bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotics improve reproductive outcomes after frozen-thaw embryo transfer for chronic endometritis treatment, especially in those with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Xie Qijun , Zhao Chun , Jiang Wei , Li Xin , Ni Danyu , Chen Yuting , Li Xiuling , Hua Xiangdong , Shen Rong , Ling Xiufeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To investigate the impact of antibiotic treatment for chronic endometritis (CE) on the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles and the relevant clinical risk factors associated with CE.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 1352 patients who underwent hysteroscopy and diagnostic curettage at Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from July 2020 to December 2021. All patients underwent CD138 immunohistochemical (IHC) testing to diagnose CE, and a subset of them underwent FET after hysteroscopy. Patient histories were collected, and reproductive prognosis was followed up.
Results:
Out of 1088 patients, 443 (40.7%) were diagnosed with CE. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses revealed that parity ≥ 2, a history of ectopic pregnancy, moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea, hydrosalpinx, endometrial polyps, and a history of ≥2 uterine operations were significantly associated with an elevated risk of CE (P < 0.05). Analysis of the effect of CE on pregnancy outcomes in FET cycles after antibiotic treatment indicated that treated CE patients exhibited a significantly lower miscarriage rate (8.7%) and early miscarriage rate (2.9%) than untreated non-CE patients (20.2%, 16.8%). Moreover, the singleton live birth rate (45.5%) was significantly higher in treated CE patients than in untreated non-CE patients (32.7%). Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the first clinical pregnancy time between treated CE and untreated non-CE patients after hysteroscopy (P = 0.0019). Stratified analysis based on the presence of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) demonstrated that in the RIF group, treated CE patients were more likely to achieve clinical pregnancy than untreated non-CE patients (P = 0.0021). Among hysteroscopy-positive patients, no significant difference was noted in pregnancy outcomes between the treatment and control groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Infertile patients with a history of parity ≥ 2, hydrosalpinx, a history of ectopic pregnancy, moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea, endometrial polyps, and a history of ≥2 uterine operations are at an increased risk of CE; these patients should be recommended to undergo hysteroscopy combined with CD138 examination before embryo transfer. Antibiotic treatment can improve the reproductive outcomes of FET in patients with CE, especially those with RIF. However, antibiotic treatment is not deemed necessary in hysteroscopy-positive patients.
The Tumor Suppressive and Potential Value of STEAP4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ting Yang , Zou Min-hong , xie Yu-jie , Yong Zhang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4(STEAP4), is a complete membrane metal reductase. Abnormal STEAP4 expression is potentially associated with carcinogenesis. However, the biological role of STEAP4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further determined. We analyzed STEAP4 expression level, prognosis, the correlations between STEAP4 and cancer immune infiltrates, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between STEAP4 high- and low-expressed groups, and the functional networks in hepatocellular carcinoma using multiple databases. STEAP4 was found down-regulated in tumor tissues in multiple HCC cohorts. Low STEAP4 expression was associated with poorer overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Functional network analysis suggested that STEAP4 regulates cell cycle signaling and may be correlated with infiltrating levels of T follicular helper cells. These findings lay a foundation for further study of the cell cycle regulatory role of STEAP4 in HCC, and, indicate STEAP4 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Ribosome biogenesis is required in hemogenic endothelial cells to generate hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Zhou Jie , Liu Di , Wang Haizhen , Chen Haifeng , Tian Xitong , Jiao Yuqing , Wang Chi , Li Yuhui , Li Zongcheng , Hou Siyuan , Ni YanLi , Lan Yu , Liu Bing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Undergoing endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, a small fraction of embryonic aortic endothelial cells specializes into hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) and eventually gives rise to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Previously we have found that the activity of ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) is highly enriched in the HSC-primed HECs as compared with adjacent arterial endothelial cells, however, whether RiBi is required in HECs for the generation of HSC remain to be determined. Here, we found that robust RiBi was markedly augmented from HEC stage along the HSC ontogeny. Pharmacological inhibition of RiBi completely impeded the generation of HSCs in explant cultures. Moreover, disrupting RiBi selectively interrupted the HSC generation potential of HECs rather than T1 pre-HSCs, which was in line with its influence on cell cycle activity. Further investigation revealed that upon HEC specification the master transcription factor Runx1 dramatically bound to the loci of genes involved in RiBi, thereby facilitating this biological process. Taken together, our study provided functional evidence showing the indispensable role of RiBi in HSC-primed HECs to generate HSCs, providing novel insights that may contribute to improving HSC regeneration strategies.
Exploring the Application and Simulated TD-DFT of Nano Hybrid Nanocomposite Bromocresol Green Derivatives Dye and Glycine with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Almutlaq Nasser , Al-Hossainy Ahmed F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The microstructure of thin films fabricated from a novel TiO2-bromocresol green derivatives dye (BcG) and glycine (Gly) hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC via a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, and optical properties are a few of the characterization techniques that have been implemented. Experimental and computational methods, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), are employed to examine the isolated molecule of the hybrid nanoblend [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and the hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC. The mean crystalline size of the hybrid nanoblend [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and the hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC are 156.13 nm and 298.66 nm. The indirect optical energy band gaps of hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite films are 3.425 eV and 2.248 eV, as determined by Tauc's equation, as the experimental part. Also, the TD-DFT calculations for the hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite of isolated molecules are 3.354 eV and 2.224 eV, respectively, for DMol3/CASTEP methods. The experimental value of the thin films closely corresponds to the simulated optical parameter values acquired by DMol3/CASTEP in TD-DFT for the isolated molecules of the nanoblend and nanocomposites. Solar cell and optoelectronic applications could benefit greatly from the [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC films.
High-performance Prediction of Epilepsy Surgical Outcomes Based on the Genetic Neural Networks and Hybrid iEEG Marker
Authors: Sun Lipeng , Feng Chen , Zhang En , Chen Huan , Jin Weifeng , Zhu Junming , Yu Li 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Accurately identification of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is pivotal for successful surgery in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgery outcomes using genetic neural network (GNN) model based on a hybrid intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) marker.
Methods
We extracted 21 SOZ related markers based on iEEG data from 79 epilepsy patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to integrated seven markers, selected after testing in pairs with all 21 biomarkers and 7 machine learning algorithms, into a hybrid marker. Based on the hybrid marker, we devised a GNN model and compared its predictive performance for surgical outcomes with six other mainstream machine-learning models.
Results
Compared to the mainstream models, underpinning the GNN with the hybrid iEEG marker resulted in a better prediction of surgical outcomes, showing a significant increase of the prediction accuracy from approximately 87–94.3% (p = 0.0412).
Discussion
This study suggests that the hybrid iEEG marker can improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgical outcomes, and validates the effectiveness of the GNN in characterizing and analyzing complex relationships between clinical data variables.
Ion migration as a tool to enhance the performance of perovskite CsPbBr3 γ-ray detectors
Authors: Kanatzidis Mercouri , Pan Lei , Bayikadi Khasim , Pandey Indra , Karki Sujita , Liu Zhifu , Peters John , De Siena Michael , Chung Duck Young , Wessels Bruce 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Uncontrolled ion migration has been well-known in perovskite-based semiconductor devices. Here, we show that instead of being detrimental, ion migration can be used to enhance the performance of perovskite CsPbBr3 semiconductor gamma-ray detectors. Through deliberate application of electrical biasing, we actively control ion migration to modify the metal-CsPbBr3 interface barrier height in devices with asymmetric electrodes. Ion migration plays a pivotal role in reducing bulk defects, as evidenced by the contact potential difference measurement, thermally stimulated current spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The evidence suggests that biasing-induced ion migration in CsPbBr3 results in a reduction in electron traps. As a result, record-breaking performance of 57Co gamma ray spectrum for CsPbBr3 detector was achieved by intentionally biasing the detector. As biasing at elevated temperatures expedites ion migration, preconditioning the CsPbBr3 crystals through reverse biasing is a promising strategy for enhancing their performance.
The Experience of Hope of Dyads Living with Advanced Chronic Illness in Portugal: a longitudinal mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Baptista Filipa , Gonçalves Maria , Fernandes Cláudia , Laranjeira Carlos , Dixie Maria dos Anjos , Querido Ana , Pautex Sophie , Larkin Philip J , Rodrigues Gora da Rocha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Hope is an important resource for patients and families to thrive during difficult times. This study aimed: a) to explore the dyadic experience of hope as a changing dynamic over time for patients living with advanced chronic illness and their informal caregivers; and b) to evaluate variations of hope and symptom burden across time. Methods A longitudinal mixed-methods study with a convergent design was conducted. Patients living with advanced chronic illness and informal caregivers participated as a dyad (n = 8). The Herth Hope Index scale was used to measure dyads' level of hope and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was used to measure the patient’s symptom burden. Descriptive statistics were undertaken using the STATA® 14.2 version. A thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke was conducted to analyze dyadic interview data. Dyads' experience of hope was described using the six dimensions of hope in the Model of Hope of Dufault and Martocchio. Results Dyadic scores of hope and patients' symptom burden were stable over time. The constructs of hope in dyads include “Living one day at the time”, “To have force/strength” and “To be in good health”. Changes in patterns of hope were captured for each dyad in their transition over time. Data converge for all Dyads except for one. Conclusions The findings of our study show a constant presence of hope even in the face of adversity. Healthcare professionals must find ways to promote hope in dyads of patients living with advanced chronic diseases. Nurses play a pivotal role; dyadic interviews should be promoted to create a safe space for both patients and informal caregivers, to share experiences. More research is needed to address patients' and informal caregivers' hope in chronic illness since current hope-based interventions primarily target cancer diagnoses.
ADMM based distributed energy scheduling of grid connected microgrid by considering the demand response
Authors: Reddy P. Krishna Mohan , Sandeep V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Global warming, environmental degradation, clean energy production, intermittent, volatile, and unpredictable renewable energy sources (RES’s), occasional peak demand on the system necessitates energy management (EM). Demand response (DR) programs in the distribution network can be seen as one of the foundation stones in the future of EM. This article illustrates the need for EM using DR, its benefits, types of loads, clustering techniques, price-based demand response (PBDR) etc. To accomplish the EM goals and to attain the economic benefit, DR employs peak shifting, peak clipping, valley filling and load growth. However, the accumulation of large loads at low electricity prices creates local peaks, this phenomenon is referred to as payback or rebound effect (RE). The occurrence of RE at low price zone heightens the volatility of market clearing price (MCP) and the operational cost of the microgrid. Inherently, the scheduled inelastic consumers at low price zone suffer from increased MCP and therefore, the total consumer tariff (TCT). The occurrence of RE depends on the load curve, peak to average ratio, electricity price and the percentage of interruptible loads present in the system. Unclear pricing methods impede the participation of customers in DR events. Moreover, majority of techniques presented in literature are of centralized frameworks that needs complex communication technologies. To fill these glitches the proposed work uses a simple distributed scheduling approach based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to alleviate the energy management using an IEEE-18 bus system. IEEE-33 bus system was considered to assess the impact of RE on the MCP and TCT.
Prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of left pulmonary artery discontinuons with Taussing-Bing syndrome:case report and literature review
Authors: He Yun , yang yufei , Song Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhonglei , Yan Dingfang , Xie Chao , Zeng Min , Zhang Wenjun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Unilateral pulmonary artery discontinuity (UPAD) is a rare foetal abnormality, for which prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis remains challenging.We report a case of left pulmonary artery discontinuity in association with Taussig-Bing syndrome, which has rarely been reported in literature so far.
Case presentation: A pregnant woman with CHD at 23 weeks gestation was referred to our center. she denied any familial history of genetic disorders in both spouses and Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) also showed low risk. An ultrasound examination revealed a complex cardiac malformation indicative of UPAD with Taussig-Bing syndrome. The family eventually chose to terminate a pregnancy and agreed to an autopsy, which confirmed that prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis was correct. In addition, we reviewed and analyzed 17 reported cases of prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of UPAD.
Conclusions: UPAD is characterized by discontinuity between the proximal and distal pulmonary arteries, along with a ductal origin of distal pulmonary artery. Discontinuous pulmonary artery originating from the ductus can be detected on prenatal sonography using ultrasound technology. The aim is to detect malformations earlier and carry out necessary intervention measures as soon as possible.
Rheological properties of microfibrillated cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blends in ethanol/water solvent systems
Authors: Junior Egon Petersohn , Lucizani Angelo Cezar , Veríssimo Victor , Pires Cassiano , Andrade Alan Sulato , Matos Mailson , Perissutti Gisele , Magalhaes Washington Luiz Esteves , Freitas Rilton Alves 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were synergistically employed as gelling agents in hydroalcoholic solutions. To investigate their collaborative effect, phase diagrams were constructed varying the concentration of the constituent elements, where phase formation was verified, as well as liquid-like and gel-like properties were identified through oscillatory rheometric measurements. Amplitude, frequency, viscosity and temperature scans were performed. Furthermore, aerogels were made with and without ethanol for microscopic analysis. It was demonstrated that ethanol has a great influence on the rheological characteristics of MFC and MFC + HPMC dispersions, resulting in an increase in the elastic modulus (G'), decreasing thixotropic behavior and increasing stability. HPMC promoted an increase in viscosity, a decrease in thixotropy as well as increased system stability. Tests were also carried out with urea, a strongly chaotropic agent, which provided evidence of the types of interactions that govern the systems, demonstrating that intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions play a preponderant role in the systems.
The Yield of Lymph Node Sampling Versus Comprehensive Lymph Node Dissection in Wilms Tumor
Authors: Azab Ahmed , Sadek Yasser , Gabr Ahmed , Fadel Shady , Abouheba Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Nephroblastoma, commonly known as Wilms' tumor (WT), is the most prevalent primary kidney tumor in children aged 1 and peaks between the ages of 3 and 4. Since lymph node involvement in WT is linked to a less favorable prognosis, a thorough nodal examination should be performed.
Aim: To evaluate the outcome of hilar lymph node sampling versus comprehensive lymph node dissection regarding the pathological yield of the lymph node (LN) involvement post-nephrectomy in WT patients.
Patients and Methods: This prospective study involved 20 pediatric patients with WT who underwent nephrectomy with LN sampling (10) versus comprehensive LN dissection (10) in the same surgical setting. Internal Review Board (IRB) preapproval was obtained. All patients had their parents/guardians’ consent before participation.
Results: In our study, the comparison between LN dissection and hilar LN sampling showed a statistically significant increase in the number of excised LNs in dissection versus the number of excised LNs in sampling. However, there was no statistically significant difference regarding the yield of excised LNs. The majority of patients had no complications, whereas three patients had a diaphragmatic injury dissecting the adherent tumor, and only one patient had chylous ascites.
Conclusion: Our preliminary study shows that hilar LN sampling may be preferred over LN dissection in WT surgical management since it is a less intrusive approach that yields the same pathological LN yield.
Structure-aware machine learning strategies for antimicrobial peptide discovery
Authors: Aguilera-Puga Mariana del Carmen , Plisson Fabien 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Machine learning models are revolutionizing our approaches to discovering and designing bioactive peptides. However, these models often need protein structure awareness, as they heavily rely on sequential data. The models excel at identifying sequences of a particular biological nature or activity, but they frequently fail to comprehend their intricate mechanism(s) of action. To solve two problems at once, we studied the mechanisms of action and structural landscape of antimicrobial peptides as (i) membrane-disrupting peptides, (ii) membrane-penetrating peptides, and (iii) protein-affine peptides. Our in-depth analysis revealed that our preliminary best-performing classifiers (86–88% accuracy) trained on datasets with an over-represented distribution of α-helical and coiled structures. Consequently, our models would predict the antimicrobial activity of these structure classes more accurately. We mitigated this structural bias by implementing two strategies: subset selection and data reduction. The former gave three structure-specific models predicting the mechanisms of action of peptide sequences likely to fold into α-helices, coils, or mixed structures. The latter depleted over-represented structures, leading to general structure-agnostic predictors.
Effect of wildfire on the prevalence of opioid misuse through anxiety among young adults in the United States: A modeling study
Authors: Maya Sigal , Mirzazadeh Ali , Kahn James G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Exposure to climate change events like wildfires can lead to health and mental health problems. While conceptual frameworks have been hypothesized describing the potential relationship between disaster exposure and substance use, the association remains under-researched and unquantified.
Methods: We constructed a quantitative portrayal of one proposed conceptual framework that focuses on the intermediary role of anxiety. We used the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the impact of wildfire exposure on opioid misuse outcomes through increased anxiety. We searched for and extracted prior empirical evidence on the associations between wildfire anxiety and anxiety-opioid misuse. A base case scenario (S1) was devised in which the impact of wildfire on opioid misuse was limited to increasing anxiety incidence. Two exploratory scenarios investigated the additive roles of altered anxiety phenotype (S2) and increased severity of pre-existing anxiety (S3) due to wildfire exposure.
Results: Models show that the prevalence of opioid misuse post-wildfire may rise to 6.0%-7.2%. In S1 (base case), the opioid misuse prevalence ratio was 1.12 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.00 – 1.27). The two exploratory scenarios, with less stringent assumptions, yielded prevalence ratios of 1.23 (95% UI: 1.00 – 1.51) and 1.34 (95% UI: 1.11 – 1.63).
Conclusions: Our modeling study suggests that exposure to wildfires may elevate opioid misuse through increasing anxiety incidence and severity. This may lead to substantial health burdens that may persist long after the initial wildfire event, which may offset recent gains in opioid misuse prevention.
Genetic and phenotypic diversification in a widespread fish, the Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna)
Authors: Tiedemann Ralph , Riesch Rüdiger , Tomowski Maxi , Havenstein Katja , Schlupp Jan , Berbel-Filho Waldir Miron , Schlupp Ingo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigated structuring in a widespread livebearing fish, the Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) combining genetic, life-history, and environmental data. Widespread species often experience significant environmental clines over the area the naturally occupy. This provides potential for genetic structuring, local adaptation and speciation. Sailfin mollies can be found in coastal freshwater habitats from roughly Tampico, Veracruz in Mexico to Wilmington, North Carolina, in the USA. In addition, they are found inland on the Florida peninsula. Using microsatellite DNA, we genotyped 168 individuals from 18 populations covering almost all of the natural range of the Sailfin molly. We further determined standard life history parameters for both males and females for these populations. Finally, we measured biotic and abiotic parameters as we collected. We find six distinct genetic clusters based on microsatellite data. Furthermore, there is very strong isolation by distance. We also found significant numbers of migrants between populations. The genetic clusters and the migration patterns do not match paleodrainages. Life histories vary between populations but are idiosyncratic. We suggest a role of humans in migration in the sailfin molly, for example in the form of a ship channel that connects southern Texas with Louisiana and might be a conduit for fish migration. Despite genetic structuring we did not find evidence of cryptic speciation.