bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and population structure of Uganda cassava germplasm
Authors: SICHALWE KAROLINE LEONARD , Kayondo Ismail , Edema Richard , Dramadri Isaac O. , Kulembeka Heneriko , Kimani Wilson , Mgonja Doreen , Rubahaiyo Patrick , Kanju Edward 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The genetic diversity and population structure were assessed in 155 Uganda cassava genotypes using 5,247 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers which had an average call rate of 96%. Polymorphic information content values of the markers ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 with an average of 0.4 which was considered to be moderately high. The Principal Component analysis (PCA) showed that the first two components captured ~ 24.2% of the genetic variation. The average genetic diversity was 0.3. The analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) indicated that 66.02% and 33.98% of the total genetic variation occurred within accessions and between sub-populations, respectively. Five sub-populations were identified based on ADMIXTURE structure analysis (K = 5). Neighbor-joining tree and hierarchical clustering tree revealed the presence of three different groups which were primarily based on the source of the genotypes. The results suggested that there was considerable genetic variation among the cassava genotypes which is useful in cassava improvement and conservation efforts.
Identification and map-based cloning a new gene TaSP1 related to spike shape by EMS-induced wheat mutant
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhou Huidan , Fu Xian , Zhou Niuniu , Liu Mengjie , Bai Shenglong , Zhao Xinpeng , Cheng Ruiru , Li Suoping , zhang Dale 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Spike shape, an important factor for wheat grain yield, is mainly defined by spike length (SPL), spikelet number (SPN) and compactness. ZM1160, a mutant obtained from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) treatment of hexaploid wheat variety Zhoumai32, was used to identify and clone the candidate gene conditioned the spike shape. Genetic analysis of an F2 population derived from a cross of ZM1160 and Bainong207 suggested that the compact spike shape in ZM1160 was controlled by a single recessive gene, and therefore the mutated gene was designated as Tasp1. With polymorphic markers identified through bulked segregant analysis (BSA), the gene was mapped to a 2.65 cM interval flanked by markers YZU0852 and MIS46239 on chromosome 7D, corresponding to a 0.42 Mb physical interval of Chinese spring (CS) reference sequences (RefSeq v1.0). To fine map TaSP1, 15 and 7 recombinants were respectively screened from 1599 and 1903 F3 plants derived from the heterozygous F2 plants. Finally, TaSP1 was delimited to a 21.9 Kb (4,870,562 to 4,892,493 bp) Xmis48123-Xmis48104 interval. Only one high-confidence gene TraesCS7D02G010200 was annotated in this region, which encodes an unknown protein with a putative vWA domain. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that TraesCS7D02G010200 was mainly expressed in the spike. Haplotype analysis of 655 wheat cultivars using the candidate gene-specific marker G010200P2 identified a superior haplotype TaSP1b with longer spike. TaSP1 is beneficial to the improvement of wheat spike shape.
Navigating Trust and Health in India: The Influence of Social Status and Neighbourhood Environment
Authors: Saha Shrestha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The research on the relationship between interpersonal trust and health has primarily focused on Western contexts, with scarce attention in developing contexts. Addressing this gap, the study examines the association between interpersonal trust (both generalised and particularised) and health outcomes (self-rated health /SRH, and depression) among Indian adults, considering the moderating roles of social statuses (gender and caste) and macro-level factors like district-level income inequality.
Methods
The study draws on data from the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave-1, collected between 2007 and 2010. This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of health outcomes, including self-rated health (SRH) and depression, socio-cultural status of adults aged 18 and above in India. Additionally, district-level data on income inequality, quantified through the Gini index, were incorporated to examine the influence of contextual socioeconomic influence on the trust-health relationship. Multilevel regression analysis with interaction effects with social statuses and income inequality at district was employed in the analysis to investigate the intricate relationship between interpersonal trust (both generalised and particularised) and health outcomes.
Results
The study reveals that while generalised trust does not directly influence depression or SRH, particularised trust acts as a protective factor for both health outcomes. Gender-specific interaction effect shows that generalised trust reduces depression among males and improves SRH among females. Notably, caste does not significantly moderate the trust-health relationship. High district-level income inequality, however, modifies these associations: generalised trust is associated with improved SRH in areas of high inequality, whereas particularised trust correlates with increased depression in these districts.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the complex dynamics between interpersonal trust, social status, and income inequality in shaping health outcomes in India. Generalised trust emerges as a potential buffer against the health-detrimental effects of income inequality, providing crucial insights for developing targeted health interventions. These results offer valuable guidance for global health policymakers and practitioners in effectively allocating development aid to enhance health outcomes, especially among the most marginalised groups.
Prognostic value of tumour-associated regulatory T-cells as a biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khambholja Kapil , Gehani Manish , Kothari Rushabh , Marulkar Sachin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite continuous improvement, tumour, nodes, and metastases (TNM) staging has been deficient in prognosticating in patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To supplement TNM staging, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the regulatory T cells (Treg).
Methods: A keyword search was conducted in the MEDLINE database through PubMed for full-text original human studies from any region published in English during the last 10 years. Eligible for inclusion were studies evaluating the prognostic value of the number of Treg cells and pre-specified biomarkers in NSCLC. Case studies, case series, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and assessed risk-of-bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. One reviewer used an automation tool for screening, which was also used to facilitate data extraction. Meta-analysis was done for studies reporting significant multivariate hazards ratio (HR).
Results: Out of 258 retrievals, 19 studies were included in the final review. The low number of Treg cells was found significantly associated with improved overall survival (pooled log OR: 1.626; 95% CI: 1.324, 1.928; p (2-tailed) <.001; SE: 0.1174), improved recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.46; p = .01), and worse disease-free survival (pooled log OR: 0.992; 95% CI: 0.820, 1.163; p (2-tailed) .009; SE: 0.0135), especially when identified by forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), in any stage or non-metastatic NSCLC.
Conclusion: A low number of Treg cells indicated better survival, suggesting its potential use as a prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.
Systematic review registration: The protocol of this review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO on August 28, 2021, and was assigned the registration number CRD42021270598. The protocol can be accessed from PROSPERO website.
Relationship Between Indices of Insulin Resistance and incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Adults
Authors: Qin Yuhan , Qiao Yong , Yan Gaoliang , Wang Dong , Tang Chengchun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Insulin resistance (IR) is a pivotal pathogenesis characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study aimed to explore the association between three surrogate biomarkers for IR, including triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-c), triglyceride-glucose (TyG), and triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and T2DM incidence and compare the predictive value of these parameters in T2DM.
Methods
A total of 116855 Chinese adults aged over 20 without diabetes were included in the present study. T2DM incident rates were compared among participants with different levels of TG/HDL, TyG, and TyG-BMI. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spine were utilized to investigate the association between these IR indicators and T2DM. The T2DM risk across different quartiles of IR parameters during follow-up was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to investigate the predictive potential of each IR indicator for future T2DM. Stratification analyses were performed to explore the impact of age and sex on the association between IR and T2DM risk.
Results
2685 participants developed T2DM during a median follow-up of 2.98 years. The T2DM incidence rate dramatically increased with the increasing quartiles of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of incident T2DM were 1.177, 2.766, and 1.1018, for TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI, respectively. There were significant increasing trends of T2DM across the quartiles of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI. The HRs of new-onset T2DM in the highest quartiles versus the lowest quartile of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI were 3.298 (95% CI: 2.615–4.610), 8.402 (95% CI: 6.176–11.429), and 8.468 (95% CI: 6.157–11.646). RCS revealed the nonlinear relationship between and T2DM risk. Significant interactions between TyG and T2DM risk were observed between age groups. The correlations between IR and T2DM were more pronounced in subjects aged less than 40. TyG-BMI had the highest predictive value for incident T2DM (AUC = 0.774), with a cut-off value of 213.289.
Conclusion
TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI index were all significantly positively associated with higher risk for future T2DM. Baseline TyG-BMI level had high predictive value for the identification of T2DM.
Spin orbit coupling effect band gaps engineering of the lead-free perovskites FABI3 (B= Sn, Ge or Pb) materials for Tandem Solar Cells: first principle investigation of structural and electronic properties
Authors: Arfaoui Youssef El , Khenfouch Mohammed , Habiballah Nabil 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Pb-free perovskites are novel compounds that are currently studied, essentially for their photovoltaic applications. In this paper, we are studying the Hybrid-Organic-Inorganic perovskite (HOIP) for photovoltaic application. In fact, we study and discuss the structural and electronic properties of the perovskite FABI3 (B= Sn, Ge or Pb and FA= formamidinium: CH(NH2)2) applying the density functional theory DFT method executed in the Quantum Espresso framework. The band structure these perovskites has been presented; it is showed that these perovskits has a semi-conductor nature, with a band gap value 1.36eV for FASnI3, 1.72eV for FAGeI3 and 1.61eV for FAPbI3. Also, The DOS and PDOS have been presented and discussed for each of these materials. Indeed, we investigate the structural properties of these perovskites and demonstrated that the optimized value of lattice parameter is 6.35Å for the FASnI3, While, for the FAGeI3, this value is 6.3Å. And 6.5Å for FAPbI3. Moreover, the impact of the lattice parameter on the band gap value of FABI3 (B =Sn, Ge or Pb) has been investigated, it is demonstrated that the lattice parameter increases, the band gap increases. The results of this work can be utilized as a guideline for the development of new efficient, lead-free perovskite devices including tandem solar cells.
Kidney and Blood Pressure Outcomes 11 Years After Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ulrich Emma Heydari , Yordanova Mariya , Morgan Catherine J , Benisty Kelly , Riglea Teodora , Huynh Louis , Crépeau-Hubert Frédérik , Hessey Erin , McMahon Kelly , Cockovski Vedran , Wang Stella , Zappitelli Michael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill children and associated with adverse short-term outcomes; however, long-term outcomes are not well described.
Methods: This longitudinal prospective cohort study examined the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HTN) 11- vs. 6 years after pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and association with AKI. We examined children (age <19 years) without pre-existing kidney disease 11±1.5 years after PICU admission at a single center. AKI was defined using serum creatinine criteria. The primary outcome was a composite of CKD or HTN. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min/1.73m2 or albuminuria. Multivariable analyses compared outcomes at 11 vs. 6-year follow-up and association with AKI during PICU admission.
Results: Of 96 children evaluated 11 years after PICU admission, 16% had evidence of CKD or HTN (versus 28% at 6 years, p<0.05). Multivariable analysis did not show improvement in outcomes from 6- to 11-year follow-up. eGFR decreased from 6- to 11-year follow-up (adjusted coefficient -11.7, 95% CI: -17.6 to -5.9) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures improved. AKI was associated with composite outcome at 6-year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 12.7, 95% CI: 3.2-51.2, p<0.001), but not 11-year follow-up (p=0.31). AKI was associated with CKD (aOR 10.4, 95% CI: 3.1-34.7) at 11 years.
Conclusions: This study provides novel data showing that adverse kidney and blood pressure outcomes remain highly prevalent 10 years after critical illness in childhood. The association with AKI wanes over time.
Vulnerability of Rural Households to Climate-Induced Shocks: the Case of the Chiro District, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesso Feyera Jira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability, including climate-induced shocks. The adverse impacts of climate change and variability have put increased pressure on the livelihoods of rural households, which depend on natural resources. The households’ vulnerability level varied depending on their adaptive capacity, exposure, and susceptibility. Nevertheless, local and context-specific vulnerability assessments were scarce and insufficient for planning and action in the West Hararghe zone in general and in the Chiro district in particular. Therefore, this study assessed the vulnerability of rural households to climate change and climate-induced shocks in Chiro district, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia. The study applied a descriptive research design in combination with mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative). The study was conducted by participating 300 households in four kebeles of the district that were selected using simple random sampling techniques, and the data were collected using instruments such as household surveys, interviews with key informants and focus group discussions and observations. Household vulnerability level was determined using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) functions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity by applying the principal component analysis method. Finally, the results of the study showed that households in the Productive Safety Net Program were more vulnerable than nonparticipant households were (4.15%). This is because the households in the program had a lower aggregate of adaptive capacity for livelihood assets than did the nonprogram households. In addition, the participants were relatively more exposed and susceptible to climate change-induced shocks and biophysical elements, respectively, than were the nonparticipants. Therefore, livelihood enhancement interventions that encourage off-farm and nonfarm activities and create access to credit are important. Furthermore, interventions that ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment will be crucial in reducing the vulnerability of poor rural households to climate change and climate-induced shocks in the future.
Evolutionary game research on the decision-making of shared bike placement quantity based on dynamic and static punishment mechanisms
Authors: Jiang Luyao , Wu Xiaoping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper optimizes the total amount of shared bike placement from the supply side. Firstly, we used the evolutionary game method to study the dynamic evolution process of the decision-making of government departments and bike-sharing enterprises about the amount of placement. Secondly, we analyze the stability of the equilibrium point in the game system. Finally, we use MATLAB simulation to analyze the stability of its evolution, and then discuss the influence of the core parameters on the evolution of the behavior of the participating parties. The results show that solving the problem of the massive placement of shared bikes requires the government to participate and play a leading role. When the benefit of strict government regulation is less than the cost, a dynamic punishment mechanism should be used. When the benefit is greater than the cost, a static punishment mechanism should be used. Under the static punishment mechanism, the government’s strategy is insensitive to changes in the amount of punishment. But under the dynamic punishment mechanism, the amount of punishment is negatively correlated with the probability of strict government regulation. So the government can reduce its regulatory costs by increasing the amount of punishment.
18FDG-PET/CT versus Contrast Enhanced CT in detection of mucinous ovarian cancer recurrence: comparative study
Authors: Ali Ismail , Nasr Ibrahim , farouk shaimaa , Elahmadawy Mai , Talaat Omnia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives: to assess the added value of 18FDG-PET/CT in detection of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) recurrence and its effect on patient management compared to contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT).
Methods: All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT for detection of MOC recurrence. PET/CT and CT were interpreted separately and the significance of difference between them was evaluated.
Results: The study included 59 patients, out of them 18 and 29 patients were proven to have local and distant recurrence respectively. PET/CT demonstrated greater sensitivity (SN) , positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy, but the same specificity (SP) in recurrence detection (97.9%, 90.2%, 87.5%, 89.8%, and 58.3%, vs. 85.1%, 88.9%, 50%, 79.7%, and 58.3%, respectively) and showed significantly higher sensitivity for detection of omento-peritoneal and LNs metastases (mets) (36 and 27 versus 22 and 18, p- 0.0001 and 0.004, respectively). Both modalities were comparable in identifying distant organ mets (p >0.05). PET/CT changed patient management in 25.4% of patients,
Conclusion: 18FDG-PET/CT showed higher SN and accuracy than CECT in MOC recurrence detection, mainly the omento-peritoneal and nodal deposits, which allow better guidance for proper therapy planning.
Predicting Sit-to-Stand Motions with a Deep Reinforcement Learning Based Controller under Idealized Exoskeleton Assistance
Authors: Ratnakumar Neethan , Akbaş Kübra , Jones Rachel , You Zihang , Zhou Xianlian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Maintaining the capacity for sit-to-stand transitions is paramount for preserving functional independence and overall mobility in older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Lower limb exoskeletons have the potential to play a significant role in supporting this crucial ability. In this investigation, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based sit-to-stand (STS) controller is developed to study the biomechanics of STS under both exoskeleton assisted and unassisted scenarios. Three distinct assistance conditions are explored: 1) Hip joint assistance (H-Exo), 2) Knee joint assistance (K-Exo) and 3) Hip-knee joint assistance (H + K-Exo). By utilizing a generic musculoskeletal model, the STS joint trajectories generated under these scenarios align with unassisted experimental observations. We observe substantial reductions in muscle activations during the STS cycle, with an average decrease of 68.63% and 73.23% in the primary hip extensor (gluteus maximus) and primary knee extensor (vasti) muscle activations, respectively, under H + K-Exo assistance compared to the unassisted STS scenario. However, the H-Exo and K-Exo scenarios reveal unexpected increases in muscle activations in the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, potentially indicating a compensatory mechanism for stability. In contrast, the combined H + K-Exo assistance demonstrates a noticeable reduction in the activation of these muscles. These findings underscore the benefit of STS assistance, particularly in the combined hip-knee exoskeleton scenario, and contribute valuable insights for the development of robust DRL-based controllers for assistive devices to improve functional outcomes.
Use and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Western Uganda.
Authors: Tusabe Joan , Nangendo Joanita , Muhoozi Michael , Muyinda Herbert 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Refugee HIV positive mothers experience significant obstacles in accessing, utilizing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Identifying ART non-adherence can help enforce interventions aimed at improving adherence and subsequently effectiveness of ART among the refugee mothers. We describe the use and the factors associated with non-adherence to ART among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18–49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18–49 years in Kyangwali refugee camp between May and June 2023. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data on use, and factors associated with non-adherence to ART. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with non-adherence to ART.
Results
Of the 380 participants enrolled, 192 (50.5%) were married, mean age 32.1 years. Overall, 98.7; 95% CI [97.5–99.8%] were using ART and 27.4; 95% CI [22.9–31.9%] were non-adherent. Non-adherence was associated with; Initiating PMTCT care in the third trimester of pregnancy (aPR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27–3.35), no need to get permission to seek PMTCT services aPR 1.61; 95% CI [1.07–2.42] and poor attitude of PMTCT providers aPR 1.90; 95% CI [1.20–3.01].
Conclusion and recommendations:
Non-adherence to ART was generally high; therefore limiting the effectiveness of the PMTCT program in this setting. Refugee context specific education interventional programs aimed at early initiation into HIV care, strong social and psychological support from families, communities and health care providers are vital to improve adherence this setting.