bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Single Oral Dydrogesterone versus Vaginal Progesterone gel plus Oral Dydrogesterone Clinical Outcome within the First in GnRH Antagonist Fresh Embryo Transfer Cycle: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huang Yuan-Fei , Ding Shufang , Luo Long-Dan , Lin Suxia , Ye Tian-Min 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of single oral dydrogesterone with vaginal progesterone gel plus oral dydrogesterone in GnRH antagonist cycles with fresh embryo transfer.
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed 658 treatment cycles of fresh embryo transfer cycle with GnRH antagonist protocol from 2015 to 2020 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. Each cycle was the first fresh stimulation cycle of the patients. The study group included 368 cycles with 30 mg oral dydrogesterone daily, while the control group included 290 cycles with 90 mg of progesterone vaginal gel and 20 mg oral dydrogesterone daily. Propensity score matching was carried out to adjust for numerical differences and to balance between the two groups. After propensity, totally 231 cycles in each group remained and were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
After matching, the demographics and baseline characteristics of two groups were comparable. There was no significant difference were found in clinical pregnancy rate (35.498%versus 35.498%, P = 1), embryo implantation rate (47.613%vs. 49.352%,P = 0.710), live birth rate (26.407%versus 28.139%, P = 0.676), miscarriage rate (19.512%versus15.854%, p = 0.539), multiple birth rate (2.165%versus 1.732%,P = 0.736), OHSS rate (0.433%versus 0.433%, P = 1) and ectopic pregnancy rate (2.165%versus 1.299%, P = 0.476) between the oral dydrogesterone group (study group) and the vaginal progesterone gel combined with dydrogesterone group (control group).
Conclusion: In conclusion, single oral dydrogesterone and dydrogesterone combined with vaginal progesterone gel revealed similar reproductive outcomes in GnRH antagonist cycles with fresh embryo transfer in the study. And single use of dydrogesterone minimized patient inconvenience and reduced the incidence of adverse effects. It could be the new choice for the luteal phase support in the fresh GnRH antagonist cycle.
Efficacy of positive replacement thoughts and positive reappraisal as coping strategies for intrusive thoughts
Authors: Oikawa Megumi , Yokoyama Reina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examined relationships between positive replacement thoughts, positive reappraisal, intrusive thoughts, thought uncontrollability, and associations with depression and anxiety. Adults over 18 years old in Japan (N = 176) participated in the study. They rated the level of intrusive thoughts. Then, they recalled a recent intrusive thought-inducing event and responded to questionnaires on the frequency of coping strategies, thought uncontrollability, depression, and anxiety. The findings revealed that higher intrusive thoughts were positively associated with greater thought uncontrollability, depression, and anxiety, whereas reappraisal was negatively correlated. Furthermore, the interaction between replacement thoughts and reappraisal was significant, indicating that the efficacy of reappraisal in reducing thought uncontrollability depended on replacement thought frequency. These results suggest the effectiveness of reappraisal techniques in managing intrusive thoughts and improving mood. However, replacement thoughts should be cautiously used due to possible adverse effects. Further research must explore the suppression target's characteristics and establish causal relationships, possibly using longitudinal studies.
The diagnostic value of presepsin in patients with chronic renal insufficiency complicated with sepsis
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , He Qingjian , li Guodong , Lu Jianzhong , Kang Jian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This prospective study evaluated the diagnostic value of serum presepsin (soluble CD14-ST) levels for sepsis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the influence of hemodialysis on serum presepsin. This study included 291 patients with CKD and 101 patients with normal renal function and sepsis. Presepsin levels were increased in patients with CKD with or without sepsis or hemodialysis compared with the controls, and were the highest in patients with CKD and sepsis undergoing hemodialysis. The findings were as follows: i) CKD patients with or without sepsis had higher presepsin levels than the healthy controls (P<0.01); ii) the level of presepsin in CKD patients with or without hemodialysis treatment was higher than that in the healthy control group, and presepsin levels in CKD patients with sepsis were higher than those in CKD patients without sepsis (P<0.05); iii) for CKD patients with sepsis, the presepsin level after hemodialysis was significantly higher than that in patients without hemodialysis; iv) without hemodialysis treatment, the sensitivity and specificity of presepsin in identifying CKD with sepsis were 90.2 and 83.9%, respectively, those of procalcitonin (PCT) were 83.9 and 75.8%, respectively, and those of C-reactive protein (CRP) were 75.6 and 75.8%, respectively; v) when CKD patients were undergoing hemodialysis,presepsin identify CKD merger sepsis sensitivity, specificity of 30.5 and 99.2% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PCT in the differential diagnosis of CKD with sepsis were 84.8 and 82.7%, respectively. CRP had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 82.4% in the differential diagnosis of CKD complicated with sepsis. Presepsin, PCT and CRP levels had diagnostic value for sepsis; however, presepsin was a better predictor of sepsis than PCT or CRP in patients with CKD not undergoing hemodialysis. These findings suggested that physicians should incorporate information on biomarkers with medical history, clinical symptoms, physical signs and other tests related to sepsis for its diagnosis in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. Presepsinwas a better predictor of sepsis in patients with CKD not undergoing hemodialysis.
Comparison of avian species diversity and abundance in seasonally flooded wetlands in eastern part of Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Authors: Agidie Aklilu , Wondie Ayalew , Beneberu Getachew , Tassie Nega 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Lake Tana area owns several wetlands and is one of the best places for local and migratory birds in Ethiopia. The wetlands are subjected to anthropogenic pressure, which in turn affects wetland-dependent fauna and flora. This study aimed to assess species diversity and the abundance of birds in the flooded wetlands. The transect and point count methods were used to locate birds across five sites from December 2021 to November 2022. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis was used to show the species composition similarity of waterfowl across the study habitats, and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H′) were employed to quantify the diversity of avian species. A total of 35 bird species, representing 21 families and 13 orders, were identified in the study area. Globally threatened (vulnerable) species such as wattled cranes and black-crowned cranes are common in the farming landscape and the wetlands. Shesher and Sendye wetlands had the highest richness (S = 32 and 28), respectively. The highest dominance index (D = 0.16) was found in Sendye wetland. The difference in species richness among habitats might be due to resource availability and the degree of human influence. Lake Tana wetlands have deteriorated from time to time due to heavy human involvement and a recent invasion by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), affecting the overall ecological integrity of the system. Hence, sustainable wetland management interventions, legitimate environmental preservation, and administration endeavors ought to be actualized to conserve birds in their territories.
Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Incompatible Observables and Tradeoff in Multiparameter Quantum Estimation
Authors: Chen Hongzhen , Yuan Haidong , Wang Lingna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

How well can multiple incompatible observables be implemented by a single measurement? This is a fundamental problem in quantum mechanics with wide implications for the performance optimization of numerous tasks in quantum information science. While existing studies have been mostly focusing on the approximation of two observables with a single measurement, in practice multiple observables are often encountered, for which the errors of the approximations are little understood. Here we provide a framework to study the implementation of an arbitrary finite number of observables with a single measurement. Our methodology yields novel analytical bounds on the errors of these implementations, significantly advancing our understanding of this fundamental problem. Additionally, we introduce a more stringent bound utilizing semi-definite programming that, in the context of two observables, generates an analytical bound tighter than previously known bounds. The derived bounds have direct applications in assessing the trade-off between the precision of estimating multiple parameters in quantum metrology, an area with crucial theoretical and practical implications. To validate the validity of our findings, we conducted experimental verification using a superconducting quantum processor. This experimental validation not only confirms the theoretical results but also effectively bridges the gap between the derived bounds and empirical data obtained from real-world experiments. Our work paves the way for optimizing various tasks in quantum information science that involve multiple noncommutative observables.
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Semi-Synthetic Dural Substitutes in Cranial Surgery: A Combined Retrospective and Prospective Study
Authors: Zhang X , Yan E , MA Hoffmann , MN Bonk 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The use of semi-synthetic dural substitutes in cranial surgery has garnered attention due to its potential in reducing complications, particularly cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. However, there is a lack of extensive research, especially in the form of randomized studies, to validate its efficacy and safety.
Methods
Our study was divided into two parts: a retrospective analysis of 30 patients who received semi-synthetic dural replacements from December 2022 to March 2023, and a prospective study of another 30 patients from March 2023 to September 2023. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18 undergoing neurosurgical procedures requiring dural replacement. The primary outcome measured was the rate of CSF leakages, with secondary outcomes including clinical and radiographic parameters to assess signs of infection or inflammation.
Results
Both the retrospective and prospective studies successfully included 30 patients each, with no adverse events reported in either group. No evidence of CSF leakage or inflammation was observed in the postoperative period. The average age of patients was 63.2 years in the retrospective group and 61.2 years in the prospective group, with a balanced distribution of male and female patients.
Discussion
The results indicate that semi-synthetic dural replacement is a safe and effective option in cranial surgery, aligning with findings from other studies in the field. However, the variability in CSF leakage rates in existing literature underscores the need for larger, randomized studies for a more definitive conclusion.
Conclusion
Our study supports the use of semi-synthetic dural substitutes as a safe and low-risk option in neurosurgery. While our results are encouraging, further large-scale randomized studies are necessary to conclusively determine its effectiveness in preventing CSF leakage.
The IncC and IncX1 resistance plasmids present in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from poultry manure in Poland
Authors: Zalewska Magdalena , Błażejewska Aleksandra , Gawor Jan , Adamska Dorota , Goryca Krzysztof , Szeląg Michał , Kalinowski Patryk , Popowska Magdalena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study describes the whole-genome sequencing of two antibiotic-resistant representative Escherichia coli strains, isolated from poultry manure in 2020. The samples were obtained from a commercial chicken meat production facility in Poland. The antibiotic resistance profile was characterized by co-resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. The three identified resistance plasmids (R-plasmids), pECmdr13.2, pECmdr13.3 and pECmdr14.1, harbored various genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines (tetR[A]) for, aminoglycoside (aph, aac and aad families), β-lactam (blaCMY-2, blaTEM-176), sulfonamide (sul1, sul2), fluoroquinolone (qnrS1), and phenicol (floR). These plasmids, which have not been previously reported in Poland, were found to carry IS26 insertion elements, the intI1-integrase gene, as well as conjugal transfer genes, facilitating horizontal gene transfer. Plasmids pECmdr13.2 and pECmdr14.1 also possessed a mercury resistance gene operon related to transposon Tn1696; this promotes plasmid persistence even without antibiotic selection pressure due to co-selection mechanisms such as co-resistance. The chicken manure-derived plasmids belonged to the IncX1 (narrow host range) and IncC (broad host range) incompatibility groups. Similar plasmids have been identified in various environments, clinical isolates, and farm animals, including cattle, swine, and poultry. This study holds significant importance for the One Health approach, as it highlights the potential for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from livestock and food sources, particularly E. coli, to transfer through the food chain to humans and vice versa. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of R-plasmids prevalence in the human, animal and natural environments, and to implement strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal laterally spreading tumors: Clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes
Authors: Guo Lihua , Hu Kefeng , Miao Min , Ding Yong , Zhang Xinjun , Ye Guoliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and aim
Colorectal laterally spreading tumor (LST) is a type of precancious lesions of colorectal cancer with high malignant potential. To investigate the endoscopic morphology and pathological traits of colorectal LSTs, evaluate clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment, and identify risk factors associated with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) / carcinoma, submucosal invasion and complications.
Methods
This single-center retrospective study, from a prospectively collected database, was conducted between January 2016 and December 2023. We performed a retrospective analysis of the endoscopic and histological results of consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection for colorectal LSTs in our hospital. The pathological classification and outcomes were analyzed. Risk factors for high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma, submucosal invasion and complications were determined using logistic regression.
Results
A total of 375 colorectal LSTs were enrolled. The incidences of low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma for LSTs were 60.3%, 25.3% and 14.4%, respectively. The size ≥30 mm, LST granular nodular mixed type (LST-G-M) and LST non-granular pseudo depressed type (LST-NG-PD) were independently associated with higher odds in HGD/carcinoma. The prevalence of submucosal invasion cancer was 10.1%. LST-NG-PD and tumor budding were associated with higher odds for submucosal invasion, and the tumor budding was an independent risk factor for deep submucosal invasion. The frequency of delayed bleeding and perforation were 2.1% and 4.8%, respectively. LST-G-M and size ≥30 mm were associated with higher odds for complications.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that larger LST increased risk for HGD/carcinoma and complication during endoscopic treatment. LST-NG-PD lesions were more likely prone to submucosal invasion. Tumor budding was an independent risk factor for deep submucosal invasion.
Too big to purge: persistence of deleterious mutations in island populations of the European barn owl (Tyto alba)
Authors: Goudet Jérôme , Lavanchy Eléonore , Cumer Tristan , Topaloudis Alexandros , Ducrest Anne-Lyse , Simon Céline , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

An important aspect of assessing endangered levels and managing conservation is the study of inbreeding status, identifying its origin as well as assessing the mutation load in wild populations. In this study, we used 502 barn owls from continental and island populations across Europe. In addition to comparing inbreeding status, we determined whether inbreeding is due to non-random mating or high co-ancestry within the population. We show that islands have higher levels of inbreeding than continental populations, and that this is mainly due to small effective population sizes rather than recent consanguineous mating. We assess the probability that a region is autozygous along the genome and show that this probability decreased as the number of genes present in that region increased. Finally, we looked for evidence of reduced selection efficiency and purging in island populations. Among island populations, we found an increase in numbers of both neutral and deleterious minor alleles, possibly as a result of drift and decreased selection efficiency but we found no evidence of purging.
TaxaNorm: a novel taxa-specific normalization approach for microbiome data
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Lloyd Dillon , Zhao Shanshan , Motsinger-Reif Alison 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: In high-throughput sequencing studies, sequencing depth, which quantifies the total number of reads, varies across samples. Unequal sequencing depth can obscure true biological signals of interest and prevent direct comparisons between samples. To remove variability due to differential sequencing depth, taxa counts are usually normalized before downstream analysis. However, most existing normalization methods scale counts using size factors that are sample specific but not taxa specific, which can result in over- or under-correction for some taxa.
Results: We developed TaxaNorm, a novel normalization method based on a zero-inflated negative binomial model. This method assumes the effects of sequencing depth on mean and dispersion vary across taxa. Incorporating the zero-inflation part can better capture the nature of microbiome data. Two corresponding diagnosis tests on the varying sequencing depth effect are proposed as well for validation. We demonstrate from simulations that TaxaNorm reaches the similar to higher power while significantly lower the false discoveries in downstream analysis to existing methods. Applying to the real dataset also shows its improved performance when correcting the technical bias.
Conclusion: TaxaNorm considers correcting both sample- and taxon- specific bias by introducing an appropriate regression framework in the microbiome data, which aids in data interpretation and visualization. The ’TaxaNorm’ R package is freely available through the CRAN repository https://CRAN.R-project.org/ package=TaxaNorm and the source code can be download at https://github. com/wangziyue57/TaxaNorm.
The Role of RAD51C in the Development of Ovarian Cancer: An In Vitro Animal Experiment Study
Authors: Lu Xiaoli , Li Xiaying , Jiang Junxiu , Deng Huan , Lu Chunbin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of the RAD51C gene in the development of ovarian cancer. A lentivirus-based RAD51C interference system was constructed to infect A2780 cells, followed by regular screening and injection of selected cell lines into nude mice. The study also analyzed the differential expression of the RAD51C, VEGF, and NRP-2 proteins.
Methods: A2780 cells were cultured, and RAD51C expression was detected. A RAD51C interference vector was constructed and packaged into a lentivirus, which was then used for cell transfection. The transfection efficiency was confirmed using qPCR, and stable cell lines were established by regular screening. A CDX model was created, and tumor formation was observed. Tumor tissues were collected and analyzed for the expression of RAD51C, VEGF, and NRP-2 proteins using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
Results: qPCR validation demonstrated that the RAD51C lentivirus had the most significant interference effect in the SiRAN285 group. Among the CDX model groups, the Si-RAD51C group exhibited the lowest tumor volume and weight, along with significantly reduced expression of the RAD51C, NRP-2, and VEGF proteins.
Conclusion: RAD51C interference lentivirus effectively inhibited the formation of A2780 ovarian cancer cell tumors and suppressed the expression of the RAD51C, NRP-2, and VEGF proteins.
Impact of training nurses in illustrated communication skills on physiological indicators, pain, agitation, and communication ease in conscious patients under mechanical ventilation
Authors: Kakaeimirahmadi Shiva , Azami Hiva , Tapak leili , Bashar Farshid Rahimi , Azizi Azim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Conscious patients under mechanical ventilation encounter significant challenges due to their inability to communicate, leading to anxiety, agitation, and uncontrolled pain. Effective communication training for nurses is crucial to manage these issues. This study aimed to determine the impact of training nurses in illustrated communication skills on physiological indicators, pain, agitation, and ease of communication with conscious mechanically ventilated patients.
Method
A quasi-experimental pre-and-post study was conducted at Besat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, involving 37 nurses and 70 patients. Sampling was convenient and sequential. The Ease of Communication, Richmond Agitation-Sedation, Pain Numeric Rating scales, and vital signs were measured before and 48 hours after the intervention commenced. The control group did not receive training, while the experimental group was trained in the use of illustrated communication boards and interacted with patients using these boards for 48 hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.
Result
Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups regarding demographic variables, average pain intensity, agitation, communication difficulty, and vital signs (p > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in all studied variables except blood pressure compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Training nurses in the use of illustrated communication boards can enhance communication and reduce agitation, pain, heart rate, and respiration in patients under mechanical ventilation. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of nurse education and the development of communication tools to improve interactions between nurses and intubated patients. Such training can improve treatment outcomes. This research could pave the way for future studies.