bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the Triglyceride-Glucose Index as a Predictor of Therapeutic Response to Tadalafil in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Caglar Ufuk , Yildiz Oguzhan , Yusuf Resit , Yazili Huseyin Burak , Esmeray Abdullah , Sarilar Omer , Ozgor Faruk 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an easily calculable indicator of endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the TyG index on treatment response in patients using tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods: The data of patients who used tadalafil for ED in our urology clinic between January 2018 and January 2023 were reviewed. The patients completed the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire before treatment and in the 3rd month of treatment. Response to tadalafil treatment was accepted as an increase in IIEF category. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment response. Factors affecting response to treatment were evaluated with a multivariate analysis.
Results: Of the 134 patients included in the study, 99 (73.3%) responded to tadalafil treatment. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of the patient group responding to treatment were significantly lower than in the untreated group. The rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were significantly lower in the group responding to treatment. Fasting glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol values were significantly lower in the group responding to treatment than in the treatment-resistant group. The TyG index was 130.0 (102.0–180.0) in the group responding to treatment and 245.0 (182.0–320.0) in the treatment-resistant group (p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, age, BMI, DM, MetS, and TyG index were affecting treatment response.
Conclusion: A high TyG index negatively affects the response to treatment in patients using tadalafil for ED. In addition, age, BMI, presence of DM and MetS are other factors affecting the response to treatment.
Erfassung existenzieller und spiritueller Bedürfnisse bei Patient*innen in der Palliativsprechstunde mit dem Spiritual Needs Screener – Befunde und Reaktionen des Palliativteams
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Dickmann Anja , Scheer Karin , Tewes Mitra , Büntzel Jens , Rentschler Jochen 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Implementierung des Spiritual Needs Screeners in der Palliativsprechstunde. Welche Bedeutung haben die mit dem Screener erhobenen Befunde für das Palliativteam: Wie hat dieses auf die erhobenen Befunde reagiert, und welche zusätzlichen Experten wurden hinzugezogen?
Methoden Querschnittserhebung in 4 Palliativzentren mit 148 Patient*innen (98% Krebs) sowie Fokusgruppengespräche mit den Palliativteams (n=10).
Ergebnisse Bedeutsam waren Bedürfnisse nach innerem Frieden, deutlich weniger existenzielle oder religiöse Bedürfnisse. In 35% wurde eine psychotherapeutische Begleitung angebahnt und in 33% eine psychologische und seelsorgliche Begleitung. Fokusgruppengespräche zeigten sowohl Vorteile als auch Herausforderungen bei der Nutzung des Screeners.
Schlussfolgerungen Der Screener kann für ein wichtiges Thema sensibilisieren und erleichtert die Dokumentation und damit die gezielten Reaktionen des Palliativteams, das bei Bedarf weitere Unterstützung initiieren kann. Um die existenziellen/spirituellen Bedürfnisse und das psychische Befinden der Betreuten zu unterstützen, sollte dieser in die Routineprozesse der palliativen Beratung und Begleitung implementiert werden.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Immunocompromised Patients: A Review
Authors: Bittugondanahalli Prakash Lohith Kumar , Mane Manisha , Sahu Shalini , Vimala Leena Robinson , Jha Pallavi , Rebecca Grace , Manoharan Aishwarya , Irodi Aparna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in India. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, diabetes, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are at a heightened risk of developing TB, often presenting with atypical symptoms, imaging features, and more severe disease outcomes. This review highlights the atypical radiological pattern of TB in these states. It is well recognized that there is considerable overlap of imaging findings across a variety of pulmonary infections and noninfectious processes. The presence or absence of specific indicators and consideration of clinical factors can help narrow the differential diagnoses. Thereby, it is crucial for radiologists to identify the imaging features that not only are characteristic of pulmonary TB but also interpret the atypical findings and corroborate with appropriate clinical history, especially concerning the immune status of the patient, to provide crucial information while minimizing radiation exposure and patient expenditures for the best possible care.
Assessing Cell Viability: Comparative Analysis of Calcium Hydroxide, Triple Antibiotic Paste, and Their Synergistic Impact on human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Bagio Dini Asrianti , Warganegara Ibramanto , Maharti Ike Dwi , Margono Anggraini , Kusumasari Citra , Alinda Sylva Dinie , Wairooy Valeria Widita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective The American Association of Endodontists recommends the use of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) or triple antibiotic paste (TAP) as preferred medicaments in regenerative endodontic treatment. Although both medicaments showed an excellent antibacterial property, their impact on the viability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) when used in combination remains uncertain. Previous studies have indicated that at certain concentrations, both Ca(OH)2 and TAP can be harmful to cells. Therefore, it is aimed to assess the effects of Ca(OH)2, TAP, and their combined application on the viability of hDPSCs in this study.
Materials and Methods Primary cultured hDPSCs, reaching 80% confluency and at passages 3rd to 4th, were subjected to 24-hour starvation. Subsequently, they were cultured in media supplemented with Ca(OH)2, TAP at 0.1 and 1 mg/mL concentrations, and a combination of Ca(OH)2 and TAP at equivalent concentrations, with Dulbecco's modified eagle medium serving as the control group. The viability and morphology of hDPSCs were assessed using both the quantitative 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and qualitative 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining.
Statistical Analysis First, the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni post hoc to compare between groups. All the tests were conducted at a significance level of 95% (p < 0.05).
Results In this study, a notable variation in hDPSCs viability was observed among all groups, with the lowest viability recorded in the combination of Ca(OH)2 + TAP at 1 mg/mL (p < 0.05).
Conclusion Ca(OH)2, TAP, and their combination are not toxic to hDPSCs and the use of their combination was superior in hDPSCs viability on Ca(OH)2 + TAP in the 0.1 mg/mL group.
Free Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Lip: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Murray-Douglass Alexander , Romeo Pascalino , Fox Carly 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background Large defects of the lower lip often require free tissue coverage. Fasciocutaneous free flaps have been traditionally used, but innervated muscular free flaps may fundamentally address orbicularis oris deficiency and improve dynamic competence. This review aimed to determine if innervated muscular free flaps provided benefit over fasciocutaneous free flaps for reconstruction of defects of more than 50% of the lower lip. Outcomes of interest included functional oral outcomes including oral competence, aesthetic outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures.
Methods Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and CENTRAL) were searched for variations of “lip” and “free flap.” Two authors screened articles and included primary research of free flap reconstruction of more than 50% of the lower lip from any etiology in living humans with an English full-text available. Composite bony flaps were excluded. Oral competence and aesthetic satisfaction, reconstruction details, and complications were extracted. Proportional meta-analyses were used to synthesize results for fasciocutaneous free flaps, which were compared with those for muscular free flaps.
Results Fifty-nine articles describing 242 patients were included. Muscular free flaps reported significantly higher proportional oral competence than fasciocutaneous free flaps (98 vs. 83%, p = 0.01). Aesthetic outcomes (98 vs. 97%, p = 0.22) and complications (17 vs. 18%, p = 0.79) were equivalent between fasciocutaneous and muscular free flaps.
Conclusion Muscular free flaps may address the fundamental orbicularis oris defect that causes oral incompetence and seem to provide better functional results. Aesthetic outcomes and complications seem to be equivalent.
Trifecta of Tumors: Simultaneous Detection of Three Primary Malignancies by Different Radiotracers of Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Kar Siven , Gupta Harshita , Shaikh Nusrat , Lele Vikram 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMalignancies are increasing worldwide with changing lifestyle, pollution, increasing life expectancy, and diagnostic advancements. However, multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) detected simultaneously are very rare. Here, we present a rare case of three primary malignancies (sigmoid colon, prostate, and thyroid) detected simultaneously in a 77-year-old male patient, who initially presented with bleeding per rectum and was then found to have a large pedunculated mass in the sigmoid colon on colonoscopy, which further turned out to be adenocarcinoma. On further imaging and investigations, two new separate malignancies (prostate and thyroid) were found by two different positron emission tomography radiotracers: prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Hence, nuclear medicine modalities can play an important role in detecting MPMs using the vast array of radiotracers available now and perhaps reduce the need for multiple biopsies.
Malaysian youth’s propensity towards ambidextrous learning: an in-depth analysis of behavioural insights dimensions
Authors: Shaari Roziana , Haron Mohamad Zhurad , Abdul Wahab Shah Rollah , Abu Samah Irza Hanie , Yusof Junaidah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this experimental study was to compare the results before and after an intervention that included ambidextrous training to accelerate the enrolment of adolescents in technical, vocational, and educational training (TVET). In particular, the effects of an ambidextrous learning-based training programme on increasing the intention to enter TVET were examined. The independent variables constructed in this study include self-efficacy and TVET knowledge, while the dependent variable is TVET intention. The sample consisted of 480 16-year-old students from government schools in four Malaysian regions selected by cluster sampling. The study used a randomised experimental design with a no-treatment control group. The intervention included training developed as part of Behavioural Insights. Methods of analysis included descriptive and bivariate analysis of mean differences and structural equation modelling to describe the predictive model. The results showed significant differences between the actual and the control groups in terms of post-test results across all factors, including TVET intention, TVET knowledge, and self-efficacy. The structural equation modelling test found that TVET knowledge emerged as the strongest predictor of TVET intention, surpassing self-efficacy. As knowledge about TVET is the most important factor influencing a person’s intention to choose TVET, these initiatives should provide clear and comprehensive explanations of the concepts of TVET, the different TVET clusters available, and the potential career opportunities within these sectors.
Effects of anti-corruption campaigns on cesarean section rate: evidence from China
Authors: Sun Jessica Ya , Huang Jingwei , Chen Renjing , Qin Ni , Kong Dongmin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe excessive utilization of cesarean section (CS) has become a global concern, given the potential short-term and long-term detrimental effects for mothers and infants. Worldwide, the rate of CS continues to rise, but efforts to curtail unnecessary CS procedures have yielded limited success. By combining data from three resources, this study aims to estimate the effects of anti-corruption campaigns under the Xi administration on CS rates. We focus on Shanxi Province, a major coal-producing province in north-central China, with notoriety for the collusion between local politicians and business elites. Using the data from the China Corruption Investigation Dataset and data from publicly listed firms between 2013 and 2016, we found that anti-corruption campaigns significantly changed the social environment as firms’ business entertainment spending experienced substantial reductions. Using discharge records from 137 public hospitals, we adopted an instrumental variable (IV) approach and found that the anti-corruption campaigns led to significant reductions in unnecessary CS rates. The reductions are bigger among patients with second or later deliveries. We also find that the anti-corruption campaigns changed behaviors of attending and resident physicians. Our results provide insights into strategies to reduce corrupt practices within the healthcare sector and implementing interventions to minimize the occurrence of CS among healthy women and newborns.
An updated technique to obtain explosive kinetics data on microsecond timescales
Authors: Tasker Douglas G. , Skrabacz Daniel A. , Campbell Maria C. , Spielvogel Kyle D. , Morinec Allen G. , McLaughlin Aidan B. , Houlton Robert , Tucker Robert , Moore Jeremiah D. , Cawkwell M. J. , Manner Virginia W. 
Published: July 2024

There are few techniques available for chemists to obtain time-to-explosion data with known temperature inputs at the early stages of the design and synthesis of new explosives. In the 1960s, a technique was developed to rapidly heat milligram-quantities of confined explosives to ∼1000 K on microsecond timescales. Wenograd [Trans. Faraday Soc. 57, 1612 (1961)] loaded explosives inside stainless steel hypodermic needles, connected them to a fireset and rapidly discharged a capacitor through the steel. He obtained the temperature by measuring the needle resistance in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement and the time to explosion from a needle rupture. However, owing to the narrow-gauge needles used in the original research, the experiment was only possible with melt-castable explosives; it was never replicated, and modern diagnostics are now available with advances beyond the 1960s. Here, we report the development of the High Explosives Initiation Time (HEIT) test, which utilizes a 250 J pulsed power system to heat the needles. This work extends the Wenograd approach by using optical diagnostics, computational modeling, and advanced techniques to measure needle resistance and needle rupture. Preliminary rate information for pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) will be presented.
Simultaneous measurements of temporal evolutions of the voltage and the current on the load of the Seoul National University X-pinch device using the optics-based systems
Authors: Choi Seongmin , Ham Seunggi , Ryu Jonghyeon , Park Sungbin , Kim Jung-Hwa , Choi YeongHwan , Cha Muhyeop , Bong Seungmin , Chung Kyoung-Jae , Hwang Y. S. , Ghim Y.-c. 
Published: July 2024

Optics-based measurement systems have been developed to measure the voltage and the current on a load of the Seoul National University X-pinch device [Ryu et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 92, 053533 (2021)]. A lithium niobate crystal that changes the polarization state of the propagating laser beam due to the Pockels effect induced by the electric field across the crystal, thus capable of measuring the voltage, is located next to the load. For the current measurement, an optic fiber is wound around the load to detect the change in the polarization state of the propagating laser beam due to the Faraday rotation induced by the magnetic field. As both voltage and current measurement systems utilize optical effects, the sensors, i.e., the lithium niobate crystal and the optic fiber, do not require any electrical grounds, in contrast to circuit-based probes, such as voltage dividers or Rogowski grooves. This facilitates an easy access to shield other required electronic devices, such as lasers and photodetectors, from the electromagnetic interference generated by the X-pinch power system. In addition, the sensors can be placed in close proximity to the load with fewer concerns on the electrical insulation. Temporal evolutions of the simultaneously measured voltage and current on the load of the X-pinch are successfully obtained and discussed.
The Neuroprotective Potential of Polyphenols in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wojciechowska Olga 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, which pose a significant challenge to ageing populations, are characterised by the progressive loss of neurons leading to a range of symptoms. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, share common pathological mechanisms such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, effective treatments for these diseases remain elusive. However, polyphenols, natural compounds found abundantly in plants, have been receiving attention for their potential neuroprotective effects. This review explores the impact of selected polyphenols, including curcumin, resveratrol, ellagitannins, anthocyanins, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate, on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
In vitro
and animal model studies have demonstrated promising outcomes, suggesting that polyphenols may modulate key pathways involved in neurodegeneration. However, there are limited data from human trials. Challenges such as bioavailability and optimal dosing hinder the translation of the results into clinical practice. Furthermore, multidisciplinary research teams and well-designed clinical trials are essential to unlock the full therapeutic potential of polyphenols in combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving patient outcomes.

Information
© The Author 2024
Pauli-type coupling of spinors and curved spacetime
Authors: Struckmeier J , Vasak D , Redelbach A , Stöcker H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this study we prove that the Pauli interaction—which is associated with a length parameter—emerges when the minimal coupling recipe is applied to the non-degenerate version of the Dirac Lagrangian. The conventional Dirac Lagrangian is rendered non-degenerate if supplemented by a particular term quadratic in the derivatives of the spinors. For dimensional reasons, this non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian is associated with a length parameter

ℓ

. It yields the standard free Dirac equation in Minkowski space. However, if the Dirac spinor is minimally coupled to gauge fields, then the length parameter

ℓ

becomes a physical coupling constant yielding novel interactions. For the U(1) symmetry the Pauli coupling of fermions to electromagnetic fields arises, modifying the fermion’s magnetic moment. We discuss the impact of these findings on electrodynamics, and estimate the upper bound of the length parameter

ℓ

from the yet existing discrepancy between the (SM) theory and measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of light leptons. This, and also recent studies of the renormalization theory, suggest that the Pauli coupling of leptons to the electromagnetic field is a necessary ingredient in quantum electrodynamics (QED), supporting the notion of a fundamental nature of the non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian. In a second step we then investigate how analogous ‘Pauli-type’ couplings of gravity and matter arise if fermions are embedded in curved spacetime. Minimal coupling of the Dirac field to the gauge field of gravity, the spin connection, leads to an anomalous spin-torsion interaction and a curvature-dependent mass correction. The relation of the latter to Mach’s Principle is discussed. Moreover, it is found for a totally anti-symmetric torsion that an upper limit for the ‘strength’ of the torsion exists in order for a solution to remain causal, while causality for a vector torsion requires a lower limit for its amplitude. We calculate the mass correction in the De Sitter geometry of vacuum with the cosmological constant Λ. Possible implications for the existence of effective non-zero rest masses of neutrinos are addressed. Finally, an outlook on the impact of mass correction on the physics of ‘Big Bang’ cosmology, black holes, and of neutron stars is provided.
CosmoFlow: Python package for cosmological correlators
Authors: Werth Denis , Pinol Lucas , Renaux-Petel Sébastien 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCosmological correlators hold the key to high-energy physics as they probe the earliest moments of our Universe, and conceal hidden mathematical structures. However, even at tree-level, perturbative calculations are limited by technical difficulties absent in flatspace Feynman diagrammatics. In this paper, we introduceCosmoFlow: a new accurate open source Python code that computes tree-level cosmological correlators by tracing their time flow. This code is specifically designed to offer a simple, intuitive and flexible coding environment to theorists, primordial and late-time cosmologists. It can typically serve to complement analytical computations, to provide physical intuition when studying various inflationary theories, and to obtain exact results in regimes that are analytically out of reach. This paper presents the basic structure ofCosmoFlow, leads the reader through an in-depth user-guide, and illustrates how it can be used with a series of worked examples. Our hope is that this first building block sets the stage for a bank of theoretical data, which can be nurtured and enhanced collaboratively by the community.CosmoFlowis publicly available onGitHub.
Investigation of the mechanism of carrier recombination in GaN-based blue laser diodes before lasing
Authors: Liang Feng , Huang Yujie , Yang Jing , Chen Ping , Liu Zongshun , Zhao Degang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The carrier recombination behavior of GaN-based blue laser diodes (LDs) is studied and analyzed by experiments and simulation calculations before lasing, with a particular focus on the role of Auger recombination. It is found that Auger recombination plays a crucial role in the decrease in differential efficiency and threshold current of GaN-based blue LDs. The theoretical calculation results show that a large Auger recombination rate may lead to a dominant recombination channel before lasing, which could exceed the radiation recombination and result in an obvious decrease in the differential efficiency. Such a high Auger recombination will dissipate a large number of carriers in the quantum well, resulting in deterioration of device performance, a higher threshold current and a lower efficiency. This work presents a method to evaluate Auger recombination through differential efficiency and also provides evidence that suppressing the Auger recombination rate is beneficial to improve the performance of blue LDs.