bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell viability assessment by using GelRed/SYTO 9-based double staining
Authors: Zheng Yueping , Sun Jian , Li Xiaocui , Qiu Honxin , Liao Lifang , He Shengbin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cell viability assessment plays a crucial role in biological research, pharmaceutical development, and toxicological identification. Here, we used GelRed, a sensitive and safer nucleic acid dye, to selectively label dead cells with red fluorescence (FL) thus distinguishing dead cells from live ones. Further more, the combined use of GelRed and SYTO 9 (another nucleic acid dye) enabled the clear differentiation in FL spectra between the two physiological statuses. The GelRed and SYTO 9 concentrations were optimized to obtain the highest FL ratio of dead to live cells. The GelRed/SYTO 9-based double staining could quantify the cell viability through flow cytometry analysis, with a good correlation between the detected and theoretical dead cell ratios. Compared with traditional prodium iodide (PI) staining, the GelRed/SYTO 9-based double staining showed high accuracy in quantifying dead cell of low levels. The as-developed staining method could be used in biomedical research to accurately measure the cytotoxic effect of various substances in living cells.
Primes as Sums of Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Drmota Michael , Müllner Clemens , Spiegelhofer Lukas 
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between prime numbers and sums of Fibonacci numbers. One of our main results says that for every sufficiently large integer

k
k

there exists a prime number that can be represented as the sum of

k
k

different and non-consecutive Fibonacci numbers. This property is closely related to, and based on, a prime number theorem for certain morphic sequences. In our case, these morphic sequences are based on the Zeckendorf expansion of a positive integer

n
n

— we write

n
n

as the sum of non-consecutive Fibonacci numbers. More precisely, we are concerned with the Zeckendorf sum-of-digits function

z

\mathsf {z}

, which returns the minimal number of Fibonacci numbers needed to write a positive integer as their sum. The proof of such a prime number theorem for

z

\mathsf {z}

, combined with a corresponding local result, constitutes the central contribution of this paper, from which the result stated in the beginning follows.

Problems of this type have been discussed intensively in the context of the base-

q
q

expansion of integers. The driving forces of this development were the Gelfond problems (1968/1969), more specifically the behavior of the sum-of-digits function in base

q
q

along the sequence of primes and along integer-valued polynomials, and the Sarnak conjecture. Mauduit and Rivat resolved the question on the sum of digits of prime numbers (2010) and the sum of digits of squares (2009). Later the second author (2017) proved Sarnak’s conjecture for the class of automatic sequences, which are based on the

q
q

-ary expansion of integers, and which generalize the sum-of-digits function in base

q
q

considerably.

For the (partial) solution of the Gelfond problems (1967/1968), Mauduit and Rivat have developed a powerful method that is based on techniques for “cutting off digits”, on sophisticated estimates for Fourier terms, and on estimates for exponential sums. These techniques — together with a new decomposition of finite automata — were also the basis for the second author’s result on automatic sequences.

In order to obtain corresponding results for Fibonacci numbers, we have to extend Mauduit and Rivat’s method considerably. In fact, we are departing significantly from this method, proving the statement that

exp
⁡
(
2
π
i
ϑ

z

(
n
)
)

\exp (2\pi i \vartheta \hspace {0.5pt}\mathsf {z}(n))

has level of distribution

1
1

. This latter result forms an essential part of our treatment of the occurring sums of type

I

\mathrm {I}

and

I
I

\mathrm {II}

and uses Gowers norms related to the Zeckendorf sum-of-digits function as a central technical tool. Gowers norms are a higher order generalization of the above-mentioned Fourier terms, and their appearance in our method is intimately tied to the iterated application of a new generalization of van der Corput’s inequality.
From Allies to Rivals: Portuguese Maritime Espionage in England, 1551–1559
Authors: Vila-Santa Nuno 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Using an unstudied set of diplomatic instructions given by the Portuguese kings to their ambassadors, spies and agents sent to Tudor England between 1553 and 1559, this article seeks to re-examine the emergence of Anglo-Portuguese maritime rivalry in West Africa. By carefully detailing the contents of these instructions, and matching them with other sources, this study also highlights the role of Mary I (1553–1558) in English maritime expansion. Analysing the contents of each mission in connection to the first English voyages to West Africa, I suggest that Portugal already envisaged Mary Tudor’s England as a serious maritime competitor and provide possible reasons for this conviction. Contextualising this rivalry with Philip II’s reign as king consort of England and the related Portuguese diplomatic strategies aimed at maintaining a mare clausum, this article argues that Portuguese maritime espionage in sixteenth-century England is inextricably linked to the development of a maritime and scientific milieu under Queen Mary. Additionally, I propose that such endeavours are intimately connected with the well-known English maritime achievements of the Elizabethan era, highlighting the importance of Mary’s reign in this process. Although the existence of intensive Portuguese maritime espionage in Mary Tudor’s England may (given the existing historiography) be surprising, I suggest that it should not be read as such, by showing that previous Portuguese maritime rivalries with Spain and France provide a relevant precedent, and stressing the globalisation of nautical knowledge unfolding in the sixteenth century.
Case report of the successful treatment of pemphigus vulgaris using ovine forestomach matrix graft
Authors: Kokal William A , Simon Jessica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a subtype of pemphigus and life-altering disorder that results in the formation of intraepithelial blisters in mucosa and skin. Though the etiology is not well understood, it is an autoimmune disorder resulting in acantholytic blisters due to auto-antibodies targeting proteins of keratinocyte adhesion. Rapid diagnosis and restoration of the epidermal layer is imperative for patients with PV as widespread epidermal damage can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. This case report presents the treatment of PV in a 53-year-old female who presented after 9 months of worsening symptoms and 30% total body surface area blistering. Most of the lesion was re-epithelialized in 1 week, with complete healing in 4 weeks following a single application of ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) graft. This case represents the first report of the use of OFM to aid regeneration of epithelial lesions resulting from an autoimmune bullous disease.
Staged surgery for the treatment of carotid aneurysm
Authors: Zhao Shiyi , Chen Dejie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA) is a relatively rare vascular lesion of the neck, and is usually found incidentally and is usually asymptomatic. Surgery is currently the first choice for symptomatic or growing ECAA, including open resection of the entire aneurysm, with or without arterial replacement and insertion of grafts. Ischemic stroke is the most serious complication after resection of ECAA. The preoperative Matas test facilitates the collateral circulation through the circle of Willis， which allows the brain to adapt to the hypoxic situation and effectively reduces ischemic stroke. We report a case of a young patient who underwent a staged surgery to treat it (the first stage was prophylactic carotid artery blockade, so called open Matas test), and achieved good results.
R2DT: a comprehensive platform for visualizing RNA secondary structure
Authors: McCann Holly , Meade Caeden D , Williams Loren Dean , Petrov Anton S , Johnson Philip Z , Simon Anne E , Hoksza David , Nawrocki Eric P , Chan Patricia P , Lowe Todd M , Ribas Carlos Eduardo , Sweeney Blake A , Madeira Fábio , Anyango Stephen , Appasamy Sri Devan , Deshpande Mandar , Varadi Mihaly , Velankar Sameer , Zirbel Craig L , Naiden Aleksei , Jossinet Fabrice , Petrov Anton I 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
RNA secondary (2D) structure visualization is an essential tool for understanding RNA function. R2DT is a software package designed to visualize RNA 2D structures in consistent, recognizable, and reproducible layouts. The latest release, R2DT 2.0, introduces multiple significant features, including the ability to display position-specific information, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms or SHAPE reactivities. It also offers a new template-free mode allowing visualization of RNAs without pre-existing templates, alongside a constrained folding mode and support for animated visualizations. Users can interactively modify R2DT diagrams, either manually or using natural language prompts, to generate new templates or create publication-quality images. Additionally, R2DT features faster performance, an expanded template library, and a growing collection of compatible tools and utilities. Already integrated into multiple biological databases, R2DT has evolved into a comprehensive platform for RNA 2D visualization, accessible at https://r2dt.bio.
Increasing a Quitline’s Reach to Low-Income Tobacco Users Through 211 Agencies
Authors: Zhu Shu-Hong , Aughinbaugh Emily , Pratt Andrea S , Zhuang Yue-Lin , Wang Ding , Mayoral Antonio , Anderson Christopher M , Hagaman Tonia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Low-income individuals bear a disproportionate share of the burden of tobacco use. This study tested the feasibility of increasing a quitline’s reach to low-income tobacco users by collaborating with 211 information and referral agencies, which primarily serve people experiencing economic hardship.

Aims and Methods
Study participants (N = 114 888) were adult tobacco users referred to the California quitline by 211 agencies, referred by healthcare clinics, or self-referred from April 17, 2021 to December 31, 2023. All were offered telephone counseling. Those referred by 211 received $20 for completing one counseling session. A subset (n = 2021) was followed up at 7 months. Referral outcomes, baseline characteristics, counseling and quitting aid utilization, and quitting outcomes were analyzed by referral source in 2024.

Results
Over a 2.7-year period, 211 agencies referred 55 151 clients to the quitline. Participants referred by 211 were more than twice as likely as healthcare-referred participants to enroll in quitline services (34.0% vs. 15.9%, p &lt; .0001). They were more likely than healthcare- and self-referred participants to be female, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning, Black or multiracial, younger, less educated, and Medicaid-insured; more likely to complete a first counseling session (64.2% vs. 59.7% and 55.7%; both ps &lt; .0001); and completed a similar number of sessions, 2.4. They were less likely to use quitting aids. Quit rates (ie, 30-day point prevalence abstinence) at 7-month follow-up were similar for all three groups.

Conclusions
A collaboration between a quitline and 211 agencies connected large numbers of underserved, low-income tobacco users to evidence-based cessation treatment.

Implications
The study shows that quitlines and 211 agencies can collaborate effectively to help low-income tobacco users quit. It shows that when offered a modest incentive, 211-referred participants engage in counseling as much as healthcare- and self-referred participants and are as likely to quit. If 211 agencies across the US referred at the same rate as agencies in this study, an estimated 65 000 additional tobacco users annually would receive treatment. Total reach at full implementation would likely be much higher. Quitline and 211 funders and other supporters should find ways to sustain these gains and expand their reach.
Cross-sectional analysis of self-promotional language in texts of grant proposals across gender
Authors: Heyard Rachel , Lim Sandar , Jorstad Anne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To investigate whether the use of positive, self-promotional language in grant proposals is associated with the gender of the applicant, we used a cross-sectional analysis on 8,150 grant proposals submitted to the Swiss National Science Foundation in life sciences disciplines across three different funding schemes, targeting applicants at different career stages. Multivariate, logistic, and negative binomial regressions were used to model the count and binary presence of positive words in grant proposal titles and abstracts. We found no evidence of an association between the use of self-promotional language and gender in grant proposals from life sciences disciplines. In the Projects funding scheme, funding bottom-up research, male applicants have used on average slightly more positive words in their proposals than their female peers, but the estimates (Rate Ratio 1.057; 95% CI 0.982–1.139) show no evidence of an effect. Similarly, no evidence of gender differences was found in proposals from the Careers funding schemes (Rate Ratio 1.087, 95% CI 0.973–1.214) which target early career researchers, and in a pilot scheme (Rate Ratio 1.089, 95% CI 0.911–1.302), a double-blind funding scheme supporting unconventional research. It is encouraging that we found no evidence indicating a difference in the use of positive words between male and female grant applicants. Although many factors influence how peer reviewers perceive the content of grant proposals, language usage undoubtedly plays an important role. We urge other funding agencies to conduct similar studies to identify if language usage contributes to biases in grant evaluation.
Use of a blinded hypnotic tapering strategy to promote hypnotic discontinuation
Authors: Edinger Jack D , Wamboldt Frederick , Johnson Rachel L , Hudson Bryan , Tsai Sheila , Morin Charles M , Holm Kristen E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Study Objectives
Cognitive behavioral insomnia therapy (CBT-I) combined with supervised open-label tapering is effective for helping hypnotic-dependent patients discontinue their hypnotics. This study tested whether slowing the tapering pace and blinding the tapering process enhance outcomes.

Methods
Seventy-eight benzodiazepines (BZD) or benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) users completed 4 CBT-I sessions, followed by a randomly assigned blinded tapering protocol wherein hypnotic dosage was: held constant, reduced by 10% every two weeks, or reduced by 25% every two weeks. After 20 weeks those who did not have their medications reduced were offered an open-label tapering protocol. Participants completed assessments 3 months after completing their respective tapering protocols. Outcomes included discontinuation rates, hypnotic withdrawal effects, and responder and remission rates determined by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores.

Results
No differences were observed between the two tapering paces (10% vs. 25%). Blinded tapering had a consistent association with better outcomes that did not reach statistical significance. At 3-month follow-up the number of patients needed to be treated with blinded taper instead of open-label tapering in order for one additional individual to achieve desired endpoints was 7.7 for BZD/BZRA discontinuation, 3.4 for hypnotic withdrawal effects, 4.4 for ISI responder status, and 5.0 for insomnia remission. One-third (32.3%) of the sample was using benzo-related hypnotics at 3-month follow-up. Twice as many individuals (64.6%) were using some type of medication or substance for sleep at this time point.

Conclusions
Blinding tapering may enhance hypnotic discontinuation rates and insomnia treatment response and remission rates.
Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02831894, “The Role of Tapering Pace and Selected Traits on Hypnotic Discontinuation;” URL:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT02831894?term=hypnotics&cond=Insomnia&cntry=US&state=US%3ACO&city=Denver&draw=2&rank=2
Minimally Invasive Versus Open Surgery for Thoracolumbar Fractures Treatment
Authors: Daher Mohammad , Aoun Marven , Cottrill Ethan J. , Wang Zhi , Hurley Richard K. , Lavelle William F. , Passias Peter G. , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H. , Sebaaly Amer 
Published: January 2025

Study Design.
Meta-analysis.

Objective.
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to pool the available data comparing MIS to open surgery for thoracolumbar fractures and provide a more comprehensive assessment of this topic.

Background.
There remains a debate over whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open fixation provides superior outcomes for patients with thoracolumbar fractures. While several randomized controlled trials and prospective studies have compared these two approaches, the published studies are limited by sample size.

Methods.
Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (pages 1–20) databases was performed on October 1, 2024. The extracted data consisted of complications, surgery-related parameters, early and late postoperative back pain, and postoperative regional kyphosis.

Results.
Five RCTs and five prospective studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 584 patients, with 299 in the MIS group and 285 in the open group. MIS patients were shown to have less EBL (MD=−155.86; 95% CI: −217.97 to −93.76, P<0.001), a shorter LOS (MD=−3.34; 95% CI: −4.62 to −2.06, P<0.001), lower pain scores during the early postoperative period (MD=−1.14; 95% CI: −1.56 to −0.71, P<0.001), and less regional kyphosis (MD=−5.17; 95% CI: −7.17 to −3.16, P<0.001), even when stratifying by study type. In addition, fluoroscopy time was longer in the MIS group (MD=0.60; 95% CI: 0.21–0.98, P=0.003), although this difference was not seen when looking at RCTs only.

Conclusions.
Among patients with thoracolumbar fractures, treatment with MIS was associated with decreased EBL, shorter LOS, earlier pain reduction, and less regional kyphosis compared with treatment with open fixation. In addition, higher radiation exposure was seen among patients treated with MIS. While MIS offers several potential benefits, both MIS and open fixation remain safe and reliable options for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.
Comparison of Recruitment Method on Clinical Outcomes Following Cervical Disc Arthroplasty
Authors: Foley David P. , Beutler Graham J. , Robinson Daniel L. , McCarthy Michael H. , Sasso Rick C. 
Published: January 2025

Study design:
Retrospective cohort

Objective:
To compare the clinical outcomes of trial versus standard clinical practice (SCP) patients following cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA)

Background:
CDA is hypothesized to reduce the shear strain and related complications resulting from fusion procedures. CDA has gained significant traction in recent decades. The typical non-trial patient undergoing CDA does not undergo the same level of preoperative scrutiny as those treated in formal clinical trials. Concerns exist about diverging clinical outcomes between these groups.

Methods:
This investigation retrospectively reviews prospectively collected data on one and two-level CDA patients from C3-T1. Patients were recruited into randomized, controlled trials or SCP practice beginning in 2002 or 2018, respectively. One-year minimum follow-up was required. Hybrid constructs and prior cervical spine surgical history have been excluded. Clinical assessments included reoperation history and the patient-reported outcome measures of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) neck, VAS arm, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data was collected at the preoperative, postoperative, one-year, two-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year time points.

Results:
One hundred and sixty-eight patients underwent CDA at 193 cervical levels, including 104 trial patients and 64 SCP patients. Mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 6.1 years (0.9 – 20.4 years). Eight unique disc designs were utilized. Trial patients had a greater proportion of females and longer follow-up duration (P<0.05). Trial patients had significantly worse preoperative clinical scores with greater improvements at each follow-up time point. SCP patients had significantly higher index-level reoperation rates at five years.

Conclusion:
Trial patients have lower rates of reoperation and improved clinical performance which could be in part due to more stringent selection criteria. This study is limited by long-term SCP response rates. Additional studies with larger cohorts are needed to improve our understanding of disc implant performance.
Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: de Alcântara Rafael Jorge Alves , Wakamatsu Tais Hitomi , Hirai Flávio Eduardo , Demeda Vanessa Favero , Frizon Luciana , Pereira Gomes José Álvaro 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) for the treatment of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction associated with chronic Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Methods:
This prospective noncomparative interventional study included 29 patients (58 eyes) who underwent 3 sessions of IPL and MGX at 2-week intervals. Subjective symptoms (ocular surface disease index score) and objective dry eye tests: matrix metalloproteinase 9, tear meniscus height, bulbar redness score, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), Schirmer I test, conjunctival and corneal staining, meibomian gland loss, MGX score [meibomian gland score (MGS)], and tear break-up time were assessed at the baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Results:
Twenty-nine individuals (57 eyes) were included in this analysis. The ocular surface disease index score decreased significantly from 60.07 ± 23.34 (baseline) to 38.36 ± 22.39 (after 90 days) (P < 0.01). The fluorescein and lissamine green staining scores, MGS, and LLT improved significantly (P < 0.01). In contrast, there were no significant changes in the tear meniscus height values, matrix metalloproteinase 9 positivity, bulbar redness score, Schirmer test, meibography of the superior and inferior eyelids, and tear break-up time. Ocular or skin complications were not observed.

Conclusions:
Three IPL therapy sessions followed by MGX seemed to be safe and effective in treating dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction, improving vision-related quality of life, dry eye symptoms, and ocular surface signs, such as corneal and conjunctival staining scores, MGS, and LLT after 90 days in patients with chronic Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.