bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotype by Environment Interaction Effect and Fresh Root Yield Stability of Cassava Genotypes under Contrasting Nitrogen Regimes
Authors: Mbe Joseph Okpani , Dzidzienyo Daniel , Abah Simon Peter , Njoku Damian Ndibuisi , Onyeka Joseph , Tongoona Pangirayi , Egesi Chiedozie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an important nutrient element needed by cassava for optimum yield and it is a vital component of nucleotides (nucleic acids), enzymes, amino acids (proteins), chlorophyll molecules and hormones, among other essential compounds required for growth and development of cassava. Nitrogen stress is a major cassava production constraint, the study aimed to examine genotype by environment interaction (GEI) effects and fresh root yield stability of 203 diverse cassava clones to identify genotypes with stable performance under low and optimum nitrogen regime across environments using AMMI and GGE biplot analysis. Experiments were conducted using augmented block design with three replications for two years in three locations in Nigeria, under low and optimum N condition. There were significant differences (p<0.001) in the genotype’s mean performances as well as significant differences (p<0.001) in the environments mean performances for all the traits measured in both nitrogen regimes. The AMMI analysis of variance showed significant effects (p<0.001) for genotypes, environments and the interactions for fresh root yield in both nitrogen regimes. The biplot analysis showed that for fresh root yield in the optimum nitrogen regime, the principal component axis 1 explained 61.88% of the total variation while the principal component axis 2 explained 19.66%, which accounted for 81.54% of the G+GE (Genotype plus and Genotype by Environment) variation. For the G+GE for fresh root yield in the low nitrogen regime, axis 1 (50.40%) and axis 2 (21.24) together accounted for a total of 71.64% of the variation. Ten genotypes were identified as the best genotypes under the optimum nitrogen regime, while eleven genotypes were the best genotypes under the low nitrogen regime. Three genotypes under optimum nitrogen regimes were high-yielding but were unstable in their fresh root yield performance across the environments and can be recommended as specifically adapted to the environments they performed best. Three other genotypes were high-yielding genotypes under low nitrogen but were highly unstable in their fresh root yield mean performance across the environments. The environments Otobi_YR1, Igbariam_YR2, and Umudike_YR1 were identified as most discriminatory amongst the test environments. The environments Umudike_YR2 and Igbariam_YR1 were identified as most representative of the test environments and can represent a mega-environment.
MutL significantly regulates the formation of biofilms in B. subtilis YT1
Authors: Zhou Huafei , Li Baoyan , Chen Min , Chen Haining , Wang Hongtao , Wang Shaoli , Luan Binghui , Liu Baoyou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

As a crucial and integral adaptation for thriving in diverse habitats, whether for survival or disease prevention and control, biofilm plays a vital role for most biocontrol bacteria, such as B. subtilis , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, the process of biofilm formation is intricate, and its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that the regulatory protein MutL significantly influenced biofilm formation and exhibited a diminished colonization effectiveness on rice leaves. The mutant, lacking protein MutL expression, was unable to form biofilm with normal morphology and yielded only a quarter of the biofilm weight observed in the wild type B.subtilis YT1. In a petri dish confrontation assay examining the inhibitory effects on Rhizoctonia solani, no significant differences were observed between the mutant strain and the wild type YT1. Furthermore, through GFP fluorescent labeling technology, we conducted additional colonization tests, which demonstrated that the mutant failed to colonize rice stems effectively in the presence of R. solani. We hypothesize that the negative impact on biofilm formation resulted in inadequate colonization of rice stems, this combination accounts for the poor biocontrol efficacy against rice sheath blight, but it does not affect the normal growth of the strain or other biological phenotypes.
Characterization and Swelling Analysis of Agbaja Iron Ore
Authors: OCHERI CYRIL , Eneh Chukwunonso Jeremiah , Amatanweze Kingsley Tochukwu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Characterization and swelling analysis were performed on Agbaja iron ore to determine its suitability for engineering applications. Microstructure and morphological examinations of the ore were conducted on an inverted metallurgical microscope and SEM/ XDS techniques. Thermogravimetry, Differential Thermal Analyzer, X-Ray Fluorescence, and X-Ray Diffraction were used to analyze the chemical and structural compositions of the ore. The iron ore was heated in the muffle furnace to calculate the swelling percentage. The samples were subjected to temperatures 800oC to 1000oC with an interval of 40oC and a hold time of 30mins to 130 mins with an interval of 20mins. The samples were weighed with a digital weighing balance before and after heating to keep track of their initial weight, final weight and hence, percentage swelling induced by the thermal process. After a 30 mins hold time, 3.12% swelling was obtained at 800oC as the lowest point, while 3.67% was obtained at 1000oC. However, after a hold time of 130mins, 3.93% swelling was obtained at 800oC as the lowest point, while the highest percent swelling of 5.52% were obtained at 1000oC.
Radiomic Features Based on Multi-sequence MRI Predict Immunohistochemical Biomarkers of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Shen Liting , Chen Xiaojun , Li Lan , Zeng Yan , Yan Zhihan , Han Lu , Pan Jiangfeng , Wang Xue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Different molecular or genetic information influences the clinical decisions for patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC). A non-invasive, precise, and efficient preoperative evaluation method is crucial for the prognosis of patients with EC.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to construct MRI-based radiomics models to predict immunohistochemical biomarkers and assess the relationship between radiomic features and the Ki-67 proliferation rate in EC.
Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 estrogen receptor (ER), 94 progesterone receptor (PR), 97 P53, and 98 Ki-67 immunohistochemistry cases with EC who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between May 2012 and June 2023 prior to surgery. Radiomic features were individually extracted from T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed for feature selection. And logistic regression was employed to construct radiomics models with 5-fold cross-validation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to evaluate the performance of the radiomics models. Finally, Pearson's correlations were utilized to explore the association between the values of selected features and the Ki-67 proliferation rate.
Results: A total of 2264 features were extracted from each patient’s MRI sequences. The selected features from the multi-sequence models were shared with or without the single sequence models. Both single sequence and multi-sequence models demonstrated good diagnostic performance, although the diagnostic performance of multi-sequence models outperformed the single sequence models. Correlation analysis showed that adc_wavelet_glszm_wavelet-HHH-SmallAreaLowGrayLevelEmphasis and t2_log_firstorder_log-sigma-2-0-mm-3D-Skewness were negatively correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation rate.
Conclusions: MRI-based radiomic features are promising predictors of immunohistochemistry and prognosis in EC.
A Cauchy Integral formula for LR-(p,q)-monogenic functions with α-weight
Authors: Du Xiaojing , Gao Long , Xie Yonghong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Firstly, some properties for LR-(p,q)-monogenic functions with α-weight valued in a universal Clifford algebra are given. Secondly, the Cauchy-Pompeiu formula for functions valued in a universal Clifford algebra is proved. Finally, a Cauchy integral formula and the Cauchy integral theorem for LR-(p,q)-monogenic functions with α-weight valued in a universal Clifford algebra are given.
MR Subject Classification: 30E20, 30E25, 45E05.
MenSCs ameliorate experimental colitis by protecting intestinal barrier integrity by inhibiting the NF-κB/Snail signaling pathway
Authors: Ruan Tao , Xue Chengxu , Han Jiaming , Cheng Fangfang , Liang Haiyan , Lin Juntang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic recurrent nonspecific intestinal disease that are characterized by intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and excessive activation of the mucosal immune system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of menstrual blood-derived stem cells(MenSCs) against colon inflammation and mucosal tissue repair.Methods:LPS-exposed human colonic epithelial cancer cell line Caco2, and HT29. Tight junction(TJ) proteins and the level of inflammatory factors were assessed by Western blot and qRT-PCR. MenSCswere co-cultured with LPS-exposed human colonic epithelial cancer cell line, HT29, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD mouse models were intravenously administered MenSCs. Effects of MenSCs on intestinal inflammation, and colon barrier function were investigated. Finally, NF-κB-snail signaling pathway were assessed by western blot.Results:LPS downregulates intercellular junction proteins, and induces the production of inflammatory cytokines in intestinal epithelial cells.MenSCs mitigated DSS-induced colitis in mice, by reducing body weight loss, colonic shortening, and disease activity index scores and by inhibiting the expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. MenSCs increased the expression of TJ proteins, improved the destruction of tight junction (TJ) structures and reduced intestinal epithelial permeability. Furthermore, MenSCs could inhibit NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and the expression of Snail and prevent Snail nuclear localization, thereby maintaining tight and adherens junctions.Conclusions:Our data demonstrate that MenSCsalleviates gut inflammation, protects intestinal mucosal barrier by inhibiting the NF-κB /Snail signaling pathway.
Characteristics of Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis with dysphagia: a single-center study
Authors: Naganawa Tatsuaki , Hashimoto Takako , Ikeda Naomi , Takase Haruna , Dosoden Naoki , Ito Kodai , Sawada Marika , Ito Yumi , Watanabe Natsuko , Umeda Ai , Akamatsu Konomi , Kurumizawa Megumi , Nishino Jo , Fukaya Shusaku , Inamoto Yoko , Shibata Seiko , Otaka Yohei , Yasuoka Hidekata 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of dysphagia and examine the association among dysphagia, components of gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and clinical features. Fifty consecutive patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) examined by videofluoroscopic swallowing study were included. Dysphagia was identified by functional abnormalities such as aspiration and/or laryngeal penetration. Radiological findings such as the existence of residue was also evaluated. Esophageal involvement (E) and pharyngeal involvement (P) were defined by residue and gut involvement (G) was by the presence of diarrhea. Twenty-three patients (46%) had dysphagia. E was found in 96%, P in 82%, and G in 50%. Most of E had P (83%), and almost half of P had G (55%). All with G had E, and most of G was with P (88%). The E + P + G + group had younger onset, higher frequency with dysphagia, and higher UCLA GIT-2.0 compared with the E + P + group. Functional dysphagia was associated with radiological abnormalities such as pharyngeal and esophageal residue, diarrhea, and UCLA GIT-2.0 by multivariate analysis. Half of patients were affected by dysphagia. Pharyngeal involvement can be included in upper GI involvement. The emergence of pharyngeal involvement is an earlier stage than that of gut involvement, and patients with younger onset can have extended phenotype.
Aggregate morphing of self-aligining soft active disks in semi-confined geometry
Authors: Chugh Anshika , De Karmakar Soumen , Ganesh Rajaraman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We study the dependence of alignment and confinement on the aggregate morphology of self-aligning soft disks in a planer box geometry confined along y direction. We show that the wall accumulation of aggregates becomes non-uniform upon increase in alignment strength and decrease in box width. The height of these structures is found to be a non-monotonic function of alignment strength. Additionally, we identify two distinct categories of wall aggregates: layered and non-layered structures each exhibiting distinct local structural properties. For non-layered structures, local properties stay nearly constant as we move away from the boundary, while for layered structures, they increase with distance from the boundary. Our analysis shows that active pressure difference is a useful indicator for different aggregate morphologies and the peaks in the pressure curve are indicative of the average and minimum height of the structure.
Enhancing Nurse Competence in Early Recognition of Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Kolbus Jeffry , Adeola Mopelola , Luebcke Caitlin , Tipton Janelle 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of an educational intervention on nurses perceived self-efficacy in recognizing patients exhibiting symptoms of cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity.
Sample & Setting: The study was set in a 16-bed cardiac critical care unit (CCU) within a 462-bed hospital. The sample group was comprised of registered nurses (RNs) working on or floating to the CCU.
Methods & Variables: The study used a within-subjects design. Participants completed a pre-education survey, attended a 30-minute education intervention, and completed a post-education survey. The outcome variables were 7 self-confidence questions from the Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale for Managing Cancer Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity (NSS-CTC) on a 5-point Likert scale and one yes or no self-efficacy question. Descriptive statistics and paired T-tests were applied to analyze pre- and post-education surveys.
Results: The pre-and post-education comparative analysis for each of the 7 NSS-CTC self-confidence questions was statistically significant with test statistics ranging from t = 3.43 to t = 8.69 and p-values ranging from 0.0021 to less than 0.0001. All 26 RNs answered “yes” in their ability to detect symptoms of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity after the education.
Implications for Nursing: The lack of education for cardiac nurses against the backdrop of increasing cardiotoxicity in cancer patients showcases the essential need for cardiac nurse early symptom recognition education.
Synthesis of recommendations and evidence for managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in low middle-income countries: a Scoping Review
Authors: Escobar Maria Fernanda , Benitez-Díaz Nicole , Blanco-Londoño Isabella , Guevara-Calderón Lizbeth A. , Cerón-Garcés Catalina , Peña-Zárate Evelyn E. , Libreros-Peña Laura , Galindo Juan Sebastián 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) remain one of the leading causes of maternal mortality globally, especially in Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To reduce the burden of associated morbidity and mortality, standardized prompt recognition, evaluation, and treatment have been proposed. Health disparities, barriers to access to healthcare, and shortage of resources influence these conditions. We aimed to synthesize the recommendations and literature evidence for the management of HDPs in LMICs.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Epistemonikos, Clinical Key, and, Scielo) using MeSh terms, keywords, and Boolean connectors. We summarized the included studies according to the following categories: study design, objectives, settings, participant characteristics, eligibility criteria, interventions, assessed outcomes, and general findings.
Results: 651 articles were retrieved from the literature search in five databases. Following the selection process, 65 articles met the predefined eligibility criteria. After performing a full-text analysis, 27 articles were included. Three themes were identified from the articles reviewed: prevention of HDPs, management of HDPs (antihypertensive and non-hypertensive management) and pregnancy monitoring and follow-up. The topics were approached from the perspective of LMICs.
Conclusions: LMICs face substantial limitations and obstacles in the comprehensive management of HDPs. While management recommendations in most LMICs align with international guidelines, several factors, including limited access to crucial medications, unavailability of diagnostic tests, deficiencies in high-quality healthcare infrastructure, restrictions on continuing professional development, a shortage of trained personnel, community perceptions of preeclampsia, and outdated local clinical practice guidelines, impede the comprehensive management of patients. The development and implementation of protocols, standardized guides and intervention packages are a priority.
Electroencephalogram in cirrhotic children without clinical encephalopathy
Authors: Shahramian Iraj , Mohammadi Mohammad Hassan , Aminisefat Alireza , sabet Negar shafiei , Ataollahi Maryam , Afshari Mahdi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Cirrhosis is one of the most common causes of hospitalization and death in children, so prevention of progressive liver diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is critical. In addition to overt HE, subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) and mild hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) are stages of HE that can only be diagnosed by psychometric and neurophysiological tests, and with early diagnosis and treatment, daily functioning of patients will improve. Therefore, purpose of this study is determining electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in children with cirrhosis without clinical encephalopathy.
Methods
This study was conducted observationally at Amir Al Momenin Zabol Hospital, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In this study, 50 children with cirrhosis without encephalopathy symptoms and 50 healthy children were examined for abnormal electroencephalogram findings. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS V22 software.
Results
The mean and standard deviation of study population age was 57.6 ± 76.17 months. Of a total of 50 children with cirrhosis, 21 (42%) had abnormal EEG findings, whereas no child in the healthy group had abnormal EEG findings. There was a significant association between abnormal EEG findings and older age (P = 0.001), underlying autoimmune hepatitis disease (P = 0.011), and abnormal (elevated) serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) .Children with cirrhosis who had abnormal EEG findings had a higher mean Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score (18.1 ± 4.1) than patients with normal EEG findings (17.2 ± 3.7), but these findings was not statistically significant or remarkable ( P = 0.073). The sensitivity of EEG for predicting the severity of cirrhosis was estimated to be 70% and the specificity to be 65%.
Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate that the higher sensitivity of EEG compared to the specificity in predicting the severity of cirrhosis indicates that EEG can be used to exclude severe cirrhosis or to screen cirrhotic patients at risk of deterioration than in confirming its diagnosis.
Refractive error and Alzheimer's disease: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fan Wenfeng , Ma Keke , Yang Caixia , Xu Yuming , Shi Changhe , Guo Li-na , Dong Xiaofang , Guo Yuanli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and aims:
Observational studies have shown an association between refractive error and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether there is a causal relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetically predicted refractive error and Alzheimer's disease and vice versa.
Methods
A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study of refractive error and Alzheimer's disease from European ancestry was performed using summary statistics from Genome-Wide Association Studies. A series of sensitivity studies, such as heterogeneity tests, multiple validity tests, and leave one out analyses, were also conducted to further assess the accuracy of the MR analyses.
Results
In the forward MR analysis, no significant association was found between refractive error and Alzheimer's disease using 98 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for refractive error (IVW: β = 0.003, 95%CI of 0.931 to 1.080, P = 0.936). However, in the reverse MR analysis, three genome-wide SNPs were used as instrumental variables for Alzheimer's disease, revealing a significant association between Alzheimer's disease and refractive error (IVW༚β = 4.616, 95%CI of 5.447 to 1876.674, P = 0.001). Moreover, the weighted median analysis yielded consistent results.
Conclusions
Our research findings suggest that refractive errors seem to be unrelated to Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, refractive errors may be downstream effects of Alzheimer's disease.
The relationship between affective leadership and the voice behavior of nurses: A cross-level moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Qinglin , Zhang Hang , Li Yongxin , Wang Minghui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Drawing on social exchange theory, the study used multi-level structural equation model to statistically examine 167 matched surveys from leaders and subordinates. The study aimed to explore the mediating role of supervisor-subordinate Guanxibetween affective leadership and voice behavior, as well as the cross-level moderating impact of group voice climate. The findings revealed the following key points: while affective leadership showed a significant and positive association with supervisor-subordinate Guanxi, it did not directly correlate with voice behavior. On the other hand, supervisor-subordinate Guanxidemonstrated a significant and positive link with voice behavior. Moreover, our results suggested that affective leadership might impact voice behavior through the mediating effect of supervisor-subordinate Guanxi, with this indirect influence being contingent upon group voice climate. Notably, the indirect impact was more pronounced in settings characterized by a high group voice climate.