bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iranian Healthcare System Response To Hospital And Intensive Care Bed Requirements During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hemmati Fazeleh , Jafari Kasra , Mirmohammadkhani Majid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, including Iran. This article examines the Iranian healthcare system's response to hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) bed requirements during the pandemic, highlighting the need for effective strategies to meet the surge in demand for specialized care.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used to analyze data from the Statistical Centre of Iran. The dataset included information on total, general, and ICU beds across different types of medical care facilities for pre- and postpandemic periods. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess changes in bed counts in the two mentioned periods.
Results
The study revealed that during the pandemic, there was a notable increase in total, general, and ICU bed counts in Iran. However, when comparing the pre- and postpandemic periods, ICU beds showed a significantly higher increase (+ 34.01%) and general beds increased less (+ 7.47%). The variations in bed count changes among provinces underscored the importance of considering local impacts and resource availability.
Discussion
The findings demonstrate the adaptability and responsiveness of the Iranian healthcare system to the pandemic. While the system successfully increased ICU bed capacity, there was a shift in resource allocation priorities, with a lesser emphasis on general beds. International comparisons highlight similar strategies employed globally, emphasizing the need for scalable resources during a crisis.
Ferroptosis Regulated by 5-HT3a Receptor via Calcium/Calmodulin Signaling Contributes to Neuropathic Pain in Brachial Plexus Avulsion Rat Model
Authors: Liao Chengpeng , Guo Jinding , Rui Jing , Gao Kaiming , Lao Jie , Zhou Yingjie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a prevalent complication following brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). Ferroptosis has been implicated in various nervous system disorders. However, the association between ferroptosis and neuropathic pain induced by BPA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of ferroptosis in BPA-induced neuropathic pain. A rat model of neuropathic pain was established via BPA induction. Pain thresholds of rats were measured after BPA surgery and intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1. On day 14 post-surgery, SDH (spinal dorsal horn) samples were collected for western blotting, biochemical analysis and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression and distribution of ferroptosis-related markers. The relationships among 5-HT3a receptor, calcium/calmodulin (CaM) pathway and ferroptosis were assessed via western blotting, biochemical analysis and lipid peroxidation assays, including iron and calcium content, ROS, GPX4, ACSL and CaM expression. BPA-induced neuropathic pain was associated with iron accumulation, increased lipid peroxidation, and dysregulated expression of ACSL4 and GPX4, and changes in transferrin receptor (TFR), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and ferroportin-1 (FPN1). Intraperitoneal administration of Fer-1 reversed all these alterations and mitigated mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. Inhibition of the 5-HT3a receptor reduced ferroptosis. Furthermore, the 5-HT3a receptor can regulate the calcium/calmodulin pathway via L-type calcium channels (LTCCs), and blocking LTCCs with nifedipine also alleviated ferroptosis in the SDH of BPA rats. Taken together, in rats with brachial plexus avulsion, the development of neuropathic pain involves ferroptosis, which is regulated by the 5-HT3a receptor through the L-type calcium channels and the calcium/calmodulin signaling pathway in the spinal dorsal horn.
Design of Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) synthesis process using CO2, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment
Authors: Lee Yun Gyu , Lee Hyeong Uk , Lee Jae Min , Kim Na Young , Jeong Dong Hwi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To successfully attain the objective of carbon neutrality, the active incorporation of carbon capture utilization (CCU) technology becomes imperative within the engineering framework. This technology facilitates the generation of high value-added materials by harnessing carbon dioxide, sourced from either the atmosphere or industrial processes, as a fundamental raw material. Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is an environmentally friendly chemical that can be produced using CCU technology. This study first models the base process of the ethylene carbonate (EC) transesterification method that produces DMC based on carbon dioxide, ethylene oxide (EO), and methanol (MeOH). Based on this, three processes for recycling by-products ethylene glycol (EG) and EC are proposed, and economic analysis and overall environmental impact evaluation are conducted. Each process is modeled through Aspen Plus V12.1, economic feasibility is evaluated through Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA), and environmental impact is evaluated through OpenLCA. As a result, the results show that the final DMC production is increased by 0.644%-18.9% compared to the base process in the process of recycling by-products. In the base process, the net present value (NPV) and pay-back period (PBP) were 46 M$ and 8.3 years, respectively, and in the proposed 1 (recycling EG) and proposed 3 (recycling EG&EC) processes, the NPV was 231 M$ and 73 M$, respectively, and the PBP was 3.8 years and 7.4 years, respectively. In the proposed Process 2 (with EC recycling), a substantial negative net present value (NPV) of -135 M$ was observed, indicating that recovering the investment cost was unfeasible within this scenario. Through sensitivity analysis, it was shown that the parameters with high volatility of NPV are DMC price and raw material cost. Finally, the result for climate change among the environmental impact categories is 3.85 kgCO2-eq in the base process, 3.47 kgCO2-eq in the proposed 1 process, 3.57 kgCO2-eq in the proposed 2 process, and 3.33 kgCO2-eq in the proposed 3 process, respectively.
Neutral rice husk biochar amendment effectively mitigates ammonia emissions and improves Chinese Cabbage yield in different nitrogen rates condition
Authors: Kang Yun-Gu , Chun Jin-Hyuk , Lee Jun-Yeong , Yun Yeo-Uk , Sung Jwa-Kyung , Oh Taek-Keun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Current agricultural practices are increasingly favoring the use of biochar to sequester carbon, enhance crop growth, and mitigate various environmental pollutants resulting from nitrogen (N) loss. However, since biochar’s characteristics can vary depending on pyrolysis conditions, it is essential to determine the optimal pyrolysis conditions, as they can have different effects on soil health. In this study, we categorized rice husk biochars based on their pH values and investigated the role of each rice husk biochar in reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions and promoting the growth of Chinese cabbage in urea-fertilized fields. The findings of this study revealed that the pH of rice husk biochars influenced the NH3 emissions and crop growth by regulating soil properties such as pH, organic matter, and nutrient contents. Neutral rice husk biochar effectively reduced the NH3 volatilization compared to acidic and basic rice husk biochar, particularly in the presence of high urea application rates. Chinese cabbage yield was highest in the basic rice husk biochar amendment along with high N rates. Therefore, neutral rice husk biochar can effectively mitigate the NH3 emissions from urea-treated fields, while basic rice husk biochar amendments achieved the highest agronomic performance and yield of Chinese cabbage.
Extended Parental Care in the Mass Provisioning Silk Wasp, Microstigmus rosae
Authors: Bonifacii Rosa Leena , Field Jeremy 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Insurance-based mechanisms, where surviving group-members can complete parental care after the death of a nestmate, are key to the origin of cooperative group formation in insects. Selection for group living via these models is proposed to be dependent on the life expectancy of adult carers relative to the duration of offspring dependency on parental care. Progressive provisioning, where adults feed offspring gradually as they grow, is thought to extend this period of dependency and is therefore suggested to be an important factor promoting the evolution of sociality. In contrast, mass-provisioning species provide offspring with all the food they need to reach maturity at the beginning of their development. Since offspring are then nutritionally independent, in mass provisioners the applicability of insurance models is less clear. In this paper we experimentally demonstrate that adult presence on the nest, even after the end of provisioning, is critical for brood survival in the mass provisioning silk wasp Microstigmus rosae. After ten days, experimentally orphaned nests contained 67% fewer healthy offspring than controls. Adult females were also recorded performing post-provisioning parental care behaviours including nest maintenance and repair, putative hygienic brood care and aggressive nest defence against both ants and parasitoid wasps. By demonstrating the potential applicability of insurance advantages to this mass provisioning species, our results highlight how even in mass provisioners insurance-based mechanisms may be part of what favours group living.
Fluorescence Quenching and the Chamber of Nitroaromatics: A Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene’s(DNOC) Adventure Captured through Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Desai Vishv , Panchal Manthan , Parikh Jaymin , Modi Krunal , Vora Manoj , Panjwani Falak , Jain Vinod Kumar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This research introduces Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene (DNOC) as a novel fluorescent receptor for selective detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). DNOC was characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The receptor exhibited remarkable selectivity in acetonitrile towards various nitroaromatic analytes, including MNA; 2,4-DNT; 2,3-DNT; 1,3-DNB; 2,6-DNT and 4-NT as confirmed through emission spectra analysis. Investigation of binding constants, Stern-volmer analysis, lowest of detection limit (3σ/Slope) and fluorescence quenching sheds light on DNOC's inclusion behaviour. Additionally, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using Gaussian 09 program elucidate the selectivity trend of the ligand DNOC for NAC detection. Analysing energy gaps between molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) offers insights into electron-transfer mechanisms and electronic interactions. Smaller energy gaps indicate higher selectivity through favourable electron-transfer processes, while larger gaps imply reduced selectivity due to weaker electronic interactions. This interdisciplinary study combines experimental and computational approaches to comprehensively understand DNOC's selective binding behaviour, rendering it a promising chemical sensor for nitroaromatic explosives.
Antibiotic use and resistance pattern at Rumphi District Hospital in Malawi: a retrospective study
Authors: Mithi Brany , Luhanga Mosen , Kaminyoghe Felix , Chiumia Francis , Banda Daniel L , Nyama Lottie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Overuse of antibiotics is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) world-wide. Malawi continues to report rising cases of AMR among both in-patients and out-patients. We investigated antibiotic use and resistance trends at Rumphi District Hospital, Malawi.
Methods
We used a retrospective study design where data records on antibiotic resistance pattern alongside patient antibiotic history were extracted retrospectively from microbiological register from 2019 to March, 2023. We also included the findings of Point prevalence survey (PPS) on antibiotic use for the same facility previously conducted in 4 hospital wards using modified Global-PPS data collection tools. Document collection exercise was carried by a well-trained multi-disciplinary team. Data analysis was done using STATA 14 and Microsoft excel. Results were presented in tables and bar charts.
Results
Findings on antibiotic use for 80 patients enrolled in PPS revealed Ceftriaxone (54.3%) and Metronidazole (23.3%) as the most frequently used antibiotics in the wards which were prescribed empirically (100%) without a microbiological indication. A total of 85 patients’ data records were reviewed on antibiotics resistance pattern in which 54 (63.5%) were females. Patient antibiotic history captured indicated Metronidazole (23%), Gentamycin (20%) and Doxycycline (23%) as the most frequently used antibiotics among clients referred for microbiological investigations. Chloramphenicol (58% versus 61%, P = 0.6) exhibited an increase effectiveness while Gentamycin (47% versus 15%, P = 0.38) had a substantial increase in resistance. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (23%) and candida sp (15%) were the frequently isolated genital-pathogens while Staphylococcus sp (16%) dominated in wound pus samples.
Conclusion
Observed increased in antibiotics resistance patterns provide evidence of a rise in Multi-Drug Resistant infections against limited therapeutic options. The findings underline the need for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes such as AMR surveillance and rotation of antibiotics to preserve them for a longer use.
Ultra efficient removal of heavy-metal ions and dyes using a novel cellulose-based three-dimensional network
Authors: Xia Nan Nan , Wu Qin , Bi Shi Lin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cellulose-based adsorbents have attracted extensive attention owing to their ecofriendly characteristics. However, most cellulose-based adsorbents still possess unsatisfactory adsorption capabilities for typical pollutants such as heavy-metal ions and dyes. Herein, we constructed a cost-effective and robust cellulose-based adsorbent with a three-dimensional network structure based on hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions via simple supramolecular self-assembly of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), and tannic acid (TA) (referred to as CMC–CPAM-TA). Benefiting from the abundant catechol/carboxyl groups and mesoporous/macroporous channels, CMC–CPAM–TA could trap Cu(II) ions and rhodamine B (RhB) as a typical heavy metal and dye, respectively, by rapidly forming Cu–O coordination bonds and inducing electrostatic interactions. CMC–CPAM–TA exhibited high adsorption capacities for Cu(II) ions and RhB; the adsorption capacities of the prepared adsorbent were 669.8 and 202.2 mg/g for Cu(II) ions and RhB, respectively. These values are 1.3–23.6 and 1.1–72.2 times, respectively, larger than those of most reported cellulose-based adsorbents. Furthermore, CMC–CPAM–TA showed high regenerative ability for Cu(II) ions and RhB after five cycles owing to its robust structure.
Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Quality of Life of Older Adults in Europe: A Sex Analysis
Authors: Llorens-Ortega Rafael , Bertran-Noguer Carmen , Juvinyà-Canals Dolors , Garre-Olmo Josep , Bosch-Farré Cristina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction: The global aging population poses challenges for society such as health inequalities among older persons and between genders.
Objectives: To determine how Social Determinants of Health (SDH) influence the quality of life (QoL) of individuals over 50 years old in various European countries, taking a gender perspective in a longitudinal study.
Materials and methods: Sample of 11,493 individuals from 13 European countries from Waves 5 (2013), 6 (2015), and 7 (2017) of the SHARE study. Instruments: CASP-12 (QoL), EURO-D (depression), SDH: gender, age, educational level, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, place of residence, and European region. Sociodemographic and clinical variables. Statistical analysis: Bivariate and multivariate mixed linear models.
Results: The bivariate analysis showed higher economic hardship and lower education in women compared to men. The CASP-12 score was higher in men than in women. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with lower QoL scores among men and women from Wave 5 to Wave 7 were: (β:-0.196, 95% CI: -0.345; -0.047) vs (β:0.038, 95% CI: -0.122; 0.197); economic hardship; and the European region between South and North (β: 2.709, 95% CI: 2.403; 3.015) vs men (β: 2.224, 95% CI: 1.896; 2.551).
Conclusions: The main SDH associated with poorer QoL were female gender, advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and in Southern Europe were associated with a decrease in QoL scores.
Intein-Based Protein Biosensing Circuit for Serum Marker Protease of Environmentally-Induced Obesity and Related Conditions
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Kai , Sun Helin , Wang Xueyin , Yu Haomiao , Zhang Zhongwen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Obesity and diabetes are complex conditions influenced by numerous external and internal factors, such as air pollution and protease-mediated degradation of cell surface insulin receptors, respectively. To discover the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, it is essential to comprehend the interaction between the proteins implicated.
Methods
In this study, we propose a protein biosensing circuit that utilizes intein molecules to cast new light on obesity and diabetes caused by the environment. Intein molecules have the unique ability to induce peptide bond formation between other proteins and peptides. Using this property, we devised a system that coordinates the catalytic activity of the target protease and a reporter enzyme, thereby facilitating enhanced electrochemical detection.
Results
Utilizing our biosensing circuit, we were able to detect a secreted serine protease in the serum of patients with type II diabetes who were exposed to distinct air pollution. The results imply a possible correlation between air quality and the serum level of the diabetes marker protease. These findings shed light on the impact of environmental factors on the molecular pathology of obesity- and diabetes-related chronic diseases.
Conclusions
Our research demonstrates that the proposed protein biosensing circuit can be utilized to investigate the relationship between air pollution, obesity, and diabetes. Possibility of detecting and analyzing serum serine protease offers a promising avenue for future research. This method has the potential to uncover new molecular pathways underlying chronic diseases associated with the environment. In the near future, further investigation and validation of this approach may contribute to the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies.
The Efficiency of Inter-provincial Health Resource Allocation and its Influencing Factors in China---An Empirical Study Based on DEA Method and a Spatial Econometric Model
Authors: Meng Nannan , Pei Tong , Lin Xinhao , Wu Dan , Chen Yating , Meng Xuehui 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: The Chinese government has been adapting to rapid changes in the domestic and international situation in order to formulate appropriate health policies. However, under the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s medical and health resource allocation still has problems in terms of insufficiency and uneven distribution. Therefore, how to scientifically allocate and efficiently use medical and health resources has become an urgent issue.
Methods: The super-efficiency slack-based measure model and the global Malmquist model were used to measure the efficiency of medical and health resource allocation in 31 provinces in China from 2008 to 2020. Moran’s I was used to test the spatial correlation of the efficiency. A spatial Dubin model was constructed to analyze influencing factors. All data were collected from the China Health Statistics Yearbook and China Statistics Yearbook from 2008 to 2020.
Results: The efficiency of medical and health resource allocation calculated by the super-efficiency slack-based measure model showed that the average score was 0.632. The average Malmquist productivity index of the efficiency of medical and health resource allocation of 31 provinces in China from 2008 to 2020 was 1.0897, which was generally positive. The Moran’s I test results showed that the efficiency had a significant spatial positive correlation in the spatial distribution. The regression results of the spatial Dubin model showed that the efficiency was affected by the dependency ratio, the illiteracy rate, the per capita disposable income, the per capita public health budget expenditure, the number of medical insurance participants, and the balance of medical insurance fund revenue and expenditure.
Discussion: In view of the problems revealed in the efficiency of medical and health resource allocation from 2008 to 2020, Chinese provinces should fully consider the impacts of the dependency ratio, the illiteracy rate, the per capita disposable income, the per capita public health budget expenditure, the number of medical insurance participants, and the balance of medical insurance fund revenue and expenditure. Local governments should scientifically formulate their own health planning by giving full attention to the radiation outcomes of the spatial spillover effect on the efficiency of medical and health resource allocation.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yu jiahui , Tian Shao-dan , Li Tian-hao , Wang Xu-zhe 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective: This study studied the efficacy and safety of Apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of Apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer in recent years were searched in PubMed and PMC databases. Two members of the research team independently screened the literature, extracted the data and assessed the quality of the literature. Statistical software Rev Man 5.4 was used for meta-analysis of the included data.
Results: 12 literatures included in this study. The results showed that 540 patients in the experimental group and 465 patients in the control group. Apatinib can effectively increase CR (95%CI (1.49, 3.91), I2=0%, P=0.0004), PR (95%CI (1.49, 2.93), I2=0%, P<0.0001) and ORR (95%CI (2.27, 4.54), I2=0%, P<0.00001) and reduce PD (95%CI (0.22, 0.45), I2=0%, P<0.00001) in patients with advanced gastric cancer. It had no significant effect on SD (95%CI (0.72, 1.39), I2=0%, P=0.99). The results showed that Apatinib could effectively reduce the levels of CEA (95%CI (-9.35, -3.63), I2=98%, P<0.00001) and CA199 (95%CI (-11.20, -1.41), I2=100%, P=0.01) in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The results showed that there were no significant differences between Apatinib and the control group in nausea (95%CI (0.54, 1.37), I2=0%, P=0.52), myelosuppression (95%CI (0.54, 1.68), I2=0%, P=0.87), hypertension (95%CI (0.98, 3.01), I2=4%, P=0.06), and albuminuria (95%CI (0.63, 1.83), I2=5%, P=0.80) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer can significantly prolong mPFS (95%CI (0.43, 1.63), I2=93%, P=0.0008) and OS (95%CI (0.22, 2.43), I2=97%, P=0.02) in patients.
Conclusion: Apatinib can stabilize the disease of patients, has obvious killing effect on cancer cells, acceptable side effects, can significantly prolong the life of patients, and has good clinical effect and prognosis in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer patients, which is worth promoting.