bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and effectiveness of apremilast in Japanese patients with psoriatic disease: Results of a post‐marketing surveillance study
Authors: Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Okubo Yukari , Saeki Hidehisa , Igarashi Atsuyuki , Imafuku Shinichi , Abe Masatoshi , Chaudhari Siddharth , Yaguchi Masafumi , Emoto Ayumi , Morita Akimichi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of apremilast in psoriatic disease has been demonstrated in clinical trials, including in Japanese patients. This post‐marketing surveillance study was conducted after approval of apremalast in Japan in 2016 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the drug in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in routine clinical practice. Patients (enrolled between September 1, 2017, and August 31, 2019), were observed for 12 months after apremilast treatment initiation or until discontinuation or withdrawal. Safety was assessed by evaluating adverse reactions (ARs) and serious ARs. Effectiveness measures in PsO included the proportion of patients who achieved global improvement and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) scores of 0/1 and the change from baseline in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) after 6 and 12 months treatment. The safety analysis set included 1063 patients (PsO, n = 992; PsA, n = 127). ARs and serious ARs were reported in 29.4% and 0.7% of patients, respectively; most occurred <1 month after apremilast initiation. There were no reports of fatal ARs, serious infections, hypersensitivity, or vasculitis. No new safety signals were identified. Among the key survey items, gastrointestinal disorders were the most common ARs (21.3%). In patients with PsO, after 6 and 12 months of treatment, effectiveness rates of achieving highly effective or effective global improvement of were 90.9% and 93.8%; PGA 0/1 was achieved by 42.7% and 58.1% of patients; mean decrease from baseline in total DLQI score was 4.2 (p < 0.0001) and 5.7 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Effectiveness was evaluated in a small number of patients with PsA for some measures; after 6 and 12 months of treatment, improvements were observed in global improvement effectiveness rates, Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints score, Visual Analog Scale score, and DLQI score. We conclude that orally administered apremilast was well tolerated and effective in Japanese patients with PsO and/or PsA enrolled in this post‐marketing surveillance study.
Resource expansion and its policy implication on agricultural sector development: Evidence from six Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Wu Zhaolin , Udemba Edmund Ntom , Nkwor Michael Chukwuasiokwu , Peng Xuhui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe discovery of crude oil in a number of Sub‐Saharan African countries resulted in resource expansion that tends to have great implications for the socioeconomic development of the region. Deep poverty and low standards of living are still prevalent, in spite of the oil boom. On this premises, a panel study of six Sub‐Saharan African countries is undertaken for the period between 1983 and 2020. The goal is to identify the best ways to reduce overdependency on resource (crude oil) and enhance the socioeconomic situation of the selected countries. The linear (augmented mean group) approach and nonlinear (nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag) with relevant variables (Agricultural sector, crude oil price, government expenditure, official exchange rate, foreign direct investment, inflow, GDP, and trade openness) are employed in this study for the selected countries. The findings from both Augmented Mean Group and Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Granger causality attest to the resources curse on the socioeconomic development of the six countries through the contraction of their respective agricultural sectors. Crude oil price (proxy for the oil sector), trade openness, and real exchange rate are in particular found to have a negative influence on the agricultural sector. However, direct foreign investment in the agricultural sector in oil‐rich economies in Sub‐Saharan Africa is having a positive impact. This can be linked to over‐dependence on rising oil exports, which tends to crowd out non‐oil (agricultural) exports. Hence, a resource‐based policy targeted at diversification of the economies through revenue generated from crude oil is recommended.
Sequence variation of commercially available kratom products at universal DNA barcode regions
Authors: Graham Kari , Cantu Cesar , Houston Rachel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, is a narcotic plant that is used for its unique mood‐enhancing and pain‐relieving effects. It is marketed throughout the United States as a ‘legal high’ and has gained popularity as an alternative to opioids. However, kratom's increasing involvement in accidental overdoses, especially among polydrug users, has prompted warnings from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite these warnings, kratom remains legal federally, although it is banned in six states. This legal disparity complicates monitoring and enforcement efforts in states where kratom is illegal. Common forensic techniques using morphology or chemical analysis are beneficial in some instances but are not useful in source attribution because most seized kratom is powdered and the alkaloid content of samples can vary within products, making sourcing unreliable. This study focused on developing a DNA barcoding method to access sequence variation in commercial kratom products. It evaluated the utility of one nuclear barcode region (ITS) and three chloroplast barcode regions (matK, rbcL, and trnH‐psbA) in assessing sequence variation across commercially available kratom products. Novel polymorphisms were discovered, and the ITS region showed the greatest variation between samples. Among the 15 kratom products tested, only two haplotypes were identified across the four barcoding regions. The findings highlight the potential of DNA barcoding as a forensic tool in the traceability and enforcement against illegal kratom distribution. Nonetheless, the limited haplotypic diversity points to a need for further development and expansion of the M. speciosa DNA sequence database.
Pulling back the veil of darkness: A proposed road map to disentangle racial disparities in traffic stops, a research note
Authors: Knode Jedidiah L. , Wolfe Scott E. , Carter Travis M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe veil of darkness (VOD) is a practical and rigorous methodology for examining racial disparities in police traffic stop behavior. Past research, however, has been littered with methodological inconsistencies inhibiting cross‐study comparison and decisions regarding policy. Accordingly, we clarify four aspects of its implementation: 1) coding daylight, our treatment condition; 2) constructing an intertwilight period; 3) accounting for seasonal differences in driving or patrol patterns; and 4) modeling VOD multivariable regression equations. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of methodological decisions as they pertain to the method's functionality as a natural experiment. Furthermore, we propose a novel weighting procedure to account for seasonal driving population differences. We examined more than 50,000 traffic stops conducted by Michigan State Police during 2021 to demonstrate our suggested framework for future analyses.
Indonesia's Russia‐Ukraine war stance and the Global South: Between solidarity and transactionalism
Authors: Sebastian Leonard C. , Priamarizki Adhi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHow does Indonesia's positioning in relation to the Russia‐Ukraine war shape the country's view on global order? President Joko Widodo or Jokowi visited both Russia and Ukraine in June 2022 in the pretext of brokering peace between the two countries. Indonesia though refrained from taking sides in the Russo‐Ukraine war. During his visit, Jokowi stressed the necessity for the war to end. Equally important but of greater significance was his emphasis on the importance of re‐establishing the global supply chains of food, fertiliser, and energy. The resumption of these global supply chains would safeguard Indonesia's economic stability. We argue that domestic determinants were influential in moulding Indonesia's policy position which aimed at shaping Global South solidarity into one privileging Indonesia's transactional stance. The country's economic interests were a key driver shaping its response to the Russia‐Ukraine war. Furthermore, Indonesia's approach towards the war reflected ‘varied consequentialism’ as cost–benefit analysis plays a significant role.
Seminal plasma hypersensitivity: A systematic review of clinical presentation, diagnostics, and management options
Authors: Schacher Kayla , Dalloul Mudar , Muneyyirci‐Delale Ozgul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionSeminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition characterized by local and/or systemic reactions to seminal plasma proteins following exposure to semen. We aimed to summarize key symptomatology, diagnostic features, and management options for SPH.MethodsThe databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Review were searched with key words “seminal plasma hypersensitivity” and “seminal fluid allergy” through September 2023. Exclusion criteria included non‐English articles, in vitro studies, publication before 1990, duplicates, and articles with no clinical relevance to SPH in women.ResultsThe search yielded 53 articles for review. Of these, 60.5% described systemic SPH and 39.5% described localized.ConclusionDiagnosis of SPH relies on a thorough patient history and confirmatory skin prick testing. The use of IgE assays is controversial and less accurate for cases of localized SPH. Knowledge of disease immunopathology, systemic versus localized symptom presentation, patient preference, and desire to conceive should guide management options. Artificial insemination has the potential for severe adverse reactions in systemic SPH so necessitates extra procedural precautions. SPH does not appear to impair fertility. Additional research on specific allergens implicated in SPH can aid in the development of more targeted immunotherapy approaches with improved safety and efficacy.
Anterior scleral thickness in Marfan syndrome: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Alluyn Lien , Dequeker Laure , Dhaese Siska , Consejo Alejandra , De Zaeytijd Julie , Leroy Bart P. , De Backer Julie , Kreps Elke O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the anterior scleral thickness (AST) in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS).MethodsA prospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, including patients with a genetically confirmed clinical diagnosis of MFS and age‐, gender‐ and axial length‐matched controls. Subjects with known corneal, conjunctival or scleral pathology and a history of ocular surgery, including pars plana vitrectomy, recent contact lens use or high‐grade astigmatism were excluded. Subjects underwent non‐cycloplegic autorefraction, Scheimpflug‐based corneal tomography, axial length measurement and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). AST was manually measured at 1 mm (AST1), 2 mm (AST2) and 3 mm (AST3) from the scleral spur, temporally and nasally.ResultsA total of 56 subjects (28 subjects in the MFS group and 28 matched subjects in the control group) were included in this study. In patients with MFS, AST was significantly reduced compared to matched controls, both overall and at every analysed measuring point in the nasal and temporal areas (p < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT) and mean keratometry (Kmean) values were significantly lower in patients with MFS (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between nasal AST and CCT in patients with MFS. No correlation was found between AST and Kmean or between AST and axial length. In patients with MFS with ectopia lentis, compared to those without, temporal AST3 was significantly lower (p < 0.05). AST was significantly lower in patients with MFS harbouring a variant predicted to cause haploinsufficiency compared to those with a variant expected to lead to a dominant negative effect for both nasal and temporal measurements.ConclusionBased on anterior segment OCT measurements, AST of patients with MFS is significantly lower compared to matched controls.
4‐Quinolinylhydrazone analogues kill Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis by inducing apoptosis and mitochondria‐dependent pathway cell death
Authors: Granato Juliana da Trindade , Silva Emerson Teixeira da , Lemos Ari Sérgio de Oliveira , Machado Patrícia de Almeida , Midlej Victor do Valle , Antinarelli Luciana Maria Ribeiro , Silva Neto Adolfo Firmino da , Souza Marcus Vinícius Nora , Coimbra Elaine Soares 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDespite efforts, available alternatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis are still scarce. In this work we tested a class of 15 quinolinylhydrazone analogues and presented data that support the use of the most active compound in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis. In general, the compounds showed activity at low concentrations for both parasitic forms (5.33–37.04 μM to promastigotes, and 14.31–61.98 μM to amastigotes). In addition, the best compound (MHZ15) is highly selective for the parasite. Biochemical studies indicate that the treatment of promastigotes with MHZ15 leads the loss of mitochondrial potential and increase in ROS levels as the primary effects, which triggers accumulation of lipid droplets, loss of plasma membrane integrity and apoptosis hallmarks, including DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine exposure. These effects were similar in the intracellular form of the parasite. However, in this parasitic form there is no change in plasma membrane integrity in the observed treatment time, which can be attributed to metabolic differences and the resilience of the amastigote. Also, ultrastructural changes such as vacuolization suggesting autophagy were observed. The in vivo effectiveness of MHZ15 in the experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis was carried out in mice of the BALB/c strain infected with L. amazonensis. The treatment by intralesional route showed that MHZ15 acted with great efficiency with significantly reduction in the parasite load in the injured paws and draining lymph nodes, without clinical signs of distress or compromise of animal welfare. In vivo toxicity was also evaluated and null alterations in the levels of hepatic enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase was observed. The data presented herein demonstrates that MHZ15 exhibits a range of favorable characteristics conducive to the development of an antileishmanial agent.
Dehydration in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Ding Jiayue , Lan Duo , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Xiangyu , Duan Yanli , Tian Xiaobing , Liao Zhangyuan , Yue Xuanye , Zou Ming , Meng Ran 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to unravel the dehydration status of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) to facilitate the understanding of dehydration in CVST.MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective study and three populations were recruited, namely, patients with CVST, CVST mimics, and healthy subjects. Blood samples were obtained 1–2 days after admission to assess dehydration status. Stata 15.1 was performed for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 208 patients were diagnosed with CVST, 237 with CVST mimics, and 200 healthy individuals were enrolled. The urine specific gravity (USG, 1.020 [1.014, 1.029] vs. 1.017 [1.011, 1.021]) was higher in patients with CVST than in those with mimics (all p < 0.001). The percentage of USG >1.03 was also higher in CVST (22.6%) than in its mimics (6.3%, p < 0.001). With the development of CVST, USG (acute vs. sub‐acute vs. chronic, 1.022 [1.015, 1.033] vs. 1.021 [1.015, 1.031] vs. 1.019 [1.014, 1.025]) decreased. All dehydration‐related markers could not differentiate CVST from its mimics and healthy populations, and they were not associated with CVST severity and prognosis (p > 0.05).ConclusionHigh levels of USG, especially USG >1.013, were more common in patients with CVST. Dehydration‐related indices could not characterize CVST and were not associated with CVST severity and prognosis.
Indications for oropharyngeal biopsy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary: A systematic review (HNSCCUP)
Authors: Thomas Rachael , Kelemen Noemi , Molena Emma , Lester Shane 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionPatients presenting with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (HNSCCUP) remain challenging clinical scenarios as large variation exists in practices used to locate the primary.ObjectiveThe objective of this systematic review is to review of the literature and offer recommendations for oropharyngeal biopsies in HNSCCUP.MethodPubmed, Medline and Embase were searched to identify studies from inception to October 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.ResultsA total of 483 articles were included and screened, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria, including over 3400 patients from the original articles (122 of these patients were reported on in two sequential articles by a single author – table 1) and 4 large metaanalyses including 1852 patients. The primary site identification rate following random biopsies or deep tissue biopsies is less than 5% in most studies. The mean detection rate following ipsilateral tonsillectomy is 34%; two pooled analyses indicate that the mean detection rate following tongue base mucosectomy is 64%, with this figure rising when the tonsils are negative.ConclusionsHigh level evidence is lacking, with heterogeneity in the reported studies. Published meta‐analyses are based on retrospective data. There is little evidence supporting the practice of random/non‐directed oropharyngeal biopsies. Available evidence supports palatine tonsillectomy and tongue base mucosectomy compared to deep tissue biopsies.
Conventional clinical signs and symptoms are poor predictors of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak: A single‐centre cohort perspective
Authors: Pang Jonathan C. , Meller Leo L. T. , Nguyen Cecilia H. , Abiri Arash , Chung Dean D. , Nguyen Theodore V. , Bitner Benjamin F. , Hsu Frank P. K. , Kuan Edward C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains a concerning complication of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for skull base pathology. Signs and symptoms suggesting CSF leak often trigger additional workup during the postoperative course. We systematically evaluate associations between subjectively reported clinical signs/symptoms noted during the immediate postoperative period and incidence of postoperative CSF leaks.MethodsRetrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary academic medical centre including 137 consecutive patients with intraoperative CSF leak during EEA with primary repair between July 2018 and August 2022. Postoperative CSF leak associations with clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated using positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), sensitivity, specificity and odds ratio (OR) via univariate logistic regression.ResultsSeventy‐nine patients (57.7%) had high‐flow leaks repaired and 5 (3.6%) developed CSF leaks postoperatively. Of reported symptoms, rhinorrhea was most common (n = 52, 38.0%; PPV [95% CI] = 7.6% [4.8%, 11.9%]), followed by severe headache (n = 47, 34.3%; 6.3% [3.1%, 12.5%]), dizziness (n = 43, 31.4%; 2.3% [0.4%, 12.1%]), salty or metallic taste (n = 20, 14.6%; 9.9% [3.3%, 25.8%]), and throat drainage (n = 10, 7.3%; 9.9% [1.7%, 41.4%]). Nausea or vomiting constituted the most reported sign concerning for CSF leak (n = 73, 53.3%; PPV [95% CI] = 4.1% [2.0%, 8.1%]). On univariate regression, no sign or symptom, including rhinorrhea (OR [95% CI] = 7.00 [0.76–64.44]), throat drainage (3.42 [0.35–33.86]), salty/metallic taste (4.22 [0.66–27.04]), severe headache (3.00 [0.48–18.62]), dizziness (0.54 [0.06–4.94]), fever (3.16 [0.50–19.99]), and nausea/vomiting (1.33 [0.22–8.21]), associated with postoperative CSF leak.ConclusionsA range of subjectively reported symptoms and signs failed to predict postoperative CSF leak. Further investigation is warranted to inform appropriate attention and response.
Surgical complications and technical failure of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation: A 22‐year experience from a single center
Authors: Dias Bruno Fraga , Marques Roberto Calças , Cardoso Catarina , Faria Vitória , Domingues Patrícia , Ribeiro Catarina , Silvano José , Silva Donzília , Pedroso Sofia , Almeida Manuela , Malheiro Jorge , Martins La Salete 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSimultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the best treatment for selected individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end‐stage renal disease. Despite advances in surgical techniques, donor and recipient selection, and immunosuppressive therapies, SPKT remains a complex procedure with associated surgical complications and adverse consequences. We conducted a retrospective study that included 263 SPKT procedures performed between May 2000, and December 2022. A total of 65 patients (25%) required at least one relaparotomy, resulting in an all‐cause relaparotomy rate of 2.04 events per 100 in‐hospital days. Lower donor body mass index was identified as an independent factor associated with reoperation (OR .815; 95% CI: .725–.917, p = .001). Technical failure (TF) occurred in 9.9% of cases, primarily attributed to pancreas graft thrombosis, intra‐abdominal infections, bleeding, and anastomotic leaks. Independent predictors of TF at 90 days included donor age above 36 years (HR 2.513; 95% CI 1.162–5.434), previous peritoneal dialysis (HR 2.503; 95% CI 1.149–5.451), and specific pancreas graft reinterventions. The findings highlight the importance of carefully considering donor and recipient factors in SPKT. The incidence of TF in our study population aligns with the recent series. Continuous efforts should focus on identifying and mitigating potential risk factors to enhance SPKT outcomes, thereby reducing post‐transplant complications.