bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feasibility analysis of integrating community-based health insurance schemes into the national health insurance scheme in Uganda
Authors: Namyalo Prossy Kiddu , Mutatina Boniface , Byakika Sarah , Walimbwa Aliyi , Kato Rose , Basaza Robert K. 
Published: April 2023

Background
Uganda has a draft National Health Insurance Bill for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The proposed health insurance scheme is to pool resources, where the rich will subsidize the treatment of the poor, the healthy will subsidize the treatment of the sick, and the young will subsidize the treatment of the elderly. However, there is still a lack of evidence on how the existing community-based health insurance schemes (CBHIS) can fit within the proposed national scheme. Thus, this study aimed at determining the feasibility of integrating the existing community-based health financing schemes into the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme.

Methods
In this study, we utilized a multiple–case study design involving mixed methods. The cases (i.e., units of analysis) were defined as the operations, functionality, and sustainability of the three typologies of community-based insurance schemes: provider-managed, community-managed, and third party-managed. The study combined various data collection methods, including interviews, survey desk review of documents, observation, and archives.

Findings
The CBHIS in Uganda are fragmented with limited coverage. Only 28 schemes existed, which covered a total of 155,057 beneficiaries with an average of 5,538 per scheme. The CBHIS existed in 33 out of 146 districts in Uganda. The average contribution per capita was estimated at Uganda Shillings (UGX) 75,215 = equivalent to United States Dollar (USD) 20.3, accounting for 37% of the national total health expenditure per capita UGX 51.00 = at 2016 prices. Membership was open to everyone irrespective of socio-demographic status. The schemes had inadequate capacity for management, strategic planning, and finances and lacked reserves and reinsurance. The CBHIS structures included promoters, the scheme core, and the community grass-root structures.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate the possibility and provide a pathway to integrating CBHIS into the proposed NHIS. We however recommend implementation in a phased manner including first providing technical assistance to the existing CBHIS at the district level to address the critical capacity gaps. This would be followed by integrating all three elements of CBHIS structures. The last phase would then involve establishing a single fund for both the formal and informal sectors managed at the national level.
Mastication inefficiency due to diminished or lack of occlusal support is associated with increased blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bayram Yeter E. , Eskan Mehmet A. 
Published: April 2023

Background
It has been shown that mastication may contribute to a lower risk of diabetes, and occlusal support reduced the risk of diabetes by improving glucose metabolism after meals. However, the relationship between inefficient mastication and blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This retrospective study, therefore, aimed to investigate the association between mastication inefficiency due to diminished occlusal support and blood glucose control in subjects with T2D.

Methods
Ninety-four subjects (mean of 54.9 years) were recruited in this study. Subjects with at least 1-year T2D medical history and current medications for T2D were included. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: The control group (41 subjects) included Eichner group A (4 occlusal functional areas in the posterior area). The test group (53 subjects) included Eichner group B (1–3 occlusal functional areas) and group C (no natural occlusal contact). Blood glucose level was significantly lower in the control group participants than in the test group. Subject(s) showing diminished or lack of occlusal support and requiring a fixed restoration were treated with an implant-supported fixed restoration. These groups’ levels of glycated hemoglobin (A1c) were compared using the independent student t-test.

Results
Blood glucose level was significantly lower in the control group (7.48) as compared to those in the test group (9.42). The mean differences between the two groups were 1.94 ± 0.39 (p = 0.0001). Differences in white blood cell counts and body mass index (BMI) were not statistically significant between groups. Blood glucose levels could be reduced (from A1c 9.1 to 6.2) following a fixed implant-supported restoration in T2D patients with diminished occlusal support.

Conclusion
The results suggested that masticatory inefficiency due to diminished dental occlusion was associated with an increase in poor controlled-blood glucose levels among T2D patients.
Work as an arena for health—Supervisors’ experiences with attending to employees’ sick leave and return-to-work process
Authors: Klevanger Nina Elisabeth , Aasdahl Lene , By Rise Marit 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundSupervisors play a pivotal role in the sick leave process. Although responsibility for sick leave and return to work follow-up is increasingly placed on the workplace in Norway, few studies have explored supervisors’ experiences. This study aims to explore supervisors´ experiences with attending to employees’ sick leave and return to work process.MethodsThis study consists of individual interviews with 11 supervisors from diverse workplaces that was analysed thematically.ResultsThe supervisors emphasised the value of presence at the workplace, the need for them to obtain information and uphold dialogue, considering individual and environmental influences on return-to-work and allocating responsibility. Investing time and money was crucial to prevent or reduce the negative impact of sick leave.ConclusionsThe supervisors’ perception of attending to sick leave and return-to-work largely reflect Norwegian legislation. However, they find obtaining information and managing responsibility challenging, suggesting that their responsibilities for return-to-work are perhaps disproportionate to their knowledge on attending this process. Individualised support and guidance on how to develop accommodations based on the employee´s workability should be made available. The reciprocal nature of follow-up described also reveals how the return-to-work process is enmeshed with (inter)personal considerations possibly resulting in unequal treatment.
Longitudinal transitions in initiation, cessation, and relapse of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among US youth and adults: Validation of a microsimulation model
Authors: Schwamm Eli , Noubary Farzad , Rigotti Nancy A. , Reddy Krishna P. 
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Estimates of initiation, cessation, and relapse rates of tobacco cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use can facilitate projections of longer-term impact of their use. We aimed to derive transition rates and apply them to validate a microsimulation model of tobacco that newly incorporated e-cigarettes.

Methods
We fit a Markov multi-state model (MMSM) for participants in Waves 1–4.5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) longitudinal study. The MMSM had nine cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use states (current/former/never use of each), 27 transitions, two sex categories, and four age categories (youth: 12-17y; adults: 18-24y/25-44y/≥45y). We estimated transition hazard rates, including initiation, cessation, and relapse. We then validated the Simulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Outcomes and Policy (STOP) microsimulation model, by: (a) using transition hazard rates derived from PATH Waves 1–4.5 as inputs, and (b) comparing STOP-projected prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use at 12 and 24 months to empirical data from PATH Waves 3 and 4. We compared the goodness-of-fit of validations with “static relapse” and “time-variant relapse,” wherein relapse rates did not or did depend on abstinence duration.

Results
Per the MMSM, youth smoking and e-cigarette use was generally more volatile (lower probability of maintaining the same e-cigarette use status over time) than that of adults. Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) for STOP-projected versus empirical prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use was <0.7% for both static and time-variant relapse simulations, with similar goodness-of-fit (static relapse: RMSE 0.69%, CI 0.38–0.99%; time-variant relapse: RMSE 0.65%, CI 0.42–0.87%). PATH empirical estimates of prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use were mostly within the margins of error estimated by both simulations.

Discussion
A microsimulation model incorporating smoking and e-cigarette use transition rates from a MMSM accurately projected downstream prevalence of product use. The microsimulation model structure and parameters provide a foundation for estimating the behavioral and clinical impact of tobacco and e-cigarette policies.
Circular RNA expression alterations and function prediction in OSA-induced pancreatic injury in mice: New insights into pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Qingshi , Lin Jiayu , Chen Zhiyu , Che Lishuang , Liu Dexin 
Published: April 2023

Objectives
Increasing studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. However, the function of circRNAs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-induced pancreatic damage has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the altered circRNA profiles in a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) mouse model were investigated, aiming to provide novel clues for delineating the underlying mechanisms of OSA-induced pancreatic injury.

Methods
A CIH mouse model was established. circRNA microarray was then applied to profile circRNA expression in pancreatic samples from CIH groups and controls. Our preliminary findings were validated by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were carried out to annotate the biological functions of target genes of circRNAs. Lastly, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (ceRNA) network according to the predicted circRNA–miRNA and miRNA–mRNA pairs.

Results
A total of 26 circRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed, with 5 downregulated and 21 upregulated in the CIH model mice. Six selected circRNAs were preliminarily used to confirm the results by qRT-PCR, which were consistent with microarray. GO and pathway analysis indicated that numerous mRNAs were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. The ceRNA analysis displayed the broad potentials of the dysregulated circRNAs to modulate their target genes by acting as miRNAs sponges.

Conclusions
Taken together, our study first revealed the specific expression profile of circRNAs in CIH-induced pancreatic injury, which suggested a novel focus for investigating the molecular mechanism of OSA-induced pancreatic damage through modulating circRNAs.
Differentially expressed transcript isoforms associate with resistance to tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay conversion
Authors: Simmons Jason D. , Segnitz R. Max , Dill-McFarland Kimberly A. , Stein Catherine M. , Peterson Glenna J. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Boom W. Henry , Hawn Thomas R. 
Published: April 2023

Background
A mechanistic understanding of uncommon immune outcomes such as resistance to infection has led to the development of novel therapies. Using gene level analytic methods, we previously found distinct monocyte transcriptional responses associated with resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection defined as persistently negative tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) reactivity among highly exposed contacts (RSTR phenotype).

Objective
Using transcript isoform analyses, we aimed to identify novel RSTR-associated genes hypothesizing that previous gene-level differential expression analysis obscures isoform-specific differences that contribute to phenotype.

Materials and methods
Monocytes from 49 RSTR versus 52 subjects with latent Mtb infection (LTBI) were infected with M. tuberculosis (H37Rv) or left unstimulated (media) prior to RNA isolation and sequencing. RSTR-associated gene expression was then identified using differential transcript isoform analysis.

Results
We identified 81 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in 70 genes (FDR <0.05) comparing RSTR and LTBI phenotypes with the majority (n = 79 DETs) identified under Mtb-stimulated conditions. Seventeen of these genes were previously identified with gene-level bulk RNAseq analyses including genes in the IFNγ response that had increased expression among LTBI subjects, findings consistent with a clinical phenotype based on IGRA reactivity. Among the subset of 23 genes with positive differential expression among Mtb-infected RSTR monocytes, 13 were not previously identified. These novel DET genes included PDE4A and ZEB2, which each had multiple DETs with higher expression among RSTR subjects, and ACSL4 and GAPDH that each had a single transcript isoform associated with RSTR.

Conclusion and limitations
Transcript isoform-specific analyses identify transcriptional associations, such as those associated with resistance to TST/IGRA conversion, that are obscured when using gene-level approaches. These findings should be validated with additional RSTR cohorts and whether the newly identified candidate resistance genes directly influence the monocyte Mtb response requires functional study.
Research of the domestic market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection
Authors: Zarichna T. P. , Brytanova T. S. 
Published: April 2023

The aim of the research is to study the domestic market of medicines for the treatment of HIV infection to optimize the drug supply of the target group of patients.
Materials and methods. Electronic sources of information (State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, Compendium-online, Tabletki.ua) were used to achieve the goal. System-analytical, mathematical-statistical, and comparative methods of analysis were used.
Results. The study of the assortment of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection showed the heterogeneity of the specified segment of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine: there are solid and liquid dosage forms, both original and generic. The analysis of the company structure made it possible to establish that the national market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was dominated by foreign manu­facturers (95.93 %), the largest share of which was pharmaceutical companies from India (67.07 %).
The competitiveness of pharmaceutical firms supplying drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was studied. It was established that the firm Janssen-Silag S.p.A., Italy, occupied the most stable position in the studied market segment. A qualitative analysis of the mentioned medicines was carried out. The most effective and rational of them were determined.
Conclusions. A study of the domestic market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was conducted. The assortment and brand structure of this market segment was determined. The level of competitiveness of the above-mentioned pharmaceutical companies were analyzed, and the most successful of them were identified. At the same time, it was established that domestic pharmaceutical companies supply only 4.07 % of drugs of two out of five groups according to the ATS classification to this segment of the market. In connection with this, the development of new drugs of the specified action and the development of their production in Ukraine is important.
Przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie
Authors: Rosicki Remigiusz 
Published: April 2023

Zakres przedmiotowy problemu badawczego prezentowanego w tekście obejmuje kwestie związane z istotą i sensem definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie karnym. Polski ustawodawca zaimplementował definicję przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w ramach art. 115 § 20 Kodeksu karnego w 2014 roku, co wynikało z konieczności dostosowania polskiego prawa do regulacji Unii Europejskiej. Stosując metaforę uznać należy, że definicja ta stanowi swoisty rodzaj modyfikatora czynu zabronionego i zakresu odpowiedzialności karnej. Struktura definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym skalda się z dwóch elementów, będących zarazem przesłankami, które wypełnić ma sprawca. Pierwsza przesłanka ma charakter formalny, i dotyczy wysokości sankcji przypisanej głównemu czynowi sprawcy, z kolei druga przesłanka ma charakter motywacyjny, i dotyczy szczególnego rodzaju celu jaki przyświeca w działaniu sprawcy. Niewątpliwie instytucja przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie karnym pełni funkcje odstraszającą i represyjną w stosunku do sprawców tego typu przestępstw. W celu uszczegółowienia zakresu przedmiotowego podjętej analizy w tekście przedstawiono następujące pytania badawcze: (1) W jakim stopniu definicja legalna przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym jest efektywna w polityce karnej w zakresie przeciwdziałania i zwalczania zjawiska terroryzmu?, (2) W jakim stopniu treść definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym może naruszać zasadę nullum crimen sine lege certa? Analiza zawarta w tekście ma głównie charakter poglądowy, w ramach, którego wykorzystano ujęcie instytucjonalno-prawne. W ramach tego ujęcia treść definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym poddano interpretacji tekstualnej, doktrynalnej i funkcjonalnej. W związku z rozbieżnościami wynikającymi z niejednoznaczności terminów użytych w tej definicji stosunkowo duży nacisk położono na interpretację językową.
Characterization of crude saponins from stem bark extract of Parinari curatellifolia and evaluation of its antioxidant and antibacterial activities
Authors: Halilu Emmanuel Mshelia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Saponins are surface active glycosides which occur in plants as one of the secondary products of primary metabolism. Saponins have been reported to demonstrate antimicrobial, antioxidant and other biological activities. This study was designed to characterize the crude saponins extracted from stem bark of Parinari curatellifolia and to study the antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The saponin was extracted using standard protocol and was subjected to physicochemical characterization. Foaming and haemolysis tests as wells as determination of foaming index were conducted to confirm the presence of saponins. The solubility of the crude saponins was tested in various organic solvents at room temperature. The nature of the aglycone moiety was identified using Salkowski’s and Liebermann–Burchard’s tests. The glycone moiety was identified using Fehling’s test. Fluorescence test was conducted using UV light at 254 and 366 nm. The TLC separation profile was determined in suitable solvent system. The saponin was subjected to UV and FTIR finger printings using standard methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using standard method. The saponins were evaluated for antioxidant and antibacterial activities using standard procedures. The foaming index was found to be 1666.6. The crude saponin showed different degrees of solubility in the solvents tested and was found to be highly soluble in methanol, ethanol and DMSO. Generally, the saponins were found to be insoluble in non-polar solvents. The aglycone moiety was found to be triterpenoidal in nature and the glycone was found to be a reducing sugar. The crude saponin produced fluorescence at 254 nm which indicated the presence of some chromophores. The TLC showed the presence of some metabolites with varying Rf values. The UV analysis revealed two absorption peaks at 480 nm and 580 nm. The FTIR finger printing showed absorptions characteristic of some functional groups at different frequencies. The crude saponin and silver nanoparticles demonstrated free radical activity against DPPH free radical with IC50 of 5.878 mg/mL and IC50 0.2477 mg/mL, respectively while the H2O2 radical had IC50 of 5.750 mg/mL. The saponin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with zone diameter of inhibition between 2 and 3 mm. The saponins are triterpenoidal in nature and demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial activity.
Study of the matrix composition effect on gamma spectrometry analysis using Monte Carlo simulation: application for soil to crop transfer factor determination
Authors: Bengroun Maroua , Azbouche Ahmed , Amrani Naima 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Self-absorption effect has a significant impact on gamma spectrometry measurement for the highly precise determination of the radionuclides activity. Among the main factors affecting the self-absorption effect especially at low gamma energies is the matrix composition of the sample. For this purpose, we studied the matrix composition effect on the self-absorption correction for plant and soil matrices using a Monte Carlo simulation model, composed of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector and a cylindrical geometry source. The simulated configuration model was validated by comparison of simulated full energy peak efficiency (FEPE) values with the experimental ones using a standard radioactive solution, covering large interval gamma energies in the range of 59.54–1836.12 keV. The results show that the FEPE values of low gamma energies are affected by the matrix composition, where in the soil matrix the FEPEs decreased by 36% and only by 1% in the plant matrix. The Monte Carlo results were applied in order to accurately calculate the transfer factor of the environmental radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soils to several crops, mustard, artichoke and fennel through their specific activities.
Intervalo crítico de nitrógeno y época de muestreo en Coffea canephora en suelos Cambisoles
Authors: Pérez-Díaz Alberto , Bustamante-González Carlos , Viñals-Núñez Rolando , Rivera Ramón 
Published: April 2023

Introducción. La introducción comercial de Coffea canephora en Cuba ocurrió en 1930. Se han realizado investigaciones sobre los requerimientos de fertilizante nitrogenado, pero no han incluido el análisis foliar como criterio para el diagnóstico del estado nutricional. Objetivos. Establecer los intervalos críticos de los contenidos de nitrógeno foliar y el momento de muestreo más adecuado para proponer correcciones a la fertilización nitrogenada en café. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló entre el 2008 y 2011. Se estudió la respuesta del cafeto a dosis de nitrógeno (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg ha-1) en un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con cuatro réplicas en suelos del orden Cambisoles. Los muestreos foliares se realizaron en las etapas de floración, fructificación, crecimiento del grano e inicio de maduración. Se determinaron las relaciones entre el rendimiento relativo y las dosis de fertilizante, así como entre las concentraciones foliares de N y el rendimiento relativo. Se estimó el intervalo crítico de contenidos de N (%) que permitió alcanzar de 90 % a 100 % de los rendimientos relativos. Resultados. Los intervalos críticos de nitrógeno (ICN) para rendimientos entre 90 % y 100 %, fueron similares entre años y localidades para la fructificación, aunque variaron entre las etapas fenológicas. Las mayores concentraciones foliares y el intervalo más amplio de estos (2,79–2,97 % N) se encontró en el inicio de fructificación, momento que se consideró más adecuado para corregir el sistema de fertilización empleado. Hubo relación entre los rendimientos relativos de las cosechas anuales y las concentraciones foliares de N para el cafeto robusta. Conclusiones. El intervalo crítico de N foliar en cafeto se estableció en la etapa de fructificación con una concentración de 2,79 %. El muestreo al iniciar la fructificación fue el más adecuado para valorar la corrección de la fertilización nitrogenada.