bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Out of Pocket and Catastrophic Health Expenditures in Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Saima , Kishwar Shabana , Nasir Muhammad , Ali Shehzad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In Pakistan, health care utilization is linked to out-of-pocket (OOP) payments which has inequitable impact on household finances, leading to a vicious cycle of debt and repayments. In this study, we investigated socioeconomic inequality in OOP and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and the contribution of sociodemographic determinants to inequality. Three latest rounds of the Household Integrated Economic Survey (2007-08, 2011-12, and 2018-19) conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics were used. National and provincial-level socioeconomic inequalities were measured using concentration index (CI), and the slope (SII) and relative (RII) indices of inequality. Decomposition analyses were conducted using the approach proposed by Wagstaff (2005) and Erreygers (2009). We found that OOP payments increased from PKR 127 (2007-8) to PKR 250 (2018-19), with the largest increase observed in Punjab province. The gap in mean OOP payment between socioeconomic quintiles was also the largest in Punjab (2018-19). The percentage experiencing CHE in the most deprived quintile (Q1) changed from 8.3% (2007-8) to 13.7% (2018-9), and for the least deprived quintile (Q5) changed from 5.1% (2007-8) to 8.4% (2018-19). The OOP CI increased from 0.028 to 0.051 between 2007-8 and 2019-18, while SII and RII increased from 0.89 to 1.32 and 1.18 to 1.36, respectively. The CHE CI remained unchanged between 2007-8 and 2018-19, while SII become more positive and RII values became more negative. These findings suggest that the OOP expenditures increased over time for the least deprived group while CHE increased for the most deprived groups. The inequality decomposition analysis found that family size, socioeconomic position, dependency ratio and employment status were key contributing factors. We conclude that poor households should be protected from CHE by decoupling utilization from financing and extending financial risk protection through health insurance.
Identifying Rice Field Weeds from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing Imagery Using Deep Learning
Authors: Guo Zhonghui , Cai Dongdong , Zhou Yunyi , Xu Tongyu , Yu Fenghua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Rice field weed object detection can provide key information on weed species and locations for precise spraying, which is of great significance in actual agricultural production. However, facing the complex and changing real farm environments, traditional object detection methods still have difficulties in identifying small-sized, occluded and densely distributed weed instances. To address these problems, this paper proposes a multi-scale feature enhanced DETR network, named MS-DETR. By adding multi-scale feature extraction branches on top of DETR, this model fully utilizes the information from different semantic feature layers to improve recognition capability for rice field weeds in real-world scenarios.
Methods
Introducing multi-scale feature layers on the basis of the DETR model, we conduct a differentiated design for different semantic feature layers. The high-level semantic feature layer adopts Transformer structure to extract contextual information between barnyard grass and rice plants. The low-level semantic feature layer uses CNN structure to extract local detail features of barnyard grass. Introducing multi-scale feature layers inevitably leads to increased model computation, thus lowering model inference speed. Therefore, we employ a new type of Pconv (Partial convolution) to replace traditional standard convolutions in the model, so as to reduce memory access time and computational redundancy.
Results
On our constructed rice field weed dataset, compared with the original DETR model, our proposed MS-DETR model improved average recognition accuracy of rice field weeds by 2.8%, reaching 0.792. The MS-DETR model size is 40.8M with inference time of 0.0081 seconds. Compared with three classical DETR models (Deformable DETR, Anchor DETR and DAB-DETR), the MS-DETR model respectively improved average precision by 2.1%, 4.9% and 2.4%.
Discussion
This model has advantages such as high recognition accuracy and fast recognition speed. It is capable of accurately identifying rice field weeds in complex real-world scenarios, thus providing key technical support for precision spraying and management of variable-rate spraying systems.
Trivalent outer membrane vesicles-based combination vaccine candidate induces protective immunity against Campylobacter and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella in adult mice
Authors: Banerjee Soumalya , Halder Prolay , Das Sanjib , Maiti Suhrid , Withey Jeffrey H. , Mitobe Jiro , Chowdhury Goutam , Kitahara Kei , Miyoshi Shin-ichi , Mukhopadhyay Asish Kumar , Dutta Shanta , Koley Hemanta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Campylobacter and non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are among the most common causative agents of gastroenteritis worldwide. As of now, no single combination licensed vaccine is available for public health use against both NTS and Campylobacterspecies. Outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoscale proteoliposomes released from the surface of gram-negative bacteria during log phase and harbor a variety of immunogenic proteins. Based on epidemiology of infections, we formulated a novel trivalent outer membrane vesicles (TOMVs)-based vaccine candidate against Campylobacter jejuni (CJ),Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) andSalmonella Enteritidis (SE). Isolated OMVs from CJ, ST and SE were combined in equal ratios for formulation of TOMVs and 5 µg of the developed vaccine candidate was used for intraperitoneal immunization of adult BALB/c mice. Immunization with TOMVs significantly activated both the humoral and cellular arm of adaptive immune response. Robust bactericidal effect was elicited by TOMVs immunized adult mice sera. TOMVs immunization induced long-term protective efficacy against CJ, ST and SE infections in mice. The study illustrates the ability of TOMVs-based combination immunogen in eliciting broad-spectrum protective immunity against prevalent Campylobacter and NTS pathogens. According to the findings, TOMVs can work as a potent combination-based acellular vaccine candidate for amelioration of Campylobacter and NTS-mediated gastroenteritis.
Partial cardiopulmonary bypass through left thoracotomy for coarctation repair in children
Authors: Joo Kunihiko , Ochiai Yoshie , Motomatsu Yuma , Hashizumi Yuki , Maniwa Yutaka , Sugitani Yuichiro , Watanabe Mamie , Muneuchi Jun , Tokunaga Shigehiko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
A left thoracotomy approach is anatomically appropriate for childhood aortic coarctation; however, the pediatric femoral arteriovenous diameters are too small for cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation. We aimed to determine the safety of a partial cardiopulmonary bypass through the main pulmonary artery and the descending aorta in pediatric aortic coarctation repair.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients, who underwent coarctation repair under partial main pulmonary artery-to-descending aorta cardiopulmonary bypass with a left thoracotomy, between January 2006 and July 2023.
Results
The median age and weight at surgery were 3.1 years (range, 9 days to 17.9 years) and 14.0 (range, 2.8–40.7) kg, respectively. Indications for the partial cardiopulmonary bypass with overlap were as follows: age > 1 year (n = 7), mild aortic coarctation (n = 3), and predicted ischemic time > 30 min (n = 5). Coarctation repair using autologous tissue was performed in seven cases and graft replacement in three. The mean partial cardiopulmonary bypass time, descending aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass flow rate were 73 ± 37 min, 57 ± 27 min, and 1.6 ± 0.2 L/min/m2, respectively. Urine output (mean: 9.1 ± 7.9 mL/kg/h) was observed in most cases during descending aortic clamping. The median ventilation time was 1 day (range, 0–15), and the intensive care unit stay duration was 2 days (range, 1–16) with no surgical deaths. No major complications, including paraplegia or recurrent coarctation, occurred postoperatively during a median observation period of 8.1 (range, 3.4–17.5) years.
Conclusions
Partial cardiopulmonary bypass through the main pulmonary artery and descending aorta via a left thoracotomy is a safe and useful option for pediatric aortic coarctation repair.
Amphiphilic fibers based on polypropylene-g-poly(acrylic acid) by sequential photo-induced metal-free ATRP and electrospinning
Authors: Acik Gokhan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Undoubtedly, with the increasing awareness of the scientific community and the public, current trends are directing research to implement effective and combined yet nature friendly methodologies. Due to advantages such as adaptability and versatility, the combination of electrospinning and light is increasingly intriguing. This study proposes a new strategy for producing amphiphilic fibers from graft copolymer of polypropylene (PP) and poly (acrylic acid) (FPP-g-PAA). The first step includes the synthesis of copolymer containing PP main chain and poly (tertiary butyl acrylate) pendant groups (PP-g-PAA) via photo-induced metal-free ATRP (PIMF-ATRP) of tertiary butyl acrylate (t-BA) monomer with chlorinated polypropylene (PP-Cl) as a macro photo-initiator followed by acidolysis of t-BA units to acrylic acid moieties. In the second step, the PP-g-PAA is successful electrospun to fabricate the ultimate amphiphilic fibers. The chemical steps are monitored and confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopies, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Following the structural characterization, morphological and wetting properties are systematically determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water contact angle (WCA) measurement by depending on surface characteristics of the samples. Thermal behaviour of precursors and synthesized electrospun fibers has also been evaluated and compared by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The SEM images display that the achieved fibers were smooth and circular with the average diameters ranging from 3.3 µm up to 3.9 µm. After WCA measurements, it was elucidated that the hydrophobic nature of electrospun PP-g-PtBA was transformed into amphiphilic structure by hydrolysis of PtBA pendant groups. The reported approach is very encouraging and expected to trigger further development for scientists preparing various types of amphiphilic polyolefin fiber based materials.
Efficacy of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Alone for Diffuse Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Qiuyi , Wang Ruijie , Dai Zhengjie , Zou Xuan , Wang Xu , Chen Yusheng , Lin Xuan , Cheng He , Yu Xianjun , Liu Chen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis, and the median survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from PDAC is measured in weeks. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been reported to improve survival. Although performing CRS is difficult in most patients with advanced PDAC, the role of HIPEC in patients with diffuse PC from PDAC has not yet been defined. This retrospective single-centre study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sole HIPEC treatment and to identify principal prognostic indicators in patients with PC from PDAC.
Method. The HIPEC group included 316 patients with diffuse PC from PDAC who were treated with HIPEC from January 2016 to October 2022. The standard group included pancreatic PC patients treated with intravenous chemotherapy without HIPEC during the same period. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox regression models were used for analysis.
Results. Median age was 63 years. Median follow-up duration was 6.6 months. Positive prognostic indicators included gender, differentiation of pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy before HIPEC, level of leukocyte counts, albumin level, and the level of serum CA19-9.
Conclusion. HIPEC is recommended for those patients with diffuse PC from PDAC and acceptable mortality and morbidity. The prognostic role of serum markers and chemotherapy may be important in advanced PDAC with PC.
Enhancing Terahertz Wave Detection with Cutting-Edge Plasmonic Technology
Authors: Salahandish Mohammad , Bigbaghlou Reza Ghahramani , Nasiri Hassan , Pourziad Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study presents a detailed examination of Cutting-Edge plasmonic metamaterial absorbers utilizing square and cross resonators for terahertz wave detection. The impact of these resonators on absorption efficiency is thoroughly investigated, focusing on the influence of electric fields at specific wavelengths. Promising results are achieved through comprehensive analysis. The study delves into TE and TM modes at a radiation angle of φ = 70°, with simulations conducted in 3D using CST Microwave Studio.
A Computationally Efficient Analytical Modelling Approach for Parametric Oscillations in Floating Bodies
Authors: Fujiyama Erik Silva , Lelkes János , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás , Davidson Josh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Parametric resonance in floating bodies presents a complex nonlinear dynamic problem with significant implications for offshore engineering, wave energy systems, and naval architecture. Addressing the computational challenges inherent in modelling such phenomena, this paper introduces an innovative analytical model that incorporates position dependence into the hydrodynamic coefficients for the wave excitation force, enabling conventional analytic hydrodynamic models to be augmented and recast into a form akin to the Mathieu equation. Originally conceived for analysing heave-to-heave Mathieu instability in floating bodies, this research extends the model's applicability to the investigation of heave-to-pitch Mathieu instability, thereby broadening its utility in understanding the nonlinear dynamics of marine structures. The effectiveness of the model in capturing parametric resonance is substantiated through a comparison with the results from a high-fidelity, computationally expensive, nonlinear Froude-Krylov force model. The proposed model boasts a speed advantage of over 1000 times compared to the nonlinear Froude-Krylov force model, while also offering the considerable benefit of facilitating analytical investigation methods. The capacity of the model to generalize appears promising, as the extension to a 2 Degrees of Freedom system demonstrates favourable outcomes.
Insights into European regulatory solutions on implementation of fat tax - a scoping review
Authors: Pitas Wiktoria , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Kamińska Weronika 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the face of significant societal burden caused by the consequences of non-communicable diseases, policymakers are obligated to implement various strategies aimed at mitigating these threats. Special focus is directed towards the issues of obesity and overweight, which result in substantial healthcare costs estimated at 700 billion dollars annually. Among the proposed interventions is the so-called"fat tax" – a tax on high-fat content products. The first such measure took place in Denmark in 2011, encompassing food products containing more than 2.3% fat.
The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough analysis of the characteristics of taxing high-fat content products in European countries, followed by an analysis of the feasibility of introducing such taxation under the current conditions in Poland.
The study was conducted in accordance with the preferred criteria for reporting systematic research and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Four databases were searched using two keywords - "fat tax" and "fat taxation".
Research findings demonstrated that the most significant efficacy in combating obesity is achieved through the implementation of multidimensional strategies. The paper also discusses alternative measures aimed at improving population health. Recommendations from the WHO and the EU are also presented.
The text considers various perspectives, weighing potential benefits against concerns about effectiveness, fairness, and unintended consequences. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a comprehensive approach, encompassing education, public health initiatives, and actions aimed at improving the accessibility of healthier dietary options. The paper outlines key steps that should be taken to introduce a fat tax.
OLFM4 promotes the progression of intestinal metaplasia through activation of the MYH9/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway
Authors: hongfa wei , Li Wenchao , Zeng Leli , Ding Ni , Li Kuan , Yu Hong , Jiang Fei , Yin Haofan , Xia Yu , Deng Cuncan , Cai Nan , Chen Xiancong , Gu Liang , Zhang Feiran , He Yulong , Li Jia , Zhang Changhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is classified into complete intestinal metaplasia (CIM) and incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IIM). Patients diagnosed with IIM face an elevated susceptibility to the development of gastric cancer, underscoring the critical need for early screening measures. In addition to the complexities associated with diagnosis, the exact mechanisms driving the progression of gastric cancer in IIM patients remain poorly understood. OLFM4 is overexpressed in several types of tumors, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, and its expression has been associated with tumor progression.
Methods
In this study, we used pathological sections from two clinical centers, biopsies of IM tissues, precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) cell models, animal models, and organoids to explore the role of OLFM4 in IIM.
Results
Our results show that OLFM4 expression is highly increased in IIM, with superior diagnostic accuracy of IIM when compared to CDX2 and MUC2. OLFM4, along with MYH9, was overexpressed in IM organoids and PLGC animal models. Furthermore, OLFM4, in combination with Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), accelerated the ubiquitination of GSK3β and resulted in increased β-catenin levels through the Wnt signaling pathway, promoting the proliferation and invasion abilities of PLGC cells.
Conclusions
OLFM4 represents a novel biomarker for IIM and could be utilized as an important auxiliary means to delimit the key population for early gastric cancer screening. Finally, our study identifies cell signaling pathways involved in the progression of IM.
Molecular mechanisms of flowering time differentiation revealed by transcriptomic sequencing and de novo analysis in Chinese invasive populations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Authors: Yang Xiao-Feng , Li Xiao-Meng , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Xi Chao , Liao Wan-Jin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

BackgroundAmbrosia artemisiifolia is a highly invasive species with a notorious reputation for its deleterious effects on both public health and agricultural systems. Previous research has demonstrated that flowering time varies latitudinally along a cline and this may have significant implications for local adaptation and the successful invasion of A. artemisiifolia in China. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying variation in flowering time in this species remains poorly understood. In this study, a common garden experiment and transcriptome analysis were performed using different populations of A. artemisiifolia that originated from diverse locations across a latitudinal gradient in China.
Results Our study confirmed the presence of a latitudinal cline in the flowering time of A. artemisiifolia.Transcriptome comparisons identified substantial variation in gene expression among populations exhibiting different flowering time, with a greater abundance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed between populations spanning wider latitudinal ranges. The functional annotation results revealed the involvement of light, sugar, vernalization and autonomous pathways in the modulation of flowering time variation among populations. Furthermore, a comprehensive set of DEGs encompassed various transcription factors (TFs) associated with flowering time regulation, including WRKY, AP2/ERF, bZIP, C2H2, bHLH, NAC and MYB-related TFs. Several candidate genes associated with variation in flowering time variation were identified. CO, GAI, FES1and FD function as promoters of flowering induction, while LFY, FVE, FLKand SVP act as inhibitors of flowering initiation in A. artemisiifolia. Several previously uncharacterized unigenes, involved in the regulation of flowering time in A. artemisiifolia, were also been identified.
Conclusions The findings in this study suggest that the differentiation of flowering time in A. artemisiifolia is collectively influenced by numerous genes involved in the photoperiodic, vernalization, gibberellin, temperature, sugar and autonomous pathways. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation of flowering time will significantly advance our understanding of the factors facilitating the successful invasion of A. artemisiifolia in China.
What is the Impact of the Therapy Capability Framework on the Provision of Physical Health Care in a Large Publicly Funded Mental Health Service
Authors: Lau Geoffrey , Chapman Justin , Bennett Sally , Meredith Pamela , Sewell Jeanette , Johnston Donni , Butler Cassandra , Parker Andrea , Wyder Marianne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
People with mental illness have poor physical health outcomes. Case management approaches involve clinicians operating broadly, which can genericise scope of practice and reduce capability in addressing physical health. Capability frameworks can support evidence-informed therapies; however, their utility for promoting physical health in routine mental health care is unclear. The aims of this study were to evaluate: (i) staff capability in physical health care and the association with provision of service; (ii) changes in capability and service provision.
Method
A physical health care therapies capability framework (PHC TCF) was implemented at a large publicly funded community-based adult mental health service with a case management model of service. Complementary workforce development strategies for physical health capabilities were also promoted as a quality improvement initiative. Self-rated capability in physical health care over a 6-month period, and Provision of Service (POS) for physical health assessment and intervention over 12-months were analysed retrospectively. Friedman’s tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank post-tests were used to assess change in POS; a McNemar’s test was used to assess change in PHC TCF capability levels. Associations between profession and capability levels were examined using Chi-square tests.
Results
Compared with allied health, the nursing profession was significantly associated with higher PHC TCF level (p < .01). Physical health assessment and intervention rates were similar between capability levels. When looking at changes over time, there was a significant increase in the provision of physical health interventions as a proportion of total POS (z = -2.69, p = .007) between the first and last quarter of the calendar year; however, there was no significant change in perceived capability levels.
Conclusion
Despite minimal participation in physical health workforce strategies, the proportion of clinical services provided by case managers that were classified as physical health care, increased during the 12-month implementation of the PHC TCF. Over 90% of eligible case managers used the PHC TCF. Capability data unveiled significant differences in self-reported capability levels for physical health care between nursing and allied health professionals. Engaging in supervision using the PHC TCF may have reinforced the importance of physical health treatments for case managers. This study suggests that the TCF can be an important tool to change the workforce delivery of different therapies.