bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters for yearling male reproduction traits in tropical composite cattle population
Authors: Facy Madeliene L , Hebart Michelle L , Oakey Helena , McEwin Rudi A , Pitchford Wayne S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Fertility is economically important but is hard to quantify and measure in breeding programs which has led extensive breeding programs to ignore fertility in their selection criteria. While female fertility traits have been extensively researched, male fertility traits have been largely ignored. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of bulls have sub-fertility, reducing the number of calves born and profits, highlighting the importance of investigating bull fertility. The most practical measure of male fertility is a bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) which assesses structure as well as semen quality and quantity. Generally, traits recorded in a BBSE are neither genetically evaluated nor used for selection in breeding programs. All traits recorded during a BBSE were analyzed through a series of univariate and bivariate linear mixed models using a genomic relationship matrix to estimate genetic parameters. All genotype and phenotype data were obtained from a tropical composite commercial cattle population and imputed to 27,638 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a total of 2,613 genotyped animals with BBSE records ranging from 616 to 826 animals depending on the trait. The heritabilities of the 27 traits recorded during a BBSE ranged from 0.02 to 0.49. Seven of the male fertility traits were recommended to be included in a breeding program based on their heritability and their phenotypic and genetic correlations. These traits are scrotal circumference, percent normal sperm, proximal droplets, distal midpiece reflex, knobbed acrosomes, vacuoles/teratoids, and sheath score. Using these seven traits in a breeding program would result in higher calving rates, increasing production and profitability.
Recombinant Human Collagen Type III Improves Hypertrophic Scarring by Regulating the Ratio of Type I/III Collagen
Authors: Lin-Hui Li , Yuan-Yuan Zha , Ming-Yu Liu , Xu-Dong Hong , Yin-Jia Ding , Yue Zhou , Yang-Hong-Hong Fei , Ai-Fen Chen , Xu-Dong Zhang , Zheng-Li Chen , Jian Jin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hypertrophic scar development is a complication associated with wound healing, impacting local appearance and function. The type I/III collagen ratio affects the extent of hypertrophic scarring; a reduced ratio can ameliorate this. In this study, recombinant human collagen type III was developed. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine its amino acid sequence and confirm its high level of homology with natural human type III collagen. Recombinant human collagen type III displayed no cytotoxicity and did not confer skin irritation and sensitization. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses of histidine following incubation with fibroblasts suggested cell entry of recombinant human collagen type III. Furthermore, recombinant human collagen type III promoted the synthesis of the natural type III collagen in fibroblasts, resulting in a more obvious increase of type III collagen content in fibroblasts than that of type I collagen, and then decreased the ratio of type I/III collagen. The results of 5-ethynyl-2ʹ-deoxyuridine staining assay suggested enhanced fibroblast proliferation. Following local injection of recombinant human collagen type III, rabbit ear scarring was significantly reduced after 60 days. Vancouver Scar Scale evaluation showed that all index scores were significantly reduced. Western blotting and Picro-Sirius red staining showed that the natural type III collagen increase in scar tissue was greater than that of type I collagen, decreasing the type I/III ratio. In summary, recombinant human collagen type III can be taken up by fibroblasts and promote natural collagen synthesis—especially that of type III—thereby reducing the type I/III ratio and improving hypertrophic scarring.
PGAM1 suppression remodels the tumor microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer and synergizes with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wang Min , Wang Wenying , Ma Shiya , Yu Wenwen , Ren Xiubao , Sun Qian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is a high-risk form of breast cancer with a high metastatic potential and lack of effective therapies. Immunotherapy has shown encouraging clinical benefits, and its efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer is affected by immunocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. PGAM1 is a key enzyme involved in cancer metabolism; however, its role in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PGAM1 in triple-negative breast cancer and determine the potential of PGAM1 inhibition in combination with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy. Our results showed that PGAM1 is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PGAM1 inhibition synergizes with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, significantly remodeling the tumor microenvironment and leading to an increase in antitumor immunocytes, such as CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages, and a reduction in immunosuppressive cell infiltration, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Functional and animal experiments showed that this synergistic mechanism inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. We identified PGAM1 as a novel target that exhibits an antitumor effect via the regulation of immunocyte infiltration. Our results show that PGAM1 can synergize with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, providing a novel treatment strategy for triple-negative breast cancer.
Testosterone therapy in females is not associated with increased cardiovascular or breast cancer risk: a claims database analysis
Authors: Agrawal Pranjal , Singh Sajya M , Hsueh Jessica , Grutman Aurora , An Clemens , Able Corey , Choi Una , Kohn Jaden , Clifton Marisa , Kohn Taylor P 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Testosterone therapy (TTh) has been shown to improve libido in women with sexual dysfunction, but its utilization has been limited due to concern for cardiovascular events and past studies reporting highly variable results.

Aim
To assess the association of TTh in women with major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including heart attack, stroke, or death, using a large database.

Methods
The TriNetX Diamond Network was queried from 2009 to 2022. Our study cohort included adult females with ≥3 systemic testosterone prescriptions within a year. Our control cohort excluded females with any testosterone prescriptions, polycystic ovary syndrome, or androgen excess. Both cohorts excluded females with prior heart failure, unstable angina, intersex surgery (female to male), personal history of sex reassignment, or gender identity disorders. Propensity matching between the cohorts was performed. A subanalysis by age was conducted (18-55 and &gt;55 years).

Outcomes
We evaluated the association of TTh to the following: MACE, upper or lower emboli or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), breast neoplasm, and hirsutism within 3 years of TTh.

Results
When compared with propensity-matched controls, adult females with TTh had a lower risk of MACE (risk ratio [RR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.81), DVT (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.90), PE (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.82), and malignant breast neoplasm (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.37-0.62). Similarly, females aged 18 to 55 years with TTh had a lower risk of MACE (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.85) and DVT (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.93) and a similar risk of malignant breast neoplasm (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.34-1.12). Females aged ≥56 years with TTh had a similar risk of MACE (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.64-1.10), DVT (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.36), and PE (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26-1.05) and a significantly lower risk of malignant breast neoplasm (RR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.38-0.68). Risk of hirsutism was consistently higher in those with TTh as compared with propensity-matched controls.

Clinical Implications
Our results contribute to safety data on TTh, a therapy for sexual dysfunction in women.

Strengths and Limitations
The TriNetX Diamond Network allows for significant generalizability but has insufficient information for some factors.

Conclusions
We found a decreased risk of MACE among women with TTh as compared with matched controls and a similar risk of MACE in postmenopausal women while demonstrating a similar or significantly lower risk of breast cancer on age-based subanalysis.
Predictors of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Adherence Among U.S. Active Duty Military Personnel With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Shaha David P , Ee Juliana S , Pham Christopher K , Choi Lea S , Dogbey Godwin Y , Pogorzelski Nina 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among U.S. military personnel, but adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment is suboptimal. This study sought to identify factors that predict the adherence to PAP therapy of active duty military patients newly diagnosed with OSA.

Materials and Methods
The study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 239 active duty military patients (94% men, mean age 40.0 ± 7.8 years), who were admitted into PAP therapy and participated in a single 90-minute behavioral intervention session. The session included a self-assessment of sleep trouble, sleep distress, impact of sleep on functioning, emotional difficulty from sleep, stress appraisal, and beliefs about OSA and PAP. PAP usage data of the patients were analyzed at 30-, 60-, and 180 days post-intervention using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results
Positive airway pressure adherence of at least 4 hours nightly usage decreased slightly over the course of the study; mean number of days used over a 30-day timeframe at the 30-, 60-, and 180-day mark were 15.6, 14.9, and 14.1 days, respectively. On nights used, PAP usage remained consistent at 4.8 to 5.0 hours over the 30-, 60-, and 180-day mark. Age, apnea-hypopnea index, readiness, self-efficacy or confidence in treatment implementation, and worries about sleep were statistically significant predictors of adherence. Furthermore, worries about sleep negatively affected PAP usage hours on nights used, regardless of meeting adherence criterion, in the early phase of treatment and in the long run at the 180-day mark.

Conclusions
Readiness for therapy, self-efficacy, confidence in putting into action the treatment plan, and worries about sleep are modifiable variables that may be targeted in programs to boost PAP adherence and usage among the military population. Future studies should explore the predictive aspects of each of these variables and identify interventions to improve them.
Analysis, classification and identification of gastropod locomotive mucus by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ledesma Edgar Barajas , Holland Chris 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Mucus is a defining feature of many gastropod phenotypes. Its material properties are a product of selection acting on the relationship between mucus composition, structure and performance; however, to date, there are very few studies addressing this. Here, we introduce attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as an accessible analytical technique to record, identify and classify gastropod locomotive mucus, as deposited, with practically no intervention. Advancing the field beyond previous spectroscopic studies, we also probe mucus response to a temperature increase, determining its propensity to remain hydrated (i.e. resist denaturation) and serving as the basis for building cladograms based on spectral similarities. Specifically, the relative content of proteins, their secondary structures, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and thermal stability were investigated and shown to have significant variation between species. Collating and comparing over 648 spectra across 12 species and 7 superfamilies, we report that it is even possible to classify gastropods based solely on their secreted pedal mucus. This was further compared to previously published phylogenetic data and taxonomies enabling a 100% hit rate of genus assignment, implying that mucus FTIR may also be a powerful tool for field-based biodiversity studies.
Baseline total brain volume predicts changes in quality of life and overall survival after cranial radiotherapy in older patients with glioblastoma: Results from the prospective BRITER study
Authors: Lorimer Cressida , Mills Samantha , Chalmers Anthony , Coombes Isobelle , Thompson Gerard , Glendenning Jennifer , Radon Mark , Jones Christopher , Williamson Aoife , Brock Juliet 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Short-course partial brain radiotherapy ± chemotherapy for older patients with GBM extends survival but there is no validated evidence for prediction of individual risk of acute radiotherapy-related side effects.

Methods
This prospective multicentre observational trial recruited patients with newly diagnosed GBM aged ≥65 planned for cranial radiotherapy. Baseline MRI scans were analyzed for markers of brain resilience including relative total brain volume (ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume to total intracranial volume (TIV)) and their relationship to change in quality of life (QoL).

Results
126 patients enrolled: mean age 72 years (range 65-83). 77% had debulking surgery. 79% received radiotherapy with concurrent TMZ, and 21% received palliative radiotherapy alone. The median OS was 10.7 months. After accounting for age, sex, treatment, and baseline MoCA score, there was a relationship between baseline CSF:TIV and change in QoL score at 8 weeks post treatment. For each unit point of increase in CSF:TIV, there was a corresponding decrease in QoL score of 1.72 (95% CI −3.24 to −0.19 P = .027). 35 participants were too unwell to complete questionnaires or had died by the 8 week follow-up visit. In this subgroup, post hoc logistic regression showed baseline CSF:TIV was related to the risk of non-attendance (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.80, P = .042). Cox regression models showed baseline CSF:TIV was associated with worsened OS (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.66, P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
This study provides evidence to support the use of an imaging biomarker to help assess the risk:benefit ratio for radiotherapy.
Patterns of care and survival in patients with multifocal glioblastoma: A Danish cohort study
Authors: Trip Anouk Kirsten , Hedegaard Dahlrot Rikke , Aaquist Haslund Charlotte , Muhic Aida , Rosendal Korshøj Anders , Laursen René Johannes , Rom Poulsen Frantz , Skjøth-Rasmussen Jane , Lukacova Slavka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
This Danish cohort study aims to (1) compare patterns of care (POC) and survival of patients with multifocal glioblastoma (mGBM) to those with unifocal glioblastoma (uGBM), and (2) explore the association of patient-related factors with treatment assignment and prognosis, respectively, in the subgroup of mGBM patients.

Methods
Data on all adults with newly diagnosed, pathology-confirmed GBM between 2015 and 2019 were extracted from the Danish Neuro-Oncology Registry. To compare POC and survival of mGBM to uGBM, we applied multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis, respectively. To analyze the association of patient-related factors with treatment assignment and prognosis, we established multivariable logistic and Cox regression models, respectively.

Results
In this cohort of 1343 patients, 231 had mGBM. Of those, 42% underwent tumor resection and 41% were assigned to long-course chemoradiotherapy. Compared to uGBM, mGBM patients less often underwent a partial (odds ratio [OR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2–0.6), near-total (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.07–0.2), and complete resection (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.07–0.2) versus biopsy. mGBM patients were furthermore less often assigned to long-course chemoradiotherapy (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.97). Median overall survival was 7.0 (95% CI 5.7–8.3) months for mGBM patients, and multifocality was an independent poor prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5). In mGBM patients, initial performance, O[6]-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promotor methylation status, and extent of resection were significantly associated with survival.

Conclusions
Patients with mGBM were treated with an overall less intensive approach. Multifocality was a poor prognostic factor for survival with a moderate effect. Prognostic factors for patients with mGBM were identified.
Ultrasound guided quadro-iliac plane block: another novel fascial plane block
Authors: Tulgar Serkan , Ciftci Bahadir , Ahiskalioglu Ali , Bilal Bora , Sakul Bayram Ufuk , Girit Melike , Akin Tugce , Narayanan Madan , Alici Haci Ahmet 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Study objective
We report a novel block technique aimed to provide lumbosacral, abdominal, and hip analgesia: The quadro-iliac plane (QIP) block.

Design
A cadaveric examination that evaluates the spread of QIP block.

Setting
Cadaver laboratory.

Patients
One unembalmed cadaver.

Interventions
Bilateral ultrasound-guided QIP blocks on cadavers with 40 mL of methylene blue %0.5 each side.

Measurements
Dye spread in cadaver.

Main results
There was staining in the deep interfascial plane of the erector spinae muscles. Extensive staining of the interfascial plane corresponding to the posterior aspect of the quadratus lumborum muscle (QLM) was observed. There was extensive staining on the anterior surface of the QLM. There was spread of dye traversing along the transversalis fascia and significantly infiltrating retroperitoneal fat tissue. Bilateral staining of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves was observed. On the right, there was minimal staining over the subcostal nerve. There was dye present bilaterally within the deep regions of the transverse processes. The lumbar plexus was stained on both sides.

Conclusion
The local anesthetic applied from a place where the QLM reaches its largest volume and the fascial plane creates a closed gap in the caudal area may exhibit a more rounded and extensive spread.
Quadro-iliac plane block, involves the administration of local anesthetic to the posterior aspect of the QLM at its origin from the iliac crest. According to our cadaver study, this technique may be a promising option for alleviating acute and chronic pain in the lumbosacral, lower abdominal, and hip regions.
Anti-histone and anti-nucleosome rather than anti-dsDNA antibodies associate with IFN-induced biomarkers in Sudanese and Swedish SLE patients
Authors: Elbagir Sahwa , Mohammed NasrEldeen A , Oke Vilija , Larsson Anders , Nilsson Jan , Elshafie Amir , Elagib Elnour M , Nur Musa A M , Gunnarsson Iva , Svenungsson Elisabet , Rönnelid Johan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In SLE, anti-dsDNA can co-occur with autoantibodies against other chromatin components, like histones and nucleosomes. These antibodies induce type-1 interferon production, a hallmark of SLE. We measured ANA sub-specificities and investigated their associations to inflammatory biomarkers including interferon-regulated chemokines.

Methods
We included 93 Sudanese and 480 Swedish SLE patients and matched controls (N = 104 + 192). Autoantibodies targeting ANA sub-specificities: dsDNA, Sm, Sm/U1RNPcomplex, U1RNP, SSA/Ro52, SSA/Ro60, SSB/La, ribosomal P, PCNA and histones were quantified in all subjects, anti-nucleosome only in the Swedish patients, with a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. Levels of 72 plasma biomarkers were determined with the Proximity Extension Assay technique or ELISA.

Results
Among Sudanese patients, the investigated antibodies were significantly associated with 9/72 biomarkers. Anti-histone antibodies showed the strongest positive correlations with MCP-3 and S100A12 as well as with interferon I-inducible factors MCP-1 and CXCL10. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were associated with CXCL10 and S100A12, but in multivariate analyses, unlike anti-histone, associations lost significance.
Among Swedish patients, MCP-1, CXCL10, and SA100A12 also demonstrated stronger associations to anti-histone and anti-nucleosome antibodies, compared with anti-dsDNA and other ANA sub-specificities. In multiple regression models, anti-histone/nucleosome retained the strongest associations. When excluding anti-histone or anti-nucleosome positive patients, the associations between MCP-1/CXCL10 and anti-dsDNA were lost. In contrast, when excluding anti-dsDNA positive patients, associations with anti-histone and anti-nucleosome remained significant.

Conclusion
In two cohorts of different ethnical origins, autoantibodies targeting chromatin correlate stronger with IFN-induced inflammatory biomarkers than anti-dsDNA or other ANA sub-specificities. Our results suggest that anti-histone/nucleosome autoantibodies may be the main drivers of type-1 interferon activity in SLE.
Documenting Decentralization: Empirical Evidence on Administrative Unit Proliferation from Uganda
Authors: Cohen Isabelle 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Decentralization is an important and commonplace type of reform, yet our understanding of its effects remains limited. This paper documents the effects of the 2009–10 wave of district creation in Uganda, which increased the country’s districts by 42 percent, using rich data on subdistrict units to assess the effects of district creation on a broad range of post-decentralization outcomes in a difference-in-differences framework. The effects of decentralization are concentrated in newly split off—rather than split from—districts, and are heterogeneous across outcome types. Newly split-off districts have more per capita frontline workers, but appear to have worse quality infrastructure and lower economic development. The study also presents suggestive evidence that administrative capacity decreases for newly formed districts post-split. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering a broad range of outcomes when thinking about decentralization.
Using Initial Biopsies and Vertical Sections to Improve Trainees' Confidence in Performing Mohs Surgery
Authors: Lee Jennifer , Bae Edward , Yang Eric J. , Iwamoto Satori 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Tissue preservation and tumor clearance are hallmarks of Mohs micrographic surgery, but no standardized method currently exists to guide trainees on how to balance the two.

OBJECTIVE
The authors provided residents and fellows with additional histologic information to enhance their surgical decision-making without changing the standard methodology of Mohs surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
Trainees were provided initial biopsy slides (IS) and frozen vertical sections (VS) of the first Mohs layer. All Mohs layers were excised in standard fashion, and vertically oriented sections were taken from the layer without disturbing the surgical margins to obtain VS. Surveys were used to assess trainees' confidence in performing Mohs surgery with and without these tools.

RESULTS
Trainees reported increased confidence in performing Mohs surgery when they reviewed IS before surgery and viewed VS of the first layer.

CONCLUSION
Reviewing IS and VS improved trainees' confidence in performing Mohs surgery. This additional histological information was obtained while maintaining the usual steps of Mohs surgery. Objective information obtained from IS and VS may explain why trainees' confidence increased using this technique. Both IS and VS can be valuable teaching tools that may enhance trainees' ability to perform Mohs surgery.