bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The neurotrophic factor artemin and its receptor GFRα3 mediate migraine-like pain via the ion channel TRPM8
Authors: Yang Chenyu , Wei Chao , Alam Sanaa , Chen Xunyang , McKemy David D. 
Published: November 2024

Background Migraine has a strong genetic foundation, including both monogenic and polygenic types. The former are rare, with most migraine considered polygenic, supported by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying numerous genetic variants linked with migraine risk. Surprisingly, some of the most common mutations are associated with transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a non-selective cation channel that is the primary sensor of cold temperatures in cutaneous primary afferents of the somatosensory system. However, it is unlikely that the temperature sensitivity of TRPM8 is relevant in migraine-related tissues, such as the meninges, suggesting other activation mechanisms underly its role in migraine pathogenesis. Thus, to define the basis of the channel's involvement, we reasoned that cellular processes that increase cold sensitivity in the skin, such as the neurotrophic factor artemin, via its receptor glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-3 (GFRα3), also mediate TRPM8-associated migraine-like pain in the meninges. Methods To investigate the role of artemin and GFRα3 in preclinical rodent migraine models, we infused nitroglycerin acutely and chronically, and measured changes in periorbital and hind paw mechanical sensitivity in male and female mice lacking GFRα3, after neutralization of free artemin with specific monoclonal antibodies, or by systemic treatment with a TRPM8-specific antagonist. Further, in mice lacking GFRα3 we tested the effects of supradural infusions of a mix of inflammatory mediators, as well as tested if dura stimulation with artemin or a TRPM8-specific agonist induce migraine-related pain in mice. Results We find that mechanical allodynia induced by systemic nitroglycerin, or supradural infusion of inflammatory mediators, involves GFRα3. In addition, neutralization of circulating artemin reduces the nitroglycerin phenotype, demonstrating the importance of this neurotrophic pathway in headaches. Further, we show TRPM8 expression in the meninges, and that direct supradural infusion of either a TRPM8-specific agonist or artemin itself produces mechanical allodynia, with the latter dependent on TRPM8 and ameliorated by concurrent treatment with sumatriptan. Conclusions These results indicate that neuroinflammatory events in the meninges can produce migraine-like pain in mice via artemin and GFRα3, likely acting upstream of TRPM8, providing a novel pathway that may contribute to headaches or migraine pathogenesis.
Retrograde urethrography (RUG) combined with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) versus surgical findings in assessment of urethral strictures length
Authors: Salimi Hojat , Menbari Oskouie Iman , Mohammadi Rayeheh , Nazarpour Mohammad Javad , Niknam Nasim , Nikoubakht Mohammad Reza , Mousavi Seyed Hamid 
Published: November 2024

Background and objective: Retrograde urethrography (RUG) combined with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the most common and preferred imaging modality for evaluating urethral strictures, despite its well-known limitations and disadvantages. In this study, we assessed the clinical relevance of RUG + VCUG, along with intraoperative assessment in measuring male urethral strictures. Method: This study was a single-center retrospective study involving 134 male patients diagnosed with urethral stricture disease. All participants underwent RUG + VCUG before the intervention, and the results were interpreted by a single radiologist. The location and length of urethral strictures were assessed. The accuracy of urethral stricture measurements obtained from combined VCUG and RUG imaging was compared to intraoperative measurements, which served as the reference standard. Urethral strictures were classified into three types: membranous and bulbomembranous, bulbar, and penile. Results: A total of 130 patients were included (38.14 ± 12.05 years) in the study. For patients with membranous and bulbar strictures, there were statistically significant differences in stricture length measurements between VCUG + RUG and surgical evaluation ( p < 0.05). However, for patients with penile strictures, the differences in stricture length measurements between VCUG + RUG and surgical evaluation were not statistically significant ( p = 0.448). Conclusion: This study suggests that RUG + VCUG may underestimate urethral stricture, particularly in the membranous and bulbar regions.
Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice: Examining the Food Environments Surrounding South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Authors: Joseph Lesley , Boakye Jessica , Ashford-Carroll Tami 
Published: November 2024

Purpose To understand the distribution of healthy and unhealthy food stores and restaurants around historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina. Design DatabaseUSA and ArcGIS Pro were used to identify, classify, and map food stores and restaurants near each HBCU. Setting The study area included a 3-mile buffer radius around the eight South Carolina HBCUs. Subjects A total of 654 food stores and restaurants were identified within a 3-mile radius of the HBCUs. Measures Demographic data for each HBCU was collected from the National Center for Education Statistics. The food stores and restaurants were identified using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and descriptions, and they were classified using previous research methodologies. Results Based on the analysis, 19 (2.9%), 237 (36.2%), and 398 locations (60.9%) were classified as healthy, intermediate, and unhealthy, respectively. Within a 0.5-mile radius of the HBCUs, there were no retail food stores classified as healthy, followed by 14 (2.1%) and 23 (3.5%) retail food stores and restaurants that were classified as intermediate and unhealthy, respectively. Conclusions This study shows that most food options around South Carolina HBCUs are unhealthy and that few places are available to purchase healthy food. Eating well will be difficult in the current food environment. Increasing healthy options should be part of a comprehensive approach to promoting good nutrition.
Evaluating the Acceptability and Impact of an Online, Lifestyle-Based Mental Well-Being Initiative Targeting School Communities in New York State – Lifting the School Community Project
Authors: Elise Renfrew Melanie , Peter Morton Darren , Joanne Maguire Leticia , Paul Amundson Richard , Day Justis Danna 
Published: November 2024

Purpose To determine the acceptability and impact of an online, lifestyle-based mental well-being initiative in a school-based setting. Approach A post-program evaluation survey was administered after the intervention. Setting Fifty-seven New York State school districts. Participants Participating school districts invited all employees and community members to register for the intervention. A total of 4083 individuals participated, with 1060 (26%) responding to the post-program survey. Intervention The 7-week intervention (The Lift Project) incorporated strategies from lifestyle medicine, positive psychology and neuroscience literature. The ten lessons included online, video-based content and related experiential learning exercises. Methods The post-program survey included Likert items that evaluated the participants’ perceived program acceptability, mental health enhancement, self-efficacy, and skill acquisition. Inductive thematic qualitative analysis assessed the participants’ likes and dislikes concerning the initiative. Results A high percentage of respondents indicated that the program improved their well-being (85%), enhanced their well-being-related self-efficacy (92%), and provided them with skills for supporting their long-term mental well-being (82%). Respondents liked the evidence-based, engaging content and design elements and the focus on personal well-being, community connection, and practical applicability. Some respondents desired more social connection, disliked certain design elements, lacked time and experienced technical issues. Conclusion The initiative was acceptable and impactful, indicating that school districts may serve as an effective network for addressing the mental health epidemic.
Bioflavonoid Tangeretin regulates RANK/RANKL/OPG Signaling Proteins via Stimulating Estrogenic Activity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Tian Weike , Zhang Wei , Chen Li , Liao Junlei , Yang Xuesong 
Published: November 2024

Background: Globally, osteoporosis has arisen as a significant health hazard, impacting over 200 million individuals. It is often reported in women, especially those who are in the postmenopausal stage. Even though numerous reasons are linked with osteoporosis etiology, estrogen deprivation is the prime inducer of osteoporosis. Purpose: The present research was intended to detect the bioflavonoid tangeretin potency against ameliorating osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Ovariectomy was performed in healthy female Sprague rats and treated with two different doses of the drug tangeretin. The body weight gain obtained by the experimental animals was noted throughout the experimental period. The uterus and vagina, the organ responsible for estrogen production and activity, were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties of the femur were evaluated to study the impact of tangeretin. Bone biomarkers estradiol, bone GLA protein, and acid phosphatase were quantified to assess the impact of tangeretin on bone turnover. Serum phosphorous, calcium, creatinine, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), which are the osteoporosis risk factors, were analyzed in tangeretin-treated ovariectomized rats. Signaling proteins involved in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway, which is responsible for bone turnover, were quantified. Results: Tangeretin treatment significantly inhibited excess weight gain and increased the uterus and vaginal weight. BMD and biomechanical analysis of the femur prove tangeretin treatment increased the BMD and upgraded the biomechanical properties in ovariectomized animals. Tangeretin increased the estradiol and decreased the bone GLA protein and acid phosphatase. It also increased serum phosphorous, calcium, and creatinine and decreased the TRAP levels, confirming its ameliorative potency against bone turnover. It inhibited RANKL protein and increased the levels of OPG and its signaling molecules in ovariectomized rats. The anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid tangeretin attenuated the inflammatory stimulating cytokines in ovariectomized rats. Conclusion: Overall, our analysis confirms tangeretin possesses antiosteoporotic potency which effectively elevates estradiol and attenuates the bone turnover signaling pathway RANK/RANKL/OPG proteins in ovariectomized rats. The results of our research prove the establishment of a treatment strategy using tangeretin can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Dental Treatment Needs Among 16-Year-Old Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: An Observational Study in Western Norway
Authors: Saele Paul K. , Åstrøm Anne N. , Mustafa Manal 
Published: November 2024

Objectives This study aimed to a) assess intermaxillary sagittal relations, dental alignment, and occlusion among patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P) and b) evaluate the need for future dental treatment. Material/methods Clinical assessment, lateral cephalogram, orthopantomogram, and study models from 1019 patients with CL/P collected at age 16 from the Bergen national CLP team in Norway. Records included the number of dental agenesis or hypoplasia, ANB angulation, dental alignment, occlusion, oronasal fistula, and indications for future dental treatment needs. Results One-third required further treatment by an orthodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon in adulthood, and complete bilateral or unilateral CLP had a significantly higher need than patients with isolated cleft of the lip or the palate. Missing teeth increased the risk for retrognathic maxilla (OR = 3,62), need for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment (OR = 5.20), and a negative overjet and need for orthognathic surgery (OR = 4.86) (p < 0.001). Oronasal fistula was present in 4.7% of the participants, significantly worsening all clinical indicators (p < 0.001). Boys exhibited more adverse findings than girls, except regarding the need for dental porcelain bridges. A noticeable trend indicated increased dental treatment needs among 16-year-old patients with clefts born between 1990–2001, compared to patients born between 1980–1990. Conclusions/Implications The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and interdisciplinary dental services for adult patients with CL/P. The original cleft pattern, male gender, presence of oronasal fistula, and a high number of missing teeth negatively influenced the dental status and treatment outcomes measured at the 16-year-old assessment.
Type of Cleft and Socioeconomic Determinants for Increased Caries Risk Among Young Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: van der Knaap-Kind L.S. , Wolvius E.B. , Kragt L. 
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to identify the predictive role of cleft type, ethnicity, adoption status, spoken language at home and parental education level on the caries risk in the primary dentition of patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). This knowledge is used to make an estimate on increased caries risk in young patients with CL/P. A retrospective analysis of data concerning dental caries and basic characteristics of patients with CL/P was done. Patients were born and registered in 2016, 2017, or 2018 at the cleft team of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. After Chi-square tests, the cleft type ( P = .02), country of birth father ( P < .001), country of birth mother ( P = .002), parental educational level ( P = .006), and spoken language at home ( P = .002) were significantly different between 144 patients with CL/P with and without caries. Items were used in binary logistic regressions and after stepwise backward elimination resulting in most important determinants for caries in the primary dentition in patients with CL/P being: father born in another country than the Netherlands (odds ratio [OR]  = 4.87, P = .001), a cleft lip alveolus and palate phenotype (OR  = 3.54, P = .002), and a lower parental educational level (OR  = 2.30, P = .04). The recommendation for the dental care professional will be to use these 3 determinants as a first prediction on future dental caries. This helps the dental professional in clinical decisions as recall intervals, referral to specialized dental care and extensiveness of caries prevention strategies and thereby improves oral health of patients born with CL/P.
Non-Nutritive Suck and Parent Report of Feeding Skills in Infants Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Martens Alaina , Rogers-Vizena Carolyn R. , Zimmerman Emily 
Published: November 2024

Objective To compare non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and caregiver-reported feeding skills in infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to a control group of typically developing infants without CL/P. To examine differences in NNS patterns and feeding behavior between cleft phenotypes. Design Prospective, cross-sectional study comparing infants born with CL/P to an age-matched control group with no congenital anomalies. Setting Urban, academic, tertiary care children's hospital and academic department of speech-language pathology. Patients, Participants Forty-two infants (21 with CL/P; 21 without CL/P), 6 months of age and younger were included. Infants with syndromes or who underwent cleft repair were excluded. Main Outcome Measures A 5min NNS sample was collected from the infant sucking on the lab's custom research pacifier. The infant's caregiver completed the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) bottle-feeding section about their infant's feeding behaviors. Results Infants with CL/P demonstrated slower NNS frequency ( P = .04) and reduced suck amplitude ( P = .04) compared to the control group. Caregivers of infants with CL/P reported a higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms ( P = .04) and overall feeding difficulties ( P = .03) relative to the control group. There were no significant differences between CL/P phenotypes for NNS or caregiver reported outcomes. Conclusions Infants with CL/P demonstrate differences in NNS physiology and caregiver report measures of feeding compared to age-matched controls. These findings support the need for interventions to optimize sucking and feeding skill development in infants with CL/P.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in Cirrhotic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Chunwei , Hua Juan , Xiong Liang 
Published: November 2024

Objective Currently, there is limited evidence regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus warfarin in this population. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases from inception to August 2024. Clinical studies comparing the use of DOACs with warfarin in cirrhotic patients were included. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated by either fixed or random effects models. Primary efficacy outcomes were ischemic stroke/thromboembolism (IS/TE) and all-cause death, the primary safety outcomes were the bleeding risks. Results Sixteen studies were included (16 829 individuals). DOACs had similar benefits in preventing IS/TE (HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.69-1.10), but DOACs were significantly associated with reduced risk of all-cause death (HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97). On the other hand, we observed significantly reduced risks of any bleeding (HR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.37-0.95), major bleeding (HR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.63-0.82), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (HR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.30-0.73), and gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.87) in patients receiving DOACs. Results were consistent in cirrhotic patients with AF. Furthermore, DOACs reduced the incidence of major bleeding (HR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.55-0.78) and ICH (HR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.04-0.76) in patients with moderate to severe cirrhosis. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that DOACs, compared with warfarin, exerted comparable efficacy and better safety and may represent a safer alternative to warfarin in cirrhotic patients.
Challenges in Snakebite Management in India: Insights from a Physician Survey with Special Focus on Kerala and treatment of bites by Hump-nosed Pit Vipers (Hypnale spp.)
Authors: Abraham Siju V. , Paul Sarah , Mathew Deo , Rajeev Punchalil Chathappan , Paul Martin V. , Davis Clint 
Published: November 2024

Background India has a high incidence of snakebite-related mortality, making effective snakebite management crucial. This study aimed to explore current practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in snakebite management across India. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians in India covering aspects such as scope of practice, snake identification, first aid measures, institutional management, and specific management practices for hump-nosed pit viper ( Hypnale hypnale) bites. The survey included 37 questions across 5 sections, with data collected via emails, professional networks, and online platforms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 23 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY), and manual thematic analysis was applied to open-ended responses. Results The survey revealed a discrepancy between physicians’ confidence and accuracy in snake identification, with some still reporting outdated first aid and treatment practices. Despite recognizing the importance of snake species identification, a significant portion of respondents incorrectly identified the snakes. The study highlighted variability in institutional practices for snakebite management, such as administering prophylactic antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis and monitoring periods for asymptomatic patients. In managing H hypnale viper bites, a demand for specific guidelines and a monovalent antivenom was evident because the current polyvalent antivenom is ineffective for this species. Conclusions The survey emphasizes the need for improved training in snake identification, standardized treatment protocols, and the development of region-specific antivenoms. It emphasizes the necessity of updating guidelines to address the unique challenges of snakebite management in India, particularly for species not covered by existing antivenoms.
Analysis of the Natural Course of Quiescent Macular Neovascularization with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Delibay Akgun Yeliz , Kurt Emin , Altinisik Muhammed 
Published: November 2024

Purpose This study investigates the natural progression of quiescent macular neovascularization (qMNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods The study monitored 30 eyes of 28 qMNV patients over a period of at least six months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA were used to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses, noting any cases of activation during follow-up. Results Among the 30 eyes (14 female, mean age 69.70 ± 7.63 years), 21 had age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 9 had pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). The mean follow-up duration was 18.9 months. There were no significant changes in qualitative morphological features, BCVA, or choroidal thickness ( p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant increase in the areas of MNV and flow ( p = 0.043 and p = 0.018, respectively). BCVA and MNV area showed no significant correlation ( p = 0.103). Four cases (13.33%) showed activation after an average follow-up period of 27.75 months (6 to 48). Additionally, extrafoveal location was identified as a significant risk factor for exudation ( p = 0.033). Conclusion OCTA is a valuable tool for monitoring qMNV and identifying potential predictors of disease activation. The qMNV area may increase over time, even in the absence of activation. Extrafoveal location appears to be a potential risk factor for qMNV activation.