bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial probiotic on in vitro rumen gas production and nutrient digestibility of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations
Authors: Cappellozza Bruno I , Joergensen Jens N , Copani Giuseppe , Bryan Keith A , Fantinati Paolo , Bodin Jean-Christophe , Khahi Mohammad Malek , NinoDeGuzman Carlos , Arriola Kathy G , Lima Laís O , Farooq Samia , Vyas Diwakar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We evaluated the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on total in vitro gas production, dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch disappearance of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations (TMR) in three different experiments. In experiment 1, six single fiber-based feedstuffs were evaluated: alfalfa hay, buffalo grass, beet pulp, eragrostis hay, oat hay, and smutsvinger grass. Experimental treatments were control (with no probiotic inoculation; CON) or incubation of a probiotic mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU/g; DFM). The calculation of DFM dose under in vitro conditions was based on the assumption of a rumen capacity of 70 liter and the dose of 3 g of the DFM mixture/head/d (9.6 × 109 CFU). Total in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF disappearance were evaluated at 24- and 48 h posttreatment incubation. Mean treatment effects were observed at 24- and 48 h gas production (P &lt; 0.0001), as DFM incubation increased in vitro gas production by 5.0% and 6.5%, respectively. For nutrient digestibility, mean DM digestibility was increased at 48 h (P = 0.05), whereas mean NDF digestibility increased at both timepoints by incubating DFM in vitro (P ≤ 0.02). In experiment 2, nine commercial dairy TMR were collected and evaluated for the same variables and treatments described in experiment 1, with the additional analysis of starch digestibility at 7 h post in vitro incubation. The only difference was the concentration of the DFM included, being representative for a dosage of 8.8 × 109 CFU/head/d. In vitro gas production was increased only at 48 h due to DFM incubation (P = 0.05), whereas DM and NDF digestibility were improved at 24 and 48 h (P ≤ 0.02). No treatment effects were observed on in vitro starch digestibility (P = 0.31). In experiment 3, a combined analysis of DM and NDF digestibility was performed by using quality values (NDF and crude protein or CP) of 16 substrates. Regardless of CP and NDF levels of the substrates, DFM improved in vitro 24 and 48 h DM and NDF digestibility (P ≤ 0.03). In summary, incubating a Bacillus-based DFM (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis; BOVACILLUS) improved mean in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF digestibility of single feedstuffs and commercial dairy TMR, highlighting the potential of this combination of Bacillus spp. to improve nutrient utilization, mainly fiber.
Outcomes of a peer-led navigation program, PARTNER-MH, for racially minoritized Veterans receiving mental health services: a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Eliacin Johanne , Burgess Diana , Rollins Angela L , Patterson Scott , Damush Teresa , Bair Matthew J , Salyers Michelle P , Spoont Michele , Chinman Matthew , Slaven James E , Matthias Marianne S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of PARTNER-MH, which aimed to engage racially diverse Veterans in mental health services, facilitate their active participation in care, and improve their communication with providers. Fifty participants were randomized to the intervention or a waitlist control group. For primary outcomes, we assessed the feasibility of the study design and PARTNER-MH’s feasibility and acceptability. For secondary outcomes, we explored preliminary effects on patient engagement, patient activation, shared decision-making, and health-related outcomes. The study had a recruitment rate of 68%, enrollment rate of 91%, and a follow-up retention rate of 72%. For intervention feasibility and acceptability, fidelity scores were satisfactory and improved over time, session attendance was modest with 33% of participants completing ≥6 sessions, and 89% of participants were satisfied with the intervention. For secondary outcomes, patients in the intervention arm showed significant improvement on self-reported mental health and depression, compared with those in the control group at both 6- and 9-month follow-ups. However, there were no significant differences between study arms on the other measures. Pilot results provide support for future testing of PARTNER-MH in a larger trial, although modifications are needed to increase session attendance and follow-up retention rate.

Clinical Trial information
The study was preregistered at Clinical Trials.gov. The study Trial registration number is ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04515771.
Therapeutic administration of mouse mast cell protease 6 improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in mice by promoting remyelination and reducing glial scar formation
Authors: Vangansewinkel Tim , Lemmens Stefanie , Tiane Assia , Geurts Nathalie , Dooley Dearbhaile , Vanmierlo Tim , Pejler Gunnar , Hendrix Sven 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) most often leads to permanent paralysis due to the inability of axons to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In the past, we have shown that mast cells (MCs) improve the functional outcome after SCI by suppressing scar tissue formation at the lesion site via mouse mast cell protease 6 (mMCP6). In this study, we investigated whether recombinant mMCP6 can be used therapeutically to improve the functional outcome after SCI. Therefore, we applied mMCP6 locally via an intrathecal catheter in the subacute phase after a spinal cord hemisection injury in mice. Our findings showed that hind limb motor function was significantly improved in mice that received recombinant mMCP6 compared with the vehicle‐treated group. In contrast to our previous findings in mMCP6 knockout mice, the lesion size and expression levels of the scar components fibronectin, laminin, and axon‐growth‐inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were not affected by the treatment with recombinant mMCP6. Surprisingly, no difference in infiltration of CD4+ T cells and reactivity of Iba‐1+ microglia/macrophages at the lesion site was observed between the mMCP6‐treated mice and control mice. Additionally, local protein levels of the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, IFNγ, and MCP‐1 were comparable between the two treatment groups, indicating that locally applied mMCP6 did not affect inflammatory processes after injury. However, the increase in locomotor performance in mMCP6‐treated mice was accompanied by reduced demyelination and astrogliosis in the perilesional area after SCI. Consistently, we found that TNF‐α/IL‐1β‐astrocyte activation was decreased and that oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation was increased after recombinant mMCP6 treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, this suggests effects of mMCP6 on reducing astrogliosis and improving (re)myelination in the spinal cord after injury. In conclusion, these data show for the first time that recombinant mMCP6 is therapeutically active in enhancing recovery after SCI.
The Influence of Caregiver Language on the Association Between Child Temperament and Spoken Language in Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Bowdrie Kristina , Lind-Combs Holly , Blank Andrew , Frush Holt Rachael 
Published: May 2023

Objectives:
To examine the interaction between child temperament and caregiver linguistic input (i.e., syntactic complexity and lexical diversity) on receptive language in children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).

Design:
Families of 59 DHH children (M
age = 5.66 years) using spoken language for communication participated in this cross-sectional study. Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Questionnaire—Short Form, which measured child temperament across three established factors (i.e., effortful control, negative affectivity, surgency-extraversion) and participated with their child in a semi-structured, dyadic play interaction that occurred during a home visit. Caregivers’ language during the play interaction was quantified based on lexical diversity and syntactic complexity. Children also completed norm-referenced receptive language measures (i.e., Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language-2, age-appropriate Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals) during the home visit that were combined into a composite measure of child receptive language.

Results:
When caregivers used lower to moderate levels of lexical diversity, child effortful control was positively related to child receptive language. However, when caregivers used higher levels of lexical diversity, child effortful control and child receptive language were not related to each other.

Conclusions:
Family environments rich in caregiver lexical input to children might provide a protective influence on DHH child language outcomes by helping to ensure DHH children with varying self-regulatory abilities achieve better spoken language comprehension. These findings highlight the importance of encouraging caregivers to provide rich and stimulating language-learning environments for DHH children.
Association of Urine Biomarkers With Acute Kidney Injury and Fluid Overload in Infants After Cardiac Surgery: A Single Center Ancillary Cohort of the Steroids to Reduce Systemic Inflammation After Infant Heart Surgery Trial
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J. , Chamberlain Reid C. , Hill Kevin D. , Sullenger Rebecca D. , Graham Eric M. , Gbadegesin Rasheed A. , Hornik Christoph P. 
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the association between three perioperative urine biomarker concentrations (urine cystatin C [uCysC], urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [uNGAL], and urine kidney injury molecule 1 [uKIM-1]), and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) and fluid overload (FO) in infants with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. To explore how urine biomarkers are associated with distinct CS-AKI phenotypes based on FO status.

DESIGN:
Ancillary prospective cohort study.

SETTING:
Single U.S. pediatric cardiac ICU.

PATIENTS:
Infants less than 1 year old enrolled in the Steroids to Reduce Systemic Inflammation after Infant Heart Surgery trial (NCT03229538) who underwent heart surgery from June 2019 to May 2020 and opted into biomarker collection at a single center. Infants with preoperative CS-AKI were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Forty infants met inclusion criteria. Median (interquartile) age at surgery was 103 days (5.5–161 d). Modified Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes-defined CS-AKI was diagnosed in 22 (55%) infants and 21 (53%) developed FO. UCysC and uNGAL peaked in the early postoperative period and uKIM-1 peaked later. In unadjusted analysis, bypass time was longer, and Vasoactive-Inotropic Score at 24 hours was higher in infants with CS-AKI. On multivariable analysis, higher uCysC (odds ratio [OR], 1.023; 95% CI, 1.004–1.042) and uNGAL (OR, 1.019; 95% CI, 1.004–1.035) at 0–8 hours post-bypass were associated with FO. UCysC, uNGAL, and uKIM-1 did not significantly correlate with CS-AKI. In exploratory analyses of CS-AKI phenotypes, uCysC and uNGAL were highest in CS-AKI+/FO+ infants.

CONCLUSIONS:
In this study, uCysC and uNGAL in the early postoperative period were associated with FO at 48 hours. UCysC, uNGAL, and uKIM-1 were not associated with CS-AKI. Further studies should focus on defining expected concentrations of these biomarkers, exploring CS-AKI phenotypes and outcomes, and establishing clinically meaningful endpoints for infants post-cardiac surgery.
Association of hormone preparations with bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018
Authors: Wang Yiran , Sun Chao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the associations of hormone preparations with lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and whether these impacts persisted after hormone preparations were discontinued.

Methods
A total of 6,031 postmenopausal women were enrolled and divided into seven groups based on the types of hormone preparations. Among them, 1,996 participants were further divided into a current users (CU) group and a past users (PU) group. Multivariable linear regression models or logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of hormone preparation with lumbar spine BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

Results
Combined oral contraceptive pills, estrogen-only pills, estrogen/progestin combo pills, estrogen-only patches, or the use of more than two kinds of hormone preparations were positively associated with lumbar spine BMD (all P < 0.05). Except for estrogen-only patches, other hormone preparations also had a protective effect against osteopenia (all OR < 1, all P < 0.05), but none of them were associated with osteoporosis prevalence (all P > 0.05). The BMD increased by 0.10 and 0.04 g/cm2 in the CU and PU groups, respectively, compared with the nonusers group (all P < 0.05). In both the CU and PU groups, the risk of osteopenia was reduced (OR, 0.34 and 0.57, respectively).

Conclusions
Hormone preparations increase lumbar spine BMD in postmenopausal women and exert a protective effect against osteopenia. These impacts persisted after hormone preparations were discontinued. Hormone preparations, however, were not associated with osteoporosis prevalence.
Effects of topical dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in women after pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Nowakowski Łukasz , Gałczyński Krzysztof , Dybowski Michał , Typek Rafał , Dawidowicz Andrzej , Miotła Paweł , Olcha Piotr , Rechberger Tomasz 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. Restoration of the proper estrogenization of vaginal mucosa is important in preoperative and postoperative treatment, increasing the effectiveness of this approach. The objective of this study was the development of intravaginal vaginal suppositories containing DHEA and comparison of the clinical effects of vaginal topical therapy with DHEA, estradiol, or antibiotic after POP surgery.

Method
Nine types of vaginal suppositories containing 6.5 mg DHEA in different bases were prepared to find optimal formulation for the vaginal conditions. Ninety women referred for POP surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving topical treatment in the postoperative period (estradiol, DHEA, or antibiotic). On admission to hospital and during follow-up vaginal pH, vaginal maturation index and vaginal symptoms were assessed.

Results
Vaginal suppositories with the base made from polyethylene glycol 1,000 without surfactants characterized the highest percentage of the released DHEA. In women treated with topical estradiol or DHEA a significant decrease in the number of parabasal cells, increase in superficial and intermediate cells in the vaginal smears, decrease in vaginal pH, and reduction of vaginal symptoms were observed.

Conclusions
The use of topical therapy with DHEA or the use of topical therapy with estradiol in the postoperative period were both shown to improve maturation index, vaginal pH, and vaginal symptoms. The benefits of topical therapy with DHEA after pelvic organ prolapse repair brings similar results as estradiol, without potential systemic exposure to increased concentrations of sex steroids above levels observed in postmenopausal women.
Early menopause and cardiovascular risk factors: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Roa-Díaz Zayne Milena , Wehrli Faina , Lambrinoudaki Irene , Gebhard Catherine , Baumgartner Iris , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Bano Arjola , Raguindin Peter Francis , Muka Taulant 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the study is to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of early natural menopause with changes in cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).

Methods
Postmenopausal women from the Swiss CoLaus study, reporting age at natural menopause (ANM) and having CVRFs measurements (blood lipids, blood pressure, glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], and inflammatory markers) at baseline (2003-2006) and first follow-up (2009-2012) were eligible for analysis. Age at natural menopause was analyzed as a continuous variable and in categories (ANM <45 and ≥45 y old). Linear regression analysis and linear mixed models were used to assess whether ANM is associated cross-sectionally and longitudinally with changes in CVRFs. Models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, lifestyle-related factors, time since menopause, medication, and clinical conditions.

Results
We analyzed 981 postmenopausal women. The cross-sectional analysis showed that women with ANM younger than 45 years had lower diastolic blood pressure (β = −3.76 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.86 to −1.65) compared with women whose ANM was 45 years or older. In the longitudinal analysis, ANM younger than 45 years was associated with changes in log insulin (β = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.45) and log homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance levels (β = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.48). No associations were found between ANM and other CVRFs.

Conclusions
Early menopause may be associated with changes in glucose metabolism, while it may have little to no impact on other CVRFs. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to replicate our findings.
Better baseline vision leads to better outcomes after the 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Gonzalez Victor H. , Luo Caesar , Almeida David R.P. , Cutino Antonio , Coughlin Brandon , Kasper Jonathan , Kiernan Daniel F. ,   on behalf of the PALADIN Study Group
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Analysis of a three-year, phase 4, open-label, observational study evaluating the association of baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with visual, treatment burden, and retinal thickness variability (RTV) outcomes and intraocular pressure (IOP)-related events following the 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant

Methods:
Data from patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who did not have a clinically significant rise in IOP following previous corticosteroid treatment (N=202 eyes from 159 patients) were segregated by baseline BCVA of ≥20/40 or <20/40 and analyzed for BCVA, number of yearly supplemental DME treatments, RTV, and incidence of IOP-related event

Results:
At 36 months post-FAc, eyes with better baseline BCVA (≥20/40) maintained baseline BCVA, while vision in eyes with worse baseline BCVA (<20/40) increased by approximately 7 letters to 61.34 letters (Snellen equivalent approximately 20/60; P<0.05). Treatment burden and RTV decreased post-FAc regardless of baseline BCVA. Eyes with better baseline BCVA (≥20/40) had numerically fewer IOP-related events post-FAc vs eyes with worse baseline BCVA (<20/40), including a lower incidence of incisional IOP-lowering surgery

Conclusions:
The 0.19-mg FAc implant improved RTV and treatment burden regardless of baseline BCVA. Better baseline BCVA (≥20/40) was associated with long-term BCVA maintenance. Though eyes with worse baseline BCVA (<20/40) experienced significantly improved BCVA, it never rose to the level of those with better baseline BCVA. These data indicate that early, effective intervention in DME, before significant vision loss occurs, is key to maintaining visual outcomes
Condom Use Among Male Sex Workers With Their Male Clients in Mombasa, Kenya: Results of a Sub-analysis of a Pilot, Multilevel, Structural, HIV Risk-Reduction Intervention
Authors: Rael Christine Tagliaferri , Sandfort Theo G. M. , Gichangi Peter , Lafort Yves , Mantell Joanne E. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Despite the advent of preexposure prophylaxis, consistent condom use continues to be recommended because preexposure prophylaxis does not prevent sexually transmitted infections. This is important for high-risk populations (e.g., male sex workers; MSW) in low-resource, high-HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevalence settings, such as the Mombasa region in Kenya. This study aimed to examine the relationship between MSW's condom use, and their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about condoms. MSW (N = 158) completed surveys on their sexual behaviors/practices/attitudes. We used multiple regressions to identify associations between condom use, HIV knowledge/attitudes, and self-efficacy. Three quarters of participants reported always using condoms in the past week, and 64.3% reported always using condoms in the past month with male clients. Mean scores for knowledge and attitudes/self-efficacy toward condoms/safer sex were positively associated with condom use. Interventions to build self-efficacy, such as condom negotiation, and/or bringing up condom use with clients may be useful for Kenyan MSW.
Evaluation of the Association Between Hearing Aids and Reduced Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Ganbo Tetsuya , Sashida Jun , Saito Miwako 
Published: May 2023

Objective
We investigated whether hearing aids (HAs) for hearing impairment may reduce cognitive decline in older adults.

Study Design
Retrospective cohort.

Setting
Ambulatory for medical checkup.

Patients
Comprised 1,453 older adults aged 65 to 90 years.

Intervention
HAs were recommended for hearing impairment with thresholds of ≥40 dB.

Main Outcome Measures
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and pure-tone audiometry were performed. Over 2 years, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of sex, age, hearing, HAs, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, smoking, and drinking on MMSE scores.

Results
Of 1,453 participants who underwent MMSE, 1,320 who underwent audiometry in the first-year included 99 HA users. Of the 1,320 participants, 858 (89 HA users) were followed longitudinally for 1 year and 672 (66 HA users) for 2 years. In the first-year cross-sectional study, the risk ratios (RRs) for hearing impairment (≥25 dB) when the MMSE scores were ≤23 and ≤27 points were 2.97 (1.40–6.28) and 1.34 (1.01–1.79), respectively. For moderate (40–<70 dB) and moderate to severe (≥40 dB) hearing impairment, the RRs for HA use were 0.30 (0.11–0.86) and 0.50 (0.22–1.13), respectively, when the MMSE scores were ≤23. A 2-year follow-up of participants with moderate hearing impairment yielded hazard ratios for MMSE score decrease of 0.30 (0.11–0.82) after 1 year and 0.16 (0.04–0.64) after 2 years in HA users.

Conclusions
HA use may be associated with reducing MMSE score decrease in older adults with moderate hearing impairment.