, and these ratios can be used as diagnostic adjunct tests for neonate EOS workups.
Community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Malaria in Ha-Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: A cross-sectional household survey
Authors: Munzhedzi Mukhethwa , McQuade Elizabeth T. Rogawski , Guler Jennifer L. , Shifflett Piper E. , Krivacsy Sara , Dillingham Rebecca , Bessong Pascal O. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a global health concern and is endemic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal Provinces of South Africa, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2025. Community engagement plays a significant role in improving the acceptability and effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission. The success of such intervention efforts depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the community, and understanding the KAP of community residents may support malaria control efforts in the locality. In this context, we conducted a cross-sectional household survey to assess community KAP on malaria transmission and prevention in the Ha-Lambani village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.
Methods
Data were collected between November 2018 and May 2019 by questionnaire of 261 consenting adults (213 females and 48 males, ages between 18–95 years) selected from different households. We also conducted a focus group discussion among 13 randomly selected participants. Chi Square tests were used to determine statistical differences by village.
Results
Study participants (100%, 261/261) were aware of the presence of malaria in their community and 95% associated it with mosquito bites. The local health clinic was the most prominent source of malaria information (85%). Only 22% correctly identified headache, chills and fever as the three most common symptoms of malaria. The majority of participants (98%) knew that effective medication for malaria is available and had a positive treatment seeking behavior. Knowledge of malaria prevention measures was high (82%); contrarily, 97% of respondents did not sleep under a bednet the previous night. The focus group data concurred with these results and also revealed that poor bednet use resulted from lack of access to bednets because community residents could not afford them.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates that participants have appropriate knowledge about malaria transmission and a positive treatment seeking behavior. However, economic barriers are responsible for the inadequate use of bednets. Therefore, distribution of bednets to the community should be considered to improve practice of malaria prevention measures. Furthermore, knowledge of signs and symptoms and appropriate malaria treatment was limited, and initiatives to improve awareness on these topics should be continued.
Measuring Concern Over Coronavirus in an Iranian Non-clinical Sample Using the Coronavirus Disease Concern Scale (COVID-19CS)
Authors: Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health problem and a great challenge in the world, including Iran. The aims of the present study were: (a) to investigate the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Concern Scale (COVID-19CS), (b) to explore correlations of the COVID-19CS scores with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and (c) to examine gender differences. MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 125 medical students was recruited. The COVID-19CS and FCV-19S were administered to the students. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and a Principal Components factor analysis.ResultsCronbach's α was .94. Three factors were extracted labeled “Infection/Unsafety”, “Instability/Fear of Social Isolation”, and “Insecurity/Death Fear.” The COVID-19CS score was positively correlated with the FCV-19S score. There was no sex difference in the COVID-19CS score.ConclusionsThe COVID-19CS is a multidimensional scale. Just over half (56.3%) of students reported concern of COVID-19 and, therefore, appropriate policy-making and evidence-based psycho educational training are necessary to reduce their concern over COVID-19.
Impacts of a Comprehensive TB Control Model on the Quality of Clinical Services and the Financial Burden of Treatment for Patients with Drug-resistant Tuberculosis in China: A Mixed-methods Evaluation
Authors: Jiang Weixi , Li Zhipeng , Zhao Qi , Gao Mengqiu , Long Qian , Wang Weibing , Huang Fei , Wang Ni , Tang Shenglan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
IntroductionDrug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) has become a critical challenge to ending TB efforts worldwide. To help address the burden in China, the China National Health Commission-Gates TB Project Phase III implemented a comprehensive TB control model which includes multiple interventions to improve the quality of clinical services and reduce the financial burden for DRTB patients.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The quantitative data included three sources: de-identified DRTB registered data from 2015-2018 in project provinces, medical records of DRTB patients registered in 2018 (n=106), and a structured DRTB patient survey in six sample prefectures. The quality of clinical services was evaluated using seven indicators across patient screening, diagnosis and treatment. Logistic regression was conducted to explore factors associated with the extremely high financial burden (defined as out-of-pocket medical expenditure in the first six months of treatment over 30% of annual household income). Key informant interviews with policymakers and focus group discussions with physicians and DRTB patients were conducted to understand the interventions implemented and their impacts.ResultsThe percentage of bacterially confirmed patients taking a drug susceptibility test (DST) increased significantly between 2015 and 2018: from 57.4% to 93.6% in Zhejiang, 12.5% to 86.5% in Jilin, and 29.7% to 91.4% in Ningxia. The treatment enrollment rate among diagnosed DRTB patients also increased significantly and varied from 73% to 82% in the three provinces in 2018. Over 90% of patients in Zhejiang and Jilin and 75% in Ningxia remained in treatment by the end of the first six months’ treatment. Among all survey respondents 77.5% incurred extremely high financial burden of treatment. Qualitative results showed that interventions on promoting rapid DST technologies and patient referral were successfully implemented, but the new financing policies for reducing patients’ financial burden were not implemented as planned.ConclusionsThe quality of DRTB related clinical services has been significantly improved following the comprehensive interventions, while the financial burden of DRTB patients remains high due to the delay in implementing financing policies. Stronger political commitment and leadership are required for multi-channel financing to provide additional financial support to DRTB patients.
Are Lactational Breast Abscesses caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Special?
Authors: Li Yan , Ma Xiangjun , He Xiangping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to identify the differences in clinical characteristics, puncture efficacy, antibiotic use, treatment duration, breastfeeding postillness, and recurrence of patients with breast abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection during lactation.Methods: The clinical data of patients with breast abscesses during lactation who were treated in our hospital from January 2014 to February 2017 were reviewed. According to bacterial culture results, they were divided into MRSA (n = 260) and MSSA (n = 962) groups. Hospitalization (whether or not the patients were hospitalized), postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, amount of pus, frequency of needle aspiration, failure of needle aspiration, antibiotic use, treatment duration, delactation and recurrence were compared between the two groups using a t-test and a chi-squared test.Results: We noted that only delactation was statistically significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.018). Hospitalization, postpartum time, age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, amount of pus, frequency of needle aspiration, failure of needle aspiration, antibiotic use, treatment duration and recurrence showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.488, P = 0.328, P = 0.494, P = 0.218, P = 0.088, P = 0.102, P = 0.712, P = 0.336, P = 0.512, P = 0.386 and P = 0.359, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with breast abscesses caused by MRSA infection during lactation presented no significant differences in the clinical manifestations, needle aspiration efficacy, antibiotic use or treatment duration compare with those caused by MSSA infection. However, patients with MRSA infected were more susceptible to delectation.
FOXM1 and β-catenin are potential prognostic markers in muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma
Authors: Gui Huiming , Song Yutong , Yin Yongsheng , Rodriguez Ronald , Wang Zhiping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundForkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and β-catenin were confirmed to associate with numerous cancers, which attracted more attention in recent years. Our research investigated the expression of FOXM1 and β-catenin and their effects on prognosis of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). MethodsIn this study, FOXM1 and β-catenin expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in a study cohort including 121 MIBC patients. Results The results showed significant correlations of FOXM1 and β-catenin expression with tumor stage, tumor grade, and lymph node metastases in MIBC patients. Univariate analysis showed that patients with high FOXM1 (HR = 2.986; P = 0.011) and low β-catenin (HR = 2.623; P = 0.001) expression levels, advanced tumor stage (HR = 2.325; P = 0.002), advanced tumor grade (HR = 2.790; P < 0.001), tumor size (HR = 2.080; P = 0.020), lymph node metastases (HR = 3.392; P < 0.001), or recurrence status (HR = 2.016; P = 0.011) had a significantly higher risk of worse overall survival (OS). In the multivariate analysis, tumor stage (HR = 2.095; P = 0.009), tumor grade (HR = 1.962; P = 0.019), FOXM1 expression (HR = 2.196; P = 0.017) and lymph node metastases (HR = 2.136; P = 0.015) predicted worse OS. ConclusionTherefore, FOXM1 and β-catenin expression was relevant to MIBC incidence, tumor stage, tumor grade, metastasis, and survival and might be a reliable index to judge the prognosis of patients with MIBC.