bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival analysis of patients with early breast cancer associated with PIK3CA mutation
Authors: Gluzman Mark Igorevich , Chistyakova Elena Alexandrovna , Vahitova Almira Alberdovna , Kutcher Ksenia Konstantinovna , Orlova Rashida Vahidovna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose. The incidence of breast cancer (BC) with a mutation in the PIK3CA gene reaches 40% in luminal subtypes, where the disease is characterized by signs of hormone resistance. However, a comprehensive assessment of various clinicopathological factors is necessary for determining the prognosis and treatment plan of these patients. The objective of our study was to analyze the heterogeneity of the clinical course and outcomes of early breast cancer associated with PIK3CA mutation.
Methods. A retrospective, prospective, single-center, noncomparative cohort study was conducted at the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "City Clinical Oncological Dispensary". The analysis included 635 patients, 230 (36.2%) of whom had PIK3CA mutations. Radical surgical treatment was performed in 133 (57.8%) patients. Molecular genetic studies were conducted from January 2021 to March 2024. Clinical and morphological parameters and median relapse-free survival (mRFS) were assessed.
Results.Frequent H1047, E542, and E545 mutations were found in 88.7% of patients and were associated with a better prognosis than rare mutations (mDFS 54 months vs 28 months, HR 0.57, log-rank p=0.38). At the time of primary diagnosis, the disease wasstage I in 9.2% of patients, stage II in 34.2%, stage III in 25.9%, and stage IV in 30.7%. The mRFS in the overall population of patients who underwent radical treatment was 62 months (95% CI 48-76). According to the univariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were found in the mRFS depending on the IHC profile (luminal A vs luminal B, p=0.62), the use of adjuvant radiotherapy (yes vs no, p=0.39), or the use ofbreast-conserving surgery or mastectomy (p=0.47). However, the use of perioperative chemotherapy compared to its absence (62 months vs 31 months, HR 0.26, log-rank p=0.01) and the choice of tamoxifen compared to aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant hormonal therapy (67 months vs 21 months, HR 0.17, log-rank p <0.0001) hadsignificant impacts.
Conclusion. Hormone-resistant BC caused by PIK3CA mutation is highly heterogeneous and characterized by different disease courseand sensitivity to treatment.
Ti doped ZnO nanoparticles for photocatalytic hydroxyl radical generation under UV light for improved dye degradation and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Srinivas K. , Verma Shweta , Rao B. Tirumala , Kumar A. V. N. Ashok 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Photocatalysts are emerging as promising material for various light driven chemical reactions for the applications ranging from fuel generation to pollutant degradation. In this study, we synthesized ZnO and Ti doped ZnO (Ti:ZnO) nanoparticles inpropanol using sol-gel method with 2 -12.8atomic percents (at.%) of Ti doping in Ti:ZnO.The composition and optical response of the nanoparticleswere studied using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy respectively.The morphological and crystalline quality of the nanoparticles were reported using high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) andX-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively.The role of Ti doping on crystallinity, photocatalytic response and anti-microbialactivityis addressed. Using ZnO nanoparticles, degradation of methylene blue occurred with rate constant of about 4.6x10-2 min-1 which was found to increase by 20% for 12.8% Ti in Ti:ZnO photocatalyst.For other Ti dopant concentrations the degradation rate constant decreased attributing to lower crystallite size with higher grain boundaries leading to charge carrier recombination and suppressed formation of reactive oxygen species.By addition of varying concentration of iso-propyl alcohol, the suppressed degradation process revealed the role of hydroxyl radicals in this low power UV light assisted photocatalysis. This was further supported with controlled experiments through generation of photoluminescence in terephthalic acid induced by the hydroxyl radicals. Ti:ZnO nanoparticles also showed significant anti-bacterial activity towards the gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans) andgram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsella pneumonia) organisms. In addition to that, these nanoparticles also showed remarkable activity against fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus due to their greater surface area leading to generation of hydrogen peroxide. This study reveals importance of crystallite size in dye degradation process and anti-bacterial activity. The grown Ti:ZnO nanoparticles using a simple and scalable synthesis route are highly efficient photocatalyst material and anti-microbial agent for application of waste water treatment in industrial effluents and bacterial killing.
Antioxidant Effect Of Bromelain In Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Of Polycystic Ovary Diseases: Experimental Study
Authors: Tangül Sevgi Ulusoy , ONAT Taylan , KIRMIZI Demet AYDOĞAN , DOĞANYIĞIT Züleyha , KAYMAK Emin , OFLAMAZ Aslı , Şenaylı Atilla , Somuncu Salih 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Due to its increased volume, polycystic ovarian tissue(PCOT) is also more prone to torsion than normal tissue. In treating ovarian torsion, detorsion is applied, and oxygenation of hypoxic tissues is provided with detorsion. The oxygen radicals formed as a result cause tissue damage. Bromelain is a substance obtained from pineapple that can induce apoptosis and free radical formation in macrophages. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the damage caused to the ovarian tissue by ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) in normal and polycystic ovaries and to investigate the role of bromelain in the damage.
Study Design: Animal experimentation.
Methods: First, PCOT was created by administering dihydroepiandrostenodione-sulfate to 24 rats. Then, the polycystic and normal tissue groups were divided into sham, I/R, and I/R-bromelain groups. After the procedure, all rats' ovarian and tubal tissues were taken and histopathological examination and MDA, TUNEL, NF-κB values were examined.
Results: In this study, it was determined that there was a significant decrease in MDA, NF-κB values, apoptotic-cell rate evaluated by TUNEL in the groups in which bromelain was given in the ovaries of normal and PCOT rats with IR damage, compared to the group that was not provided. It was also shown that I/R damage in PCOT were more significant than in normal ovarian tissue.
Conclusion: The ischemia perfusion damage in polycystic ovarian tissue may be higher than that of normal ovarian tissue. However, there needs to be a literature study investigating this issue. In these respects, this study is the first in the literature. Bromelain is a preferable agent in preventing I / R damage caused by ovarian torsion of PCOT. In addition, it is thought that Bromelain may function in treating ovary torsions, and further studies can be conducted on this subject.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: Uncovering Alternative Blood Vessel Clearance Mechanisms
Authors: Yuan Qiuju , Satyanarayanan Senthil Kumaran , Lee Suki Man-Yan , Yan Lingli , Wang Yaofeng , Xian Yan-Fang , He Liumin , Zhou Yingying , Wu Wutian , Song You-Qiang , Su Huanxing , Lin Zhi-Xiu , Qin Dajiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The pathways that run along the olfactory nerves crossing the cribriform plate and connecting to lymphatic vessels in the nasal cavity, have been identified as a crucial route for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow. However, the presence of a CSF efflux pathway through blood vessels in this region has yet to be clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the anatomical connections between the subarachnoid space and the bloodstream at the nasal epithelium and the venous drainage routes of the nasal epithelium in mice. Our findings demonstrated that CSF tracers could be drained not only through lymphatic vessels in the nasal cavity and cervical lymph nodes (CLNs), but also through the blood vessels in this area that extend to its venous drainage routes, including the facial and jugular veins. Additionally, we showed that ligation of CLNs neither impeded the influx and efflux of CSF tracers nor exacerbated Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathology in AD mice. Our work reveals a previously unrecognized pathway for CSF drainage through blood vessels within the nasal mucosa. These findings provide insight into the efficient removal of waste products, facilitating optimal functioning of neural tissue within the susceptible tissue of our brains.
A facile approach for generating ordered oxygen vacancies in metal oxides
Authors: Chen Kexin , Yuan Xuan-Yi , Tian Zhaobo , Zou Mingchu , Yuan Yifei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Yu-Yang , Jin Xin , Wu Tianpin , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Liu Guanghua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Oxygen vacancies in oxide materials, although has been demonstrated to be beneficial for many applications, are hard to be generated and manipulated as desired, particularly for bulk materials with large size and limited surface area. Here, by simply coupling the thermal activation with simultaneously applied electric field, we efficiently generate ordered oxygen vacancies within bulk crystals of ternary SrAl2O4, binary TiO2 and other common oxide materials, which give rise to superior functionalities. We expect that this approach offers a general and practical way for vacancy engineering of oxide materials and holds great promise for their applications.
A Monte Carlo model of the Halcyon 2.0 kV-CBCT system
Authors: Mbewe Jonathan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Monte Carlo simulations are the gold standard for radiation dosimetry, but developing accurate models for kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT) systems can be challenging due to non-availability of vendor-supplied geometry information. This study presents the results of Monte Carlo modeling of the kV-CBCT beamline of the Halcyon 2.0 linear accelerator using semi-empirical methods to derive equivalent source and filtration models.
Method
Equivalent energy spectra for 100, 125, and 140 kV beams were determined by matching measured beam characteristics (half-value layers and air kerma outputs) using SPEKTR 3.0 software. The bowtie filter profile was reconstructed from transmission measurements, enabling generation of a 3D filter model. These models were incorporated into a Geant4/GATE Monte Carlo simulation. Computed percentage depth doses (PDDs) and off-axis profiles were benchmarked against water phantom measurements.
Results
Maximum differences between measured and computed PDDs were 3.47% (100 kV), 3.65% (125 kV), and 3.27% (140 kV). For off-axis profiles, maximum differences were 3.73% (100 kV), 6.84% (125 kV), and 4.44% (140 kV) within the central beam. Larger discrepancies up to 22% occurred in high-gradient penumbral regions due to mismatches in spatial resolution between detectors and Monte Carlo scoring geometry.
Conclusion
This study presents the first comprehensive Monte Carlo model of the Halcyon 2.0 kV-CBCT system using measurement-derived equivalent models. The good agreement with experimental data validates the accuracy of the models, which can enable imaging dose calculations and other applications for this system.
Connectivity changes following transcranial alternating current stimulation at 5-Hz: an EEG study
Authors: Lee Tien-Wen , Tramontano Gerald 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 5-Hz to the right hemisphere can alleviate anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to explore the connectivity changes following the treatment.Methods We collected electroencephalography (EEG) data from 24 participants with anxiety disorders before and after the tACS treatment during a single session. Electric stimulation was applied over the right hemisphere, with 1.0 mA at F4, 1.0 mA at P4, and 2.0 mA at T8, following the 10–10 EEG convention. With eLORETA, the scalp signals were transformed into the cortex’s current source density. We assessed the connectivity changes at theta frequency between the centers of Brodmann area (BA) 6/8 (frontal), BA 39/40 (parietal), and BA 21 (middle temporal). Functional connectivity was indicated by lagged coherences and lagged phase synchronization. Paired t-tests were used to quantify the differences statistically.Results We observed enhanced lagged phase synchronization at theta frequency between the frontal and parietal regions (P = 0.002) and between the parietal and temporal regions (P = 0.005), after Bonferroni correction.Conclusion Applying tACS 5-Hz over the right hemisphere enhanced inter-regional interaction, which was spectrum-specific and mainly mediated by phase, rather than power, synchrony. The potential neural mechanisms are discussed.
Solving the Stock Option Forecast problem by a numerical method for the Black-Scholes Equation with Machine Learning Classification Model
Authors: Jiang Benjamin , Durieux Matthieu , golubnichiy Kirill V. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We proposed classification models that utilize the result from the Quasi-Reversibility Method, which solves the Black-Scholes equation to forecast the option prices one day in advance. Combining the minimizer from QRM with our machine learning classifications, we can classify the option as an increase or decrease in value. Based on the different classifications of the options, we can apply various trading strategies which we aim to figure out ways to improve the results from QRM's extrapolations. To further test the viability of our model, we collected 23548 options data from the real-world market for our model, and we will then feed in the data along with the minimizer from QRM to form decision trees and random forests, which we will later test for accuracy, precision, and recall.
The ESG Determinants of Mental Health Index Across Italian Regions A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Resta Emanuela , Logroscino Giancarlo , Tafuri Silvio , Preethymol Peter , Noviello Chiara , Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Angelo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The following article analyses the relationship between the mental health index and the variables of the Environment, Social and Governance-ESG model in the Italian regions between 2004 and 2023. First of all, a static analysis is proposed aimed at identifying trends relating to mental health in the Italian regions with indication of the regional gaps. Subsequently, a clustering with k-Means algorithm is proposed. Below is a comparison of 11 machine learning algorithms for predicting the performance of the mental health index. Finally, the article offers some economic policy suggestions. The results are critically discussed in light of the scientific literature.
JEL CODE: I11, I12, I13, I14, I15, I18.
Evaluating a Digitization Model in Ugandan Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions An Agency Theory Approach and Validation with Structured Walkthroughs
Authors: Muinda Patrick Emmanuel , Basaza-Ejiri Annabella Habinka , Maiga Gilbert , Mayoka Kituyi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research examines global digitization project success, contrasting developed and developing economies. Developed nations see fewer failures, while Uganda faces a 70% failure rate. Focused on Uganda's Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) institutions, the study builds on Lederer and Mahaney's 2003 work and integrates digital technologies for skill enhancement using Agency theory to introduce a model to reduce project failures. A quantitative approach identifies key variables (Goal Conflict, Shirking, Communication, Task Programmability, Contract Type, Process Quality, and Digitization) contributing to success. Results show high validity and reliability, with Cronbach's alpha exceeding 0.7. Convergent validity for independent variables exceeds 0.5. Path analysis confirms these factors' significance in successful implementation. The model highlights how shirking and goal conflict negatively influence digitization, while communication and task programmability have positive impacts. Expert opinions and prototyping (SimPro) validate the model's suitability for supporting digitization projects in Ugandan TVETs.
On-Spot Application of Plant and Animal Residues: Effects on Soil Quality, Strawberry Growth, and Photosynthetic Performance
Authors: Gamal Mohammed , ElFEEL Rania A , AGBOR David Tavi , DEMIRKAYA Salih , AY Abdurrahman , KIZILKAYA Rıdvan , CHEN Ri-zhao , HUSSEN Adel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Organic residues can improve crop performance, but most studies have focused on their application with a decomposition period in the field. This delay in farming can be problematic for growers.
Methods
We investigated the on-spot application of plant and animal residues on strawberry plants' morphological and photosynthetic performance in a greenhouse setting. We used a completely randomized design with seven treatments, including three plant residues, three animal residues, and a control replicated three times. Data was collected on soil physicochemical and biological parameters, strawberry growth parameters and chlorophyll parameters.
Results
Our results showed that applying organic residues significantly improved the soil’s chemical properties. Wheat straw had more organic matter (5.4%), sheep manure had more N (212.1 mg 100g-1), vermicompost had more K, P, Zn and Cu content. Soil enzyme activities were significantly modulated with the highest urease activity in hazelnut husk, glucosidase activity was highest at tea waste and hazelnut husk, while phosphatase activity was observed more in sheep manure. Wheat straw had the best soil quality index, while physicochemical properties contributed the most to soil quality. Sheep manure had the highest fresh (34.1g) and dry (6.2g) biomass and number of leaves (7). Strawberry height was highest at cow manure (34.2 cm), while chlorophyll content was highest at the control (3.34mg/g).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the on-spot application of organic residues could be an effective strategy for improving crop performance; nonetheless, results also revealed the need for a decomposition period for effective nutrient release and plant utilization.
Dysregulation of Electrolyte Balance and Lipid Profile in Rats Following Oral Administration of Methanolic Fruit Pulp Extract of Azanza garckeana (Tula Kola Nut)
Authors: Farrau Usman , Dawud Fatimah Alhassan , Abdulkadir Teslim Simisola , Augustine Banlibo Dubo , Jaafar Aliyu , Egbunu Victor Ugbede-ojo , Hinmikaye Victor Oluwafemi , Adebayo Sodiq Abiodun , Salman Maryam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of methanolic fruit pulp extract of Azanza garckeana(MFEAG) on renal function through acute and subacute toxicity studies. Twenty-nine (29) apparently healthy adult male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 grams were used. For the acute study, 9 rats were randomly grouped into three: Group 1 were administered 300 mg/kg MFEAG once. Group 2 was sequentially administrated the next dose of 2,000 mg/kg, also once, when there were no signs of toxicity or mortality in Group 1 48 hours post-treatment, while Group 3 were administered the vehicle (10% v/v Tween 80). The rats were then observed for two weeks, and then sacrificed. For the subacute study, 20 rats were randomly grouped into four and daily administered once with the extract (at 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg doses) and the vehicle, respectively, for four weeks. No significant effects were observed on serum kidney function markers of the treated rats, except for the level of serum chloride that was increased and that of serum triglyceride that was decreased after the acute study, and then the serum sodium that was increased after the subacute study. These findings indicate that MFEAG may cause some level of impairment in renal function.
Identification and functional characterization of maturation-dependent changes in dendritic cell exosome-shuttle targetome
Authors: Ganguly Bhaskar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most professional antigen-presenting cells, which undergo a hallmark transition from an immature to a mature state. DCs release high levels of exosomes (DCEs), containing miRNAs, which orchestrate their tolerogenic or immunogenic functions. This study aimed to identify the exosomes-shuttle miRNAs that are differentially expressed between the mature and immature states of DCs, and to assign functional enrichments to the targets of these miRNAs. A GEO data series comparing miRNA expression in mature and immature DCEs was analyzed and all miRNAs significantly dysregulated between mature and immature states of DCEs were identified. The interactions and targets were mapped separately for the upregulated and down-regulated miRNAs, and interaction networks and functional enrichments of the targets were generated and visualized. 24 miRNAs were found upregulated and 19 miRNAs were found down-regulated in the exosomes of mature DCs over exosomes of immature DCs with 1949 and 1186 targets involved in 131 and 32 pathways, respectively. Further, the functional enrichment of the targets revealed miRNA-targeted changes in expression of biomolecules involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and energy metabolism as key maturation-dependent processes. The results present salient miRNA signatures for identifying DC maturation state and uncover miRNA targets that may serve as therapeutic options in the treatment of various immune dysfunctions.
How Confucianism Affects Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Rong , Ban Qi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study breaks the framework of previous studies of formal institutions and systematically examines the effect of Confucianism on corporate ESG performance from the perspective of informal institutions. Using Chinese listed companies as the research sample. The empirical results indicate that Confucianism has a significant positive effect on corporate ESG performance. In other words, the greater the influence of Confucianism on a company, the better its ESG performance. This improvement is achieved through two paths: mitigating managerial myopia and improving the quality of internal control. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis suggest that the impact of Confucianism on corporate ESG performance is more significant for non-state-owned firms. However, foreign culture shocks weaken the positive effect of Confucianism on corporate ESG performance. This paper contributes to research on the intersection of Confucianism and corporate finance, which has theoretical and practical implications for promoting cultural self-awareness and self-confidence, and advocating Confucianism as a guiding principle for companies.
The impact of central bank transparency on debt home and foreign bias
Authors: Mamoon Abdullah Al 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper examines whether and how central bank transparency affects international bond/debt diversification. Using panel data from 39 countries, we find that central bank transparency reduces debt home bias. Further analysis shows that central bank transparency enhances debt foreign bias. This is consistent with the view that when the central bank is transparent, bondholders will be able to predict the monetary policy instruments that will be used to support price and financial market stability. The findings are robust to difference-in-difference, placebo test, moment-based cluster, mean heterogeneity across time and countries, missingness vs imputation, dynamic generalized method of moments, and fixed difference and fixed effects, our results are robust to quasi-natural. This study shows that bond investors pay attention to the transparency of the central bank which has implications for businesses, investors, researchers, and policymakers, particularly in emerging countries.
JEL classification E58,F3, G2, G11,G15