bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing air pollution tolerance of plant species in vegetation traffic barriers in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sunita , Baral Badri , Dhital Narayan Babu , Yang Hsi-Hsien 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVegetation traffic barriers along roads can be an effective structure to improve roadside air quality and to reduce human exposure to traffic air pollutants. However, the selection of the plant species should be considered as an important design parameter for vegetation traffic barriers because different plant species demonstrate different levels of tolerance to air pollutants. This study compares the air pollution tolerance of different plant species found in the vegetation traffic barriers in the Kathmandu valley. Four biochemical parameters (relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid) and the dust-capturing potential of plants were analyzed. Out of the nine selected species, Cinnamomum camphora showed the highest tolerance to air pollution based on the air pollution tolerance index. Similarly, Schefflera pueckleri, Psidium guajava and Ficus benjamina were found to be the sensitive species, while Ficus sp., Nerium oleander, Thuja sp., Dypsis lutescens and Albizia julibrissin were found to have a moderate level of tolerance to air pollution. N. oleander had the highest dust-capturing potential. Considering both air pollution tolerance index and dust-capturing potential, C. camphora, N. oleander and A. julibrissin were found to be the most suitable species for the roadside plantation. The findings of this study might have important implications for plant species selection for vegetation traffic barriers.
Can QT dispersion improve the accuracy of stress ECG TMT in detecting myocardial ischemia in chronic stable CAD patients? A stress myocardial perfusion imaging study
Authors: Eltahlawi Mohammad Abdalla , Sanad Ahmed Mohamed , Ghazal Kamel Hasan , Abdelwahed Ahmed Taha 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundQT dispersion (QTd) is related to regional variations in myocardial repolarization. Our study aims to assess the value of QTd in prediction of myocardial ischemia and its severity during stress imaging.We enrolled one hundred patients having stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and fulfilling the “Appropriateness criteria for cardiac radionuclide imaging” (MPI). They were divided into group I including patients with MPI-detected ischemia (50 patients) and group II including patients with normal perfusion scan (50 patients). We excluded unstable CAD and all other causes affecting QTd. During isotope scan, ECGs were taken and QTd was calculated at rest and at maximum heart rate.ResultsQTd was significantly higher in the ischemic group both at rest and exercise (P= 0.000). QTd difference, the difference between QTd at rest and stress, was calculated. QTd difference was significantly lower in normal than in ischemic group (P= 0.003). There was a significant positive correlation between QTd difference and defect size (P= 0.04).ConclusionQTd increases in ischemia and the QTd difference (between rest and stress) correlates positively with severity of ischemia.QTd and QTd difference could be used to improve the accuracy of stress imaging test.
Characterization of gas accumulation at a venting gas hydrate system in the Shenhu area, South China Sea
Authors: Liang Jinqiang , Zhang Zijian , Lu Jingan , Guo Yiqun , Sha Zhibin , Su Pibo , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2021

Bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs) in seismic data have been widely accepted to indicate the base of the methane gas hydrate stability zone (MGHSZ), and free gas was thought to exist only below it. However, real geologic systems are far more complex. We have evaluated the results of 3D seismic, logging while drilling, in situ, and coring measurements at a venting gas hydrate system in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. Our studies reveal that free gas has migrated upward through the thermogenic gas hydrate stability zone into the MGHSZ and become a part of the gas hydrate system. Seismic amplitude anomalies and core results suggest the presence of free gas above the base of MGHSZ at 165 mbsf and the presence of thermogenic gas hydrates below it in well SC-W01. Analyses of P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, density, and porosity logs reveal that free gas occurs above and below the MGHSZ as well. Integrating log and core analysis with seismic interpretation suggests that the variation in seismic amplitude within the chaotic zone is associated with variable gas saturations, and a large amount of methane and thermogenic gases accumulate near the complex BSRs. We suggest that relative permeability likely plays a significant role in the free-gas distribution and the formation of gas hydrates within a venting gas hydrate system, whereas the effect of dissolved gas short migration is not ignored. Our results have important implications for understanding the accumulation and distribution of gas hydrates and free gas in the venting gas hydrate system and seeps at the seafloor.
Application of ASCO Value Framework to Treatment Advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Emerson Y. , Cook Madeline , Deig Christopher , Arastu Asad , Prasad Vinay , Nabavizadeh Nima , Lopez Charles D. , Kardosh Adel 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Determination of the comparative efficacy of one therapy over another for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be challenging. Application of a recognized value framework to published studies could objectively compare the potential benefit across available therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An umbrella review of phase III trials for HCC therapies was performed. ASCO Value Framework Net Health Benefit Score version 2 (ASCO-NHB v2) scores, the primary analysis, and European Society of Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale version 1.1 scores, the secondary analysis, were computed using selected drug registration trials. Both scores were compared between drugs that were Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved by 2020 and those that were not. RESULTS: Of the 22 studies identified, nine were FDA-approved and 13 were not. Across 22 trials, the median overall survival (OS) was 9.2 months (range, 1.9-16.4 months), with a median gain of 0.35 month (range, 2.3-3.3 months). HCC therapies that were FDA-approved showed longer OS (median 10.7 v 7.9 months, P < .01) and higher ASCO NHB scores (+18.4 v −5.7 scores, P < .01). The median gain in OS was 2.2 months in the approved treatments compared with −0.3 months in the unapproved group, with no difference in progression-free survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The nine FDA-approved therapies for HCC have higher mean NHB score than those that were not FDA-approved. The application of ASCO-NHB v2 and other proposed value frameworks could examine data of future therapies for HCC through a patient-oriented approach.
Impact of Patients' Companions on Clinical Encounters Between Black Patients and Their Non-Black Oncologists
Authors: Otto Amy K. , Reblin Maija , Harper Felicity W. K. , Hamel Lauren M. , Moore Tanina F. , Ellington Lee , Eggly Susan 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE: The presence of caregivers or companions during clinical encounters influences the dynamics and outcomes of the encounters. Most prior studies of companions in clinical encounters focus on non-Hispanic White patients. However, there is generally lower-quality patient-physician communication during encounters with Black patients; these communication differences may contribute to racial health disparities. The purpose of the present study was to examine effects of the presence and active participation of companions on encounters between Black patients with cancer and non-Black oncologists. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected during a larger intervention study. Participants were Black patients with breast, colon, or lung cancer who had a treatment-discussion encounter with a participating non-Black medical oncologist. Video recordings of encounters were coded for patient, companion, and oncologist communication. After the encounter, patients reported perceptions of the recommended treatment; patients and oncologists reported perceptions of each other. RESULTS: Data from 114 patients and 19 oncologists were included in analyses. Only 47% of patients brought a companion to the encounter. Oncologists spent more time with accompanied Black patients, used more patient-centered communication with them, and perceived them as having more social support compared with unaccompanied Black patients. Oncologists reported that accompanied patients asked more questions. When companions participated more actively in the encounter, oncologists used more patient-centered communication. DISCUSSION: Bringing a companion to oncology appointments may be beneficial to Black patients because oncologists spend more time with patients, use more patient-centered communication, and perceive patients more positively, all of which may ultimately improve patient health and well-being outcomes.
The gut–brain axis in vertebrates: implications for food intake regulation
Authors: Blanco Ayelén Melisa , Calo Jessica , Soengas José Luis 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
The gut and brain are constantly communicating and influencing each other through neural, endocrine and immune signals in an interaction referred to as the gut–brain axis. Within this communication system, the gastrointestinal tract, including the gut microbiota, sends information on energy status to the brain, which, after integrating these and other inputs, transmits feedback to the gastrointestinal tract. This allows the regulation of food intake and other physiological processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, including motility, secretion, digestion and absorption. Although extensive literature is available on the mechanisms governing the communication between the gut and the brain in mammals, studies on this axis in other vertebrates are scarce and often limited to a single species, which may not be representative for obtaining conclusions for an entire group. This Review aims to compile the available information on the gut–brain axis in birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, with a special focus on its involvement in food intake regulation and, to a lesser extent, in digestive processes. Additionally, we will identify gaps of knowledge that need to be filled in order to better understand the functioning and physiological significance of such an axis in non-mammalian vertebrates.
Induction Of Ovulation Using Ovaprim And Its Impact On Reproductive Parameter Of Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Anak Gaung Paul Morisson , Ismail Zalina , Abdul Mutalib Asilah , Ismail Fazhana , Che Man Shaibatul ’ Islamiah , Ab Latif Zahidah 
Published: January 2021

Sustainability of the aquaculture industry can be secure through the induce breeding technique. One way that induce breeding can do is to increase the rate of maturation and ovulation in making sure the availability of good quality fish seed all year round. Here, we investigate how Ovaprim hormone impact the reproduction of Clarias gariepinusincluding spawning rate, fecundity, hatching and survival rate. For this purpose, Six broodstocks were divided in three experimental treatments and injected intramuscularly with different doses of Ovaprim hormone of T1: 0.25ml/kg for female and 0.125ml/kg for male, T2: 0.5ml/kg for female and 0.25ml/kg for male and T3: 1.0ml/kg for female and 0.5ml/kg for male. According to our results, broodstock injected with Ovaprim hormone of dose of T3: 1.0ml/kg for female and 0.5ml/kg for male showed higher eggs production and hatching rate compared to other treatment. The results of this study suggest that a dosage of 1.0ml/kg Ovaprim for female and 0.5ml/kg for male have a better effect on the reproductive parameter of Clarias gariepinus.
Activation of oxygen molecules by 1070  nm laser radiation in aerated solvents
Authors: Kozlov A. S. , Egorova O. N. , Medvedkov O. I. , Krasnovsky A. A. 
Published: January 2021

Population of the chemically active singlet

1

Δ
g

(

0

)

state of molecular oxygen occurring due to direct laser excitation of the

1

Δ
g

(

1

)

←

3

Σ
g
−

(

0

)

transition has been observed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in oxygen molecules dissolved in organic solvents saturated with air under natural conditions (room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure). The data were obtained in 1 cm spectrophotometric cells due to the application of a set of high-power IR fiber and diode lasers. The rate of laser generation of the singlet (

1

Δ
g

(

0

)

) states in oxygen molecules was monitored by a chemical trapping method. It was found that the action spectra of singlet oxygen generation have one distinct band with a maximum at 1070 nm and half-width of

∼

10

n
m

. The absorption coefficients at 1070 nm were shown to be 100–110-fold lower than those at the main oxygen absorption peak (1273 nm) corresponding to the

1

Δ
g

(

0

)

←

3

Σ
g
−

(

0

)

transition. Under excitation at 810–1061 nm, very low trapping rates were observed, which did not depend on excitation wavelengths being probably caused by thermal effects. There was no reliable increase in the trapping rate under irradiation at 810 and 920 nm corresponding to the

1

Δ
g

(

2

,

3

)
←

3

Σ
g
−

(

0

)

transitions. This fact suggests that absorbance corresponding to these transitions is much lower than that at 1070 nm. The obtained results are important for both spectroscopy of oxygen and mechanistic studies of biological and therapeutic action of laser radiation.
Setting a research agenda to improve community health: An inclusive mixed-methods approach in Northern Uganda
Authors: Dowhaniuk Nicholas , Ojok Susan , McKune Sarah L. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goals stress the importance of equitable partnerships in research and practice that integrate grass-roots knowledge, leadership, and expertise. However, priorities for health research in low-and-middle income countries are set almost exclusively by external parties and priorities, while end-users remain "researched on" not "researched with". This paper presents the first stage of a Community-Based Participatory Research-inspired project to engage communities and public-health end-users in setting a research agenda to improve health in their community.MethodsPhotovoice was used in Kuc, Gulu District, Uganda to engage community members in the selection of a research topic for future public health research and intervention. Alcohol-Use Disorders emerged from this process the health issue that most negatively impacts the community. Following identification of this issue, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (n = 327) to triangulate Photovoice findings and to estimate the prevalence of Alcohol-Use Disorders in Kuc. Logistic regression was used to test for associations with demographic characteristics and Alcohol-Use Disorders.ResultsPhotovoice generated four prominent themes, including alcohol related issues, sanitation and compound cleanliness, water quality and access, and infrastructure. Alcohol-Use Disorders were identified by the community as the most important driver of poor health. Survey results indicated that 23.55% of adults in Kuc had a probable Alcohol Use Disorder, 16.45 percentage points higher than World Health Organization estimates for Uganda.ConclusionsCommunity members engaged in the participatory, bottom-up approach offered by the research team to develop a research agenda to improve health in the community. Participants honed in on the under-researched and underfunded topic of Alcohol-Use Disorders. The findings from Photovoice were validated by survey results, thereby solidifying the high prevalence of Alcohol-Use Disorders as the health outcome that will be targeted through future long-term research and partnership.
COVID-19 and the public response: Knowledge, attitude and practice of the public in mitigating the pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Zelalem , Deyessa Negussie , Teka Brhanu , Shiferaw Welelta , Hailemariam Damen , Addissie Adamu , Abagero Abdulnasir , Kaba Mirgissa , Abebe Workeabeba , Nega Berhanu , Ayele Wondimu , Haile Tewodros , Gebrehiwot Yirgu , Amogne Wondwossen , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Abebe Tamrat 
Published: January 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the global community in many ways. Combating the COVID-19 pandemic requires a coordinated effort through engaging public and service providers in preventive measures. The government of Ethiopia had already announced prevention guidelines for the public. However, there is a scarcity of evidence-based data on the public knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and response of the service providers regarding COVID-19.

Objective
This study aimed to assess the public KAP and service providers’ preparedness towards the pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from late March to the first week of April 2020. Participants were conveniently sampled from 10 different city sites. Data collection was performed using a self-administered questionnaire and observational assessment using a checklist. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient and chi-square tests were performed.

Result
A total of 839 public participants and 420 service providers enrolled in the study. The mean age was 30.30 (range = 18–72) years. The majority of the respondents (58.6%) had moderate knowledge about COVID-19, whereas 37.2% had good knowledge. Moreover, 60.7% and 59.8% of the participants had a positive attitude towards preventive measures and good practice to mitigate the pandemic, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between knowledge and attitude, whereas the correlations between knowledge and practice and attitude and practice were weak. With regard to service providers’ preparedness, 70% have made hand-washing facilities available. A large majority of the respondents (84.4%) were using government-owned media followed by social media (46.0%) as a main source of information.

Conclusion
The public in Addis Ababa had moderate knowledge, an optimistic attitude and descent practice. The information flow from government and social media seemed successful seeing the majority of the respondents identifying preventive measures, signs and symptoms and transmission route of SARS-CoV-2. Knowledge and attitude was not associated with practice, thus, additional innovative strategies for practice changes are needed. Two thirds of the service provider made available hand washing facilities which seems a first positive step. However, periodic evaluation of the public KAP and assessment of service providers’ preparedness is mandatory to combat the pandemic effectively.
Temporal patterns of hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Kalla Vyas Arpita , Oud Lavi 
Published: January 2021

Objectives
To examine the temporal patterns of hospitalizations with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the pediatric population and their associated fiscal impact.

Methods
The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File was used to identify hospitalizations of state residents aged 1month-19 years with a primary diagnosis of DKA during 2005–2014. Temporal changes of population-adjusted hospitalization rates and hospitalization volumes were examined for the whole cohort and on stratified analyses of sociodemographic attributes. Changes in the aggregate and per-hospitalization charges were assessed overall and on stratified analyses.

Results
There were 24,072 DKA hospitalizations during the study period. The population-adjusted hospitalization rate for the whole cohort increased from 31.3 to 35.9 per 100,000 between 2005–2006 and 2013–2014. Hospitalization volume increased by 30.2% over the same period, driven mainly by males, ethnic minorities, those with Medicaid insurance and uninsured patients. The aggregate hospital charges increased from approximately $69 million to $130 million between 2005–2006 and 2013–2014, with 66% of the rise being due to increased per-hospitalization charges.

Conclusions
There was progressive rise in pediatric DKA hospitalizations over the last decade, with concurrent near-doubling of the associated fiscal footprint. Marked disparities were noted in the increasing hospitalization burden of DKA, born predominantly by racial and ethnic minorities, as well as by the underinsured and the uninsured. Further studies are needed to identify scalable preventive measures to achieve an equitable reduction of pediatric DKA events.
Mental health literacy in Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A systematic review
Authors: Elyamani Rowaida , Naja Sarah , Al-Dahshan Ayman , Hamoud Hamed , Bougmiza Mohammed Iheb , Alkubaisi Noora 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMental health literacy (MHL) has been relatively neglected, despite the increase of mental health illnesses worldwide, as well as within the Middle East region. A low level of MHL may hinder public acceptance of evidence-based mental health care.AimThis systematic review aims to identify and appraise existing research, focusing on MHL among adults in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, and Medline) was carried out from database inception to July 2019, in order to identify peer-reviewed journal articles that investigated MHL in the GCC countries. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were: cross-sectional studies, reported in English, targeted adults (aged 18 and above), conducted in any of the GCC countries, include at least one outcome measure of the main components of MHL: knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatment, stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illnesses, and seeking help for self and offering help.ResultsA total of 27 studies (16,391 participants) were included. The outcome across studies varied due to disparity in the tested populations. Findings show that limited MHL was observed among participants, even health care professionals. Results also show a high cumulative level of stigma and negative attitude towards mental health illness in the public. Negative beliefs and inappropriate practices are common, as well. The majority of studies yielded a moderate to high risk of bias.ConclusionThis work indicates that research on MHL must be tackled through well-designed large-scale studies of the public. Campaigns to promote early identification and treatment of mental illness is also encouraged to improve overall level of MHL in the general population of the GCC region.Registration number:PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018104492.