bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Although Outpatient Care Patterns Changed During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Continuity Remained Important: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: McAlister Finlay A , Chu Luan Manh , Bakal Jeffrey A , Austin Peter C. , Cox Jafna L. , Verma Amol , Ganesh Aravind , Hill Michael D. , Vyas Manav , Yu Amy Y.X. , Saposnik Gustavo , Abdel-Qadir Husam , Chu Anna , Singnurkar Amit , Kapral Moira , Lee Douglas S. , Khan Nadia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The changes in outpatient care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic represented a natural experiment which allows us to compare outcomes and evaluate the impact of physician-patient continuity after different types of outpatient encounters.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study using data from 5 linked healthcare databases in Alberta to capture all healthcare encounters (virtual or in-person) for 3.84 million community-dwelling adults between March 1, 2019 and February 28, 2023.
Results
The proportion of adults having at least one outpatient encounter with a physician per annum was relatively stable between 2019 and 2023 (94.1–93.4%), although approximately half of the encounters were virtual during the pandemic. Patients having outpatient encounters (virtual or in-person) with unfamiliar physicians were younger and healthier (had fewer comorbidities, were less likely to be taking medications, and had less frequent healthcare contacts in the prior year), but outpatient encounters with an unfamiliar physician were associated with more ED visits, hospitalizations, or other outpatient encounters in the subsequent 7 days compared to outpatient encounters with a familiar physician. The increased incidences were similar early and late in the pandemic and whether outpatient encounters were virtual (40%, 77%, and 21% increased hazards in the first 18 months of the pandemic and 28%, 71%, and 20% in the last 18 months) or in-person (40%, 143%, and 26% in the first 18 months of the pandemic and 34%, 131%, and 24% in the last 18 months).
Conclusions
Outpatient encounters with unfamiliar physicians were associated with higher subsequent healthcare resource use than encounters with familiar physicians both early and late in the pandemic and whether they were virtual or in-person. Continuity of care in the outpatient setting is important even during a pandemic, both during the emergent and the stable phases of the pandemic, and whether encounters are virtual or in-person.
Molecular identification and subtypes analysis of Blastocystis sp. in South Khorasan province, Eastern Iran
Authors: Behravan Mahmoodreza , Haghighi Ali , Javanmard Ehsan , Mohebi Malihe , Nemati Sara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Blastocystis sp. is a prevalent intestinal parasitic protest that infects both birds and animals. There are at least 17 subtypes (ST) of Blastocystis sp., with ST1-ST9 being found in humans. The correlation between specific subtypes and pathogenicity has not been definitively established. This study aimed to identify the genetic diversity within subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in stool samples collected from individuals who referred medical laboratories in the cities of Birjand, Darmian, Nehbandan, and Ferdows, Eastern Iran.
Methods
1800 stool specimens were randomly collected from referred individuals randomly selected medical laboratories of South Khorasan province. DNA was extracted and PCR, sequencing and subtyping was performed for characterization and phylogenetic analysis.
Results
A total of 118 (6.5%) cases of Blastocystis sp. through microscopic observations was confirmed. A ~620-bp segment of the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis sp. was amplified and were genetically evaluated using MEGA6 and DnaSP. 30 samples of Blastocystis sp-positive cases were sequenced. BLAST analyses identified 3 distinct subtypes including ST1 (11, 36.66 %), ST2 (5, 16.68 %), ST3 (14, 46.66) within our samples. Intra-subtype discrimination showed the similarity of 95.88%, 91.56% and 92.14% for ST1 and ST2, ST1 and ST3, and ST2 and ST3, respectively.Additionally, allele 4 for ST1; allele 12 for ST2; alleles 34, 36 for ST3 were detected.
Conclusions
As results, ST1 exhibited the highest nucleotide diversity (π: 0.00113), suggesting a high degree of genetic diversity within this subtype. Phylogenetic analysis showed that, subtype 3 was clustered to animal isolates from cattle and cats, indicated the potential zoonotic transmission of Blastocystissp.
Predictors of Insecticide-Treated Nets Utilization among Children under five years in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: Analysis of the 2018-19 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Semakula Henry Musoke , Mugagga Frank 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite significant distribution of insecticide-treated net (ITNs) by the Government of Uganda to refugees, malaria is major cause of mortality and morbidity among children under five years in refugee settlements. This highlights the persistent challenges and complexities surrounding malaria control and prevention efforts in these settings. Studies that focus on the determinants of ITN utilization among children under five years in refugee settlements in Uganda are not available. Using the 2018–2019 Uganda’s Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS) data, analysis of the individual and household factors associated with utilisation of ITN among children under five in refugee settlements of Uganda was conducted.
Methods
This study focused on 589 children under five staying in refugee settlements located in Uganda. The extracted variables from the UMIS included social-economic factors associated with ITN utilisation. Descriptive analysis was performed to generate summarized statistics, while inferential statistics by way of bivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between the outcome and the independent variables using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression modelling to assess the magnitude of the associations after controlling for other covariates. All analyses considered the survey sampling design and sampling weights, and are conducted in Stata version 18.
Results
The odds of children sleeping under ITN were higher if their mothers had secondary and higher education (8.1 times) as well as primary education (1.5 times). The odds of children sleeping under ITN reduced by 50% if their mothers were pregnant. Interestingly, the odds of children sleeping under ITN were 70% lower if their mothers knew that ‘not sleeping in nets’ caused malaria. Mothers who were exposed to malaria messages had lower odds of their children sleeping under ITNs. Besides, households with televisions had lower odds of their children sleeping under ITNs.
Conclusions
The results highlight areas of intervention that can increase ITN use in refugee settlements of Uganda. Improving access to education for mothers, providing targeted health education on the importance of ITN usage during pregnancy, dispelling misconceptions about malaria transmission, facilitating the proper installation of ITNs among others, can all contribute to increased ITN utilization among children under five.
Perceptions and sensory acceptability of a composite dish prepared from high iron and low phytate: iron molar ratio iron biofortified common bean and white-fleshed sweet potato among pregnant women in rural Uganda
Authors: Buzigi Edward , Pillay Kirthee , Siwela Muthulisi , Mkhwanazi Blessing , Ngidi Mjabuliseni 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Globally, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) disproportionately affects pregnant women due to the increased physiological demands of iron associated with fetal growth and development. However, the highest burden of IDA is on pregnant women who reside in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) because they predominantly consume staple legumes such as conventional common bean (CCB) (Phaseolus vulgaris). Such CCB is either low in iron or rich in iron absorption inhibitors such as phytate and polyphenols. To contribute towards fighting IDA, a high iron biofortified common bean (IBCB) was introduced in Uganda. However, there is limited knowledge about its perceptions and acceptability among pregnant women. This study evaluated the perceptions and sensory acceptability of a high iron-low phytate: iron molar ration dish, WFSP + IBCB (test food) against a low iron-high phytate: iron molar ratio dish, WFSP + CCB (control food) among pregnant women in rural Uganda.
Methods
A total of 104 pregnant women participated in the study. The sensory attributes (taste, colour, aroma, texture, and general acceptability) of the test and control foods were rated using a five-point facial hedonic scale (1 = dislike very much, 2 = dislike, 3 = neutral, 4 = like 5 = like very much). An attribute was acceptable if the participant scored from “like to like very much”. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess participant perceptions about the consumption of WFSP + IBCB during pregnancy. The chi-square test was used to detect the proportion difference for each sensory attribute between WFSP + IBCB and WFSP + CCB, whilst FGD data were analyzed by thematic analysis.
Results
All the sensory attributes were acceptable to the participants and not significantly different between WFSP + IBCB and WFSP + CCB (P > 0.05). The pregnant women had positive perceptions of consuming the WFSP + IBCB dish provided IBCB was accessible, affordable, and feasible to prepare, and its intake provided healthier pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusion
The WFSP + IBCB was accepted by pregnant women, and has the potential to replace WFSP + CCB. Intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effect of IBCB intake on iron status, IDA, and pregnancy outcomes in this study population.
Galactic Bridges and Bar Destruction: Hubble DeepField Insights into Interacting Galaxies
Authors: Tawfeek Amira A. , Hendy Y.H.M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We present a study investigating the impact of strong interactions on the bar structures of galaxies. Using Hubble SpaceTelescope (HST) deep field observations, we visually inspected a sample of 140 galaxies that show bridge features indicativeof interaction and 57 M51-type galaxies. Our analysis revealed a consistent bar fraction of of 16% across both samples,significantly lower than the bar fractions observed in isolated galaxies. Additionally, we found that bars are more likely to formand persist in nearby galaxies, with a clear decline at higher redshifts, and in larger, brighter galaxies with weaker interactions.In contrast, smaller and fainter galaxies are less likely to support bar structures due to the destabilizing effects of stronggravitational interactions. This result contributes to our understanding of the dynamics and structural evolution of galaxiesunder the influence of gravitational interactions.
Modeling the Urbanization Rate Associated with Renewable in Electricity Production and CO 2 Emissions: A Threshold Regression Approach
Authors: Bashayreh Ala' , AL-HINDAWI HATEM , Tahtamouni Abla 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between urbanization rates associated with the increasing dependency on renewable electricity production and CO2 emissions per capita and gross domestic per capita in Jordan. The empirical analysis uses annual data from Jordan for the period 1990–2022 to answer the question: What is/are the threshold urbanization rate/s that pushes CO2 emissions per capita to decline? Results suggest that two threshold values exist for Jordan, which implies a nonlinear relationship between urbanization rate and CO2 emissions per capita. The estimated threshold regression model shows (0.78, 0.91) as the threshold values of urbanization rate, and values between these thresholds push CO2 emissions per capita to decline. In addition, there is a significant negative relationship between these two variables.
JEL: R0; Q2; Q5; C24;
Reactive extraction of methanesulfonic acid from wastewater using trioctylamine
Authors: Zhou Jian , Jia Yu , Wei Chengjia , Li Huiru , Liu Yufeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Wastewater containing methanesulfonic acid (MSA) mainly originates from the production process of metal detergent, contributing to significant environmental pollution. This study explores the use of trioctylamine (TOA) to extract MSA from wastewater. Various factors affecting the extraction efficiency, including the extractant type, phase ratio (O/A), diluent, temperature, stirring speed, and extraction time were systematically investigated. An extraction efficiency of 96.1% was achieved using TOA (0.86 mol·L− 1) at 25°C, 1400 r·min− 1, and an extraction time of 30 minutes. FT-IR, XPS, and high-resolution ESI-MS analyses provided insights into the extraction mechanism, revealing that the complexation between TOA and MSA occurs through ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, TOA was successfully regenerated through back-extraction with sodium hydroxide. The proposed extraction system is advantageous for eco-friendly engineering applications.
In silico identification and interaction analysis of Hub Genes and miRNAs in Gynecological Cancer and their potential role as biomarkers
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Chen Sisi , Duan Na , Liu WangBo , Huang Hanling , Huang Ke 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that are small, single-stranded, and contain 21 to 23 nucleotides. They are known to play extensive roles in various diseases and their development, including gynaecological cancers such as ovarian, vulvar, and cervical cancer. These cancers are prevalent among women and are often fatal. The heterogeneity of gynecological cancers poses a major challenge to diagnosis in modern medicine. In this study, we carried out extensive in silico analysis to identify hub genes, miRNAs, and their interactions, leading to the identification of potential biomarkers that could assist in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers. A total of three mRNA expression profiles of cervical cancer (GSE54388, GSE69428, and GSE36668) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The statistical analysis of GEOR2 yielded 16344 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and by utilizing robust regression analysis, 229 common DEGs were retrieved. Among them, 94 and 135 genes were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. By utilizing STRING and Cytohuba, we retrieved ten hub genes via a protein-protein interaction network. These genes were named CDK1, AURKA, BUB1B, CCNB1, TOP2A, KIF11, BUB1, CCNB2, CDCA8, and BIRC5. Following extensive computational analysis using the miRDB tool and the NetworkAnalyst, dbDEMC, and MiRNAs databases, a total of 30 miRNAs that interact with hub genes were identified; among these miRNAs, hsa-miR-653-5p, hsa-miR-495-3p, hsa-miR-381-3p, hsa-miR-1266-5p, and hsa-miR-589-3p were the top five interactive miRNAs that targeted the most hub genes and were involved in key functions leading to colorectal cancer, gynecological cancer, glioma, and TGF-beta signalling. These miRNAs show promising interactions with hub genes, and serine/threonine protein kinases are the most strongly associated with these genes and appear to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gynecological cancers.
Effect of freezing-thawing cycles and high temperatures on concretes containing partial replacement of fine grain Blast and Electric Arc Furnace slags
Authors: gilkalaye Sepehr ghorbani , Mousavinejad Seyed Hosein Ghasemzadeh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study examines the effects of industrial by-products, such as iron slag and steel slag, as partial replacements of fine grain at 10%, 15%, and 25%, individually and combined. The research evaluates the impact on physical changes and mechanical resistance under freeze-thaw cycles and high temperatures. Additionally, the study explores the effects of incorporating 0.3% polypropylene fibers by volume and 10% microsilica by cement weight. The durability of concrete samples at temperatures of 400°C and 800°C at the age of 90 days, exposed to gas furnace and freezing-thawing at the age of 28 days with 100 cycles, were investigated in terms of compressive strength. Samples subjected to 100 freeze-thaw cycles showed increased porosity and expansion of microcracks, leading to a loosened macrostructure and a 0.8% decrease in weight. Findings indicate that replacing slag in the fine grain and combining these materials with polypropylene and microsilica fibers improved mechanical properties like compressive strength. Additionally, incorporating 10% slag enhanced the mechanical properties of samples at 400°C and 800°C, with lower resistance loss compared to designs without additives. The inclusion of 10% microsilica and 0.3% polypropylene fibers, however, reduced sample resistance at 800°C compared to 400°C. Furthermore, the freeze-thaw cycle caused a 32.46% decrease in sample resistance compared to the control state. Microstructural analysis of GGBS in concrete using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the addition of GGBS produces a denser matrix populated with more angular particles, resulting in improved bonding properties compared to plain concrete.
Nurses’ assessments of the work environment, organisational culture and work arrangements: A cross-sectional study of Estonian hospitals in 1999, 2009 and 2021
Authors: Kõrgemaa Ulvi , Sisask Merike , Ernits Ülle 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their perceptions of their work environment are crucial for healthcare quality. A supportive and well-resourced work environment enhances the quality of care and increases employee commitment. The physical environment directly influences nurses' well-being and efficiency, while a culture that fosters collaboration and communication is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring high-quality care. This study aimed to analyse nurses’ assessments of the work environment, organisational culture and work organisation over three decades (1999, 2009 and 2021) to understand their connection to changes in nursing activities over time.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey methodology was adopted. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted via IBM SPSS. These analyses sought to track temporal changes, explore relationships between workforce resources and nursing activities, and investigate the determinants of the perceived nurse-to-patient ratio.
Results
In the work environment domain, the perceived quality of the physical work environment remained stable, although the nurse-to-patient ratio increased insufficiently. Changes in organisational culture yielded improvements in communication and the mental work environment but reductions in the quality of collaboration. With respect to work organisation, a greater standardisation of nursing work emerged over time. The logistic regression analysis indicated that nurses working in regional hospitals and departments with more beds more frequently considered the nurse-to-patient ratio to be insufficient.
Conclusions
The nurses’ views showed that despite the increased health care workforce, the nurse-to-patient ratio was often seen as insufficient. Although the quality of the physical environment either remained stable or improved, organisational culture shifts indicated less group work and greater multiprofessional cooperation. This study underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach for evaluating the nurse-to-patient ratio, integrating both quantitative and qualitative measures to effectively gauge and improve the nursing work environment.
Adsorptive removal of 2,4-chlorophenol from water by micronized oil shale
Authors: Rauch Renáta , Lukács Éva , Molnár Miklós 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Chlorophenols, classified as priority water pollutants, can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, potentially leading to their enrichment throughout the food chain. This study investigated the utilization of a unique oil shale as a sorbent for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solutions. The influence of various process parameters, including the contact time, sorbent/liquid ratio, temperature, and pH, on the sorption process was evaluated. The results indicated the near-complete sorption of 2,4-DCP within 24 h. Favorable sorption was observed at a sorbent/liquid ratio of 1:10, elevated temperatures, and lower pH values within the examined range. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were in good agreement with the equilibrium sorption data. However, the Freundlich isotherm provides a superior fit, suggesting a multilayer sorption mechanism. Kinetic studies revealed a two-stage process: intraparticle diffusion dominated the initial stage, whereas other rate-limiting mechanisms may have contributed to the second stage. The first- and second-order kinetic models suggested a combined mechanism involving physisorption and chemisorption. Physisorption appeared to be more prevalent, particularly in the second stage, whereas chemisorption governed the initial stage. These findings demonstrate the potential of the investigated oil shale as an unconventional and cost-effective sorbent, potentially serving as a substitute for activated carbon in 2,4-DCP removal.
Use of the Wrf Model for the Identification of Areas With Potential for Wind Energy Generation in La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Muñoz July Andrea , Hernández Francisco Luis , Solarte Edinson Andrés 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this investigation, locations in the department of La Guajira, Colombia, with optimal wind speed behaviour for the generation of wind energy, were identified. The WRF meteorological model was used with input data from the GFS global analysis and forecast, two nested domains of 9 and 3 km, 45 vertical levels and the physical parameterization contained in the TROPICAL module. Successful model execution improved the spatial and temporal resolution of the input data. The resulting information corresponding to the wind speed was used to determine its behaviour at harvest heights of 50, 100 and 150 m. Subsequently, adjustment of the Weibull probability function was carried out, its shape and scale parameters were estimated via the maximum likelihood method, and finally, taking advantage of the cubic relationship between the wind potential and wind speed, the potential raster for the elevations was estimated. The values modelled by the WRF model were compared with the data recorded at the meteorological station located at the Bolívar airport at a height of 10 m above sea level, with an RMSE of 2.26 m/s, an R2 of 0.73 and a bias of 1.17 m/s. The shape and scale parameters in the modelled data are overestimated by 0.79 and 1.83 m/s, respectively, compared with the fit of the values recorded by the weather station. In terms of potential, the greatest resource is found over the sea, mainly in areas near the Sierra Nevada and in the northern part of the department, reaching values of up to 1200 W/m2.