bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural byproduct-derived biochar for mitigating trace metal risks from soil to rice to public health: implications for sustainable management
Authors: Dong Hao Phu , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Le Thia Hong , Nguyen My Hoang , Le Anh Hoang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in soil and its accumulation in rice poses a health risk to over 50% of the global population. Simultaneously, the poor management and underutilization of agricultural biomass waste presents an additional environmental challenge. Converting this biomass into biochar offers a potential solution to these challenges. This study evaluated biochar’s impacts on soil trace element content, rice plant uptake, translocation, accumulation, and associated human health risks while identifying rice response mechanisms to biochar application. A two-season field experiment was conducted using five treatments: T1 (no biochar), T2 and T3 (10 and 20 tons of rice-husk biochar), and T4 and T5 (10 and 20 tons of longan biochar). Eight trace elements, categorized as micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and toxic elements (Cd, Pb, Co, Ni), were measured in rice roots, stems, grains, and soil. Biochar application reduced the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) by 5.9% to 11.4% for micronutrients and 2.8% to 4.4% for toxic elements compared to T1. Translocation, bioaccumulation, and phytoextraction indexes tend to increase with biochar, while the hazard index decreased by 5.1-9.5% for micronutrients and 1.3-8.5% for toxic elements, indicating reduced health risks. These results highlight biochar's dual role in enhancing trace element phytoextraction and reducing health risks, with a more pronounced effect on micronutrients. Rice plants responded to reduced micronutrient availability by boosting uptake while lowering toxic element absorption when HPI was high. Briefly, transforming agricultural waste into biochar for rice cultivation offers multiple benefits, promoting agricultural sustainability, environmental health, and consumer safety.
A novel surgical technique for repairing duodenal and bile duct perforations following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Abdirahman Hana , Barakat Omar , Nichols Alexis , Soares Oluwatobi , Mortus Jared , Chen Vivi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Duodenal perforation (DP), though rare, is a severe complication of Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with high mortality rates. This report introduces a novel surgical approach for repairing a complex combined bile duct and duodenal perforation. A 37-year-old male with recurrent pyloric stenosis and choledocholithiasis, previously treated with multiple procedures, presented with gastric outlet and bile duct obstruction. Following a complex ERCP, he developed a large combined duodenal and bile duct perforation requiring urgent surgical intervention. A 40% circumferential duodenal perforation combined with bile duct perforation was repaired using a novel approach: a vascularized isolated distal gastric pouch was created and anastomosed to the duodenal and bile duct defects. A Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy was performed, and the patient recovered in stable condition. When traditional reconstruction is not feasible for DP, an isolated, vascularized distal gastric pouch offers a less invasive alternative and reduces the risk of morbidity.
Zetetic rights and wrong(ing)s
Authors: Friedman Daniel C 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
What do we owe those with whom we inquire? Presumably, quite a bit. Anything beyond what is necessary to secure knowledge? Yes. In this paper, I argue for a class of ‘zetetic rights.’ These are rights distinctive to participants in group inquiry. Zetetic rights help protect important central interests of inquirers. These include a right to aid, a right against interference, and a right to exert influence over the course of inquiry. Building on arguments by Fricker, I defend these rights, and explore cases of their violation: zetetic wrongings. I argue that zetetic wrongings constitute a distinctive, ubiquitous, and significant form of injustice in our epistemic and zetetic lives. To improve our inquiries and avoid epistemic injustice, we need to contend with zetetic wronging. Making this case helps show that a complete picture of epistemic life must account for the deep influence of our cooperative ties to one another.
Optimizing β-TCP with E-rhBMP-2-infused fibrin for vertical bone regeneration in a mouse calvarium model
Authors: Zhao Kun , Ono Mitsuaki , Mu Xindi , Wang Ziyi , Xie Shichao , Yonezawa Tomoko , Okada Masahiro , Matsumoto Takuya , Kuboki Takuo , Oohashi Toshitaka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Effective reconstruction of large bone defects, particularly in thickness, remains one of the major challenges in orthopedic and dental fields. We previously produced an Escherichia coli-based industrial-scale GMP-grade recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (E-rhBMP-2) and showed that the combination of E-rhBMP-2 with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP/E-rhBMP-2) can effectively promote bone reconstruction. However, the limited mechanical strength and poor morphology retention of β-TCP granules are key points that need optimization to obtain more effective grafts and further expand its clinical applications. Therefore, we combined β-TCP/E-rhBMP-2 with fibrin gel to enhance its mechanical properties and usability for vertical bone regeneration. We investigated the mechanical properties and vertical bone regeneration effects of the materials applied, with or without fibrin containing E-rhBMP-2, in a calvarial defect model in mice. Compression tests were conducted to assess the initial stability of the materials. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted to characterize the presence of fibrin on the scaffold. After 4 and 12 weeks of implantation, micro-computed tomography and histological and immunofluorescent analyses were performed to assess the morphology and volume of the newly formed bone. The fibrin-containing groups had significantly higher initial mechanical strength and higher ability to maintain their morphology in vivo compared to the counterparts without fibrin. However, fibrin gel alone suppressed the bone formation ability of β-TCP/E-rhBMP-2 whereas the presence of high doses of E-rhBMP-2 in fibrin gel resulted in material resorption and enhanced new bone formation. In conclusion, fibrin gel significantly improved the mechanical strength and surgical manageability of the β-TCP/E-rhBMP-2 scaffold, and the addition of E-rhBMP-2 to the fibrin gel further enhanced the vertical bone regeneration and initial structural integrity of the scaffold.
Comparisons of PK-Sim and R program for physiologically based pharmacokinetic model development for broiler chickens and laying hens: meloxicam as a case study
Authors: Zhang Zhicheng , Tell Lisa A , Lin Zhoumeng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models play a critical role in evaluating drug residue concentrations and estimating withdrawal intervals (WDIs) for food-producing animals. These models are facilitated by various programming software (e.g. R program) and predefined PBPK platforms, such as Open Systems Pharmacology (OSP) suite integrated by PK-Sim and Mobi, which offers a user-friendly graphical interface. Both R and OSP are open-source software. However, there is a lack of comparative analyses of both platforms and their potential impact on PBPK models. This study aims to evaluate the influence of different platforms on PBPK workflow, parameters selection, and output results, which is exemplified via a case study for meloxicam in chickens in both platforms. Our findings indicate that while the choice of PBPK platforms affected the workflow and input parameters, the predictive performance of established models remained consistent across both platforms. Both platforms predicted meloxicam pharmacokinetics in plasma and tissues accurately across different exposure scenarios. The PBPK-estimated WDIs under various dosing regimens from both platforms were quite similar. Notable differences between OSP suite and R were primarily observed during sensitivity analysis and parameter identification processes, especially the time consumption. This study offers insight into software variances and their implications for translating PBPK modeling knowledge between users of 2 platforms. Also, it provides a PBPK model structure template implemented in both software platforms for food safety and risk assessment in poultry and a detailed tutorial on expanding the model structure in PK-Sim and Mobi.
A Level-Adjusted Cochlear Frequency-to-Place Map for Estimating Tonotopic Frequency Mismatch With a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Sagi Elad , Svirsky Mario A. 
Published: February 2025

Objectives:
To provide a level-adjusted correction to the current standard relating anatomical cochlear place to characteristic frequency (CF) in humans, and to re-evaluate anatomical frequency mismatch in cochlear implant (CI recipients considering this correction. It is proposed that a level-adjusted place-frequency function may represent a more relevant tonotopic benchmark for CIs in comparison to the current standard.

Design:
The present analytical study compiled data from 15 previous animal studies that reported isointensity responses from cochlear structures at different stimulation levels. Extracted outcome measures were CFs and centroid-based best frequencies at 70 dB SPL input from 47 specimens spanning a broad range of cochlear locations. A simple relationship was used to transform these measures to human estimates of characteristic and best frequencies, and nonlinear regression was applied to these estimates to determine how the standard human place-frequency function should be adjusted to reflect best frequency rather than CF. The proposed level-adjusted correction was then compared with average place-frequency positions of commonly used CI devices when programmed with clinical settings.

Results:
The present study showed that the best frequency at 70 dB SPL (BF70) tends to shift away from CF. The amount of shift was statistically significant (signed-rank test z = 5.143, p < 0.001), but the amount and direction of shift depended on cochlear location. At cochlear locations up to 600° from the base, BF70 shifted downward in frequency relative to CF by about 4 semitones on average. Beyond 600° from the base, BF70 shifted upward in frequency relative to CF by about 6 semitones on average. In terms of spread (90% prediction interval), the amount of shift between CF and BF70 varied from relatively no shift to nearly an octave of shift. With the new level-adjusted place-frequency function, the amount of anatomical frequency mismatch for devices programmed with standard-of-care settings is less extreme than originally thought and may be nonexistent for all but the most apical electrodes.

Conclusions:
The present study validates the current standard for relating cochlear place to CF, and introduces a level-adjusted correction for how best frequency shifts away from CF at moderately loud stimulation levels. This correction may represent a more relevant tonotopic reference for CIs. To the extent that it does, its implementation may potentially enhance perceptual accommodation and speech understanding in CI users, thereby improving CI outcomes and contributing to advancements in the programming and clinical management of CIs.
Mid-term Radiologic and Clinical Results of Pediatric-adolescent Lisfranc Injuries
Authors: Sensoz Ersin , Yilmaz Husnu , Engin Eceviz , Onay Tolga 
Published: February 2025

Introduction:
The incidence of Lisfranc injury in pediatric-adolescent children is lower compared with adults. There is limited research on adolescent patients in this age group, with only a few case reports of pediatric patients. Furthermore, studies with adequate follow-up are lacking in the literature. This study aims to provide insights into the causes and types of fractures and evaluate mid-term clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric-adolescent patients diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury who underwent surgical treatment between June 2015 and January 2022. Patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation using Kirschner wires and/or screws, had satisfactory imaging, and were followed up for at least 2 years. Radiologic measurements included intermetatarsal distance, meary angle, and calcaneal height angle, done while the patient was standing. Assessments were made using the AOFAS midfoot score, the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and physical activities.

Results:
The study included 14 surgically treated patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The average patient age was 12.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 52.4 months. In pediatric cases, crush injury was the predominant trauma type (P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in calcaneal pitch angle or meary angle between healthy and injured feet (P = 0.2 and 0.1), but a greater intermetatarsal distance was observed on the injured side (P = 0.02). The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 1.5, the AOFAS midfoot score averaged 91.5, and the OxAFQ-C score averaged 86.3%.

Conclusions:
The mid-term outcomes for this age group were promising compared with adults. The use of Kirschner wires for fixation is more common in younger patients. Crush injuries and complications like compartment syndrome are more prevalent in the pediatric age group.
Establishing a Protocol to Increase Racial/Ethnic Under-Represented Minority Enrollment on an Active Radiation Oncology Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gardner Ulysses G. , Brawley Otis W. , Obi Elizabeth E. , Redmond Kristin J. , McClelland Shearwood 
Published: February 2025

Objectives:
In the United States, under-represented racial/ethnic groups lack ample enrollment in clinical trials, yielding ungeneralizable trial results. Barriers to increasing minority enrollment include decreased awareness of clinical trials, lack of access, financial burden and toxicity, medical system mistrust, and discordant physician-patient demographics.
The ongoing Spine Patient Optimal Radiosurgery Treatment for Symptomatic MEtastatic Neoplasms (SPORTSMEN) clinical trial (NCT05617716 on clinicaltrials.gov) has a study design to actively accrue minority patients. We present our protocol addressing key targets to increase minority enrollment on this randomized, phase II clinical trial.

Methods:
Adults with evidence of symptomatic spine metastases are eligible. Baseline demographics (including race/ethnicity) are reported for statistical analysis. Our protocol seeks to minimize barriers to minority enrollment and targets 5 key areas including clinical trial design, access to care, financial toxicity, community engagement, and patient-centered care.

Results and Conclusions:
Increasing clinical trial diversity is a challenge that must be addressed with meaningful intent to present robust level I data that broadens the understanding of treatment response in all demographics. Our protocol takes a patient-centered approach to achieve the objective of concordant racial/ethnic representation in a randomized clinical trial.
Urodynamic evaluation of prasterone vaginal treatment of mild to moderate urge incontinence in women with vulvovaginal atrophy: multicenter prospective study
Authors: Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Ursino Manuela , Formisano Carmen , Pozzuoli Alberto , Venturella Roberta , Longo Nicola , Di Carlo Costantino 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravaginal prasterone treatment on urge urinary symptoms in women affected by genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Methods
The study was conducted on postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy and symptoms of increased urinary frequency and urgency with an Overactive Bladder Screener score of >8. Participants underwent urodynamic examination and completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire before and after 3 months of treatment. Wilcoxon signed rank test for the paired sample was used to compare continuous non parametric variables.

Results
Twenty women were prospectively enrolled (January 2022 to January 2024). The median age and menopausal age were 59 years (interquartile range, 56.0-66.5 y) and 50 years (interquartile range, 49.0-52.5 y), respectively. According to the ICIQ-SF, the mean scores before and after treatment were 9.6 (SD, 5.1) and 2.63 (SD, 2.24), respectively (P > 0.001). According to the urodynamic examination, the median volume infused increased from 70 to 123 mL (P = 0.001) for the first stimulus, from 115 to 202 mL (P = 0.001) for the normal stimulus, from 199 to 290 mL (P = 0.001) for the urge stimulus, and from 251 to 343 mL (P = 0.001) for the maximal bladder filling capacity. At the end of the study, the 42.1% of women reported very much and much better improvement according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement score.

Conclusions
After 3 months of prasterone treatment, women reported a statistically significant objective increase in bladder compliance through a later voiding stimulus and a subjective reduction in urge incontinence episodes through the validated ICIQ-SF questionnaire.
How to reduce free radicals during phacoemulsification – EPR measurements comparing the production of free radicals in different use cases
Authors: Giger-Lange Christina , Barz Jakob , Heim Heiko 
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE:
To detect free radicals during phacoemulsification in different use cases and with emulsification of lens tissue.

SETTING:
Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute, Stuttgart, Germany.

DESIGN:
Experimental study.

METHODS:
Three experimental setups were used: 1. Setup without running fluidics to produce air bubbles inside the system. 2. Circulation fluidic setup to compare measurements with and without cataractous lens material. 3. A surgery-comparable system that closely mimics a realistic setup.
Porcine lenses were incubated for 1.25h in formalin to simulate middle hard cataracts and emulsified in a test chamber. Free radicals were captured by the spin-trapping agent 5,5’-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide and measured using electron-paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS:
Hydroxyl-radicals were the predominant free radicals detected. The maximum amount of radicals was produced when air bubbles were allowed to build up inside the system. Less radicals were produced during lens-emulsified compared to application without lens. This effect was enhanced when the phacotip was in close contact with the lens during the whole procedure. In the surgery-comparable setup, the least amount of free radicals was detected.

CONCLUSION:
For the first time we were able to analyze free radicals during phacoemulsification of lens-tissue. We show that emulsification of lens tissue reduces the production of free radicals, an effect that is enhanced during close contact of the tissue with the phacotip. Also, we show that air-bubbles should be avoided during cataract surgery, as they may enhance free radical production. Furthermore, running fluidics remove most of the radicals making oxidative stress less likely.
Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: Key clinical considerations for the nurse practitioner and physician assistant
Authors: Hanson Christina , Goacher Elizabeth K. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurocognitive cirrhosis-related complication with a broad range of symptoms. Timely recognition and treatment of HE, including identifying precipitating factors, when possible, is critical for improving outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Lactulose and rifaximin therapies, as appropriate, are recommended for patients with cirrhosis and a history of HE episode(s) to reduce risk of HE recurrence.

Objectives:
To provide clinical considerations for nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) on the diagnosis and management of patients with cirrhosis.

Data Sources:
A PubMed search of English-language articles published between January 1, 2008, and March 13, 2024, was performed to identify publications on the diagnosis and treatment of HE.

Results:
Important topics to address when discussing care with patients with cirrhosis and their caregivers include concomitant medication use, recent infection history, comorbid conditions (e.g., diabetes), fall and frailty risks, and sleep quality. In addition, ensuring treatment adherence is important for reducing the risk of future HE episodes and HE-related hospitalizations. Engaging and empowering caregivers helps reinforce the need for patient adherence to treatment and facilitates earlier identification of HE symptoms.

Conclusions:
Early recognition of HE, treatment, and reduction in risk of recurrence are imperative to minimize patient morbidity and mortality.

Implications for Practice:
Nurse practitioners and PAs play an important role in supporting patients with cirrhosis who are at risk for developing HE, as well as their caregivers. Understanding and recognizing precipitating factors and clinical symptoms of HE and treating and preventing HE recurrence can improve patient outcomes.
The Transmission of the Phenomenon of Herbal Medicine to China via Silk Roads in Medieval China
Authors: Mollahassani Ali , CHENG Aoyu , ZHANG Weidong , WU Ye 
Published: February 2025

Abstract:
The Silk Road has long been recognized as a vital channel for cultural and intellectual exchange, profoundly influencing the cosmopolitan identity of High Tang culture. Beyond the trade of goods like tea, silk, and carpets, this network also fostered the transfer of medical knowledge. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its extensive pharmacopoeia of over ten thousand herbal medicines, benefited significantly from exchanges with neighboring countries and regions. This review explores the intricate connections between TCM and other medical systems facilitated by the Silk Road, highlighting representative herbs introduced from regions along the route. It underscores the reciprocal influences that shaped medical practices in both Eastern and Western traditions, offering insights into the potential integration of traditional and modern biomedical approaches today.
Wiping Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Away With Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Authors: Williams Latasha , Collins Felicia , Hall-Thomas Cynthia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) continue to be a concern in health care. According to the Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality, the cost associated with a single CAUTI is estimated to be $13,793 on average but can be as high as $29,743. Decreasing CAUTIs through preventative strategies will benefit both the patient and the healthcare organization. There were limited studies utilizing 2% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) as an intervention for CAUTI prevention. There was also an insufficient research about indwelling catheters, also known as a Foley catheters, and use of CHG during bathing and indwelling catheter care outside intensive care and CHG benefits relating to indwelling catheter care. To address this issue, we developed and implemented a quality improvement project in an inpatient rehabilitation facility for patients requiring indwelling catheters by integrating Food and Drug Administration-approved CHG products to determine the effectiveness of using 2% versus 4% CHG during bathing and indwelling catheter care to decrease CAUTI occurrences. We observed two CAUTIs for the unit using 4% CHG and zero CAUTIs using the 2% CHG. CAUTIs were associated with chronic renal calculi, missed opportunities with bowel care management, and knowledge deficits of supplemental staff members.