bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Clinical FSH Conundrum: Insights From the Small Ovarian Reserve Heifer Model
Authors: Ireland James J. , Karl Kaitlin R. , Latham Keith E. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHigh doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are used during ovarian stimulation to maximize the number of oocytes recovered for in vitro fertilization (IVF) during assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women. Whether high FSH doses are detrimental to embryo viability remains controversial. Evidence from many clinical studies revealed that FSH dose is inversely correlated with live birth rate in women. The mechanistic basis for this effect has been elusive. This review summarizes over 20 years of work using a unique biomedical model, the small ovarian reserve heifer (SORH). Those studies revealed that excessive FSH doses can disrupt gene expression via multiple cell‐signaling pathways in ovarian cells, resulting in follicular hyperstimulation dysgenesis (FHD). This compromises the capacity of ovulatory‐size follicles to respond to gonadotropins, produce estradiol and ovulate, causes premature cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation, and impairs the fertilizability of oocytes. The SORH model has thus provided new insights into the nature and mechanisms of the deleterious effects of excessive FSH doses during ovarian stimulation. The SORH model has been and remains valuable for basic research and for the discovery of ways to optimize FSH dosing clinically to improve IVF success and ART outcomes.
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Claytor Benjamin , Polston David , Li Yuebing 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMultifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an acquired autoimmune polyneuropathy that affects almost exclusively the motor nerve fibers. Typically seen in middle‐aged adults, its predominant clinical feature is a chronically progressive asymmetric weakness that affects the distal upper extremities most significantly. Minor sensory symptoms, sensory examination findings or abnormal sensory nerve conduction studies can be seen in the lower extremities in a minority of patients. Electrodiagnostic studies reveal motor conduction blocks at noncompressible sites, and minor findings of other demyelinating features such as conduction slowing or temporal dispersion. Anti‐GM1 antibody titers are elevated in less than half of MMN patients, and more recent studies suggest mechanisms including antibody‐induced complement attack at the node of Ranvier with resulting ion channel dysfunction. Peripheral nerve magnetic resonance imaging and neuromuscular ultrasound often reveal non‐uniform enlargement of the nerve roots, plexuses, or peripheral nerve segments, thus being useful in assisting diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of MMN mainly includes motor neuron disease or demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathies. Immunoglobulin therapy is the first‐line and mainstay of treatment, being effective in maintaining or restoring muscle strength in the majority of patients. However, motor strength often slowly declines over the long term, even with maintenance immunoglobulin treatment. More effective immunotherapy is needed to halt the slow progression of MMN, and complement inhibition appears to be a promising option in the near future.
Surgical Strategies for Functional Upper Extremity Reconstruction After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Crowe Christopher S. , Liu Yusha Katie , Curtin Catherine M. , Hentz Vincent R. , Kozin Scott H. , Fox Ida K. , Berger Michael J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSpinal cord injuries (SCI) can substantially affect independence and quality of life, particularly by limiting upper extremity function. Surgical reconstruction offers the potential to restore motion in the hand, wrist, and elbow for those with deficits following cervical spinal cord injury. Techniques such as tendon transfer, tenodesis, and arthrodesis—often used in combination—are well‐established strategies for enhancing upper extremity function. Nerve transfers have more recently been employed and differ from other procedures in that they are often time sensitive and should be performed before permanent muscle atrophy occurs. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including clinical examination and electrodiagnostic assessment, is essential to determine the availability and strength of donor tendons and nerves. The International Classification of Surgery for the Hand in Tetraplegia (ICSHT) system is the most utilized surgical classification for determining muscle that can be used for reconstruction. Based on this classification, prioritization is given to restoring elbow extension, wrist extension, pinch, and grasp. Postoperative rehabilitative therapy balances the need for immobilization while preventing joint stiffness and may also incorporate cortical retraining strategies to activate tendon and nerve transfers. Ultimately, a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach is essential for assessing the injury, determining operative candidacy, selecting the optimal treatment strategy, and providing tailored rehabilitation. This article explores the classification of SCI as it pertains to the upper limb, provides an overview of surgical options, describes the preoperative clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation process, and discusses reconstructive strategies aimed at improving functional outcomes in individuals with SCI.
Inhibition of SARM1 Reduces Neuropathic Pain in a Spared Nerve Injury Rodent Model
Authors: Herbosa Christopher G. , Perez Ronald , Jaeger Alexandra , Dy Christopher J. , Brogan David M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsThe function of the sterile alpha and toll/interleukin receptor motif‐containing protein 1 (SARM1) in neuropathic pain development has not yet been established. This protein has a central role in regulating axon degeneration and its depletion delays this process. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of SARM1 deletion on the development of neuropathic pain.MethodsThirty‐two wild‐type (WT) or SARM1 knockout (KO) rats underwent spared nerve injury (SNI) or sham surgery. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by electronic Von Frey and cold hyperalgesia by the acetone test. Nociception was evaluated at the baseline, Day‐1, Day‐2, Week‐1, Week‐2, Week‐3, and Week‐4 time points. Nerve sections were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsWT Injury rats were more sensitive to pain than WT Sham at all postoperative time points, validating the pain model. Injured SARM1 KO rats only demonstrated a difference in mechanical or cold nociception from KO Sham at Week 3. Injured KO rats demonstrated a clear trend of decreased sensitivity compared to WT Injury nociception, reaching significance at Week 4 (p = 0.044). Injured KO rats showed attenuated sensitivity to cold allodynia relative to WT at Week 2 (p = 0.019). IHC revealed decreased macrophages in spared sural nerves of injured KO animals at 2 and 4 weeks, and the proximal portion of tibial/peroneal nerves at Week 2.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that SARM1 KO rats are less sensitive to mechanical and cold nociception than WT rats in an SNI model with decreased inflammatory response. Given these results, inhibition of SARM1 should be further investigated in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Associations Between End‐Stage ALS Care and Specialty Palliative Care: A Hypothesis‐Generating Study
Authors: Lero Christi M. , Yang Annabelle , Everett Elyse , Pitzer Kyle A. , McCoy Gross Kelly , Washington Karla T. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) care is typically delivered via a multidisciplinary approach that may include specialty palliative care (SPC). Opportunities for SPC to enhance ALS care have been identified; however, investigation of these proposed benefits is scant. In this exploratory study, investigators examined associations between receipt of SPC and variables particularly relevant to end‐stage ALS.MethodsResearchers reviewed electronic health records for all patients with ALS who received standard ALS care from one Midwestern US academic medical center and died between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022 (N = 156). Receipt of SPC, duration of illness, hospice enrollment and length of service, report of a healthcare proxy, documentation of a healthcare proxy, participation in goals of care conversations, and location of death were examined.ResultsPatients who received SPC (59%), had lower mean forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.05), and more often used respiratory support (p < 0.001), participated in goals of care conversations (p < 0.001), reported a healthcare proxy (p < 0.01), and enrolled in hospice (p < 0.001) than patients who received standard care alone. No differences between groups were found in duration of illness (mean = 51.7 months), use of assistive feeding, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale—Revised (ALSFRS‐R) scores (mean = 32.1), documentation of a healthcare proxy, length of hospice stay (mean = 47.3 days), or location of death.DiscussionClinical characteristics and end‐of‐life outcome differences between groups support further investigation of the proposed benefits of SPC regarding hospice enrollment, report of healthcare proxies, and documented goals of care conversations.
The Video Ocular Counter‐Roll Test: Validation for Vestibular Dysfunction Diagnosis in Clinical Practice
Authors: Tessler Idit , Wolfovitz Amit , Gecel Nir Abraham , Hazan Tomer , Livneh Nir , Alsleibi Shibli , Gimmon Yoav 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveThe video ocular counter‐roll (vOCR) test is a novel method that uses video‐oculography (VOG) goggles to detect vestibular dysfunction, potentially offering a simpler alternative to current vestibular function tests. In this study, we aim to compare the vOCR test with the caloric test for diagnosing vestibular dysfunction and to assess its clinical applicability.Study DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingA tertiary academic referral center.MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients who underwent both vOCR and caloric tests during the same visit between 2021 and 2023. The patients were divided into 3 groups based upon caloric response: unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH), bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), and normal. The vOCR test was performed with a 30° head tilt to both sides. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for vOCR performance. The 2‐step approach employed for utilizing the vOCR test included the average vOCR measurement for diagnosing BVH followed by the vOCR asymmetry ratio (AR) to UVH.ResultsIn total, 134 patients were included in the study, with 14 (10.5%) diagnosed with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), 44 (32.8%) with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH), and 76 (56.7%) exhibiting normal vestibular function based on caloric testing. A vOCR cutoff value of 3.2° demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 92.5% and 85.7%, respectively, for detecting BVH (AUC 95.1%, P < .001). An AR of 0.12 showed sensitivity and specificity of 97.7% and 63.2%, respectively, for detecting UVH (AUC 79.2%, P < .001). vOCR measurements differed significantly across all 3 groups (P < .001). In the UVH group, the vOCR angles were consistently smaller on the hypofunction side, suggesting laterality.ConclusionvOCR diagnoses vestibular dysfunction with high sensitivity and specificity compared to the caloric test. Incorporating vOCR into the vestibular testing battery could enhance diagnostic efficiency and patient comfort.
Formation of C1 oxygenates by Activation of Methane on B, N Co‐Doped Graphene Surface Decorated by Oxygen Pre‐Covered Ir13 Cluster: A First Principles Study
Authors: Damte Jemal Yimer , Houska Jiri 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe environmentally friendly conversion of methane to value‐added chemicals is studied by ab‐initio calculations. We focus on the adsorption and dehydrogenation of methane were investigated on Ir13 cluster supported by boron nitrogen co‐doped graphene (BNG). We show that the BNG‐Ir13 cluster with low oxygen coverage exhibits more negative adsorption energy of methane (−0.44 eV) and lower activation energy barrier for its dissociation (1.24 eV for the second dehydrogenation step) compared to the cluster with high oxygen coverage. Next, assuming abundant CH3 and CH2 species due to a proper temperature control preventing further dehydrogenation, we study competitive C−O coupling reactions leading to the formation of value‐added chemicals. The activation energy barriers for the formation of methanol and formaldehyde are on BNG‐Ir13 are once again lower at a lower oxygen coverage. Furthermore, we study hydrogen recombination and confirm that H2 molecules can be formed on these surfaces. Based on these findings, the low‐oxygen‐coverage BNG‐Ir13 cluster emerges as a promising catalyst for the selective conversion of methane to methanol and formaldehyde, as well as for hydrogen production.
Centering Weight Management Clinical Decision Support in Primary Care on Patients With Obesity and Practitioners: A Proof‐Of‐Concept Study
Authors: Gudzune Kimberly A. , Schwartz Jessica L. , Olsson Kelly , Almazan Erik , Beck Thomas Grader , Ghosh Jyotsna , Bennett Wendy L. , Clark Jeanne M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundClinical decision support systems (CDSS) are electronic health record tools that support practitioners' decision‐making at the point‐of‐care. CDSS may aid clinical care but are not often centered on patients or practitioners.AimsTo develop and preliminarily test a CDSS designed to support evidence‐based obesity treatment, promote a patient‐centered experience, and integrate with clinical workflows.Materials & MethodsThe CDSS allowed patients to complete a pre‐visit questionnaire via the patient portal, which activated multiple elements for the primary care practitioner (PCP). A 3‐month proof‐of‐concept study was conducted among 10 PCPs at 5 clinics to determine usefulness, usability, and acceptability through validated surveys (mean score ≥ 2.5 signified positive outcome; max 5). Using t‐tests, pre‐post differences in PCPs' frequency of self‐reported clinical practices (1‐never; 5‐always) were examined.ResultsMost PCPs were physicians with mean experience of 10.8 years (SD 7.5). Overall, mean scores for usefulness, usability, and acceptability were 3.2 (SD 0.8), 3.5 (SD 0.9), and 3.6 (SD 0.9), respectively. PCPs reported significant increases in three key clinical practices—counseling on behavioral interventions (3.1 vs. 3.9 [p < 0.01]), referring to weight‐loss programs (2.8 vs. 3.5 [p < 0.01]), and discussing anti‐obesity medications (3.3 vs. 3.8 [p = 0.02]).ConclusionThis weight management CDSS was useful and usable for PCPs and improved obesity‐related practice habits. Future studies need to evaluate its impact on patient outcomes.
Development of antimicrobial textile using in‐situ AgNPs and evaluation of comfort performance for biomedical applications
Authors: Saha Sonjit Kumar , Alam Md. Rubel , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Siddique Abu Bakr , Ali Ayub , Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe development of antimicrobial fabric with comfort ability for biomedical applications in a scalable, cost‐effective coating process is now extremely challenging. This study aims to develop an antimicrobial comfortable single jersey knit fabric with in‐situ generated AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) adhesion in a facile technique for biomedical applications (e.g., wound dressing). The weft knitted fabrics of cotton and blends with polyester in different proportion were independently treated with 5% AgNO3 solutions by mechanical thermo‐fixation technique using the pad‐dry‐cure procedure under optimal conditions on 60/40 CVC (Chief value to cotton), 100% cotton and 65/35 PC (polyester/cotton) fabrics. Then microbial assay, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture management test (MMT), and fabric touch Test (FTT) were employed to assess the antimicrobial, bonding, moisture, and comfort aspects. The treated fabrics show consistent antimicrobial properties without any significant differences, the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) against S. aureus measures 11 ± 1.4 mm for 60/40 CVC @T, while 65/35 PC @T and 100% Cotton @T exhibit ZOI of 10 ± 2.7 mm and 9 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. Furthermore, treating the fabrics with AgNO3 enhances their ability to manage moisture, facilitating faster absorption and quicker drying compared to untreated fabrics where 100% Cotton @T show maximum OMMC (overall moisture management characteristics) value of 0.371 ± 0.012. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis verifies the absence of bonding between metal silver ions and fiber molecules, potentially as a result of metal silver ions being adsorbed. Moreover, metal silver ions fabrics have greater overall moisture management capabilities than untreated counterparts, with 60/40 CVC fabric outperforming 100% cotton and 65/35 PC (polyester/cotton) fabrics. In conclusion, FTT analysis indicates that the presence of metal silver ions has negligible effects on fabric comfort. However, 100% Cotton @T fabric stands out for its superior comfort properties such as the smoothness, softness, and warmth indices show scores by 0.34, 0.87, and 0.72 respectively compared to other treated fabrics. Nevertheless, the treated fabrics receive high scores for attributes like smoothness, softness, and warmth. The use of AgNO3 treatment suggests that fabrics could be suitable for biomedical applications without hindering fabrics comfortability.Highlights
An effective process has employed for the antimicrobial textiles using AgNPs.
Various ratios of natural and synthetic fibers have utilized.
Silver metal ions make the fabric fast absorbing and quick drying.
The presence of metal ions does not compromise the comfort of the fabric.
Antibiotic Resistance in Developing Countries: Emerging Threats and Policy Responses
Authors: Ehsan Hedayatullah 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesThis narrative review investigates the key drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and evaluates the effectiveness of policy responses. It highlights the unique challenges these regions face and provides actionable recommendations for mitigating AMR.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by reports from global health organizations. Studies published between 2010 and 2023 focusing on AMR in LMICs were included. Thematic analysis synthesized data into key drivers, policy challenges, and intervention strategies.ResultsThe major drivers of AMR in LMICs include unregulated antibiotic sales, overuse and misuse of antibiotics, weak healthcare infrastructure, poor infection control, and environmental contamination. Socio‐economic factors, such as self‐medication and limited healthcare access, exacerbate the problem. Although strategies like antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, regulatory reforms, and public education campaigns have shown potential, their effectiveness is hindered by resource limitations and governance challenges.ConclusionsCombatting AMR in LMICs requires tailored, multi‐sectoral interventions that strengthen healthcare systems, enforce strict regulations, enhance public awareness, and foster international collaboration. Policymakers must prioritize investments in diagnostic infrastructure, AMS, and culturally adapted public health campaigns to reduce resistance and safeguard global health.
Improving User Privacy in Practical Quantum Private Query with Group Honesty Checking
Authors: Wei Chun‐Yan , Wang Qing‐Le , Cai Xiao‐Qiu , Wang Tian‐Yin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCurrent cheat‐sensitive security level of user privacy in quantum private query (QPQ) is far from meeting its ideal requirement. Dishonest database trying to elicit user privacy can only be (delayedly) detected after the finish of the protocol with merely a nonzero probability. Worse yet, no estimation of (i.e., the success probability of dishonest database's cheating) has been given till now. Such estimation is quite necessary because a significant means frangible user privacy especially in the cheat‐sensitive security model. Here, of the first and best‐known quantum‐key‐distribution (QKD)‐based QPQ protocol proposed by Jakobi et al. is estimated, which shows that dishonest database can elicit user privacy with significant probability (e.g., as high as 42.8% for database size ) while such cheating can only be (delayedly) detected with probability 50 %. Common strategy to improve user privacy, i.e., adding honesty checking to detect malicious database may hurt the privacy of the other party, i.e. database security. To solve this problem, a new group honesty checking is proposed, which will not hurt database security and can reduce $ to a very small value (e.g. 0.26% for database size 10000), thus assuring high user privacy (note that = 0 means ideal user privacy).
Cultivating Confidence: The Potential of Science Museum Visits in Boosting Science Self‐Efficacy and Expanding Perceptions of Science in Emerging Adult Learners
Authors: Chien Hsin‐Yi , Gutwill Josh , Nee Julia , Shepard Jenn 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impact of a single science museum visit on the science self‐efficacy (SSE) of emerging adult learners. Building upon previous research, which showed a significant short‐term impact of a museum visit on SSE, our study aims to replicate these findings and gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms contributing to increased SSE. In the present study, we implemented a randomized control trial design and hired a recruitment firm to ensure a representative sample through quota sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to either visit a museum (Treatment) or see a movie (Control). In addition to visiting their assigned excursion, participants completed pre‐, post‐, and delayed‐post‐surveys and a virtual interview. Results demonstrate that visiting a science museum had a significant positive short‐term impact on SSE. Moreover, the museum visit led to an increase in SSE by broadening visitors’ perceptions of what counted as science. Although no significant longer‐term impact on SSE was observed, participants who visited the museum maintained a broadened view of science even 3 months later. Interviews further revealed that positive performance interpretations during the museum visit, which were often achieved by participants exploring conceptually‐accessible, hands‐on exhibits at their own pace, played a vital role in enhancing SSE. Participants also described how the museum visit broadened their view of science by connecting science and daily activities. Implications of these findings for informal science education practitioners and directions for future research are discussed.