bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The alternative value of thyroid stimulating hormone instead of thyroglobulin in differentiation of follicular thyroid neoplasm in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Liu Jinyue , Kuang Jie , Sun Hanxing , Chen Lingxie , Li Qinyu , Zhan Ling , Hong Ri , Li Rui , Yan Jiqi , Qiu Weihua , Liu Zhuoran 
Published: September 2024

PurposesTo provide novel aspects for the preoperative diagnosis and appropriate differentiation strategies for follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA).MethodsAmong 25,765 cases, a total of 326 patients with follicular thyroid neoplasms between 2013 and 2019 were enrolled. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, surgical profiles and oncologic outcomes were collected and analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in preoperative ultrasound findings between FTA and FTC patients. The true positive rate (sensitivity) and true negative rate (specificity) of fine needle aspiration (FNA) for FTA patients were 0.6956 and 0.5000, respectively, and those for FTC patients were 0.0714 and 0.9348, respectively. Patients with FTC presented significantly higher serum thyroglobulin (TG) levels than patients with FTA. Preoperative TG level was positively related to tumor invasiveness and recurrence or distant metastases in FTC patients. There were 55 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), accounting for 16.87% of enrolled patients. HT patients had significantly lower serum TG concentrations than antibody-negative patients. Among HT patients, no significant differences were observed in TG levels between the FTA and FTC groups. Instead, FTA patients had significantly higher serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and lower serum T3 (Triiodothyronine) levels compared to FTC patients. Serum TSH level &gt;1.736U/L was associated with benign follicular neoplasms in HT patients according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ConclusionDistinguishing FTC from FTA remains a challenge for ultrasonography and FNA. Serum TG should be measured as a risk factor of FTC. However, in HT patients, serum TSH levels can serve as a more reliable indicator for differentiating FTC from FTA preoperatively.
Oral feeding challenges of infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Dietrich Leslie-Anne J. 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe presence of diabetes before or during pregnancy can increase perinatal mortality and morbidities. It is well known an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) may experience complications such as macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac anomalies, and other abnormalities of organogenesis. Medical providers including physicians, nurses, and speech therapists have experienced challenges with helping IDMs orally feed. Challenges with oral feeding can lead to prolonged hospital stays and placement of supplemental feeding devices. The etiology of an IDM's oral feeding delays is not well understood and does not necessarily affect all infants.Study designThis descriptive review explores what is known about potential contributing factors to feeding difficulty in IDMs, including differences in infant behavior and swallowing mechanics.ResultsSome IDMs are unable to maintain active alert states and have decreased autonomic regulation and motor control. Studies of sucking and swallowing demonstrate reduced sucking pressure, fewer sucking bursts, and slowing of esophageal sphincter function.ConclusionThe increasing prevalence of diabetes during pregnancy makes further investigations into the characteristics and trajectories of state, behavior, and oral feeding of IDMs imperative.
Responses of soil fungal community composition and function to wetland degradation in the Songnen Plain, northeastern China
Authors: Yan Zhizhi , Yang Shuhan , Chen Lei , Zou Yu , Zhao Yupeng , Yan Guang , Wang He , Wu Yining 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWetlands are ecosystems that have a significant impact on ecological services and are essential for the environment. With the impacts of rapid population growth, wetland reclamation, urbanization, and land use change, wetlands have undergo severe degradation or loss. However, the response of soil fungal communities to wetland degradation remains unknown. It is crucial to comprehend how the diversity and population dynamics of soil fungi respond to varying levels of degradation and ecological progression in the wetlands of the Songnen Plain.MethodsIn this study, high- throughput sequencing technology to analyze the variety and abundance of soil fungi in the undegraded (UD), light degraded (LD), moderate degraded (MD), and severe degraded (SD) conditions in the Halahai Nature Reserve of Songnen Plain. This study also explored how these fungi are related to the soil’s physicochemical properties in wetlands at various degradation levels.ResultsThe findings indicated that Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the primary phyla in the Songnen Plain, with Ascomycota increasing and Basidiomycota decreasing as wetland degradation progressed. Significant differences were observed in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN),and soil total potassium (TK) among the succession degradation stages. With the deterioration of the wetland, there was a pattern of the Shannon and Chao1 indices increasing and then decreasing. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis indicated that the fungal community structures of UD and LD were quite similar, whereas MD and SD exhibited more distinct differences in their fungal community compositions. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results indicated that Soil Water content (SWC) and total nitrogen (TN) were the primary environmental factors influencing the dominant fungal phylum. According to the FUNGuild prediction, Ectomycorrhizal and plant pathogens gradually declining with wetland degradation.DiscussionIn general, our findings can offer theoretical support develop effective solutions for the preservation and rehabilitation of damaged wetlands.
Trait-based community assembly and functional strategies across three subtropical karst forests, Southwestern China
Authors: Jiang Yong , Chen Zhenqing , Lin Haili , Deng Rongxin , Liang Zhihui , Li Yuling , Liang Shichu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundVariations in community-level plant functional traits are widely used to elucidate vegetation adaptation strategies across different environmental gradients. Moreover, studying functional variation among different forest types aids in understanding the mechanisms by which environmental factors and functional strategies shift community structure.MethodsBased on five plant functional traits, including four leaf and one wood trait, for 150 woody species, we analyzed shifts in the community-weighted mean trait values across three forest types in a karst forest landscape: deciduous, mixed, and evergreen forests. We also assessed the relative contributions of stochastic processes, environmental filtering, and niche differentiation to drive community structure using a trait-based null model approach.ResultsWe found marked changes in functional strategy, from resource acquisition on dry, fertile soil plots in deciduous forests to resource conservation on moist, infertile soil conditions in evergreen forests. The trait-based null model showed strong evidence of environmental filtering and convergent patterns in traits across three forest types, as well as low niche differentiation in most functional traits. Some evidence of overdispersion of LDMC and LT occurred to partially support the recent theory of Scheffer and Van Nes that competition could result in a clumped pattern of species along a niche axis.DiscussionOur findings suggest a change in environmental gradient from deciduous to evergreen forest, together with a shift from acquisitive to conservative traits. Environmental filtering, stochastic processes, niche differentiation, and overdispersion mechanisms together drive community assembly in karst forest landscapes. These findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the changes in functional traits among karst plants and their adaptive strategies, with important implications for understanding other community assemblies in subtropical forest systems.
Development and validation of the job stressor scale for specialty nurses
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Lin Wenqiong , Li Songyao , Li Yaru , Wei Jili , Zhang Huiyi , Zhang Bo , Fang Ziru , Guo Rui , Zhang Hongmei 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesSpecialty nurses play a crucial role in specialized nursing practice, teaching, management, and research. These nurses often face significant work pressure; therefore, scientifically and effectively assessing their job stress and its sources is vital for enhancing the quality of their work. However, there is currently a dearth of verified assessment tools for measuring job stressors among specialty nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test an instrument to assess the job stressors applicable to specialty nurses.MethodsWe conducted a multiphase mixed-methods study. The initial scale items were developed from a literature review and structured interviews. The scale was then refined through two rounds of expert consultation (N = 14) and a primary test (N = 20). A main survey (N = 552) was then conducted to evaluate the scale’s construct validity and reliability using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).ResultsThe final scale comprises four dimensions with 27 items. The factors included “specialized nursing and work,” “workload and time allocation,” “patient care,” and “work resources and environment.” The EFA explained 69.10% of the variance, while the CFA confirmed a good model fit. The content validity index was 0.980 at the scale level and 0.790–1.000 at the item level. The scale’s reliability was supported by its high Cronbach’s α (0.958), test–retest reliability (0.946), and split-half reliability (0.868).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the job stressor scale developed in this study is valid and reliable, and is recommended for use among specialty nurses to assess their stressors.
Effects of sodium benzoate on cognitive function in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Chun-Wei , Cheng Hsiao-Yi , Tseng Mei-Chih Meg 
Published: September 2024

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium benzoate’s effects on cognitive function and other psychiatric symptoms in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsychInfo databases until September 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. To investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses based on sex, dose, diagnosis, and risk of bias of the included studies. Trial sequential analyses were performed to investigate the statistical power of the synthesized studies. The certainty in evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A total of 10 studies were included in the analysis. Sodium benzoate demonstrated a small-to-moderate positive effect on global cognitive function compared with placebo (standardized mean difference 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.60, high certainty). Subgroup analyses suggested more pronounced effects in women; individuals receiving doses &gt;500 mg/day; and individuals with early-phase Alzheimer’s disease, chronic schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. Sodium benzoate also demonstrated potential efficacy in enhancing the speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, and reasoning and problem solving. Furthermore, sodium benzoate was effective for positive psychotic symptoms but not for negative psychotic and depressive symptoms with moderate certainty. The current evidence strongly supports the positive effects of sodium benzoate on cognitive function in neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research is required to confirm its efficacy across different subtypes or stages of neurocognitive disorders and within specific cognitive domains.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42023457462
Incidence and risk factors of severe acute high-altitude illness in healthy adults first entering the northern Tibetan Plateau of over 5,000 m
Authors: Gao Chun , Qi Guo-Dong , Wang Dan , Zhang Zhao-Hui , Liu Zhong-Xing , Ge Rui-Dong , Yong Zong , Yan Li-E 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundOur study was designed to determine the incidence and risk factors of severe acute high-altitude illness (AHAI) in healthy adults first entering the northern Tibetan Plateau of over 5,000 m.MethodsIn our prospective observational study, we enrolled 500 people who were scheduled for fast ascension to the northern Tibetan Plateau. The primary outcome variable was severe AHAI, defined as the presence of serious symptoms that could not be ameliorated by general treatment and required evacuation to lower altitudes. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a cohort of 383 healthy people was included in the statistical analysis. We calculated the incidence of severe AHAI, identified the risk factors, and the differences in the most severe symptoms experienced.ResultsSixty-eight people were diagnosed with severe AHAI, and the incidence was 17.8%. Compared to individuals without severe AHAI, those with severe AHAI were more likely to be over the age of 40 years, of Han Chinese nationality, and living at an altitude of &lt;1,500 m. They were less likely to belong to the Yi nationality, had a lower altitude of permanent residence, and exhibited decreased levels of lymphocyte count and hemoglobin concentration. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the mean altitude of permanent residence [per kilometer, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.464; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.304–0.708; p &lt; 0.001] and lymphocyte count (AOR = 0.606; 95% CI, 0.378–0.970; p = 0.037) were the independent risk factors. Headache and dyspnea ranked in the top two of the most severe symptoms for people with severe AHAI.ConclusionLiving at lower altitudes and having a decreased lymphocyte level were the risk factors of severe AHAI in healthy adults first entering the plateau of over 5,000 m.
Predictors of delayed health seeking for febrile children: multi-level analysis of cross-sectional study data from southern Ethiopia
Authors: Chisha Yilma , Feleke Tesfaye , Zeleke Eshetu Andarge , Aschalew Zeleke , Abate Zeleke Girma , Haile Yosef , Dalbo Mulugeta , Endriyas Misganu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundFebrile illnesses are commonly reported as a primary reason for seeking healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely diagnosis and getting prompt treatment within 24 h of fever onset is crucial to avert the risk of developing severe complications and death. Understanding factors contributing to delayed health seeking is important for public health interventions. Hence, this study aimed to assess individual- and contextual-level factors associated with the delay in seeking prompt treatment for children with fever.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023 in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Three districts were chosen, and then, from each district, six clusters or kebeles were chosen by simple random sampling. A total of 820 caregivers were randomly selected. A two-level mixed-effects logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with the delay in seeking prompt treatment. The associations were measured by an adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and statistical significance was declared at a 5% level of significance.ResultThe prevalence of the delay in seeking prompt care was 47.8%. Factors contributing to the delay were caregivers who were aged 30 years and above [AOR 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.52], caregivers who followed the Protestant religion (AOR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.08–6.48), caregivers unable to read and write (AOR 5.32, 95% CI: 6.80–11.70), merchant caregivers (AOR 6.63, 95% CI: 2.75–15.97), caregivers who were exposed to only one media source (AOR 9.3, 95% CI: 8.43–15.60), caregivers with the experience of child death (AOR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.22), and caregivers seeking permission from their partners to access healthcare (AOR 12.64, 95% CI: 6.98–22.89).Conclusion and recommendationsThere was a high level of delay in seeking healthcare. Targeted community education through mass media, healthcare facilities, and community-level awareness campaigns should be strengthened to improve early treatment seeking and lessen the consequences of delayed treatment seeking.
Underweight and associated factors among children under age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries: hierarchical analysis of demographic and health survey data
Authors: Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionGlobally, nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition. These tragic outcomes are most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The far-reaching impact of malnutrition affects not only individuals but also their families, communities, and entire nations. By examining underweight, we gain valuable insights into the intricate network of factors influencing child health. Therefore, this study aims to assess underweight prevalence and its associated factors among under-five children in low and lower-middle-income African countries.MethodWe conducted a secondary analysis of standard demographic and health surveys in 30 low and lower-middle-income African countries spanning from 2012 to 2022. Our analysis included a total sample of 200,655 children under the age of 5 years. We employed a three-level hierarchical model to assess the determinants of underweight among children in this age group. Measures of association were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Explanatory variables with a p-value less than the level of significance (0.05) were considered statistically significant.ResultThe pooled prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries was estimated at 17.60%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 17.44 to 17.77%. The hierarchical analysis identified several factors significantly associated with underweight, including male gender, birth size, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, household wealth index, antenatal care (ANC) visits, community poverty level, and income level of countries.ConclusionThe high prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries underscores the need for targeted interventions. By addressing individual, community, and country-level factors, we can work toward improving child nutrition and well-being.
Development of a RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a based rapid visual detection assay for Porcine Parvovirus 7
Authors: Wen Shubo , She Lemuge , Dang Sheng , Liao Ao , Li Xiaorui , Zhang Shuai , Song Yang , Li Xiangyang , Zhai Jingbo 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPorcine Parvovirus (PPV) is a significant pathogen in the pig industry, with eight genotypes, including PPV7, identified since its emergence in 2016. Co-infections with viruses such as Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) pose serious risks to swine health. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection methods suitable for use in field settings or laboratories with limited resources.MethodsWe developed a CRISPR/Cas12a-based assay combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for the rapid detection of PPV7. Specific RPA primers and five CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) were designed to target a highly conserved region within the NS1 gene of PPV7. Optimization of crRNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) concentrations was performed to enhance the assay’s performance.ResultsCrRNA optimization identified crRNA-05 as the optimal candidate for Cas12a-based detection of PPV7, as all synthesized crRNAs demonstrated similar performance. The optimal crRNA concentration was determined to be 200 nM, yielding consistent results across tested concentrations. For ssDNA optimization, the strongest fluorescence signal was achieved with 500 nM of the FAM-BHQ ssDNA receptor. The assay showed a minimal detection limit of 100copies/μl for PPV7, confirmed through fluorescence and lateral flow detection methods. Specificity testing indicated that only PPV7 DNA samples returned positive results, confirming the assay’s accuracy. In tests of 50 lung tissue samples from diseased pigs, the RPA-Cas12a assay identified 29 positive samples (58%), surpassing the 22 positive samples (44%) detected by conventional PCR. This highlights the RPA-Cas12a method’s enhanced detection capability and its potential utility in clinical surveillance and management of PPV7 in swine populations.DiscussionThe RPA-Cas12a assay effectively detects PPV7 in clinical samples, enhancing disease surveillance and control in pigs. Its adaptability to resource-limited settings significantly improves PPV7 management and prevention strategies, thereby supporting the overall health and development of the pig industry.
Quem cuida de quem cuida? Os desafios de ser um cuidador em uma cidade do sudoeste baiano
Authors: Menezes Samara Emanuelle Vieira de , Teixeira Iana Beatriz Aguiar , Almeida Nathalya Karen Silveira de , Ladeia Jade Rennó Boa Sorte , Ferreira Gabriel Alves 
Published: September 2024

Introdução: Cuidador é qualquer pessoa disponível para auxiliar um indivíduo com limitações no seu dia a dia, podendo ser ou não uma pessoa do âmbito familiar. O perfil desses cuidadores é traçado culturalmente e constituído, na maioria das vezes, por mulheres, solteiras e familiares do paciente. Quando se trata de cuidadores de idosos, sabe-se que há uma grande demanda à procura desses profissionais, já que no Brasil as taxas de envelhecimento populacional aumentam gradativamente e esse evento traz alterações na composição corporal, fazendo com que o idoso se torne dependente com o passar do tempo. Além disso, estudos apontam que essa é uma profissão desgastante e que gera sobrecarga emocional nos cuidadores por estar associado a uma grande carga de estresse e desvalorização do profissional. Diante desse cenário, percebeu-se a necessidade de estudos nessa temática a fim de gerar mais visibilidade para os cuidadores e, consequentemente, impactar futuramente na qualidade de vida dessas pessoas. Objetivo: Analisar sinais e sintomas de sobrecarga emocional em cuidadores de idosos no município de Guanambi - BA. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que foi realizada com 08 cuidadores de idosos, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada, com 07 perguntas baseadas na Escala de Zarit. Após as entrevistas, foram transcritas as falas e analisados os dados com por meio de análise de conteúdo. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Conselho de Ética em Pesquisa, e obedece aos princípios éticos propostos. Resultados: A pesquisa identificou sinais e sintomas de sobrecarga emocional e física em cuidadores e dificuldade na administração dos tempos devido atarefamento. Com isso, notou-se o surgimento do comprometimento da saúde e do auto cuidado do cuidador, decorrente da priorização do idoso. Conclusão: Diante disso, é importante que haja criação de medidas intervencionistas visando ofertar assistência para essa classe, e amenizando, assim, os desafios por eles enfrentados.