bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age, preoperative tumor volume and widening of the internal acoustic meatus are independent factors associated with poor preoperative hearing in vestibular schwannoma patients – results of a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Dörner Lorenz , Suhm Elisa-Maria , Ries Vanessa , Goncalves Vitor , Skardelly Marco , Schittenhelm Jens , Tatagiba Marcos , Behling Felix 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Preoperative hearing function shows wide variations among patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma. In addition to the obvious role of tumor size other factors that influence hearing function are frequently discussed.
Methods:
We analyzed clinical factors, imaging data and the expression of the proliferation marker MIB1 as potential influencing factors on the preoperative hearing function in a retrospective cohort of 523 primary sporadic vestibular schwannomas. The results of the preoperative audiometry were quantified using the Gardner-Robertson Score. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results:
Serviceable hearing (Gardner-Robertson class 1 or 2) was documented in 391 patients (74.8%). Factors associated with non-serviceable hearing (Gardner-Robertson class 3–5) were patients of older age (p < 0.0001), larger preoperative tumor volume (p = 0.0013) and widening of the internal acoustic meatus compared to the healthy side (p = 0.0353). Gender and the expression of the proliferation marker MIB1 were no significant factors. In the multivariate nominal logistic regression older age (OR 27.60 (CI 9.17–87.18), p < 0.0001), larger preoperative tumor volume (OR 20.20 (CI 3.43–128.58), p = 0.0011) and widening of the internal acoustic canal (OR 7.86 (CI 1.77–35.46), p = 0.0079) remained independent factors associated with non-serviceable hearing.
Conclusions.
Widening of the internal acoustic canal is an independent factor for non-serviceable preoperative hearing in vestibular schwannoma patients together with older age and larger preoperative tumor volume.
Studying Nanoscale Fluidic Droplet Separation and Impact of Nanoscale Droplet on Fixed Solid Plate
Authors: Nguyen Van Quang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the ejection of nanoscale fluidic molecules through different nozzle apertures under various technology parameters. The model comprises a nozzle plate, a back plate, and water molecules filling the space between them. LAMMPS software and C + + code are used for simulations and data analysis. The research explores the impact of system temperature and nozzle aperture diameter on water droplet separation from the nozzle plate surface. It also delves into the effects of environmental parameters on nano droplet formation. The results indicate that the separation of nanoscale fluidic droplets is performed under the effect of nozzle aperture, the system temperature and ejection time but regardless of pressing forces. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of various pressing forces on the impingement of these droplets onto fixed metal plate’s surface under different system temperatures. The findings provide essential data for experimental and manufacturing processes utilizing this technology, with potential applications in fields like printing, printed circuit board manufacturing, and the development of nanoprinters, nanosprayers, and nanomachining devices.
How Paediatric HIV services weathered the COVID-19 storm in Tshwane District, South Africa: A retrospective review
Authors: Christie Michael , Mazanderani Ahmad Haeri , Sherman Gayle , Feucht Ute 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 and the accompanying restrictions disrupted HIV services to children living with HIV [CLHIV] across South Africa. Prior to COVID-19, updated national HIV guidelines were released and included: a] Additional HIV polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing at six-months for infants exposed to HIV; b] Universal HIV testing at age 18-months; c] CD4 count monitoring cessation if virologically suppressed [HIV viral load [VL] <1000 copies/mL]. We describe the effects of COVID-19 on paediatric HIV services within Tshwane District, South Africa.
Methods
A retrospective review of National Institute for Communicable Diseases Data Warehouse and District Health Information System data was conducted for Tshwane District from April 2019 to March 2022. Pre-pandemic [2019/20] and pandemic periods [2020/21, 2021/22] were compared. Data included: Early infant Diagnosis [EID], HIV viral load [VL] and CD4 monitoring and HIV management among children [<15 years] living with HIV [CLHIV].
Results
Year-on-year, HIV testing improved at 10-weeks [2019/20: 8498; 2020/21: 8657 [+2%]; 2021/22: 8919 [+3%], six-months [2019/20: 4359; 2020/21: 7992 [+83%]; 2021/22: 9178 [+15%]] and 18-months [2019/20: 11727; 2020/21: 16232 [+38%]; 2021/22: 18750 [+16%]]; birth testing decreased [2019/20: 13881; 2020/21: 14206 [+2%]; 2021/22: 13364 [‑6%]]. The HIV EID case rates were 485 [2019/20], 410 [2020/21] and 454 [2021/22], and HIV EID test positivity was 0.77-1.2%. Antiretroviral treatment initiation initially declined [2019/20: 1692; 2020/21: 1576 [‑7%]] but subsequently improved [2021/22: 1663 [+6%]].
Initial year-on-year HIV VL and CD4 testing declined; but HIV VL testing subsequently increased whilst CD4 test numbers further declined [HIV VL tests: 2019/20: 8008; 2020/21: 6976 [‑12%]; 2021/22: 7359 [+6%]] [CD4 tests: 2019/20: 2370; 2020/21: 1953 [-18%]; 2021/22: 1843 [-6%]]. The HIV VL suppression rate among CLHIV was 69-73%. The absolute number of CD4 results <200 cells/µL or <15% declined but the proportion remained constant [2019/20: 279 [13%]; 2020/21: 223 [11%]; 2021/22: 221 [12%]].
Conclusion
COVID-19 initially resulted in reduced paediatric HIV services as children disengaged from care. Indicators eventually recovered to proximate pre-pandemic levels; however, compensatory increases did not occur. Some disengaged children may not have returned to care.
CTLA4 genetic variants associated with urothelial bladder cancer susceptibility
Authors: Koike Alexsandro , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Ahrens Tainah Mendes , Cardoso Kaue Morais , Espinosa Beatriz Rabello , Gualberto Roberson Henrique Gobanhi , Santos Daniel Felipe Piva , Trigo Guilherme Lerner , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The study evaluated the association between urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) susceptibility, stage, prognosis, and responsiveness to treatment and the CTLA4 rs231775 (+ 49A > G) and rs231779 (+ 1822C > T) genetic variants.
Methods
A total of 140 patients with UBC and 145 controls were enrolled. The patients were stratified as having non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MICB), metastasis, recurrence, low, moderate, high, or very high risk. Demographic, anthropometric, epidemiological, and clinical data were obtained from all the individuals using a structured questionnaire. The CTLA4 variants were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the genotypes were tested in the allelic, codominant, dominant, recessive, and overdominant genetic models.
Results
The UBC patients were older and mostly smokers (p < 0.001), with greater waist circumference and systolic and diastolic arterial pressure (p = 0.005, p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively) than controls. Patients with the heterozygote genotypes of CTLA4 rs231775 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.40; 95% confidence interval (IC): 0.16–0.98, p = 0.045] and rs231779 (OR = 0.35; 95% IC: 0.14–0.87, p = 0.024) showed a protective effect against the UBC. Age and smoking were able to explain 89.1% of UBC in the overdominant CTLA4 genetic model for the two variants examined (rs231775 and rs231779), compared to 50.7% if these parameters were missing. Moreover, this model explained about 77.0% for the rs231775 and 77.2% for the rs231779 of the susceptibility to UBC.
Conclusion
The CTLA4 rs231775 AG and rs231779 CT heterozygous genotypes in the overdominant model together with age and smoking may be useful as potential biomarkers for the UBC susceptibility.
Quality of life for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer randomized to early specialized home-based palliative care – the ALLAN trial
Authors: Bojesson Anders , Brun Eva , Eberhard Jakob , Segerlantz Mikael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The primary outcome of specialized palliative care (SPC) is to improve the quality of life (QoL) for patients with a high symptom-burden from a life-threatening disease. This randomized study aimed to assess the impact of early integration of SPC alongside tumor-specific palliative treatment in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers by studying the QoL.
Material and methods
We randomly assigned ambulatory patients with advanced GI cancer to early integration of SPC and palliative tumor-specific treatment or tumor-specific treatment alone. The primary endpoint was QoL assessed at baseline and every 6th week using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G), with points ranging from 0 to 108 points, with a higher score indicating better QoL.
Results
A total of 118 patients were randomized. The difference in the mean total change in FACT-G score between patients assigned to early integration with SPC and controls was 5.2 points (95% CI: -0.1–10.5, p = 0.054), 6.7 points (95% CI: 0.2–13.3, p = 0.043), and 13 points (95% CI: 5.7–20.2, p = 0.001) at weeks 6, 12 and 24 respectively. At the last assessment, at a median of 4.1 weeks (range 0.4–6.7 weeks) before death, the difference between the two groups regarding the mean change in FACT-G score was 3 points (95% CI: -4–9.9, p = 0.395). After adjustment of the p-values, for multiple comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference of 13 points between the mean change in the two groups at week 24 (adjusted p-value = 0.004).
Conclusion
This prospective randomized trial strengthens the argument for early integration of SPC with tumor-specific treatment in patients with advanced GI cancers. We found an improved QoL for patients with advanced GI cancer 24 weeks after randomization to early integration of home-based SPC.
Trial Registration:
Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ref: NCT02246725).
The Distance Between: An algorithmic approach to comparing stochastic models to time-series data
Authors: Sherlock Brock D. , Boon Marko A. A. , Vlasiou Maria , Coster Adelle C. F. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

While mean-field models of cellular operations have identified dominant processes at the macroscopic scale, stochastic models may provide further insight into mechanisms at the molecular scale. In order to identify plausible stochastic models, quantitative comparisons between the models and the experimental data are required. The data for these systems have small sample sizes and time-evolving distributions. The aim of this study is to identify appropriate distance metrics for the quantitative comparison of stochastic model outputs and time-evolving stochastic measurements of a system. We identify distance metrics with features suitable for driving parameter inference, model comparison, and model validation, constrained by data from multiple experimental protocols.
In this study, stochastic model outputs are compared to synthetic data across three scales: that of the data at the points the system is sampled during the time course of each type of experiment; a combined distance across the time course of each experiment; and a combined distance across all the experiments.
Two broad categories of comparators at each point were considered, based on the empirical cumulative distribution (ECDF) of the data and of the model outputs: discrete based measures such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance, and integrated measures such as the Wasserstein-1 distance between the ECDFs.
It was found that the discrete based measures were highly sensitive to parameter changes near the synthetic data parameters, but were largely insensitive otherwise, whereas the integrated distances had smoother transitions as the parameters approached the true values. The integrated measures were also found to be robust to noise added to the synthetic data, replicating experimental error. The characteristics of the identified distances provides the basis for the design of an algorithm suitable for fitting stochastic models to real world stochastic data.
Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Hydrogen Bonding between Ascorbic Acid and Cytosine
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Yang Yanfei , Wang Chenguang , Huang Xiaona , Zhou Wei , Zhai Cuiping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The intermolecular interactions of DNA/RNA with drugs exhibit important applications in human health and drug design. We investigated the interaction between ascorbic acid (AA), a commonly used drug in clinic, and cytosine, an important base of nucleic acids in DNA/RNA, in aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry (CV), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), density functional theory (DFT), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), natural bond orbital (NBO) and independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH). The CV and 1H NMR results revealed that the hydroxyl groups on enediol of AA interacted with cytosine, making the electro-oxidation of AA difficult to occur and the downfield shift of H atoms (CH) on cytosine ring. Quantum chemistry calculations further proved the existence of O-H···N, O-H···O, C-H···N, C-H···O and N-H···O hydrogen bonding in the mixed system. It was found that the H atoms (H9 and H11) on enediol of AA, the N atom (N31) and carbonyl oxygen atom (O32) on the cytosine ring were the main action sites, for which H11 and N31 are more prone to be interacted with than H9 and O32.
The Impact of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption on Aggregate Output in Pakistan: Robust Evidence from the RALS Cointegration Test
Authors: Khalid Waqar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Pakistan’s energy consumption has significantly increased over the past three decades due to industrialization, population growth, and development activities. Pakistan has initiated short-term energy-oriented plans by establishing thermal power projects to meet the growing energy demands. However, these projects are more costly in terms of financial outlays and environmental harms than hydropower projects. Consequently, Pakistan is vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations and environmental damage. To address this dilemma, this empirical research examines the impact of non-energy factors (labour and capital) and energy-specific factors (renewable and non-renewable) on Pakistan’s aggregate output by considering annual data from 1980 to 2021. The analysis employs the newly established Residual Augmented Least Square (RALS) cointegration test and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology to estimate the long-term cointegrating connection among the variables. The empirical findings demonstrate that non-energy and energy-specific factors positively and significantly impact Pakistan’s long-term aggregate output, except for petroleum consumption (insignificant). The study suggests a diversified energy-supply mix explicitly characterized by hydroelectricity, non-hydroelectric renewables (mainly solar and wind), and natural gas. Furthermore, the study suggests encouraging private sector participation in renewable energy initiatives and implementing effective carbon tax policies to mitigate CO2emissions and improve economic growth.JEL Classification:D24, O47, Q42, Q43, Q48, Q54
Boundary states of three dimensional topological order and the deconfined quantum critical point
Authors: Ji Wenjie , Tantivasadakarn Nathanan , Xu Cenke 
Published: December 2023

We study the boundary states of the archetypal three dimensional topological order, i.e. the three dimensional \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 toric code. There are three distinct elementary types of boundary states that we will consider in this work. In the phase diagram that includes the three elementary boundaries there may exist a multi-critical point, which is captured by the so-called deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP) with an “easy-axis” anisotropy. Moreover, there is an emergent \mathbb{Z}_{2,d}ℤ2,d symmetry that swaps two of the boundary types, and it becomes part of the global symmetry of the DQCP. The emergent \mathbb{Z}_{2,d}ℤ2,d (where d represents “defect”) symmetry on the boundary is originated from a type of surface defect in the bulk. We further find a gapped boundary with a surface topological order that is invariant under the emergent symmetry.
Using a scenario-neutral approach to assess the impacts of climate change on flooding in the Ba River Basin, Viet Nam
Authors: Tra Tran Van , Hang Van Thi , Thuy Ngo Thi , Phuong Dang Thi Lan , Van Thanh Phan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Due to the hydrologic non-stationarity and uncertainty related to the probability assignment of flood peaks under climate change, the use of flood statistics may no longer be applicable. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis (i.e., a scenario-neutral approach) is used to examine the impacts of climate change on flooding in the Ba River Basin. A Delphi method with a set of KAMET rules was used to obtain a representative and a threshold flood event. These inputs are used for hydraulic simulation using a MIKE FLOOD model package. Flood simulations were performed using parametrically varied rainfall and temperature conditions. In total, 22 conditions were explored and are in line with CMIP5 and CMIP6. The results obtained have several implications. Firstly, rainfall change is the primary factor affecting flood impact in the Ba River Basin. Secondly, the flood peak in the Ba River Basin is highly sensitive to an increase in rainfall by up to 10%. Thirdly, the flooded threshold is reached when rainfall increases beyond 20%. Fourthly, the flood extent and depth are expected to increase as rainfall increases. Further research could improve the study using satellite rainfall data, satellite digital elevation models, and stochastic weather generators.
Gamma-mangostin Protects S16Y Schwann Cells Against tert-Butyl
Hydroperoxide-induced Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Charoensuksai Purin , Arunprasert Kwanputtha , Saenkham Audchara , Opanasopit Praneet , Suksamrarn Sunit , Wongprayoon Pawaris 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication that affects individuals with diabetes.
Its development involves an excessive presence of oxidative stress, which leads to cellular damage in
various tissues. Schwann cells, which are vital for peripheral nerve conduction, are particularly susceptible to
oxidative damage, resulting in cell death.

Materials and Methods:
Gamma-mangostin (γ-mangostin), a xanthone derived from Garcinia mangostana,
possesses cytoprotective properties in various pathological conditions. In this study, we employed S16Y cells
as a representative Schwann cell model to investigate the protective effects of γ-mangostin against the toxicity
induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Different concentrations of γ-mangostin and tBHP were used to
determine non-toxic doses of γ-mangostin and toxic doses of tBHP for subsequent experiments. MTT cell viability
assays, cell flow cytometry, and western blot analysis were used for evaluating the protective effects of
γ-mangostin.

Results:
The results indicated that tBHP (50 μM) significantly reduced S16Y cell viability and induced apoptotic
cell death by upregulating cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP protein levels and reducing the Bcl-
XL/Bax ratio. Notably, pretreatment with γ-mangostin (2.5 μM) significantly mitigated the decrease in cell viability
caused by tBHP treatment. Furthermore, γ-mangostin effectively reduced cellular apoptosis induced by
tBHP. Lastly, γ-mangostin significantly reverted tBHP-mediated caspase-3 and PARP cleavage and increased
the Bcl-XL/Bax ratio.

Conclusion:
Collectively, these findings highlight the ability of γ-mangostin to protect Schwann cells from
apoptotic cell death induced by oxidative stress.
Diverse Pharmacological Potential of Various Substituted Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Alsharif Abdulaziz , Allahyani Mamdouh , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Almehmadi Mazen Mohammed , Asif Mohammad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:In many significant bioactive heterocyclic compounds, the six-membered ring pyrimidines play a major role as bioactive components. There is a lot of room for innovation in the fields of medicinal chemistry and the chemical industries because of the numerous pyrimidine synthesis methods and their varied reactions. The pharmacological effects of pyrimidine derivatives include anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitubercular, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-depressive, antipyretic properties, etc. The synthetic adaptability of pyrimidine has made it possible to create a wide range of structurally different analogs, including analogs from substitution on the pyrimidine ring at various places, which has aided the design of a wide variety of therapeutic targets. This review's goal is to examine the pharmacological effects of numerous pyrimidine derivatives. This review provides an overview of pyrimidine compounds for biological activities and examines the novel pharmacological molecules containing pyrimidine rings in the future.
An Overview of Chemistry and Bioactivity of Non-diterpenoid Alkaloids in the Genera
Aconitum and Delphinium (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Yin Tianpeng , Jiang Hongjun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Tribe Delphineae in the family Ranunculaceae is composed of the genera Aconitum
and Delphinium and is a resource plant group with important medicinal value. Alkaloids
are the main active ingredients in these two genera, with previous studies primarily focusing
on diterpenoid alkaloids. Recent comprehensive studies of the chemical components have
uncovered numerous non-diterpenoid alkaloids of diverse structural types, such as amides,
isoquinolines, pyridines, phenethylamines, and diazines. These compounds exhibit various
biological activities, including cardiotonic, antitumor, and antibacterial effects. In this paper,
the structural characteristics and biological activities of 156 non-diterpenoid alkaloids reported
in Aconitum and Delphinium are reviewed for the first time to provide references for
the efficient utilization of plant resources of these two genera.
Dynamic Constitutive Model and Numerical Simulation of S32760 Duplex
Stainless Steel Based on Dislocation Theory
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhang Heqing , Zheng Minli , Zhang Xiangyuan , Liu Jialiang , Liu Yinfeng , Gong Fukang 
Published: December 2023

Background:
To describe the complex mechanical behavior of S32760 duplex stain-less steel under high strain rate and high-temperature loading conditions.

Objective:
The constitutive model of S32760 duplex stainless steel suitable for high strain rate was constructed from the micro-scale.

Methods:
Based on the theory of dislocation dynamics, the effects of different strain rates and strains on the plastic deformation of ferrite and austenite were analyzed, and the thermal stress term and non-thermal stress term of ferrite and austenite phases were coupled.

Results:
The simulation results of the model show that the S32760 dual-phase constitutive model has a high degree of fit with the experimental data at high strain rates.

Conclusion:
Compared with the classical J-C model, the results show that the constitutive model of this patent has more accurate predictability than the J-C model in describing the mechanical behavior of duplex stainless steel in the high strain range of 5000s-1 to 10000s-1.