bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nature of Theatre
Authors: Bennett Michael Y
Published: March 2024

This chapter is concerned with the ontology of theatre. This chapter re-examines previously developed claims that theatrical characters (all the way up to theatrical worlds) are a type of abstract object called a “re-creation.” Re-creation explains the ontological status of theatre and is similar to D. M. Armstrong’s recombinatorial possibilia. But to these previous claims, this chapter adds another dimension, one that takes into account a larger range of performances: “re-positioned objects.” That is, re-creation does not do as adequate a job alone in explaining performances that are less story-book-like. Many theatrical performances (broadly conceived) only examine existent objects, but they do so from previously unexplored vantage points. This chapter examines this relational-recombinatorial view of theatre by thinking about metaphor, representation, and presentation.
Safety and Duration of Effect of 40-Unit PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines in Adult Patients: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fagien Steven , Avelar Rui L , Cox Sue Ellen , Joseph John H , Kaufman-Janette Joely , Marcus Keith A
Published: March 2024

Background

Extending the duration of effect of botulinum toxins—by administering doses beyond those of the approved labels—has been an area of increasing interest in the field of aesthetics.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and duration of effect of 40-unit (U) prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (twice the approved dose and concentration) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines.

Methods

A total of 154 adult patients were randomized 1:1:1 to a single treatment of either 40 U prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (PRA 40, 5 injections of 8 U/0.05 mL), or 20 U of either prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (PRA 20) or onabotulinumtoxinA (ONA 20). Both 20-U controls were administered as 5 injections of 4 U/0.1 mL. Efficacy and safety were assessed on days 2, 7 (by telephone), 30, and every 30 days thereafter up to 365 days or until the patient had returned to baseline. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the duration of effect (estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis), defined as the number of days from treatment day (baseline) to the day that glabellar line severity at maximum frown by investigator assessment returned to the baseline value.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 47 years (20-72 years); 69.5% had severe glabellar lines at baseline. Of the 36 adverse events, 32 (88.9%) were mild and 4 (11.1%) were moderate in severity; none were serious. The median durations of effect were estimated to be 183, 149, and 148 days for PRA 40–, PRA 20–, and ONA 20–treated patients, respectively.

Conclusions

In this phase 2 pilot study, 40 U prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs was observed to be safe and had a duration of 6 months.

Level of Evidence: 1
Picture Perfect: Standardizing and Safekeeping Clinical Photography in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Thornton Sarah M , Attaluri Pradeep K , Wirth Peter J , Shaffrey Ellen C , George Robert E , Carbullido M Kristine , Rao Venkat K
Published: March 2024

Plastic surgery relies heavily on clinical photography to document preoperative and postoperative changes, visualize surgical approaches, and evaluate outcomes. However, the contemporary landscape of plastic surgery photography faces challenges, including a lapse in standards due to the prevalence of smartphones, social media platforms, and security concerns related to data storage and cyberattacks. In this comprehensive review, the authors aim to provide plastic surgeons with practical guidelines for achieving standardized, high-quality clinical photography while navigating the evolving landscape of technology, security, and ethical considerations. We explore the security challenges associated with storing clinical photographs, emphasizing the legal obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We also discuss various storage options, including HIPAA-compliant cloud services, electronic medical records, and emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Level of Evidence: 5
Stability of parallel evolution in shell traits between the littoral and sublittoral ecotypes of the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna along a 17-year time series
Authors: Marek Ortiz Clarisa , Martínez Juan J , Sahade Ricardo , de Aranzamendi M Carla
Published: March 2024

Ecotypes constitute valuable markers for understanding the phenotypic responses influenced by evolutionary forces and environmental variations. Assessing the role of these processes in establishing and maintaining ecotype divergence is essential for anticipating evolutionary responses to future climate shifts. We studied the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic population structure between Nacella concinna ecotypes through a morphometric and temporal analysis (2004–2021) in Antarctica. This approach enables the assessment of contemporary evolutionary dynamics in the presence of biotic and abiotic factors, facilitating the inference of interactions between the acting forces. Using generalized Procrustes analysis, ecotypes were successfully discriminated by their lateral shell traits consistently persisting over the analysed period. Multivariate linear and univariate mixed models revealed a significant temporal effect on shell phenotypic variation, surpassing the effect of inter-ecotype differences. However, according to phenotypic trajectory analysis, this temporal effect did not alter the direction of the phenotypic trajectory of ecotype shell shape, which evolved in parallel during the time series. Despite the environmental variation, the evidence of parallel evolution might indicate the incidence of natural selection in ecotype divergence rather than relying solely on phenotypic plasticity. This work enhances our understanding of ecotype temporal changes and microevolution, underscoring the importance of long-term phenotypic monitoring.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Buontempo Michael G , Ramachandran Vignesh , Freedman Jeremy , Meehan Shane A , Lo Sicco Kristen , Saitta Peter A
Published: March 2024

This article features a 54-year-old woman with a chronic growth on her left buttock. This patient’s case posed a diagnostic challenge based on the presence of multiple soft nodules and the histological findings of mature adipocytes within the dermis.
Multi-trajectories of symptoms and their associations with unplanned 30-day hospital readmission among patients with heart failure: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lv Qingyun , Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Yaqi , Xu Xueying , He Yuan , Liu Jingwen , Chang Hairong , Zhao Yue , Zang Xiaoying
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study aimed to uncover hidden patterns and predictors of symptom multi-trajectories within 30 days after discharge in patients with heart failure and assess the risk of unplanned 30-day hospital readmission in different patterns.

Methods and results

The study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 in four third-class hospitals in Tianjin, China. A total of 301 patients with heart failure were enrolled in the cohort, and 248 patients completed a 30-day follow-up after discharge. Three multi-trajectory groups were identified: mild symptom status (24.19%), moderate symptom status (57.26%), and severe symptom status (18.55%). With the mild symptom status group as a reference, physical frailty, psychological frailty, and comorbid renal dysfunction were predictors of the moderate symptom status group. Physical frailty, psychological frailty, resilience, taking diuretics, and comorbid renal dysfunction were predictors of the severe symptom status group. Compared with the mild symptom status group, the severe symptom status group was significantly associated with high unplanned 30-day hospital readmission risks.

Conclusion

This study identified three distinct multi-trajectory groups among patients with heart failure within 30 days after discharge. The severe symptom status group was associated with a significantly increased risk of unplanned 30-day hospital readmission. Common and different factors predicted different symptom multi-trajectories. Healthcare providers should assess the physical and psychological frailty and renal dysfunction of patients with heart failure before discharge. Inpatient care aimed at alleviating physical and psychological frailty and enhancing resilience may be important to improve patients’ symptom development post-discharge.
Health-related quality of life 1 year after a large-scale industrial fire among exposed inhabitants of Rouen, France: ‘The Post Fire 76 Health’ study
Authors: El Haddad Maria , Zeghnoun Abdelkrim , Richard Jean-Baptiste , Saoudi Abdessattar , Pédrono Gaëlle , Perrine Anne-Laure , Motreff Yvon , Blanchard Myriam , Morel Pauline , Le Lay Emmanuelle , Golliot Franck , Empereur-Bissonnet Pascal
Published: March 2024

Background

A large-scale industrial fire occurred in Rouen, France, in 2019. This study assessed the health-related quality of life of people exposed to its consequences 1 year later.

Methods

The study population comprised inhabitants of the exposed area and a non-exposed area. A representative sample was randomly selected using a stratified design. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire to describe fire exposure and to calculate three health-related quality of life scores according to the SF12-v2 scale. After adjustment, descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

The sample comprised 4773 participants (response rate 47.7%). In the exposed area, the average mental, physical and overall health scores were 47.5, 52.0 and 73.8 out of 100, respectively. Mean mental and overall health scores were higher in the non-exposed area (49.0 and 76.0, respectively). After adjustment, a lower mental health score was associated with a higher number of perceived types of exposure, reaching −3.72 points [−5.41; −2.04] for five or more different types of perceived exposure. A lower mental health score was associated with soot deposits (−1.04 [−1.70; −0.39]), perceiving odours [(−2.04 [−3.22; −0.86]) up to the day of data collection], and having seen, heard or been awakened by the fire (−1.21 [−1.90; −0.52]). A slightly lower physical health score was associated with soot deposits (−0.57 [−1.07; −0.08]).

Conclusion

This study highlighted associations between exposure to the consequences of the industrial fire in Rouen and a deterioration of perceived health-related quality of life 1 year later, particularly the mental health dimension.
Naturally segregating genetic variants contribute to thermal tolerance in a Drosophila melanogaster model system
Authors: Williams-Simon Patricka A , Oster Camille , Moaton Jordyn A , Ghidey Ronel , Ng’oma Enoch , Middleton Kevin M , King Elizabeth G
Published: March 2024

Thermal tolerance is a fundamental physiological complex trait for survival in many species. For example, everyday tasks such as foraging, finding a mate, and avoiding predation are highly dependent on how well an organism can tolerate extreme temperatures. Understanding the general architecture of the natural variants within the genes that control this trait is of high importance if we want to better comprehend thermal physiology. Here, we take a multipronged approach to further dissect the genetic architecture that controls thermal tolerance in natural populations using the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource as a model system. First, we used quantitative genetics and Quantitative Trait Loci mapping to identify major effect regions within the genome that influences thermal tolerance, then integrated RNA-sequencing to identify differences in gene expression, and lastly, we used the RNAi system to (1) alter tissue-specific gene expression and (2) functionally validate our findings. This powerful integration of approaches not only allows for the identification of the genetic basis of thermal tolerance but also the physiology of thermal tolerance in a natural population, which ultimately elucidates thermal tolerance through a fitness-associated lens.
Polygenic architecture of flowering time and its relationship with local environments in the grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Minadakis Nikolaos , Kaderli Lars , Horvath Robert , Bourgeois Yann , Xu Wenbo , Thieme Michael , Woods Daniel P , Roulin Anne C
Published: March 2024

Synchronizing the timing of reproduction with the environment is crucial in the wild. Among the multiple mechanisms, annual plants evolved to sense their environment, the requirement of cold-mediated vernalization is a major process that prevents individuals from flowering during winter. In many annual plants including crops, both a long and short vernalization requirement can be observed within species, resulting in so-called early-(spring) and late-(winter) flowering genotypes. Here, using the grass model Brachypodium distachyon, we explored the link between flowering-time-related traits (vernalization requirement and flowering time), environmental variation, and diversity at flowering-time genes by combining measurements under greenhouse and outdoor conditions. These experiments confirmed that B. distachyon natural accessions display large differences regarding vernalization requirements and ultimately flowering time. We underline significant, albeit quantitative effects of current environmental conditions on flowering-time-related traits. While disentangling the confounding effects of population structure on flowering-time-related traits remains challenging, population genomics analyses indicate that well-characterized flowering-time genes may contribute significantly to flowering-time variation and display signs of polygenic selection. Flowering-time genes, however, do not colocalize with genome-wide association peaks obtained with outdoor measurements, suggesting that additional genetic factors contribute to flowering-time variation in the wild. Altogether, our study fosters our understanding of the polygenic architecture of flowering time in a natural grass system and opens new avenues of research to investigate the gene-by-environment interaction at play for this trait.
Plasticity and structural alterations of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic organelles in muscles of mice deficient in α-dystrobrevin, a component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex
Authors: Malik Saad O , Wierenga Alissa , Gao Chenlang , Akaaboune Mohammed
Published: March 2024

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the plasma membrane and the neuromuscular junction. In this study, we investigated the impact of the deficiency of α-dystrobrevin (αdbn), a component of the DGC, on the homeostasis of intracellular organelles, specifically mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In αdbn deficient muscles, we observed a significant increase in the membrane-bound ATP synthase complex levels, a marker for mitochondria in oxidative muscle fiber types compared to wild-type. Furthermore, examination of muscle fibers deficient in αdbn using electron microscopy revealed profound alterations in the organization of mitochondria and the SR within certain myofibrils of muscle fibers. This included the formation of hyper-branched intermyofibrillar mitochondria with extended connections, an extensive network spanning several myofibrils, and a substantial increase in the number/density of subsarcolemmal mitochondria. Concurrently, in some cases, we observed significant structural alterations in mitochondria, such as cristae loss, fragmentation, swelling, and the formation of vacuoles and inclusions within the mitochondrial matrix cristae. Muscles deficient in αdbn also displayed notable alterations in the morphology of the SR, along with the formation of distinct anomalous concentric SR structures known as whorls. These whorls were prevalent in αdbn-deficient mice but were absent in wild-type muscles. These results suggest a crucial role of the DGC αdbn in regulating intracellular organelles, particularly mitochondria and the SR, within muscle cells. The remodeling of the SR and the formation of whorls may represent a novel mechanism of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in muscle cells.
Determinantal Representations and the Image of the Principal Minor Map
Authors: Al Ahmadieh Abeer , Vinzant Cynthia
Published: March 2024

In this paper we explore determinantal representations of multiaffine polynomials and consequences for the image of various spaces of matrices under the principal minor map. We show that a real multiaffine polynomial has a definite Hermitian determinantal representation if and only if all of its so-called Rayleigh differences factor as Hermitian squares and use this characterization to conclude that the image of the space of Hermitian matrices under the principal minor map is cut out by the orbit of finitely many equations and inequalities under the action of $(\textrm{SL}_{2}(\mathbb{R}))^{n} \rtimes S_{n}$. We also study such representations over more general fields with quadratic extensions. Factorizations of Rayleigh differences prove an effective tool for capturing subtle behavior of the principal minor map. In contrast to the Hermitian case, we give examples to show for any field $\mathbb{F}$, there is no finite set of equations whose orbit under $(\textrm{SL}_{2}(\mathbb{F}))^{n} \rtimes S_{n}$ cuts out the image of $n\times n$ matrices over ${\mathbb{F}}$ under the principal minor map for every $n$.
Wheat rhizosphere dynamics of Trichoderma gamsii A5MH and suppression of a Pythium root rot-Fusarium crown rot disease complex over two consecutive cropping seasons
Authors: Stummer Belinda E , Zhang Xinjian , Moghaddam Minoo J , Yang Hetong , Harvey Paul R
Published: March 2024

Aims

Determine the wheat rhizosphere competence of Trichoderma gamsii strain A5MH and in planta suppression of the Pythium root and Fusarium crown rot pathogens Globisporangium irregulare and Fusarium pseudograminearum.

Methods and results

Wheat was continuously cropped (eight years) at a minimum tillage, low growing season rainfall (GSR ≤ 170 mm) site shown as highly conducive to Pythium root and Fusarium crown rots. Root isolation frequency (RIF) and qPCR were used to determine the rhizosphere dynamics of strain A5MH and the target pathogens at tillering, grain harvest, and in postharvest stubble over the final 2 years. Strain A5MH actively colonized the wheat rhizosphere throughout both growing seasons, had high root abundance at harvest [log 4.5 genome copies (GC) g−1] and persisted in standing stubble for at least 293-d postinoculation. Globisporangium irregulare was most abundant in roots at tillering, whereas F. pseudograminearum was only abundant at harvest and up to 9-fold greater in the drier, second year (GSR 105 mm). Strain A5MH decreased RIF of both pathogens by up to 40%, root abundance of G. irregulare by 100-fold, and F. pseudogaminearum by 700-fold, but was ineffective against crown rot in the second year when pathogen abundance was >log 6.0 GC g−1 root. Strain A5MH increased crop emergence and tillering biomass by up to 40%.

Conclusions

Further trials are required to determine if the A5MH-induced pathogen suppression translates to yield improvements in higher rainfall regions where non-cereal rotations reduce crown rot inoculum.
An Efficient Electron Ptychography Method for Retrieving the Object Spectrum from Only a Few Iterations
Authors: Li Zhongbo , Biskupek Johannes , Linck Martin , Rose Harald , Kükelhan Pirmin , Müller Heiko , Kaiser Ute
Published: March 2024

We present an efficient approach for electron ptychography based on a mathematical relationship that differs from that underlying the established algorithms of the ptychography iterative engine or the noniterative algorithms like the Wigner-distribution-deconvolution or the single-side-band method. Three variables are handled in this method—the transfer function of the objective lens, the object spectrum, and the diffraction wave whose phase is unknown. In the case of an aberration-corrected electron microscope, one is able to obtain a well-estimated transfer function of the lens. After reducing the number of three variables down to two, we construct an iterative loop between the object spectrum and the diffraction wave, which retrieves the object spectrum within a small number of iterations. We tested this object spectrum retrieval method on both a calculated and an experimental 4D-STEM datasets. By applying this method, we explore the influence of sampling, dose, and the size of illumination aperture on the reconstructed phase images.
Evolution and distribution of superbubbles in simulated Milky Way-like galaxies
Authors: Li Chengzhe , Li Hui , Cui Wei , Marinacci Federico , Sales Laura V , Vogelsberger Mark , Torrey Paul
Published: March 2024

Stellar feedback plays a crucial role in regulating baryon cycles of a galactic ecosystem, and may manifest itself in the formation of superbubbles in the interstellar medium. In this work, we used a set of high-resolution simulations to systematically study the properties and evolution of superbubbles in galactic environments. The simulations were based on the SMUGGLE galaxy formation framework using the hydrodynamical moving-mesh code arepo, reaching a spatial resolution of $\sim 4 \, \rm pc$ and mass resolution of $\sim 10^3 \, \rm M_{\odot }$. We identified superbubbles and tracked their time evolution using the parent stellar associations within the bubbles. The X-ray luminosity-size distribution of superbubbles in the fiducial run is largely consistent with the observations of nearby galaxies. The size of superbubbles shows a double-peaked distribution, with the peaks attributed to early feedback (radiative and stellar wind feedback) and supernova feedback. The early feedback tends to suppress the subsequent supernova feedback, and it is strongly influenced by star formation efficiency, which regulates the environmental density. Our results show that the volume filling factor of hot gas (T > 105.5 K) is about $12~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ averaged over a region of 4 kpc in height and 20 kpc in radius centred on the disc of the galaxy. Overall, the properties of superbubbles are sensitive to the choice of subgrid galaxy formation models and can, therefore, be used to constrain these models.
Triaxial Schwarzschild models of NGC 708: a 10-billion solar mass black hole in a low-dispersion galaxy with a Kroupa IMF
Authors: de Nicola Stefano , Thomas Jens , Saglia Roberto P , Snigula Jan , Kluge Matthias , Bender Ralf
Published: March 2024

We report the discovery of a (1.0 ± 0.28) × 1010 M⊙ supermassive black hole (BH) at the centre of NGC 708, the Brightest Cluster Galaxy of Abell 262. Such high BH masses are very rare and allow to investigate BH–host galaxy scaling relations at the high mass end, which in turn provide hints about the (co)evolution of such systems. NGC 708 is found to be an outlier in all the canonical scaling relations except for those linking the BH mass to the core properties. The galaxy mass-to-light ratio points to a Kroupa IMF rather than Salpeter, with this finding confirmed using photometry in two different bands. We perform this analysis using our novel triaxial Schwarzschild code to integrate orbits in a five-dimensional space, using a semiparametric deprojected light density to build the potential and non-parametric line-of-sight velocity distributions (LOSVDs) derived from long-slit spectra recently acquired at Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) to exploit the full information in the kinematic. We find that the galaxy geometry changes as a function of the radius going from prolate, nearly spherical in the central regions to triaxial at large radii, highlighting the need to go beyond constant shape profiles. Our analysis is only the second of its kind and will systematically be used in the future to hunt supermassive BH in giant ellipticals.
EGFR amplification and EGFRvIII predict and participate in TAT-Cx43266–283 antitumor response in preclinical glioblastoma models
Authors: Álvarez-Vázquez Andrea , San-Segundo Laura , Cerveró-García Pilar , Flores-Hernández Raquel , Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Segura-Collar Berta , Hubert Christopher G , Morrison Gillian , Pollard Steven M , Lathia Justin D , Sánchez-Gómez Pilar , Tabernero Arantxa
Published: March 2024

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) commonly displays epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alterations (mainly amplification and EGFRvIII) and TAT-Cx43266–283 is a Src-inhibitory peptide with antitumor properties in preclinical GBM models. Given the link between EGFR and Src, the aim of this study was to explore the role of EGFR in the antitumor effects of TAT-Cx43266–283.

Methods

The effect of TAT-Cx43266–283, temozolomide (TMZ), and erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor) was studied in patient-derived GBM stem cells (GSCs) and murine neural stem cells (NSCs) with and without EGFR alterations, in vitro and in vivo. EGFR alterations were analyzed by western blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization in these cells, and compared with Src activity and survival in GBM samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

The effect of TAT-Cx43266–283 correlated with EGFR alterations in a set of patient-derived GSCs and was stronger than that exerted by TMZ and erlotinib. In fact, TAT-Cx43266-283 only affected NSCs with EGFR alterations, but not healthy NSCs. EGFR alterations correlated with Src activity and poor survival in GBM patients. Finally, tumors generated from NSCs with EGFR alterations showed a decrease in growth, invasiveness, and vascularization after treatment with TAT-Cx43266–283, which enhanced the survival of immunocompetent mice.

Conclusions

Clinically relevant EGFR alterations are predictors of TAT-Cx43266–283 response and part of its mechanism of action, even in TMZ- and erlotinib-resistant GSCs. TAT-Cx43266–283 targets NSCs with GBM-driver mutations, including EGFR alterations, in an immunocompetent GBM model in vivo, suggesting a promising effect on GBM recurrence. Together, this study represents an important step toward the clinical application of TAT-Cx43266–283.
Muhammad Ali
Authors: Lemert Charles
Published: March 2024

Muhammad Ali (b. 1942–d. 2016) was a professional boxer who has been called the Greatest Boxer of all time and was named, by Time, Sport’s Illustrated, and Life magazines, the Greatest Athlete of the 20th century. He was brash enough after first winning the heavyweight box title in 1964, to shout then and thereafter, “I am the Greatest!” Shortly after defeating Sonny Liston, he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, and as a member of the Nation of Islam he enjoyed a close personal friendship with Malcolm X. His most famous fight was in 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” when he knocked out the heavily favored George Foreman. This win was significant for two reasons. First, it came after a prolonged absence from boxing when he was exiled from the sport for refusing to enter the draft for the American war in Vietnam, famously saying: “I Ain’t Got No Quarrel with Them Viet Cong.” Second, the fight in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo introduced him to African people, thus making Ali into a global race figure. He was in this moment, and for some years after, the most famous person in the world. He was not a writer, but he was an amazing oral poet who influenced hip hop music. Ali was able to compose plain verse in the moment. Some he wrote out before. Once, while speaking to the graduating class at Harvard University, students shouted for a poem. He answered spontaneously: “Me/We.” George Plimpton called this the shortest poem in literary history. Ali’s public persona was always associated with entertaining. His moniker “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee” was a near perfect figurative description of his boxing skills. He could in fact dance brilliantly about the ring to confuse opponents, but when he saw an opening, he could sting with lighting fast punches. In his last years after boxing, frail with Parkinson’s Syndrome, his Islamic faith inspired millions—especially when, his face frozen and arm trembling, he lit the Olympic Flame at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. At the same time, Ali was humble enough in the end to beg forgiveness for abandoning Malcolm X in 1964. Overall Muhammad Ali was many things at once. As a result, he has been studied in many books and other media. He was as much a cultural icon as an athlete.
Citizenship
Authors: Johnson Catherine
Published: March 2024

Multidisciplinary scholarship in the humanities and social sciences contributes to our collective understanding of citizenship in Africa. In this dynamic area of research scholars pose questions that are answered through normative and empirical research. Among scholars, there is not universal agreement on how to define citizenship. Some scholars conceptualize citizenship narrowly, defining it by the various laws that establish and recognize the status of citizens within the established borders of a state. Other scholars encourage expanded conceptualizations of citizenship to reflect the diverse, dynamic, and often unequal ways that citizenship is experienced. Other scholars stress that citizenship is also relational, based on interactions between people and between people and the state. This lack of conceptual clarity complicates but does not preclude comparative work in the study of citizenship in different countries or across populations that differ according to autochthony, ethnicity, class, race, gender and sexual orientation, or age. While the origins of citizenship in Africa are often attributed to the continent’s European colonial past, processes of inclusion, exclusion, and differentiation characterized the operation of social life in the African empires and acephalous societies that existed before European colonial empires were established on the continent. Over time, African actors from a variety of social locations have contested, constructed, and reconstructed notions of citizenship. These processes continue in the present. Many scholars interested in citizenship in Africa are attentive to dynamics of identity and belonging over time. Historical precedents do have clear consequences for contemporary citizenship. As a broad and inclusive state-based identity, citizenship provides the foundation for political participation. Yet, paradoxically, the political liberalization that began across Africa in the 1990s set the stage for exclusionary politics to deny “strangers” the right to participate in democratic politics in many African countries. The various forms of conflict that stemmed from these exclusionary measures inspired the conceptual and empirical research that animates much of the contemporary scholarship on citizenship in Africa.
Comparison of miRNA profiles in the immune response of pediatric acute appendicitis and pediatric enterobiasis patients caused by Enterobius vermicularis
Authors: Öztürk Ayşe Betül , Eroglu Fadime
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the miRNA profile in the immune response with the parasite in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis caused by Enterobius vermicularis and in pediatric patients with enterobiasis.

Methods

A total of 30 tissue samples, which were operated with the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis in the last 10 y and Enterobius vermicularis was detected by histopathological findings, were analyzed. In addition, blood samples were taken from 30 pediatric patients diagnosed with enterobiasis for this study. The miRNAs that activate T and B cells were evaluated by a quantitative real-time PCR, statistically calculated within ΔΔCt values, and fold changes were evaluated by Welch’s T test, in which p<0.5 was considered to be significant.

Results

It was found that 48 out of 136 (35.3%) miRNAs differed between the pediatric patient and healthy control groups. It was determined that 22 (57.9%) of the different miRNAs were T cell activating miRNAs and 26 (68.4%) were B cell activating miRNAs. While there was a significant difference in miRNA values activating T cells in two patient groups (p<0.01), there was no significant difference in miRNA values activating B cells (p>0.01).

Conclusions

In the study, although Enterobius vermicularis was the causative agent in both patient groups, it was revealed that the immune response of patients with acute appendicitis was more affected than enterobiasis patients.
Antimicrobial resistance genetic determinants and susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples in a tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyelu Oluwatoyin Olawunmi , Essien Edidiong Nkiruka , Adebote Valentine , Ajayi Abraham , Essiet Utibeima Udo , Adeleye Adeyemi Isaac , Smith Stella Ifeanyi
Published: March 2024

Background

Genetic determinants are known to promote antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer.

Methods

We molecularly characterized integrons, plasmid replicon types and metallo-β-lactamase-encoding genes of 38 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical samples.

Results

The P. aeruginosa isolates displayed high resistance (97.4%) to β-lactams. Seventeen (44.74%) of them possessed plasmids. Of the 17 isolates that possessed plasmids, 11 (64.7%) of them harboured IncFIA plasmid replicon type, while 6 (35.3%), 5 (29.4%) and 5 (29.4%) were of the IncFIB, IncF and IncW types, respectively. The intI1 gene was detected in 19 (50%) of the isolates. The blaNDM-A, blaNDM-B and blaVIM genes were detected in 14 (35.9%), 4 (10.3%) and 5 (12.8%) of the isolates, respectively.

Conclusions

High resistance to β-lactams was observed among P. aeruginosa strains of clinical origin in this study. They possessed transmissible genetic elements indicating the potential for continuous dissemination, thus continuous surveillance is advocated.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Acute versus Chronic Urticaria Triggered by COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Oztas Kara Rabia , Sevimli Dikicier Bahar
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Although acute urticaria (AU) and urticaria-like rash are commonly reported with COVID-19 infection, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) triggered by COVID-19 is rare. The authors compared the features of COVID-19 infection-induced chronic CSU and AU to determine which patients’ COVID-19 infection leads to CSU and possible indicators of chronicity.

METHODS

The authors retrieved the charts of patients diagnosed with AU or CSU following COVID-19 at the Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence and compared patients in terms of demographic characteristics, length of time between infection and onset of urticaria, duration of urticaria, COVID-19 disease severity, laboratory test results, vaccination, and treatment status.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients were included in the study: 7 with CSU following COVID-19 and 85 with AU after COVID-19. The mean duration of urticaria for CSU and AU following COVID-19 was 13.0 ± 6.0 months and 7.1 ± 3.4 days, respectively. The average time between COVID-19 and the start of urticaria was longer in the CSU group (20.7 ± 3.9 days vs 4.5 ± 2.8 days, respectively; P = .000). No between-group differences were found for any other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of urticaria more than 2 weeks after COVID-19 infection may serve as an indicator for urticaria chronicity beyond 6 weeks and may help physicians predict the possible course of urticaria associated with COVID-19 infection. The relevance of basopenia and eosinopenia needs to be determined.
The Management of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Skin Ulcers after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhao XueHua , Wang Xun , Li Lai Juan , Wu LinZhu
Published: March 2024

The comprehensive management of a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease skin ulcers after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is challenging. This report describes the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with ulcers on her right leg 140 weeks after a bone marrow transplant. The patient received wound assessment and management based on the Triangle of Wound Assessment and Wound Bed Preparation 2021, respectively. Hydrogel and antibacterial protease dressings were applied along with systemic oral administration of moxifloxacin hydrochloride (two capsules, two times daily) and JiXueGanPian tablets (classic Chinese herbal formula; two capsules, two times daily), hospital-community-home continuous care, and patient-centered education. Finally, after 133 days of nursing, the patient’s wound was completely healed without complications or other skin issues. The use of hydrogel combined with the antibacterial protease dressing was a promising technique for handling this type of wound, enhanced by multidisciplinary collaboration. Of course, providing patients with education that focuses on prevention is necessary.
Does Size Really Matter? Incidence of Periprosthetic Fractures After Femoral Osteotomy in Patients With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Wimmer Sam P. , Wren Tishya A.L. , Rethlefsen Susan A. , Abousamra Oussama N. , Kay Robert M.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Of children, 30% to 35% with cerebral palsy (CP) develop hip subluxation or dislocation and often require reconstructive hip surgery, including varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO). A recent literature review identified postoperative fractures as the most common complication (9.4%) of VDROs. This study aimed to assess risk factors for periprosthetic fracture after VDRO in children with CP.

Methods:

A total of 347 patients (644 hips, 526 bilateral hips) with CP and hip subluxation or dislocation (129 females; mean age at index VDRO: 8.6 y, SD 3.4, range: 1.5 to 17.7; 2 Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I, 35 GMFCS II, 39 GMFCS III, 119 GMFCS IV, 133 GMFCS V, 21 unavailable) were included in this retrospective, single-group intervention (VDRO) study at a tertiary referral center. Imaging and clinical documentation for patients age 18 years or younger at index surgery, treated with VDRO were reviewed to determine demographic data, GMFCS level, surgeon, type of hardware implanted, use of anticonvulsants and steroids, type of postoperative immobilization, presence of periprosthetic fractures, fracture location and mechanism, and time from surgery to fracture. Potential determinants of periprosthetic fractures were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression.

Results:

Of 644 hips, 14 (2.2%, 95% CI: 1.3%, 3.6%) sustained a periprosthetic fracture, at a median of 2.1 years postoperatively (interquartile range: 4.6 y, range: 1.2 mo to 7.8 y). Patients with a fracture had a median age at index surgery of 7.3 years (interquartile range: 4.3, range: 2.8 to 17.8; 1 GMFCS II, 6 GMFCS IV, 7 GMFCS V). Periprosthetic fractures were not significantly related to age at index surgery (P= 0.18), sex (P= 0.30), body mass index percentile (P= 0.87), surgery side (P= 0.16), anticonvulsant use (P= 0.35), type of postoperative immobilization (P= 0.40), GMFCS level (P= 0.31), or blade plate size (P= 0.17). Only surgeon volume significantly related to periprosthetic fracture (odds ratio = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.53, 16.56, P= 0.008), with the highest-volume surgeon also using smaller blade plates (P< 0.01).

Conclusions:

Periprosthetic fractures after VDRO surgery in children with CP are uncommon, and routine hardware removal appears unnecessary. The data suggest that the common dogma of putting in the largest blade plate possible to maximize fixation may increase the risk of periprosthetic fracture. Due to the overall low fracture rate, especially when contextualized relative to the risk of hardware removal, a reactive approach to hardware removal appears warranted.

Level of Evidence

Level III—retrospective study (targeting varus derotational osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy).
Dermal Regeneration Template in the Management and Reconstruction of Burn Injuries and Complex Wounds: A Review
Authors: Gupta Subhas , Moiemen Naiem , Fischer John P. , Attinger Christopher , Jeschke Marc G. , Taupin Philippe , Orgill Dennis P.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Dermal scaffolds have created a paradigm shift for burn and wound management by providing improved healing and less scarring, while improving cosmesis and functionality. Dermal regeneration template (DRT) is a bilayer membrane for dermal regeneration developed by Yannas and Burke in the 1980s. The aim of this review is to summarize clinical evidence for dermal scaffolds focusing on DRT for the management and reconstruction of burn injuries and complex wounds.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of PubMed was performed from the start of indexing through November 2022. Articles reporting on DRT use in patients with burns, limb salvage, and wound reconstruction were included with focus on high-level clinical evidence.

Results:

DRT has become an established alternative option for the treatment of full-thickness and deep partial-thickness burns, with improved outcomes in areas where cosmesis and functionality are important. In the management of diabetic foot ulcers, use of DRT is associated with high rates of complete wound healing with a low risk of adverse outcomes. DRT has been successfully used in traumatic and surgical wounds, showing particular benefit in deep wounds and in the reconstruction of numerous anatomical sites.

Conclusions:

Considerable clinical experience has accrued with the use of DRT beyond its original application for thermal injury. A growing body of evidence from clinical studies reports the successful use of DRT to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life across clinical indications at a number of anatomical sites.
Posterior Auricle Bilobed Cartilage-skin Flap for Reconstructing the Earlobe: A Case Report
Authors: Nakazawa Risa , Ishii Nobuaki , Akimoto Masataka , Ogawa Rei
Published: March 2024

Because the auricle plays an important role in facial aesthetics, all earlobe operations must seek to limit postoperative ear deformity. This report describes the single-stage posterior-auricle bilobed cartilage-skin flap technique for reconstructing the earlobe. A 31-year-old man incurred a left earlobe deficiency due to a human bite. Earlobe reconstruction was conducted 102 days later. A bilobed flap was designed on the posterior-auricular skin. Both flaps were pedicled in the caudal posterior-auricular area. The first incision raised the upper lobe, which consisted of posterior-auricle skin and conchal cartilage. The skin was sutured to the auricle base so that it formed the anterior earlobe. The cartilage was then cut to separate and processed to the natural curve. The second incision elevated the second flap from the caudal posterior-auricular area. This was sutured to the first flap so that it formed the posterior earlobe. The donor sites were closed with simple sutures. The reconstructed earlobe had no obvious contracture after surgery. Most donor-site scarring was hidden behind the auricle. At 9 months postoperative, the patient was satisfied with the result. Our technique allows us to harvest cartilage from the same operative field, perform a single-stage reconstruction, and recreate a relatively large earlobe with good size and shape. The posterior auricle bilobed cartilage-skin flap technique is useful for earlobe reconstruction.
The Effect of Bimatoprost Implant on Glaucoma Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Johnson Nicholas A. , Stinnett Sandra , Rosdahl Jullia , Moya Frank , Herndon Leon W.
Published: March 2024

Précis:

In this retrospective study of glaucoma patients receiving the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center, the number of topical intraocular pressure–lowering medications was significantly reduced through 12 months after the implant.

Purpose:

To study the effects of the bimatoprost implant on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for topical IOP-lowering medications in glaucoma patients in the clinical practice setting.

Patients and Methods:

Patients who received the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center from November 2020 to October 2021 were identified. Exclusion criteria included addition of other IOP-lowering medications concurrent with the implant and <1 month of follow-up. The change in IOP and number of topical IOP-lowering medications from baseline to months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after the implant was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed for different glaucoma severities.

Results:

A total of 63 patients and 92 eyes were included (mean age 77.8 ± 10.1 years). Glaucoma severity ranged from mild (11%), moderate (30%), to severe (54%). There was a nonsignificant decrease in IOP at all timepoints. The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications significantly decreased by 0.81, 0.75, 0.63, 0.70, and 0.67 at month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the total number of medications, including the bimatoprost implant. When divided by glaucoma severity, the reduction in the number of topical medications was significant at 1, 3, and 6 months for mild/moderate disease and at 1 month for severe disease. During the follow-up period, 19 eyes underwent additional laser or surgical procedures, 68% of which had a history of prior incisional glaucoma surgery.

Conclusions:

The bimatoprost implant may reduce the need for topical IOP-lowering agents over a 1-year period, especially in mild to moderate–stage glaucoma. The efficacy of the implant may be more limited in severe glaucoma, and further work is needed to characterize its long-term effects.
Preservative-Free Bimatoprost 0.01% Ophthalmic Gel for Glaucoma Therapy: A Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Muñoz-Negrete Francisco J. , Topouzis Fotis , Oddone Francesco , Nisslé Sylvie , Rokicki Dariusz , Januleviciene Ingrida , Harasymowycz Paul , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: March 2024

Précis:

Noninferiority of efficacy was demonstrated for a preservative-free bimatoprost 0.01% compared with BAK-containing bimatoprost 0.01% following a 12-week treatment period in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Improved tolerability, in particular conjunctival hyperemia, was also observed.

Purpose:

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of a preservative-free bimatoprost 0.01% ophthalmic gel (PFB 0.01% gel) compared with preserved bimatoprost 0.01% (PB 0.01%).

Design:

Phase III, international, multicenter, randomized, 2-parallel group, investigator-masked, 3-month treatment duration.

Methods:

Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized after a 7-week run-in/washout period to receive once-daily PFB 0.01% gel (n=236) or PB 0.01% (n=249) for 3 months. The primary efficacy measure was changed from baseline in IOP at week 12. Safety measures included adverse events (AEs) and assessment of conjunctival hyperemia.

Results:

The mean changes from baseline in IOP at week 12 in the PFB 0.01% gel and PB 0.01% were −9.72±2.97 and −9.47±3.06 mm Hg, respectively, at 8 am, −9.41±3.03 and −9.19±3.12 mm Hg at 10 am, and −8.99±3.36 and −8.54±3.44 mm Hg at 4 pm. Noninferiority of PFB 0.01% gel to PB 0.01% was demonstrated at week 12 based on predetermined criteria (upper 95% CI margin of 1.5 mmHg at all time points). The most frequently reported AE was conjunctival hyperemia; 13 (5.5%) patients with PFB 0.01% gel and 17 (6.8%) patients with PB 0.01%. The percentage of patients experiencing a worsening from baseline in conjunctival hyperemia score was lower with PFB 0.01% gel compared to PB 0.01% at week 6 (20.1% vs. 29.3%, respectively) and week 12 (18.3% vs. 30.4%, respectively).

Conclusions:

PFB 0.01% ophthalmic gel has the same efficacy in lowering IOP as PB 0.01% and demonstrated less aggravation of conjunctival hyperemia at weeks 6 and 12.