bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking performance in Targhee sheep in development of a genetic reference flock
Authors: Wilson Carrie S , Taylor J Bret , Notter David R , Murphy Thomas W , Stewart Whitney C , Lewis Ronald M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Targhee breed is important to range sheep production in the Western United States. The objective of this research was to integrate industry sires participating in national genetic evaluation through the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) into the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) flock, where the breed originated, to benchmark sire performance. Estimated breeding values (EBV) of industry sires (n = 16) and USSES sires (n = 12) from the 2023 NSIP Targhee genetic evaluation differed (P &lt; 0.05) only for the NSIP Number Born EBV. This difference, and small (nonsignificant) differences favoring industry sires for maternal weaning weight, yearling fiber diameter, and yearling staple length EBV also resulted in greater (P &lt; 0.05) Western Range Index scores for industry sires. The performance of sires’ direct progeny born 2016 to 2018 was compared for 17 traits. After data cleaning, there were 664 progeny (417 from industry sires and 247 from USSES sires) with 146 to 664 records per trait. Least squares means differed (P &lt; 0.05) for grease fleece weight, side fiber diameter, and britch fiber diameter in favor of the industry sires. Production traits were measured from the progeny and other retained descendants of both sire genetic groups from 2016 through 2022. After data cleaning, there was a range of 1,138 to 1,493 records per trait. A three-generation pedigree was constructed and the proportional assignment of each lamb to each genetic group (e.g., 0.5 industry, 0.5 USSES) was included in an augmented relationship matrix. A univariate animal model was fitted for each lamb trait and a repeated measures model for each of the three ewe traits was fitted to estimate variance components and predict breeding values. Genetic group solutions did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) for any of these traits but provided a means by which to compare the two groups. Establishment of a Targhee genetic reference flock at USSES has been initiated, which can be used to address issues of importance to the industry.
Redefining the severity of orofacial tissue damage caused by noma: a novel classification approach
Authors: Gebretsadik Heron Gezahegn 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Noma is a severe orofacial disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although severity scales exist, they fail to fully capture the extent of damage caused by the disease.

Methods
This study analysed 404 photos of 260 noma cases from Facing Africa (n=228) and Project Harar (n=32) to create a new severity classification system. Photos were displayed on a large screen for better visualization. Tissue damage was assessed in terms of width, depth and surface area using the American Burn Association's grading system. A mathematical formula was also developed to quantify the extent of noma-induced orofacial damage.

Results
Fifteen orofacial anatomical units vulnerable to noma were identified, leading to the development of a new severity classification system that enhances the assessment of noma. This system evaluates tissue damage qualitatively as minor, moderate or major and quantitatively using a purpose-built mathematical formula.

Conclusions
Current classification systems inadequately capture noma severity due to vague definitions and limited consideration of the affected anatomical units. The new approach addresses these gaps by considering all tissue damage, including dentition, and allows for precise qualitative and quantitative assessment of disease severity. Continued research and validation are essential to refine this method, improving its clinical and research applications and enhancing outcomes for noma patients worldwide.
Time‐of‐day control of mitochondria regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages
Authors: O'Siorain James R. , Cox Shannon L. , Payet Cloé , Nally Frances K. , He Yan , Drewinksi Tabea T. , Kennedy Oran D. , Dowling Jennifer K. , Mellett Mark , Early James O. , Curtis Annie M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMacrophages are innate immune cells that orchestrate the process of inflammation, which varies across time of day. This ensures appropriate biological timing of the immune response with the external environment. The NLRP3 inflammasome mediates IL‐1‐family cytokine release via pyroptosis. Mitochondria play a multifaceted role regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Mitochondria exhibit distinct metabolic changes across time of day, which are influenced by clock genes. However, whether the macrophage clock regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome via mitochondrial control remains unclear. We find heightened mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation from peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) isolated at circadian time (CT) 12 compared to CT 0. In vitro time‐of‐day synchronization of bone‐marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) induced time‐dependent differences in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Myeloid‐specific Bmal1‐deletion enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activity in PECs at CT0 and in unsynchronized BMDMs compared to controls. Pharmacologically disrupting Δψm in synchronized cells reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation to comparable levels, and the same occurred with Bmal1‐deletion. These results further demonstrate circadian clock timing of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is dependent on mitochondrial function and driven through the circadian gene Bmal1.
Inhibition of AhR disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier and induces intestinal injury by activating NF‐κB in COPD
Authors: Tao Liuying , Zhang Qin , Liu Lan , Wang Kun , Wang Juanhui , Liu Xuefang , Zhao Peng , Li Jiansheng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with intestinal comorbidities. Damage to the intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in these disorders, leading to increased intestinal and systemic inflammation, and thereby promoting the progression of COPD. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of intestinal epithelial barrier damage, focusing on the roles of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and NF‐κB in COPD‐related intestinal damage. A COPD rat model was induced by cigarette smoke and bacterial infection, while Caco‐2/HT29 intestinal epithelial cells were treated with TNF‐α or IL‐1β to assess intestinal disorder and the underlying mechanisms of barrier damage. COPD rats exhibited significant lung function decline, pathological damage, and inflammatory response in lung tissues. Additionally, significant intestinal injury was observed, accompanied by pronounced colonic pathological damage, an enhanced inflammatory response, and intestinal barrier disruption. This was evidenced by decreased expression of apical junction proteins and elevated serum diamine oxidase levels. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α or IL‐1β significantly downregulated the expression of apical junction proteins in Caco‐2/HT29 cells, reduced transepithelial electrical resistance of Caco‐2 cells, and increased FD‐4 permeability. Moreover, TNF‐α or IL‐1β induction activated NF‐κB in Caco‐2/HT29 cells, with a similar activation observed in the colonic tissues of COPD rats. The NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC suppressed this activation and protected against intestinal epithelial barrier damage. Furthermore, AhR inhibition was observed both in vitro and in vivo. The AhR activator FICZ inhibited NF‐κB activation and mitigated intestinal epithelial barrier damage, whereas the AhR inhibitor CH223191 inhibited AhR and exacerbated intestinal epithelial barrier damage by facilitating NF‐κB activation. However, the NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC did not significantly affect AhR. Additionally, TNF‐α/IL‐1β inhibited the binding of AhR and p‐NF‐κB. Consequently, AhR inhibition can downregulate the expression of apical junction proteins, probably through activation of NF‐κB signaling leading to intestinal epithelial barrier damage. This study confirmed the presence of lesions in the lungs and intestines of COPD rats, as well as the associated damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier. The inhibition of AhR followed by the activation of NF‐κB has been identified as a critical mechanism underlying the injury to the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Study on the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy for Shoulder Pain Caused by Trigger Points
Authors: Shen Wei , Xie Nan-hai , Cong Xin-yu , Zheng Yong-jun 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
This study compares ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (UG-PRF) with ultrasound-guided dry needling (UG-DN) for treating painful shoulder periarthritis (PSP).

Materials and Methods:
Twenty-four patients with PSP were chosen from the Pain Department of the Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong between August 2022 and December 2023. They were divided into 2 groups, UG-PRF (n = 12) and UG-DN (n = 12), using a random number table. Both groups received 1 treatment session and stretching exercises afterwards. The study aims to analyze and compare the levels of pain severity (measured by Visual Analog Scale) and shoulder joint function (assessed using Shoulder Pain And Disability Index) among patients before treatment, at the 4-week mark posttreatment, and at the 12-week mark posttreatment.

Results:
There was no significant difference between the 2 groups initially. After treatment, the UG-PRF group had a larger decrease in Visual Analog Scale score compared with the UG-DN group at 4 weeks (−1.3 ± 0.4; 95% CI: −2.2 ∼ −0.5) and 12 weeks posttreatment (−1.1 ± 0.5; 95% CI: −2.1 ∼ −0.0). Moreover, the UG-PRF group displayed markedly lower scores on the Shoulder Pain And Disability Index in comparison to the UG-DN group at both the 4-week (−17.3 ± 6.9; 95% CI: −31.7 ∼ −2.9) and 12-week (−17.0 ± 7.4; 95% CI: −32.3 ∼ −1.7) follow-up assessments. Furthermore, 87.5% of patients reported clinically significant improvements according to the Patient Global Impression of Change evaluation.

Conclusion:
Both UG-PRF and UG-DN therapy are effective treatments for PSP, with UG-PRF showing better results in reducing pain and improving shoulder mobility.
Occurrence of Opioid-Related Neurocognitive Symptoms Associated With Long-term Opioid Therapy
Authors: León Casey , Sung Minhee L. , Reisman Joel I. , Liu Weisong , Kerns Robert D. , Gordon Kirsha S. , Mitra Avijit , Kwon Sunjae , Yu Hong , Becker William C. , Li Wenjun 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
Neurocognitive symptoms (NCSs) may be early indicators of opioid-related harm. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and potential attribution of opioid-related NCS among patients on long-term opioid therapy (LOT) by using natural language processing to extract data from the electronic health records within the Veterans Health Administration.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients prescribed LOT in 2018. NCS were identified from clinical notes across 3 periods: 6 months before LOT initiation, during LOT, and 1-year post-LOT discontinuation. Opioid-related NCS included cognitive impairment, sedation, light-headedness, altered mental status, and intoxication. We calculated incidence rates, incidence rate ratios, and hazard ratios to evaluate the occurrence and potential opioid attribution of NCS across these periods.

Results:
Among 55,652 patients, 3.1% experienced opioid-related NCS, with the highest incidence observed during LOT. Prevalence of NCS was greater in patients who were: between 55 and 64 (3.6%) or 65 and 74 years old (3.2%), Asian (4.8%, P = 0.02), and had received treatment for substance use disorders (7.1%, P = 0.01). In adjusted proportional hazards models, identified Asian race (hazard ratio: 2.20 [95% CI: 1.09-4.44], P = 0.03), and cooccurring conditions dementia (1.50 [1.12-2.00], 0.01), depression (1.31 [1.14-1.49], <0.01), posttraumatic stress disorder (1.18 [1.02-1.37], 0.02), substance use disorder (1.62 [1.36-1.92], 0.01), cardiovascular disease (1.18 [1.01-1.37], 0.04), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.16 [1.01-1.33], 0.03), cirrhosis (1.73 [1.34-2.24], 0.01), chronic kidney disease (1.41 [1.19, 1.66]; 0.01) and traumatic brain injury (1.42 [1.06-1.91], 0.02) were associated with increased likelihood of NCS. Likelihood of NCS increased with LOT dose and decreased with LOT duration.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that opioid-related NCS are most likely to occur during LOT, indicating a potential temporal association with opioid use. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring NCS in patients on LOT as part of a broader strategy to mitigate opioid-related harms.
Use of Mothers Milk Odor and White Noise on Pain Management in Preterm Infants
Authors: Otlu Burcu , Esenay Figen I. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Recurrent pain experienced by preterm infants during hospitalization is significant due to its short and long-term negative consequences.

Purpose:
This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of the mother’s own milk odor and white noise on pain management during heel lance in preterms.

Methods:
The data were collected in the neonatal intensive care unit and postpartum services between May and October 2022. The study included 66 infants born between 34 and 37 weeks. Infants were randomly assigned to either the mother’s own milk odor, white noise, or control groups. Data were collected using the Premature Infant Pain Profile—Revised Form, Descriptive Information Form, and Follow-Up Chart. Pain was evaluated 5 and 2 minutes before the procedure, at the time and 5 minutes after the procedure by 2 independent nursing academicians/lecturers through video recordings. Frequency, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and repeated measures were used for data analysis.

Results:
All groups were similar regarding the descriptive characteristics. The control group had higher heart rates before and after the procedure than the mother’s own milk odor and white noise group. Oxygen saturation was higher and pain scores were lower in the white noise and mother’s own milk odor group compared to the control group during and after the procedure. There was no difference between the mother’s milk odor and white noise groups at any time.

Implications for Practice and Research:
The odor of the mother’s milk and white noise may effectively manage pain during heel lance in preterms. Neonatal nurses can adopt these methods as effective non-pharmacological pain management methods.
Validation of Lactational Mastitis Diagnosis Codes in Electronic Health Care Data
Authors: DeSilva Malini B. , Seburg Elisabeth M. , Ehresmann Kirsten , Vazquez-Benitez Gabriela , Daida Yihe G. , Vesco Kimberly K. , Kharbanda Elyse O. , Palmsten Kristin 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Electronic health record data are an underused source for lactation-related research. The validity of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)-coded lactational mastitis is unknown.

Methods:
We assessed lactational mastitis diagnosis code validity by medical record review. We included patients from three health care systems with a live birth between December 2020 and September 2022 whose infant had ≥1 well visit and for whom there was electronic health record documentation of lactation in patient or infant records. We used ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes (N61.0 and O91.2) to identify patients with suspected lactational mastitis and assessed antibiotic dispensings. We performed medical record reviews on a random sample to determine whether suspected lactational mastitis cases met definitions for “probable” (breast symptoms with systemic symptoms) or “possible” (breast symptoms without systemic symptoms) lactational mastitis. We report positive predictive values (PPV) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:
Among 19,660 eligible patients, 1,023 (5.2%) had either N61.0 or O91.2 diagnosis code and 768 (3.9%) had a diagnosis code and antibiotic dispensed. Chart reviews of 119 identified PPV of 76% (95% CI: 67.3, 82.9) for probable and 97% (95% CI: 91.6, 98.7) for probable or possible lactational mastitis. Restricting to those dispensed an antibiotic (n = 87), PPVs improved to 80% (95% CI: 69.6, 87.4) for probable and 100% (95% CI: 95.8, 100) for probable or possible lactational mastitis.

Conclusions:
Diagnosis codes alone have good PPV for lactational mastitis. PPV for lactational mastitis improves when including antibiotic data, although case numbers decrease. Future research may consider the use of ICD-10 codes alone for the identification of lactational mastitis.
Sexual orientation and sexual functioning in midlife women veterans
Authors: Muratore Laura A. , Blanken Anna E. , Huang Alison J. , Gibson Carolyn J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Midlife women experience menopause- and aging-related health changes that may impact sexual functioning. Research has historically relied on heteronormative constructs of sexuality, and little is known about the experiences of sexual minority women (SMW) during menopause. We therefore examined whether indices of sexual function differed between SMW and heterosexual midlife women Veterans.

Methods
Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey designed to examine midlife women Veterans' experiences of menopause and aging. Participants self-reported sexual orientation, sociodemographic characteristics, vaginal symptoms, past-month engagement in sexual activity, and pain with sexual activity with structured-item responses. Sexual function was assessed with validated questionnaires. Logistic and linear regression models examined group differences adjusted for age, education, race, menopause status, and body mass index.

Results
In this sample (n = 232, mean age = 56.0, SD = 5.14), 25% self-identified as SMW. Relative to heterosexual women, SMW were more likely to endorse recent sexual activity (odds ratio [OR], 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.13-4.30), less likely to report pain during sex (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.16-0.32), less likely to report past-month vaginal symptoms (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.66), and endorsed lower impact of vaginal symptoms on sexual function (β = −0.24; 95% CI, −0.97 to −0.26). Both groups reported high levels of distress related to sexual dysfunction (sample mean = 19.9, SD = 8.0).

Conclusions
Midlife SMW Veterans reported better sexual functioning and less impact of vaginal symptoms compared with heterosexual peers. Despite this, both groups reported high levels of distress related to sexual function.
The range and variation in serum estradiol concentration in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women treated with transdermal estradiol in a real-world setting: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Glynne Sarah , Reisel Daniel , Kamal Aini , Neville Amy , McColl Lynsey , Lewis Rebecca , Newson Louise 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The aims of the study are to explore the range and variation in serum estradiol concentration, and to estimate the prevalence of “poor absorption” (women using licensed estradiol doses with subtherapeutic levels), in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using transdermal estradiol in the real world.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional analysis in a specialist menopause clinic in the UK.

Results
Serum samples were obtained from 1,508 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A total of 61.87% were using licensed doses. The median estradiol concentration was 355.26 pmol/L (interquartile range 198.44-646.15 pmol/L). A reference interval for the whole cohort was defined as 54.62-2,050.55 pmol/L. There was substantial interindividual variation across the dose range. Variance was greater in younger women (P = 0.002) and gel users (P = 0.002). There was a trend toward greater variance in women using higher doses, but the association failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.074). One in four women (24.84%) using the highest licensed dose had subtherapeutic levels (<200 pmol/L). Older women (≥50 y) and patch users were more likely to have low levels (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.22-2.62, P = 0.003; and odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.95, P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
The reference interval for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using on-label and off-label doses of transdermal estradiol in the real world is wide, and there is considerable interindividual variation. The number of estradiol users with low estradiol levels (<200 pmol/L) is higher than previously recognized. Measurement of serum estradiol can be helpful to identify women who may benefit from an off-label dose. Dose customization is key to ensure that all women can reap the benefits of HT.
Delphi-Based Global Consensus on Adopting Endothelial Keratoplasty: An Endothelial Keratoplasty Learners Group Initiative
Authors: Bhogal Maninder , Gupta Nidhi , Giobellina Ticiano , Kobayashi Akira , Males John , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Romano Vito , Allan Bruce , Busin Massimo , Cursiefen Claus , Fogla Rajesh , Gorovoy Mark , McKee Yuri , Koo Ellen , Kocaba Viridiana , Mejia Luis Fernando , Moriyama Aline , Patel Sanjay , Pereira Nicolas Cesario , Price Francis W. , Rapuano Christopher J. , Talley Rostov Audrey , Saad Alain , Sharma Namrata , Slomovic Allan , Sutton Gerard , Terry Mark , Tu Elmer , Veldman Peter , Pineda Roberto , Vaddavalli Pravin K. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To identify areas of consensus among experts on the performance of endothelial keratoplasty by using a modified Delphi approach, to help create a framework for novice surgeons to adopt these procedures.

Methods:
Thirty-one international experts in endothelial keratoplasty participated. Two rounds of electronic survey were followed by a hybrid, virtual meeting. Consensus was set at 75%, and results with agreement between 70% and 75% were deemed as achieving near consensus.

Results:
A consensus was reached for 98 statements covering the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative aspects of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty/Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Four statements achieved near consensus, and consensus could not be achieved for 11 statements. For DMEK, the panel supported a peel technique to prepare tissue for endothelium out DMEK, implanted via an injector and supported by a near full air/gas fill as a baseline procedure onto which more advanced techniques can be built. DMEK tissue should be marked to ensure correct orientation. An inferior peripheral iridotomy should be used to prevent pupil block when a near full air/gas fill in used in endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was considered preferable to Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty where access to microkeratome preparation was available.

Conclusions:
The Delphi process allowed areas of consensus on the performance of EK to be established by a group of international experts. The statements generated are a helpful framework for novice surgeons learning EK. Further research is needed to help determine what specific tomographic features indicate EK, when guttae are considered visually significant and how to approach combined aphakia and endothelial dysfunction.