bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Numerical Characteristics in the Regional Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Models Using Low-Level Wind Analysis During Heavy Snowfall Episodes Over Complex Terrain
Authors: Shin Uju , Park Sang-Hun , Skamarock William , Lee GyuWon , Lim Kyo-Sun , Joh Minsu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We present a comprehensive evaluation of the regional Model for Prediction Across Scales (rMPAS) in simulating heavy snowfall events during the International Collaborative Experiment for Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympics field campaign in the Korean Peninsula. We compared rMPAS simulations with those of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and observational data for three significant snowfall events, emphasizing on their performances in capturing precipitation patterns and synoptic environments. Both the rMPAS and WRF models effectively replicated the complex meteorological conditions of heavy snowfall events, although they overestimated precipitation. We included sensitivity experiments to compare the dynamical cores in rMPAS and WRF, which use the same physics packages. Kinetic energy spectral analysis showed remarkable similarities between rMPAS and WRF despite differences in their numerical approaches, especially at smaller spatial scales. Analysis of horizontal and vertical wind speeds revealed a consistent overestimation in both models, particularly pronounced at the surface and in the lower troposphere and gradually diminished with altitude. This trend was prominent over complex terrains, where both models simulate stronger vertical velocities compared to those of the observational data. The rMPAS model demonstrated reliable performance in winter weather prediction, comparable to that of the WRF model, especially in the eastern coastal region of the Korean Peninsula. Further investigation is necessary to address the overestimation of low-level wind speeds for enhancing numerical weather prediction in complex topographical regions.
Reliability and Validity of a Pediatric Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Grading System (PedDISE-8)
Authors: Jaffal Hussein , Coutras Steven W. , Dewey John , McArdle Erica , Cui Ruifeng 
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is increasingly being used in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to identify specific sites of upper airway obstruction and plan surgical interventions. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of a new grading system for pediatric DISE procedures (PedDISE-8). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children 0 to 18 years old with OSA who underwent DISE. Four independent raters reviewed and graded each video recording twice using the PedDISE-8. Eight upper airway sites were evaluated: inferior turbinates, adenoid, velum, tonsils/lateral pharyngeal walls, lingual tonsils, tongue base, epiglottis, and supra-arytenoid tissue. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine inter-rater and intra-rater rating reliability for each site. External validity was assessed by analyzing the correlation between the number of sites with severe obstruction and polysomnographic data. Results: DISE recordings were reviewed for 86 pediatric patients, 59.5% of whom were male and 26.7% were obese. The median age was 3.5 (IQR 2.4-5.3) years, and the median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) was 5.5 (IQR 3.1-10.4). Moderate to good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were found for all eight sites (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.67 to 0.88 and 0.71 to 0.87, respectively). The number of sites with severe obstruction correlated positively with the oAHI (τ = 0.119, P = .004). Conclusions: The PedDISE-8 grading system demonstrated good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and external validity. It can be used in children undergoing DISE for OSA.
‘Regrets become a lasting source of pain’: A qualitative study on family caregivers’ experiences leading up to a relative’s death
Authors: Liang Hui-Ju , Xiong Qian , Lin Peng-Chan , Tsai Jui-Hung , Preston Nancy 
Published: February 2025

Background: Death preparations can benefit families both before and during bereavement. While these preparations are culturally influenced, evidence from non-Western cultures, like Eastern Asia, is limited. Aim: To explore how family caregivers prepare for a relative’s death in Taiwan. Design: A qualitative interview study analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Setting/participants: Twenty-two primary family caregivers following a death involving specialist palliative care were interviewed. Results: An overarching theme was ‘getting everything right to have no regrets between the dead and the living’. Within this, two themes focussed upon improving the dying relative’s outcomes and the families’ subsequent bereavement: (1) ‘making the right end-of-life decisions is crucial but complex’, exploring preparations to involve (or not) the dying relative in making choices to minimise regrets. Participants often felt they understood the dying relative’s wishes so respected their preferences while maintaining family harmony through consensus-building and professional guidance. (2) ‘becoming a competent caregiver is the priority’, addressing preparations for fulfilling responsibilities, making sacrifices and developing caregiving competence to ensure the dying relative’s comfort. This would help reduce feelings of regret about not having done enough. Conclusion: Preparing for end-of-life decisions and caregiving is important for participants to reduce regret, benefiting subsequent bereavement. Of particular importance is family involvement and consensus-building in end-of-life decisions, reflecting Taiwan’s family-led culture. These findings can inform clinical practices in family-centric decision-making cultures where healthcare workers should be aware of the need to build consensus, sometimes without involving the dying person. Future research should include patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives.
Swallowing Therapy Effects on Oral Muscle Mass, Tongue Function, Swallowing, and Nutrition in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Li Guan-Yi , Huang Yu-Chi , Wu Jia-Ying , Leong Chau-Peng , Cheng Chung-Hui 
Published: February 2025

Background Dysphagia, common post-stroke, elevates clinical risks. Muscle atrophy and compromised function correlate with malnutrition and secondary sarcopenia. Objective We studied oral muscle thickness, tongue strength/endurance in post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) using sonography and Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI), and assessed swallowing therapy's impact. Methods 17 healthy and 15 PSD participants were analyzed. Healthy subjects underwent baseline sonography and IOPI. PSD patients received a 3-week swallowing therapy including traditional methods, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and IOPI-guided oral exercises. Pre/post-swallowing therapy sonography and swallowing-related evaluations were conducted. Resutls PSD group exhibited significant differences in affected masseter muscle thickness (P = 0.001), tongue strength (P ≤ 0.001), but not posterior tongue endurance (P = 0.066). After swallowing therapy, PSD patients showed notable improvement in masseter muscle thickness (P = 0.011) and tongue strength (P = 0.005–0.009). Clinical metrics like Functional Oral Intake Scale (P = 0.004), Mini Nutritional Assessment (P = 0.007), and gait speed (P = 0.018) also improved. Conclusions Stroke-induced dysphagia correlates with reduced masseter muscle thickness, tongue strength, and endurance. Swallowing therapy enhanced masseter muscle thickness and tongue strength, potentially improving swallowing function, nutrition, and gait speed.
Relationship between calf muscle pump function and severity of chronic venous disease
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Atefeh , Liedl David , Elbenawi Hossam , Rooke Thom , Wennberg Paul , McBane Robert D , Houghton Damon E 
Published: February 2025

Background: The calf muscle pump is an understudied contributor to venous return from the lower extremity. This study aimed to determine if calf pump function (CPF) is independently associated with the severity of chronic venous disease classified by CEAP (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology). Methods: The Mayo Clinic Vascular Laboratory database was analyzed from January 2015 through September 2023. Ambulatory adults who underwent venous air plethysmography were included. Venous plethysmography assessed the severity of venous incompetence, and CPF was measured as ejection fraction (EF) per leg. The clinical component (C0 through C6) of the CEAP score was evaluated for each extremity at the time of the study. Results: A total of 7760 limbs from 3733 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 62 years, with 62% women. Venous obstruction was detected in 3.2% of limbs. Venous incompetence severity was categorized as normal (44%), mild (26%), moderate (19%), and severe (10%). A significant trend of reduced CPF was observed with higher CEAP scores ( p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, degree of venous incompetence, and obstruction showed reduced CPF was a significant predictor (odds ratio 1.84, CI: 1.5–2.2) of active/prior ulcer (C5 or C6). In contrast to more severely reduced CPF, mildly reduced CPF (EF 40–49%) was not associated with active/prior ulcers. Conclusion: This large contemporary study demonstrates that decreased CPF is associated with worse chronic venous disease. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that CPF is independently associated with active/prior venous ulcers after accounting for other venous physiologic parameters and demographics.
Iron and folic acid supplementation compliance during pregnancy and its effect on post-pregnancy anaemia among reproductive-age women in East Africa
Authors: Engidaw Melaku Tadege , Lee Patricia , Ahmed Faruk 
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite the government’s effort to reduce the prevalence of anaemia among reproductive-age women globally, it continues as a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation is a widely used intervention to prevent anaemia, but compliance remains a major challenge. There is a lack of literature examining IFA supplementation compliance during pregnancy and its impact on preventing and controlling anaemia during post-pregnancy in the East Africa region. Objective: This study aims to investigate compliance with IFA supplementation during pregnancy and its impact on post-pregnancy anaemia among reproductive-age women in East Africa. Design: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Methods: This study used data from 43,200 reproductive-age women from 2015 to 2022 demographic and health survey datasets. We used multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis to identify associated factors with IFA supplementation compliance during pregnancy. Furthermore, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to determine the effect of IFA supplementation compliance on anaemia after pregnancy among women. Results: The level of compliance with IFA supplementation during pregnancy was 31.33% (95% confidence interval (CI): 30.89, 31.77), whereas the prevalence of anaemia among reproductive-age women was 32.08% (95% CI: 31.64, 32.52). Maternal education, the timing of antenatal care (ANC) visits, wanted index pregnancy (last pregnancy), wealth status, healthcare access, mass media exposure and ANC services from skilled healthcare providers were significantly associated with compliance with IFA supplementation among pregnant women. The PSM analysis indicated a significant positive association between IFA supplementation compliance during pregnancy and prevention of post-pregnancy anaemia among reproductive-age women, with an average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) of 25.55% (ATT = −0.2555, 95% CI: −0.3440, −0.1669, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Despite universal IFA supplementation, anaemia remains prevalent in East African countries due to low level of compliance with IFA supplementation. Targeting individual and socio-economic factors during IFA supplementation promotion helps to prevent anaemia after pregnancy. Further research is recommended to gain deeper insights.
Outcomes of Patients Treated for Open Pilon Fractures at a County Hospital
Authors: Tye Cooper , Alkhabbaz Omar , Miaw Wesley , Park Kyung , Newman Samuel , Barcak Eric 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Open pilon fractures represent a challenging injury for both patients and physicians. Patients must contend with prolonged non-weightbearing, wound complications, and the possibility of post-traumatic arthritis. Surgeons also deal with a fracture which is difficult to treat and that is prone to poor outcomes. To better understand these challenging injuries and identify details that may portend better patient outcomes, we performed a retrospective review of open pilon fractures treated at a level 1 trauma county hospital by orthopedic trauma-trained surgeons. Materials and Methods A search was performed for patients treated for open pilon fractures at our institution. Demographics and fracture information for each patient, as well as pre and postoperative details for each patient, were collected. We also identified complications such as infection, nonunion, and the need for additional surgeries in patients. Patients were then compared to one another, and they were also stratified according to their Gustilo-Anderson classification of open fracture to identify differences. Results Patients in our study who sustained type 3 open injuries were older, more often required additional surgeries, sustained nonunion of their fracture, became infected or underwent amputation than patients with type 1 and 2 injuries. 20% of all patients with type 3 open injuries underwent 4 or more additional procedures, while only 13% did not require additional surgery. In contrast, over half of all patients with type 1 and 2 open injuries did not require any additional surgeries. Conclusions Despite following currently recommended guidelines for the treatment of open pilon fractures, these injuries are still prone to complications. Elderly patients and those with type 3 injuries are especially at high risk for negative postoperative outcomes due to the increased severity of soft-tissue damage. Further research is necessary to identify optimal protocols for these devastating injuries, especially in vulnerable populations. Levels of Evidence: Level III
Impact of Augmented Feedback and Music During the Bench Press Resistance Exercise: Does Their Combination Compromise Mechanical Performance?
Authors: Miras-Moreno Sergio , Weakley Jonathon , Martínez-Zafra Luis M. , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro 
Published: February 2025

Background: Verbal feedback (knowledge of results [KR]) and listening to music are common ergogenic strategies used to boost athlete performance during resistance exercise. No previous research has explored their effects when both strategies are combined in the same exercise session (KR+music). This study aimed to examine the impact of providing KR, listening to music, and their combined effects on: (1) mechanical responses (number of repetitions, fastest velocity, and average velocity in a set), and (2) perceptual responses (feeling scale [FS], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and rate of perceived discomfort [RPD]) when a determined percentage of velocity loss (%VL) is prescribed. Hypothesis: Providing KR or listening to music would provide an ergogenic effect on these outcomes whereas KR+music can compromise mechanical performance. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Fifteen recreational resistance-trained men were tested on 5 occasions separated by a 48 to 72 hour washout period. The first session was used to determine the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength. The 4 experimental sessions were identical (4 sets at 70% 1RM with a 20%VL during bench press exercise) except for the intervention (ie, control, KR, music, and KR+music) used randomly on each session. Results: The findings revealed that: (1) mechanical performance was significantly greater for the music condition (from 5.7% to 20.4%), followed by the KR+music (from 4.9% to 15.4%) and KR (from −0.4% to 8.1%) condition, and (2) greater FS values were found for music compared with control condition, while no significant differences were reported for RPE or RPD. Conclusion: Listening to music enhances bench press performance and mood; adding KR does not compromise these benefits. Clinical Relevance: Recreational athlete performance may benefit from listening to music, and KR+music does not compromise this effect. However, athlete preference should take priority when implementing these ergogenic strategies.
A study looking at how missed somatropin injections affect growth in children with growth hormone deficiency: a plain language summary of publication
Authors: Loftus Jane , Miller Bradley S. , Parzynski Craig S. , Alvir Jose , Chen Yong , Jhingran Priti , Gupta Anu , DeKoven Mitch , Divino Victoria , Tse Jenny , He Jing , Wajnrajch Michael 
Published: February 2025

• Children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are often prescribed a growth hormone called somatropin to help them grow. • As prescribed, somatropin needs to be injected once a day under the skin. Some children may miss many of their somatropin injections, and this is known as having “low adherence” to treatment. Adherence in this study refers to whether the children had enough somatropin to have daily injections as prescribed. • In this study, researchers found that children with GHD who had high adherence to daily somatropin injections grew more than children who had low adherence to daily somatropin injections. • Researchers, doctors, and nurses need to look at how they can help children with GHD follow their prescribed injection schedule and reduce the number of missed injections. The purpose of this plain language summary is to help you to understand the findings from recent research. • Somatropin is approved to treat the condition under study that is discussed in this summary. • This summary reports the results of a single study. The results of this study may differ from those of other studies. Health professionals should make treatment decisions based on all available evidence, not on the results of a single study. Glossary of commonly used terms Adherence – in this study, adherence refers to whether the children had enough medication (somatropin) to have daily injections as prescribed by their doctor. Growth hormone - a protein made in the pituitary gland that helps the body grow properly. Growth hormone deficiency – children with this condition do not have enough growth hormone in their bodies so they grow more slowly than children with normal levels of growth hormone. Somatropin - a type of human growth hormone that can be made in a laboratory and used to treat growth hormone deficiency.
Protective effect of chlorogenic acid on cognitive impairment in rats with early Alzheimer's disease via Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Xuehua , Hou Liang , Liu Yingxue , Liu Jiangsheng , Zhang Deqiang , Yao Suyan , Zheng Deyu 
Published: February 2025

Background: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has neuroprotective properties associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the exact mechanism by which CGA prevents cognitive impairment in AD remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of CGA on cognitive impairment in rats with early AD via the Wnt signaling pathway. Objective: To investigate the protective effect of CGA on cognitive impairment in an early AD rat model via the Wnt signaling pathway. Methods: Forty male rats were randomly divided into the control group (CON), AD group (AD), CGA 100 groups and CGA 150 groups with 10 rats in each group. In addition to CON group, the other three groups of rats were injected with 10 μL Aβ25-35 in the unilateral ventricle to create the model. After 3 days of molding, CGA100 group (gavage of CGA at a dose of 150 mg/kg/d) and CGA150 group (gavage of CGA at a dose of 150 mg/kg/d) were given CGA for 6 weeks. Morris water maze test, Nissl staining test, and western blot test were used. Results: CGA reduced the escape latency of Aβ25-35-induced early AD rats, shortened the swimming distance, and extended the activity time of the target quadrant. CGA increased the number of Nissl, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, decreased the expression levels of GSK-3β, GFAP, and tau, and increased the expression levels of DVL2 and β-catenin. Conclusions: CGA can protect the cognitive impairment of early AD rats via Wnt signaling pathway.
Epidermal growth factor dampens pro-inflammatory gene expression induced by interferon-gamma in global transcriptome analysis of keratinocytes
Authors: Gibbs David C. , McCrary Myles R. , Moreno Carlos S. , Seldin Lindsey , Li Chaoran , Kamili Nourine A. H. , Pollack Brian P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are used to treat certain cancers but frequently cause cutaneous inflammation that can hinder treatment. This is due in part to the effects of EGFRIs on pro-inflammatory signaling by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). However, the impact of EGFR ligands (i.e. EGF) on interferon signaling is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of EGF on IFN-γ transcriptional responses on a genome-wide scale in keratinocytes.

Methods
RNA-seq was performed in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells treated with IFN-γ, EGF, both, or neither (control). Differentially expressed genes in each treatment group, relative to control, were identified using DESeq2 with a false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of 0.01. Associated biologic processes and gene pathways were examined in gene-set enrichment analyses. Correlations between gene expression were investigated in vivo using RNA-seq data from biopsies of psoriatic and matched normal skin, which were collected from 116 individuals with psoriasis enrolled in the AMAGINE randomized clinical trials.

Results
Of the 2,792 differentially expressed genes following IFN-γ treatment, 2,083 (75%) were no longer differentially expressed when EGF was added. IFN-γ-induced genes with significantly lower expression in the presence of EGF included CXCL10, IL-6, IL-1 A, HLA-DMA, and GBP5 (activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome); the top enriched biologic processes and pathways were related to MHC-class II antigen presentation (GO:0019886) and cytokine signaling (KEGG:04060). Consistent with our in vitro findings, the expression of CXCL10 and GBP5, as well as the combined expression z-scores of genes in the enriched MHC-class II and cytokine signaling pathways, were significantly lower in skin biopsies with higher EGF expression compared to those with lower EGF expression among individuals with psoriasis.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory IFN-γ-induced transcriptome may be globally attenuated by EGF in keratinocytes, supporting an immunomodulatory role of EGF in the skin. These studies provide insights for the non-canonical immunomodulatory role of EGF signaling and why blocking EGFR signaling (e.g., with EGFRIs) can cause cutaneous inflammation.