bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Number of lymph nodes retrieved in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after total neoadjuvant therapy: post-hoc analysis from the STELLAR trial
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Tang Yuan , Ma Huiying , Su Hao , Xu Zheng , Gao Changyuan , Zhou Haitao , Jin Jing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The current gold standard for extraperitoneal locally advanced rectal cancer is total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) followed by total mesorectal excision. This research explored the number of lymph nodes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after TNT and its correlation with survival.

Materials and Methods
This is a post-hoc analysis based on the STELLAR trial, including patients with locally advanced rectal cancer from 16 tertiary centres who were randomized for short-term radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy (TNT group) or long-term concurrent chemotherapy group followed by total mesorectal excision between 2015 and 2018. This lymph node-related analysis is based on the TNT group. Subgroups were differentiated based on the lymph node harvest (below the median number: limited lymphadenectomy group, and greater than/equal to the median number: extended lymphadenectomy group). The primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS). Correlations with clinical/pathological variables, lymphadenectomy categories and use of adjuvant chemotherapy were explored.

Results
Among the 451 patients enrolled in the STELLAR trial, 227 patients (50.3%) were assigned to the TNT group, including 29.5% females. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved in the TNT group was 11.0. Patients in the limited lymphadenectomy subgroup exhibited worse overall survival than those with extended lymphadenectomy (HR 2.95 (95% c.i. 1.47 to 5.92), P = 0.001). The overall survival was similar in the ypN0-limited and ypN1-extended subgroups (HR 0.38 (95% c.i. 0.11 to 1.30), P = 0.109). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better overall survival and DFS than no adjuvant chemotherapy overall (P &lt; 0.001) and in the limited lymphadenectomy subgroup (P &lt; 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival or DFS with or without adjuvant chemotherapy in the extended lymphadenectomy subgroup (P = 0.887 and P = 0.192, respectively).

Conclusion
In the STELLAR trial, the median number of lymph nodes harvested was 11. In patients with limited lymphadenectomy, the use of adjuvant therapy after TNT was beneficial and correlated with better prognosis compared with patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Spontaneous space closure after extraction of permanent first molars in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamza Blend , Papageorgiou Spyridon N , Patcas Raphael , Schätzle Marc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Extraction of the permanent first molars is sometimes necessitated in children and adolescents due to deep carious lesions or developmental defects.

Objective
To estimate the prevalence of spontaneous space closure after extraction of permanent first molars and identify factors associated with it.

Search methods
Unrestricted searches in five databases for human studies until February 2024.

Selection criteria
Longitudinal before-and-after (cohort) human studies assessing eruption of the permanent second molars and spontaneous space closure after extraction of the permanent first molar.

Data collection and analysis
Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses of average spontaneous space closure prevalences and odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed, followed by meta-regression/sensitivity/reporting biases’ analyses and evaluation of our confidence in effect estimates.

Results
Sixteen reports pertaining to 15 studies (1 prospective /14 retrospective) were included covering 1159 patients (ages 5.5–15.0 years [mean 10.0 years]; 45% male on average) and 2310 permanent second molars. The prevalence of spontaneous space closure was higher in the maxilla (nine studies; 85.3%; 95% CI = 73.7%–92.3%) than the mandible (11 studies; 48.1%; 95% CI = 34.5%–62.0%) to a significant extent (nine studies; OR = 7.77; 95% CI = 4.99–12.11; P &lt; 0.001). For both maxillary/mandibular second molars, Demirjian category E was associated with increased space closure odds than earlier/later stages (P &lt; 0.05). Spontaneous space closure in the mandible was seen more often for patients ages 8–10 years (compared with older patients; three studies; OR = 3.32; 95% CI = 1.73–6.36; P &lt; 0.001) and when the mandibular permanent third molar was present (four studies; OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.67–3.09; P = 0.003). Additional analyses failed to find any significant modifying factors.

Limitations
The quality of evidence was very low in all instances due to the inclusion of retrospective studies with methodological issues.

Conclusions
Existing evidence indicates that spontaneous space closure in children and adolescents after extraction of the permanent first molar is seen more often in the maxilla than the mandible. Extraction of the permanent first molar at the Demirjian stage E of the second molar and presence of the lower permanent third molar is associated with increased odds of space closure, but uncertainty persists, due to methodological issues of existing studies.

Registration
PROSPERO (CRD42023395371).
A Lullian divertissement for King William III at Kensington in 1698
Authors: Thorp Jennifer 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
On 13 May 1698, according to the London press, ‘there was fine Dancing at Kensington, where his Majesty was present, as also his Excellency the French Ambassador’. The ‘Dancing’ referred to was a vocal and danced entertainment called (with many allusions to the beauties of Kensington Palace) Le Palais des Plaisirs, and probably staged at the behest of the new French ambassador, Camille d’Hostun, comte de Tallard, as part of the series of delicate negotiations in London following the signing of the Peace of Ryswick the previous year. The French libretto of the Kensington divertissement indicates that it was created out of extracts from scenes in earlier French court entertainments and operas, their music by Lully and words by Molière, Benserade and Quinault. The vocal music and dances for each of the five entrées were performed by members of the Paris Opéra and the London theatres, with choreography devised by Anthony L’Abbé, newly arrived in London from the Paris Opéra.
Young people’s perspectives on policies to create healthier food environments in England
Authors: Rinaldi Chiara , McGill Elizabeth , Petticrew Mark , Knai Cecile , Egan Matt 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Food environments are important determinants of healthy diets among young people. This study explored young people’s perspectives on their food environment, their recommendations to policymakers and views on youth engagement in policy processes. There is limited research on young people’s perspectives on their involvement in developing food environment policies. Youth engagement in policymaking processes can lead to greater policy integrity and inclusivity. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 39 young people (12–21 years) from a town in North West England and a metropolitan area in the English Midlands. Participants were recruited through youth organizations. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Young people reported concerns about the density of fast food outlets in their local area, the unaffordability of healthier food, and fast food advertisement. These issues were not believed to be prioritized in local and national policymaking. Accordingly, policy recommendations were mainly for structural food environment policies, including restrictions on fast food outlet density and incentives for menu reformulation. Young people did not feel involved in local decisions about the food environment. They expressed a need for more meaningful engagement beyond consultation. Young people have repeatedly shown to have a deep understanding of the social, commercial and political factors that influence diet and health. It is essential that policymakers aiming to improve young people’s diets take their unique views and concerns into account to create effective policies that resonate with young people.
Treatment of degenerated mitral bioprosthesis using inovare alpha rapid deployment balloon-expandable prosthesis—a minimally invasive approach
Authors: Corso Ricardo Barros , Nascimento dos Santos Marcus Vinicius , Kalil da Silva Pina Glauco , Carlos Ferreira Leal João 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This case report describes an 82-year-old woman with severe mitral bioprosthesis stenosis and NYHA II–III heart failure, EuroScore II of 22.54% and STS Score of 13.7%. She received innovative treatment with transatrial mitral valve-in-valve implantation of a rapid deployment balloon-expandable prosthesis via video-assisted right lateral mini-thoracotomy, with myocardial protection through ventricular fibrillation. The patient was discharged and, under cardiology follow-up, achieved NYHA I class with no angina.
Role of vitamin E on bovine skeletal-muscle-derived cells from Korean native cattle under heat treatment
Authors: Kim Bo-Mi , Jin Xue-Cheng , Lee Jun-Hee , Peng Dong-Qiao , Kim Won-Seob , Lee Hong-Gu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Our study aimed to evaluate the dualistic effect of heat stress on muscle differentiation at different temperatures, and whether vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, could offset any negative effects, using bovine skeletal-muscle-derived cells (BSMCs) with myogenic properties. The BSMCs were extracted from the skeletal muscle of 30-mo-old Korean native cattle and subjected to myogenic differentiation under 3 heat exposure conditions: 37 °C (control; CON), 39 °C (mild heat stress; MHS), and 41 °C (severe heat stress; SHS) for 24 h with or without vitamin E treatment (NE or VE). After 24 h treatments, the cells were returned to 37 °C incubators and differentiated until day 6. On day 1, because of the heat exposure, the gene expression of MYOG was the highest in MHS (P = 0.047), suggesting a promotive effect of mild heat stress on myogenic differentiation, while on day 6, compared with CON and MHS, MYOD (P = 0.013) and MYOG (P = 0.029) were the lowest in SHS. Vitamin E treatment also lowered MYOG (P = 0.097), regardless of heat exposure. On day 1, HSPB1 (P = 0.001) and HSP70 (P &lt; 0.001) were the highest in SHS, and an interaction between heat exposure and vitamin E treatment was found on day 6 (P &lt; 0.027). BCL-2 was also the highest on day 1 in SHS (P = 0.05), and an interaction of heat exposure and vitamin E treatment was found on day 1 on BAX expression (P = 0.038). For antioxidant genes, SOD1 (P = 0.002) and GPX1 (P &lt; 0.001) were affected by heat exposure, with the highest levels being observed in SHS, and on day 6, GPX1 was still the highest in SHS (P = 0.027). The fusion index was also affected by heat exposure, showing a decrease in SHS and an increase in MHS compared with CON (P &lt; 0.001). Significant effects were noted from heat exposure (P &lt; 0.001), vitamin E treatment (P &lt; 0.001), and the interaction of heat exposure and vitamin E treatment (P = 0.002) on the protein content. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that vitamin E could ameliorate the harmful effects of heat exposure by modulating heat shock proteins and apoptosis regulators, improving the protein synthesis of BSMCs during myogenic differentiation. These results suggest that vitamin E supplementation could potentially protect muscle development in beef cattle under summer heat stress.
A multispecies bacterial-based direct-fed microbial alleviates Salmonella invasion and supports in vitro epithelial integrity
Authors: Gresse Raphaele , Cappellozza Bruno I , Capern Lena C , Knudsen Tine T M , Copani Giuseppe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Managing bacterial infections is of great importance in livestock production, particularly those caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium or Dublin, which can impact both animal health and performance, as well as human food safety. Direct-fed microbials (DFM) can support gastrointestinal function and alleviate the potential negative effects of bacterial infections. In the present study, the capacity of a multispecies bacterial-based DFM containing Ligilactobacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) animalis 506, Propionibacterium freudenreichii 507, Bacillus licheniformis 809, and B. subtilis 597 to reduce S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 invasion was investigated using a co-incubation model with the HT29-MTX-E12 cell line (experiment 1). Next, a possible antagonistic effect of the DFM against S. Dublin ATCC 41286 was evaluated using an in vitro agar well diffusion method following a co-incubation of 48 h (experiment 2). At last, a series of experiments were performed to evaluate how different doses (6.25 × 106, 2.50 × 107, or 1.00 × 108 CFU/well) of the DFM would support the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells challenged or not with S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 or hydrogen peroxide under a transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay with Caco-2 cells (experiments 3 and 4). In experiment 1, BDP significantly (P &lt; 0.001) reduced by 90.8% the invasion of S. Typhimurium into HT29-MTX-E12 cells, whereas viability of the potentially harmful bacteria was reduced by 21.0% (P &lt; 0.0001). In experiment 2, the antagonistic properties of BDP towards S. Dublin were confirmed by the detection of a clear inhibition zone (size = 8.6 mm). Lastly, without challenge, the lowest dose of the DFM (6.25 × 106 CFU) provided the greatest support to the cells (treatment × hour; P &lt; 0.0001). However, when the cells were challenged with S. Typhimurium, all doses alleviated the loss of integrity caused by the pathogen (treatment × hour; P &lt; 0.0001). In cells challenged with hydrogen peroxide, the greater dose (1.00 × 108 CFU) supported the cells for a longer period of time (treatment × hour; P &lt; 0.0001). These in vitro findings set the stage for exploring the potential benefits of using a novel DFM as a promising tool and strategy to mitigate S. enterica infections in ruminants and improve animal health, food safety, and public health. Further, in vivo confirmation needs to be developed to validate these preliminary in vitro results.
Influence of flake density and starch retrogradation on in vitro gas production kinetics, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of steam-flaked corn
Authors: Trotta Ronald J , Kreikemeier Kelly K , Harmon David L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that decreasing starch availability of steam-flaked corn by increasing flake density or increasing the degree of starch retrogradation influences in vitro gas production kinetics. However, it is unclear if increasing flake density or the degree of starch retrogradation influences end-products of in vitro ruminal fermentation (methane, volatile fatty acids, ammonia). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of increasing flake density and the degree of starch retrogradation on in vitro gas production kinetics, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of steam-flaked corn. Three ruminally cannulated steers were fed a high-concentrate diet and sampled for ruminal digesta for an in vitro fermentation experiment with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Steam-flaked corn was produced to flake densities of 257, 296, 335, 373, and 412 g/L by adjusting the rolls of a steam-flaker. Samples were stored for 3 d at either 23 °C to produce fresh steam-flaked corn or at 55 °C in heat-sealed foil bags to produce retrograded steam-flaked corn. In vitro fermentation vessels were incubated for 24 h and then assessed for fermentation parameters including dry matter digestibility, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and total gas and methane production. Increasing the degree of starch retrogradation decreased (P &lt; 0.01) the rate of gas production across all flake densities of steam-flaked corn but did not decrease the extent of gas production. In vitro methane production, dry matter digestibility, and microbial biomass concentration were not influenced by increasing flake density or starch retrogradation. Increasing the degree of starch retrogradation decreased (P = 0.03) the molar propionate proportion and increased (P &lt; 0.06) the molar proportions of butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate and the acetate:propionate ratio. Enzymatic starch availability of steam-flaked corn was positively correlated with mean propionate proportion (r2 = 0.93) and negatively correlated with the mean butyrate proportion (r2 = 0.89). Results from the current study demonstrate that increasing the degree of starch retrogradation of steam-flaked corn decreased the rate of in vitro gas production and altered volatile fatty acid profiles in the ruminal fermentation media.
Erasing the ‘Victim’ from the ‘Victim–Perpetrator’
Authors: Festa Vasiliki Zoi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Dominic Ongwen — child soldier turned warlord — was tried, convicted and sentenced by Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Using the theoretical vehicle of expressivism, this article aims to look beyond the straightforward, normative consequences of his adjudication, identifying the Trial Judgment’s — and hence, the ICC’s — implicit, didactic/symbolic messages around his controversial victim–perpetrator duality. To achieve this goal, the article deploys the methods of empirical, discourse, and legal/doctrinal analysis, which examine the Judgment’s relevant legal, contextual and linguistic choices around the depiction of Ongwen’s two portraits — that of the victim and that of the perpetrator. Through the juxtaposition of the two portraits, defined by the absence of victimhood and the overpresence of perpetratorhood, the researcher extracts the Judgment’s expressive imprint, including the preservation of the victim–perpetrator dichotomy, the non-elucidation of the child soldiering phenomenon, the problematic deductions on the role and liability of child soldiers, as well as the defendant’s over-stigmatization. In light of the above, the article assesses the messages’ adherence to the aspirations and principles of expressivism.
Neutrophil plasticity in liver diseases
Authors: Teo Jia Ming Nickolas , Chen Weixin , Ling Guang Sheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The liver has critical digestive, metabolic, and immunosurveillance roles, which get disrupted during liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While previous research on the pathological development of these diseases has focused on liver-resident immune populations, such as Kupffer cells, infiltrating immune cells responding to pathogens and disease also play crucial roles. Neutrophils are one such key population contributing to hepatic inflammation and disease progression. Belonging to the initial waves of immune response to threats, neutrophils suppress bacterial and viral spread during acute infections and have homeostasis-restoring functions, whereas during chronic insults, they display their plastic nature by responding to the inflammatory environment and develop new phenotypes alongside longer life spans. This review summarizes the diversity in neutrophil function and subpopulations present at steady state, during liver disease, and during liver cancer.
CRISPR/Cas9 editing of two adenine phosphoribosyl transferase coding genes reveals the functional specialization of adenine salvage proteins in common bean
Authors: López Cristina Mª , Alseekh Saleh , Martínez Rivas Félix J , Fernie Alisdair R , Prieto Pilar , Alamillo Josefa M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Adenine metabolism is important for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity since this legume uses ureides derived from the oxidation of purine nucleotides as its primary nitrogen storage molecules. Purine nucleotides are produced from de novo synthesis or through salvage pathways. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) is the enzyme dedicated to adenine nucleobase salvage for nucleotide synthesis, but it can also convert active cytokinin bases into their inactive nucleotide forms. In common bean, APRT is encoded by four genes. Gene expression analysis, biochemical properties, and subcellular location indicated functional differences among the common bean APRT isoforms. CRISPR/Cas9 targeted down-regulation of two of the four PvAPRTs followed by metabolomic and physiological analyses of targeted hairy roots revealed that, although the two proteins have redundant functions, PvAPRT1 mostly participated in the salvage of adenine, whereas PvAPRT5 was the predominant form in the regulation of cytokinin homeostasis and stress responses with a high impact in root and nodule growth.
Aintree Catheter Versus Gum Elastic Bougie for Airway Exchange Using the i-Gel Supraglottic Device: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Jin Lee , Perdue Matthew J , Sandoval Clifford , Walker Jerimiah D , Mitchell Christopher 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Airway compromise is the third leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Most combat medics carry supraglottic airway (SGA) devices for airway management. However, exchanging an SGA device for a definitive airway can be challenging, especially in austere environments. This study aims to compare the Aintree intubation catheter (AIC) to the gum elastic bougie (GEB) as adjuncts for performing airway device exchange with the i-gel SGA device in place.

Materials and Methods
This randomized crossover cadaver study of 48 participants examined the success rate of two endotracheal introducers (AIC and GEB) when performing a blind airway exchange with an i-gel in place. Study participants were combat medics (MOS 68W), physician assistant students, physician assistant staff, emergency medicine (EM) physician residents, and emergency medicine attending physicians attending classes at the installation Medical Simulations Training Center. Each participant performed up to three attempts using both endotracheal tube introducers on the same cadaver. The primary outcome was successful airway exchange rate with each device, and the secondary outcome was time to successful airway exchange.

Results
Although the AIC had a slightly higher success rate of 33% compared to the GEB success rate of 30%, this result was not statistically significant, P = .56. Similarly, participants completed successful airway exchanges with the AIC faster, with a mean time of 86.5 seconds (95% CI: 71.2 to 101.9) versus 101.2 seconds (95% CI: 85.5 to 116.9) with the GEB. However, this result was also not statistically significant, P = 0.18.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates no significant difference in success rate and time to completion of successful iterations of airway exchanges between the two devices. Although the AIC performed slightly better overall, these results are not statistically significant. Additionally, blind exchange intubations appear to be of high risk with minimal success, so we recommend against this technique in routine practice.