bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and use of dry-rolled hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on growth performance and carcass quality of feedlot steers
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Carey Rachel E , Brattain Rebecca S , Wehrle Herman , Penner Gregory B 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The objectives were to compare cereal grain and straw yield between barley and hybrid rye (HR) and to evaluate whether the inclusion of dry-rolled HR grain as a replacement for barley grain affected feed intake and growth for growing cattle, and feed intake, growth, and carcass characteristics for finishing cattle. Crop yield was measured by directly weighing harvested grain and straw bales (n = 3 plots/grain type). Three-hundred sixty steers with an initial body weight (BW) of 348 ± 40 kg were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of the 24 pens during the growing phase (n = 8; 65 d). The control diet (BCON) included 60.22% barley grain with HR included by replacing 50 (BMID) or 100% (BHIGH) of the barley grain on a dry matter (DM) basis. Steers were re-randomized for the finishing phase (n = 6; 118 d) and treatments included a control diet containing 88.60% barley grain (FCON) with HR replacing 33 (FLOW), 67 (FMED), or 100% (FHIGH) of the barley grain (DM basis). The grain yield was greater (P = 0.04) and straw yield tended (P = 0.06) to be less for HR than barley. There were no effects of HR inclusion on DM intake (DMI) or G:F during the growing phase, but average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P = 0.02) with cattle fed 50% HR having the greatest gain. During finishing, DMI decreased linearly as HR grain inclusion increased (P &lt; 0.01). ADG initially increased from FCON to FLOW followed by a decrease with increasing HR inclusion (quadratic, P &lt; 0.01), but G:F was not affected. Hot carcass weight was greatest for FCON with the magnitude of difference between FCON and the HR treatments increasing with increasing inclusion of HR (quadratic, P = 0.02). There was a linear increase in dressing percentage (P = 0.02) and a linear reduction in back fat thickness (P = 0.04) with increasing inclusion of HR. Increasing the inclusion of HR during finishing cubically (P &lt; 0.01) affected the proportion of minor and severe liver abscesses with an average of 34.60% severely abscessed livers when HR was included compared to 11.11% for BCON. HR may have greater grain yield than barley, and partial replacement of barley grain with HR may improve ADG without affecting DMI or G:F during the growing phase. However, replacing barley grain in finishing diets with HR decreases DMI, and increases the risk of minor and severe liver abscesses, but does not affect feed conversion, suggesting HR should not replace more than 33% of the barley grain to maintain ADG.
Dexmedetomidine improves lung injury after one-lung ventilation in esophageal cancer patients by inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Zhen , Xiong Yingfen , Min Jia , Zhu Yunsheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim
To explore the effect of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on lung injury in patients undergoing One-lung ventilation (OLV).

Methods
Esophageal cancer patients undergoing general anesthesia with OLV were randomly divided into the DEX group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and arterial partial pressure of nitrogen dioxide (PCO2) were recorded at the time points after anesthesia induction and before OLV (T1), OLV 30 min (T2), OLV 60 min (T3), OLV 120 min (T4), OLV end before (T5) and before leaving the room (T6) in both groups. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect the levels of CC16 mRNA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum CC16 protein levels. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was determined by thio barbituric acid (TBA) method. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha)/and IL-6 (interleukin 6).

Results
DEX treatment slowed down HR at time points T1-T6 and increased PO2 and PCO2 at time points T2-T5 compared with the control group. Moreover, at time points T2-T6, DEX treatment reduced the levels of club cell secretory protein-16 (CC16) mRNA and serum CC16 protein levels. Furthermore, DEX treatment caused the reduction of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in serum of patients.

Conclusion
During the OLV process, DEX could reduce serum CC16 protein levels, inhibit inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, and improve oxygenation index, indicating a protective effect on lung injury during OLV.
An environmentally relevant mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts proliferation, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene transcription in primary human granulosa cells
Authors: Clark Kendra L , Shukla Mamta , George Jitu W , Gustin Stephanie , Rowley M Jordan , Davis John S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation and are environmentally persistent. PFAS are found in many consumer products and are a major source of water and soil contamination. This study investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS]) on the transcriptome and function of human granulosa cells (hGCs). Primary hGCs were harvested from follicular aspirates of healthy, reproductive-age women who were undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) was performed to identify PFAS compounds in pure follicular fluid. Cells were cultured with vehicle control or a PFAS mixture (2 nM PFHxS, 7 nM PFOA, 10 nM PFOS) for 96 h. Analyses of cell proliferation/apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and gene expression were measured via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays/immunofluorescence, ELISA/western blotting, and RNA sequencing/bioinformatics, respectively. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were detected in 100% of follicle fluid samples. Increased cell proliferation was observed in hGCs treated with the PFAS mixture with no impacts on cellular apoptosis. The PFAS mixture also altered steroid hormone synthesis, increasing both follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated and basal progesterone secretion and concomitant upregulation of STAR protein. RNA sequencing revealed inherent differences in transcriptomic profiles in hGCs after PFAS exposure. This study demonstrates functional and transcriptomic changes in hGCs after exposure to a PFAS mixture, improving our knowledge about the impacts of PFAS exposures and female reproductive health. These findings suggest that PFAS compounds can disrupt normal granulosa cell function with possible long-term consequences on overall reproductive health.
House dust-derived mixtures of organophosphate esters alter the phenotype, function, transcriptome, and lipidome of KGN human ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Rowan-Carroll Andrea , Meier Matthew J , Yauk Carole L , Wade Michael G , Robaire Bernard , Hales Barbara F 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs), used as flame retardants and plasticizers, are present ubiquitously in the environment. Previous studies suggest that exposure to OPEs is detrimental to female fertility in humans. However, no experimental information is available on the effects of OPE mixtures on ovarian granulosa cells, which play essential roles in female reproduction. We used high-content imaging to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant OPE mixtures on KGN human granulosa cell phenotypes. Perturbations to steroidogenesis were assessed using ELISA and qRT-PCR. A high-throughput transcriptomic approach, TempO-Seq, was used to identify transcriptional changes in a targeted panel of genes. Effects on lipid homeostasis were explored using a cholesterol assay and global lipidomic profiling. OPE mixtures altered multiple phenotypic features of KGN cells, with triaryl OPEs in the mixture showing higher potencies than other mixture components. The mixtures increased basal production of steroid hormones; this was mediated by significant changes in the expression of critical transcripts involved in steroidogenesis. Further, the total-OPE mixture disrupted cholesterol homeostasis and the composition of intracellular lipid droplets. Exposure to complex mixtures of OPEs, similar to those found in house dust, may adversely affect female reproductive health by altering a multitude of phenotypic and functional endpoints in granulosa cells. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of actions underlying the toxicity induced by OPEs and highlights the need to examine the effects of human relevant chemical mixtures.
Beyond the glow: proving the unity of pheromones and bioluminescent signals in glow-worm firefly courtship
Authors: Novák Martin , Jakubec Pavel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Sexual communication in nocturnal fireflies has been presumed to be facilitated exclusively by bioluminescence, which has replaced the pheromones used by diurnal species. Although some fireflies are suspected of using combined signalling, this view has so far not been supported by empirical evidence, and these species have been viewed more as outliers. In this study, we have investigated the visual and olfactory capability of sexual communication of a night-active glow-worm firefly Lamprohiza splendidula (Linnaeus, 1767). We recorded and categorized the behaviour of searching males in reaction to four different experimental treatments, in which the females could be located based solely on visual or olfactory cues or a combination of the two. The pheromone-only treatment attracted significantly more males than the control, thus confirming pheromone utilization in sexual communication of this species. This work represents the first direct evidence of combined pheromone and bioluminescence use in fireflies and refutes the hypothesis of exclusive use of light in courtship of the nocturnal species. We theorize that this life strategy is likely to be inherent in the whole genus and possibly common in all glow-worm firefly species.
Assessment of Nurse Educator Leadership: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Krouse Anne M. , Patterson Barbara J. , Morin Karen H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

AIM
Study purposes were to 1) establish the relevance and clarity of a new instrument, the Leadership in Nursing Education (LNE©) for nurse educators, and 2) provide evidence to support the reliability and validity of the LNE.

BACKGROUND
The future of nursing education is dependent upon the leadership of nurse faculty. Competency development requires self-assessment to engage in meaningful pathways for leadership development.

METHOD
A Delphi study was conducted with 50 nurse faculty leaders to determine the content validity of the LNE. The final instrument was then sent to nurse faculty across the United States to assess its psychometric properties.

RESULTS
The LNE was determined to be a reliable instrument for the population tested. Three distinct subscales emerged from the exploratory factor analysis: strategic, relational, and authentic.

CONCLUSION
The LNE fills a gap in nurse educator leadership assessment and provides evidence to support the instrument’s reliability and validity.
Addressing the Shortage of Academic Nurse Educators: Recommendations for Educational Institutions Based on Nominal Group Technique Research
Authors: Vardaman Shellye A. , Logan Laura , Davis Suja P. , Sciarra Erica , Doria Jenneth B. , Baker Jordan , Feeney Sheryl , Pajarillo Edmund J. Y. , Seibold-Simpson Susan , Bajwa Maria 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

AIM
The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold: 1) explore factors contributing to the shortage of academic nurse educators (ANEs) and 2) identify opportunities to address these factors from the perspectives of nursing education institutions.

BACKGROUND
The nurse faculty shortage is a major national concern, with inadequate recruitment and retention. Addressing the nursing faculty shortage is important to maintain a sustained nursing workforce.

METHOD
Using a nominal group technique (NGT), a group of 45 diverse nurse educators from across the United States formed a virtual workgroup.

RESULTS
Findings led to an action plan formulated to guide educational institutions with ways to decrease the ANE shortage through recruitment and retention.

CONCLUSION
The evidence demonstrates the need for educational institutions to concentrate efforts on recruiting and retaining ANEs to combat the nursing shortage. The analysis offers recommendations to institutions to increase the number of qualified ANEs.
Electroacupuncture reduced airway inflammation by activating somatosensory–sympathetic pathways in allergic asthmatic rats
Authors: Ma Hongli , Liu Xiaowen , Cai Huamei , Yan Yun , Li Weixia , Zhao Jing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment is efficacious in patients with respiratory disorders, although the mechanisms of its action in lung-function protection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical mechanisms of EA stimulation at the BL13 acupoint (Feishu, EA-BL13) improvement in asthma.

Methods:
Allergic asthma was induced by intranasal 2.0% ovalbumin (OVA) instillation combined with intraperitoneal injection of the 10.0% OVA. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff stain were used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion. Cellular oncogene fos induction in neurons after EA stimulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expression levels of adrenergic receptors were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
EA improved airway inflammation and mucus secretion mainly by activating somatosensory–sympathetic pathways (P <0.001). Briefly, the intermediolateral (IML) nuclei of the spinal cord received signals from somatic EA stimulation and then delivered the information via the sympathetic trunk to the lung. Excited sympathetic nerve endings in lung tissue released large amounts of catecholamines that specifically activated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on T cells (P <0.01) and further decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P <0.001) through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway.

Conclusion:
This study provided a new explanation and clinical basis for the use of EA-BL13 as a treatment for allergic asthma in both the attack and remission stages and other respiratory disorders related to airway inflammation.
Role of submucosal injection in radiofrequency ablation of gastric low-grade dysplasia: Effects on symptoms and outcomes
Authors: Niu Xiaotong , Wang Nanjun , Wang Yan , Feng Jia , Li Longsong , Han Ke , Chai Ningli , Linghu Enqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
To date, there is still a lack of standardized management strategies for gastric low-grade dysplasia (LGD), which is a direct neoplastic precancerous lesion and requires specifically superficial destruction. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is expected to be an effective method for gastric LGD, but post-RFA pain may affect patients’ satisfaction and compliance. The current study aimed to evaluate the value of a submucosal injection prior to RFA (SI-RFA) for postoperative pain and treatment outcomes.

Methods:
Between October 2014 and July 2021, gastric LGDs without risk factors (size >2 cm, unclear boundary, and abnormal microsurface and microvascularity) undergoing regular RFA and SI-RFA were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative pain scores, wound healing, and clinical efficacy were compared. Propensity score matching, stratified analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to control the confounding variables.

Results:
One hundred and ninety-seven gastric LGDs in 151 patients received regular RFA. Forty-nine gastric LGDs in 36 patients received SI-RFA. Thirty-six pairs of patients were selected for the assessment of postoperative pain by propensity score matching. Compared to regular RFA, SI-RFA significantly decreased the degree and duration of postoperative pain (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13–0.84; P = 0.020), improved wound healing rate (80.0% [36/45] vs. 58.9% [89/151], P = 0.012), increased the complete ablation rate (91.8% [45/49] vs. 86.3% [170/197], χ

2
= 1.094, P = 0.295), but correlated with higher rates of local recurrence and progression (25.6% [10/39] vs. 13.2% [18/136], χ

2
= 3.471, P = 0.062; 8.3% [3/36] vs. 0.9% [1/116], P = 0.042). The multivariable logistic regression model confirmed that submucosal injection was associated with local recurrence (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.13–7.58; P = 0.027).

Conclusions:
Submucosal injections prior to RFA may reduce postoperative pain and scar formation while ensuring complete ablation of gastric LGD. However, local recurrence and progression should be considered seriously.
Prostate cancer, its implications and awareness in the South Asian population: a retrospective cross-sectional cohort analysis
Authors: Shakil Saad , Akhtar Sareema E. , Ali Akhtar , Kotak Priya , Niaz Muhammad A. , Rana Farhan , Halabi Mouhammad O. , Kivalur Ganeshanath Akashnath , K. Alsubai Abdulla , Almesri Abdulla , Khayyat Hani , Malik Uzair 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
The second most frequent form of cancer in males and the main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide is prostate cancer (PC). Despite being less common than in Western nations, PC incidence and death rates have been rising throughout South Asia. This study intends to evaluate how well-informed and knowledgeable the South Asian public is about PC, its symptoms, and screening procedures among men and women.

Methods:
From August to September of 2022, a cross-sectional survey was carried out throughout South Asia. Participants in the research had to be at least 24 years old, and it used a practical sampling approach. A self-created questionnaire with both closed- and open-ended questions was used to gather the data. SPSS was used to conduct statistical analysis, including χ
2 tests for relationships.

Results:
A total of 378 individuals, comprising 57.6% men and 41.8% women, were involved in the study. Only 45.0% of participants were aware of prostate specific antigen testing for early PC diagnosis, however, 81.7% of people recognized what the prostate gland was. Approximately 87% of individuals had never received a screening for PC. Compared to males, women showed a stronger understanding of PC and its screening techniques. Notably, 94.7% believed the likelihood of effective therapy was increased by early identification.

Conclusion:
While women demonstrated better levels of knowledge, the study’s findings show that the general population in South Asia suffers from a serious shortage of reliable knowledge concerning PC. To promote early identification, lower morbidity, and enhance treatment success, awareness-raising and educational initiatives are essential, with a focus on both sexes. This study establishes the foundation for future research and emphasizes the necessity for targeted educational programmes in the area.
A 7-Month Multidisciplinary Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Effectively Improved Cardiometabolic Risk Profile of Firefighters
Authors: Saint-Martin Daniel Rodrigues Ferreira , Barreto Kevin Alves , Soares Edgard M. K. Von Koenig , Machado Marcelo Serejo , Morais Cristiana Soares dos Santos , Barbosa Adriana Mendonça Bonadio , Nogueira Rosenkranz Maciel , D’Isabel Susanne , Smith Denise L. , Molina Guilherme E. , Grossi Porto Luiz Guilherme 
Published: April 2024

Objective
We investigated the effect of a 7-month healthy lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) among male career military firefighters (FFs).

Methods
Forty-nine FFs participated in a 7-month workplace multiddisciplinary healthy lifestyle intervention designed to reduce CMRF through exercise, diet, and improved sleep. Medical assessments, accelerometry, and surveys at the beginning and end determined program effectiveness.

Results
At the end of the intervention period, there was a significant improvement in measures of body composition and blood glucose. The prevalence of hypertension also decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The 57% of participants who fully adhered to the program had significantly greater improvements across multiple CMRF. Participants increased their physical activity and improved their diet following the intervention.

Conclusions
This healthy lifestyle intervention was effective in changing behavior and lowering cardiometabolic risk among FFs.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Large Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Shokar Navkiran K. , Calderón-Mora Jessica , Salaiz Rebekah , Casner Nancy , Zuckerman Marc J. , Byrd Theresa L. , Shokar Gurjeet S. , Dwivedi Alok 
Published: April 2024

Context:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality; however, screening rates are suboptimal. The lowest rates are among those with no usual source of care and the uninsured.

Objective:
We describe the implementation and evaluation of a community-based CRC screening program from 2012 to 2015 designed to increase screening within a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border population.

Methods:
The multicomponent, evidence-based program provided in-person, bilingual, culturally tailored health education facilitated by community health workers, no-cost primarily stool-based testing and diagnostic colonoscopy, and navigation. We recruited uninsured individuals due for CRC screening from clinics and community sites. An extensive qualitative and quantitative program process and outcome evaluation was conducted.

Results:
In total, 20 118 individuals were approached, 8361 were eligible for screening; 74.8% completed screening and 74.6% completed diagnostic testing; 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean age of participants was 56.8 years, and the majority were Hispanic, female, and of low socioeconomic status. The process evaluation gathered information that enabled effective program implementation and demonstrated effective staff training, compliance with processes, and high patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:
This program used a population-based approach focusing on uninsured individuals and proved successful at achieving high fecal immunochemical test kit return rates and colonoscopy completion rates. Key factors related to its success included tailoring the intervention to our priority population, strong partnerships with community-based sites and clinics, expertise in clinical CRC screening, and an active community advisory board. This program can serve as a model for similar populations along the border to increase CRC screening rates among the underserved.