bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Acute Malnutrition among Children 6-59 Months of Age Visiting Public Health Facilities in Dawe Kachen District, East Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: A Case Control Study
Authors: Mohammed Seifu , Seyoum Meron , Ayane Abera , Girma Derara , Hussein Dursa , Oyato Befekadu Tesfaye 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Acute malnutrition in children is a life-threatening condition caused by a lack of nutrients and/or illness. Although a large number of acute malnutrition cases are reported in pastoral communities, only a few studies have been conducted on the determinants of acute malnutrition, especially during the drought season.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify determinants of acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months visiting public health facilities in the Dawe Kachen district, East Bale zone.
Methods
An institutional based, unmatched case‒control study was conducted from May to June 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 294 (98 cases and 196 controls) children aged 6–59 months. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were analysed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro version 3.2.2 tool. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors independently associated with acute malnutrition. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio (OR) at a P value < 0.05 was considered to indicate an independent predictor of acute malnutrition.
Results
In this study, 294 children (98 patients and 196 controls) with mothers/caregivers were recruited, for a response rate of 100%. Family size ≥ 6(AOR = 3.117; 95% CI: 1.415–6.863), child age (6–11 months) (AOR = 4.945; 95% CI: 1.754–13.943), low dietary diversity score (AOR = 2.765; 95% CI: 1.479–5.168), children whose mother/caregivers have not received infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counselling (AOR = 7.911; 95% CI: 3.680–17.003), children who were initiated complementary feeding before or after six months of age (AOR = 1.966; 95% CI: 1.029–3.758), children who were late initiated breastfeeding after birth (AOR = 2.881; 95% CI: 1.510–5.499), children from household with poor wealth status and medium wealth status (AOR = 2.273; 95% CI: 1.064–4.857), (AOR = 4.057; 95% CI: 1.808–9.105), respectively, and children who had diarrhea two weeks prior to the survey (AOR = 2.519; 95% CI: 1.326–4.783) were found to be the independent predictors of acute malnutrition.
Conclusion
In the present study, family size ≥ 6, low dietary diversity score, child age (6–11 months), lack of IYCF counselling, late initiation of breastfeeding after birth, starting complementary feeding before and after 6 months, household wealth status, and diarrheal disease were identified as determinants of acute malnutrition in the study area. Nutritional education should be provided to the community continuously, based on nutritional activities that were previously incorporated into health extension packages. Creating awareness of family planning methods and the accessibility of methods at the HH level
Plant traits and soil properties confer stability of black spruce-Kalmia shrub savannah of eastern Canada.
Authors: James Colin St. , Mallik Azim U. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Scope
: In eastern Canada, black spruce-Kalmia forests turn to either spruce forest, Kalmia heath, or Kalmia-spruce shrub savannah (SS) depending on fire severity. Patchy distribution of high and low severity fires convert closed canopy forest to SS. Our objective was to identify the plant and soil mediated mechanisms of stability of SS. We hypothesized that traits of dominant plants and microhabitat conditions in island and heath of SS confer stability.
Methodology
: We compared species composition, habitat condition, and dominant species functional traits in SS island and heath with a multivariate approach. We determined functional hypervolumes of four most abundant species in island and heath using four functional traits of resource acquisition and use.
Results
We found higher tree cover, cryptogamic species, and organic matter depth in island and incident light, soil moisture, and shrub cover were higher in heath. Soil pH was higher in island than in heath and black spruce litter decomposed faster than Kalmia litter. Heath soil had higher total N, but lower total C, and K than island soil. Kalmia hypervolume was lower in island than in heath but other ericaceous species’ hypervolumes were greater in island than in heath. Ericaceous species showed a tradeoff between resource conservation to resource acquisition traits.
Conclusions
We conclude that SS persists due to distinct vegetation and soil processes in island and heath conferring its stability. Distinct microhabitat conditions, soil biogeochemical processes, and functional niche utilization act as stabilizing forces to maintain SS structure.
Clinicopathological characteristics and predictors of renal outcomes in diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis : a retrospective single-center study from Western China study
Authors: Wen Shan , Chen Shasha , Lin Yingying , Li Guisen , Ping Zhang , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis among various types of diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis(DCGN) and especially type II DCGN and to identify predictive factors for renal outcomes in these patients.
Methods: This study retrospectively examined 107 patients diagnosed with diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis through biopsy at the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, spanning from January 2012 to July 2022. The investigation primarily aimed to identify the occurrence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) as the primary endpoint. Analytical methods included Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to assess the data.
Results: Among the 107 enrolled patients, 12 (11.2%) patients had Type I diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis, 70 (65.4%) patients had Type II (including immunoglobulin A [IgA] nephropathy, 40%; lupus nephritis, 38.6%), and 25 (23.4%) patients had Type III. Thirty-seven (34.6%) patients received kidney replacement therapy (KRT) at presentation, while 17 (15.9%) received plasmapheresis. In the follow-up cohort, 46 (47%) patients progressed to ESKD. For patients with diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis (DCGN), the 5-year cumulative renal survival rates were markedly different across the three types: Type I had a rate of 0%, Type II had a rate of 57.5%, and Type III had a rate of 18.6%. Furthermore, among Type II patients, IgA nephropathy emerged as the most prevalent condition. The cumulative 5-year kidney survival rates were 50% for patients with IgA nephropathy, 64% for lupus nephritis, and 70% for Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. A significant association between the risk of ESKD development and several factors was revealed by a multivariate Cox regression analysis: baseline serum creatinine level (P=0.001), initial kidney replacement therapy (KRT) at presentation (P=0.003), interstitial inflammation (P=0.023), global glomerulosclerosis (P=0.009), and the presence of fibrous crescents over 50% (P=0.033).
Conclusion: Type II diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis was the most prevalent type in DCGN, and favors better renal prognosis than type I and III DCGN, in which IgA nephropathy was the most common entity of Type II DCGN in western China. The prognosis for IgA nephropathy was worse than that for patients with lupus nephritis or Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Additionally, baseline serum creatinine level, initial KRT at presentation, interstitial inflammation, global glomerulosclerosis, and fibrous crescents >50% were identified as predictors of renal outcomes in diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis .
An Exact Calculation For The Debates Between Two Chinese Children More Than Two Thousands Years Ago
Authors: Li Hui , Pang Xinyi , Sun Bixia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the ancient Chinese collection “Liezi · Tangwen”, there is a story about an argument between two children comparing the distance of the sun in the morning and at noon. One child argued based on the sun’s size, while the other arguedbased on the temperature. Confucius was unable to determine who was right, and today’s students who read the story from Chinese elementary school textbooks face the same dilemma. This paper aims to bridge the gap between Chinese literature and physics by providing scientific facts to the story. It will examine the impact of revolution and rotation on the difference in distance between morning and noon, and then combine them to determine which is closer. The findings show that the result is more complex than expected.
Clinical Value of Folate-Receptor Positive Circulating Tumor Cell in Diagnosing Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liang Liu , Ye Wei , Rao Hui , Guo Xuemin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Backgrounds: Folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells (FR+CTCs) have been proven effective in cancer diagnosis; this study aims to investigate the clinical significance of FR+CTC in diagnosing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.
Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1129 patients. Ligand-targeted polymerase chain reaction (LT-PCR) was utilized to detect FR+CTC. Variables with statistical significance were selected to draw the ROC curves, and accordingly, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were calculated for comparison. The clinical data were used to construct univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. A predicting model was established, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Results: 846 patients were finally included, of which 433 were clustered into the benign group and 413 were categorized into the papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) group. There were significant differences between FR+CTC, TSH, TT3, FT3, Tg, TgAb, and Age of the two groups (P＜0.05). The AUCs of the above seven risk factors were 0.690 (95% CI, 0.654-0.725), 0.632 (95% CI, 0.594-0.669), 0.567 (95% CI, 0.528-0.606), 0.585 (95% CI, 0.547-0.623), 0.735 (95% CI, 0.701-0.769), 0.588 (95% CI, 0.549-0.626) and 0.646 (95% CI, 0.609-0.683), respectively. The AUC of the combined model was 0.815 (95% CI, 0.785-0.844). The univariate and multivariate analysis identified age (OR, 0.41; 95% CI: 0.29-0.57), FR+CTC (OR, 3.7; 95% CI: 2.65–5.22), TSH (OR, 3.18; 95% CI: 2.22-4.59) and Tg (OR, 0.25; 95% CI: 0.18-0.35) as independent predictors.
Conclusions: FR+CTCs is a potential biomarker to distinguish PTC and is correlated with tumor location, ATA risk stratification (between high risk and low risk group), and N stage.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
All-Inorganic Ultrathin High Sensitivity Transparent Temperature Sensor Based on Mn-Co-Ni-O Nanofilms
Authors: Liu Changbo , Cui Yuanyuan , Sun Mengwei , Deng Yuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The demand for optically transparent temperature sensors in intelligent devices is escalating. However, the performances of these sensors, particularly their sensitivity and resolution, require further enhancement. This study introduces a novel transparent and highly sensitive temperature sensor, characterized by its ultra-thin, freestanding design, and based on Mn-Co-Ni-O nanofilms. The Mn-Co-Ni-O-based sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity, with a temperature coefficient of resistance of -4%℃-1, and is capable of detecting minuscule temperature fluctuations as small as 0.03 ℃. Additionally, the freestanding sensor can be transferred to any substrate for versatile application while maintaining robust structural stability and excellent resistance to interference, indicating its suitability for operation in challenging environments. The vertical integration of the sensor and a micro light-emitting diode on a polyimide substrate demonstrates its practical utility in monitoring the surface temperature of optical devices. Moreover, the implantation experiment of the sensor in rats confirms its favorable biocompatibility, highlighting the sensor's promising applications in the biomedical domain.
Experience of Chinese oncology nurses in providing care for patients with cutaneous toxicity of immunotherapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Liu Suting , Li Xingwen , Su Qing , Luo Yuanyuan , Lu Ruiqi , Miao Jingxia , Zhang Lili 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Immune-related cutaneous adverse events are the most frequently observed reactions in patients with cancer and significantly affect their quality of life. Hence, the administration of immunotherapy to patients poses a challenge to and is the responsibility of nurses. However, currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the experience of Chinese oncology nurses in caring for patients with immunotherapy-induced cutaneous toxicity.
Objective: To investigate the inner feelings and experiences of nurses providing care for patients with immunotherapy-induced cutaneous toxicity.
Design: A qualitative descriptive study.
Setting(s): Seven hospitals in Guangzhou, China.
Participants: A purposive sample of 14 nurses providing care to patients with immune-related cutaneous adverse events.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were utilized to explore the perspectives of the nurses. Transcripts were entered into NVivo 11.0. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data for significant statements and phrases that were organized into themes and subthemes.
Results: Although cutaneous adverse eventsis a common adverse event related to immunotherapy, nurses still encounter obstacles and challenges in dealing with clinical scenarios such as time constraints, workload, and difficulties in managing severe cutaneous adverse events. It requires attention from leadership, communication among peers, patient cooperation and sufficient time in order to provide optimal skin management services. Three main themes were identified in the data: (I) Care for cancer patients with cutaneous toxicity; (II) A rich emotional experience; and (III) Factors affecting the management of cutaneous toxicity.
Conclusions: Chinese nurses reported that they experience both challenges and satisfaction in their nursing practices, with coexisting positive and negative emotions.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of nurses' experience in managing immune-related cutaneous adverse events and recognizing the barriers they face during the management process is crucial for developing effective training programs to enhance their ability to handle immune-related cutaneous adverse events.
The Effect of Haplotype Size on Genomic Selection Accuracy and Epistasis: An Empirical Study in Rice
Authors: Montiel Maria , Moreno-Amores Jose , Angira Brijesh , Cerioli Tomasso , Robbins Kelly , McCouch Susan , Famoso Adam , Fritsche-Neto Roberto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Genomic selection (GS) has revolutionized breeding practices by integrating genotype and phenotype data to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), offering the potential to accelerate breeding cycles and intensify and enhance early-stage selections. This approach relies on the concept of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genetic markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) within populations. LD is the non-random association between alleles at different loci and provides valuable insights into recombination rates. This study aimed to investigate the influence of recombination on haplotype sizes and LD, assess the impact of additive (A) versus additive + epistasis (A+I) genetic models on GS prediction accuracy, and demonstrate how haplotype resolution in the training set (TS) impacts the prediction accuracy of GS. For this, we used biparental (MP2) and multiparent (MP6-8) populations, where the only difference between them was the recombination rate. Results revealed a direct relationship between LD decay and the number of recombination opportunities within populations, with smaller haplotype blocks observed in populations experiencing more recombination. The use of A+I models increased heritability but did not improve prediction accuracy. Finally, populations with smaller haplotype sizes in the TS exhibited enhanced prediction accuracy. This study demonstrates the effect of haplotype size on GS accuracy, and its uniqueness lies in its focus on populations where the sole differentiating factor is haplotype size. It offers an important tool for breeders in designing GS strategies, providing valuable guidance for future breeding efforts.
A Correlational Predictive Study of Core Self-Evaluations, Grit, and Success Expectancy
Authors: scott crystal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This quantitative correlational predictive study aims to determine if and to what extent core self-evaluations (CSE), grit, and age, combined and individually predict generalized expectancy for success (GES) in adults ages 18–65 in the United States. The sample size was 115. The theoretical foundation was the CSE Theory and the Grit Model. The instruments used for the study were CSE, Grit-S, and GESS-R Scales. The Grit-S and GESS-R had a high level of reliability with Cronbach’s alpha of .72 and .89, respectively. CSE showed a Cronbach’s alpha of .68. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to measure the predictive relationship between CSE, grit, and age combined and individually, and generalized expectancy for success (GES). The results for CSE, grit, and age combined showed statistically significant results F(3,111) = 27.56, p < .001, CSE showed a direct predictive relationship with GES (ß = .404, t = 4.940, p < .001), and grit showed an inverse predictive relationship with GES (β = − .360, t = -4.366, p < .001). The relationship was negative because GES decreased as grit increased. Age did not show statistically significant results (ß = − .063, t = − .866, p = .388), and the null hypothesis was maintained. The results of this study contribute to the literature on CSE, grit, and generalized expectancy for success.
High mountains of Central Europe as a refuge of surprising cytotype diversity of Huperzia selago (Lycopodiaceae)
Authors: Vejvodová Kateřina , Krejčí Joel , Koutecký Petr , Lučanová Magdaléna , Hornych Ondřej , Ekrt Libor Ekrt 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Polyploidization is pivotal in plant speciation, enhancing adaptability, ecological tolerance and specific geographical distribution pattern. While cytotype diversity is extensively studied in angiosperms and ferns, knowledge in homosporous lycophytes remains very limited. This study addresses this gap, focusing on the homosporous lycophyte Huperzia selago in Central Europe. Employing flow cytometry, we assessed genome size in 1330 H. selago individuals from 208 populations identifying five distinctive cytotypes (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x). Challenging chromosome counting on somatic gemmae roots was applied for the three lowest cytotypes yielded average counts of 140, 204, and 262 chromosomes, respectively. Geographical separation of cytotypes was not observed. Tetraploids were most widespread (72.7%), while triploids (21.3%) were rare, and extremely rare are cytotypes 2x, 5x, 6x constituted less than 5% of the dataset. Uncommon cytotypes were associated with the Alps and triploids occurs also in the highest parts of Western Carpathians. Hexaploid genome size (29 pg) approached upper limits reported in lycophytes. Around 27.3% of populations exhibited mixed cytotypes. Except for atypical diploids, spore abortion differed between even and odd ploidies, approximately 21.8% and 65.2%, respectively. Microcharacter sizes (stoma, spore) did not linearly correspond with increasing ploidy levels. The high ploidy-level diversity and cytotype coexistence in Central European Huperzia selago match the well documented patterns in ferns and angiosperms. These findings provide valuable insights into lycophyte polyploidy, underscoring the necessity for broader geographical sampling and applicance of molecular studies to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic classifications within the genus Huperzia.
Ultraviolet-screening bioproducts by endolithic cyanobacteria from the Atacama Desert: the effect of salinity in growth and scytonemin production yields
Authors: Casero María Cristina , Herrero María Ángeles , Roche Juan Pablo De la , Quesada Antonio , Velázquez David , Cirés Samuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cyanobacteria inhabiting extreme environments constitute a promising source for natural products with biotechnological applications. However, they have not been studied in-depth for this purpose due to the difficulties in their isolation and mass culturing. The Atacama Desert suffers one of the highest solar irradiances that limits the presence of life on its hyperarid core to endolithic microbial communities supported by cyanobacteria as primary producers. Some of these cyanobacteria are known to produce scytonemin, a UV-screening liposoluble pigment with varied biotechnological applications in cosmetics and other industries. In this work we carried out a strain selection based on growth performance among 8 endolithic cyanobacteria of the genera Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsa and Gloeocapsopsis isolated from non-saline rocks of the Atacama Desert. Then we investigated the influence of NaCl exposure on scytonemin production yield. Results in the selected strain (Chroococcidiopsis sp. UAM571) showed that rising concentrations of NaCl lead to a growth decrease while triggering a remarkable increase in the scytonemin content, reaching maximum values at 20 g L-1 of NaCl over 50-fold higher scytonemin contents than those obtained without NaCl. Altogether, these findings point out to cyanobacteria from the Atacama Desert as potentially suitable candidates for pilot-scale cultivation with biotechnological purposes, particularly to obtain scytonemin.
Bayesian approach for assessment of co-variances and genetic parameters of economically important traits in Sahiwal cattle
Authors: RATWAN POONAM , Kumar Manoj , Chakravarty Atish Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Precise as well as unbiased estimates of genetic parameters of economically important traits is important in lieu of framing breeding programmes for genetic progress of dairy animals. Present work was carried out to assess the co-variances along with genetic parameters of economically important traits in Sahiwal cattle with Bayesian approach. Records of Sahiwal cattle kept at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana spanned over duration of 29 years i.e. 1988–2016 were used. Heritability estimates ± posterior standard deviation for 305 days’ milk yield (305DMY), lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL), peak yield (PY), days to attain peak yield (DPY), dry period (DP), gestation period (GP), calving to first insemination interval (CFI), days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) as obtained were 0.21 ± 0.04, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.11 ± 0.02, respectively and estimates of repeatability for the corresponding traits were 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.27 ± 0.04, 0.21 ± 0.04, 0.22 ± 0.03, 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.19 ± 0.03 and 0.19 ± 0.03. Moderate heritability values for 305DMY and LMY implies that sufficient additive genetic variability is available to obtain selection response. Repeatability estimates for 305DMY, LMY and PY were moderate, pointing towards the possibility of early appraisal of Sahiwal cattle for selection. Antagonistic genetic associations were observed between reproduction and production traits suggesting that reproduction traits need due attention while selecting high producing Sahiwal animals.