bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Towards Patients with Mental Health Disorders Among Pharmacists in the MENA Region
Authors: Batarseh Yazan S , Abukhalaf Mariam , Fakhoury Rula Marwan , Alfalah Laith , Wazaify Mayyada 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background –Mental Health Literacy is necessary for pharmacists to provide proper care for mental health patients, however research which assesses mental health literacy among pharmacists in the Middle East and North Africa region is limited.Objective -Evaluate mental health literacy of pharmacists in the Middle East and North Africa region. Methods –An online survey was delivered via social media platforms to a sample of pharmacists Setting - Middle East and North Africa region community, hospital, clinical, and other pharmacy sectors.Main outcome measure -The survey assessed mental health literacy in terms of knowledge, attitude, and stigma in providing care to mental health patients.Results –A total of 372 pharmacists filled in the questionnaire, majority were female (71%) and under 29 years of age (78.7%). Half were community pharmacists. Majority of respondents recognized depression (93.3%), anxiety (63.7%), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (68%). Almost 35% of pharmacists were unable to classify psychiatric medications. Analysis of pharmacists’ attitudes towards different interventions showed the following order of help seeking preference; psychiatrists (83.3%), spiritual activity (59.9%), family support (55.6%), friends support (53%), pharmacists support (40.6%), and social workers (39%). Conclusion –Although baseline knowledge of responding pharmacists regarding mental disorders was adequate, their advanced knowledge of multiple use of intervention was shallow. Stigma was noted in perceived dangerousness and recovery of mental health patients, social responsibility, and social distance.
The Association of Stem Cell Factor and Soluble c-Kit (s-cKit) Receptor Serum Concentrations with the Severity and Risk Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mashayekhi Farhad , Shabani Somayeh , Sasani Soheila Talesh , Salehi Zivar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor (c-kit) signaling play important role in normal brain physiology including neurogenesis, synapse formation and spatial learning function of the hippocampal region of the brain. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is believed to result from abnormal development of neuronal networks and synaptic function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SCF and its soluble receptor (s-ckit) serum concentrations in ASD. We also studied the serum SCF and s-ckit concentration with the severity of ASD (Levels 1–3; Mild, Moderate and severe, respectively). Ninety five patients with ASD (Mild; n = 33, Moderate; n = 32 and severe; n = 30) and 82 normal controls age matched were included in this study. The serum concentration of SCF and s-ckit were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SCF serum concentration in control subjects was 3.45 ± 1.06 ng/ml and in ASD was 3.41 ± 0.92 ng/ml (P = 0.88). The serum levels of s-ckit in control and ASD groups were 56.82 ± 13.22 ng/ml and 67.11 ± 12.00, respectively (P = 001). We have also studied serum SCF and s-ckit concentrations with the severity of ASD. The serum concentration of SCF in mild, moderate and severe ASD groups was 3.45 ± 0.93, 3.4 ± 0.87 and 3.43 ± 0.98 ng/ml, respectively (P > 0.05) and for s-ckit was 48.77 ± 9.28, 61.66 ± 12.18 and 93.11 ± 14.81ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). The result of this study suggests that serum s-cKit concentrations may provide a reliable and practical indicator of ASD and positively correlated with disease severity. It is also concluded that s-cKit might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD.
Supralevator Abscess Presenting With Pneumoarthrosis And Retroperitoneal Air, A Case Report
Authors: Ekkel Elisabeth , Hain Jon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
74-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaint of fever, weakness, and fatigue and was admitted to the hospital for further workup. The patient was found to have gram negative bacteremia and Clostridioides difficile infection. Computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained and demonstrated air in the retroperitoneal/ presacral space tracking to the left hemipelvis and femoral joint. Concern for possible septic joint lead to an Orthopedic surgery evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging of the left hip and pelvis which revealed a complicated perirectal infection tracking to the left hemipelvis. The patient was taken to the operating room with colorectal surgery for further management and treatment.
Burdens of Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 by Age, Race, Sex, and Health Status
Authors: Al-Aly Ziyad , Xie Yan , Bowe Benjamin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) have been characterized; however, the burden of PASC remains unknown. And whether the burden of individual sequela varies in different population groups is also not clear. Here we estimate that PASC — defined as the presence of at least one sequela in excess of non-infected controls — was 73.43 (72.10, 74.72) per 1000 persons at 6 months. The burden of PASC was 44.51 (43.09, 45.85), 217.08 (212.43, 222.23), and 360.16 (350.53, 369.38) among non-hospitalized, hospitalized, and those who required intensive care during the first 30-days of infection. Burdens of some sequelae were more pronounced in younger individuals, and some were more pronounced in older adults; the same picture was evident in analyses across race, and sex groups. The burden of individual sequela was consistently higher in people with poorer baseline health and increased in a graded fashion according to care setting of the acute infection. In sum, the burden of PASC is substantial; however, PASC is non-monolithic with sequelae that are differentially expressed in various population groups. Collectively, our results may be useful in informing health systems capacity planning and care strategies of people with PASC.
Relationship between Personality Traits and Eating speed - Results from a large cross-sectional study among Iranian adults
Authors: Kafeshani Marzieh , Feizi Awat , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Keshteli Ammar , Roohafza Hamidreza , Afshar Hamid , Adibi Peyman 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The eating speed has been hypothesized to be associated with energy intake and weight control. Recently, the effects of some factors on eating rate were investigated, however; studies about the impacts of psychological factors in this field are rare. One of these possible factors is personality traits. This study aimed to assess the relationship between personality traits and eating speed. This cross-sectional study was performed among 4763 adults in 2011. Personality trait was assessed by using the Big Five Personality Inventory Short Form. The eating speed was evaluated using a pretested questionnaire and latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to categorize participants according to the eating speed. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used for data analyses. We found that the higher levels of neuroticism (quartile 4) were associated significantly with lower odds of normal eating speed (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.60; P<0.001) but higher levels of other personality traits were statistically significantly associated with higher odds of normal eating speed. The current study showed significant associations between personality traits and eating speed; accordingly, it provides primary evidence about the potential value of personality traits for managing the eating rate. Further prospective observational and interventional studies are recommended.
The Efficacy, Safety, And Tolerability of Levofloxacin Quadruple Therapy For Helicobacter Pylori Eradication: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Masihypour Behnam , Fathalipour Mohammad , Hassanipour Soheil , Sokhanvar Homayoon , Mansour-Ghanaei Alireza , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz , Joukar Farahnaz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The incidence of microbial resistance is increasing, and new rescue regimens are needed in order to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of levofloxacin based quadruple therapies in the eradication of H. pylori. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 220 patients with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, pantoprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice a day, and levofloxacin 500 mg daily for seven days (BPAL-7), or ten days (BPAL-10). The eradication of H. pylori was evaluated two months after the end of treatment, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed during the intervention. According to intention-to-treat and per-protocol, the eradication rate was significantly lower in the BPAL-7 regimen 49.1 % (95 % CI: 39.3-57.8) and 47.6 % (95 % CI: 39.7-58.4), respectively compared to the BPAL- 10 regimen 62.7 % (95 % CI: 53.6-72.8) and 62.4 % (95 % CI: 55.1-72.8), respectively. The incidence of ADRs was not statistically significant between BPAL-7 (33.6 %) and BPAL-10 (36.7 %) groups. Although the ADRs were negligible in both groups, these regimens could not be an ideal alternative therapy for H. pylori because of low eradication rates compared to standard regimens.Trial registration: The study reviewed and approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT201406141155N19).
Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome Caused by A de novo RET Pathogenic Variant
Authors: Silvestri Paola , Pizzuti Antonio , Rinaldi Paolo , Giansanti Veronica , Russo Giusy , Spalice Alberto , Schiavetti Amalia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare life-threatening disorder characterized by a failure in physiologic autonomic control of breathing resulting in apnoea, hypoxemia, and hypoventilation episodes, associated to a large spectrum of autonomic nervous system dysfunctions. Despite this condition is most likely caused by mutations in the PHOX2B gene, other genes have been found responsible for CCHS in rare cases. Case report: We report a 15-month-old toddler presenting episodes of central and obstructive apnoea with cyanosis, hypertonia, hypercapnia, and cyanotic breath-holding spells. The CCHS diagnosis was supported by central desaturating apnoea/hypopneas episodes during rapid eye movement sleep and obstructive apnoea in polysomnography, as well as by the presence of hypoxia and hypercapnia in arterial blood gas during critical episodes. Autonomic dysregulation with sporadic profuse sweating and gastrointestinal dysmotility resulting in gastro-oesophageal reflux and chronic constipation were also associated. Next Generation Sequencing revealed the missense variant p.Met918Thr in the RET gene.Conclusion: This case, identifying a de novo pathogenic variant in the RET gene, highlights the importance of using clinical exome sequencing or a panel of genes associated with the specific disease, rather than looking for mutations in the single most frequently correlated gene.
A Higher-Order Accurate Operator Splitting Spectral Method for The Wigner-Poisson System
Authors: Chen Zhenzhu , Shao Sihong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
An accurate description of 2-D quantum transport in a double-gate metal oxide semiconductor filed effect transistor (dgMOSFET) requires a high-resolution solver to a coupled system of the 4-D Wigner equation and 2-D Poisson equation. In this paper, we propose an operator splitting spectral method to evolve such Wigner-Poisson (WP) system in 4-D phase space with high accuracy. After an operator splitting of the Wigner equation, the resulting two sub-equations can be solved analytically with spectral approximation in phase space. Meanwhile, we adopt a Chebyshev spectral method to solve the Poisson equation. Spectral convergence in phase space and a fourth-order accuracy in time are both numerically verified. Finally, we apply the proposed solver into simulating dgMOSFET, develop the steady states from long-time simulations and obtain numerically converged current-voltage (I-V) curves.
Prospective cohort study reveals MMP-9, a neuroplasticity regulator, as a prediction marker of cochlear implantation outcome in prelingual deafness treatment.
Authors: Matusiak Monika , Oziębło Dominika , Ołdak Monika , Rejmak Emilia , Kaczmarek Leszek , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyński Henryk 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Because of vast variability of cochlear implantation outcomes in prelingual deafness treatment, identification of good and poor performers remains a challenging task. To address this issue, we investigated genetic variants of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and plasma levels of MMP-9, BDNF, and pro-BDNF that have all been implicated in neuroplasticity after sensory deprivation in the auditory pathway. We recruited a cohort of prelingually deaf children, all implanted before the age of 2, and carried out a prospective observation (N = 61). Next, we analyzed the association between (i) functional MMP9 (rs20445, rs1839242, rs2234681) and BDNF (rs6265) gene variants (and their respective protein levels) and (ii) the child’s auditory development as measured with the LittlEARS Questionnaire (LEAQ) before cochlear implant (CI) activation and at 8 and 18 months post-CI activation. Statistical analyses revealed that the plasma level of MMP-9 measured at implantation in prelingually deaf children was significantly correlated with the LEAQ score 18 months after CI activation. In the subgroup of DFNB1-related deafness (N = 40), rs3918242 of MMP9 was significantly associated with LEAQ score at 18 months after CI activation; also, according to a multiple regression model, the ratio of plasma levels of pro-BDNF/BDNF measured at implantation was a significant predictor of overall LEAQ score at follow-up. In the subgroup with DFNB1-related deafness, who had CI activation after 1 year old (N = 22), a multiple regression model showed that rs3918242 of MMP9 was a significant predictor of overall LEAQ score at follow-up.
Intraspecific Genetic Distance and Phylogenetic Evolution of Schizothorax Plagiostomus Inferred from Mitochondrial D-Loop Sequences
Authors: Akhtar Tasleem , Musthafa Muneeb M. , Sehar Noor Us , Ali Ghazanfar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The fish in the genus Schizothorax from the Cyprinidae family live in high-altitude Rivers andstreams, are threatened by various anthropogenic stressors. This study aims to characterize S. plagiostomus across Pakistan and throughout the world available on NCBI using the mitochondrial D-loop region, and in particular, to assess the degree of intra-specific pairwise distance among these sequences, as well as to establish their phylogenetic relationships. The percent overall nucleotide composition was 32.6% (A), 33.6% (T), 19.8% (C), and 14.0% (G), which infers that S. plagiostomus control regions is AT-rich (66.2%) and poor in G contents. The mean pair-wise intra-specific nucleotide diversity (Pi)of all the S. plagiostomus was 0.022. While, the inter-specific nucleotide diversity of all the Schizothorax species was 0.049. D-loop sequences for intra-specific variations revealed 765 sites were invariable and 10 were variable, 8 parsimony informative sites and only 2 were singletons. The overall transition/transversion ratio is R = 7.135. Three domains in S. plagiostomus were observed, namely, the termination associated sequence (TAS) domain, the central conserved sequence block (CSB) domain, and the conserved sequence block (CSB) domain. No substitution saturation was detected as an Iss value was significantly (𝑃< 0.001) lower than the Iss.c in all cases indicating the suitability of the data for phylogenetic analysis. This study signifies the importance of the control region for the genetic analysis of S. plagiostomus and also provides a hypothesis of their phylogenetic relationships.
Dental pulp stem cells as a therapy for congenital entero-neuropathy
Authors: Kajioka Shunichi , Yoshizumi Junko , Oda Yoshinao , Iwata Naoko , Takai Chiho , Nakayama Shinsuke 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) and its allied disorders are congenital entero-neuropathies with life-long implications in many cases. Here we report the effects of intravenous transplantation of cultured dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (dDPSCs) into ‘Japanese fancy-1’ (JF1) mice with entero-neuropathy caused by Ednrb mutation. Intravenously injected dDPSCs (multipotent neural crest cells with low immunogenicity) migrated to affected regions of the intestine through interactions between stromal cell-derived factor-1α and C-X-C chemokine receptor type-4. Notably, transplanted dDPSCs differentiated into both enteric neurons and pacemaker interstitial cells to correct abnormalities in the electrical and mechanical activities of the proximal colon. dDPSC transplantation also led to repair of the small intestinal mucosa, changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota, improvements in nutritional status and prolongation of survival. We anticipate that dDPSC transplantation could be developed into a novel cell-based therapy for HSCR and its allied disorders.
Post-harvest Sensory Characteristics and Consumer Acceptance of Vegetable Pigeonpea
Authors: Ojwang David , Nyankanga R.O. , Imungi J. , Gangarao N. , Modesto Olanya 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan Milsp) is an important food crop in the dryland tropics. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of post-harvest processing and storage on sensory characteristics of pigeonpea. Moisture content of harvested pigeonpeas was assessed at 0. 22 and 60 days of storage. Five treatments of podded, deep-frozen (-18°C), blanched (72°C, 2min), oven-dried (65°C, 8hr), and blanched + oven-dried pigeonpea, in a completely randomized design were evaluated for sensory characteristics at post-harvest storage. The reduction in moisture content was highest (43%) in podded and lowest (6%) on blanched pigeonpea at 60 days of storage. Consumer acceptance of pigeonpea varied significantly (P < 0.05) for traits of physical appearance, color, aroma, and seed tenderness. Physical appearance of podded pigeonpea had a sensory rating of 6.3, indicating high acceptability, while blanched samples had a 6.0 rating on a 7-point hedonic scale. The podded, blanched + oven-dried and seed tenderness had 5.6, 6.6, and 6.1 scores, respectively. The sensory scores of podded and oven-dried were attributed to high sugar concentrations (4.25 mg/100g) the samples at 22 days post pre-treatment. Palatability and overall acceptance of pigeonpea were comparable, indicating that post-harvest treatment and 22-day storage had positive sensory attributes. Post-harvest processing treatment and storage may enhance vegetable pigeonpea utilization in the dryland regions.
Clear anti-phase tendency of volcanic eruptions and consistent U.S. Dollar Index response to volcanic forcing
Authors: Hwang Seokhwan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Numerous studies have presented statistical relations between large volcanic eruptions and ensuing El Niño events or between El Niño events and local economies. However, the relation between volcanic eruptions and economies has not been completely clarified. This study compares volcanic eruptions and the U.S. Dollar Index for the past 54 years (1967–2020) to identify significant economic responses to volcanic activity. There is a clear anti-phase tendency between the volcanic eruptions of the western Pacific and those of the eastern Pacific. And volcanic eruptions and U.S. Dollar Index exhibit a strong correlation and U.S. Dollar Index follows the fluctuation trend of volcanic eruptions with a 1-year delay. Thus, results indicate that changes in forces within the earth due to volcanic eruptions continuously impact the global economy. This study identifies a teleconnection between heterogeneous factors that had not been previously reported and provides a new scientific clue regarding the mechanism how has geodynamics affected the human life.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Project Reference Evapotranspiration under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Maqsood Junaid , Farooque Aitazaz A. , Abbas Farhat , Esau Travis , Wang Xander , Acharya Bishnu , Afzaal Hassan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Evapotranspiration, one of the major elements of the water cycle, is sensitive to climate change. The main objective of this study was to examine the response of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) under various climate change scenarios using artificial neural networks and a general circulation model (GCM) - the Canadian Earth System Model Second Generation (CanESM2). The Hargreaves method was used to calculate ET0 for western, central, and eastern parts of Prince Edward Island. The two input parameters of the Hargreaves method; daily maximum temperature (Tmax), and daily minimum temperature (Tmin) were projected using CanESM2. The Tmax and Tmin were downscaled with the help of statistical downscaling and simulation model (SDSM) for three future periods 2020s (2011–2040), 2050s (2041–2070), and 2080s (2071–2100) under three representative concentration pathways (RCP’s) including RCP 2.6, RCP P4.5, and RCP 8.5, and the. Temporally, there were major changes in Tmax, Tmin, and ET0 for the 2080s under RCP8.5. The temporal variations in ET0 for all RCPs matched the reports in the literature for other similar locations and for RCP8.5 it ranged from 1.63 (2020s) to 2.29 mm/day (2080s). As a next step, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), long-short term memory (LSTM), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) were used for estimating ET0 due to the non-linear behavior of ET0 and the limited meteorological input data. High coefficient of correlation (r > 0.95) values for both calibration and validation periods showed the potential of the artificial neural networks in ET0 estimation. The results of this study will help decision makers and water resource managers to quantify the availability of water in future for the island and to optimize the use of island water resources on a sustainable basis.