bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of virtual reality in nursing education: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Weiwei , Li Wei , Wang Ting , Zheng Yanxue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aims to assess the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) has shown significant potential in transforming nursing education by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. Our objective is to systematically evaluate and conduct a meta-analysizes on the impact effect of virtual reality technology in teaching nursing students.

Methods
To achieve this, we conducted comprehensive computer searches on platforms including of PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Zhiwang database, Wanfang database, and China Biomedical Literature Service (SinoMed), were conducted to collect randomized controlled trial studies on the use of virtual reality’s technology for teaching nursing students built up to until March 2023., and the Cochrane Furthermore, the quality of the included literature was assessed evaluated using the quality evaluation criteria specified for randomized controlled trial studies within the Cochrane provided in the evaluation handbook manual. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results
The aggregate outcomes from a total of 12 randomized controlled trials, encompassing including 1167 students, indicate were included. Meta-analysis results showed that virtual reality technology significantly enhances could better improve nursing students’’ theoretical knowledge [(SMD = 0.97, 95% CI [0.48, 1.46], p < 0.001)], practical skills (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI [0.33, 1.46], p < 0.001), skill retention, (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI [0.33, 0.71], p < 0.001), and satisfaction levels (SMD = 1.14, 95% CI [0.85, 1.43], p < 0.001), in comparison with traditional or alternative teaching methodologies. However, no statistically significant impact was observed on the enhancement of critical thinking skills (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI [-0.05, 1.64], p = 0.07) among nursing students.

Conclusion
Our findings underscore that compared to conventional teaching methods, virtual reality offers superior potential in advancing nursing students’ theoretical knowledge, practice proficiencies, and overall satisfaction, while not yielding a significant advantage in enhancing critical thinking skills. The incorporated literature consisted exclusively of randomized controlled trials, albeit a subset of these studies omitted descriptions of the allocation concealment strategy.
Achieving clinical outcomes with benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma patients in a real-world setting: ORBE II study
Authors: Padilla-Galo Alicia , Moya Carmona Isabel , Ausín Pilar , Carazo Fernández Luis , García-Moguel Ismael , Velasco-Garrido José Luis , Andújar-Espinosa Rubén , Casas-Maldonado Francisco , Martínez-Moragón Eva , Martínez Rivera Carlos , Vera Solsona Elisabet , Sánchez-Toril López Fernando , Trisán Alonso Andrea , Blanco Aparicio Marina , Valverde-Monge Marcela , Valencia Azcona Borja , Palop Cervera Marta , Nuevo Javier , Sánchez Tena Jesús , Resler Gustavo , Luzón Elisa , Levy Naon Alberto 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The ORBE II study aimed to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) treated with benralizumab in a real-world setting in Spain.

Methods
ORBE II (NCT04648839) was an observational, retrospective cohort study in adult SEA patients who had been prescribed benralizumab. Demographic and clinical data of 204 SEA patients were collected 12 months prior to benralizumab initiation (baseline) and at follow-up. Exacerbation rate, asthma symptoms, maintenance oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and lung function were evaluated, among other variables.

Results
A total of 204 SEA patients were evaluated. Mean (standard deviation, SD) age of the study population was 56.4 (12.4) years, 62.3% were women and mean (SD) duration of asthma was 15.1 (12.7) years. Median (Q1–Q3) follow-up duration was 19.5 (14.2–24.2) months. At baseline, 72.6% of the overall population (OP) presented blood eosinophil counts ≥ 300 cells/µL; 36.8% had comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP); 84.8% reported at least one severe exacerbation, and 29.1% were OCS-dependent. At 1 year of follow-up, patients receiving benralizumab treatment had a 85.6% mean reduction in exacerbations from baseline, and 81.4% of patients achieved zero exacerbations. We also found a clinically relevant mean (SD) increase in pre-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 of 331 (413) mL, with 66.7% of patients achieving a pre-BD FEV1 increase ≥ 100 mL, and 46.3% of patients achieving a pre-BD FEV1 ≥ 80% of predicted. Regarding symptom control, 73.8% of the OP obtained an ACT score ≥ 20 points. After 1 year of follow-up, mean reduction in the daily OCS dose was 70.5%, and complete OCS withdrawal was achieved by 52.8% of the OCS-dependent patients. Almost half (43.7%) of the OP on benralizumab met all four criteria for clinical remission. Patients with concomitant CRSwNP obtained similar or enhanced outcomes.

Conclusions
These data support the real-world benefits of benralizumab in SEA patients, and particularly in those with concomitant CRSwNP.

Trial registration
NCT04648839.
Emergency resection is an independent risk factor for decreased long-term overall survival in colorectal cancer: a matched-pair analysis
Authors: Esswein Katharina , Ninkovic Marijana , Gasser Elisabeth , Barenberg Lars , Perathoner Alexander , Kafka-Ritsch Reinhold 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Up to 30% of the patients present in an emergency setting despite an established screening program. Emergency colorectal resection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity as well as worse oncological outcome. This study aims to analyze the impact on tumor recurrence and survival in patients with an emergency colorectal resection, independent of sex, age, and tumor stage.

Methods
Patients, who underwent an oncological resection for colorectal cancer at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, between January 2003 and December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively and screened for emergency resections. Matched pairs were formed to analyze the impact of emergency operations on long-term outcomes, considering tumor stage, sex, and age, comparing it with elective patients.

Results
In total, 4.5% out of 1297 patients underwent surgery in an emergency setting. These patients had higher UICC (Union internationale contre le cancer) stages than elective patients. After matching the patients for age, sex, and tumor stage, emergency patients still had higher mortality. The incidence of recurrence was higher (47.5% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.003) and the 5-year overall survival decreased (35.6% vs. 64.4%, p < 0.001) compared to the matched patients with elective resection. Correcting for 90-day mortality still a reduction in the 5-year overall survival was demonstrated (44% vs. 70%, p = 0,001). The left-sided colon tumors were more common in the emergency group (45.8% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.006) and the rectal tumors in the elective one (21.2% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.002).

Conclusion
Patients undergoing emergency resection for colorectal cancer have a decreased tumor-specific and overall survival compared to patients after elective resection, independent of age, sex, and tumor stage, even after correcting for 90-day mortality. These findings confirm the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and screening to reduce emergency resections.
Association of personality traits with dental visit procrastination by Japanese university students
Authors: Hoshino Yukitaka , Kataoka Shota , Ansai Toshihiro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundProcrastination is a psychological trait that causes individuals to put off doing things that need to be done. It has recently shown to result in the worsening of symptoms due to delays in seeking medical care. However, it is not clear how perception of dental disease influences dental visits. This study examined the associations of procrastination and personality traits with delayed dental visits for both acute and chronic conditions.MethodsOf 599 university students queried, the data of 549 subjects (mean age 19.7 years) were analyzed. A general procrastination scale (GPS), the Big Five personality traits, and oral hygiene habits were used for analysis. The participants were asked about illness awareness conditions related to dental disease, perception of pain in the oral region due to acute oral symptoms and chronic symptoms. The participants were asked the number of days until they decided that treatment was required. Based on the bimodal shape of the distribution, those who answered at least eight days for acute or chronic conditions were classified as the procrastination (P) group and the others as the non-procrastination (Non-P) group.ResultsSignificant differences in GPS scores were found between the groups for both acute and chronic conditions, with significant differences in the Big Five traits of extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism for an acute condition and extraversion, openness, and neuroticism for a chronic condition. There were no significant differences regarding oral hygiene habits between the groups for either condition. Next, using a Bayesian network, the probabilistic causal relations among procrastination, the Big Five traits, and delays in dental visits for both acute and chronic conditions were analyzed. Among the Big Five traits, conscientiousness and neuroticism were directly related to GPS score. Interestingly, agreeableness was directly related to delays in dental visits only for an acute condition and showed a negative effect, while dental student status had a positive effect on delays in dental visits.ConclusionsThe results showed that procrastination and dentistry department are factors that directly influence delays in dental visits, while agreeableness, a Big Five trait, has a negative effect on individuals with an acute condition.
Challenges of aortic valve tissue culture – maintenance of viability and extracellular matrix in the pulsatile dynamic microphysiological system
Authors: Dittfeld Claudia , Winkelkotte Maximilian , Scheer Anna , Voigt Emmely , Schmieder Florian , Behrens Stephan , Jannasch Anett , Matschke Klaus , Sonntag Frank , Tugtekin Sems-Malte 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) causes an increasing health burden in the 21st century due to aging population. The complex pathophysiology remains to be understood to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ-on-chip or lab-on-a-chip systems, proved promising in bridging in vitro and in vivo approaches by applying integer AV tissue and modelling biomechanical microenvironment. This study introduces a novel MPS comprising different micropumps in conjunction with a tissue-incubation-chamber (TIC) for long-term porcine and human AV incubation (pAV, hAV).

Results
Tissue cultures in two different MPS setups were compared and validated by a bimodal viability analysis and extracellular matrix transformation assessment. The MPS-TIC conjunction proved applicable for incubation periods of 14–26 days. An increased metabolic rate was detected for pulsatile dynamic MPS culture compared to static condition indicated by increased LDH intensity. ECM changes such as an increase of collagen fibre content in line with tissue contraction and mass reduction, also observed in early CAVD, were detected in MPS-TIC culture, as well as an increase of collagen fibre content. Glycosaminoglycans remained stable, no significant alterations of α-SMA or CD31 epitopes and no accumulation of calciumhydroxyapatite were observed after 14 days of incubation.

Conclusions
The presented ex vivo MPS allows long-term AV tissue incubation and will be adopted for future investigation of CAVD pathophysiology, also implementing human tissues. The bimodal viability assessment and ECM analyses approve reliability of ex vivo CAVD investigation and comparability of parallel tissue segments with different treatment strategies regarding the AV (patho)physiology.
Age-associated sex difference in the expression of mitochondria-based redox sensitive proteins and effect of pioglitazone in nonhuman primate brain
Authors: Jamwal Sumit , Blackburn Jennifer K. , Elsworth John D. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) and neuronal uncoupling proteins (UCP4 and UCP5) possess antioxidant, anti-apoptotic activities and minimize accumulation of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. While age and sex are risk factors for several disorders that are linked with oxidative stress, no study has explored the age- and sex-dependent expression of PON2 isoforms, UCP4 and UCP5 in primate brain or identified a drug to activate UCP4 and UCP5 in vivo. Preclinical studies suggest that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist, pioglitazone (PIO), can be neuroprotective, although the mechanism responsible is unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated that pioglitazone activates PON2 in primate brain and we hypothesized that pioglitazone also induces UCP4/5. This study was designed to elucidate the age- and sex-dependent expression of PON2 isoforms, UCP4 and UCP5, in addition to examining the impact of systemic PIO treatment on UCP4 and UCP5 expression in primate brain.

Methods
Western blot technique was used to determine the age- and sex-dependent expression of UCP4 and UCP5 in substantia nigra and striatum of African green monkeys. In addition, we tested the impact of daily oral pioglitazone (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 1 or 3 weeks on expression of UCP4 and UCP5 in substantia nigra and striatum in adult male monkeys. PIO levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were determined using LC–MS.

Results
We found no sex-based difference in the expression of PON2 isoforms, UCP4 and UCP5 in striatum and substantia nigra of young monkeys. However, we discovered that adult female monkeys exhibit greater expression of PON2 isoforms than males in substantia nigra and striatum. Our data also revealed that adult male monkeys exhibit greater expression of UCP4 and UCP5 than females in substantia nigra but not in striatum. PIO increased UCP4 and UCP5 expression in substantia nigra and striatum at 1 week, but after 3 weeks of treatment this activation had subsided.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate a sex-, age- and region-dependent profile to the expression of PON2, UCP4 and UCP5. These data establish a biochemical link between PPARγ, PON2, UCP4 and UCP5 in primate brain and demonstrate that PON2, UCP4 and UCP5 can be pharmacologically stimulated in vivo, revealing a novel mechanism for observed pioglitazone-induced neuroprotection. We anticipate that these outcomes will contribute to the development of novel neuroprotective treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other CNS disorders.
New generalized Halanay inequalities and relative applications to neural networks with variable delays
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Chen Han , Lin Runpeng , Sheng Ying , Jiao Feng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe asymptotic behavior of solutions for a new class of generalized Halanay inequalities is studied via the fixed point method. This research provides a new approach to the study of the stability of Halanay inequality. To make the application of fixed point method in stability research more flexible and feasible, we introduce corresponding functions to construct an operator according to different characteristics of coefficients. The results obtained in this paper are applied to the stability study of a neural network system, which has high value in application. Moreover, three examples and simulations are given to illustrate the results. The conclusions in this paper greatly improve and generalize the relative results in the current literature.
Evaluating safety risks of whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC): a scoping review from an international consortium
Authors: Legrand Fabien D. , Dugué Benoît , Costello Joe , Bleakley Chris , Miller Elzbieta , Broatch James R. , Polidori Guillaume , Lubkowska Anna , Louis Julien , Lombardi Giovanni , Bieuzen François , Capodaglio Paolo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the two last decades, whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC) has emerged as an exciting non-pharmacological treatment influencing inflammatory events at a cellular and physiological level, which can result in improved sleep quality, faster neuromuscular recovery after high-intensity exercise, and chronic pain relief for patients suffering different types of diseases (fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis). Some evidence even suggests that WBC has benefits on mental health (depression, anxiety disorders) and cognitive functions in both adults and older adults, due to increased circulating BDNF levels. Recently, some safety concerns have been expressed by influential public health authorities (e.g., FDA, INSERM) based on reports from patients who developed adverse events upon or following WBC treatment. However, part of the data used to support these claims involved individuals whose entire body (except head) was exposed to extreme cold vaporized liquid nitrogen while standing in a narrow bathtub. Such a procedure is known as partial-body cryotherapy (PBC), and is often erroneously mistaken to be whole-body cryotherapy. Although having similarities in terms of naming and pursued aims, these two approaches are fundamentally different. The present article reviews the available literature on the main safety concerns associated with the use of true whole-body cryotherapy. English- and French-language reports of empirical studies including case reports, case series, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science electronic databases. Five case reports and two RCTs were included for a total of 16 documented adverse events (AEs). A critical in-depth evaluation of these AEs (type, severity, context of onset, participant’s medical background, follow-up) is proposed and used to illustrate that WBC-related safety risks are within acceptable limits and can be proactively prevented by adhering to existing recommendations, contraindications, and commonsense guidelines.
Mincing bovine articular cartilage with commercially available shavers reduces the viability of chondrocytes compared to scalpel mincing
Authors: Moser Lukas B. , Bauer Christoph , Otahal Alexander , Kern Daniela , Dammerer Dietmar , Zantop Thore , Nehrer Stefan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeThe study aimed to compare the effect of mincing bovine articular cartilage with different shaver blades on chondrocyte viability.MethodsBovine articular cartilage was harvested either with a scalpel or with three different shaver blades (2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, or 4.2 mm) from a commercially available shaver. The cartilage harvested with a scalpel was then minced into fragments smaller than 1 mm3 with a scalpel. All four conditions were cultivated in a culture medium for seven days. After Day 1 and Day 7, the following measurements were performed: metabolic activity, RNA isolation, and gene expression of anabolic (COL2A1 and ACAN) and catabolic genes (MMP1 and MMP13), live/dead staining and visualization using confocal microscopy, and flow cytometric characterization of minced cartilage chondrocytes.ResultsMincing the cartilage with shavers significantly reduced metabolic activity after one and seven days compared to scalpel mincing (p < 0.001). Gene expression of anabolic genes (COL2A1 and ACAN) was reduced, while catabolic genes (MMP1 and MMP13) were increased after day 7 in all shaver conditions. Confocal microscopy showed a thin line of dead cells at the lesion side with viable cells beneath for the scalpel mincing and a higher number of dead cells diffusely distributed in the shaver conditions. After seven days, there was a significant decrease in viable cells in the shaver conditions compared to scalpel mincing (p < 0.05). Flow cytometric characterization revealed fewer intact cells and proportionally more dead cells in all shaver conditions compared to the scalpel mincing.ConclusionMincing bovine articular cartilage with commercially available shavers reduces the viability of chondrocytes compared to scalpel mincing immediately after harvest and after seven days in culture. This suggests that mincing cartilage with a shaver should be considered a matrix rather than a cell therapy.Level of evidenceLevel II therapeutic study.
Leveraging computer vision for adaptive learning in STEM education: effect of engagement and self-efficacy
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Lee Hsin-Yu , Wang Wei-Sheng , Lin Chia-Ju , Huang Yueh-Min 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, which aims to cultivate problem-solving skills, accurately assessing learners' engagement remains a significant challenge. We present a solution to this issue with the Real-time Automated STEM Engagement Detection System (RASEDS). This innovative system capitalizes on the power of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and the Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive (ICAP) framework. RASEDS uses You Only Learn One Representation (YOLOR) to detect and map learners' interactions onto the four levels of engagement delineated in the ICAP framework. This process informs the system's recommendation of adaptive learning materials, designed to boost both engagement and self-efficacy in STEM activities. Our study affirms that RASEDS accurately gauges engagement, and that the subsequent use of these adaptive materials significantly enhances both engagement and self-efficacy. Importantly, our research suggests a connection between elevated self-efficacy and increased engagement. As learners become more engaged in their learning process, their confidence is bolstered, thereby augmenting self-efficacy. We underscore the transformative potential of AI in facilitating adaptive learning in STEM education, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between engagement and self-efficacy.
Liver function test (SGPT) abnormality in 319 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh
Authors: Yesmin Mahbuba , Biswas Nirmol Kumar , Alam Afroja 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Deranged liver function abnormalities are well-recognized sequela of COVID-19 infection. Globally, there are studies dedicated to evaluate spectrum of liver injury by COVID-19. In this study, we have described the impact of COVID-19 on liver function tests in 319 confirmed COVID cases in Bangladesh. Our study aimed to determine the liver function alteration by COVID-19 in our population.

Methods
This study included all adult inpatients (> 18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed (RT-PCR) COVID-19 from March to April, 2020 in a tertiary COVID-dedicated hospital. We assessed liver function test and categorized patients according to COVID severity. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study.

Results
Among 319 patients with COVID-19, 36% had normal and 64% had abnormal liver function test. Out of this, 18% had 1–2 times, 42% had 2–3 times, and 19% had > 3 times upper limit of normal SGPT during admission. Fifty-seven (18%) patients presented with mild illness, 83 (26%) with moderate, 124 (39%) patients with severe, and 54 (17%) with critical COVID-19 during admission. Significant correlation was found between severity of COVID-19 and raised SGPT level.

Conclusion
More than half of patients presented during admission with abnormal liver function. COVID-19 has a significant impact on liver function derangement in this population.