bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endodontic management of maxillary second molar with two separated palatal roots
Authors: AlDhbaan Abdulrahman Abdullah , Aldhaban Omar Abdulaziz , Al-Hawwas Abdullah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Awareness of root canal morphology and variations is a crucial factor in successful root canal therapy. The prevalence of two palatal roots in a maxillary second molar is very rare. This study aimed to describe a case report of root canals treatment of a maxillary second molar with two palatal roots. Careful digital radiograph also cone-beam computed tomography examination seems necessary for the detection of variations.
Primate malaria of human importance
Authors: Mewara Abhishek , Sreenivasan Priya , Khurana Sumeeta 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Nonhuman primate (NHP) malaria poses a major threat to the malaria control programs. The last two decades have witnessed a paradigm shift in our understanding of the malaria caused by species other than the traditionally known human Plasmodium species – Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale. The emergence of the malaria parasite of long-tailed macaque monkeys, Plasmodium knowlesi, as the fifth malaria species of humans has made the scientific community consider the risk of other zoonotic malaria, such as Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium simium, Plasmodium inui, and others, to humans. The development of knowledge about P. knowlesi as a pathogen which was earlier only known to experimentally cause malaria in humans and rarely cause natural infection, toward its acknowledgment as a significant cause of human malaria and a threat of malaria control programs has been made possible by the use of advanced molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing. This review explores the various aspects of NHP malaria, and the association of various factors with their emergence and potential to cause human malaria which are important to understand to be able to control these emerging infections.
Inflammation-related markers and prognosis of alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Lu , Chen Yan-Ping , Ji Min , Ying Le-Qian , Huang Chun-Chun , Zhou Jing-Yi , Liu Lin 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Inflammation-related markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could reflect tumor immune microenvironment and predict prognosis of cancers. However, it had not been explored in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing gastric cancer (GC).
AIM
To determine the predictive value of inflammation-related peripheral blood markers including as NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI and PNI in the prognosis of AFP- producing GC (AFPGC). Besides, this study would also compare the differences in tumor immune microenvironment, clinical characteristics and prognosis between AFPGC and AFP- GC patients to improve the understanding of this disease.
METHODS
573 patients enrolled were retrospectively studied. They were divided into AFP+ group (AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL) and AFP- group (AFP < 20 ng/mL), comparing the levels of NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI/PNI and prognosis. In AFP+ group, the impact of NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI/PNI and their dynamic changes on prognosis were further explored.
RESULTS
Compared with AFP- patients, AFP+ patients had higher NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI and lower PNI levels and poorer overall survival (OS). In the AFP+ group, mortality was significantly lower in the lower NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI group and higher PNI group. Moreover, the dynamic increase (NLR/PLR/MLR/SII/SIRI) or decrease (PNI) was associated with the rise of mortality within 1 year of follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Compared with AFP- patients, the level of inflammation-related peripheral blood markers significantly increased in AFP+ patients, which was correlated with OS of AFP+ patients. Also, the gradual increase of SII and SIRI was associated with the risk of death within one year in AFP+ patients. AFPGC should be considered as a separate type and distinguished from AFP- GC because of the difference in tumor immune microenvironment. It requires basic experiments and large clinical samples in the future.
Impact of baseline steroids on the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuan-Heng , Yang Guo-Zhen , Chen Hui-Guo , Li Xiao-Jun , Wu Yong-Hui , Zhang Kai , Xu Jian-Nan , Zhang Jian 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Immunochemotherapy involving the combination of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors with chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The use of corticosteroids as pretreatment might reduce immunotherapy efficacy.
AIM
To investigate the impact of baseline corticosteroid use on neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nIC) outcomes in locally advanced ESCC patients.
METHODS
Patients with locally advanced ESCC who received nIC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included. Patients were divided into dexamethasone and antihistamine groups on the basis of the administered pretreatment. Antiallergic efficacy and safety were evaluated, as well as its impact on short-term efficacy [complete pathological response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR)] and long-term efficacy [overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS)] of nIC.
RESULTS
From September 2019 to September 2023, 142 patients were analyzed. No severe treatment-related adverse events or deaths were observed. Allergy occurrence was greater in the antihistamine group (P = 0.014). Short-term efficacy was not significantly different: The pCR rates were 29.9% and 40.0%, and the MPR rates were 57.9% and 65.7% in the dexamethasone and antihistamine groups, respectively. The long-term efficacy was not significantly different: The 2 years OS rates were 95.2% and 93.5%, and the 2 years PFS rates were 90.3% and 87.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in OS between the 20 mg dexamethasone group and the < 20 mg dexamethasone group, but PFS was significantly greater in the 20 mg dexamethasone group (93.9% vs 56.4%, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Dexamethasone or antihistamines can be used before nIC in locally advanced ESCC without affecting short- or long-term efficacy. Administering 20 mg dexamethasone before nIC may improve PFS in ESCC.
Clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric prematurity cancer and analysis of complications by endoscopic resection
Authors: Zhao Hong , Shi Xiang-Yu , Lv Li-Li , Lai Yan-Zong , Bao Xiao-Xiao , Hu Jian-Wen 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer, a prevalent malignancy, poses a severe threat to the health of residents in China. Timely intervention in early stages can extend patients’ survival.
AIM
To analyze clinical characteristics of patients with early gastric cancer and efficacy and risk of complications associated with endoscopic resection.
METHODS
This study included 175 patients with early gastric cancer treated at our hospital, with no restrictions on sex or age. General data, pathological information, and endoscopic biopsy results were obtained. The clinical characteristics of early gastric cancer were analyzed, and endoscopic resection was performed. Postoperative efficacy and incidence of complications were monitored. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 175 patients with early gastric cancer were included, with 75.43% (n = 132) males and 24.57% (n = 43) females. 38.29% (n = 67) and 35.43% (n = 62) of patients had a history of smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively. Comorbidities included diabetes (8.57%, n = 15), coronary heart disease (10.29%, n = 18), and hypertension (43.43%, n = 76), which was highly prevalent. A history of abdominal surgery and family history of digestive system cancer accounted for 21.14% and 17.14%, respectively. The most common lesion location was the antral part of the stomach (52.00%, n = 91), followed by the gastric angle, body, and fundus. The pathological types were predominantly high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (28.00%, n = 49) and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (26.86%, n = 47), followed by moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, high-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and moderate-lowly differentiated adenocarcinoma. 89.14% of the patients had intestinal metaplasia and 85.14% had atrophy. After endoscopic resection, re-examination revealed that 13 patients had cancer cells at the tissue margin, with a positive margin rate of 7.43%. Postoperative complications included no cases of gastrointestinal obstruction, but incisional infection (2.86%, n = 5), gastric perforation (1.14%, n = 2), and gastric bleeding (4%, n = 7) were present, with an overall incidence of 8.00%.
CONCLUSION
Analysis of the clinical characteristics indicated that early gastric cancer is more prevalent in males with a history of hypertension, with lesions most commonly occurring in the antral region of the stomach. The pathological types are often high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, with over 85% of patients having comorbid intestinal metaplasia and atrophy. Despite endoscopic resection, a positive margin rate persisted, indicating a probability of residual cancer at the margins. Postoperative complications, such as gastrointestinal obstruction, incisional infection, gastric perforation, and gastric bleeding can occur and require timely symptomatic treatment.
Resveratrol inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by depleting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang He , Wang Guo-Tai , Wang Zheng , Ma Qing-Yong , Ma Zhen-Hua 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer, a formidable gastrointestinal neoplasm, is characterized by its insidious onset, rapid progression, and resistance to treatment, which often lead to a grim prognosis. While the complex pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer is well recognized, recent attention has focused on the oncogenic roles of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts. However, their precise role in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol known for its multifaceted biological actions, including antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, as well as its potential to inhibit tumor proliferation and migration. Our current investigation builds on prior research and reveals the remarkable ability of resveratrol to inhibit pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis.
AIM
To explore the potential of resveratrol in inhibiting pancreatic cancer by targeting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts.
METHODS
Immunofluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissues revealed prominent coexpression of α-SMA and p16. HP-1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry. Cells were treated with the senescence-inducing factors known as 3CKs. Long-term growth assays confirmed that 3CKs significantly decreased the CAF growth rate. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression levels of p16 and p21. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess LaminB1 expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the levels of several senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, including IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, MMP-2, MMP-9, CXCL1, and CXCL12. A scratch assay was used to assess the migratory capacity of the cells, whereas Transwell assays were used to evaluate their invasive potential.
RESULTS
Specifically, we identified the presence of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts within pancreatic cancer tissues, linking their abundance to cancer progression. Intriguingly, Resveratrol effectively eradicated these fibroblasts and hindered their senescence, which consequently impeded pancreatic cancer progression.
CONCLUSION
This groundbreaking discovery reinforces Resveratrol's stature as a potential antitumor agent and positions senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts as pivotal contenders in future therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.
Cluster of Neurofibromatosis Cases in Remote Area of Northern Karnataka: A Case Series
Authors: K Y Guruprasad , Mohammed Waseem Javed , R Kiran Sreya 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Tumours of the nerve system and skin are hallmarks of neurofibromatosis, a neurocutaneous condition. One class of inherited illnesses known as phakomatoses includes neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or von Recklinghausen disease. It may show up anywhere in the body, including the skin, eyes, bones, and organs. We report a visually recorded seven cases of NF1 from same area. Every single patient had some kind of skin symptom. We describe the presence of several isolated neurofibromas, café au lait macules, axillary and inguinal freckling, neurological or cognitive dysfunction, and Lisch nodules in 100% of the eyes as ocular symptoms. Also, a rare occurrence of plexiform neuroma seen. Rare and familial presentation and similar cases in the same region, these findings collectively underscore the complex nature of the patient's medical presentation, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to management and care.
Role of Urban Trees in Enhancing the Thermal Comfort of Rapidly Urbanizing Cities: An Analysis of Tropical Asian Tree Species Based on Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET)
Authors: Jayasooriya V.M. , Sirimanne A.P. , Silva R.M. , Muthukumaran S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThermal comfort significantly influences well-being, productivity, and living conditions in outdoor environments, particularly in rapidly urbanizing, warm, humid tropical climates. This study assessed the influence of 5 five common urban tree species (Cassia fistula,Tectona grandis,Plumeria obtusa,Mangifera indica, andTerminalia catappa) on outdoor thermal comfort, using the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a case study for a tropical humid city.MethodsField data collection encompassed measuring air and surface temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, solar radiation, cloud cover, and sky view factor under tree canopies and adjacent exposed areas. The RayMan model was employed to estimate PET in both areas.ResultsOur findings indicated that PET was consistently higher in exposed areas compared to under the tree canopy, with an average difference of 5.61 °C. Among tree parameters, sky view factor (SVF) demonstrated the most significant correlation with thermal comfort, followed by crown diameter and tree height. Furthermore, notable variations in thermal comfort were observed among tree species, withTerminalia catappaoutperformingPlumeria obtusa, particularly on sunny days.ConclusionRegression analysis highlighted the importance of integrating trees with large crowns and low SVF to create thermally comfortable outdoor spaces. Consequently,Terminalia catappaemerged as the most suitable tree species for enhancing thermal comfort in Colombo’s outdoor urban areas out of the 5 selected species. These insights will aid in selecting appropriate tree species and parameters, fostering improved outdoor thermal comfort in tropical humid cities, and facilitating sustainable urban planning and design strategies.
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along? Conflict and Collaboration in Urban Forest Management
Authors: Cadaval Stephanie , Clarke Mysha , Dinkins Lillian , Klein Ryan W. , Roberts John W. , Yang Qingyu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractUrban forest management is crucial for supporting human well-being, ecosystems, and society, particularly with expanding global urban population and multi-uses of these urban greenspaces. This literature review examines the conceptualization and factors that contribute to conflicts and/or collaborations in urban forest management, including, but not limited to, diverse actors’ uses, needs, and perceptions. Using PRISMA methods, we systematically reviewed 176 scholarly articles published between 2013 and 2021 and found that most articles were primarily from the United States, Australia, and Canada. Findings highlight the need for clearer definitions of collaboration, emphasizing communication, operational tasks, planning, and shared beliefs among actors. Positive collaborations involved multi-level engagement and inclusive decision-making. In most cases, multiple issues contributed to conflict, including a variety of stakeholders with differing viewpoints on a given situation. Conflicts are commonly complex situations that do not lend themselves to a one-size-fits-all solution and tend to be a unique manifestation of the people, places, and perspectives involved. Our review can inform practitioners about more inclusive practices and adaptive management of urban forests. We conclude by providing lessons learned and suggestions for future research on stakeholder involvement, public education, governance, policy, decision-making, and the role of biophysical and ecosystem services in urban forest collaboration and conflicts.
Analysis of the immunohistochemical and genetic expression pattern of kisspeptin in endometrial polyps
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, Paltacı Şeyma İlayda , Günday Özlem Kayacık , Erdoğan Müjgan Özdemir , Fırat Fatma , Yalçın Gülsüm Şeyma , Akçalı Nermin 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Endometrial polyp (EP) is a type of pathology that is quite common in clinical practice. Although its exact etiology is not fully known, there is evidence to support that it is sensitive to hormonal stimuli. We aimed to investigate the relationship between kisspeptin (KP) and EP by comparing the genetic (tissue-blood) and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of KP in EP lesions in patients with normal endometrial findings. Materials and methods: A prospective case-control study of 50 patients with EP (N = 25) and normal endometrial findings (N = 25) on biopsy and/or excision material was performed. Blood and biopsysamples obtained from all patients were stored at –80 °C. KP gene expression levels were determined from paraffin blocks, and peripheral venous blood samples obtained from biopsy specimens and IHC-H-score analysis were performed from paraffin blocks. EP and matched controls were compared for KP. Results: After IHC, the KP H-score of the control group was higher than the EP group, and this difference was statistically significant; H-score: control: 5 (++; 1–15); polyp: 1 (+; 0–12) (P < 0.05). Although KP expression in both tissue and blood was higher in the control group than in the EP group, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between IHC H-score and KP expression levels in tissue and blood. According to the ROC analysis, the tissue and blood KP expression cut-off value and area under the curve (AUC) predicting the likelihood of developing EP were not significant (tissue KP: 1.04, AUC: 0.570, P = 0.388, sensitivity 56%, specificity 60%, Blood KP: 1.06, AUC: 0.569, P = 0.401, sensitivity 80%, specificity 40%). Conclusions: Decreased KP expression level in EP lesions may predict the diagnosis of EP, and in the future, KP may have therapeutic potential for benign gynecological pathologies such as polyps. Key words: endometrium – endometrial polyps – kisspeptin – reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) – immunohistochemistry
Cesarean section incision along the posterior uterine wall – an obstetric and surgical complication of an obstructed pelvis due to previous endometriosis
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imperia Hospital, ASL1 Imperiese, Italy, Meloni Paolo , Penna Lucia , Pacella Erica , Simari Terenzia , Lai Roberta , Bongiovi Virginia , Conturso Roberto , Araujo Júnior Edward , Tonni Gabriele 
Published: September 2024

Pelvic endometriosis is a well-known clinical risk factor for pelvic inflammation and adhesions. We present a complex case of a woman undergoing a cesarean section where the traditional incision on the anterior lower uterine segment was not possible due to a congested pelvis. The newborn was delivered using a posterior uterine wall incision with rotation of the round ligament. Key words: pelvic endometriosis – posterior cesarean section – pelvic adhesion
Fluorescent nectar in non-flying mammal-pollinated plants – observations and considerations in some Asparagaceae
Authors: Wester Petra , Brühn Patricia 
Published: September 2024

Background and aims – Fluorescence is the emission of light by a fluorophore that has absorbed light of shorter wavelengths. While the role of fluorescence in visual communication has been documented in some animals (budgerigars, gelatinous zooplankton), it is controversially discussed in plants. Floral nectar fluorescence has been mainly found in flowers pollinated by bees. It has been suggested as direct visual cue by which bees can evaluate the available quantity of nectar, thus being important for pollination and foraging efficiency. However, this function has been questioned, since fluorescence is said to be obscured by floral reflections due to low quantum efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the nectar of plants pollinated by non-flying mammals, namely Eucomis regia, Massonia grandiflora, M. echinata, and M. pustulata (Asparagaceae) from South Africa.
Material and methods – To detect possible fluorescence in flowers, the plants were illuminated in a darkened room under UV light and photographed with a camera equipped with a UV/IR cut filter (transmitting at 400–700 nm).
Key results – Within the inflorescences, the nectar of all species showed blue to bluish fluorescence and UV absorption. Separated nectar also fluoresced.
Conclusion – As fluorescence in flowers occurs not only in bee-pollinated plants but also in plants pollinated by wind, and by nocturnal or crepuscular pollinators (non-flying mammals, bats, moths) for which floral scent is an important attractant, floral fluorescence seems to have no adaptive value for the attraction of flower visitors. We discuss the potential role of fluorescence in flowers as just a by-product of compounds that might have other functions such as visual attraction by reflection (or UV absorbance), protection of genetic material in pollen from UV induced damage, or as a floral filter causing nectar to be bitter, repelling ineffective pollinators but not effective ones.
Efficacy of mulligan technique on sub-acromial space in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome
Authors: Mohammed Amal H. , Mahmoud Noha A. , Abd El-Naeem Mohammed A. , El-Azeim Alshaymaa S. Abd 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionTo estimate the effectiveness of the Mulligan technique for the shoulder complex on the subacromial space, shoulder ROM, pressure pain threshold, and function of the shoulder in the impingement syndrome patient.MethodsThirty patients who suffered from shoulder impingement syndrome were at random allocated into two groups; the experimental group received shoulder complex mobilization with movement plus conventional therapy, and the control group received conventional treatment. All patients were examined by ultrasonography for subacromial space, shoulder range of motion using a digital goniometer, electronic algometry for pressure pain threshold, and the Quick DASH for a difficulty level involved in carrying out several physical activities.ResultsIn comparison to group B post-treatment, there were statistically significant improvements in the subacromial space (<i>p</i> > 0.004), flexion and abduction ROM, PPT of the biceps and supraspinatus (<i>p</i> > 0.001), and a significant reduction in the quick DASH (<i>p</i> > 0.001).ConclusionsShoulder complex mobilization with movement plus conventional therapy improved subacromial space, shoulder ROM, pressure pain thresholds, and function more than conventional therapy alone in shoulder impingement syndrome patients.