bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Sciatic Nerve Block on Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Maxillofacial Reconstruction with Free Fibular Flap: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wu Hai-Yin , Wang Xiao-Dong , Xiong Guo-Li , Yang Xu-Dong , Wang Li-Kuan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
We investigated the efficacy and safety of preoperative popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) using liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to reduce preoperative opioid consumption and improve recovery quality in patients undergoing maxillofacial reconstruction with a free fibular flap.
Methods
Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The PSNB group received ultrasound guided PSNB using 133 mg of LB after anesthesia induction. In the control group, patients underwent nerve block preparation procedures without puncture or drug injection. The primary endpoint was cumulative opioid consumption during the perioperative period (from anesthesia induction to 48 h post-surgery).
Results
A total of 74 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. There was no significant difference in cumulative opioid consumption between the control group (3020 [2163,3570] µg of remifentanil equivalents) and the PSNB group (2856 [2204,3771] µg; p = 0.863). The incidence of moderate to severe pain at the donor site within 48 h after surgery was significantly lower in the PSNB group (3 [8.1%] of 37 patients) than in the control group (18 [48.6%] of 37 patients; p < 0.001). The consumption of rescue opioids was significantly reduced in the PSNB group (0 [0, 50]) compared with that in the control group (50 [0, 100]; p = 0.007). The subjective sleep quality numeric rating scale score was significantly lower in the PSNB group than in the control group (day of surgery: 6 [5, 8] vs. 8 [6, 9], p = 0.029; postoperative day 1: 5 [4, 5] vs. 7 [6, 8], p < 0.001; postoperative day 2: 5 [4, 6] vs. 6 [5, 8], p = 0.001). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the PSNB group (0 [0.0%]) compared with that in the control group (5 [13.5%]; p = 0.021). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.
Conclusion
Preoperative administration of PSNB by LB did not spare opioids during the intraoperative period, but significantly relieved postoperative pain at the donor site, reduced rescue opioid consumption, and improved postoperative sleep quality, without additional adverse events.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier ChiCTR2400080944
Electrolyte imbalance and its determinants between low and high dose of furosemide in patients admitted to tertiary care hospital of Nepal: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Khanal Hari , Sharma Sujan , Bhandari Govinda , Bhurtyal Nishan , Gaihre Siddhartha , Acharya Anush 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Electrolytes imbalances are common complications observed in patients admitted to hospital. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is frequently prescribed to enhance diuresis and manage fluid overload. However, the use of furosemide has been associated with the potential for electrolyte disturbances, particularly at higher doses.Methods The study employed an observational prospective cohort design with age and gender as cohort defining characteristics. The patients were followed over a defined period and divided into two groups based on their furosemide dosage: a low-dose group (less than 40 mg/day) and a high-dose group (40 mg/day or more). Longitudinal data on electrolyte levels were collected at regular intervals to compare electrolyte disturbance over the time between two groups.Results At baseline, sodium and potassium levels were similar between the low-dose and high-dose groups. Over time, both groups experienced decreases in sodium and potassium levels. Sodium levels showed significant variations over time (p < .001) and an interaction effect with the dose of furosemide (p < .001), with significant linear trends (p < .001) but non-significant quadratic (p = 0.873) and cubic trends (p = 0.169). Potassium levels also showed significant linear (p < .001) and quadratic trends (p = 0.023) over time, with a significant interaction effect of furosemide dosage (p < .001).Conclusion Furosemide dosage significantly affects sodium and potassium levels over time, with notable linear trends in both electrolytes and additional quadratic trends in potassium levels. This highlights the importance of monitoring electrolyte balance in patients on furosemide therapy.
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease: the diagnoses critically revised - experience of a single center.
Authors: Cavazzana Ilaria , Semeraro Paolo , Kessler Elena Sofia , Piantoni Silvia , Caproli Alessia , Fredi Micaela , Franceschini Franco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Although anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are considered the main entry criteria for a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), many patients show different rate of ANA positivity and questionable diagnoses. Aim of the study was to revise the UCTD diagnoses and analyse the main predictors of evolution in a monocentric cohort.
Method
we retrospectively revised the diagnoses of 331 ANA positive patients, with at least one year of follow-up, classified as UCTD from 2009 and 2017.
Results
The diagnosis of UCTD was confirmed in 180 cases (54.4%). The evolution occurred in 18% of cases, after a follow-up of 6.9 (SD: 4.4) years. Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) (OR: 2.39), puffy hands (OR: 6.3), anti-ENA (OR: 2.34), anti-Topoisomerase I antibodies (OR: 4.93), rheumatoid factor (RF) (OR: 2.86) were associated with evolution.
Evolution in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) occurred in 5 patients (2.78%) and associated with the addition of new autoantibodies, compared with other evolutions (p: 0.034; OR: 12; 95CI: 1.4-103.4). Evolution in Systemic Sclerosis and pSS was found in 14 (7.8%) and 8 cases (4.4%), respectively. Multivariate analysis defined puffy hands and RF positivity as the predictors of SSc and pSS evolution, respectively.
Conclusions
A confirmed diagnosis of UCTD, according with the available criteria, was assessed in about a half patients. The occurrence of puffy hands since the onset defines a patient with a potential evolution into SSc, while the addition of new specific autoantibodies represents a typical “fingerprint” of patients developing SLE.
Trial registration: Studio ANACTD np 1318
Changes Of Lung Ventilation And Perfusion After Lung Transplantation Based On Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Dong Yan , XU Zhongping , Wang Dapeng , Tian Jing , Xu Hongyang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) based on pulsatility method and the saline bolus injection method has become more mature in recent years. However, clinical studies about the use of EIT in patients after lung transplantation has not emerged. We used EIT to observe the changes of lung ventilation and perfusion after lung transplantation, and combined with blood gas analysis, lung ultrasound score (LUS), and other clinical indicators to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of lung transplantation.
Methods Patients who received lung transplantation at the Lung Transplant Center of Wuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from December 2023 to January 2024 were included in this retrospective review. Patients were divided into prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) group and control group according to whether invasive mechanical ventilation lasted more than 72 hours after surgery. General data, arterial blood gas results, ultrasonic LUS score were recorded. The lungs were divided into region of interest (ROI) 1 to 4. Ventilation and perfusion data of each region during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined mechanical ventilation (H1), during mechanical ventilation (H2), and post-extubation (H3) were also recorded.
Results 1. Low/high-speed passband index (LHI) during H2 and H3 was significantly higher in control group than in PMV group, with statistical difference (P < 0.05). 2. Center of ventilation (COV) showed a downward trend in postoperative patients, while COV in control group was closer to the gravity-dependent area. 3. At each stage, LUS in PMV group was significantly higher than that in control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05).
Conclusion It is safe and reasonable to use EIT to monitor pulmonary ventilation and perfusion after lung transplantation.The use of relevant EIT parameters (e.g. GI,LHI) can be supplemented with lung relevant information to understand individual patient physiological trends.
Molecular Simulations of the Lid Motion in Chimeras of Candida Antarctica Lipase B in Organic Solvents
Authors: Vokáčová Zuzana Sochorová , Fárníková Karolína , Pluhařová Eva 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The lid motion and the overall structure of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) and its mutants CALB-G.zeae and CALB-N.crassa in water, acetonitrile and toluene were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations employing all-atom force fields. This study very likely represents the first systematic application of the umbrella sampling to the lid motion of CALB and its mutants in various solvents. The simulations show that their structures are stable in all solvents. The lid-constituting helixes of the CALB – wild type adopt parallel arrangement, but they tend to be tilted for the mutants and can even change direction of the orientation in case of CALB-N.crassa. Water favors closed lid with contacts between the non-polar side chains of the helixes, mutations shift the corresponding free energy minimum towards slightly larger distance. Toluene causes the lid opening, the open structure of the wild type is stabilized by a salt bridge between the charged Asp145 and Lys308 or Arg309. The effect of the polar organic solvent acetonitrile on the lid opening is less pronounced and seems to be more force field dependent. These detailed insights into the lid opening and specific interactions are relevant for protein and medium engineering of a widely used lipase.
Influence of pristine and oxidized MWCNT fillers on ferroelectricity and dielectric dispersion of a classical ferroelectric of Rochelle salt
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Thuong , Chau Minh Thuyen , Thao Phan Thi Bich 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This paper reports a comparative study on the influence of pristine and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on ferroelectricity and dielectric dispersion of a classical ferroelectric of Rochelle salt in a range of 10− 2 − 107 Hz with an amplitude of electric field strength of 2 V/cm. For the study, phase transition, polarization switching, frequency dependencies of dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity of two composites based on Rochelle salt combined with each of the fillers were considered at different temperatures. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to explore the influence of fillers on the functional groups of Rochelle salt. The morphologies of the samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed that the oxidized form of multiwalled carbon nanotubes showed less influence on the dielectric dispersion, but stronger effect on the phase transition and polarization switching than those of pristine ones. At the same time, the high electrical conductivity of both carbon nanotubes resulted in a strong dielectric dispersion and overshadowed the contribution of functional groups of Rochelle salt. Theoretical models will also be used to analyze experimental data.
Nanoscale Insights into Weathering of Ti-Bearing Minerals and Heterogeneous Crystal Growth Mechanisms of Ti nano minerals in Altered Volcanic Ash
Authors: Liu Chen , Fang Qian , Hong Hanlie , Zhao Lulu , Yang Yanling , Chen Shuling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A deep understanding of the formation and alteration mechanisms of titanium minerals in volcanic sedimentary sequences is crucial for a clear recognition of the Ti element cycle on Earth. Here we use micro- to nano-scale characterization techniques focus ion beam (FIB), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and nano-computed tomography (Nano-CT) to investigate nano mineralogical characteristics and formation mechanisms of authigenic Ti minerals and altered Ti-Zr-O minerals (srilankite) in altered volcanic ash across a Permian-Triassic boundary. The results indicate that the growth of anatase and brookite (both polymorphs of TiO2) nanoparticles within the volcanic ash matrix (in acidic condition) is regulated by Ostwald ripening with minor semi-oriented attachment and recrystallization. Meanwhile, the growth of brookite crystals in altered srilankite particles (ZrTi2O6) is predominantly controlled by the oriented attachment mechanism. This phenomenon suggests that the growth mechanisms of TiO2 nanoparticles are highly sensitive to the microenvironments surrounding the particles, with different growth behaviors possibly occurring even within the same layer. According to the EELS results, under chemical weathering, the edges of TiO2 crystals tend toward amorphization, gradually reducing to the Ti3+ valence state at the edge. Following the alteration of srilankite, primary brookite crystals form in situ (particle size about 10 nm), initially growing into incomplete oriented particles through oriented attachment. Subsequently, these oriented particle fragments further grow by attaching to primary crystals in the matrix, forming large (particle size along the long axis around 300 nm) brookite crystals with consistent crystallographic orientations. This phenomenon demonstrates that during the alteration process of unstable Ti minerals, the migration of Ti does not occur across particle scales.
Nomophobia, Psychopathology, and Smartphone-Inferred Behaviors in Youth With Depression: Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Camargo Andres , Schmaal Lianne , Kostakos Vassilis , D'Alfonso Simon 
Published: January 2025

Background
Smartphones have become an indispensable part of people’s lives, and the fear of being without them, what has been termed “no mobile phone phobia” (nomophobia), is a growing phenomenon. The rise of problematic smartphone use highlights the urgent need to explore the intricate relationship between smartphones and human behavior. However, the connections between nomophobia, mental health indicators, smartphone use patterns, and daily activities remain largely underexplored.

Objective
This study aimed to explore the relationship between young adults with depression and smartphones and investigate nomophobia by analyzing data obtained from a pilot study of depression in a youth cohort. Exploring nomophobia can enhance our understanding of the dynamics between young adults and smartphone use, potentially empowering them to manage and regulate their smartphone use more effectively.

Methods
During an 8-week period, data collected via smartphone sensors, such as locations and screen status, were gathered from a cohort of 41 individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. In addition to passive-sensing smartphone data, the study collected ecological momentary assessments and psychometric measures, including the Nomophobia Questionnaire, which formed the basis of our investigation. We explored statistical associations among smartphone-derived behavioral features, psychometric indicators, and nomophobia. In addition, we used behavioral and psychometric data to develop regression models demonstrating the prediction of nomophobia levels.

Results
Our findings revealed that the level of nomophobia was positively associated with depression and negative affect, lower geolocation movements, and higher comfort with smartphone sensing. The exploratory predictive linear regression models demonstrated the feasibility of predicting an individual’s Nomophobia Questionnaire score based on their smartphone sensing data. These models effectively used input features derived from both a combination of smartphone sensing data and psychometric measures and from smartphone sensing data alone.

Conclusions
Our work is the first to explore the relationship between nomophobia and smartphone sensor data. It provides valuable insights into the predictors of nomophobia level, contributing to the understanding of the relationship between smartphones and human behavior and paving the way for future studies.
International Expert Consensus on Relevant Health and Functioning Concepts to Assess in Users of Tobacco and Nicotine Products: Delphi Study
Authors: Law Vivienne , Afolalu Esther F , Abetz-Webb Linda , Wemyss Lee Andrew , Turner Andrew , Chrea Christelle 
Published: January 2025

Background
A Delphi study was conducted to reach a consensus among international clinical and health care experts on the most important health and functioning self-reported concepts when evaluating a switch from smoking cigarettes to using smoke-free tobacco and/or nicotine products (sf-TNPs).

Objective
The aim of this research was to identify concepts considered important to measure when assessing the health and functioning status of users of tobacco and/or nicotine products.

Methods
Experts (n=105), including health care professionals, researchers, and policy makers, from 26 countries with professional experience and knowledge of sf-TNPs completed a 3-round, adapted Delphi panel. Online surveys combining quantitative (MaxDiff best-worst scaling and latent class analysis) and qualitative assessments were used to rank and achieve alignment on the importance of 69 health and functioning concepts. All experts participating in round I completed round II, and 101 (95%) completed round III.

Results
The round I analysis identified 36 (52%) out of 69 concepts that were refined for the round II assessment. The highest-ranked concepts reflected health-related impacts, while the lowest-ranked ranked concepts were related to aesthetics and social impacts. Round II ranking reinforced the importance of concepts relating to health impacts, and the analysis resulted in 20 concepts retained for round III assessment. In round III, the 4 highest-ranked concepts were cardiovascular symptoms, shortness of breath, chest pain, and worry about smoking-related diseases and impact on general health, and they made up 50% of the total score in the MaxDiff analysis. Experts reported likelihood of seeing measurable levels of change in the final 20 concepts with a switch to an sf-TNP. The majority of experts felt it was “likely” or “extremely likely” to observe changes in concepts such as gum problems (74/101, 73%), phlegm or mucus while coughing or not coughing (72/101, 71%), general perception of well-being (72/101, 71%), and throat irritation or sore throat (72/101, 71%). Latent class analysis revealed subgroups of experts with different perceptions of the relative importance of the concepts, which varied depending on professional specialty and geographic region. For example, 74% (14/19) of oncologists aligned with the subgroup prioritizing physical health symptoms, while 71% (12/17) of experts from Asia aligned with the subgroup considering both physical health and psychosocial aspects.

Conclusions
This study identified key concepts to be considered in the development of a new measurement instrument to assess the self-reported health and functioning status of individuals using sf-TNPs. The findings contribute to the scientific evidence base for understanding and evaluating both the individual and public health impacts of sf-TNPs.
Building Strong Foundations: Nonrandomized Interventional Study of a Novel, Digitally Delivered Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults
Authors: Wing David , Nichols Jeanne F , Barkai Hava Shoshana , Culbert Olivia , Moreno Daniel , Higgins Michael , O'Brien Anna , Perez Mariana , Davey Hope , Moran Ryan 
Published: January 2025

Background
Injuries from falls are a major concern among older adults. Targeted exercise has been shown to improve fall risk, and recommendations for identifying and referring older adults for exercise-based interventions exist. However, even when very inexpensive or free, many do not use available fall prevention programs, citing barriers related to convenience and safety. These issues are even greater among older adults residing in rural areas where facilities are less abundant. These realities highlight the need for different approaches to reducing falls in novel ways that increase reach and are safe and effective. Web-based delivery of exercise interventions offers some exciting and enticing prospects.

Objective
Our objective was to assess the efficacy of the Strong Foundations exercise program to change markers of physical function, posture, balance, strength, and fall risk.

Methods
Strong Foundations is a once weekly (60 minutes), 12-week iterative program with 3 core components: postural alignment and control, balance and mobility, and muscular strength and power. We used a quasi-experimental design to determine changes in physical function specific to balance, postural control, and muscular strength among older adults at low or moderate risk of falling.

Results
A total of 55 low-risk and 37 moderate-risk participants were recruited. Participants significantly improved on the 30-second Chair Stand (mean change of 1, SD 3.3 repetitions; P=.006) and Timed Up and Go (mean change of 0.2, SD 0.7 seconds; P=.004), with the moderate-risk group generally improving to a greater degree than the low-risk group. Additionally, Short Physical Performance Battery performance improved significantly in the moderate-risk category (P=.02). The majority of postural measures showed statistically significant improvement for both groups (P<.05). Measures of “relaxed” posture showed improvements between 6% and 27%. When an “as tall as possible” posture was adopted, improvements were ~36%.

Conclusions
In this 12-week, iterative, web-based program, we found older adults experienced improvement not only in measures used in clinical contexts, such as the 30-second Chair Stand and Timed Up and Go, but also contextualized gains by providing deeper phenotypical measurement related to posture, strength, and balance. Further, many of the physical improvements were attenuated by baseline fall risk level, with those with the highest level of risk having the greater gains, and, thus, the most benefit from such interventions.