bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ensartinib in the treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive locally advanced or metastatic patients with lung squamous or adenosquamous carcinoma: A real‐world, retrospective study
Authors: Ding Lieming , Yuan Xiaobin , Wang Yang , Yang Min , Wu Pengxiang , Chen Hui , Yun Yu , Shen Zhilin , Ji Dong , Ma Yongbin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo report the efficacy and safety of ensartinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, in treating patients with ALK‐positive advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) or lung adenosquamous carcinoma (LASC) in China.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data for 36 advanced‐stage patients with ALK‐positive LUSC (cohort A) and 13 patients with ALK‐positive LASC (cohort B) between December 16, 2020 and December 16, 2021. All patients received once‐daily ensartinib 225 mg. Outcome analysis included the demographic characteristics, tumor response, progression‐free survival (PFS), and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAE).ResultsAmong the 49 patients, the majority were under 65 years old (73.5%), non‐smokers (85.7%), had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0–1 (77.6%), and were at stage IV (71.4%). All patients were included in the efficacy and safety analysis. Seven PFS events were reported in cohort A while no patients experienced PFS events in cohort B. The median PFS was not estimable for both cohorts. In cohort A, the objective response rate (ORR) was 63.9%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 83.3%. In the cohort B, the ORR was 76.9% and the DCR was 100.0%. Rash was the only TRAE reported in the cohort A (8.3%) and cohort B (23.1%). No patients had grade 3 or higher TRAE.ConclusionEnsartinib has been tentatively proven favorable efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of patients with ALK‐positive advanced LUSC or LASC in the real‐world. However, confirmatory studies are still needed in larger sample sizes.
Effects of cyclic antimicrobial lipopeptides from Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal gene expression and microbiota community in broilers
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐Wei , Yu Yu‐Hsiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of cyclic antimicrobial lipopeptides (CLPs) from Bacillus subtilis on the growth performance, gut morphology, and cecal gene expression and microbiota in broilers; 120 1‐day‐old unsexed Arbor Acres chicks were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and five broilers per cage. These groups were fed a basal diet (C), basal diet plus 10‐mg enramycin/kg (E), and basal diet plus 51‐mg CLPs/kg (L) or 102‐mg CLPs/kg (H). The results indicated that CLP supplementation linearly increased the body weight compared with the C group at 35 days of age. Between 15 and 35 days and 1 and 35 days of age, CLP supplementation linearly increased the average daily gain compared with the C group. The duodenal villus height was significantly increased in the H group compared with the C and E groups. In the cecum, CLP supplementation linearly increased SOD and ZO‐1 mRNA expression compared with the C group. β diversity of microbiota indicated distinct clusters between the groups. CLP supplementation linearly increased the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in the cecal digesta compared with the C group. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis–produced CLPs dose‐dependently increase broilers' growth performance, improve their gut morphology, and modulate their gut microbiota.
The clinical spectrum of HbSC sickle cell disease‐not a benign condition
Authors: Nelson M. , Noisette L. , Pugh N. , Gordeuk V. , Hsu L. L. , Wun T. , Shah N. , Glassberg J. , Kutlar A. , Hankins J. S. , King A. A. , Brambilla D. , Kanter J. 
Published: June 2024

SummarySickle cell disease (SCD) includes a group of heterogenous disorders that result in significant morbidities. HbSS is the most common type of SCD and HbSC is the second most common type of SCD. The prevalence of HbSC disease in the United States and United Kingdom is ~1 in 7174 births and 1 in 6174 births respectively. Despite its frequency, however, HbSC disease has been insufficiently studied and was historically categorized as a more ‘mild’ form of SCD. We conducted this study of HbSC disease as part of the NHLBI funded Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium (SCDIC). The SCDIC registry included 2282 individuals with SCD, ages 15–45 years of whom 502 (22%) had HbSC disease. Compared with people with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), the study found that people with HbSC disease had a higher frequency of splenomegaly (n (%) = 169 (33.7) vs. 392 (22.1)) and retinopathy (n (%) = 116 (23.1) vs. 189 (10.6)). A Many people with HbSC also had avascular necrosis (n (%) = 112 (22.3)), pulmonary embolism (n (%) = 43 (8.6)) and acute chest syndrome (n (%) = 228 (45.4)) demonstrating significant disease severity. HbSC disease is more clinically severe than was previously recognized and deserves additional evaluation and targeted treatments.
Trophoblast cell surface antigen‐2: a promising new biomarker and potential therapeutic target in penile squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Weiten Richard , Storz Enno , Kessler Carolina , Sperber Laurenz , Spohn Hanna Elisa , Pfister David , Nestler Tim , Tolkach Yuri , Linden Friederike , Wirtz Ralph , von Brandenstein Melanie , Krausewitz Philipp , Heidenreich Axel 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential utility of antibody‐drug conjugates targeting trophoblast cell surface antigen‐2 (TROP‐2) in patients with primary penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC), patients with recurrence (REC cohort), and patient‐matched distant metastases (MET cohort), and to assess the potential use of TROP‐2 as a predictive non‐invasive biomarker in PSCC.MethodsA cohort comprising a PRIM (n = 37), REC (n = 5) and MET subcohort (n = 7), with MET including lymph node and lung metastases, was analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemical staining with evaluation of H‐score.ResultsTROP‐2 mRNA and serum protein levels were significantly increased in primary and recurrent PSCC compared to cancer‐free controls (both P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that most of the PRIM cohort (n = 34/37, median H‐score 260, interquartile range [IQR] 210–300), as well as all patients in the REC (median [IQR] H‐score 200 [165–290]) and MET cohorts (median [IQR] H‐score 280 [260–300]) exhibited moderate to strong membranous TROP‐2 expression. Additionally, The H‐score (membranous TROP‐2 expression) was positively correlated with TROP‐2 mRNA (ρ = 0.69, P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.70) and protein levels (ρ = 0.86, P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.59), indicating its potential as a non‐invasive biomarker in PSCC.ConclusionIn summary, our results support further studies on TROP‐2 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in primary, recurrent and metastatic PSCC.
Prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in the host community and Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaheer Khaleda , Hossain Mohammad Jonayed , Isha Israt , Delgado‐Angulo Elsa , Nibali Luigi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease of the Rohingya refugees and host community in Bangladesh.MethodsAn unpublished pilot was conducted for the sample size calculation. Two‐stage cluster sampling method was used to select 50 participants from refugee camps and 50 from the host community. Structured questionnaire and periodontal examination were completed. Composite measures of periodontal disease were based on the World Workshop (WW) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐American Academy of Periodontology. Linear regression models, for clinical attachment level and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and ordered logistic regression models, for composite measures, were fitted to test the association of periodontal measures and refugee status.ResultsCompared to the host community, a smaller percentage of refugees reported good oral health‐related behaviours. Refugees exhibited lower levels of bleeding on probing but higher PPD, hence a higher proportion had severe stages of periodontitis.As per the WW, prevalence of periodontal disease was 88% and 100% in the host and refugee groups, respectively. In the unadjusted models, refugees were three times more likely to have severe stages of periodontitis; this association was attenuated when adjusted for confounders (sociodemographic variables and oral health‐related behaviours).ConclusionsPrevalence of periodontitis was high both in the host community and refugees. The refugees exhibited a more severe disease profile. The oral health of both groups is under‐researched impacting the response of the health system. Large‐scale research systematically exploring the oral health of both groups will inform the design and delivery of community‐based interventions.
Frequency of gastroschisis and omphalocele and possible influence of maternal folic acid supplementation. A narrative review
Authors: González‐Ramos Laura , Martínez‐Sanz Elena , García‐Serradilla Moisés , García‐de‐Pereda Miquel , Maldonado Estela 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThere is an increase in the worldwide prevalence of congenital abdominal wall defects (CAWD), with gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) being the most common. It is widely accepted that folic acid supplementation (FAS) in the maternal diet decreases the incidence of anomalies such as neural tube defects, but there is controversy regarding the possible beneficial role for other congenital malformations. Several epidemiological studies raise controversy regarding a possible relationship between vitamin supplementation with the occurrence of abdominal wall malformations. The aim of the present study is to obtain an updated review of the global frequency of CAWD in neonates and the relationship with FAS in the mothers. For this we have carried out a systematic search of epidemiological studies in different article databases between 2011 and 2022. The analysis of 25 studies conducted in different countries where cases of OC and/or GS are registered directly or together with other congenital defects shows that 60% inquire into the relationship of FAS with the incidence of CAWD. Half of them proposes a beneficial effect of FAS and the other half find no association, concluding that there is no unanimous evidence that FAS in the maternal diet decreases the incidence of CAWD. However, it seems that an influential factor to take into account is the nutritional habits of the mothers.
Exosomes on the development and progression of renal fibrosis
Authors: Wang Peihan , Chen Wu , li Bojun , Yang Songyuan , Li Wei , Zhao Sheng , Ning Jinzhuo , Zhou Xiangjun , Cheng Fan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRenal fibrosis is a prevalent pathological alteration that occurs throughout the progression of primary and secondary renal disorders towards end‐stage renal disease. As a complex and irreversible pathophysiological phenomenon, it includes a sequence of intricate regulatory processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Exosomes are a distinct category of extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in facilitating intercellular communication. Multiple pathways are regulated by exosomes produced by various cell types, including tubular epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells, in the context of renal fibrosis. Furthermore, research has shown that exosomes present in bodily fluids, including urine and blood, may be indicators of renal fibrosis. However, the regulatory mechanism of exosomes in renal fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. This article reviewed and analysed the various mechanisms by which exosomes regulate renal fibrosis, which may provide new ideas for further study of the pathophysiological process of renal fibrosis and targeted treatment of renal fibrosis with exosomes.
A review of the latest real‐world evidence studies in diabetic kidney disease: What have we learned about clinical practice and the clinical effectiveness of interventions?
Authors: Bonnet Fabrice , Cooper Mark E. , Koppe Laetitia , Fouque Denis , Candido Riccardo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy, also known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD), remains a challenge in clinical practice as this is the major cause of kidney failure worldwide. Clinical trials do not answer all the questions raised in clinical practice and real‐world evidence provides complementary insights from randomized controlled trials. Real‐life longitudinal data highlight the need for improved screening and management of diabetic nephropathy in primary care. Adherence to the recommended guidelines for comprehensive care appears to be suboptimal in clinical practice in patients with DKD. Barriers to the initiation of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for patients with DKD persist in clinical practice, in particular for the elderly. Attainment of blood pressure targets often remains an issue. Initiation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) in routine clinical practice is associated with a reduced risk of albuminuria progression and a possible beneficial effect on kidney function. Real‐world evidence confirms a beneficial effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the decline of glomerular filtration, even in the absence of albuminuria, with a lower risk of acute kidney injury events compared to GLP‐1RA use. In addition, SGLT2 inhibitors confer a lower risk of hyperkalaemia after initiation compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in patients with DKD. Data from a large population indicate that diuretic treatment increases the risk of a significant decline in glomerular filtration rate in the first few weeks of treatment after SGLT2 inhibitor initiation. The perspective for a global approach targeting multifaceted criteria for diabetic individuals with DKD is emerging based on real‐world evidence but there is still a long way to go to achieve this goal.
Open reduction and internal fixation of paediatric maxillozygomatic complex fractures: An 11‐year multicentric retrospective study
Authors: Roccia Fabio , Sobrero Federica , Strada Carlo , Bottini Gian Battista , Goetzinger Maximilian , Samieirad Sahand , Vesnaver Aleš , Birk Anže , de Oliveira Gorla Luis Fernando , Pereira‐Filho Valfrido Antonio , Dediol Emil , Kos Boris , Pechalova Petia , Sapundzhiev Angel , Lazíc Marko , Konstantinovic Vitomir S. , Dubron Kathia , Politis Constantinus , Demo Paolo Garzino , Sivrić Anamaria , Kordić Mario , Rahman Sajjad Abdur , Rahman Tabishur , Sohal Karpal Singh , Aladelusi Timothy , Rae Euan , Laverick Sean 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground/aimPaediatric maxillozygomatic complex (MZC) fractures are uncommon, and there is a scarcity of data regarding their surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse choices and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for MZC fractures among 14 maxillofacial centers around the world.Materials and MethodsThis multicentric retrospective observational study included patients ≤16 years of age with quadripod MZC fractures treated with ORIF from January 2011 and December 2022. The following data were collected: age, gender, dentition stage (deciduous, mixed, and permanent), cause of injury, type of fracture, surgical approach, site of osteosynthesis (infraorbital rim, zygomaticomaxillary buttress, frontozygomatic, and zygomaticotemporal sutures), material (titanium or resorbable) and number of plates used, and outcome. The minimum follow‐up was 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test or chi‐squared test, as appropriate.ResultsSixty‐four patients (mean age, 12.3 years) with quadripod MZC fractures were included. Seventy‐two percent of patients received a single‐point fixation. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the most common site for fixation, both in single‐point and two‐point fixation schemes, especially in combination with the frontozygomatic suture. Increasing age was associated with a higher rate of plate removal (p < .001). Postoperative complications included 5 (7.8%) cases of wound infections, 2 (3.1%) infraorbital paraesthesia, 1 (1.6%) ectropion. Residual facial asymmetry was found in 5 (7.8%) patients and was not associated with the type of fixation (p > .05).ConclusionsThis study highlights the possibility of using ORIF, even with a single point of fixation, for the treatment of displaced quadripod MZC fractures in the paediatric population. The zygomaticomaxillary buttress was the preferred site of fixation and allowed for adequate stabilization with no external scars and a low risk of tooth damage. Future prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to establish definitive surgical protocols and clarify the surgical decision‐making.
Repellent potential of agroecological extracts: Exploring their efficacy against the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex subterraneus in the laboratory
Authors: Novato Thiago , Soldati Gustavo Taboada , Chedier Luciana Moreira , Lopes Juliane F.S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe increasing restrictions on commercial toxic baits for controlling leaf‐cutting ants have started a “gold rush” for alternative compounds, with agroecological extracts emerging as a promising option. Here, we tested for the first time the repellent effects of concentrated and diluted ant extracts and cow urine solution on laboratory colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The agroecological extracts preparation and application followed the information provided by peasants from the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra in Brazil who carry out agroecology. First, we applied the agroecological extracts in the middle segment of the upper path of a foraging trail to determine whether they act as a chemical barrier. All agroecological extracts induced the deviation of the foraging flow from the upper path to the lateral path. However, only the concentrated ant extract reduced the leaf delivery rate. Also, we applied the agroecological extracts directly on the leaf disks and conducted a paired selection test. The proportion of transported leaf disks with concentrated ant extract and cow urine solution was lower than that of control disks. We suggest that the observed repellent efficacy of the concentrated ant extract may stem from its content of chemical compounds belonging to the same chemical group as the alarm pheromones found by other Acromyrmex species. As for the cow urine solution, we attribute its repellent effect to the presence of urea. Our findings highlight a significant repellent potential of the concentrated ant extract and cow urine solution for leaf‐cutting ants, which may be applied both on foraging trails and on leaves of cultivated plants.
Conservation genomics assessment of Tharp's bluestar (Amsonia tharpii) with comparisons to widespread (A. longilora) and narrowly endemic (A. fugatei) congeners
Authors: Cohen Dylan H. , Fant Jeremie B. , Skogen Krissa A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLand‐use change and habitat fragmentation are threats to biodiversity. The decrease in available habitat, increase in isolation, and mating within populations can lead to elevated inbreeding, lower genetic diversity, and poor fitness. Here we investigate the genetics of two rare and threatened plant species, Amsonia tharpii and A. fugatei, and we compare them to a widespread congener A. longiflora. We also report the first phylogenetic study of the genus Amsonia (Apocynaceae), including 10 of the 17 taxa and multiple sampling locations, to understand species relationships. We used a double digest restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) approach to investigate the genetic diversity and gene flow of each species and to create a maximum likelihood phylogeny. The ddRADseq data was mapped to a reference genome to separate out the chloroplast and nuclear markers for population genetic analysis. Our results show that genetic diversity and inbreeding were low across all three species. The chloroplast and nuclear dataset in A. tharpii were highly structured, whereas they showed no structure for A. fugatei, while A. longiflora lacked structure for nuclear data but not chloroplast. Phylogenetic results revealed that A. tharpii is distinct and sister to A. fugatei, and together they are distantly related to A. longiflora. Our results demonstrated that evolutionary history and contemporary ecological processes largely influences genetic diversity within Amsonia. Interestingly, we show that in A. tharpii there was significant structure despite being pollinated by large, bodied hawkmoths that are known to be able to carry pollen long distances, suggesting that other factors are contributing to the structure observed among A. tharpii populations. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting all of the A. tharpii populations, as they contain unique genetic diversity, and a protection plan for A. fugatei needs to be established due to its limited distribution.
A unique morpho‐feature extraction algorithm for medicinal plant identification
Authors: Dubey Ashwani Kumar , Thanikkal Jibi G. , Sharma Puneet , Shukla Manoj Kumar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn image is a set of numbers arranged in matrix form. The image feature extraction algorithm converts the input image into different numerical forms to extract the useful information from the input image and the selection of appropriate feature extraction algorithm is crucial for medicinal plant identification. In medicinal plants, the leaves are an available important resource of morphological features. Botanists use these morphological features of leaf images for medicinal plant identification. The existing leaf‐based medicinal plant identification strategies include shape, colour and texture features. In these methods, environmental factors directly influence the features and hence, the impact can be observed in the accuracy of the result. To overcome these limitations, we have proposed a unique morpho‐feature extraction algorithm (UMFEA) for accurate identification of medicinal plants. The UMFEA includes three sub‐algorithms for shape, apex, base, and vein features extraction. The proposed UMFEA is tested over Flavia, Swedish, Leaf and our databases. The performance comparison of UMFEA is done on different databases and the results obtained were remarkably good.
Staff perspectives on transformational needs at a South African higher education institution
Authors: Magida Nontembiso , Yazbek Mariatha , Thambura Julius 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTransformation reflects the government's engagement and policies in restructuring higher education to cultivate the country's communal economy. Higher education is challenged in providing tertiary education to students from diverse environments, and staff transformation is needed. This cross‐sectional study establishes the staff's perception of transformation in the School of Healthcare Sciences of a selected South African university. Staff were purposively sampled and were surveyed using an electronic questionnaire. The survey included aspects of equity, transformation, management, recognition, the social environment, the physical environment and general satisfaction. Demographic variables, including the perspective on transformation in the institution, the student body and transformation management, were descriptively analysed. Most staff members perceived the university as committed to transformation despite racial tensions and past injustices. Over two‐thirds of the staff support the university's goal of increasing a diverse student body. Additionally, the management is comfortable with diversity and demonstrates equity for all. The implementation of transformation was actively considered and aligned with policies.