bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled multi‐centre study comparing shorter dental implants (6 mm) to longer dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures: 10‐year data
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Haas Robert , Sporniak‐Tutak Katarzyna , Garcia Abel , Taylor Thomas D. , Tutak Marcin , Pohl Veronika , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimTo compare implant survival and complication rates between shorter and standard‐length implants with sinus augmentation and restored with single crowns, at 10 years of loading.Materials and MethodsOne‐hundred and one patients (137 implants) with a ridge height of 5–7 mm in the posterior maxilla were randomly assigned to two treatment modalities: shorter implants (6 mm) (group short [GS]) or standard‐length implants (11–15 mm) with sinus grafting (group graft [GG]). Following the insertion of final restorations, patients were regularly recalled for up to 10 years. Assessed outcomes encompassed implant survival, marginal bone levels (MBLs), biological and technical parameters and patient‐reported outcome measures (OHIP‐49 = Oral Health Impact Profile). Non‐parametric statistical analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsFor the 5‐ to 10‐year follow‐up period, 77 patients with 105 implants (GS: 36 patients/48 implants; GG: 41/57) were available for re‐examination (drop‐out rate 21%). Implant survival rates at the patient level were 96.0% (GS; 2 failures) and 100% (GG) (inter‐group p = .24). Median MBLs amounted to 0.00 mm (min 0.00; max 3.25; GS) and 0.00 mm (min 0.00; max 4.55; GG) (inter‐group p = .73). Technical complications predominantly occurred within the first 5 years (inter‐group p > .05). Peri‐implantitis rates were 4.2% (GS) and 13.3% (GG) (intergroup p = .37). Median OHIP‐49 scores were 7.00 (0.00; 39.00; GS) and 9.00 (0.00; 196; GG) (inter‐group p = .61) at 10 years.ConclusionsBased on similar 10‐year implant survival rates, reduced patient morbidity and lower costs, the use of shorter dental implants might well serve as an alternative treatment concept to longer implants placed in conjunction with sinus grafting for patients with a limited ridge height in the posterior maxilla. Study register: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01030523.
The Equal Pay Act: Using EEOC v. Verona Area School District in the Classroom
Authors: Chain Raygan Pierce , Conklin Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article provides instructions for an engaging classroom activity when discussing the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Students are asked to consider how to approach pay decisions when hiring a new employee for their business. Issues arise when the new hire asks for a higher wage than a current employee of a different sex. Legal Environment of Business/Business Law, Business Communication, and Business Ethics are all tied together in a discussion of what it means to pay someone more or less money based on their sex.
Efficacy and safety of vaginal formulations with tyndallized ferments in subjects with nonspecific vulvovaginitis: A randomized study in Italy
Authors: Forleo Francesco , Pelosi Fanny Mara , Bianco Luigina , Petrella Vincenzo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimIn this study, we tested the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vaginal ovules and a vaginal douche containing tyndallized ferments in women affected by nonspecific vulvovaginitis, with or without the human papillomavirus (HPV).MethodsThe study included 91 female patients and had a randomized, controlled sequential design, with parallel groups. Ovules and douche were tested and compared to a control group treated with sterile physiological solution. Total symptom score (TSS), individual signs and symptoms, therapeutic success were evaluated, as well as safety and tolerability.ResultsThe tyndallized ferments formulations (ovules and douche) had a safe and tolerable profile, and resulted in a significant decrease in TSS in patients affected by nonspecific vulvovaginitis, both at 5 and 10 days of treatment, when compared to a control group. The treatment was more effective than the control in reducing symptoms such as vulvar erythema, vulvar edema, itching, and burning. Patients affected by vulvovaginitis and HPV‐positive received a 30 days treatment either with ovules or ovules + douche, and we observed an improvement at Day 30 compared to Day 0, for both regimens.ConclusionsOur study suggests that topical treatment with tyndallized ferments is a safe and effective strategy to reduce symptoms of nonspecific vulvovaginitis.
A decade of monitoring surveys for Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in olive groves in Apulia (Italy) reveals a low incidence of the bacterium in the demarcated areas
Authors: Ciervo Margherita , Scortichini Marco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn October 2013, Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) was reported as being associated with a decline of olive groves in Salento (Apulia, Italy) and named as “olive quick decline syndrome” (OQDS). Due to its quarantine status, a series of mandatory actions were established in the Apulia region to impede its further spread in the territory. Upon the demarcation of “containment” and “buffer” zones, monitoring surveys were carried out in these areas for sampling olive trees and other host plants that showed symptoms putatively attributable to OQDS. The eradication of plants that tested positive for Xfp, including also all the asymptomatic ones in a radius of 100 or 50 m, was performed over 10 years. An analysis, based on the official data of such surveillance activities over the period of a decade, was performed. The data show that the Xfp incidence in the “containment” and “buffer” zones is very low, especially during the last three campaigns from 2020–2021 to 2022–2023, when the bacterium was detected in a range of 0.06%–0.70% of the sampled plants. In most of the sampled trees that showed symptoms of OQDS, the bacterium was not detected. Based on these data and according to epidemiological models that verified the negligible role of asymptomatic olive trees in the spreading of OQDS, we propose to eliminate the rule requiring the uprooting of all host plants that surround one Xfp‐positive tree in a radius of 50 m. Such an implementation could save many healthy centennial and monumental olive trees and the remarkable landscape that they contribute to.
Lenvatinib, sintilimab plus transarterial chemoembolization for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase II study
Authors: Cai Mingyue , Huang Wensou , Liang Wei , Guo Yongjian , Liang Licong , Lin Liteng , Xie Lulu , Zhou Jingwen , Chen Ye , Cao Bihui , Wu Jingqiang , Zhu Kangshun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsOur retrospective study has suggested encouraging outcomes of lenvatinib combined with PD‐1 inhibitor and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This phase II trial was conducted to prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib, sintilimab (a PD‐1 inhibitor) plus TACE (Len‐Sin‐TACE) in patients with advanced stage HCC.MethodsThis was a single‐arm phase II trial. Patients with BCLC stage C HCC were recruited. They received lenvatinib (bodyweight ≥60 kg, 12 mg; bodyweight <60 kg, 8 mg) orally once daily, sintilimab (200 mg) intravenously once every 3 weeks, and on demand TACE. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) per mRECIST.ResultsThirty patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was met with a median PFS of 8.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.1–9.8) months per mRECIST, which was the same as that per RECIST 1.1. The objective response rate was 60.0% per mRECIST and 30.0% per RECIST 1.1. The disease control rate was 86.7% per mRECIST/RECIST 1.1. The median duration of response was 7.4 (95% CI: 6.6–8.2) months per mRECIST (n = 18) and 4.3 (95% CI: 4.0–4.6) months per RECIST 1.1 (n = 9). The median overall survival was 18.4 (95% CI: 14.5–22.3) months. Treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 28 patients (93.3%) and grade 3 TRAEs were observed in 12 patients (40.0%). There were no grade 4/5 TRAEs.ConclusionsLen‐Sin‐TACE showed promising antitumour activities with a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced stage HCC. The preliminary results need to be further evaluated with phase III randomized trials.
Impact of ACSL4 on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: Association with cancer‐associated fibroblasts and the tumour immune microenvironment
Authors: Toshida Katsuya , Itoh Shinji , Iseda Norifumi , Tomiyama Takahiro , Yoshiya Shohei , Toshima Takeo , Liu Yu‐Chen , Iwasaki Takeshi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Taniguchi Koji , Oda Yoshinao , Mori Masaki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsRecently, the association between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and ferroptosis has been the focus of much attention. The expression of long chain fatty acyl‐CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4), a marker of ferroptosis, in tumour tissue is related to better prognosis in various cancers. In HCC, ACSL4 expression indicates poor prognosis and is related to high malignancy. However, the mechanism remains to be fully understood.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 358 patients with HCC who had undergone hepatic resection. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ACSL4 was performed. Factors associated with ASCL4 expression were investigated by spatial transcriptome analysis, and the relationships were investigated by IHC. The association between ACSL4 and the tumour immune microenvironment was examined in a public dataset and investigated by IHC.ResultsPatients were divided into ACSL4‐positive (n = 72, 20.1%) and ACSL4‐negative (n = 286, 79.9%) groups. ACSL4 positivity was significantly correlated with higher α‐fetoprotein (p = .0180) and more histological liver fibrosis (p = .0014). In multivariate analysis, ACSL4 positivity was an independent prognostic factor (p < .0001). Spatial transcriptome analysis showed a positive correlation between ACSL4 and cancer‐associated fibroblasts; this relationship was confirmed by IHC. Evaluation of a public dataset showed the correlation between ACSL4 and exhausted tumour immune microenvironment; this relationship was also confirmed by IHC.ConclusionACSL4 is a prognostic factor in HCC patients and its expression was associated with cancer‐associated fibroblasts and anti‐tumour immunity.
Evidence for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Egypt: Results of a nationwide survey in 2022
Authors: Kandeel Amr , Fahim Manal , Abukamar Shimaa , BahaaEldin Hala , Abuelsood Hanaa , Samy Sahar , Deghedy Ola , Sheta Amany , Naguib Amel , El Guindy Nancy , Youssef Amr , Kamel Reham , Afifi Salma , El‐Kassas Moahmed , Abdelghaffar Khaled 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionViral hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) were at the top of Egypt's most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 14.7% of its population having antibodies to HCV in 2008. Egypt issued an ambitious action plan in 2014 to eliminate viral hepatitis through strengthening infection control and improving patient care. In 2018, an extensive HCV mass screening campaign was conducted for the entire country's population with treating more than 4 million patients with antivirals. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of viral hepatitis in Egypt after all these efforts.MethodsA cross‐sectional household cluster survey was conducted in all 27 Egyptian governorates to obtain a representative sample of Egypt's population. Subjects aged 1–70 years were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire that included demographics, viral hepatitis knowledge, previous infection and risk factors data. Laboratory testing was performed for all subjects for anti‐HCV and HBsAg using chemiluminescence. Subjects positive for anti‐HCV were further tested for HCV‐RNA by RT‐PCR. Prevalence rates were calculated by demographic groups and compared to the demographic health survey 2015 results.ResultsOf 20 881 subjects interviewed, 48.8% were males, 20.2% were children <15 years of age, and 53.7% were residents of rural areas. Of all subjects, 92 (0.4%) were HCV‐infected, 1577 (7.6%) were anti‐HCV positive and 177 (0.8%) were HBV‐chronically infected, including one patient who had mixed HBV and HCV current infection. The prevalence of HCV‐current and HBV chronic infections decreased by 93% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2015.ConclusionsEgypt achieved the elimination of the viral hepatitis goal. To maintain low rates of viral hepatitis, community health education, in addition to maintaining infection control and blood safety programs, is essential.
Correlates of early child development among children with stunting: A cross‐sectional study in Uganda
Authors: Mbabazi Joseph , Pesu Hannah , Mutumba Rolland , Bromley Kieran , Ritz Christian , Filteau Suzanne , Briend André , Mupere Ezekiel , Grenov Benedikte , Friis Henrik , Olsen Mette F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMany children in low‐ and middle‐income countries are not attaining their developmental potential. Stunting is associated with poor child development, but it is not known which correlates of stunting are impairing child development. We explored potential socioeconomic, nutritional, clinical, and household correlates of early child development among 12–59‐month‐old children with stunting in a cross‐sectional study in Uganda. Development was assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT) across four domains of gross and fine motor, language, and social skills. Linear regression analysis was used to assess correlates of development in the four domains and total MDAT score. Of 750 children included, the median [interquartile range] age was 30 [23−41] months, 55% of the children resided in rural settings with 21% from female‐headed households and 47% of mothers had no schooling. The mean ± standard deviation height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ) was −3.02 ± 0.74, 40% of the children had a positive malaria test and 65% were anaemic (haemoglobin < 110 g/L). One‐third had children's books at home, majority (96%) used household objects to play with and most of them (70%) used toys as pretence items like those to mimic cooking. After age, sex, and site adjustments, HAZ (0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14−0.33) and head circumference (0.07, 95% CI: 0.02−0.12) were positive correlates of total MDAT score, whereas weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) was not. Current breastfeeding was associated with 0.41 (95% CI: 0.17−0.65) lower total MDAT score. Children from households with a single income earner had 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06−0.37) lower total MDAT score. Furthermore, severe food insecurity, inflammation and positive malaria test were associated with lower scores for motor development. All family care indicator subscales (FCIs) positively correlated with the total MDAT score and this association was independent of household's socioeconomic status. In conclusion, stunting degree, head circumference, number of household income earners and stimulation by improved FCIs correlate with early child development among stunted children. The negative association with prolonged breastfeeding is likely due to reverse causality. Identified correlates may inform initiatives to support children with stunting attain their development potential.
Offspring sex ratio increases with paternal reproductive success in a colony of southern elephant seals
Authors: Allegue Hassen , Guinet Christophe , Patrick Samantha C. , Ribout Cécile , Bichet Coraline , Lepais Olivier , Réale Denis 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn polygynous species, male reproductive success is often determined by their ability to dominate female harems. Harem‐holders sire a disproportionate number of offspring. Male dominance tends to correlate with age, but intense competition and early male mortality limit most males from achieving high social status. To maximize reproductive success despite low rank, offspring sex ratio adjustment may have evolved, favoring the sex with higher fitness. If traits influencing dominance are heritable and confer reproductive advantages, we expect fathers with higher reproductive success to produce more sons, as they are more likely to become dominant. In contrast, subordinate males with lower success may benefit from siring more daughters. We tested this hypothesis on a colony of southern elephant seals breeding on the Kerguelen Archipelago. We used genetic markers to link the paternity of 540 pups to 58 breeding males. We found that the probability of siring a son increases from 43% to 54% with paternal relative reproductive success, supporting the offspring sex ratio adjustment hypothesis. Given that various factors influence sex ratio in a population, future studies should tease apart these ecological processes (e.g., paternal dominance, maternal condition, local density, or adult sex ratio) and investigate how they interact with each other.
Tracking arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to their source: active inoculation and passive dispersal differentially affect community assembly in urban soils
Authors: Metzler Paul , Ksiazek‐Mikenas Kelly , Chaudhary V. Bala 
Published: January 2024

Summary

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi assemble passively over time via biotic and abiotic mechanisms. In degraded soils, AM fungal communities can assemble actively when humans manage mycorrhizas for ecosystem restoration.

We investigated mechanisms of urban AM fungal community assembly in a 2‐yr green roof experiment. We compared AM fungal communities in inoculated and uninoculated trays to samples from two potential sources: the inoculum and air.

Active inoculation stimulated more distinct and diverse AM fungal communities, an effect that intensified over time. In the treatment trays, 45% of AM fungal taxa were detected in the inoculum, 2% were detected in aerial samples, 23% were detected in both inoculum and air, and 30% were not detected in either source.

Passive dispersal of AM fungi likely resulted in the successful establishment of a small number of species, but active inoculation with native AM fungal species resulted in an immediate shift to a diverse and unique fungal community. When urban soils are constructed or modified by human activity, this is an opportunity for intervention with AM fungi that will persist and add diversity to that system.
Adipokines and stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of disease risk and patient outcomes
Authors: Agbaedeng Thomas A. , Iroga Peter E. , Rathnasekara Vishmi Mayasha , Zacharia Anastasia L. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryObesity is reported to increase stroke risk, with adipocyte‐derived cytokines or adipokines implicated as mediators. However, the relationship between adipokines and stroke is not well clarified. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association of adipokines with stroke using fully adjusted risk estimates that incorporated body mass index in a meta‐analysis. Data from 52 studies (62,428 patients) were pooled in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Adiponectin was independently associated with a lower risk of pre‐existing stroke (adjusted odds ratio: 0.64 [95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.88], p < 0.01), whereas leptin (1.08 [1.00–1.17], p = 0.04), resistin (1.06 [1.04–1.08], p < 0.01) and visfatin (1.04 [1.01–1.07], p = 0.01) are associated with a higher risk of stroke, but none with incident stroke. Adipokines independently associated with an ischaemic stroke subtype were adiponectin (0.48 [0.30–0.77], p < 0.01), leptin (1.10 [1.01–1.20], p = 0.04), and resistin (1.06 [1.04–1.08], p < 0.01). Fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 (FABP‐4) independently predicted 6‐month poor functional outcomes in stroke patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.09 [1.06–1.12], p < 0.01); whereas both FABP‐4 (1.17 [1.03–1.34], p = 0.01) and visfatin (1.24 [1.00–1.55], p = 0.05) were predictive of 6‐month mortality. Adipokines are associated with a greater risk of pre‐existing stroke, but not with the relationship with incident stroke. Adipokines, such as FABP‐4 and visfatin, may serve as biomarkers of stroke severity and worsening of stroke outcomes.
Intracardiac echocardiography guided electrified J‐wire trans‐septal puncture: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheng Hui , Bangash Abdul Basit , Tao Yuhang , Jiang Ruhong , Liu Qiang , Cheng Cheng , Fu Guosheng , Jiang Chenyang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundApplication of electrocautery to a J‐wire is used to perform transseptal puncture (TSP), but with limited evidence supporting safety and efficacy. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.MethodsTwo hundred consecutive patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either the ICE‐guided electrified J‐wire TSP group or a conventional Brockenbrough (BRK) needle TSP group. The TSP was performed with a 0.032″ guidewire under 20 W, “coag” mode and was compared to TSP using the BRK needle. The primary safety endpoints were complications related to TSP. The primary efficacy endpoints included the TSP success rate, the total TSP time, and the total procedure time.ResultsAll patients complete the procedure safely. The electrified J‐wire TSP group had a significantly shorter TSP time than BRK needle TSP group. The total procedure time, number of TSP attempts required to achieve successful LA access, width of the intra‐atrial shunt at the end of ablation were similar between the two groups. The incidence of new cerebral infarction detected by MRI were similar between the two groups (3/32 patients in the J‐wire TSP group and 2/26 patients in conventional BRK TSP group, p = .82). And no difference in the incidence of residual intra‐atrial shunt (4.3% vs. 6%, p = .654) during the 3‐month's follow up.ConclusionUsing an electrified J‐wire for TSP under the guidance of ICE appears to be as safe as and more efficient than conventional BRK needle TSP, which may be especially useful in the era of non‐fluoroscopy AF ablation.
A child with Winchester syndrome responding to oral betamethasone and methotrexate
Authors: Dash Gaurav , Pradhan Swetalina , Sinha Upasna , Sinha Ruchi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWinchester syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder with a handful of cases reported to date. We report a 14‐year‐old male who presented with growth retardation, contracture of left lower limb due to thick indurated skin, hypertrichosis, and bilateral corneal opacity. There was complete improvement in joint contracture with oral betamethasone pulse and weekly oral methotrexate.
How are mental state references represented in English and Japanese picture books? An analysis of the frequency of emotional and cognitive words and their relation to the self or others
Authors: Okumura Yuko , Taguchi Shunya , Kanakogi Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe text of picture books is a fertile source through which young children learn about mental states. By focusing on English and Japanese books (N = 100; for children aged 3–5 years) as respective representatives of independent and interdependent cultures, the present study examined the cultural differences in the use of two types of mental state language: emotion and cognition. While our findings revealed no cultural differences in emotional word tokens or types, cognitive word tokens and types were higher in English picture books than in Japanese ones. Importantly, English picture books exhibited more self‐oriented mental state references, while Japanese picture books had more other‐oriented mental state references. Our study suggests that mental state references in picture books reflect culture‐specific characteristics.