bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optometry students’ experiences of their clinical training: A qualitative study in a low- resource setting
Authors: Mucunguzi Boaz , Guti Walker , Tumwine Moreen , Mubuuke Aloysius G. , Munabi Ian , Raaheim Arild , Kiguli Sarah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: There is a gradual increase in the number of optometry education programs in low resource settings yet there is limited knowledge on optometry students’ experiences of their clinical training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the optometry students’ experiences of their clinical learning environment at a national referral and teaching hospital within a low resource setting.
Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design using face to face in-depth interviews to explore experiences of the participants. All 16 optometry students in fourth-year at university were purposefully recruited into the study. Data was collected at the end of the students’ clinical training at the eye clinic of a national referral and teaching hospital. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis using an inductive thematic approach.
Results: Two themes, learning at the eye clinic and organization of the eye clinic, were identified to represent participants’ experiences. Each theme had three sub themes.
Conclusion: The students’ experiences in a clinical learning environment take a transformative nature from initial hesitancy and feelings of inferiority, anxiety, uncertainty and nervousness to increased confidence and active engagement. Future studies should compare optometry students’ experiences in lower-level health units to those in national referrals hospitals.
A longitudinally measured disease progression-marker data analysis of HIV/TB co-infected patients taking HAART drugs in a public Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyes Delelegn Eshete 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The applications of HAART drugs play a great role in decreasing the incidence of TB and TB related death in persons living with HIV/AIDS. However, after HAART initiation, a considerable number of the TB infection and TB-HIV damages are still at a shocking level especially we could understand that the addition of TB to this damage made things “Mumps on the Goiter”.
Methods
A 407 co-infection patients data under HAART follow up and diagnosed for TB were analyzed using linear mixed model to explain the effects of HAART treatment for the improvement of patient’s CD4 count. The appropriate fixed and random effect model was selected using AIC, BIC, and log-likelihood values.
Results
Out of a total of 407 HIV/TB co-infected patients, 196 (48.16%) were females. When we look at the baseline functional status of patients, 24.57% were able to do their day to day activities like farming, harvesting, office work and others, 62.16% were ambulatory and 13.27% were bedridden for all visit times. Based on linear mixed model, the study results reveal that, duration of treatment, age, marital status, functional status, ART_Regimen, education and base line CD4 + count were among the significant predictors of linear mixed effect model at 5% significance level for the change of CD4 + counts over time.
Conclusions
Linear mixed effect model with random intercept and random slope model, and an autoregressive of order 1 (AR (1)) covariance structure have been used to model this correlated data type and a random variables effect. Age, marital status, functional status, ART_Regimen, education and base line CD4 + count were identified as a potential risk factor for the progression of CD4 + count of the patients. Patients who have a good baseline CD4 count had a positive significant effect for the improvement of CD4 counts of the patients over time.
Full-cell C/SiO2ǁNa3V2(PO4)3 high-performance Na-ion battery: Diffusion kinetics and N/P optimization
Authors: Chuong Nguyen Kim Yen , Le My Loan Phung , Vu Tan Phat , Tran Van Man 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
C/SiO2 composite derived from rice husks (RHs) have gained significant attention in the development of abundant anode materials for sodium-ion battery due to their unique features, simple synthesis process without using additional sources of silica and carbon and affordable price. Despite the extensive research reported, a part of the expensive hard carbon, the choice of anode materials is still limited leading to the challenges in the commercialization of SIBs... In this study, full-cell C/SiO2ǁNa3V2(PO4)3 was optimized the assembly conditions, achieving the highest and most stable capacity. In detail, N/P ratio surveys using presodiation C/SiO2 materials is the remaining factor. Besides, evaluations of the diffusion process kinetics in C/SiO2 have been conducted through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) studies. Within the pre-sodiation anode, full-cell C/SiO2ǁNa3V2(PO4)3 at N/P ~ 1.2 offers the highest capacity of 126.3 mAh.g− 1 and capacity retention of 83.7% after 50 cycles. Moreover, other electrochemical evaluation techniques were also used in this study, such as: EIS ex-situ, CV, C-rate, GCPL. Finally, with the information of this study, the optimization of Na-ion battery assembly conditions from material C/SiO2 has been explored, opening a new future for cost-effective batteries.
Study of Structural, Optical and Electrical properties of Zn- doped MoS 2 Nanomaterials for their Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Shahid Shazima , Ali Akbar . 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
MoS2 i.e., a semiconductor material has promising electrochemical properties, in the field of supercapacitors. Since molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) possesses special electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties, it has attracted a lot of attention for its use in supercapacitors. The current state of play and obstacles in using MoS2-based materials to supercapacitor technology are examined in this research. In this research, Zn doped MoS2 with different concentrations of Zn (2%, 7%, 12%) have been synthesized by Sol-Gel technique. To assess several characteristics of synthesized materials different characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were applied. The XRD patterns showed the Hexagonal structure confirming the successful formation of the material. Furthermore, the optical properties such as absorption and bandgap of the synthesized nanomaterials and composite were determined by UV-Vis. Spectroscopy. SEM indicates the sheets like morphology of the synthesized ZnXMoS2−x. CV and EIS measurements indicate the good electrochemical performance of the synthesized material. The electrode's supercapacitive measurements reveal a high specific capacitance of 1959 F/g for MoS2 while 2304.89 F/g for ZnXMoS2−x respectively at the scan rate of 10 mV/s. EIS measurements were taken from “Nyquist” plot indicating a decrease in resistances of modified electrodes of the samples. The impedance in ZnX(12%)MoS2 − X reduced to half than undoped MoS2.
Ion-acoustic solitary structures in electron-ion dusty plasma
Authors: Pain Rittika , Dalui Sandip , Sardar Sankirtan , Bandyopadhyay Anup 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We have studied the formation of arbitrary amplitude ion-acoustic solitary structures using Sagdeev pseudo-potential approach in an unmagnetized dusty plasma system in the absence of collision whose constituents are combined Kappa-Cairns distributed electrons, negative-charged stationary dust particulates and adiabatic warm ions. This system supports both positive and negative potential conventional solitons along with the coexistence of these two solitons, double layers and supersolitons of negative polarity. Different types of solitary structures along with the impacts of the plasma parameters, viz., Mach number, suprathermal parameter and nonthermal parameter, of this system on the amplitude of these structures have been investigated by plotting the pseudo-potential with respect to the electrostatic potential. The formation of supersoliton after the formation of soliton has been illustrated using the mechanical analogy of phase portraits. The transition of soliton to supersoliton and soliton to double layer has been illustrated.
Predictors of TSH Normalization in Thyrotoxicosis Patients after Treatment
Authors: Han Cheng-Han , Yin Chun-Hao , Chen Jin-Shuen , Chen Yao-Shen , Chu Chih-Hsun , Chuang Wan-Chi , Hung Hao-Chang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Thyrotoxicosis, characterized by elevated thyroid hormone levels, is a significant public health concern. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for the delayed thyroid function recovery in thyrotoxicosis patients, a crucial aspect for optimizing treatment and patient care.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adult thyrotoxicosis patients diagnosed at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, from January 2014 to December 2021. The study assessed patient characteristics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory data. The main outcome was the rate of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) normalization, defined as achieving normalized levels within 3 months.
Results
The study included 443 patients, with a mean age of 47.2 years and a predominance of female patients (73.1%). The average time to achieve normalized TSH levels was 6.9 months. Key factors associated with delayed TSH normalization included higher body mass index (BMI) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.12], elevated serum free T4 levels (OR = 1.97; CI, 1.44–2.69), and treatment with propylthiouracil (OR = 2.66; CI, 1.33–5.32). In contrast, factors such as sex, age, season of diagnosis, and comorbidities did not significantly impact the rate of TSH normalization.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of considering individual patient characteristics, such as BMI and initial free T4 levels, in thyrotoxicosis management. The findings suggest a potential preference for carbimazole over PTU in achieving faster TSH normalization. This research contributes to the understanding of thyrotoxicosis recovery and supports the need for personalized treatment approaches in clinical practice.
Perspectiva de tiempo futuro en adolescentes escolarizados de dos ciudades de Colombia
Authors: Hewitt Ramírez Nohelia , Junca Usma Silvia Juanita , Guevara Franco Diana Carolina , Olaya Martha Carolina , Contreras Arciniegas Yors Fabián , Vélez Botero Helena Johanna , Flórez Alarcón Luis 
Published: March 2024

La perspectiva de tiempo futuro (PTF) es un proceso multidimensional de tipo cognitivo motivacional que influye en las decisiones de los adolescentes sobre su futuro. Este estudio pretendió analizar la relación entre la PTF y las variables sociodemográficas edad, grado educativo, género y ciudad de residencia, en una muestra de 982 estudiantes entre los 12 y 18 años de edad cronológica, de nivel socioeconómico medio bajo, que cursan el ciclo de educación media, en cinco colegios de dos ciudades de Colombia. A través de un estudio empírico analítico de corte transversal, con un diseño correlacional, se midieron las dimensiones actitud y orientación temporal y la extensión temporal a través del cuestionario los jóvenes y el futuro. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes de grado undécimo, de género femenino, residentes en la ciudad de Acacias presentaron las medias más altas en la dimensión de actitud y orientación temporal. Se evidenciaron correlaciones significativas entre las dimensiones actitud y orientación temporal y extensión temporal con las variables sociodemográficas estudiadas. Esto confirma que los adolescentes de ambos géneros presentan interés en la planeación del futuro, la que es mayor según el grado educativo y difiere dependiendo del contexto donde viven.
Revealing temporal variation of baseflow and its underlying causes in the source region of the Yangtze River (China)
Authors: Wu Guangdong , Zhang Jianyun , Li Yunliang , Liu Yanli , Ren Huazhun , Yang Mingzhi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Baseflow plays a crucial role in sustaining the alpine ecosystem during rainless or cold periods. Despite its importance, information on how and why baseflow has changed in the source region of the Yangtze River (SRYR) is sparse. In our study, statistical analysis and the elastic coefficient method were used to identify the dynamic characteristics of baseflow and the underlying causes. The results show that monthly baseflow contributed 62–97% of runoff with a mean value of 75%, and they followed remarkable increasing trends from 1957 to 2020. The contributions of precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and ecological conservation programs (ECPs) on baseflow variations were 86, 53, −15, and −24%, respectively. However, their contributions differed across months. During the warm months of May to September, precipitation played a dominant role, followed by evapotranspiration. In contrast, during other colder months, temperature was dominant; meanwhile, the effect of precipitation was almost absent. Moreover, climatic change had a hysteretic effect on baseflow variation, with a maximum lag time of 10 months. Our results highlighted critical roles of both precipitation and temperature, and indicated that climate change, rather than ECPs, dominated the variation in baseflow in the SRYR.
Improved prediction of groundwater depth in urban areas using the EWT-S–G-GRU and LSSVM model: a case study of Xinxiang City
Authors: Luo Shuqi , Chen Haiyang , Chen Wuyuan 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The improvement in predicting groundwater depth accuracy has significant implications for the management, ecological environment protection, and economic and social development of regional water resources. Employing empirical wavelet transform (EWT) for nonlinear processing, Savitzky–Golay (S–G) filtering to reduce high-frequency noise, gate recurrent unit (GRU) neural network for linear feature signal processing, and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) for nonlinear signal handling, we established a comprehensive model combining EWT-S–G-GRU and LSSVM. The results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits superior accuracy in groundwater depth prediction, with an average relative error of only 2.14% and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.93. This outperforms the other four models, with average relative errors of 12.88%, 11.90%, 7.07%, and 11.10%, and NSE values of 0.58, 0.56, 0.71, and 0.73, respectively. The superiority of the model established in this study is attributed to its effective handling of both nonlinear and linear features of groundwater, thereby enhancing predictive accuracy. The EWT-S–G-GRU and LSSVM model proves to be more reliable in revealing the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of future groundwater, providing a robust reference for the rational development and utilization of groundwater in the urban area of Xinxiang City.
Bronchiolitis in Infants and Children before the Surge of COVID-19: Predictors
of Outcome and Length of Stay
Authors: Hussein Almontaser , Shams Ahmed , Azmy Haitham , Syed Mohideen Jeilani , Mohamed AlSayed , Elhussein Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

Background::
Despite the available clinical practice guidelines, many management decisions in bronchiolitis are made subjectively, resulting in variable length of
stay and unplanned ICU admissions. We hypothesized that certain independent predictors would affect the length of stay (LOS) and care
escalation.

Objectives::
To identify predictors for increased LOS and ICU admissions in acute bronchiolitis.

Methods::
We conducted a retrospective descriptive cohort study involving 589 children admitted to MZH with acute bronchiolitis in 2 years. Predictors
evaluated were age, gender, family history of asthma, prematurity, fever, hypoxemia, comorbidities, RSV, and medications (salbutamol, steroids,
and antibiotics).

Results::
Acute bronchiolitis comprised 8.75% of Pediatric admissions and 2.9% of total hospital admissions. The mean age is 8.28±6.1(2-30 months); 83%
were infants, 39.2% were girls, 15% were preterm, and 25.1% had a family history of asthma. Despite 84.9% having X-rays, significant findings
were present in 21.3%. RSV positive 22.5%. The mean LOS was 3.6±1.6(1-11 days).
Age less than 2 months(P=0.029 OR=1.8, CI1.1 - 3.3), family history of asthma (P=0.03 OR=1.8, CI1.14 - 2.9), hypoxemia on admission (P<0.001
OR=3, CI1.8 - 4.9), presence of comorbidity (P=0.012), and significant radiographic findings (P<0.002, OR=2.7, CI1.6 - 4.6) were predictors of
longer LOS. Prematurity (P<0.001, OR 8.8, CI 2.7-28.4), RSV bronchiolitis (P<0.002, OR=3.02, CI=1.5 – 6.03), and hypoxemia on admission (P<
0.042 OR=4.6, CI1.1 - 14.9) are qualified as independent predictors for escalated care.

Conclusion(s)::
RSV bronchiolitis, especially in preterm infants, may prompt a low threshold for admission and escalate the care. Evidence-based treatments,
respiratory support, and treatment of comorbidities help to achieve optimal LOS.
WSCD2 Expression: Its Relevance to Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and Glioma Prognosis
Authors: Abudusalam Kaderya , Xu Yan , Keyumu Pazilat , Cheng Tong , Xu Manyu , Lu Bing , Sun Pingping , Musha Kadierjiang , Huang Jianfei 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Patients with glioma have limited treatment options and experience
poor prognoses. Therefore, it is urgently needed to explore new diagnostic and therapeutic
targets.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the relevance of WSC domain-containing 2
(WSCD2) expression to glioma, clinicopathological characteristics, tumor-infiltrating
immune cells (TILs), and patient prognosis.

Methods:
We analyzed WSCD2 mRNA expression in glioma tissues and patient survival
using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database. Furthermore, the
relationship between the expressions of WSCD2 mRNA and TILs in gliomas was evaluated
utilizing the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database. Lastly, we employed
multiplex immunohistochemistry to detect the protein expressions of WSCD2 and TILs
in glioma tissues.

Results:
WSCD2 mRNA expression in glioma tissues was lower than that in tissues of
benign brain disease. High WSCD2 mRNA expression was also significantly associated
with a favorable outcome. Additionally, WSCD2 mRNA expression was correlated with
TIL expression in glioma; however, no such relationship was detected between the protein
expressions of WSCD2 and TILs in glioma tissues. Cox regression multivariate analysis
and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that WSCD2 expression in glioma tissues
could be an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusion:
This study highlights the correlation between WSCD2 expression and TILs
and demonstrates the prognostic significance of WSCD2 in glioma. Furthermore, our results
suggest that WSCD2 may be a potential immunotherapy target in glioma.
A Review on Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Rearrangements and
Mutations: Implications for Gastric Carcinogenesis and Target Therapy
Authors: Mesquita Felipe Pantoja , Lima Luina Benevides , da Silva Emerson Lucena , Souza Pedro Filho Noronha , de Moraes Maria Elisabete Amaral , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodrigues , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Gastric adenocarcinoma is a complex disease with diverse genetic modifications, including
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene changes. The ALK gene is located on chromosome
2p23 and encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in embryonic development
and cellular differentiation. ALK alterations can result from gene fusion, mutation, amplification,
or overexpression in gastric adenocarcinoma. Fusion occurs when the ALK gene fuses with
another gene, resulting in a chimeric protein with constitutive kinase activity and promoting oncogenesis.
ALK mutations are less common but can also result in the activation of ALK signaling
pathways. Targeted therapies for ALK variations in gastric adenocarcinoma have been developed,
including ALK inhibitors that have shown promising results in pre-clinical studies. Future studies
are needed to elucidate the ALK role in gastric cancer and to identify predictive biomarkers to improve
patient selection for targeted therapy. Overall, ALK alterations are a relevant biomarker for
gastric adenocarcinoma treatment and targeted therapies for ALK may improve patients' overall
survival.
Estimating Dementia Onset: AT(N) Profiles and Predictive Modeling in
Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients
Authors: Platero Carlos , Tohka Jussi , Strange Bryan 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) usually precedes the symptomatic phase
of dementia and constitutes a window of opportunities for preventive therapies.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to predict the time an MCI patient has left to reach dementia
and obtain the most likely natural history in the progression of MCI towards dementia.

Methods:
This study was conducted on 633 MCI patients and 145 subjects with dementia through
4726 visits over 15 years from Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. A combination
of data from AT(N) profiles at baseline and longitudinal predictive modeling was applied.
A data-driven approach was proposed for categorical diagnosis prediction and timeline estimation
of cognitive decline progression, which combined supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.

Results:
A reduced vector of only neuropsychological measures was selected for training the models.
At baseline, this approach had high performance in detecting subjects at high risk of converting
from MCI to dementia in the coming years. Furthermore, a Disease Progression Model (DPM) was
built and also verified using three metrics. As a result of the DPM focused on the studied population,
it was inferred that amyloid pathology (A+) appears about 7 years before dementia, and tau
pathology (T+) and neurodegeneration (N+) occur almost simultaneously, between 3 and 4 years
before dementia. In addition, MCI-A+ subjects were shown to progress more rapidly to dementia
compared to MCI-A- subjects.

Conclusion:
Based on proposed natural histories and cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of
AD markers, the results indicated that only a single cerebrospinal fluid sample is necessary during
the prodromal phase of AD. Prediction from MCI into dementia and its timeline can be achieved
exclusively through neuropsychological measures.