bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Nobody complies with it anyway. Well yes, those who do not smoke” – Combining methods for understanding adolescents’ approach to a smoke-free agreement.
Authors: Glenstrup Stine , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Andersen Anette , Bast Lotus Sofie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-smoking agreements has shown effective in preventing smoking among adolescents. However, to date, this is the first study to explore: 1) if adolescents who do or do not sign have specific characteristics, 2) adolescents’ attitudes towards signing and committing to these smoke-free agreements (SFA). Methods: This is explored by combining questionnaire and focus group data. The questionnaire data is gathered as part of the evaluation of X:IT study II; a smoking preventive intervention targeting adolescents in 7 th -9 th grade. In this paper data from second follow (8 th grade) up is used. Eight focus groups (N=43) were conducted with the adolescents in 8 th grade at two Danish secondary schools. Inspired by theory integration we draw from resistance theory to combine the results from the methods. Results: The questionnaire data showed that adolescents who were partaking in smoking or smoking-related behavior including current or ever smoked as well as have ever tried hash, snuff or electronic cigarettes to a less degree signed a SFA. Focus group analysis showed that even though the adolescents at the two schools emphasized a lack of attention to the SFA, the lack of attention was ascribed to different approaches to smoking and the SFA. In general, adolescents at one of the schools had no intention of smoking and thus willingly signed and committed. Whereas, adolescents at the other school expressed a greater resistance to signing as well as committing to the SFA. Instead, what seemed important for the adolescents at this school was a desire to act freely and appear with no strains, including possibility to smoke, which the SFA seemingly threated. Conclusion: Although non-smoking agreements, implemented in the school setting, have been effective in decreasing smoking among adolescents in other studies, our results suggest that the SFA may appeal differently to adolescents according to certain characteristics, while getting overall very little attention.
The Effect of 2D and 3D Cell Cultures on E-Cadherin Profile and Drug Resistance in Huh7 Cell
Authors: Shao Jiaqi , Zou Haoyu , Ye Jing , Zhou Meixia , Yu Lei , Yan Zhiqiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Studies have validated three-dimensional (3D) culture of cells differs significantly from the two-dimensional (2D) model in terms of drug efficacy due to complex mechanisms, including up-regulation of drug efflux, acquisition of stem cell-like properties by the cancer cells, aberrant apoptotic, etc. This study aimed to delineate the change of expression profile of E-cadherin in hepatoma cells Huh7 under the 3D condition and 2D condition. Cells were culture in ultra-low attachment plates to form multicellular 3D spheroids. The expression profile of E-cadherin and drug resistance were compared between 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. E-cadherin was located at cell boundaries and cell membrane in 3D spheroids of Huh7 cells, however, E-cadherin was expressed on the cytoplasm and nuclei in 2D monolayers. In addition, high expression of E-cadherin and hepatic stem cell markers were found in 3D spheroids, and 3D spheroids showed greater resistance to pharmacological compounds. It seems 3D culture promoted the membrane localization of E-cadherin, and the change of MDR-related markers enhanced resistance in Huh7 3D spheroids. This study increases the knowledge of the effect of 3D arrangement in cancer cells.
Preparation and characterization of multifunctional sponge-gourd fibers (Luffa cylindrica)/ hydroxyapatite composites for removal of lead and methylene blue
Authors: Oun Ahmed A. , Kamal Kholod H. , Farroh Khaled , Ali Esmat F. , Hassan Mohamed A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cellulose, oxidized-fibers, and oxidized-nanocellulose were isolated from sponge-gourd fibers (Luffa cylindrica). Isolated materials showed different morphology (shape and size), chemical, crystalline properties, and removal efficiency against methylene blue (MB) and lead ions (Pb2+). The cellulosic materials showed high efficiency in removing MB more than Pb2+. So, different luffa forms/hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites were prepared and used as adsorbents for removal of both MB and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. The effect of sorbent type, contact time, and initial MB and Pb2+ concentrations were studied. HAp was successfully synthesized on the surface of luffa with an average length of 40–56 nm and width of 14–19 nm. Kinetic and adsorption studies of MB and Pb2+ ions were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB was 25.2 mg/g, 30.8 mg/g, and 36.2 mg/g for oxidized-fibers/HAp, oxidized-fibers, and cellulose, respectively, and for Pb2+ was 625 mg/g, 714 mg/g, and 714.5 mg/g for oxidized-fibers/HAp, oxidized-nanocellulose/HAp, and cellulose/HAp, respectively. Also, more than 85% of MB (25 mg/L) and 95% of lead (500 mg/L) were removed within the first 5 min. Oxidize-fibers/HAp composite showed effective adsorption with both MB and Pb2+ in a very short time.
Failure mechanism and stability analysis of bank slope deformation under the synergistic effect of heavy rainfall and blasting vibration
Authors: Ma Chenyang , Wu Li , Sun Miao , Lei Dexing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Underwater drilling blasting technique is often adopted to clear away the obstructed reef and dredge-cut in the mountainous waterway dredging engineering. However, the vibration of the underwater blasting and excavation of the riverbed has a certain influence on the stability of bank slopes. Combined with the partial bank collapse phenomenon in the waterway regulation project between two dams in the Three Gorges reservoir area, the change of pore water pressure of unsaturated soil under heavy rainfall and the increase of permanent displacement of soil under blasting vibration in the reservoir area are discussed. This paper explains the weakening effect of rainfall infiltration and blasting vibration on the stability of the bank slope. By studying the law of slope failure deformation under the separate action and coupling action, it is found that rainfall infiltration promotes the increase of slope permanent displacement and the blasting vibration enlarges the infiltration area of the soil, which demonstrated the accelerated failure mechanism of the rainfall-blasting slope.
Characteristics of Hybrid Surface Plasmon Polaritons at a Chiral Graphene Metal Interface in Cylindrical Waveguides
Authors: Saeed Mariam , ghaffar abdul , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Khan Yasin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A detailed theoretical analysis of the hybrid surface plasmon mode generation and propagation at a chiral graphene metal (CGM) interface for a cylindrical structure is presented. The conductivity of graphene is modeled using the Kubo formalism and the dispersion relation for the hybrid surface waves is computed on the basis of the Kubo formalism and impedance matching boundary conditions. The hybrid mode consisting of lower and upper plasmon modes is witnessed due to the presence of the chiral medium. The frequency band gap between the lower and upper plasmon modes is found to be sensitive and tunable with respect to the chiral strength, radial distance of the waveguide, and chemical potential of graphene. The propagation length and effective refractive index can also be modulated by varying the chiral strength and chemical potential. For very high values of chirality and biasing voltage, the Goos–Hänchen effect is observed at the CGM interface. The cutoff values of chiral strength as a function of normalized frequency make the proposed structure applicable for chiroptical and chemical sensing and enantiomeric detection in the THz frequency regime.
Significance of N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide as a Diagnostic Tool for Premature Ventricular Contractions in Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Function"
Authors: Ambreen Shazadi , khan Humaira Fayyaz , Hayat Azmat , Ali Shazia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThe study was aimed to evaluate the levels of NT-proBNP in mild, moderate and frequent ventricular ectopic burden in patients with preserved left ventricular function.Material and methodsA case control study was conducted in Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) after approval from ethical review committee (ERC) of Riphah University (Ref #Riphah/IIMC/ERC/17/0230). It comprised of 120 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) patients with 40 patients in each group of mild (<10%), moderate (10-20%) and frequent (>20%) PVCs burden. 40 healthy subjects with no PVCs were taken as a control group. NT-proBNP levels were measured in all groups and statistical analysis was done by applying ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests to evaluate its association with PVCs burdenResultsNT-proBNP levels were found to be raised in all PVCs burden of <10%, 10-20% and >20% as compare to control group with p value of 0.039, 0.02 and 0.009 respectively. p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients show higher NT-proBNP levels as compared to control group with p-value of .002 and .04.Conclusion It is concluded that NT-proBNP levels are raised in patients of PVCs. This finding can be helpful for diagnostic purposes of PVCs.
Risk Factors for Perineal Tears Among Women Delivering at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda: A Case Control Study
Authors: Mathias Gwazo , Kafunjo Barageine Justus , Lawrence Kazibwe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Perineal tear is a common complication of vaginal delivery with a significant negative impact on the quality of life. The condition commonly occurs among un-attended deliveries or those conducted by unskilled birth attendant especially in low-resource settings. The risk factors for perineal tear were not known at Kawempe Hospital. We conducted this study to determine the risk factors for perineal tear among women delivering at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: This was a case control study that was conducted among women who had vaginal delivery at Kawempe National Referral Hospital from 20th December 2019 to 5th February 2020. Data on sociodemographic, maternal, fetal and provider characteristics were collected using an interviewer’s administered questionnaire. Risk factors were determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The risk factors for perineal tear were: maternal age of ≥20 years (AOR=7.24, 95% CI=2.28- 23.00, P<0.001), delivery by assistant nursing officer (AOR=16.39, 95% CI=5.74-46.81, p <0.001), primiparity (AOR=12.46, 95% CI,=3.41-45.52, P<0.001), single marital status (AOR=14.39 95%, CI=4.28-48.39, P<0.001), precipitate labour (AOR=7.8, 95% CI=2.21-27.55, P< 0.001), assisted vaginal delivery (AOR= 8.33, 95% CI=1.43-48.6, P<0.019), fetal weight ≥ 3.5Kg (AOR=2.19, 95% CI= 1.06- 4.53, P<0.033), duration of active first stage of labour ≥8 hours (AOR=12.65, 95% CI=5.65-28.25, P<0.001) and duration of second stage of labour > 1hour (AOR=10.21 95% CI=3.32-31.41, P<0.001). Conclusions. The risk factors for perineal tear during vaginal delivery at Kawempe National Referral Hospital were: maternal age ≥ 20 years, delivery by assistant nursing officer, primiparity, single marital status, precipitate labour, assisted vaginal delivery, fetal weight ≥ 3.5kg, duration of active first stage of labour ≥8 hours, duration of second stage of labour≥1hours.
Psychosomatic Health Status of Pharmacy Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Qingfei , Sun Yue , Yuan Yucheng , Wu Zhen , Jiang Wenhao , Yuan Yonggui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Few studies have been conducted on psychosomatic health status of pharmacy staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the incidence and influence factors of psychosomatic syndrome of pharmacy staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 10721 pharmacy staff received online investigation through a period of 22 days from February 24th to March 16th 2019. The investigation included the self-designed general situation questionnaire and Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale (PSSS), and 9118 participants provided valid questionnaire feedback. ANOVA was used to evaluate significant differences of psychosomatic syndromes in different subgroups. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine the main risk factors of psychosomatic syndrome.Results: During the outbreak of COVID-19, the total incidence of psychosomatic syndrome was 21.7% in the pharmacy staff. The most common psychosomatic symptoms were sleep problems (dyscoimesis) and mood problems (irritability). Age was the most important risk factor of the observed psychosomatic syndromes and somatic symptoms, and education was identified affecting mostly psychological symptoms.Conclusion: During the period of COVID-19, the psychosomatic problems of pharmacy staff were prominent. Age and educational background should be taken into account of potential intervention strategy. The relief of mood and sleep will aid the treatment effort.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Patient’s Decision About Bariatric Surgery: Results of a National Survey.
Authors: Walędziak Maciej , Różańska-Walędziak Anna , Bartnik Paweł , Kacperczyk-Bartnik Joanna , Kwiatkowski Andrzej , Janik Michał , Kowalewski Piotr , Major Piotr 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and the implemented restrictions have changed the functioning of healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the present epidemiological situation on their decisions about undergoing weight loss surgery.MethodsData was collected with a national online survey from 906 bariatric patients.Results In spite of the pandemic and the associated risk of developing COVID-19, 443 responders (48.9%) would decide to undergo bariatric surgery in the current situation. Awareness of negative impact of obesity on the COVID-19 treatment had only marginable impact on decision making (76.59% vs 75.26%; p<0.80). Responders who had contact with people potentially infected with COVID-19 would prefer not to undergo surgery at the moment (3.02% vs 4.40%; p<0.55). There was a positive correlation between the BMI and the willingness for bariatric surgery (37.43±9.06 vs 34.93±8.67; p<0.001).ConclusionThe level of consciousness about the advantages of operative treatment is high among bariatric patients. Therefore, a large proportion of patients is determined to have bariatric treatment even during the pandemic, being aware of the increased risk of worse pace of COVID-19 disease in case of obesity and related diseases.
Diagnosis, Management and Outcomes of Intestinal Obstruction at an Urban Tertiary Hospital in Sub Saharan Africa: a Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Nakanwagi Arlene Muzira , Kijjambu Stephen C , Luggya Tonny Stone 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intestinal Obstruction (IO) is among the commonest causes of acute abdomen worldwide and globally it remains a challenge because it is a major cause of morbidity and surgical financial expenditure. Clinically it presents with nausea, vomiting, colicky abdominal pain and cessation of bowel movements or passage flatus and stool. Diagnosis can be clinical but is confirmed usually by radiologic imaging. We studied the current diagnosis, management and outcomes of IO in Mulago HospitalMATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a Prospective Descriptive Study in all the surgical units of Mulago from January to May 2014. Ethical approval was got in line with Helsinki declaration and then a pretested and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Informed consent was got with eligible and consenting/assenting patients recruited among those patients of all ages and sex presenting with suspected Intestinal Obstruction. Uni-variate and bi-variate of the variables plus measurements of associations were done.RESULTS: We enrolled 135 patients, excluded 25 and recruited 110 patient with more males than females i.e. 71.8% males and 28.2% females. Colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and vomiting were the 3 commonest symptoms with abdominal distension, increased bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness as commonest signs. Majority of the patients were diagnosed radiologically (51%) and the rest (48.2%) clinically diagnosed accounting. “Dilated bowel loops” was the most frequent radiological sign. Return of bowel sounds occurred within 5 days of the POD, while opening of bowels on average, occurred on the 3rd POD. The mean day of discharge was the 5th POD and 73% of the patients were discharged by the 7th Post-Operative Day. The commonest unfavourable management outcome noted was prolonged hospital stay followed by wound sepsis (Surgical Site Infection) and MortalityCONCLUSION: Majority of the patients were diagnosed radiologically (51%). surgical management was done for 72.7% of the cases and 27.3% conservatively managed. Prolonged hospital stay was the commonest unfavorable outcome of management
Refining Black men’s depression measurement using participatory approaches: a concept mapping study
Authors: Adams Leslie B. , Baxter Samuel , Lightfoot Alexandra , Gottfredson Nisha , Golin Carol , Jackson Leron , Tabron James , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Powell Wizdom 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Despite cumulative socioeconomic disadvantage and risk factors, Black Americans have a lower prevalence of depression than whites. Given the emerging focus of depression as a public mental health crisis, culturally informed depression measures and scale development techniques are needed to better alleviate the mental health burden of socially marginalized populations. Yet, for Black men, race and gender-related factors that position emotional vulnerability as a sign of weakness, may potentially mask the timely identification of mental health needs in this population. Thus, we address these gaps by employing a stakeholder-driven, community-engaged process for understanding the Black men’s depression experience. Methods: We use concept mapping, a structured mixed methods to determine how stakeholders of Black men’s health conceptualize their depressive symptoms. Thirty-six stakeholders participated in a three-phase concept mapping study conducted in 2018. Three separate stakeholder groups were engaged for this study, including Black men, Black women, and primary care providers. Results: Participants generated 68 characteristics of Black men’s depression which were reflected within five conceptual clusters: (1) physical states; (2) emotional states; (3) diminished drive; (4) internal conflicts; (5) communication with others; and (6) social pressures. Using a content analysis approach, we found that items comprising the “social pressures” cluster were not reflected in any common depression scales. Conclusions: Findings from this study illustrate the similar and divergent pathways in which Black men express depressed mood. Furthermore, concept mapping results also yield a novel opportunity for culturally informed scale development in future research.
Identification of Novel Candidate Genes Implicated in Odontogenic Potential in the Developing Mouse Tooth Germ using Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Shin Yeo-Kyeong , Cheon Seongmin , Kim Sung-Duk , Moon Jung-Sun , Kim Jae-Young , Kim Sun-Hun , Park Chungoo , Kim Min-Seok 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In tooth bioengineering for replacement therapy of missing teeth, the utilized cells must possess an inductive signal-forming ability to initiate odontogenesis. This ability is called odontogenic potential. In mice, the odontogenic potential signal is known to be translocated from the epithelium to the mesenchyme at the early bud stage in the developing molar tooth germ. However, the identity of the molecular constituents of this process remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, whole transcriptome profiles of the mouse molar tooth germ epithelium and mesenchyme were investigated using the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique. The analyzed transcriptomes corresponded to two developmental stages, embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) and 14.5 (E14.5), which represent the odontogenic potential shifts. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were specifically overexpressed in both the E11.5 epithelium and E14.5 mesenchyme, but not expressed in their respective counterparts. Of the fifty-five DEGs identified, the top three most expressed transcription factor genes (transcription factor AP-2 beta isoform 3 [TFAP2B], developing brain homeobox protein 2 [DBX2], and insulin gene enhancer protein ISL-1 [ISL1]) and three tooth development-related genes (transcription factor HES-5 [HES5], platelet-derived growth factor D precursor [PDGFD], semaphrin-3A precursor [SEMA3A]) were selected and validated by quantitative RT-PCR. Using immunofluorescence staining, the TFAP2B protein expression was found to be localized only at the E11.5 epithelium and E14.5 mesenchyme. Thus, our empirical findings in the present study may provide a new perspective into the characterization of the molecules responsible for the odontogenic potential and may have an implication in the cell-based whole tooth regeneration strategy.
Medicinal Plant Composition, Distribution, Usage and Conservation Status in Nole Kaba District, West Wollega, West Ethiopia
Authors: Jima Kebu Balemi , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe , Dalle Gemedo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMany Ethiopians have practiced and still practice home-based medications using various medicinal plants. This research was aimed to study the composition, distribution, and usage and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Nole Kaba District. MethodsData were gathered through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field observations. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and quantitative indices including Factor of Informant Consensus (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), and Sorenson’s Similarity.ResultsOne hundred sixty-two medicinal plants that belong to 65 families, and 135 genera were documented for use in the treatment of 45 human and 31 animal health problems. The growth forms that comprise high proportions of the medicinal flora were herbs (76, 46.9%) and shrubs (45, 27.8%). Most of the species were distributed in forests and farmlands. Ehretia cymosa (FL = 100%), Pentas schimperiana (FL = 100%), Buddleja polystachya (FL = 100%) Schefflera abyssinica (FL = 100%) and Loxogramme abyssinica (FL = 94%) were among medicinal plants showing high informant consensus. Pairwise comparisons identified the expansion of agriculture, deforestation, and over-grazing as principal threats to most medicinal plants.ConclusionsMedicinal plants showing high informant consensus are recommended for further evaluation of efficacy, safety, and other product quality requirements. Medicinal plants such as Echinops longisetus, Ocimum urticifolium, Pentas schimperiana, Securidaca longepedunculata and Warburgia ugandensis are threatened mainly due to over exploitation. These and other similarly affected species should be given top priority for in-situ and ex-situ conservation jointly by the community, the relevant administrative bodies, and development partners.