bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of ultrasonographic endometrial changes following discontinuation of tamoxifen treatment in postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen as hormonal adjuvant therapy
Authors: Babin Mikhail , Gluck Ohad , Yeruham Iftach , Keidar Ran , Kerner Ram , Weiner Eran , Sagiv Ron 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective:
To assess the effects of tamoxifen on endometrial stripe thickness and its role in endometrial neoplasia progression after discontinuation of therapy.
Methods:
This is a retrospective, cohort study that included postmenopausal women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and received prophylactic therapy with tamoxifen. Ultrasonographic measurement of endometrial stipe thickness were made during the treatment and after its discontinuation.
Results:
Of 406 women diagnosed with breast cancer who received tamoxifen therapy and were followed in our institution, 61 had finished the treatment at the time of data collection. Endometrial stripe thickness reached 8mm, 6 months after the beginning of the therapy, and remained relatively stable afterwards not exceeding 9mm even with extended treatment. Endometrial stripe thickness drops significantly within one month after treatment discontinuation with a further decrease until it reaches pretreatment levels at about three months.
Conclusion:
In women on tamoxifen therapy, endometrial stripe thickness above 9mm may necessitate additional workup to rule out endometrial pathology. Given that endometrial stripe thickness decreases to the pretreatment levels even shortly after treatment discontinuation, any finding of thickened endometrium in women who were recently treated with tamoxifen should warrant additional tests to exclude endometrial pathology.
End-to-end Slicing of RAN based on Next Generation Optical Access Network
Authors: Centofanti Carlo , Marotta Andrea , Gudepu Venkateswarlu , Cassioli Dajana , Graziosi Fabio , Roberts Hal , Bernard Chris , Kondepu Koteswararao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Given their widespread use, optical access networks suitable as a practical infrastructure for mobile networks and services. The diverse range of services supported by mobile networks requires the implementation of slicing mechanisms that can manage resources across all associated network segments, from the mobile user to the core network.
In this study, we present a fully operational and integrated 5G network deployment that caters to end-to-end slicing in next-generation access networks. We assess the impact of resource allocation mechanisms within the optical access network on the performance of a slice, particularly in terms of latency and jitter experienced by mobile users.
The Influence of Infant Characteristics on Postpartum Depression among mothers with hospitalized infant in NICU
Authors: Kawafha Mariam , Maghaireh Duaa Al , Shawish Najah , Hamadah Yara , Hamadah Zeena , Alkofahi Abedelkader , Mushasha Rama Al 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of the study to determine the prevalence of mother postpartum depression and to examine the association between infant characteristics and postpartum depression in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods
A Quantitative cross sectional survey design was conducted in three government teaching hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 188 mothers with hospitalized 188 infant in NICU was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, Mother Demographic Data Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study revealed that Infant characteristics such as gestational age, medical condition classification, and birth weight are found to be significant factors that influence depression among mothers.
Results
The results showed that mothers with infants admitted to NICU experience postpartum depression with a mean of 3.82 and median of 4.04. There were significant differences based on gestational age, birth weight, and classification of medical condition and mothers' postpartum depression.
Conclusion
Knowing the relationship of certain infant’s characteristics and postpartum depression can help to focus on relevant infant characteristics so that timely interventions to improve mothers' well-being can be developed.
Potential Changes in the Conjunctival Microbiota of Middle-aged and Elderly Chinese Population at Current Stage
Authors: Zhao Tianyao , Wang Yuchen , Sun Yingjuan , Wang JunYue , Jiang Xiaodan , Li Xuemin , Deng Aihua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The conjunctiva, as an exposed ocular tissue, harbors microbial colonization. Changes in ocular surface microenvironment and overall health status can lead to ocular infectious diseases. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the probability of experiencing ocular discomfort has gradually increased after wearing masks. Therefore, this study aims to isolate and identify the conjunctival microbiota of cataract patients at the present stage and analyze the associated influencing factors.
Methods
This study recruited 216 participants (216 eyes) from April 2022 to July 2022. Under the condition of no antibiotic use prior to cataract surgery, sterile swabs were used to collect samples from the lower conjunctival sac. Bacterial cultures were then conducted, followed by species identification through 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Clinical factors associated with positive or negative bacterial isolation rates were analyzed, including age, gender, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), history of hypertension, history of diabetes, history of cancer, history of infectious diseases and the habit of wearing masks.
Results
Among the 216 eyes, 78 eyes yielded isolates, with an isolation rate of 36.11%, detecting a total of 122 strains. Gram-positive rods accounted for 49.18% (60 strains), Gram-positive cocci accounted for 45.08% (55 strains), Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 4.92% (6 strains), and fungi accounted for 0.82% (1 strain). This study found that the most abundant genera in the conjunctival sac were Corynebacterium (52%), Staphylococcus (38%), Micrococcus (9.84%), Acinetobacter (4.10%) and Bacillus (3.28%). Furthermore, age (P = 0.006), gender (P = 0.039), diabetes (P = 0.003), history of infectious diseases (P = 0.02), and duration of mask replacement (P < 0.001) were important factors influencing the positive bacterial culture of the conjunctival microbiota. Although hypertensive patients exhibited a higher isolation rate of conjunctival bacteria, it did not reach statistical significance, and the history of cancer did not affect the isolation rate of the conjunctival microbial community in cataract patients before surgery.
Conclusion
The composition of the conjunctival microbiota in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals may have undergone changes at the present stage, with an increased isolation rate of Corynebacterium and Micrococcus, which warrants attention from ophthalmologists. Advanced age, female gender, MGD, diabetes, recent history of infectious diseases, and poor mask-wearing habits may be important factors to consider in preventing perioperative infections in cataract patients.
Exploring the role of user empowerment in shaping behavioral intention and actual use of mHealth: An empirical study of an extended Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Pak Jinie , Kim Hyang-Sook 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Many studies have highlighted mobile health (mHealth)’s positive impact on health promotion and disease management. However, technological features in mHealth alone to address challenges in retention may not ensure sustained utilization of mHealth if users lack interest or motivation for their own health management. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of user empowerment, users' active involvement and ability to regulate health behaviors as influencing factors in mHealth adoption and usage. We extended the technology acceptance model (TAM) by incorporating the concept of user empowerment and tested the model by leveraging structural equation modeling with survey data collected from 612 respondents. Our findings revealed that positive and negative perceived health status (β = 0.24, t = 4.28, p < 0.001; β = 0.12, t = 2.50, p < 0.05) and health literacy (β = 0.64, t = 9.03, p < 0.001) resulted in a significant positive association with user empowerment in addition to users’ perception on ease of use of mHealth apps except for self-efficacy. User empowerment showed significant positive associations with all constructs related to TAM: perceived ease of use (β = 0.27, t = 7.11, p < 0.001), perceived usefulness (β = 0.15, t = 4.03, p < 0.001), behavioral intention (β = 0.48, t = 4.78, p < 0.001), and actual use (β = 0.31, t = 5.28, p < 0.001). Our findings shed light on the dynamic relationship among user empowerment, mHealth adoption, and usage by offering insights into enhancing user engagement and fostering healthier lifestyles through technology-driven interventions.
Chemoradiotherapy-induced increase in Th2 cell rate in patients with cervical carcinoma is related to therapeutic tolerance and early recurrence
Authors: Liu Sihan , Qi Bangruo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: To explore the role Th2 cells in therapeutic tolerance and early recurrence in cervical carcinoma.
Methods: Th2 cells were cultured in vitro. For chemotherapeutic trials, cells were challenged with serial concentrations of the chemotherapy agent cisplatin overnight. We clarified the molecular mechanisms using synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for Akt1 (si-Akt1) and Akt2 (si-Akt2). The relative expression level of RNA was detected by ABIVII7 real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. To explore the levels of pThr308- and pSer473- AKT in cells. The cervical carcinoma cells were grown in the present research. siRNA transfection was used to knock down AKT 1 and AKT 2. The cytotoxicity assays were used to compared the cellular viability in different conditions. HeLa and SW756 cells were subject to stimulation with medium or CM of Th17 cells produced in vitro. Th2-induced resistances to the combined therapy with cisplatin and irradiation were determined by the AKT pathway of the cervical cancer cells.
Results: Th2 cells could induce tolerance to cisplatin and co-treatment in cervical carcinoma cells in relation to IL-17. The chemoradiotherapy significantly further depressed the cell viability of the three cell lines. Likewise, preconditioning with recombinant IL-17 markedly diminished the cellular reactivity to chemoradiotherapy, which resulted in enhanced cell viability.
Conclusion: Th2 cells in the management of cervical carcinoma has been discovered in our research. Th2 cells operate in a duplex manner during therapy.
Comparison of Immediate versus Optional Delayed surgical repair for treatment of acute Anterior cruciate ligament injury through a parallel, multicentric, pragmatic randomized controlled trial – IODA trial
Authors: Smeets Annemie , Ahwaz Feryal Ghafelzadeh , Bogaerts Stijn , Berger Pieter , Peers Koen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Standard care for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often includes surgical reconstruction of the ACL. However, two randomized controlled trials (1, 2) (RCT) concluded that conservative treatment does not result in inferior clinical outcomes compared to immediate ACL reconstruction. More research is needed to verify these results and assess whether patient-specific parameters determine if a patient would benefit from one treatment option over the other.
Methods: This is a pragmatic, multi-center RCT with two parallel groups. Patients with an acute ACL injury will be recruited from Belgian hospitals. Patients will be randomized to conservative treatment (rehabilitation + optional delayed surgery) or immediate ACL reconstruction (<12 weeks). The primary outcome is the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 7 months (short term) and 1-year long term) post-injury. These following additional outcomes will be administered at 4 and 7 months (short term) and 1, 2, and 3 years post-injury (long term): patient-reported outcomes concerning knee symptoms, knee function and quality of life, functional knee tests, time to return to pre-injury activity level and return to work, structural knee joint damage and cartilage health (only at 4 months and 3 years post-injury), as well as adverse events such as re-rupture rates. Furthermore, the secondary objective is to identify (through a predictive analysis) individuals who would benefit the most from early reconstruction versus those who should rather be treated conservatively.
Discussion: This large RCT will assess the clinical effectiveness of both surgical and conservative treatment. In addition, it will be the first study that provides insights into which patient-specific factors predict successful outcomes after conservative treatment of ACL injuries. These results will be the first step toward early patient identification regarding treatment decisions. This is urgently needed to avoid 1) delayed surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation and 2) unnecessary surgeries.
Trial registration: this trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05747079) on 10/02/2023.
Incidence and characteristics of 18F-FDG uptake in brown adipose tissue induced by β3-adrenergic receptor agonist treatment in 18F-FDG PET/CT images in elderly patients over 50 years of age
Authors: Ogane Kenichiro , Ito Kimiteru , Morook Miyako , Kusumoto Masahiko 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
The incidence of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in elderly patients and the characteristics of 18F-FDG uptake in BAT induced by β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) agonist treatment remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence of radiotracer uptake during 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients over 50 years of age in daily clinical practice, and to explore the characteristics of 18F-FDG uptake in BAT induced by β3-AR agonist treatment.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the 18F-FDG-PET images of 29 patients over 50 years of age who showed 18F-FDG uptake in BAT. We analyzed the association between β3-AR agonist treatment and 18F-FDG uptake in BAT by focusing on the following 8 regions - the cervical, periclavicular, axillary, mediastinal, paraspinal, para-abdominal aortic, perirenal, and perisplenic regions.
Results
The results revealed a significant difference in the FDG uptake in the BAT of the perirenal region between patients who were under and not under β3-AR agonist treatment at the time of the PET examination. Comparison of the standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax) also showed a significant difference in 18F-FDG uptake in the BAT of the perirenal region between patients who were under and not under β3-AR agonist treatment at the time of the PET examination (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
In patients over 50 years of age who show 18F-FDG uptake in BAT, increased 18F-FDG uptake due to the influence of β3-AR agonists should be considered. Presence of 18F-FDG uptake in the BAT of the perirenal region may serve as a clue to considering β3-AR agonist-induced uptake.
Marked variations in diversity and functions of gut microbiota between wild and domestic stag bettle Dorcus hopei hopei
Authors: Lu Yikai , chu Siyuan , Shi Zhiyuan , You Ruobing , Chen Haimin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Although spade beetles are a popular saprophytic insect, their gut microbiome has been poorly studied. Here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to reveal the gut microbiota composition and functional variations between wild and domestic Dorcushopei hopei larval individuals.
Results The results indicated a significant difference between the wild and domestic Dhh gut microbiota, the domestic Dorcus individuals contained more gut microbial taxa with xenobiotic degrading functions, such as genera Ralstoniaand Methyloversatilis, while the wild Dorcus possesses gut microbiota compositions more appropriate for energy metabolism and potential growth, for instance Turicibacter and Tyzzerella. This study furthermore assigned all Dhh individuals by size into groups for data analysis; the results indicated limited disparities between the gut microbiota of different-sized Dorcus hopei hopei larvae.
Conclusion The outcome of this study illustrated that there exists a significant discrepancy in gut microbiota composition between wild and domestic Dorcus hopei hopeilarvae, and the assemblage of gut microbiome in Dorcus hopei hopei was primarily attributed to environmental influence instead of Dorcus individuals varied developmental potential and size. These findings will provide valuable theoretical foundation for the protection of wild saprophytic insects and the development and utilization of the insect-associated intestinal microbiome in the future.
Evaluating the impact of metformin targets on the risk of heart failure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Pan , Guo Ziqiang , Han Yanyan , Deng Anping , Chen Haiwei , Yang Junjie , Wang Qi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
With conflicting findings in observational studies, the efficacy of metformin in improving heart failure outcomes remains inconclusive. This study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization design, using AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) as pharmacological targets of metformin, to simulate impact of metformin use on heart failure outcomes.
Methods
The exposure factors AMPK and GDF-15 data used in this study were sourced from large genome-wide association study meta-analyses. 40 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were utilized as instrumental variables for AMPK, while 4 SNPs were employed as instrumental variables for GDF-15. The heart failure outcome data were extracted from the largest genome-wide association study meta-analyses, encompassing 977,323 participants of European descent. The primary method for MR analysis was the inverse-variance weighted method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted using the weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode methods to assess result robustness.
Results
Genetically predicted AMPK (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.81–1.86, P = 0.34) and genetically predicted GDF-15 (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.97–1.05; P = 0.57) were not found to have a causal association with the risk of HF.
Conclusion
No convincing evidence supports that metformin reduces the risk of heart failure by activating the AMPK pathway or increasing GDF-15 expression. Further investigation is needed to explore whether metformin can mitigate heart failure -related risks through alternative pathways or biological mechanisms.
An Improved Geometric Controller for Position Tracking of the Airdropped or Hand-thrown Quadrotors
Authors: Ma Zongcheng , Hu Jinglin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Automatic recovery and position tracking is one of the tremendous challenges for the airdropped or hand-thrown quadrotors. It surfers from large position errors and 0-360 degrees attitude errors. Singularity problem occurs of the classical geometric controller and this leads to crash. This letter presents a novel attitude extraction algorithm to develop an improved geometric controller. It is cascaded with a position loop and an attitude loop. The two loops are connected by the attitude extraction algorithm. The algorithm geometrically extracts the desired attitude from the desired thrust direction. Attitude tilt-priority can also be achieved by scarifying the yaw control. Unlike conventional methods with almost global stability, the closed system is proved to be globally asymptotically stable. It works well with initial large position and attitude errors that the singularity problem is completely avoided. Simulation comparisons are performed to verify the performance. The preliminary exploration provides a referential solution for the practical automatic position tracking applications of the airdropped or hand-thrown quadrotors.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Lightweight Concrete Walls: Validating the Effectiveness of Glycerin Wax as a Phase Change Material through Finite volume method (FVM)
Authors: Nia Saeed Bozorgmehr , Salimi Amir , Chari Mehdi Nemati 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study presents an innovative approach to enhance energy saving in lightweight concrete walls by incorporating glycerin wax as a phase change material (PCM). The study examines the impact of incorporating 20mm of glycerin wax on the outer surface of lightweight concrete blocks, aiming to enhance energy efficiency in lightweight concrete walls. The effectiveness of this material integration is evaluated through simulation using the Finite Volume Method (FVM). Thermal conductivity, phase change characteristics, and thermal stability of glycerin wax are evaluated to assess its potential as a PCM for lightweight concrete walls. The study demonstrates that glycerin wax, with its low conductivity, acceptable specific capacity, and high latent enthalpy, is a superior candidate for building applications. By adding PCM to lightweight concrete blocks with a thickness of 100 mm, a significant reduction in energy consumption is achieved, with a remarkable energy-saving of 95%. An annual energy-saving of 300 kWh/m2 is attained by loading PCM into lightweight concrete blocks at a thickness of 100 cm. To validate the energy efficiency gains, the FVM simulation method is employed, considering heat transfer, thermal conductivity, and phase change phenomena. The simulation results showcase the substantial improvements in energy efficiency obtained by incorporating glycerin wax as a PCM in lightweight concrete walls. The findings of this research contribute to advancing sustainable building practices and provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and researchers interested in optimizing energy efficiency in building envelopes. The study confirms the potential of glycerin wax as a phase change material for enhancing the thermal behavior of concrete-based walls, leading to significant energy consumption reduction and promoting energy-efficient building constructions.
Prediction of Folding Patterns for Intrinsic Disordered Protein
Authors: Yang Jiaan , Cheng Wen Xiang , Wu Gang , Sheng Shi Tong , Zhang Peng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The conformation flexibility of natural protein brings more complexities in the system, and more difficulties to understand the relationship between structure and function. The prediction of intrinsically disordered protein primarily is focusing on to disclose the regions with structural flexibility involving relevant biological functions and various diseases. The order of amino acids in protein sequence determines possible conformations, folding flexibility and biological function. Although many methods provided the prediction of protein intrinsic disorder, but the results are mainly limited to determine the locations of regions without knowledge of possible folding conformations. Here, the developed protein folding fingerprint adopted the protein folding variation matrix (PFVM) to reveal all possible folding patterns for the intrinsically disorder along protein sequence, based on a complete set of folding shapes for five amino acids which is described by 27 of protein folding shape code (PFSC) with digital alphabetical description. The PFVM integrally exhibited the protein intrinsic disorder with disorder regions, degree of disorder as well as folding pattern. The advantage of PFVM will not only provide rich information for IDP and IDR, but also may promote the study of protein folding problem.