bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying a “medical deserts” lens to cancer care services in the North-West region of Romania – a mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Brînzac Monica Georgiana , Ungureanu Marius I. , Baba Cătălin O. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical deserts pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, leading to unmet healthcare needs and exacerbated health issues, particularly in underserved regions.
Methods
This study aims to characterise cancer care services in the North-West region of Romania through the lens of medical desertification, employing a mixed-methods approach.
Quantitative analysis of secondary data from 2009 to 2022, along with qualitative data from interviews with cancer patients and healthcare professionals, reveals disparities in access to cancer care across counties within the region.
Results
While Cluj-Napoca exhibited a robust cancer infrastructure, areas like Satu-Mare and Sălaj faced limitations in accessing cancer services, contributing to medical desertification. The qualitative analysis highlighted the prevalence of medical deserts in oncology, with inadequate human resources, facility deficiencies, prolonged waiting times, high costs, and socio-cultural barriers hindering access to cancer care.
Recommendations for improvement include revising treatment protocols, enhancing palliative care, implementing prevention strategies, promoting collaboration among healthcare professionals, and digitalizing the healthcare system. However, challenges persist, including shortage of oncology specialists, geographical disparities in cancer prevalence, and limited access to advanced treatment modalities in rural areas.
Conclusions
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches, including strategic resource allocation, workforce development, infrastructure investments, access to innovative treatments, and digital health technologies. Collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities is crucial to mitigating medical deserts and improving cancer outcomes.
Despite limitations, this study provides valuable insights into cancer care services and underscores the need for concerted efforts to overcome medical desertification and ensure equitable access to high-quality cancer care.
Gastroprotective effect of water extract of Muscari neglectum on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Soydan Menekse , Arabaci Gulnur , Utlu Necati , Halici Mesut Bünyamin , Senocak Esra Aktas , Kiliclioglu Metin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Muscari Mill. is used raw and cooked for gastric diseases, expectorants, wart treatment, and urine enhancers. No scientific study has been found on the effect of Muscari neglectum (MN) water extract on stomach diseases. Here, the effect of water extract of MN plant on some biochemical and histopathological parameters on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats was examined. In this study, 60 male Sprague Dawley rats were used for 24 acute toxicity and 36 gastric ulcer models (n = 6). They were divided into 6 groups as intact; indomethacin, famotidine, indomethacin and MN (100, 200, 400 mg/kg). The results of the gastric tissues examined biochemically, macroscopically and histopathologically showed that all doses of MN extracts prevented indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage and the 400 mg/kg dose had the strongest antiulcer effect with 69%. When SOD, GSH, CAT and MDA levels were investigated, the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer group had a decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH levels and an increase in MDA levels. Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis of the water extract of MN was performed and 14 phenolic compounds were determined. Biochemical analyses and histopathological examinations revealed that the water extract of MN has a good protective effect against gastric ulcer due to its high antioxidant content.
Providing healthcare under the threat of gang-violence: a survey of Haitian healthcare providers
Authors: Belt Rachel , Jacques Nadege , Pierre Larry , Greig Elizabeth , Rahimi Kazem 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In addition to having some of the worst health outcomes in the region, Haiti faces a political and economic crisis. The most recent humanitarian crisis includes an increase in homicides and kidnappings in the capital Port-au-Prince. This study is a cross-sectional, mixed methods online survey of health workers and medical students in Port-au-Prince from May 20 – September 15, 2023. It provides evidence of the kidnapping risk healthcare workers face and shares the perspective of a medical community operating in a challenging context to provide a continuity of care under the threat of violence. The survey of Haitian health workers and students show a significant risk of kidnapping with 44% of respondents reporting that they had a colleague kidnapped in the previous 2 years. 5 of the 249 respondents had been kidnapped and all were young, female health workers. 74% of health workers and students surveyed reported they plan to continue their profession abroad. Although tele-training was viewed as a positive opportunity to continue training cadres of medical professionals, health workers shared numerous limitations present for the expansion of tele medicine in the Haitian context. In addition to describing the experience of the Haitian healthcare professional during this crisis and documenting barriers to tele training and tele medicine, this survey documents design considerations for mobile phone surveys with healthcare providers working in areas affected by conflict.
Model Predictive Sliding Mode Control of Direct Current Motors
Authors: Eghbal Najmeh , Seyedeh-Solmaz Rostami-Sani-Moghaddam-Ghare-Ghuyunlu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a cascade controller is designed for controlling the speed of a direct current motor, which includes a combination of a model predictive controller and a sliding mode controller. The main goal is to precisely control the speed and angle of the motor shaft by adjusting the input voltage, taking into account the voltage limitations. We design a model predictive sliding mode controller in such a way that in the inner loop, the model predictive controller controls the voltage to follow the reference current, and in the outer loop, the sliding mode controller generates the reference current to follow the desired speed. The sliding mode controller, with its resistance to external disturbances, reduces their effects and the uncertainties of modeling. By extracting the reference current based on the speed tracking error and the presence of uncertainty, the optimal terminal voltage of the motor is predicted in the inner loop, leading to the tracking of the desired rotational speed by the motor. This paper also proves the stability of the system in the presence of the motor terminal input voltage constraint, and the simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller in dealing with uncertainty and external disturbances.
CircMETTL3 inhibits H2O2-induced senescence, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in ARPE-19 cells via miR-100/BMPR2 axis
Authors: Xin Xiangyang , Zhao Xin , Ling Feng , Qin Liru , Liu Xinyue , Liu Changhe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to irreversible vision loss. CircRNAs have received increasing attention for their regulatory role in AMD. In this study, whole transcriptome sequencing identified differentially expressed circRNA (circMETTL3) in AMD. Previous studies have unlocked the potential mechanism of circMETTL3 in cancer, but its role in AMD has not been studied. ARPE-19 cells treated with H2O2 were used as the AMD cell model. The senescence, oxidative stress, and DNA damage of ARPE-19 cells were determined by SA-b-gal staining, DCFH-DA staining, and IF assay. The levels of RPE-specific markers or mRNA levels were assessed using western blot assay. The potential mechanism of circMETTL3 was investigated by luciferase reporting assay and RIP assay. CircMETTL3 was revealed to decrease in AMD cell models. The addition of circMETTL3 decreased SA-b-gal staining and ROS production and facilitated cell viability in H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells. Moreover, γH2AX level was suppressed, and TJP1, BEST1 and CTNNB1 protein levels were increased by circMETTL3 addition. In addition, circMETTL3 could bind to and negatively regulate miR-100. miR-100 silencing reduced senescence, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, BMPR2 was targeted by miR-100. Inhibition of BMPR2 promoted H2O2-induced cell damage in ARPE-19 cells. In sum, these findings demonstrated that the circMETTL3/miR-100/BMPR2 axis plays a vital regulatory role in AMD development.
Sociological and Ecological Vulnerabilities from Nuclear Waste Discharge: A Case Study of Fukushima's Marine Ecosystem
Authors: Khoso Abdul Rasool , Jintu Gu , China Nanjing Jiangsu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The dissemination of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean has raised profound ecological and public health concerns. This study examines the sociological effects of nuclear waste discharges on marine ecosystems and human communities, with a particular emphasis on the Fukushima event. Utilizing a combination of existing literature review and secondary data analysis, this study explores the distribution of radionuclides in marine settings, their accumulation in the marine food chain, societal hurdles and the associated health risks for humans. Besides that, the positive nature of coefficients demonstrates that each area measured—health, environment, social, and marine life—worsens with higher volumes of discharged water, highlighting the importance of international standards and effective environmental governance in controlling and reducing the effects of nuclear pollutants. The findings also indicate that the spread of radionuclides, notably tritium and carbon-14, presents sustained ecological and health risks, exacerbated by their long-term presence in the environment and propensity to bioaccumulation. In conclude, Fukushima incident starkly demonstrates the prolonged and intricate effects of nuclear waste discharges on marine ecosystems and human health. Therefore, regulatory enhancements are necessary to uphold strict safety standards and ensure international accountability, thereby boosting public confidence and conforming to global best practices in nuclear safety and environmental protection.
Numerical Simulations of a Curve Flow Related to Centro-affine Invariants
Authors: Xia Fan , Yu Yanhua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel numerical implementation for visualizing the evolutionary process of a curve flow. This flow is an invariant second-order flow in centro-affine geometry. The key of the scheme proposed in this essay is to indirectly obtain the position vector by solving the evolution equation of the support function. Additionally, to improve efficiency, we choose a specific tangential velocity which can eliminate the necessity to update normal angles at each iteration. The reason is that the normal angles do not change over time under this tangential velocity. Finally, we conduct multiple experiments to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of our proposed method.
Is patient-reported outcome after treatment of pelvic ring injuries related to pelvic symmetry? A prospective study
Authors: Therrien Camryn C. , Duis Kaj ten , Banierink Hester , de Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , Reininga Inge H.F. , IJpma Frank F.A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose. To analyze the relation between pelvic symmetry, as measured by the cross-measurement technique, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in terms of functional status and health-related quality of life.
Methods. In this prospective cohort study, X and Y measurements were taken according to the cross- measurement technique on AP radiographs of patients who were treated for a pelvic ring injury in a level 1 trauma center. Patients completed PROMs one year following their injury, reporting their functional status with the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA-NL), specifically lower extremity dysfunction (LED), problems with daily activities (PDA) and mental and emotional problems (MEP) subscales, and quality of life with EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Subgroup analyses were also performed. PROMs were used to analyze the relation between pelvic symmetry and patient-reported outcome, using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficients.
Results. A total of 113 patients (mean age 57 (SD 17.7) years) with pelvic ring injury were included, of which 27 (24%) sustained type A injuries, 64 (57%) type B and 22 (20%) type C injuries. Forty-four (39%) patients were treated operatively. The median pelvic symmetry ratio was 1.01 (IQR 0.07). Weak or no correlations were found between the pelvic symmetry scores and the outcome measurements (Spearman’s correlation coefficients: LED r=0.06; PDA r=0.11; MEP r=-0.02; and EQ-5D r=-0.09). Subgroup analyses revealed no correlations.
Conclusions. Pelvic symmetry is not related to functional status and health-related quality of life, one year after pelvic ring injury. This indicates that some degree of pelvic asymmetry may be well tolerated by patients.
Tailoring sub-nanochannels of palygorskite-derived membranes for desalination and selective lithium-ion transport
Authors: Wang Baodui , Zhen Liping , Meng Genping , Zhao Xisheng , Sun Dina , Chen Yonghui , Wei Shuai , Yin Yuhui , Li Xinyue , Li Hua , Hu Guowen , Wang Aiqin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Nanofiltration membranes featuring sub-1 nm channels have shown significant potential for desalination and ion separation. However, the construction of scalable membranes with tailorable one-dimensional (1D) sub-1 nm channels using a versatile and eco-friendly protocol remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we present an approach to tuning sub-1 nm channels using natural palygorskite (PAL) nanorods with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) cross-linkers to control density and enhance stability of membrane. The sub-1 nm channels of the membrane were further regulated by an ion-imprinting technique to enable fast and selective transport of Li+. The resulting PAL-CMC hybrid (PCH) membranes only retained the natural 1D straight sub-1 nm channels of PAL nanorods by adjusting the CMC content, making them among the few membranes capable of ultra-fast water transport (> 25 L m− 2 h− 1 bar − 1) and exceptional salt retention (97.4% for Na2SO4 and 86.2% for NaCl). Notably, PCH membranes regulated by ion-imprinting technique exhibit unprecedented Li+ selectivity from ionic mixture solutions containing Mg2+, achieving a separation factor (SMg2+/ Li+) up to 32.5. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed rapid Li+ transport through the sub-1 nm channel of PAL. These findings position PCH membranes as next-generation candidates for desalination and Li+ extraction from lagoons.
Improving the organic chemical and physical rheological specification of natural asphalt using wastes of poly vinyl chloride, glass and tires
Authors: Muslim Rasim Farraj , Rashid Kaiwan Omer , Ahmed Thamer Yousif , Ahmed Ayham Hammad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In view of the applied industrial importance of asphalt in many fields {paving roads, surfacing (surface coatings)} and due to the high summer temperatures and their decrease in winter and the increased load led to cracks in the industrial asphalt used in paving and surfacing operations, and economic growth and population increase leads to consumption and an increase in the amount of waste produced. In order to preserve natural resources and a pollution-free environment, waste (glass, tires, plastic) was used in this research to improve and develop the natural asphalt of the Hit - Anbar region, as it cannot be used in its natural form for tiling and flattening operations. The study included improvements in the natural heat asphalt using waste materials. They are mentioned above in the following percentages: (5%-10%-15%-20%-25%-30%). For the purpose of achieving the following objectives:Natural Heat asphalt improvement, sanitary disposal of contaminated waste, sustainable development and achieving economic value for waste.
Assessing Global Pandemic Risks from Emerging Infectious Diseases and High Containment Laboratory Leaks: A Country Level Spatial Network SIR Model Analysis
Authors: Tieman Ross J. , Oliboni Pedro A. , Campos Simeon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Future pandemics could arise from several sources, notably, Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID); and lab leaks from High Containment Biological Laboratories (HCBL). Recent advances in infectious disease, information technology and biotechnology provide building blocks to reduce pandemic risk if deployed intelligently. However, the global nature of infectious diseases, distribution of HCBLs, and increasing complexity of transmission dynamics due to travel networks, make it difficult to determine how to best deploy mitigation efforts. Increasing understanding of the risk landscape posed by EID and HCBL lab leaks could improve risk reduction efforts.
The presented paper develops a country level spatial network Susceptible Infected Removed (SIR) model based on global travel network data and relative risk measures of potential origin sources, EID and lab leaks from Biological Safety Level 3+ and 4 labs, to explore expected infections over the first 30 days of a pandemic. Model outputs indicate that for EID and lab leaks India, the US and China are most impacted at day 30. For EID, expected infections shift from high EID origin potential countries at day 10 to the US, India and China, while for lab leaks the US and India start with high lab leak potential. With respect to model uncertainties and limitations, results indicate several large wealthy countries are influential to pandemic risk from both EID and lab leaks indicating high leverage points for mitigation efforts.
Investigation of the buckling behavior of square hollow columns fabricated from 7A04-T6 aluminum alloy through numerical analysis.
Authors: Bashir Abba , Rong Bin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This research employed ANSYS 17 finite element analysis software to numerically consider the investigation of the buckling behavior of columns made from square hollow sections (SHS) composed of aluminum alloy. A validated modeling with nonlinear finite elements was created through column pin-ended tests. The column samples were manufactured using heat-treated aluminum alloys of 7A04-T6. In the finite element model, geometric and material non-linearities were accounted for. Its accuracy was validated through a comparison of the model's results with experimental conditions. A thorough parametric analysis was carried out to explore the impact of fillet radii, cross-sectional slenderness, meshing size, and member slenderness on the stability of columns. The research juxtaposed experimental and numerical results with design strength parameters from various codes, including Chinese, European, American, and Australian/New Zealand standards. Additionally, alternative design approaches such as the direct strength technique and continuous strength method were considered for comparison. The test results indicated that the Direct Strength Method (DSM), Australian/New Zealand Standard (AUS/NZS), and Continuous Strength Method (CSM) overestimated the actual strength of the columns by 57.73%, 18.34%, and 15.21%, respectively. Conversely, the European, Chinese, and American codes underestimated the strength by 23.60%, 17.40%, and 9%, respectively. Upon examining the numerical data, it was evident that the actual strength of the columns was underestimated by 47.48%, 10.99%, and 7.99% when employing the Direct Strength Method (DSM), Australian/New Zealand Standard (AUS/NZS), and Continuous Strength Method (CSM), respectively. Similarly, the European (EN), Chinese (GB), and American (AA) methods underestimated the strength by 32.80%, 24.30%, and 15.70%, respectively. The majority of existing design guidelines and approaches tend to be conservative in forecasting the ultimate strength of columns made of 7A04-T6 aluminum alloy under eccentric stress. To improve accuracy, a modified formula predicated on the Eurocode was suggested, adjusting various factors for more precise predictions of the ultimate strength of columns made of 7A04-T6 aluminum alloy.
Association Between Climate Change and Patient Health Outcomes: a Mixed-methods Systematic Review
Authors: Turzáková Jana , Kohanová Dominika , Solgajová Andrea , Sollár Tomáš 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change poses significant threats to the environment, biodiversity, and socioeconomic stability worldwide. Its impact on human health, particularly within healthcare systems, is growing in concern. Nurses, as front-line healthcare workers, play a crucial role in addressing climate-related health risks. However, there is a gap in understanding nursing perspectives on climate change and its implications for patient health outcomes.
Aim: To synthesize empirical evidence on the association between climate change and patient health outcomes from a nursing perspective.
Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was carried out in January 2023 in six scientific databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and OVID Nursing. Studies focusing on climate change and patient health outcomes from a nursing perspective were included. Data extraction, quality appraisal, and synthesis were performed systematically.
Results: The systematic review included 18 studies of a mainly quantitative nature. Three main themes emerged as follows: Climate Healthcare Interplay; Future Nurses as Agents of Change; and Navigating Sustainability Challenges in Nursing. These themes highlighted nurses' awareness of the interrelation between climate and health, the need for environmental education in nursing, and the challenges that hinder sustainable nursing practices.
Conclusion: This review underscores the importance of integrating climate change topics into nursing education and fostering organizational support for sustainable nursing practices. Addressing these challenges is essential for nurses to mitigate the health risks posed by climate change effectively.
Integration of Thermoelectric Generators with Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Plants: An Investigation
Authors: Singh Shresth 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Over the years Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Plants have proved themselves to be one of the most efficient ways of Solar Power generation as they do not need energy storage systems and can be used to produce power even when sunlight is not available. But, they come with their own set of challenges which can arise anywhere from the receiver setup to the thermal energy storage system. Though various methods have been proposed to overcome all the shortcomings that can possibly be present in such a system, a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect which is the working principle behind Thermoelectric Generators can be used to generate electricity due to the virtue of the considerable temperature difference that we can obtain on a Concentrated Solar Thermal System. The Seebeck Effect essentially refers to the production of a voltage difference between two dissimilar electrical conductors or semiconductors due to the temperature difference between the two. Scaling this method to the size of the Power Plant Systems can give us fruitful results and this project tries to gauge this very potential and pave the way for a novel method of power generation. Further, simulation results have been used to determine the power generated by Thermoelectric Generator Units and these results can be extrapolated to determine actual power generation post integration of the aforementioned technologies.