bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A GDSL-motif Esterase/Lipase Affects Wax and Cutin Deposition and Controls Hull-Caryopsis Attachment in Barley
Authors: Campoli Chiara , Eskan Mhmoud , McAllister Trisha , Liu Linsan , Shoesmith Jennifer , Prescott Alan , Ramsay Luke , Waugh Robbie , McKim Sarah M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The cuticle covering aerial organs of land plants is well known to protect against desiccation. Cuticles also play diverse and specialized functions, including organ separation, depending on plant and tissue. Barley shows a distinctive cuticular wax bloom enriched in β-diketones on leaf sheaths, stem nodes and internodes and inflorescences. Barley also develops a sticky surface on the outer pericarp layer of its grain fruit leading to strongly adhered hulls, ‘covered grain’, important for embryo protection and seed dispersal. While the transcription factor-encoding gene HvNUDUM (HvNUD) appears essential for adherent hulls, little is understood about how the pericarp cuticle changes during adhesion or whether changes in pericarp cuticles contribute to another phenotype where hulls partially shed, called ‘skinning’. To that end, we screened barley lines for hull adhesion defects, focussing on the Eceriferum (= waxless, cer) mutants. Here, we show that the cer-xd allele causes defective wax blooms and compromised hull adhesion, and results from a mutation removing the last 10 amino acids of the GDS(L) [Gly, Asp, Ser, (Leu)]-motif esterase/lipase HvGDSL1. We used severe and moderate HvGDSL1 alleles to show that complete HvGDSL1 function is essential for leaf blade cuticular integrity, wax bloom deposition over inflorescences and leaf sheaths and pericarp cuticular ridge formation. Expression data suggest that HvGDSL1 may regulate hull adhesion independently of HvNUD. We found high conservation of HvGDSL1 among barley germplasm, so variation in HvGDSL1 unlikely leads to grain skinning in cultivated barley. Taken together, we reveal a single locus which controls adaptive cuticular properties across different organs in barley.
Multiple genetic variants at the SLC30A8 locus affect local super‐enhancer activity and influence pancreatic β‐cell survival and function
Authors: Hu Ming , Kim Innah , Morán Ignasi , Peng Weicong , Sun Orien , Bonnefond Amélie , Khamis Amna , Bonàs‐Guarch Sílvia , Froguel Philippe , Rutter Guy A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVariants at the SLC30A8 locus are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. The lead variant, rs13266634, encodes an amino acid change, Arg325Trp (R325W), at the C‐terminus of the secretory granule‐enriched zinc transporter, ZnT8. Although this protein‐coding variant was previously thought to be the sole driver of T2D risk at this locus, recent studies have provided evidence for lowered expression of SLC30A8 mRNA in protective allele carriers. In the present study, we examined multiple variants that influence SLC30A8 allele‐specific expression. Epigenomic mapping has previously identified an islet‐selective enhancer cluster at the SLC30A8 locus, hosting multiple T2D risk and cASE associations, which is spatially associated with the SLC30A8 promoter and additional neighboring genes. Here, we show that deletion of variant‐bearing enhancer regions using CRISPR‐Cas9 in human‐derived EndoC‐βH3 cells lowers the expression of SLC30A8 and several neighboring genes and improves glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. While downregulation of SLC30A8 had no effect on beta cell survival, loss of UTP23, RAD21, or MED30 markedly reduced cell viability. Although eQTL or cASE analyses in human islets did not support the association between these additional genes and diabetes risk, the transcriptional regulator JQ1 lowered the expression of multiple genes at the SLC30A8 locus and enhanced stimulated insulin secretion.
PPAR‐γ regulates the polarization of M2 macrophages to improve the microenvironment for autologous fat grafting
Authors: Zhang Ya‐An , Li Fang‐Wei , Dong Yun‐Xian , Xie Wen‐Jie , Wang Hai‐Bin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe unpredictable survival rate of autologous fat grafting (AFG) seriously affects its clinical application. Improving the survival rate of AFG has become an unresolved issue in plastic surgery. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) regulates the adipogenic differentiation of adipocytes, but the functional mechanism in AFG remains unclear. In this study, we established an animal model of AFG and demonstrated the superior therapeutic effect of PPAR‐γ regulation in the process of AFG. From day 3 after fat grafting, the PPAR‐γ agonist rosiglitazone group consistently showed better adipose integrity, fewer oil cysts, and fibrosis. Massive macrophage infiltration was observed after 7 days. At the same time, M2 macrophages begin to appear. At day 14, M2 macrophages gradually became the dominant cell population, which suppressed inflammation and promoted revascularization and fat regeneration. In addition, transcriptome sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in the Rosiglitazone group were associated with the pathways of adipose regeneration, differentiation, and angiogenesis; these results provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
Recommendations for managing patients with hypothyroidism
Authors: Hardy Cheyenne 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
The American Thyroid Association recommends levothyroxine monotherapy for treating hypothyroidism, a condition that affects 4.6% of the US population. However, up to 15% of these patients experience residual symptoms despite normalized thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and may benefit from an endocrinology referral. Additional high-quality studies are needed to further evaluate patient preferences, as well as to investigate long-term outcomes of combination therapy and continue exploring therapeutic options for hypothyroidism management among specific patient subgroups.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists for type 2 diabetes, weight loss, or both?
Authors: Keedy Chelsea A. , Bland Christopher M. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (GLP1s) and the novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist are effective drugs for reducing A1C and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinicians may find it difficult to discern which drug to prescribe in specific clinical scenarios. This article discusses evidence-based clinical use of these drugs.
Evaluation of Sleep in Pregnant Inpatients Compared With Outpatients
Authors: Panelli Danielle M. , Miller Hayley E. , Simpson Samantha L. , Hurtado Janet , Shu Chi-Hung , Boncompagni Ana C. , Chueh Jane , Barwick Fiona , Carvalho Brendan , Sultan Pervez , Aghaeepour Nima , Druzin Maurice L. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate whether antepartum hospitalization was associated with differences in sleep duration or disrupted sleep patterns.

METHODS:
This was a prospective cohort study with enrollment of pregnant people aged 18–55 years with singleton gestations at 16 weeks of gestation or more between 2021 and 2022. Each enrolled antepartum patient was matched by gestational age to outpatients recruited from obstetric clinics at the same institution. Participants responded to the ISI (Insomnia Severity Index) and wore actigraph accelerometer watches for up to 7 days. The primary outcome was total sleep duration per 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included sleep efficiency (time asleep/time in bed), ISI score, clinical insomnia (ISI score higher than 15), short sleep duration (less than 300 minutes/24 hours), wakefulness after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and sleep fragmentation index. Outcomes were evaluated with multivariable generalized estimating equations adjusted for body mass index (BMI), sleep aid use, and insurance type, accounting for gestational age correlations. An interaction term assessed the joint effects of time and inpatient status.

RESULTS:
Overall 58 participants were included: 18 inpatients and 40 outpatients. Inpatients had significantly lower total sleep duration than outpatients (mean 4.4 hours [SD 1.6 hours] inpatient vs 5.2 hours [SD 1.5 hours] outpatient, adjusted β=−1.1, 95% CI, −1.8 to −0.3, P=.01). Awakenings (10.1 inpatient vs 13.8, P=.01) and wakefulness after sleep onset (28.3 inpatient vs 35.5 outpatient, P=.03) were lower among inpatients. There were no differences in the other sleep outcomes, and no interaction was detected for time in the study and inpatient status. Inpatients were more likely to use sleep aids (39.9% vs 12.5%, P=.03).

CONCLUSION:
Hospitalized pregnant patients slept about 1 hour/day less than outpatients. Fewer awakenings and reduced wakefulness after sleep onset among inpatients may reflect increased use of sleep aids in hospitalized patients.
Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and effect of different intracameral antibiotic regimes in Sweden 2011-2017: national registry study
Authors: Friling Emma , Bro Tomas , Lundström Mats , Montan Per 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
To study the incidence, predictive factors, etiology, and visual consequences of postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) in relation to 3 intracameral (IC) antibiotic regimes.

Setting:
Swedish National Cataract Register entries from 2011 through 2017.

Design:
Observational retrospective study.

Methods:
PE incidence, influencing factors, bacteriology, and visual outcome were analyzed regarding the 3 major prophylactic IC protocols.

Results:
The overall incidence of PE was 0.023% or 177 cases in 764 513 cataract procedures. Analyzed per IC regime, the rates of PE were 0.024% (126 cases in 514 916 surgeries) for cefuroxime, 0.020% (25 cases in 122 340 surgeries) for moxifloxacin, and 0.017% (20 cases in 121 045 surgeries) for combined cefuroxime–ampicillin. Incidences were not statistically significantly different from one another. Gram-positive bacteria caused 89.0% of culture positive cases. Enterococci as pathogens were significantly more frequent with IC cefuroxime than with moxifloxacin, P = .006, or cefuroxime–ampicillin, P < .001, while streptococci other than enterococci were more common with moxifloxacin than with cefuroxime, P < .001. Bacterial susceptibility to the given antibiotics was demonstrated in 21.3% of PE cases treated with cefuroxime, which was statistically significantly lower than proportions found with cefuroxime–ampicillin, 60.0%, P = .015, or with moxifloxacin, 88.2%, P < .001. Visual outcome worse than 20/200 was similar in the groups ranging from 42.0% to 53.7%.

Conclusions:
No statistically significant differences in PE incidence or visual outcome results between treatment groups were demonstrated. However, differences in etiology and bacterial sensitivity were found between the prophylactic IC treatments.
Refining glaucoma diagnosis and treatment in cataract surgery candidates: contribution of preoperative OCT retinal nerve fiber layer
Authors: Goldberg Mordechai , Zadok David , Assayag Elishai , Ziv-On Elad , Zaitar Rand , Porat-Rein Adi , Brosh Kobi , Weill Yishay , Abulafia Adi 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in identifying glaucoma and better managing patients scheduled for routine cataract surgery.

Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:
Consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery were enrolled from February 2022 to August 2022. Participants underwent routine OCT RNFL studies which were evaluated by a glaucoma specialist. Findings were compared with those of preoperative fundus biomicroscopic examinations conducted by the referring ophthalmologist. The main outcomes were the incidence of newly detected glaucoma based on OCT RNFL findings and the consequent changes in patient management.

Results:
In total, 486 patients met the inclusion criteria of whom 112 (23%) had abnormal RNFL. 31 patients (6.4%) had abnormal OCT RNFL findings attributed to comorbidities other than glaucoma, and 81 patients (16.7%) were suspected to have glaucoma based on their OCT RNFL findings, from which 44 patients (9%) were newly diagnosed with glaucoma or as glaucoma suspects, resulting in management modifications that included routine glaucoma follow-up (25 patients, 5.1%), initiation of intraocular pressure-lowering treatment (12 patients, 2.5%), and conversion to combined cataract-glaucoma surgery (7 patients, 1.4%).

Conclusions:
OCT RNFL for cataract surgery candidates proved valuable in detecting glaucoma that had not been revealed by standard fundus biomicroscopic examination. The additional information provided by OCT RNFL can potentially enhance patient management and optimize outcomes.
A Longitudinal Multiinstitutional Study of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: From Childhood to Perimenopause
Authors: Di Giuseppe Jacopo , Delli Carpini Giovanni , Giannella Luca , Terenzi Tomas , Fichera Mariasole , Ragno Federica , Campanati Anna , Boero Veronica , Caia Carlotta , Pesce Elisa , Vercellini Paolo , Gardella Barbara , Dominoni Mattia , Spinillo Arsenio , Sopracordevole Francesco , Clemente Nicolò , Del Fabro Anna , Rossi Riccardo , Corazza Monica , Borghi Alessandro , Martinello Ruby , Greco Pantaleo , Rizzo Giuseppe , Criscuolo Anna Angela , Mappa Ilenia , Matteini Enrico , Botti Elisabetta , Campione Elena , Bianchi Luca , Ciavattini Andrea 
Published: April 2024

Objective
The main outcome of this study was the evaluation of clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and therapeutic approaches in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) aged from childhood to perimenopause. Secondly, it was intended to compare these characteristics according to the menarchal status.

Methods
Patients less than 45 years of age with a diagnosis of VLS from January 2002 to June 2022 in 10 referral centers were included in this retrospective longitudinal study. The univariate analysis compared the dependent variables according to menarchal status.

Results
One hundred eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. At diagnosis, between 25% and 40% of premenarchal patients reported signs related to subepithelial hemorrhage. A significantly greater presence of bleeding (p < .005), easy bruising (p = .028), fissures (p = .008), petechiae/splinter hemorrhages (p < .001), and bleeding/blistering or open sores (p = .011) was observed in premenarchal patients with respect to the postmenarchal group. The perineum (p = .013) and the perianal region (p < .001) were significantly more involved in the premenarchal group. Topical calcineurin inhibitors were more used in the premenarchal population (p = .004), whereas vitamin E oil and moisturizers were more used in the postmenarchal population (p = .047).

Conclusions
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition that can cause vulvar changes that result in severe morbidity and affects sexual function and quality of life, even before menopause. Vulvar lichen sclerosus continues to be misdiagnosed in this population. This may lead to an average delay from symptom onset to diagnosis. Evaluating clinical manifestations of VLS in premenarchal and postmenarchal age allowed us to find different clinical characteristics between the 2 periods suggestive of the diagnosis.
Efficacy of a Triticum vulgare Extract as a Treatment of Cervical Ectropion: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Manna Paolo , Gallo Alessandra , Bitonti Giovanna , Venturella Roberta , Di Carlo Costantino 
Published: April 2024

Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of a topical treatment for cervical ectropion with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of Triticum vulgare.

Methods
Prospective observational cohort study conducted between November 2020 and November 2022 at the colposcopy clinics of 2 different hospitals. Sexually active patients with a colposcopic diagnosis of cervical ectropion, awaiting ablative procedure, were included in the study and prescribed medical therapy with vaginal T. vulgare ovules (group 1) or wait-and-see therapy (group 2). At both enrollment and 2-month follow-up, a symptomatologic evaluation recording the intensity of postcoital bleeding, leucorrhea, and dyspareunia was performed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaire, and a colposcopic examination was performed, calculating the size of the ectropion area.

Results
A total of 116 patients (58 in group 1 and 58 in group 2) were included. Topical treatment with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of T. vulgare for 2 months resulted in significant decrease of symptoms related to cervical ectropion and significant reduction of the size of the ectropion area.

Conclusions
Our results support the efficacy of topical treatment with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of T. vulgare for symptomatic cervical ectropion; our study also suggests that expectant management, despite being widely practiced, seems to lead to a worsening of the natural history of ectropion.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 is pumping iron: C-terminal-fibroblast growth factor 23 cleaved peptide and its function in iron metabolism
Authors: Courbon Guillaume , David Valentin 
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review
Iron deficiency regulates the production of the bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) but also its cleavage, to generate both intact (iFGF23) and C-terminal (Cter)-FGF23 peptides. Novel studies demonstrate that independently of the phosphaturic effects of iFGF23, Cter-FGF23 peptides play an important role in the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis. This review describes the complex interplay between iron metabolism and FGF23 biology.

Recent findings
C-terminal (Cter) FGF23 peptides antagonize inflammation-induced hypoferremia to maintain a pool of bioavailable iron in the circulation. A key mechanism proposed is the down-regulation of the iron-regulating hormone hepcidin by Cter-FGF23.

Summary
In this manuscript, we discuss how FGF23 is produced and cleaved in response to iron deficiency, and the principal functions of cleaved C-terminal FGF23 peptides. We also review possible implications anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Reviewing the impact of obesity on inflammatory bowel disease and considerations for optimizing management
Authors: Ghusn Wissam , Loftus Edward V. , Johnson Amanda M. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose of reviewThis review examines the complex relationship between obesity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing their potentially shared pathogenesis, the impact of obesity on the natural history and treatment outcomes of IBD, and the management of obesity in the patient with IBD.Recent findingsObesity represents a state of chronic inflammation that may not only contribute to IBD pathogenesis, but also influence disease progression, complications, and response to treatment. Increased visceral adiposity may carry negative prognostic implications for disease and treatment-specific outcomes. Antiobesity medications, endoscopic bariatric therapies, and even bariatric surgery may be effective and well tolerated in selected patients with IBD.SummaryThe intersection of obesity and IBD presents a significant clinical challenge, with obesity influencing the natural history of IBD and potentially affecting treatment efficacy. As obesity prevalence among IBD patients rises, a tailored approach to management is crucial, taking into account the individualized risks and benefits of various treatment strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic procedures, and bariatric surgery.
Update on applications of endoscopic cryotherapy in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Enslin Sarah , Kaul Vivek 
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review
Endoscopic cryotherapy has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure for targeted tissue ablation within the gastrointestinal tract. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical applications of EC with a review of the pertinent literature.

Recent findings
Endoscopic cryotherapy has demonstrated safety and efficacy for various gastrointestinal conditions. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of endoscopic cryotherapy, including both liquid nitrogen-based spray cryotherapy and the novel cryoballoon focal ablation system, in achieving complete eradication of dysplasia and neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic cryotherapy has also shown promise as a second-line treatment option for patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus refractory to radiofrequency ablation and as an alternative to surgical resection for duodenal adenomas, when endoscopic resection is not feasible. Innovative applications for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding and management of benign refractory esophageal strictures have also been reported.

Summary
Endoscopic cryotherapy represents a safe, effective, and well tolerated therapeutic option for various clinical scenarios in gastrointestinal endoscopy, including challenging disease states such as refractory Barrett's esophagus and advanced esophageal cancer. Advancements in cryotherapy technology and ongoing research continue to explore additional clinical indications and expand the role of endoscopic cryotherapy in patient care with an aim toward improved patient outcomes.
Access to Urogynecologic Care in Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Mystery Caller Study
Authors: Pascual Micah G. , Novin Atieh , Corbisiero Michaele Francesco , Unciano Sydney , Hachicha Yasmine , Shelden Natalie , Bresnitz Wyanet , Ferzandi Tanaz , Muffly Tyler M. 
Published: April 2024

Importance
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) play an important role in providing care to underserved populations. However, little is known about the availability of urogynecology services at FQHCs.

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the availability of appointments for urogynecology care and to determine the prevalence of FQHCs offering urogynecologic services.

Study Design
A total of 362 FQHCs across the United States were randomly selected from the Health Resources and Services Administration website, based on specific inclusion criteria. Researchers called the FQHCs and requested the earliest available appointment for pelvic organ prolapse. The availability of urogynecologic services such as pessary fittings, pelvic floor physical therapy, and urodynamic studies was also inquired.

Results
A total of 362 FQHCs located in 46 states and the District of Columbia were called. On average, the 362 FQHCs had been established for 19.9 (SD ±15) years, were located in urban areas, and served a median county population of 24,573. Of the 220 FQHCs successfully contacted, 81% (180/220) reported that they could provide care for a patient with pelvic organ prolapse at an appointment 29.1 business days (SD ±30 days) from the date of the call, on average. However, only a small percentage of these FQHCs offered in-office pessary fittings (11%), complex multichannel urodynamics testing (8.6%), or pelvic floor physical therapy (5%).

Conclusion
The availability of treatments for pelvic floor disorders at FQHCs is limited. These findings highlight a potential disparity in access to urogynecology services for individuals with public insurance.