bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modernizing ED Care: Virtual Reality Enhances the Patient Experience during Minor Wide-awake Hand Procedures
Authors: Alaniz Leonardo , Shams Abtin , Sayadi Lohrasb , Pakvasa Mikhail , Stulginski Avril , Cordero Justin , Prabhakar Nikhil , Wang Eric 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Minor procedures in the emergency department (ED) can be distressing for patients. The emergence of virtual reality (VR) offers a promising new tool by immersing patients in an engaging three-dimensional world. Prior studies have shown VR’s effectiveness during procedures in reducing pain, anxiety, and procedure duration but have not assessed its efficacy in the ED. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VR in managing pain and anxiety during ED minor hand procedures.

Methods:
This was a prospective, interventional study at a level I trauma center examining adult patients requiring minor hand procedures. Patients were provided the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, offering various immersive three-dimensional experiences. Pre- and postprocedure surveys assessed previous VR use, anxiety and pain levels, VR efficacy, and possible adverse effects. Responses were rated on a 10-point Likert scale with paired t tests used to compare scores.

Results:
The study included sixteen patients, seven of whom were first-time VR users. Patients experienced a significant decrease in both anxiety and pain levels. Survey results indicated overall benefits from VR in several aspects, with no adverse effects reported, and unanimous patient recommendation of the VR experience to others.

Conclusions:
VR is an effective tool to optimize the patient experience during ED hand procedures. The study observed a significant decrease in anxiety and a declining trend in pain levels. Patients believed VR helped manage their pain and would recommend it to others. Given the benefits and high safety profile, VR should become a standard offering in ED minor hand procedures.
PHES scores have limited impact on the risk of overt HE in patients with minimal HE
Authors: Gairing Simon Johannes , Mangini Chiara , Zarantonello Lisa , Jonasson Elise , Danneberg Sven , Sultanik Philippe , Galle Peter Robert , Gioia Stefania , Labenz Joachim , Lok Anna S. , Marquardt Jens Uwe , Lauridsen Mette Munk , Bloom Patricia P. , Thabut Dominique , Nardelli Silvia , Montagnese Sara , Labenz Christian 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy, defined by the portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), is associated with a higher risk of subsequent OHE. It remains unclear if there is a stepwise increase in OHE risk with worse PHES results.

Methods:
In this multicenter study, patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, as defined by abnormal PHES, were followed for OHE development.

Results:
In all, 207 patients were included. There was no stepwise increase in OHE risk with worse PHES results.

Conclusions:
Abnormal PHES is associated with a higher OHE risk, but we found no stepwise increase in OHE risk with worse PHES results below the established cutoff.
Home exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and probiotics improve frailty in cirrhosis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Román Eva , Kaür Naujot , Sánchez Elisabet , Poca Maria , Padrós Josep , Nadal Maria Josep , Cuyàs Berta , Alvarado Edilmar , Vidal Silvia , Ortiz Maria Àngels , Hernández Elvira , Santesmases Rosalía , Urgell Eulàlia , Juanes Elena , Ferrero-Gregori Andreu , Escorsell Àngels , Guarner Carlos , Soriano Germán 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Frailty is a predictive factor of hospitalization, falls, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis, regardless of the degree of liver failure. The aim was to analyze whether a multifactorial intervention consisting of home-based exercise, branched-chain amino acids, and a multistrain probiotic can improve frailty in these patients.

Methods:
Outpatients with cirrhosis were classified according to the Liver Frailty Index (LFI). Prefrail and frail patients were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group was assigned to a multifactorial intervention consisting of exercise at home, branched-chain amino acid supplements, and a multistrain probiotic for 12 months. The control group received standard care. All patients were prospectively followed up every 3 months for 1 year to determine LFI, incidence of falls, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Results:
Thirty-two patients were included: 17 patients were assigned to the intervention group and 15 to the control group. In the intervention group, the baseline LFI decreased at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (p = 0.019 for overall change with respect to the control group). The change in LFI (ΔLFI) at 12 months was −0.71 ± 0.24 in the intervention group and −0.09 ± 0.32 in the control group (p<0.001). During follow-up, patients in the intervention group had a lower 1-year probability of falls (6% vs. 47%, p = 0.03) and emergency room visits (10% vs. 44%, p = 0.04) than patients in the control group.

Conclusions:
A long-term multifactorial intervention that included exercise at home, branched-chain amino acids, and a multistrain probiotic improved frailty in outpatients with cirrhosis and was associated with a decrease in the incidence of clinical events such as falls and emergency room visits.
Clinical influencing factors of vital pulp therapy on pulpitis permanent teeth with 2 calcium silicate-based materials: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Yin Li , Wu Jianbo , Wang Xiaoyan , Huang Jiahui , Li Quanli 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Compared with traditional root canal therapy (RCT), vital pulp therapy (VPT) is a personalized and minimally invasive method for the treatment of pulpitis caused by dental caries. However, there are still no clear guidelines for VPT because high-quality randomized clinical trials are scarce. This prospective cohort study evaluated the clinical efficacy of VPT with the light-curable calcium silicate-based material TheraCal LC (TH) and bioceramic material iRoot BP Plus (BP) in reversible and irreversible pulpitis permanent teeth with carious exposures.

Methods:
115 teeth with reversible or irreversible pulpitis caused by deep care were randomly divided into 2 groups. TheraCal LC and iRoot BP Plus were used for the pulp capping. Direct pulp capping (DPC), partial pulpotomy (PP) and full pulpotomy (FP) were performed based on observation of the exposed pulp. Postoperative discomforts were enquired and recorded via follow-up phone calls. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:
The overall clinical success rate in the first year was 90.4% (47/52) in both groups. The TH group required less operating time, showed lower levels of pain, and had shorter pain duration post-operative (P < .001). According to the binary logistic regression model, preoperative pain duration was significantly correlated with the prognosis of VPT (P = .011).

Conclusion:
VPT with TheraCal LC and iRoot BP Plus in pulpitis permanent carious teeth both achieved good clinical outcomes, and TheraCal LC can be easily operated for clinical use. Preoperative pain duration of the affected tooth might have a significant correlation with the prognosis of VPT.
Effects of walking speeds on lower extremity kinematic synergy in toe vertical position control: An experimental study
Authors: Liu Xuan , Liang Jitong , Liu Ye 
Published: May 2024

Background:
This study aimed to investigate whether lower limb joints mutually compensate for each other, resulting in motor synergy that suppresses toe vertical position fluctuation, and whether walking speeds affect lower limb synergy.

Methods:
Seventeen male university students walked at slow (0.85 ± 0.04 m/s), medium (1.43 ± 0.05 m/s) and fast (1.99 ± 0.06 m/s) speeds on a 15-m walkway while lower limb kinematic data were collected. Uncontrolled manifold analysis was used to quantify the strength of synergy. Two-way (speed × phase) repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze all dependent variables.

Results:
A significant speed-by-phase interaction was observed in the synergy index (SI) (P
< .001). At slow walking speeds, subjects had greater SI during mid-swing (P
< .001), while at fast walking speeds, they had greater SI during early-swing (P
< .001). During the entire swing phase, fast walking exhibited lower SI values than medium (P
= .005) and slow walking (P
= .027).

Conclusion:
Kinematic synergy plays a crucial role in controlling toe vertical position during the swing phase, and fast walking exhibits less synergy than medium and slow walking. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of kinematic synergy in gait stability and have implications for the development of interventions aimed at improving gait stability and reducing the risk of falls.
Application of intranasal dexmedetomidine in magnetic resonance imaging of preterm infants: The ED50, efficacy and safety analysis
Authors: Wan Shengjun , Wu Wei , Bu Wenhao 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Infants undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often require pharmacological sedation. Dexmedetomidine serves as a novel sedative agent that induces a unique unconsciousness similar to natural sleep, and therefore has currently been used as the first choice for sedation in infants and young children.

Objective:
To determine the 50% effective dose (ED50) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of intranasal dexmedetomidine for MRI in preterm and term infants, and to observe the incidence of adverse events. To explore whether there were differences in ED50 and 95%CI, heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), the induction time and wake-up time and the incidence of adverse events between the 2 groups, so as to provide guidance for clinical safe medication for the meanwhile.

Methods:
A total of 68 infants were prospectively recruited for MRI examination under drug sedation (1 week ≤ age ≤ 23 weeks or weight ≤ 5kg). The children were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had preterm birth experience (Preterm group, Atterm group). The Dixon up-and-down method was used to explore ED50. The basic vital signs of the 2 groups were recorded, and the heart rate and SpO2 were recorded every 5 minutes until the infants were discharged from the hospital. The induction time, wake-up time and adverse events were recorded.

Results:
The ED50 (95%CI) of intranasal dexmedetomidine in the Preterm group and the Atterm group were 2.23 (2.03–2.66) μg/kg and 2.64 (2.49–2.83) μg/kg, respectively (P < .05). the wake-up time was longer in Preterm group (98.00min) than in Atterm group (81.00 min) (P < .05), the incidence of bradycardia in Preterm group was 3/33, which was higher than that in Atterm group (1/35). There was no difference in the induction time between the 2 groups (P > .05), and there was no significant difference in other adverse events.

Conclusions:
Intranasal dexmedetomidine can be safely used for sedation in preterm infants undergoing MRI. Compared with term infants, preterm infants have a lower dose of dexmedetomidine, a higher incidence of bradycardia, and a longer weak-up time.
Women's health and kidney protective medications
Authors: Shankar Mythri , Ali Sehrish , Shah Silvi 
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review
We discuss the sex-based differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of kidney protective medications and their implications on women's health.

Recent findings
A critical examination of adverse drug reactions highlights the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials for kidney and cardiovascular protective drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists. This underscores the need for sex-specific analyses in clinical studies to accurately assess medication efficacy and safety.

Summary
The research demonstrates that women are more likely to experience adverse events and less likely to benefit from certain treatments, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare providers to adopt a sex-informed approach in prescribing practices. Future research should prioritize sex differences from the outset to enhance understanding and improve clinical outcomes for women with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions.
FDG PET/CT in a Case of Solitary Mixed Squamous Cell and Glandular Papilloma of the Lung With High CEA Level
Authors: Zhang Jun , Dong Aisheng , Wang Yang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Solitary mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma of the lung is an extremely rare benign neoplasm. We describe FDG PET/CT findings in a case of solitary mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma of the lung with high serum carcinoembryonic antigen level (63.3 ng/mL; reference, <5 ng/mL). The tumor showed intense FDG uptake with SUVmax of 23.8 mimicking lung cancer.
A Decade of Liver Transplantation in the United States: Drivers of Discard and Underutilization
Authors: Torabi Julia , Todd Rachel , van Leeuwen L. Leonie , Bekki Yuki , Holzner Matthew , Moon Jang , Schiano Tom , Florman Sander S. , Akhtar Mohammed Zeeshan 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Organ shortage remains a major challenge for the field of transplantation. Maximizing utilization and minimizing discard of available organs is crucial to reduce waitlist times. Our aim was to investigate the landscape of liver recovery, discard over the past decade in the United States, and identify areas to reduce organ discard.

Methods:
This study used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients United Network for Organ Sharing database to analyze the rates and associated reasons of discarded organs from 2010 to 2021. All deceased donors were evaluated, and data were analyzed by organ type, year, and region. Organ disposition was analyzed by year and region. Donor demographics and liver biopsy data were also analyzed.

Results:
The volume of liver transplantation increased steadily, with a 44% increase from 2010 to 2021. Donation after circulatory death transplantation increased by 239%, comprising 10.6% of transplants in 2021, yet discard rates remained high at 30% for this donor subset. For all donor types, the liver discard rate has remained stable around 10% despite a 74% increase in available donors. Seventy percent of liver discards were attributed to organ factors, with biopsy findings accounting for 40% of all discards. Of livers that were biopsied, 70% had macrosteatosis of <30%.

Conclusions:
Analysis of trends in transplantation and discard allow for identifying areas of underutilization. Donation after circulatory death livers have expanded the pool of transplanted livers but remain discarded at high rates. Significant differences remain in discard rates between geographic regions. We identify several areas to lower the discard rates. The expanding role of machine perfusion may allow for utilization of previously discarded organs.
Waves of light at the bottom of the ocean: insights into the luminous systems of three sea pens (Pennatuloidea, Octocorallia, Anthozoa)
Authors: Duchatelet Laurent , Galeazzo Gabriela A. , Coubris Constance , Bridoux Laure , Rezsohazy René , Melo Marcelo R.S. , Marek Martin , Amaral Danilo T. , Dupont Sam , Oliveira Anderson G. , Delroisse Jérôme 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBioluminescence is the production of visible light by living organisms. It occurs through the oxidation of specific luciferin substrates catalyzed by luciferase enzymes. Auxiliary proteins such as fluorescent proteins and coelenterazine-binding proteins can modify the wavelength of the emitted light or stabilize reactive luciferin molecules, respectively. Additionally, calcium ions are crucial in the luminescence processes across various species. Despite many bioluminescent organisms, only a few systems have been fully studied, notably theRenillagenus among anthozoans, which uses a coelenterazine-dependent luciferase, calcium-dependent coelenterazine-binding protein, and green fluorescent protein.We investigated the bioluminescence of three sea pen species:Pennatula phosphorea, Funiculina quadrangularis, andAnthoptilum murrayi(Pennatuloidea, Anthozoa). Their light emission spectra reveal peaks at 510 nm, 513 nm, and 485 nm, respectively. We confirmed the coelenterazine-based reaction in all three species. Using transcriptome analyses, we identified luciferases, fluorescent proteins, and coelenterazine-binding transcripts forP. phosphoreaandA. murrayi.Immunodetection confirmed luciferase expression inP. phosphoreaandF. quadrangularis.We also expressed recombinantA. murrayiluciferase, confirming its activity. We underscore the role of calcium ions in bioluminescence, which is possibly associated with the mechanism of coelenterazine binding and substrate release. The study proposes a model for anthozoan bioluminescence, offering new avenues for futur ecological and functional research on these luminous organisms.
Biological and experimental factors that define the effectiveness of microbial inoculation on plant traits: a meta-analysis
Authors: Azarbad Hamed , Junker Robert R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBacterial and fungal microbiomes associated with plants can significantly affect the host’s phenotype. Inoculating plants with one or multiple bacterial and fungal species can affect specific plant traits, which is exploited in attempts to increase plant performance and stress tolerance by microbiome engineering. Currently, we lack a comprehensive synthesis on the generality of these effects related to different biological (e.g., plant models, plant traits, and microbial taxa) and experimental factors. In a meta-analysis, we showed that the plant trait under consideration and the microbial taxa used to inoculate plants significantly influenced the strength of the effect size. In a methodological context, experiments under sterilized conditions and short-term periods resulted in larger positive effects on plant traits than those of unsterilized and long-term experiments. Based on our results, we propose a comprehensive checklist as a reference for future research to standardize the design, implementation, and reporting of microbial inoculation studies. We recommend that future studies should exploit the full range of the precision-realism continuum involving (short-term) lab experiments with sterilized plants and single inoculants but also and more often (long-term) field or greenhouse experiments with naturally occurring microbial communities associated with the plants and inoculated consortia including both bacteria and fungi.
Biodiversity increases the forecastability of species abundances in changing environments
Authors: Limberger Romana , Daugaard Uriah , Choffat Yves , Gupta Anubhav , Jelić Martina , Jyrkinen Sabina , Krug Rainer M. , Nohl Seraina , Pennekamp Frank , van Moorsel Sofia J. , Zheng Xue , Zuppinger-Dingley Debra , Petchey Owen L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAccurate forecasts of ecological dynamics are critical for ecosystem management and conservation, yet the drivers of forecastability are poorly understood. Here we show that experiments are a powerful (but underutilized) tool to explore the limits of ecological forecasting. We conducted a long-term microcosm experiment with aquatic protists and manipulated two potential drivers of forecastability: biodiversity and environmental change (light). We applied data-driven forecasting methods to finely-resolved time series of species abundances and ecosystem properties. The experimental treatments had interactive effects on abundance forecasts. Specifically, biodiversity increased forecastability in changing environments but reduced forecastability in constant environments. However, forecasts of ecosystem properties were only weakly affected by the experimental treatments. Our results indicate that the combination of biodiversity loss and environmental change could make populations particularly unpredictable. The implications for ecological conservation are worrying: diversity loss might impair decision-taking by reducing the forecastability of ecological dynamics in changing environments.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanistic modelling of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis beta carbonic anhydrase 3 inhibitors
Authors: Manaithiya Ajay , Bhowmik Ratul , Ray Rajarshi , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T , Parkkila Seppo , Aspatwar Ashok 
Published: May 2024

Withdrawal StatementThe authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the inability to complete the revisions or follow up on the manuscript at this time, due to personal circumstances. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Distinct effects of CDK8 module subunits on cellular growth and proliferation inDrosophila
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Mengmeng , Xing Yue , Niu Ye , Liu Tzu-Hao , Sun Jasmine L. , Liu Yanwu , Hemba-Waduge Rajitha-Udakara-Sampath , Ji Jun-Yuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Mediator complex, composed of about 30 conserved subunits, plays a pivotal role in facilitating RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in eukaryotes. Within this complex, the CDK8 kinase module (CKM), comprising Med12, Med13, CDK8, and CycC (Cyclin C), serves as a dissociable subcomplex that modulates the activity of the small Mediator complex. Genetic studies inDrosophilahave revealed distinct phenotypes of CDK8-CycC and Med12-Med13 mutations, yet the underlying mechanism has remained unknown. Here, usingDrosophilaas a model organism, we show that depleting CDK8-CycC enhances E2F1 target gene expression and promotes cell-cycle progression. Conversely, depletion of Med12-Med13 affects the expression of ribosomal protein genes and fibrillarin, indicating a more severe reduction in ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth compared to the loss of CDK8-CycC. Moreover, we found that the stability of CDK8 and CycC relies on Med12 and Med13, with a mutually interdependent relationship between Med12 and Med13. Furthermore, CycC stability depends on the other three CKM subunits. These findings reveal distinct roles for CKM subunitsin vivo, with Med12-Med13 disruption exerting a more pronounced impact on ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth compared to the loss of CDK8-CycC.SignificanceThe CDK8 kinase module (CKM), comprising CDK8, CycC, Med12, and Med13, is essential in the Mediator complex for RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in eukaryotes. While expected to function jointly, CKM subunit mutations result in distinct phenotypes inDrosophila. This study investigates the mechanisms driving these differing effects. Our analysis reveals the role of Med12-Med13 pair in regulating ribosomal biogenesis and cellular growth, contrasting with the involvement of CDK8-CycC in E2F1-dependent cell-cycle progression. Additionally, an asymmetric interdependence in the stability of CDK8-CycC and Med12-Med13 was observed. CKM mutations or overexpression are associated with cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings underscore the distinct impacts of CKM mutations on cellular growth and proliferation, advancing our understanding of their diverse consequencesin vivo.