bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of male circumcision on HIV risk among men in Zambia: An Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting for Causal Inference study
Authors: Mwakazanga David Kasanga , Daka Victor , Silavwa Hilda Nyambe , Mfune Ruth Lindizyani , Gwasupika Jonathan , Kateule Ernest , Khondowe Shepherd , Mutale Lwito Salifyanji , Mulenga David , Chipimo Peter , Chongwe Gershom , Sinkala Musalula 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Zambia rolled out Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision as a strategy for preventing new HIV infections in 2007. However, there is limited data on the intervention's impact. This study estimated the causal impact of male circumcision on the risk of HIV infection among males in Zambia.
METHODS: The study applied Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting on data from the cross-sectional designed 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, to estimate the causal impact of male circumcision on the risk of HIV infection among circumcised men.
RESULTS: Cases of HIV infections were observed in 964 (8.3%) of the total (n = 11611) candidates included in the analysis. The causal impact of male circumcision on the risk of HIV infection among men in Zambia who had undergone the procedure, was a slight reduction of 1.7% (aOR= 0.983; 95% CI= [0.969, 0.997], p= 0.0156). The men exhibited risky sexual behaviour patterns; with only 11.3% (1665/11611) consistently using condoms, 12.7% (1,479/11,611) reporting a sexual debut age over 20 years, and nearly 15% (14.7%; 1712/11611) having two or more sexual partners. Reports of sexually transmitted infections were present, with a higher (p value <0.001) incidence among men who had undergone circumcision compared to those who had not (4.3% [154/3614] vs. 3.5% [279/7997]).
CONCLUSION: The causal impact of male circumcision on HIV infections among men in Zambia is low. Risky sexual behaviours were observed, and circumcised men exhibited a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections compared to their uncircumcised counterparts. This implies the presence of sexual behaviour risk compensation among circumcised men.
The Impact of Monetary Policy Rates on the Prices of Indian Stocks: Emphasis on Banks’ Nifty Index in Particular.
Authors: Belavadi Nikhil 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between monetary policy rates and stock prices in India, with a particular focus on the Bank Nifty Index. Monetary policy plays a crucial role in shaping economic conditions, and its impact on stock prices has been a topic of interest for both researchers and market participants. The Bank Nifty index, which consists of major banking stocks, provides valuable insights into financial sector performance. The study employs a comprehensive dataset covering relevant monetary policy rates, such as the repo rate, reverse repo rate, cash reserve ratio, statutory liquidity ratio, marginal standing facility and bank rate, alongside historical Bank Nifty index data. Statistical and econometric methods are utilized to analyse the data and ascertain potential causal links and correlations between monetary policy changes and stock price movements. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions between monetary policy and stock market behaviour, particularly within the banking sector. Additionally, insights derived from this research can aid investors, policymakers and financial institutions in making informed decisions, managing risks and optimizing portfolio strategies.
Dynamic control of active droplets using light-responsive chiral liquid crystal environment
Authors: Lavrentovich Oleg , Jiron Vanessa , Rajabi Mojtaba , Wang Hao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Microscopic active droplets are of interest since they can be used to transport matter from one point to another. The challenge is to control the trajectory. In this work, we demonstrate an approach to control the direction of active droplet propulsion by a photoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystal environment. The active droplet represents a water dispersion of bacterial B. subtilis microswimmers. When placed in a cholesteric, a surfactant-stabilized active droplet distorts the local director field, producing a point defect-hedgehog, which breaks the fore-aft symmetry. The chaotic motion of the bacteria inside the droplet is rectified into directional motion by the asymmetric director field outside the droplet. When the pitch of the cholesteric is altered by visible light irradiation, the asymmetry axis and thus the droplet trajectory realign along a new direction. Droplets realign counterclockwise on exposure to light of 535 nm, and clockwise on exposure to light of 450 nm, as dictated by the photoinduced change in the handedness of the cholesteric. The strategy allows for a non-contact dynamic control of active droplets trajectories and demonstrates the advantage of orientationally ordered media in control of active matter over their isotropic counterparts.
Prognostic feature based on androgen-responsive genes in bladder cancer and screening for potential targeted drugs
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Zhang Qian , Zhu Cunle , Yuqi Wu , Zhang Guohui , Wang Qianliang , Dong Xingyou , Li Benyi , Wang Xiangwei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a tumor that affects men more than women. The biological function and prognostic value of androgen-responsive genes (ARGs) in BLCA are currently unknown. To address this, we established an androgen signature to determine the prognosis of BLCA.
Methods
Sequencing data for BLCA from the TCGA and GEO datasets were used for research. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was measured using Cibersort and ssGSEA. Prognosis-related genes were identified and a risk score model was constructed using univariate Cox regression, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression. Drug sensitivity analysis was performed using Genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer (GDSC). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess the expression of representative genes in clinical samples.
Results
ARGs (especially the CDK6, FADS1, PGM3, SCD, PTK2B, and TPD52) might regulate the progression of BLCA. The different expression patterns of ARGs lead to different immune cell infiltration. The risk model indicates that patients with higher risk scores have a poorer prognosis, more stromal infiltration, and an enrichment of biological functions. Single-cell RNA analysis, bulk RNA data, and PCR analysis proved the reliability of this risk model, and a nomogram was also established for clinical use. Drug prediction analysis showed that high-risk patients had a better response to fludarabine, AZD8186, and carmustine.
Conclusion
ARGs played an important role in the progression, immune infiltration, and prognosis of BLCA. The ARGs model has high accuracy in predicting the prognosis of BLCA patients and provides more effective medication guidelines.
Mini-cholecystectomy, a standard of care and training standard in limited resource health facilities, an example from Sudan
Authors: Elnaim Abdel Latif Khalifa , Ibnouf Mohammed M A Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for gallstones disease. In limited resources hospitals in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) it had been under investigation; likewise, mini-cholecystectomy (MC) was not defined. This study arouses adaptation to reality.
Objectives: To demonstrate the experience of surgical training in a limited resources health facility, to assess the trainer selection of cases for training and supervision in, and to compare the trainer vs. trainee duration in early outcomes.
Methods: descriptive, prospective study done in Kassala state- Sudan, from January 2015 through December 2017. Data were collected prospectively from the patient records with direct observation of the outcome over the two-year period and fed to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Inc. Significant levels were taken for P ≥ 0.05 and 95% confidence interval values.
Results: Total number of cases: 600 patients. Consultants are two; trainee registrars are eight, with a ratio of 1:4. Consultants have operated on 58% versus registrars 42%. The mean hospital stay for the patients was 2.9 days (±0.9 SD). The standard percentage of operations by the registrars has increased to 46% in the shortest hospital stay (2 days) and 61% at four days, but less than 42% in three- and five-days duration (P value = 0.0001).
Conclusion: In large volume hospitals, training on mini-cholecystectomy was safe and acceptable standard of care in limited resources hospitals.
Application and comparative analysis of Intelligent Monitoring Technology for Grouted Pile Construction based on Abaqus
Authors: Wu Rong , Jang Yangyang , Zhao Shunzhi , Chen Min , Shang Shiqiang , Lang Xuedong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In order to realize the intelligent monitoring of the high-precision positioning of the hole position and the real-time control of the verticality of the pile, an intelligent monitoring system was developed based on the combination positioning technology of BDS and UWB and the biaxial tilt sensor, and the numerical simulation and comparative analysis of the verticality of the pile were carried out by abaqus. The deviation of pile foundation in different directions and the deviation of pile body are controlled by the monitoring system, and abnormal warning is made when the deviation exceeds the permissible range.Through the application of intelligent monitoring system in the pile foundation engineering area of Changshui Airport, it is found that the plane offset and perpendicularity of all piles meet the standard requirements and the construction error is controlled at a small value. The results show that the application of intelligent inspection system can not only ensure the construction quality of pile foundation, but also meet and improve the level of digitization and information technology of smart construction site.
A Comprehensive Multivariate Wind Speed Forecasting Model Utilizing Deep Learning Neural Networks
Authors: Wei Donglai , Tian Zhongda 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Wind speed is influenced by various factors, necessitating the consideration of interactions between multiple meteorological elements in multivariate wind speed prediction. This paper proposes a multivariate combinatorial model based on a deep learning neural network, which incorporates not only historical wind speed data but also relevant meteorological features. Initially, the feature extraction of meteorological features. related to wind speed is first performed using an autoencoder (AE) and singular value decomposition (SVD). Subsequently, the complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition and wavelet transform (CEWT) method is utilized to mitigate noise in the wind speed series. Finally, this paper utilize a gated recurrent unit (GRU) deep learning neural network for predicting the wind speed series. The optimization of the GRU’s 4 hyperparameters is accomplished through the implementation of the improved gray wolf algorithm (IGWO). This paper evaluates and validates the predictive performance of the model using two datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other models across 4 key performance indicators.
Case report: An adult case of Poretti-Boltshauser syndrome diagnosed by medical checkup.
Authors: Ikeda Kensuke , Tamagake Ayane , Kubota Takafumi , Izumi Rumiko , Yamaguchi Tatsuo , Yanagi Kumiko , Misu Tatsuro , Aoki Yoko , Kaname Tadashi , Aoki Masashi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This report describes an adult-onset case of Poretti–Boltshauser syndrome (PTBHS) and with novel variants of LAMA1.
Methods
A 65-year-old Japanese woman with cerebellar malformation identified during a medical checkup was referred to our hospital. Subsequently, neurological examination, brain imaging, and genetic investigation via whole-exome sequencing were performed.
Results
The patient presented with mild cerebellar ataxia and intellectual disability. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebellar dysplasia and cysts and an absence of molar tooth sign. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous variant of c.1711_1712del in LAMA1 (NM_005559.4).
Discussion
Most cases with PTBHS are reported in pediatric patients; however, our patient expressed a mild phenotype and was undiagnosed until her 60s. These findings suggest that PTBHS should be considered in not only pediatric cerebellar dysplasia but also adult-onset cerebellar ataxia with mild presentation.
Chinese Foreign Direct Investment Outflows and Host Country Economic Growth
Authors: Caporin Massimiliano , Cooray Arusha , Kuziboev Bekhzod , Liu Jie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We examine how outward Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows affect the economic growth of 41 host nations over the 2005 to 2021 period. We also investigate the indirect effects of outward Chinese FDI flows on the economic growth of these countries through the government effectiveness and human capital channels. The empirical results reveal that Chinese FDI has significant positive impacts on host country economic growth. Significant threshold effects, however, are detected on the indirect impacts of FDI flows on host countries through the government effectiveness and human capital channels. The results suggest that when government effectiveness and human capital in host countries exceed a certain threshold, that Chinese FDI does not necessarily lead to economic growth in the group of countries under study.
Reduced-toxicity conditioning regimen with low dose post-transplantation cyclophosphamide and low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis for haploidentical stem cell transplantation in older patients
Authors: Ye Peipei , Wu Mengjie , Cao Junjie , Pei Renzhi , Yuan Jiaojiao , Zhuang Haihui , Fang Ying , Lu Ying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Reduced-toxicity conditioning (RIC) regimens are used for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in older patients. However, successful outcomes are still hindered by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), treatment-related mortality (TRM) and relapse, especially in the setting of haploidentical donor (HID) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a RIC conditioning regimen that included a combination of lower doses of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) (40 mg/kg on day +3) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) (7.5 mg/kg) as GVHD prophylaxis, followed by haplo stem cell transplantation (SCT) in older patients.
Method: We retrospectively analyzed 55 patients ≥ 55 years of age with hematologic malignancies treated with fludarabine, Cytarabine, busulfan, and low dose cyclophosphamide as the conditioning regimen between January 1, 2019 and
November 30, 2023.
Results: Neutrophil engraftment was successful in all the patients within 28 days, with 54 (98.2%) patients achieving complete donor chimerism. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 0 at 30 days, 7.5% at 100 days and 19% at 1-year. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD was 25% (95%CI,15%−38%), while grade III-IV aGVHD was 9.1% (95%CI,3.3%−19%). The cumulative incidence of extensive cGVHD at 1 year was 3.6% (95%CI,0.66%-11%). The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), overall survival (OS) and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS) at 1-year were 9.0%, 71.6%, and 67.1%, respectively.
Conclusions: These results suggested that a RIC conditioning regimen including a combination of lower PTCy/ATG as GVHD prophylaxis, followed by haplo-SCTmight be a promising option for appropriately selected older patients.
Optimised Pairwise Aircraft Separation Minima Applying Plate Lines
Authors: Koloschin André , Vechtel Dennis , Holzäpfel Frank , Rotshteyn Grigory 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

An analysis of the potential aircraft separation benefits that could be enabled by the installation of wake vortex decay enhancing Plate Lines has been performed. Because Plate Lines are only effective close to the ground, a special focus was on the analysis of the results when applying the reduced separations out of ground effect as well. It has been shown that substantial separation benefits can be enabled by the installation of Plate Lines without compromising safety in ground effect and out of ground effect.
The prognostic significance of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign in cardioembolic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy:a multicenter observational clinical study
Authors: Liu Xianghong , Zhang Fang , Luo Wenfeng , Zeng Hongliang , Li Bin , Guo Junqing , Zhang Cong , Ji Zhong , Zeng Guoyong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on pre-treatment non-contrast CT (NCCT) scans and the subsequent occurrence of poor functional outcomes and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) attributed to cardioembolic etiology, following mechanical thrombectomy (MT).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using patient data from the multicenter clinical trial known as MONFIS-ET, focusing on individuals with cardioembolic (CE) and large-artery atherosclerotic (LAA) occlusive strokes. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the presence of HMCAS and the underlying stroke etiology. We compared the 90-day modified Rankin score (mRS) and the incidence of HT between those with HMCAS and those without it, stratified by etiology.
Results: A total of 269 patients were included in the study, of which 85 (31.6%) exhibited HMCAS on NCCT scans. Patients without HMCAS demonstrated more favorable clinical outcomes compared to those with HMCAS (56.0% vs. 41.2%, p=0.024). Specifically, patients with HMCAS associated with cardioembolism (CE) had a less favorable outcome (20% vs. 46.7%, p=0.013) and a higher incidence of HT (65.7% vs. 33.3%, p=0.004). Conversely, there was no significant difference in prognosis between patients with HMCAS and those without it in the context of large artery atherosclerosis (58.2% vs. 57.7%, p=0.959). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the HMCAS independently predicted poor prognosis in patients who underwent MT due to CE (OR: 4.054, 95% CI: 1.161-14.159, p=0.028).
Conclusion: In patients with AIS-LVO attributed to cardioembolic etiology who underwent MT, the presence of HMCAS on initial NCCT scans was found to be associated with an unfavorable outcome and a higher incidence of HT.
Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR 2300074368(retrospectively registered).
Fine-mappingg and validation of the major quantitative trait locus QFlANG‑4B for flag leaf angle in wheat
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Chen Xinyi , Yang Kai , Chang Siyuan , Zhang Xue , Liu Mingde , Wu Longfei , Xin Mingming , Hu Zhaorong , Liu Jie , Peng Huiru , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Yao Yingyin , Du Jinkun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Flag leaf angle (FLANG) is closely related to crop architecture and yield. We previously identified the quantitative trait locus (QTL) QFLANG-4B for FLANG on chromosome 4B, located within a 14-cM interval flanked by the markers Xbarc20 and Xzyh357, using a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Nongda3331 (ND3331) and Zang1817. In this study, we fine-mapped QFLANG-4B and validated its associated genetic effect. We developed a BC3F3 population using ND3331 as the recurrent parent through marker-assisted selection, as well as near-isogenic lines (NILs) by selfing BC3F3 plants carrying different heterozygous segments for the QFLANG-4B region. We obtained eight recombinant types for QFLANG-4B, narrowing its location down to a 5.3-Mb region. This region contained 76 predicted genes, 7 of which we considered to be likely candidate genes for QFLANG-4B. Marker and phenotypic analyses of individual plants from the secondary mapping populations and their progeny revealed that the FLANG of the ND3331 allele is significantly higher than that of the Zang1817 allele in multiple environments. These results not only provide a basis for the map-based cloning of QFLANG-4B, but also indicate that QFLANG-4B has great potential for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs designed to improve plant architecture and yield.
Periodontal status and risk factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Costa Rosana , Ríos-Carrasco Blanca , López-Jarana Paula , Cabral Cristina , Cunha Filipe , Gonçalves Maria , Relvas Marta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: Conduct a cross-sectional study to investigate the periodontal conditions and oral health behaviours among adult subjects with type one diabetes mellitus and compare them with those of a group of age- and gender-matched without diabetes. Furthermore, we also intend to evaluate the potential indicators of the risk for the development of periodontal disease.
Methods: The evaluation was undertaken with patients with diabetes (n=70) from a patients’ cohort of the the Hospitalar Center of Tâmega e Sousa and subjects without diabetes (n=69).
Results: The prevalence of periodontal disease showed significant differences between groups. Gingivitis reached a prevalence of 37.1% in patients with type one diabetes mellitus and periodontitis 55.7%. These systemically compromised patients exhibited a higher prevalence of Plaque Index, Bleeding on Probing and Periodontal Probing Depth and a reduced number of teeth when compared to the control group. The stage II was the most prevalent in the diabetes population, followed by the stage IV and most of diabetes subjects presented grade C progression.
Conclusions: There is a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in type one diabetes mellitus individuals when compared to the controls. Age, Bleeding on Probing and number of cigarettes per day are associated with higher risk of periodontal disease in type one diabetes mellitus patients.
Clinical Relevance: Our study provides evidence about the prevalence of periodontal disease among type 1 diabetes mellitus and creates awareness regarding the factors that potentially contribute to worsening periodontal tissues. Furthermore, informing diabetic patients about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease and the importance of reducing/quitting smoking.
Decision Support for CBRN Avoid and Protect Missions
Authors: Nemeth Christopher , Sedehi Javad , Rule Gregory , DiPietrantonio Josef , Laufersweiler Dawn , Keeney Natalie , Clark Rob 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Modern Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) operations require a significant reduction in the time between decision making and decision execution. This calls for effective decision support to improve situational awareness (SA) at the lowest practical echelon. Applied Research Associates, Inc. conducted a 22-month project to research Avoidance and Protection, the CBRN phase with greatest uncertainty and cognitive work demands, to determine how the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) could best support operator procedures and decision making. We confirmed U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) CBRN doctrine, created battalion commander, medical officer, CBRN specialist, and Soldier or Marine use cases, developed a concept video around existing CBRN passive defense workflows and tasking, then reviewed the concept with CBRN specialists returning from deployment as well as Integrated Early Warning and CBRN Support to Command-and-Control developers. Resulting improvement to decision support can more effectively sustain the operator’s observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA) loop while minimizing cognitive load.