bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of the Menopause Perception Scale
Authors: Abay Halime , Altun Esra , Kaplan Sena 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
How women perceive menopause depends on how well they go through that period of time. However, there is no measure that can be used to assess how women perceive menopause. Therefore, we developed a valid and reliable scale (Menopause Perception Scale [MPS]) to assess how women perceive menopause.

Methods
This methodological research was conducted in three stages. First, we developed items and assessed their content validity. Second, we collected data from 470 women. Third, we assessed the scale for validity and reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used for construct validity. Cronbach's α was calculated for reliability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for criterion validity. Mean comparison tests were performed for known-groups validity.

Results
The MPS had a content validity index of 0.90. It had a Kaiser-Meier-Olkin score of 0.768, for which Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (1,778.047; P < 0.001). The values were acceptable. The exploratory factor analysis yielded an 18-item structure with factor loads greater than 0.40. It also revealed a four-factor model (acceptance, perceived sexuality, normalization, and perceived support) confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis. The fit indexes were acceptable. The model explained 56.64% of the total variance. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.824). There were positive correlations between the scale and its subscales. Furthermore, the MPS was significantly correlated with the Menopause Attitude Assessment Scale (r = 0.334, P < 0.001) and the Menopause Rating Scale (r = −0.286, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The MPS is a valid, reliable, user-friendly, and practical self-report measure with satisfactory psychometric properties. Researchers should conduct cross-cultural studies to adapt it to other cultures.
Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma using the albumin to alkaline phosphatase ratio, literature review, and meta-analysis
Authors: Ibn Awadh Abdulrahman , Alanazi Khulud , Alkhenizan Abdullah 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Data about the impact of albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) on prognosis in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients are inconclusive and conflicting.

Methods:
The authors systematically searched literatures from seven databases (PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL), updated to September 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were pooled and synthesized using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 in order to assess the overall impact of AAPR on patient’s prognosis.

Results:
In total, 8 studies involving 13 cohorts with 3774 cases were included. Pooled results from both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that higher AAPR was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR=0.429, 95% CI: 0.361–0.509, P=0.001; HR=0.476, 95% CI: 0.421–0.538, P=0.001; respectively). Similarly, pooled multivariate results showed that higher AAPR was associated with better disease-free survival (HR=0.558, 95% CI: 0.452–0.688, P=0.001). Moreover, pooled results from both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that higher AAPR was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (HR=0.540, 95% CI: 0.420–0.694, P=0.001; HR=0.647, 95% CI: 0.494–0.848, P=0.002; respectively). Subgroups analysis showed that elevated AAPR still significantly correlated with better overall survival across the confounding factors. Moreover, sensitivity analysis suggested the robustness of these findings and no publication bias was detected.

Conclusions:
In summary, higher AAPR could be considered as a reliable prognostic factor in patients with HCC, which could be used as a routine inspection of HCC patients to individualized prognosis prediction and clinical decision making.
Drug Trends in the Teenage Postmortem Population From 2017 to 2021
Authors: Swatek Jennifer L. , Peterson Brianna L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The teenage population is highly vulnerable to drug exposure, use, and misuse due to the physical and emotional development that occurs at those ages. Social influences, like the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and social media, can exacerbate this vulnerability. To better understand the potential impact of these influences on teenage drug use, postmortem results reported by a large reference laboratory from 2017 to 2021 corresponding to the teenage population were evaluated for various drugs of misuse. These data revealed a marked increase (385%) in reported fentanyl cases and a 13% increase in positivity rate. Methamphetamine- and cocaine-positive cases also increased 126% and 54%, with a net percent positivity of +0.6% and −0.5%, respectively. Conversely, heroin showed a consistent decline in reported cases (67%) and a net decrease of 1.0% in positivity rate. In addition to commonly misused drugs, trends for other substances that are prevalent in social media and therefore may disproportionally impact teens, MDMA/MDA, mitragynine, and diphenhydramine, were also assessed. A discussion of drug-related social media trends is presented to provide additional context for the data and trends reported herein, ultimately creating a framework through which social influences on teenage drug use can be better understood.
Identified Needs in Pediatric Education for Emergency Medicine Physicians
Authors: Toto Regina L. , Fischer Jason , Mamtani Mira , Scott Kevin R. , Bauman Brooke , Delgado Eva M. 
Published: July 2024

Objectives
General emergency medicine (EM) physicians provide most pediatric emergency care in the United States, yet EM physicians feel underprepared to manage pediatric emergencies. Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) education during EM residency is variable, and learner preferences regarding educational experiences have not been widely explored through a qualitative lens. We aimed to better describe EM physicians' PEM educational needs and preferred teaching methods.

Methods
In 2021, as part of a survey querying senior EM residents and recent graduates from 8 diverse EM programs regarding perceived preparedness for PEM emergencies, educational needs and content delivery methods were assessed using 2 free-text questions. Qualitative analysis included deidentification and iterative coding of the data with double coding of 100% of the comments. We performed conventional content analysis of responses to identify emerging themes.

Results
The overall response rate for the survey was 53% (N = 129 out of 242 eligible participants) with 84 distinct free-text responses. Major themes included: 1) desire for education regarding neonates, infants, and critically ill children, especially airway management and 2) need for help translating lessons from PEM rotations to community EM practice. Respondents desired more autonomy during training. Their preferred PEM educational modality was simulation, and they appreciated online clinical pathways for just-in-time decision support.

Conclusions
This qualitative study of EM physicians proximal to training adds to a prior needs assessment by describing in detail desired pediatric content and preferred delivery. The findings can be used to better inform the development of PEM curricula for this group of EM physicians.
Implementing Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring With Clinical Support: A Qualitative Study of Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Zook Heather G. , Cruz Rachel S. , Capesius Traci R. , Haynes Melissa Chapman 
Published: July 2024

Context:
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) with clinical support is effective at reducing blood pressure for people with hypertension. Although strengths and challenges around SMBP are well-documented, few studies describe the complexities of real-world implementation of SMBP with clinical support in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting.

Program:
Between 2019 and 2023, the Ohio Department of Health funded the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers to manage a multiyear quality improvement (QI) project with 21 FQHCs. The project aimed to improve the identification and management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and prediabetes. This study focuses on the activities implemented to provide SMBP support to patients with hypertension.

Implementation:
FQHCs implemented clinical SMBP support using multiple roles, approaches, and resources. FQHCs established a process to identify patients eligible for SMBP support, provide blood pressure monitors, train patients on SMBP, track blood pressure readings, follow up with patients, and connect patients to resources.

Evaluation:
External evaluators interviewed 13 staff members within seven FQHCs from the QI project. Interviewed FQHCs were located across Ohio and represented urban, rural, suburban, and Appalachian areas. Clinical activities to support SMBP, facilitators, and barriers were identified with thematic analysis. The National Association of Community Health Centers SMBP Implementation Toolkit was used as a framework to assess SMBP activities. Facilitators included team-based care, health information technology capacity, funding for blood pressure monitors and staff time, leadership and staff support, and external support. Barriers included technology challenges, staffing shortages, low patient engagement, sustainability, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion:
This study demonstrates how FQHCs can use a variety of staff, processes, and resources to implement clinical SMBP support across a range of geographic regions. To facilitate this, FQHCs and patients may need more comprehensive insurance coverage of blood pressure monitors, reimbursement for staff time, and technology support.
Metformin Preconditioning Augments Cardiac Perfusion and Performance in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Stone Christopher , Sabe Sharif A. , Harris Dwight D. , Broadwin Mark , Kant Rajeev J. , Kanuparthy Meghamsh , Abid M. Ruhul , Sellke Frank W. 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
To test the efficacy of metformin (MET) during the induction of coronary ischemia on myocardial performance in a large animal model of coronary artery disease (CAD) and metabolic syndrome (MS), with or without concomitant extracellular vesicular (EV) therapy.

Background:
Although surgical and endovascular revascularization are durably efficacious for many patients with CAD, up to one-third are poor candidates for standard therapies. For these patients, many of whom have comorbid MS, adjunctive strategies are needed. EV therapy has shown promise in this context, but its efficacy is attenuated by MS. We investigated whether MET pretreatment could ameliorate therapeutic decrements associated with MS.

Methods:
Yorkshire swine (n = 29) were provided a high-fat diet to induce MS, whereupon an ameroid constrictor was placed to induce CAD. Animals were initiated on 1000 mg oral MET or placebo; all then underwent repeat thoracotomy for intramyocardial injection of EVs or saline. Swine were maintained for 5 weeks before the acquisition of functional and perfusion data immediately before terminal myocardial harvest. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were performed on the most ischemic tissue from all groups.

Results:
Regardless of EV administration, animals that received MET exhibited significantly improved ejection fraction, cardiac index, and contractility at rest and during rapid myocardial pacing, improved perfusion to the most ischemic myocardial region at rest and during pacing, and markedly reduced apoptosis.

Conclusions:
MET administration reduced apoptotic cell death, improved perfusion, and augmented both intrinsic and load-dependent myocardial performance in a highly translatable large animal model of chronic myocardial ischemia and MS.
Dynamic photosynthetic labelling and carbon-positional mass spectrometry monitorin vivocarbon assimilation rates by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase
Authors: Rajarathinam Yogeswari , Wittemeier Luisa , Gutekunst Kirstin , Hagemann Martin , Kopka Joachim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRibulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO) is the most abundant enzyme and CO2bio-sequestration system on earth. Itsin vivoactivity is usually determined by14CO2incorporation into 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA). The radiometric analysis of 3PGA does not distinguish carbon positions. Hence, RUBISCO activity that fixes carbon into 1-C position of 3PGA and Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle activities that redistribute carbon into its 2-C and 3-C positions are not resolved. This study aims to provide technology that differentiates between these activities.In sourcefragmentation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC- MS) enables paired isotopologue distribution analyses of fragmented substructures and the complete metabolite structure. GC-MS measurements after dynamic photosynthetic13CO2labelling allowed quantification of the13C fractional enrichment (E13C) and molar carbon assimilation rates (A13C) at carbon position 1-C of 3PGA by combination of E13Cfrom carbon positions 2,3-C2and 1,2,3-C3with quantification of 3PGA concentrations. We validated the procedure using two GC-time of flight (TOF)-MS instruments, operated at nominal or high mass resolution and tested expected positional labelling of 3PGA byin vivoglycolysis of positional labelled glucose isotopomers. Application toΔgapdh1andΔgapdh2mutants of the highly divergent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDH) fromSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 revealed full inactivation of the CBB cycle with maintained RUBISCO activity in theΔgapdh2mutant and a CBB cycle modulating role of GAPDH1 under fluctuating CO2supply. RUBISCO activity in the CBB-deficientΔgapdh2mutant can re-assimilate CO2released by catabolic pathways. We suggest that RUBISCO activity inSynechocystiscan scavenge carbon loss through the pentose phosphate pathway or other cellular decarboxylation reactions.
A Mendelian randomization study of insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes increasing the potential risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhang Ling 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundType 1 diabetes (T1D) has been associated with a higher risk of Ovarian cancer (OC), albeit the mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. A better understanding of the relationship between T1D and OC may contribute to improved primary prevention of OC. We aimed to investigate the putative causal role of T1D on OC, and to identify the potentially mediatory effects of the usage of insulin product underlying this relationship.MethodsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genetic variants associated with T1D and OC from genome-wide association studies. Then, a multivariable MR analysis was conducted to investigate whether T1DM has an independent effect on OC after adjusting for potential confounders. Finally, the mediating role of insulin product was subsequently explored using mediation analysis via two-step MR.Resultsthe MR estimated based on IVW method indicated a causal association between genetically determined T1D and Ovarian cancer (OC) (OR: 1.0006, 95% CI 1.0001–1.0011;P= 0.0164). After adjusting for body mass index, Smoking, physical activity, age at menopause and age at menarche, respectively, we found that a causal relationship between T1DM and OC was still statistically significant (OR>1,P<0.05). The two-step MR analysis revealed that insulin product acted as a mediating moderator between the T1D and OC (mediated proportion, 1.07%).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that T1D may confer a risk effect to OC, mediated in part by therapeutic insulin product. Therefore, precise dosage of insulin product or an alternative to insulin in T1D patients have a profound significance in terms of the prevention of OC.
Keeping common species common: the role of future climate refugia in species conservation
Authors: Serafini Chiara , Santostasi Nina Luisa , Canestrelli Daniele , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Maiorano Luigi 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTClimate change is one of the most important challenges for biodiversity conservation. Species may respond to changing climates by moving, adapting, and/or adjusting. The move response is the easiest and quickest as it does not imply any evolutionary and/or physiological response.However, moving in space to track changing climate is not an option for species with restricted movement capacities (e.g., many amphibians) or species endemic to islands. Therefore, the impact of climate change on these species is potentially dramatic, even when they are currently widespread and least concern. Planning for the conservation of these species in a global change context requires a proactive approach, with the identification of climatic refugia, i.e., areas climatically suitable for a given species under both current climate and future scenarios.Here, we demonstrated our approach considering theHyla sarda, an amphibian endemic of the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, currently widespread in its range, and Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. We calibrated an SDM for the species focusing on Sardinia and projected it into the future, identifying all areas that can act as future climatic refugia. We also evaluated the coverage of the refugia by the existing protected areas.According to our results,Hyla sardawill experience a significant restriction of its distribution range due to projected climate changes, with small and highly fragmented climatic refugia mostly located outside of existing protected areas. Our findings highlight the importance of considering common species in global change studies. All our conservation strategies should be more proactive if we want to conserve common species before they become rare.
Empowering Integrative and Collaborative Exploration of Single-Cell and Spatial Multimodal Data with SGS
Authors: Xia Tingting , Sun Jiahe , Lu Fang , Luo Yongjiang , Mao Yudi , Xu Ling , Wang Yi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecent advancements in single-cell and spatial omics technologies have revolutionized our ability to capture multiple modalities data at a genome-wide scale within individual cells. However, visualizing these large-scale, high-dimensional, and complex datasets poses significant challenges. Here, we present SGS, a user-friendly, collaborative and versatile browser for visualizing single-cell and spatial multiomics data. SGS incorporates a novel genome browser framework, flexible visualization modules and a multi-panel adaptive communication mechanism to enable the synchronous visualization of diverse datasets. Notably, SGS empowers users with advanced capabilities for comparative visualization, through features like scCompare, scMultiView, and dual-chromosome module. Additionally, by adopting the “workstation concept”, SGS enables data fast visualization and collaborative exploration. We showcase the potential of SGS in the comparative visualization and coordinated exploration of mutlimodal data with two examples. SGS is publicly available athttps://sgs.bioinfotoolkits.net/home.
Ferritin-mediated iron homeostasis and bacterial shifts underpin drought adaptation in sorghum
Authors: Kabir Ahmad H. , Brailey-Crane Philip , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Legeay Jean , Ahmed Bulbul , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Bennetzen Jeffrey L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDrought stress significantly impairs growth, and microbial interactions in sorghum. This study explores the transcriptional and microbial shifts in sorghum under drought, revealing key adaptations to water deficit. LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analyses revealed that drought stress induced abscisic acid while significantly reducing jasmonic acid levels in sorghum roots, likely due to resource conservation strategies during drought. Transcriptional reprogramming highlighted the upregulation of genes in the roots involved in mineral homeostasis (Ferritin 1,Iron dehydrogenase,Nitrate transporter 1), hormone signaling (Ethylene-insensitive protein 3,Gibberellin 2-oxidase), and osmotic regulation (Aquaporin,Dehydrin), underlining key adaptive responses to maintain nutrient uptake, redox status, and cellular turgor. In Fe-supplemented plants, increased Fe in roots correlated with increasedFerritin 1expression, improved plant health, and reduced Fenton reaction rate and H O levels. This suggests that ferritin helps minimize oxidative stress under drought in sorghum. Drought reduced root-associated bacterial diversity and richness while enriching drought tolerance-associated genera, such asBurkholderia, CaballeroniaandParaburkholderia, known for promoting plant growth through auxin production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition. In contrast, fungal diversity and richness remained unchanged, dominated byTalaromyces, which showed a statistically non-significant increase under drought. Random forest models could not identify functional predictors for fungi but revealed a shift in bacterial functional groups under drought, with enrichment in phototrophy, methylotrophy, and nitrate reduction, traits emphasizing microbial roles in nutrient cycling and drought adaptation of sorghum. This study provides insights into the role of ferritin and potential bacterial bioinoculants that could enhance sorghum resilience to drought. Future research should validate these findings to integrate them into breeding programs and biofertilizer formulation for drought-tolerant sorghum and climate-resilient agriculture.
Dopaminergic amacrine cells express HCN channels in the developing and adult mouse retina
Authors: Romano Emilio J , Zhang Dao-Qi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeTo determine the molecular and functional expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in developing and mature dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs), the sole source of ocular dopamine that plays a vital role in visual function and eye development.MethodsHCN channels are encoded by isoforms 1-4. HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 were immunostained in retinal slices obtained from mice at postnatal day 4 (P4), P8, and P12 as well as in adults. Each HCN channel isoform was also immunostained with tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker for DACs, at P12 and adult retinas. Genetically-marked DACs were recorded in flat-mount retina preparation using a whole-cell current-clamp technique.ResultsHCN1 was expressed in rods/cones, amacrine cells, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at P4, along with bipolar cells by P12. Different from HCN1, HCN2 and HCN4 were each expressed in amacrine cells and RGCs at P4, along with bipolar cells by P8, and in rods/cones by P12. Double immunostaining shows that each of the three isoforms was expressed in approximately half of DACs at P12 but in almost all DACs in adults. Electrophysiology results demonstrate that HCN channel isoforms form functional HCN channels, and the pharmacological blockade of HCN channels reduced the spontaneous firing frequency in most DACs.ConclusionsEach class of retinal neurons may use different isoforms of HCN channels to function during development. HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 form functional HCN channels in DACs, which appears to modulate their spontaneous firing activity.