bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-payments and associated factors in the Peruvian private health care system
Authors: Bellido-Boza Luciana , Pariona-Cárdenas Max , Carrión Roger , Valdivia-Miranda Paul , Villarreal-Zegarra David 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background The costs associated with health care are of critical importance to both decision-makers and users, given the limited resources allocated to the health sector. However, the available scientific evidence on health care costs in low-and-middle-income countries, such as Peru, is scarce. In the Peruvian context, the health system is fragmented, and the private health system and its financing models have received less research attention. We aimed to analyse user co-payments and associated factors within the private health care system. Methods Our study was cross-sectional, using free data from the Electronic Transaction Model of Standardized Billing Data - TEDEF-SUSALUD, between 2021–2022. Our unit of analysis is the benefits provided by users. We used the outcomes of co-payments, the total amount, proportion of co-payments, and co-payment of minimum salaries. Results Our study included 5,287,260 health services provided to users of the private health system in Peru. We found that the average co-payment for these services is lower for women than for men (β=-7.57; 95%CI: -8.01 to -7.13), as well as for persons aged 60 years or older (β = 8.43; 95%CI: 7.86 to 9.00) and for complementary health affiliations (β = 58.47; 95%CI: 57.77 to 59.17). However, no significant difference was observed in the amount of co-payments in terms of minimum salaries between the different groups. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed in the co-payment for hospitalization-related services, with an average of 503.7 soles per day, which is about half of the Peruvian daily minimum wage. Although co-payments per day of hospitalization represent on average only 14% of the total amount submitted, this does not exclude the possibility that a person requiring several days of hospitalization in a private facility may incur catastrophic health expenditures. Conclusions Our study provides a detailed overview of out-of-pocket payments in the private health care system in Peru and the factors associated with them. Policymakers must consider these findings when designing policies to promote a more equitable and accessible health system.
Myocardial strain is regulated by cardiac preload in the early stage of sepsis
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Lu Guiyang , Cai Xiaoyang , Wang Xinxin , Jiang Yuanyuan , Ning Yaogui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background: Owing to a lack of data，this study aimed to explore the effect of cardiac preload on myocardial strain in septic patients.
Methods: A total of 70 septic patients in intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary teaching hospital in China from January 2018 to July 2019 and underwent transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled. Echocardiographic data were recorded at ICU admission and 24 hours later. Patients were assigned to low left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and normal LVEDVI groups. We assessed the impact of preload on myocardial strain between the groups and analyzed the correlation of echocardiographic parameters under different preload conditions.
Results: Thirty-seven patients (53%) had a low LVEDVI and 33 (47%) a normal LVEDVI. Those in the low LVEDVI group had a faster heart rate and required a greater degree of fluid infusion. The left ventricular global strain (LVGLS)(-8.6 to -10.80), left ventricular global circumferential strain (LVGCS) (-13.83 to -18.26), and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (-6.9 to -10.60) showed significant improvements in the low LVEDVI group after fluid resuscitation. However, fluid resuscitation resulted in a significantly increased cardiac afterload value only in the normal LVEDVI group. Multivariate backward linear regression showed that LVEDVI changes were independently associated with myocardial strain-related improvements during fluid resuscitation. In the correlation matrix, the baseline LVGLS, LVGCS, and RVGLS showed strong interdependence in the low LVEDVI group, and higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was negatively correlated with lower myocardial strain. The baseline LVEDVI was significantly negatively correlated with the LVGLS and RVGLS but not LVGCS. LVEDVI increases during fluid resuscitation were associated with improvements in the myocardial strain degree.
Conclusions: Myocardial strain alterations were significantly influenced by the cardiac preload during fluid resuscitation in sepsis.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia by Weeksella virosa
Authors: Fuente-Garcia-Peña Luis Alberto De la , Marquez-Celedonio Felix Guillermo , Arana-Vidal Hugo , Azuara-Diaz Karime , Villegas-Domínguez Josué Eli 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Weeksella virosa pneumonia has been described as a healthcare-associated infection. This is a rare gram-negative anaerobic bacterium associated with the use of mechanical ventilation for a long period of time and is more frequent in immunosuppressed patients. This is the first case reported in the state of Veracruz and the second in Mexico; postpandemic, it is important to identify the presence of infectious agents that are uncommon in the different hospital pathologies.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 64-year-old female from Veracruz, Mexico who developed an infectious process in the right pelvic limb after a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure and subsequently developed sudden cardiorespiratory arrest requiring mechanical ventilation, with subsequent imaging studies demonstrating a pneumonic process associated with a nosocomial infection.
Conclusions
We should keep in mind that the high-risk population for W. virosa infection is mainly adults with multiple comorbidities or immunosuppressed and that it is necessary to consider that nosocomial infections may present unusual etiologic agents probably because of changes in patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genome-wide selective signatures mining the candidate genes for egg laying in goose
Authors: Zhao Hongchang , Sun Guobo , Mu Xiaohui , Li Xiaoming , Wang Jun , Zhao Mengli , Zhang Gansheng , Ji Rongchao , Chen Chao , Gao Guangliang , Wang Jian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Improving the egg production of goose is a crucial goal of breeding, because genetics is the key factor affecting egg production. Thus, we sequenced the genomes of 55 Chinese indigenous geese from six breeds, which were divided into the high egg-laying group (ZE, HY, and SC) and low egg-laying group (ZD, LH, and ST). Based on the results of the inter-population selection signal analysis, we explored the selected genome regions in the high egg-laying germplasm population to identify the key candidate genes affecting the egg-laying traits.
Results
According to the whole-genome sequencing data, the average sequencing depth reached 11.75X. The genetic relationships among those six goose breeds coincided with the breed’s geographical location. The six selective signal detection results revealed that the most selected regions were located on chromosomes 2 and 12. In total, 12,051 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were selected in all six methods. Using the enrichment results of candidate genes, we detected some pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and female gonadal development that may cause differences in egg production. Examples of these pathways were the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (IGF2, COMP, and FGFR4), animal organ morphogenesis (IGF2 and CDX4), and female gonad development (TGFB2).
Conclusion
On analyzing the genetic background of six local goose breeds by using re-sequencing data, we found that the kinship was consistent with their geographic location. Some egg-laying trait-associated candidate genes were mined through selection signal analysis. Our study provides a critical reference for analyzing the molecular mechanism underlying differences in reproductive traits and molecular breeding of geese.
The Premonitory Urge in Chinese children with tic disorders: Measurement and Characteristics
Authors: Ding Qiang , Woods Douglas , Xu Wen , Zhao Ying , Shen Shuqin , Sun Jinhua 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background

The Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS) is a common self-report measure of premonitory urges for patients with tic disorders. The current study aims to revisit the Chinese version of the PUTS(PUTS-C) and report the characteristics of premonitory urges in Chinese children with tic disorders.

Methods

The psychometric evaluation involved 204 outpatients with tic disorders, aged 7-16 years, who were divided into two age groups:(7-10 years, n=103; 11-16 years, n=95).

Results

Results showed that 86.8% of participants endorse premonitory urges, and the PUTS-C demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0.84) and two-week test-retest reliability (0.80). We observed a statistically significant correlation between the total PUTS-C score and various Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) subscales and total tic severity scores. The PUTS-C score also showed significant correlations with the Children Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), Screening Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) oppositional behavior subscale. Notably, premonitory urges independently predicted tic severity, beyond the influence of comorbid symptoms. A two-factor structure of the PUTS-C was identified in the total sample through factor analysis.

Conclusions

The PUTS-C possesses acceptable validity and good reliability. Premonitory urges may be less prevalent and intense in Chinese versus Western adolescent patients. It appears that premonitory urges in Chinese patients with tic disorders are associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, and depression, but can independently predict tic severity. Specific PUTS-C factors possibly related to motor and vocal tics. Future research should continue to investigate age-related differences and the association with tics and other sensory symptoms.
Foliar spraying exogenous S3307: an important method to resist low temperature stress on mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] at the flowering stage
Authors: Xiang Hongtao , Wang Shiya , Liang Xiaoyan , Wang Xueyang , Xie Hongchang , Wang Deming , Wang Qingjuan , Li Wan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Low temperature is one of the major constraints on agricultural productivity worldwide and is likely to further increase. Several adaptations and mitigation strategies are required to cope with low-temperature stress. Uniconazole (S3307) could play a significant role in the alleviation of abiotic stress in plants. In this study, the effects of S3307 on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant metabolism were studied in the leaves of mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. The experimental results showed that the low-temperature induced accumulation of superoxide anion (O2·−) production rate, and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents. Increased proline content and enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), were found to alleviate oxidative damage under low temperatures. While, S3307 could reduce O2·− production rate and MDA contents and increase the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, slowed the decrease in ascorbic acid (AsA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and promoted increase in soluble sugars (SS), soluble proteins (SP), and proline (Pro) content under low-temperature. At the same time, low temperature leads to lower 100 grain weight and number of grains per plant, which eventually causes yield reduction decreased. Foliar spraying of S3307 could alleviate the yield loss caused by low temperature, and the increase of S3307 treatment was 5.1–12.5% and 6.3–32.9% for the two varieties, respectively, compared with CK. In summary, exogenous S3307 pretreatment enhances plant tolerance to low-temperature by improving the antioxidant enzyme activities, increased non-enzymatic antioxidants content, and decreased O2·− production rate and MDA contents and inducing alterations in endogenous S3307, and reduce the decrease in mung bean yield.
Biochar: A Surrogate Approach to Modulating Soil Chemical Properties and Germination Parameters of Barley Plants Grown under Multi-Stress Conditions
Authors: Awad Ahmed , Omar Murtada , Ghallab Ahmed , El-Galil Ali Abd 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

BackgroundOwing to its unique features, biochar (BC) is an excellent surrogate approach to improve the chemical properties of soil with undesirable characteristics.Methods. Under multiple abiotic stresses (ECe = 10.8 vs. 10.7 dS.m−1; CaCO3= 19.1 vs. 18.8%; soil pH = 8.15 vs. 8.13) during two growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022), an experimental pot study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of palm tree frond biochar (PTF-BC) applied at three rates (0.0, 28.0, and 56.0 g.pot−1, labeled as BC0, BC1, and BC2) generated under three pyrolysis temperatures (350, 500, and 700 °C, labeled as PT350, PT500, and PT700). The experiment was set up according to a split-plot structure in a randomized complete block design; the pyrolysis temperatures were set as the main plot and BC addition rates were set as sub-main plots.Results.The results indicate that PT700and BC2had the most impact on soil chemical properties, except soil pH, which was positively affected by PT350and BC1. Regarding the germination parameters, the data reveal that PT350and P700were the superior treatments, while BC2led to noteworthy elevations of all studied germination parameters, except germination rate (GR), in both seasons. The heat map illustrating the studied soil chemical properties fluctuates between positive and negative.Conclusion.In short, the application of BC has profound desirable effects on soil physio-chemical properties relying on PTs.
Investigation of corrosion behavior of Al-TiO2 nanocomposite produced using Air Plasma Spray and Accumulative Roll Bonding method
Authors: Aminian Hamed , Borhani Ehsan , Mahmoudi Mohammad , Amouaghaei Omid , Shafyei Ali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This work is an attempt to study the Al-TiO2 nanocomposite properties applying accumulative roll bonding process. For this purpose, nano Titania powder was first coated on aluminum foil by air plasma spraying process. The nanocomposite was then fabricated in one, two, three, five, and seven cycles by ARB. To investigate the effect of ARB process cycles on an Al-5wt.% TiO2 nanocomposite, characterization tests including XRD, quantitative XRD analysis by MAUD software, FESEM, EDS, electrochemical impedance, and TAFEL polarization tests were performed on the samples. The results indicate that the crystallite size reduced from 156nm to 31nm and the dislocation density quadrupled in the composite. The results of XRD analysis showed an increase in the dislocation density in the composite when the number of cycles increases. The reduction of crystallite size and increase of the grain boundaries have caused a sudden increase in the dislocation density. As the ARB cycle increases, the local porosity decreases and the local cracks due to the separation of the titanium sprayed droplets disappear in the matrix phase, and the reinforcing phase has more diffusion in the matrix. With the increase of ARB cycles, the percentage of titanium and oxygen elements on the surface was decreasing, but they remained until the last cycle. Among the non-rolled and rolled samples in different cycles, ARBed samples after 1 cycle and 5 cycles had not only the lowest and highest corrosion current densities but also the highest and lowest total resistance (Rt), respectively. This indicates max corrosion resistance due to the decrease in defect and porosity resulting from plasma spray and min corrosion resistance thanks to formation of galvanic cell between Al-matrix and Ti-reinforcing particles, respectively.
Application of Key Exchange Algorithm under Private Random Precoding in Wireless Communication
Authors: Hu Shunyi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

This paper proposes a Physical Layer Network Coding (PLNC) scheme based on two channels pre-balanced by studying the PLNC technology and the security problem of the Network Coding (NC) system to solve the security problem of PLNC in Wireless Communication (WC). This security scheme focuses not only on the key generation process but also on the use of generated keys for encryption and decryption during the transmission of useful information by the NC system. In addition, for the security risks of the traditional Private Random Precoding (PRP) Key Exchange Algorithm (KEA), this paper proposes an improved PRP. The security and confidentiality of the KEA are strengthened. The method is applied to multi-user scenarios to verify. The results show that the security scheme based on channel time domain key generation encryption can ensure the security of the PLNC system and effectively prevent the eavesdropping attacks of illegal users. Compared with other algorithms, the improved PRP KEA significantly reduces the key error rate of generating a 64-bit key under the same conditions compared to the key when generating a 16-bit key, reaching less than 10-3. In scenarios with high correlation coefficients, the improved algorithm leaks less information than other algorithms and has higher security performance. Therefore, the improved KEA performs well for the physical layer network security problem in WC.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Filtering Control of Memristor-Based Bao Hyper-chaotic System
Authors: Zhu Shixiang , Feng Yuming , Li Rongfeng , Yan Dongfang , Onasanya Babatunde Oluwaseun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Utilizing the three-dimensional Bao system as a basis, we propose a hyper-chaotic circuit system and develop a dimensionless mathematical model by incorporating the smooth cubic nonlinear flux control arrester model as the feedback component. The dynamic characteristics, equilibrium set, and stability of the system are investigated through the utilization of Lyapunov exponential spectrum and bifurcation diagrams. Subsequently, we design the hardware circuit and simulate its analog equivalent circuit, demonstrating consistent results with the numerical simulation. Additionally, we construct an adaptive sliding mode filter controller for ensuring asymptotic stability of the system under external interference and unknown parameters conditions. By integrating the Lyapunov stability principle, we effectively control the Bao hyper-chaotic system. In the final section of this paper, the results of numerical simulation and analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed controller, thus establishing a solid foundation for the practical application of memristor chaotic circuits.
Parenteral calcium administration and outcomes of critically ill patients with hypocalcemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Melchers M , Moonen Hanneke Pierre Franciscus Xaverius , Breeman Tessa Maria , Bree Sjoerd Hendrika Willem van , Zanten Arthur RH van 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Administration of calcium in patients with hypocalcemia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remains disputed, as previous data show conflicting effects on outcome, with a lack of subgroup analyses. This study aimed to investigate the associations between parenteral calcium administration and clinical outcomes in septic and non-septic critically ill patients with serum hypocalcemia.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who were admitted to a mixed medical-surgical adult ICU in a University-affiliated teaching hospital between October 1, 2015, and September 1, 2020. The primary outcomes were all-cause 180-day mortality and time to shock resolution. Subgroup analyses in septic and non-septic patients with mild or moderate hypocalcemia based on median splits were conducted.
Results
Among the 1,100 patients with hypocalcemia who met the inclusion criteria, 576 (52%) received intravenous calcium. The study found no significant difference in 180-day mortality between patients who received parenteral calcium and those who did not (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90–1.56). Time to shock resolution was more likely to be longer in patients treated with intravenous calcium (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.42). Subgroup analyses revealed that septic patients with mild hypocalcemia in whom pareneteral calcium was administered exhibited an elevated risk of 90- and 180-day mortality (aHR 1.88, 95% CI 1.02–3.47 and 1.79, 95% CI 1.07-3.00, respectively).
Conclusions
The study indicates that intravenous calcium does not confer survival or shock resolution benefits for ICU patients with hypocalcemia and might even pose risks. Further research in the form of randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this.
Maxwell's Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Belevich Michael 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The analogy between the standard hydromechanical equations and the system of Maxwell's equations has long been noticed and discussed in a number of publications. In this regard in [7] an alternative model of a viscous fluid was presented, based on the description of a moving medium using a system of Maxwell-type equations. The appearance of such models expands the researcher's arsenal, especially since, unlike the standard hydromechanical model, which is a nonlinear system of partial differential equations of the second order, the alternative model is a linear system of equations of the first order. In this paper, this model is studied from different viewpoints. First of all, various problem posing and algorithms for their integration are considered. An example of using this model to describe known shear flows is discussed separately. The results obtained are compared with the classical ones (Couette and Poiseuille flows). The linearity of the proposed model makes it easy to use the Fourier transform to solve it. Such an approach is demonstrated in the last section of this paper.
PACS numbers: 40., 47., 47.10.-g, 47.10.A-
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Students Towards Role of Physical Activity in Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases
Authors: Mohamed Sami , Muhammad Abdulqadir Surajo , Mohamed Abdikarim Abdi , Alhaj Ahmad Mahmud , Bulama Ahmad Abdullahi , Eldeen Ahmad Al-Mujtaba Esam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death and the main issue in modern and future public health worldwide. Non-communicable diseases are amenable to health promotion, prevention and medical interventions. Improved social conditions, quality of diet, body weight, smoking cessation, and increased physical activity can greatly reduce the burden of NCDs.
Methods: This study aims to assess the attitude and practice of medical students towards the role of physical activity in non- communicable diseases prevention in Nile University as perceived by students. An Observational-based analytical, cross-sectional study design. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.
Result: The study included 81 males(43.1%) and 107 females(56.9%). Out of total number of students , 51% do not engage in physical activities and 49% participate in planned physical activities. The frequency of participation in physical activities are; Students who engage in physical activities daily (14, 7.4%) and weekly (37, 19.7%), while 40 students (21.3%) engage in physical activity monthly. Students that participate in planned physical activities for health benefits were 86(45.7%), and 4 students (2.1%) practice physical activities for social reasons, while a single student practices due to doctor’s advice 1 (5%). The majority of students had good background knowledge (83%) and most provde advice to their friends (38.3%) and family (51.1&).
Conclusion: Maority of the students had an acceptable background knowledge about the role of physical activities in prevention of major NCDs. However, they had low frequency of participation in planned physical activities despite having positive advocating attitude.