bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends, Variability and Predictive Skill of the Ocean Heat Content in North Atlantic: An Analysis with the EC-Earth3 Model
Authors: Carmo-Costa Teresa , Bilbao Roberto , Ortega Pablo , Teles-Machado Ana , Dutra Emanuel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigates trends, variability and predictive skill of the upper ocean heat content (OHC) in the North Atlantic basin. This is a region where strong decadal variability superimposes the externally forced trends, introducing important differences in the local warming rates, and leading in the case of the Central Subpolar North Atlantic to an overall long-term cooling. Our analysis aims to better understand these regional differences, by investigating how internal and forced variability contribute to local trends, exploring also their role on the local prediction skill. The analysis combines the study of three ocean reanalyses to document the uncertainties related to observations, with two sets of CMIP6 experiments performed with the global coupled climate model EC-Earth3: a historical ensemble to characterise the forced signals; and a retrospective decadal prediction system, to additionally characterise the contributions from internal climate variability.

Our results show that internal variability is essential to understand the spatial pattern of North Atlantic OHC trends, contributing decisively to the local trends and providing high levels of predictive skill in the Eastern Subpolar North Atlantic and the Irminger and Iceland Seas, and to a lesser extent in the Labrador Sea. Skill and trends in other areas like the Subtropical North Atlantic, or the Gulf Stream Extension are mostly externally forced. Large observational and modeling uncertainties affect the trends and interannual variability in the Central Subpolar North Atlantic, the only region exhibiting a cooling during the study period, uncertainties that might explain the very poor local predictive skill.
Wild Edible Plants Traditionally Collected and Used in Southern Yemen
Authors: Al-Fatimi Mohamed Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The local wild edible plants (WFPs) are still used traditionally in the rural communities in Yemen but this traditional knowledge is still undocumented and has been never reported before. Therefore, this study is the first ethnobotanical survey on WFPs conducted in Yemen.Methods: This study is based on two field surveys made between 1988 and1992 and between 2014 and 2016 to document the wild plants used as edible by local indigenous peoples in 15 districts belongs to six governorates, in southern Yemen. Information data were collected by oral face-to-face interviews from 250 informants. Percentage of citation were calculate for each species.Results: A total of 58 plant species belong to 37 genera and 21 families are reported as wild edible plants consumed in southern Yemen. Apocynaceae was the dominant plant family with 18 species followed by Asteraceae (6), and Malvaceae (5). The most widely used edible parts are stem, leaf and fruit with more than 17 species for each. Herbs were reported as the most important sources (31 species), followed by shrubs (16) and trees (9). Most of reported wild edibles (48 species parts) are consumed in raw form; only 12 of them are cooked. Seven wild edible plants were collected in dry season, 16 species throughout the year, and 38 in rainy season. In this study, 58 wild plants were reported for the first time as food in Yemen. Comparing the southern Yemeni findings to those from other world countries, 12 of them are eaten only in southern Yemen, while 46 are consumed in different world countries practically in East Africa. Conclusions: The results data reflects the strong relationship between the local peoples and the wild plants and the valuable knowledge of the uses of wild species as potential sources for traditional food. The use of these wild plants is attributed to food shortage, nutritional values, and local cultural tradition. This study preserves the oral traditional knowledge of the local wild plants used as food and/or nutraceutical sources for human in the future instead their losing at risk of time, immigration and wars.
Risk Factors Associated With Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Eyes Treated With Panretinal Photocoagulation
Authors: Baek Sung Uk , Park Min Seon , Cho Bum-Joo , Park In Won , Kwon Soonil 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Uncontrolled diabetes has been associated with progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in several studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate systemic and ophthalmic factors related to worsening of DR even after completion of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). DR patients who had completed PRP in at least one eye with a 3-year follow-up after PRP were included. A total of 243 eyes of 243 subjects (mean age 52.6±11.6 years) were enrolled. Among them, 52 patients (21.4%) showed progression of DR after PRP (progression group), and the other 191 (78.6%) patients had stable DR (non-progression group). The progression group had higher proportion of proliferative DR (P=0.019); lower baseline visual acuity (P<0.001); and higher platelet count (P=0.048), hemoglobin (P=0.044), and hematocrit, (P=0.042) than the non-progression group. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis for progression of DR, baseline visual acuity (HR: 0.053, P<0.001) and platelet count (HR: 1.215, P=0.031) were identified as risk factors for progression. Consequently, we propose that patients with low visual acuity or high platelet count are more likely to have progressive DR despite PRP and require careful observation. Also, the evaluation of hemorheological factors including platelet counts before PRP can be considered useful in predicting the prognosis of DR.
Mapping Services at Two Nairobi County Primary Health Facilities: Identifying Challenges and Opportunities in Integrated Mental Health Care as a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Priority
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Nyongesa Vincent , Kagoya Martha , Mutamba Byamah Brian , Amugune Beatrice , Krishnam Neha , Wambua Grace Nduku , Gachuno Onesmus , Saxena Shekhar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: We describe a facility mapping exercise conducted in two low-income/primary health facilities in Kenya to identify available service resources, cadres, and developmental partners as well as existing barriers and facilitators in the delivery of mental health services in general and specifically for peripartum adolescents in primary health care. We have tried to embrace the principles of integrating mental health services in primary care and keeping WHO mhGAP in mind. Additionally, primary care facilities’ capacity is a major limiting factor for expanding universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries. Method and Measures: This study utilized a qualitative evidence synthesis through semi-structured facility services mapping and stakeholder interviews. Services-related data was collected from two facility in-charges using the Nairobi City County Human Resource Health Strategy record forms. Additionally, we conducted 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) with and clinical officers (Clinicians at diploma level), Nurses, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV Mentor Mothers (PMTCTMs), around both general and adolescent mental health as well as psychosocial services they offered. Using the World Health Organization Assessments Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) as a guideline for the interview, all KII questions were structured to identify the extent of mental health integration in primary health care services. Interview transcripts were then systematically analyzed for common themes and discussed by the first three authors to eliminate discrepancies. Results: Our findings show that health care services centered around physical health were offered daily while the mental health services were offered weekly through specialist services by the Ministry of Health directly or non-governmental partner. Despite Health care workers being aware of the urgent need to integrate mental health services into routine care, they expressed limited knowledge about mental health disorders, lack of trained mental health personnel, the need for more significant funding and resources to provide mental health services, and promotion of CMHS to treat mental health conditions in the primary care setting. Our stakeholders underscored the urgency of integrating mental health treatment, prevention, and well-being promotive activities targeting adolescents especially peripartum adolescent girls.Conclusion: There is a need for further refining of the integrated care model in mental health services and targeted capacity building for health care providers to deliver quality services.
An FMRI-compatible System for Targeted Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Jørgensen Louise Møller , Baandrup Anders Ohlhues , Mandeville Joseph , Glud Andreas Nørgaard , Sørensen Jens Christian Hedemann , Weikop Pia , Jespersen Bo , Hansen Adam Espe , Thomsen Carsten , Knudsen Gitte Moos 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundElectroceutical therapy, applied in various forms, is a rapidly growing therapeutic option to be considered across different medical disorders, particularly within psychiatry, neurology, chronic pain and rehabilitation therapy. Combining targeted electric stimuli with feedback from fMRI can provide valuable information about the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects. So far, however, such studies have been hampered by the lack of technology to conduct such experiments in a both accurate and safe manner. We here present a patented system, a fMRI compatible electrical stimulator, developed for fMRI data acquisition during deep brain stimulation (DBS), as well as the first proof-of-concept neuroimaging data in pigs obtained with a prototype of the device.MethodsThe system consists of two modules, placed in the control and scanner room, with corresponding optical modules and signal converters, connected by optical fiber led through wave guides and back looped for quality assurance. The system is also connected to the MRI scanner to timely initiate the stimulation sequence at start of scan. We evaluated the system in four pigs with DBS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) where we acquired the BOLD response in the STN and neocortex, with stimulation turned on and off in a block design synchronized to the scanning sequence.ResultsWe found that the system delivered a robust electrical stimulus to the implanted electrode during the entire experimental period. The stimulus was confirmed to be in sync with the preprogrammed fMRI block design. All pigs displayed a DBS-STN induced neocortical BOLD response, but none in the site of the implanted electrode. The system solves three major problems related to electrical stimuli and fMRI examinations, namely preventing distortion of the fMRI signal, enabling communication that synchronize the experimental conditions, and surmounting the safety hazards caused by interference from the powerful magnetic field and RF emission. ConclusionsThe patented fMRI compatible electrical stimulator, based on an optic fiber solution, circumvents previous problems related to DBS electroceuticals and fMRI. The system allows flexible modifications for fMRI designs and stimulation parameters but can also be customized to electroceutical applications beyond DBS, applicable for a broad range of medical conditions.
Intensive care–treated cardiac arrest: A retrospective study on the impact of extended age on mortality, neurological outcome, received treatments and healthcare-associated costs
Authors: Holmström Ester Elisabet , Efendijev Ilmar , Raj Rahul , Pekkarinen Pirkka T. , Litonius Erik , Skrifvars Markus B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death worldwide. As population ages, the need for research focusing on CA in elderly increases. This study investigated treatment intensity, 12-month neurological outcome, mortality and healthcare-associated costs for patients aged over 75 years treated for CA in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital. Methods: This single-centre retrospective study included adult CA patients treated in a Finnish tertiary hospital’s ICU between 2005 and 2013. We stratified the study population into two age groups: <75 and 75 years. We compared interventions defined by the median daily therapeutic scoring system (TISS-76) between the age groups to find differences in treatment intensity. We calculated cost-effectiveness by dividing the total one-year healthcare-associated costs of all patients by the number of survivors with a favourable neurological outcome. Favourable outcome was defined as a cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1–2 at 12 months after cardiac arrest. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent association between age group, mortality and neurological outcome. Results: This study included a total of 1,285 patients, of which 212 (16%) were 75 years of age. Treatment intensity was lower for the elderly compared to the younger group, with median TISS scores of 116 and 147, respectively (p < 0.001). The effective cost in euros for patients with a good one-year neurological outcome was €168,000 for the elderly and €120,000 for the younger group. At 12 months after CA 24% of the patients in the elderly group and 47% of the patients in the younger group had a CPC of 1-2 (p < 0.001). Age was an independent predictor of mortality (multivariate OR = 3.36, 95% CI:2.21-5.11, p < 0.001) and neurological outcome (multivariate OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 2.12-5.03, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The elderly ICU-treated CA patients in this study had worse neurological outcomes, higher mortality and lower cost-effectiveness than younger patients. Further efforts are needed to recognize the tools for assessing which elderly patients benefit from a more aggressive treatment approach in order to improve the cost-effectiveness of post-CA management.
Bio-surveillance of environmental pollutants in the population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): A small pilot study
Authors: Bayebila Trésor , Dufour Patrice , Pirard Catherine , Nsangu Jean , Mufusama Jean-Pierre , Mbinze Jérémie , Marini Roland , Charlier Corinne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEnvironmental pollutants are known to be ubiquitous and may present toxic effects (endocrine-disruption properties, carcinogenicity…). Therefore, they represent a real threat to human health. The aim of the present study was to assess the content of environmental pollutants (inorganic, persistent, and non-persistent pollutants) in biological samples (urine, serum, and whole blood), collected from volunteers in Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, in order to estimate the exposure level in the population of Kinshasa to environmental pollutants.MethodsFrom randomly selected 15 volunteers living in Kinshasa, aged from 25 to 66 years, including 10 men and 5 women, urine, whole blood, and serum samples were used in this study to estimate the contents in these environmental pollutants, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry, and Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry.ResultsWhen compared to data nationally and internationally available, the preliminary outcomes of this study indicated a high level of exposure to environmental pollutants in the population of Kinshasa, especially for arsenic, cadmium, lead, benzophenone-3, methyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, triclosan, mono-ethyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, and for 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol. The levels of 4,4’dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethylene and glyphosate were also significant although some heavily exposed populations showed higher level of contamination. In contrast, the investigated population of Kinshasa was found to weakly exposed to other pollutants like bisphenol A, dialkyl phosphates, polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, phenolic organo-halogens, and perfluoroalkyl substances.ConclusionAlthough the biologic fluids were collected from a limited number of volunteers (n = 15), the results of the present report clearly indicate that the population of Kinshasa is not spared by the investigated environmental pollutants.Trial registration: this study was retrospectively registered by the national health ethics committee in the Congo under the series number of 159/CNES/BN/PMMF/2020.
Behavioral Responses of Pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles Gambiae Mosquitoes to Insecticide-treated Bed Net
Authors: Machani Maxwell G. , Ochomo Eric , Amimo Fred , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun , Afrane Yaw A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Long-lasting insecticidal nets are an effective tool in reducing malaria transmission. However, with increasing insecticide resistance little is known about how physiologically resistant malaria vectors behave around a human-occupied bed net, despite their importance in malaria transmission. We assessed the host-seeking behavior of the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s, when an intact human-occupied treated bed net is in place, with respect to their insecticide resistance status under semi-field conditions. Methods: Pyrethroid resistant and susceptible colonies of female Anopheles gambiae s.s aged 3-5 days that have been bred in our insectary, were color-marked with fluorescent powder and released inside a semi-field environment housing a hut which was occupied by a human host. Inside the hut, the occupant slept under an insecticide-treated bed net trap or untreated bed net trap. The window exit trap was installed to catch mosquitoes exiting the hut. A prokopack aspirator was used to collect indoor and outdoor resting mosquitoes in the morning. Clay pots were placed outside the hut to collect mosquitoes resting outdoors. Results: The proportion of resistant mosquitoes caught in the treated bed net trap was higher 43% (95% CI= [40.6-45.3]) compared to the susceptible mosquitoes 28.3% (OR=1.445; P<0.00019). The proportion of susceptible mosquitoes caught in the untreated bed net trap was higher 51.3% (95% CI= [48.8-53.6]) compared to the treated bed net trap 28.3% (95% CI= [26.3-30.5]) (OR=2.65; P<0.0001). Resistant mosquitoes were less likely to exit the house when a treated bed net was present (5.2%; 95% CI= [4.2-6.4]) compared to the susceptible mosquitoes (11.5%; 95% CI= [9.6-12.6]). The proportion of susceptible mosquitoes avoiding contact with the treated bed net and caught resting indoors in the hut (53.8%) and outdoors (64.5%) was higher compared to the resistant mosquitoes (indoors: 46.2%, outdoor: 35.4%). The susceptible females were 2.3 times more likely to stay outdoors away from the treated bed net (OR=2.25; 95% CI= [1.7-2.9]; P<0.0001).Conclusion: The results show that in the presence of a treated net, the host-seeking performance was not altered for the resistant mosquitoes, unlike the susceptible females that were observed to exit the house and remained outdoors when a treated net was used. However, further investigations of the behavior of resistant mosquitoes under natural conditions should be undertaken to confirm these observations and improve the current intervention which are threatened by insecticide resistance and altered vector behavior.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Endoscopic Features of Early Gastric Cancers Diagnosed After Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Ishibashi Hideki , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Tanabe Taro , Imakiire So , Matsuoka Hiroki , Yasuda Hideki , Sakisaka Hideto , Matsuoka Satoshi , Kayashima Yoshiyuki , Kuno Nobuaki , Abe Koichi , Funakoshi Sadahiro , Hirai Fumihito 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is an important risk factor for developing gastric cancer. However, even after H. pylori eradication, early gastric cancer (EGC) can develop. We elucidated the characteristics of EGCs diagnosed after H. pylori eradication. Methods. Thirty-six EGCs in 32 patients diagnosed after H. pylori eradication were defined as the eradication group (H. pylori-EG). The clinicopathological and endoscopic features were compared with those of 156 EGCs in 140 patients in the H. pylori-positive group (H. pylori-PG). Twenty-nine EGC lesions in the H. pylori-EG were further divided into two subgroups: the first included six lesions of none to mild atrophic mucosa around the EGC, and the second included 23 lesions of moderate to severe atrophic mucosa around the EGC. We compared them between the two subgroups. Results. Endoscopic features of EGCs in the H. pylori-EG were characterized as small (P = 0.049) and of the depressed type (P = 0.022) compared with those in the H. pylori-PG. EGCs in the H. pylori-EG were detected on the upper region of the stomach more frequently than those in the H. pylori-PG (P = 0.002). As for submucosal ECGs in the H. pylori-EG, it was more likely to be seen in the none to mild atrophic mucosa subgroup compared to the moderate to severe atrophic gastric mucosa subgroup (P = 0.003). Conclusions. EGCs after H. pylori eradication were characterized as small and of the depressed type. Submucosal invasive EGCs developed more frequently in the none to mild atrophic mucosa after H. pylori eradication. Therefore, careful patient follow-up is important after H. pylori eradication.
Ag Nanoparticles capped TiO2 Nanowires Array based Capacitive Memory
Authors: Pandey Amit Kr. , Deb Prasenjit , Dhar Jay Chandra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Glancing angle deposition technique was used to fabricate Ag nanoparticles (NPs) capped TiO2 Nanowire (NW) array structure for capacitive memory application. Electron microscopes confirmed the sandwiched structure of Ag NPs between TiO2 thin-film (TF) and NW. The average length of the vertical TiO2 NW and diameter of Ag NPs (with density ~1012 cm2) were found to be ~ 350 nm ±5 nm and ~3.2 nm ± 0.4 nm, respectively. An enhanced photoluminescence was observed in case of Ag NPs capped TiO2 NWs due to the presence of high carriers as compared to bare TiO2 NW. The capacitance (C) - voltage (V) hysteresis was measured for both Ag NPs capped TiO2 NW and bare TiO2 NW at different sweeping voltage (±3V to ±10 V) at 1 MHz frequency. A high capacitive memory window of 7.12 V was obtained for Ag NP capped TiO2 NW at ±10 V with an excellent endurance upto 1000 cycle. Significantly lesser charge loss of 23% was obtained after a span of 104 s with a hole and electron loss of 10.6% and 17.8% respectively. The program and erase process in the device was explained with the help of a band diagram.
Al-enabled, implantable, multichannel wireless telemetry for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kim Woo Seok , Khot M. Ibrahim , Woo Hyun-Myung , Baek Dong-Hyun , Hong Sungcheol , Maisey Thomas , Daniels Brandon , Coletta Patricia , Yoon Byung-Jun , Jayne David , Park Sung Il 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative method for treating cancers, and its outcomes are highly dependent on light delivery to tumor cells to activate a photosensitizer. Existing approaches paired with advances in wireless technologies enable remote delivery of light to tumors but suffer from poor spatiotemporal resolution due to inabilities to minimize oxygen depletion in a tumor. Here, we introduce AI-informed low-power wireless telemetry with an integrated thermal/light simulation platform that bypasses all constraints above. The simulator leads to the optimized combination of wavelengths and light sources, and AI-assisted wireless telemetry uses the parameters from the simulator to enable adequate illumination of tumors through high-throughput (< 20 mice) and multi-wavelength operation. They establish a range of guidelines for effective PDT regimen design. Hypericin and Foscan mediated PDT demonstrated substantial suppression of tumor growth, suggesting that the proposed platform provides the potential for widespread use in fundamental research and/or clinical settings.