bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H i properties of satellite galaxies around local volume hosts
Authors: Karunakaran Ananthan , Spekkens Kristine , Carroll Rhys , Sand David J , Bennet Paul , Crnojević Denija , Jones Michael G , Mutlu-Pakdıl Burçın
Published: August 2022

We present neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) observations using the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope along the lines of sight to 49 confirmed or possible dwarf satellite galaxies around eight Local Volume systems (M104, M51, NGC 1023, NGC 1156, NGC 2903, NGC 4258, NGC 4565, and NGC 4631). We detect the H i reservoirs of two candidates (dw0934+2204 and dw1238−1122) and find them to be background sources relative to their nearest foreground host systems. The remaining 47 satellite candidates are not detected in H i, and we place stringent 5σ upper limits on their H i mass. We note that some (15/47) of our non-detections stem from satellites being occluded by their putative host’s H i emission. In addition to these new observations, we compile literature estimates on the H i mass for an additional 17 satellites. We compare the H i properties of these satellites to those within the Local Group, finding broad agreement between them. Crucially, these observations probe a ‘transition’ region between −10 ≳ MV ≳ −14 where we see a mixture of gas-rich and gas-poor satellites. While there are many gas-poor satellites within this region, some are gas-rich and this suggests that the transition towards predominantly gas-rich satellites occurs at LV ∼ 107L⊙, in line with simulations. The observations presented here are a key step toward characterizing the properties of dwarf satellite galaxies around Local Volume systems and future wide-field radio surveys with higher angular resolution (e.g. WALLABY) will vastly improve upon the study of such systems.
Magnetic support for neutrino-driven explosion of 3D non-rotating core-collapse supernova models
Authors: Matsumoto J , Asahina Y , Takiwaki T , Kotake K , Takahashi H R
Published: August 2022

The impact of the magnetic field on post-bounce supernova dynamics of non-rotating stellar cores is studied by performing 3D magnetohydrodynamics simulations with spectral neutrino transport. The explodability of strongly and weakly magnetized models of 20 and 27 M⊙ pre-supernova progenitors are compared. We find that although the efficiency for the conversion of the neutrino heating into turbulent energy including magnetic fields in the gain region is not significantly different between the strong and weak field models, the amplified magnetic field due to the neutrino-driven convection on large hot bubbles just behind stalled shock results in a faster and more energetic explosion in the strongly magnetized models. In addition, by comparing the difference between the 2nd- and 5th-order spatial accuracy of the simulation in the strong field model for 27 M⊙ progenitor, we also find that the higher order accuracy in space is beneficial to the explosion because it enhances the growth of neutrino-driven convection in the gain region. Based on our results of core-collapse supernova simulations for the non-rotating model, a new possibility for the origin of the magnetic field of the protoneutron star (PNS) is proposed. The magnetic field is accumulated and amplified to magnetar level, that is, $\mathcal {O}(10^{14})$ G, in the convectively stable shell near the PNS surface.
A Chandra survey of milky way globular clusters – III. Searching for X-ray signature of intermediate-mass black holes
Authors: Su Zhao , Li Zhiyuan , Hou Meicun , Zhang Mengfei , Cheng Zhongqun
Published: August 2022

Globular clusters (GCs) are thought to harbor the long-sought population of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs). We present a systematic search for a putative IMBH in 81 Milky Way GCs, based on archival Chandra X-ray observations. We find in only six GCs a significant X-ray source positionally coincident with the cluster centre, which have 0.5–8 keV luminosities between ∼1 × 1030 erg s−1 and ∼4 × 1033 erg s−1. However, the spectral and temporal properties of these six sources can also be explained in terms of binary stars. The remaining 75 GCs do not have a detectable central source, most with 3σ upper limits ranging between 1029–32 erg s−1 over 0.5–8 keV, which are significantly lower than predicted for canonical Bondi accretion. To help understand the feeble X-ray signature, we perform hydrodynamic simulations of stellar wind accretion on to a 1000 M⊙ IMBH from the most-bound orbiting star, for stellar wind properties consistent with either a main-sequence (MS) star or an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We find that the synthetic X-ray luminosity for the MS case ($\sim 10^{19}\rm ~erg \, s^{-1}$) is far below the current X-ray limits. The predicted X-ray luminosity for the AGB case ($\sim 10^{34}\rm ~erg \, s^{-1}$), on the other hand, is compatible with the detected central X-ray sources, in particular the ones in Terzan 5 and NGC 6652. However, the probability of having an AGB star as the most-bound star around the putative IMBH is very low. Our study strongly suggests that it is very challenging to detect the accretion-induced X-ray emission from IMBHs, even if they were prevalent in present-day GCs.
The integrated radio spectrum of G2.4+1.4
Authors: Green D A
Published: August 2022

The Galactic source G2.4+1.4 is an optical and radio nebula containing an extreme Wolf–Rayet star. At one time, this source was regarded as a supernova remnant, because of its apparent non-thermal radio spectrum, although this was based on limited observations. Subsequent observations instead supported a flat, optically thin thermal radio spectrum for G2.4+1.4, and it was identified as a photoionized, mass-loss bubble, not a supernova remnant. Recently, however, it has been claimed that this source has a non-thermal integrated radio spectrum. I discuss the integrated radio flux densities available for G2.4+1.4 from a variety of surveys, and show that it has a flat spectrum at gigahertz frequencies (with a spectral index α of 0.02 ± 0.08, where flux density S scales with frequency ν as S ∝ ν−α).
Candidate and confirmed ultrashort period main-sequence binary stars
Authors: Koen C
Published: August 2022

The lower tail of the period distribution of main-sequence binary stars is poorly constrained due to the small number of such systems known. This paper deals with candidate binary stars with periods shorter than 0.2 d and colour indices consistent with them being M dwarfs. Three sources of candidates are considered – a catalogue of TESS eclipsing binaries, the ATLAS catalogue of variable stars, and binary stars from the ‘International Variable Star Index’ (VSX) website. The TESS eclipsing binary catalogue contains five new candidates satisfying the period and colour criteria. New photometry confirms one as a bona fide main-sequence system, and another as a white dwarf/red dwarf pair. New multicolour light curves of 10 ATLAS stars are presented: 7 of these are main sequence binaries with confirmed ultrashort periods (P < 0.2 d). There are 328 red VSX binary candidates with short periods. Literature searches for 77 of these with P < 0.17 d were performed: only 6 are previously studied main sequence systems, and another 14 are known red dwarf/white dwarf systems.
A computational approach to rapidly design peptides that detect SARS-CoV-2 surface protein S
Authors: Hajikarimlou Maryam , Hooshyar Mohsen , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Aly Khaled A , Azad Taha , Takallou Sarah , Jagadeesan Sasi , Phanse Sadhna , Said Kamaledin B , Samanfar Bahram , Bell John C , Dehne Frank , Babu Mohan , Golshani Ashkan
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prompted the development of diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks for timely containment of this pandemic. Here, we utilized our non-conventional computational algorithm, InSiPS, to rapidly design and experimentally validate peptides that bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) surface protein. We previously showed that this method can be used to develop peptides against yeast proteins, however, the applicability of this method to design peptides against other proteins has not been investigated. In the current study, we demonstrate that two sets of peptides developed using InSiPS method can detect purified SARS-CoV-2 S protein via ELISA and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) approaches, suggesting the utility of our strategy in real time COVID-19 diagnostics. Mass spectrometry-based salivary peptidomics shortlist top SARS-CoV-2 peptides detected in COVID-19 patients’ saliva, rendering them attractive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic targets that, when subjected to our computational platform, can streamline the development of potent peptide diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Our approach can be rapidly implicated in diagnosing other communicable diseases of immediate threat.
Efficacy of Approved Versus Unapproved Vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Randomized Blinded Clinical Trials
Authors: Perez Navarro Andrea , Pilkington Victoria , Pepperrell Toby , Mirchandani Manya , Levi Jacob , Hill Andrew
Published: August 2022

Background

Five severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines are approved in North America and/or Europe: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen, Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Novavax. Other vaccines have been developed, including Sinopharm, SinoVac, QazVac, Covaxin, Soberana, Zifivax, Medicago, Clover, and Cansino, but they are not approved in high-income countries. This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved and -unapproved vaccines in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic review of trial registries identified RCTs of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool (RoB 2). In the meta-analysis, relative risks of symptomatic infection and severe disease were compared for each vaccine versus placebo, using Cochrane-Mantel Haenszel Tests (random effects method).

Results

Twenty-two RCTs were identified and 1 was excluded for high-risk of bias. Ten RCTs evaluated 5 approved vaccines and 11 RCTs evaluated 9 unapproved vaccines. In the meta-analysis, prevention of symptomatic infection was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68%–92%) for approved vaccines versus 72% (95% CI, 66%–77%) for unapproved vaccines, with no significant difference between vaccine types (P = .12). Prevention of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94% (95% CI, 75%–98%) for approved vaccines versus 86% (95% CI, 76%–92%) for unapproved vaccines (P = .33). The risk of serious adverse events was similar between vaccine types (P = .12).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of 21 RCTs in 390 459 participants showed no significant difference in efficacy between the FDA/EMA-approved and -unapproved vaccines for symptomatic or severe infection. Differences in study design, endpoint definitions, variants, and infection prevalence may have influenced results. New patent-free vaccines could lower costs of worldwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns significantly.
The statistical properties of 28 IR-bright dust-obscured galaxies and SED modelling using CIGALE
Authors: Suleiman Nofoz , Noboriguchi Akatoki , Toba Yoshiki , Balázs Lajos G , Burgarella Denis , Kovács Timea , Marton Gábor , Talafha Mohammed , Frey Sándor , Tóth L Viktor
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study is to characterize the physical and statistical properties of a sample of infrared-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) by fitting their spectral energy distributions (SEDs). We examined 28 DOGs at redshifts 0.47 ≤ z ≤ 1.63 discovered by combining images of the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) survey, the VISTA Kilo-degree Infrared Galaxy (VIKING) survey, and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey, and detected at Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) bands. We have detected a significant active galactic nucleus (AGN) contribution to the mid-infrared luminosity for $71\%$ of DOGs. Our DOGs contain several types of AGNs; the majority of AGN emission originates from Type 2 AGNs. Our DOG sample shows very high values of stellar mass [log (M*/M${}_\odot $) = 11.49 ± 1.61] compared with other samples of DOGs selected at infrared wavelengths. Our study is promising to identify a new type of DOGs called “overweight” DOGs (ODOGs). ODOGs may indicate the end of the DOG phase, and then they become visible quasars. Principal component (PC) analysis is applied to reduce the number of dimensions of our sample, removing the dependency on the observed variables. There are two significant PCs describing $72.7\%$ of the total variance. The first PC strongly correlates with redshift, dust luminosity, dust mass, and stellar mass, while far-ultraviolet (FUV) attenuation strongly correlates with the second PC, which is orthogonal to the first one. The partial correlation between the resulted physical parameters is tested, supporting the reliability of the correlations.
The impact of polymyalgia rheumatica on intimate sexual relationships: findings from the PMR Cohort Study
Authors: Muller Sara , Hider Samantha L , Ranasinghe Prabath , Helliwell Toby , Lawton Sarah A , Protheroe William , Mallen Christian D
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim was to determine the impact of PMR on intimate and sexual relationships over time.

Methods

The PMR Cohort study is a longitudinal study of patients with incident PMR in English primary care. Participants were sent questionnaires about their PMR symptoms, treatments and overall health, including an item about how their PMR symptoms affected intimate and sexual relationships. The proportions reporting the relevance of intimate and sexual relationships, the effect of PMR on these relationships and the associations with PMR symptoms and general health were explored.

Results

The baseline survey was completed by 652 of 739 patients (response 90.1%), with 446 of 576 (78.0%) responding at 2 years. The mean age of respondents was 72.4 years, and 62.2% were female. At baseline, 363 of 640 (56.7%) respondents reported that intimate and sexual relationships were not relevant to them. One hundred and thirteen of 277 (40.8%) respondents reported that PMR had a large effect on intimate relationships. This proportion decreased over time in those responding to 12- and 24-month surveys, but continued to be associated with younger age, male gender, worse PMR symptoms, poorer physical function and worse mental health.

Conclusion

Intimate and sexual relationships are increasingly recognized as important for healthy ageing, and health professionals should consider this as part of a holistic approach to the management of PMR.

Study registration

UKCRN ID16477.
Bioinspired laminated bioceramics with high toughness for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Huang Jinzhou , Zhai Dong , Xue Jianmin , Li Tian , Ren Dudi , Wu Chengtie
Published: August 2022

For the research of biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, it is still a challenge to fabricate bioceramics that overcome brittleness while maintaining the great biological performance. Here, inspired by the toughness of natural materials with hierarchical laminated structure, we presented a directional assembly-sintering approach to fabricate laminated MXene/calcium silicate-based (L-M/CS) bioceramics. Benefiting from the orderly laminated structure, the L-M/CS bioceramics exhibited significantly enhanced toughness (2.23 MPa·m1/2) and high flexural strength (145 MPa), which were close to the mechanical properties of cortical bone. Furthermore, the L-M/CS bioceramics possessed more suitable degradability than traditional CaSiO3 bioceramics due to the newly formed CaTiSiO5 after sintering. Moreover, the L-M/CS bioceramics showed good biocompatibility and could stimulate the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. The mechanism of promoting osteogenic differentiation had been shown to be related to the Wnt signaling pathway. This work not only fabricated calcium silicate-based bioceramics with excellent mechanical and biological properties for bone tissue engineering but also provided a strategy for the combination of bionics and bioceramics.
A universal approach to gene expression engineering
Authors: Lale Rahmi , Tietze Lisa , Fages-Lartaud Maxime , Nesje Jenny , Onsager Ingerid , Engelhardt Kerstin , Wong Che Fai Alex , Akan Madina , Hummel Niklas , Kalinowski Jörn , Rückert Christian , Hohmann-Marriott Martin Frank
Published: August 2022

In this study, we provide a universal approach to Gene Expression Engineering (GeneEE) for creating artificial expression systems. GeneEE leads to the generation of artificial 5ʹ regulatory sequences (ARES) consisting of promoters and 5ʹ untranslated regions. The ARES lead to the successful recruitment of RNA polymerase, related sigma factors and ribosomal proteins that result in a wide range of expression levels. We also demonstrate that by engaging native transcription regulators, GeneEE can be used to generate inducible promoters. To showcase the universality of the approach, we demonstrate that 200-nucleotide (nt)-long DNA with random composition can be used to generate functional expression systems in six bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Thermus thermophilus, Streptomyces albus and Streptomyces lividans, and the eukaryote yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Environment, Grain Development, and Harvesting Strategy Effects on Zearalenone Contamination of Grain from Fusarium Head Blight-Affected Wheat Spikes
Authors: Moraes Wanderson Bucker , Madden Laurence V. , Gillespie James , Paul Pierce A.
Published: August 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, is associated with grain contamination with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA). Unlike DON, less is known about factors affecting ZEA production during FHB epidemics. The objective of this study was to quantify ZEA contamination of wheat grain as influenced by temperature, relative humidity, FHB index (IND), grain maturation, simulated late-season rainfall, and harvest timing. Mean ZEA concentrations were low (<1.1 ppm) during the early stages of grain development (25 to 31 days after anthesis [DAA]) but rapidly increased 35 to 51 DAA in field experiments, particularly under rainy conditions. Five or ten consecutive days with simulated rainfall shortly before harvest greatly increased ZEA contamination. Similarly, extremely high levels of ZEA (51.8 to 468.6 ppm) were observed in grain from spikes exposed to 100% relative humidity (RH) at all tested temperatures and mean IND levels under controlled conditions. Interestingly, at RH ≤ 90%, ZEA concentrations were very low (0.1 to 3.6 ppm) at all tested temperatures, even at IND above 90%. At 100% RH, mean ZEA contamination was significantly higher at 20 and 25°C (235.1 and 278.2 ppm) than at 30°C (104.7 ppm). Grain harvested early and not exposed to rainfall had lower mean ZEA than grain harvested late and/or subjected to preharvest rainfall. This study was the first to associate ZEA contamination of grain from FHB-affected wheat spikes with temperature and moisture and show through designed experiments that early harvest could be a useful strategy for reducing ZEA contamination.
Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopaedic Trauma: Indications & Outcomes
Authors: Phillips Rachel , Stannard James P. , Crist Brett D.
Published: August 2022

The treatment of surgical incisions has evolved. This article aims to discuss the indications and outcomes associated with the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) for the management of surgical incisions. Multiple factors play a role in the benefits seen with iNPWT. The primary indication for iNPWT is to help manage the closed surgical incision environment and remove fluid from the incision via application of continuous negative pressure at −125 mm Hg. Pertinent literature will be reviewed.
How Can Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Pay for Itself?—Reducing Complications Is Important
Authors: Zelle Boris A. , Kore Lydia
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Orthopaedic trauma demonstrates a relatively high rate of surgical site infections (SSI) as compared with other surgical specialties. SSIs provide significant clinical challenges and create significant health care costs. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has reduced the risk of SSI in orthopaedic surgery and other surgical specialties.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate potential cost savings with the use of iNPWT (3M Prevena Therapy, 3M, St. Paul, MN) in high-risk orthopaedic trauma patients with closed OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study performed at a single, level-1 trauma center using data from a lower extremity fracture registry. Using the results from the registry and baseline infection rates derived from the literature, a health economic model was developed to evaluate the potential cost savings.

Results:

A total of 79 patients included in the registry underwent open reduction and internal fixation of OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures. A total of 10.1% developed a SSI. For those who received iNPWT, the rate of SSI was 7.4%. A health economic model suggests that the use of iNPWT may reduce the costs per patient by approximately $1381 to $4436 per patient.

Conclusions:

This health economic assessment and model suggests that judicious use of iNPWT may reduce health care costs in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of OTA/AO 41C and 43C fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Economic Level IV.
Determining Incidence and Risk Factors of Pressure Injury After Orthopaedic Surgery in Children and Adolescents With Neuromuscular Complex Chronic Conditions
Authors: Samineni Aneesh V. , Miller Patricia E. , Hopkinson Christopher , DiFazio Rachel , Quigley Sandy , Watkins Colyn J. , Shore Benjamin J.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Pressure injuries are serious yet often preventable alterations in skin integrity prevalent in orthopaedics, especially in pediatric patients with neuromuscular complex chronic conditions (NCCC). The aims of this study were to (1) estimate incidence of pressure injury in children with NCCC after orthopaedic surgery; (2) determine risk factors for pressure injury development; and (3) describe severity and location of pressure injuries.

Methods:

Children and adolescents (<22 y old) with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery at a single tertiary-care children’s hospital between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. A matched case-control design was used to match patients who developed a pressure injury within 1.5 months after surgery to subjects who did not develop a pressure injury using a 1:1 matching based on neuromuscular diagnosis, age, sex, and type of surgery. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, pressure injury characteristics, and a pressure injury risk assessment score utilizing the Braden QD scale were compared across pressure injury groups.

Results:

Of 564 children with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery, 43 (7.6%) developed a postoperative pressure injury. Pressure injuries were primarily located on the heel, followed by sacral/groin/buttocks, then knee. The most common diagnosis was cerebral palsy with associated neuromuscular scoliosis, and hip reconstruction was the most common surgical procedure. The pressure injury cohort had significantly more patients who were non-ambulatory (GMFCS IV/V), with a seizure disorder, g-tube, nonverbal status, wheelchair usage, and had additional medical devices. Median Braden QD risk score was higher in the injury cohort and a cutoff ≥12 was optimal for predicting pressure injury development.

Conclusions:

Pressure injuries after orthopaedic surgery are not uncommon in children with NCCC. The entire care team should be aware of additional risk factors associated with pressure injury development, including the diagnosis of cerebral palsy with neuromuscular scoliosis, seizure disorder, nonverbal status, g-tube, and the presence of multiple medical devices. Implementation of evidence-based pressure injury prevention guidelines on identified high-risk children with NCCC may reduce pressure injury risk and improve the postoperative course.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Scoliosis in RETT Syndrome
Authors: Menachem Shay , Hershkovich Oded , Ackshota Nissim , Friedlander Alon , Givon Uri , Ben-Zeev Bruria , Caspi Israel
Published: August 2022

Study Design:

This was a retrospective case series.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to discuss the treatment challenges in scoliosis patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) in a national referral centre for RTT. We describe structural characteristics of curves, age of onset, genetic mutation, ambulation status, and treatment through RTT progression. Based on this unique experience, we aimed to suggest guidelines for scoliosis treatment in RTT patients.

Summary of Background Data:

RTT is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, primarily in females with significant features of growth failure, gastrointestinal and pulmonary dysfunction, ataxia, seizures, and intellectual disability. Scoliosis is the most common orthopedic manifestation of RTT and is present in 64%–75% of patients. No clear guidelines for scoliosis treatment in RTT are available, and typically patients are treated according to guidelines of another neuromuscular scoliosis.

Methods:

Clinical and radiographic data were gathered, including MECP2 mutation type, scoliosis characteristics, preoperative treatment, surgical treatment, functional status, and postoperative follow-up.

Results:

Our cohort included 102 patients with RTT. They were 36 who presented with scoliosis; 18 were treated surgically. C-curve was found in 17 patients and S-type in 19. Scoliosis treatment onset was 8.76 years in the C-type group and 13.88 years in the S-type group. The average curve at the time of surgery was 52.42 degrees. The average time until surgery was 2.44 years. Seventeen patients underwent posterior spinal fusion, and 1 patient underwent posterior spinal fusion+anterior spinal fusion with an average correction of 40 degrees. The most common mutation was R255X nucleotide (30% of cases). The most severe curves had mutations R168X and R270X nucleotides.

Conclusions:

We advise early monitoring for patients with RTT and scoliosis due to early and rapid progression. Common mutations found were R255X, R168X, R270X, and T158M. We recommend surgical treatment in every curve above 45 degrees, independently of age.
Racial Disparities in Spine Surgery
Authors: Mo Kevin , Ikwuezunma Ijezie , Mun Frederick , Ortiz-Babilonia Carlos , Wang Kevin Y. , Suresh Krishna V. , Uppal Arman , Sethi Ishaan , Mesfin Addisu , Jain Amit
Published: August 2022

Study Design:

Systematic Review.

Objectives:

To synthesize previous studies evaluating racial disparities in spine surgery.

Methods:

We queried PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for literature on racial disparities in spine surgery. Our review was constructed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items and Meta-analyses guidelines and protocol. The main outcome measures were the occurrence of racial disparities in postoperative outcomes, mortality, surgical management, readmissions, and length of stay.

Results:

A total of 1753 publications were assessed. Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies compared Whites (Ws) and African Americans (AAs) groups; 14 studies reported adverse outcomes for AAs. When compared with Ws, AA patients had higher odds of postoperative complications including mortality, cerebrospinal fluid leak, nervous system complications, bleeding, infection, in-hospital complications, adverse discharge disposition, and delay in diagnosis. Further, AAs were found to have increased odds of readmission and longer length of stay. Finally, AAs were found to have higher odds of nonoperative treatment for spinal cord injury, were more likely to undergo posterior approach in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and were less likely to receive cervical disk arthroplasty compared with Ws for similar indications.

Conclusions:

This systematic review of spine literature found that when compared with W patients, AA patients had worse health outcomes. Further investigation of root causes of these racial disparities in spine surgery is warranted.
Single tertiary cancer center experience on the management of pT3b prostate cancer after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Nayak Arvind , El-Taji Omar , Sukumar Sugeeta , Piedad John , Ghose Aruni , Hughes Rob , Alonzi Roberto , Ostler Peter , Sharma Anand , Lane Tim , Adshead Jim , Vasdev Nikhil
Published: August 2022

Background

Pathological involvement of the seminal vesicle poses a treatment dilemma following robotic prostatectomy. Margin status plays an important role in deciding further management. A wide range of treatment options are available, including active monitoring, adjuvant radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy, and occasionally androgen deprivation therapy. Patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy tend to have higher risk of urinary and bowel morbidities. The recent RADICALS-RT concluded that adjuvant radiotherapy did not have any benefit compared with salvage radiotherapy. We aim to audit the incidence, margin status, and management of T3b cancer cases at our center.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients diagnosed with pathological T3b (pT3b) prostate cancer following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy from January 2012 to July 2020. Preoperative parameters analyzed included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), T stage, and age. A chi-square test and 2-tailed t test were used to determine the relationship between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to assess overall survival in patients with pT3b prostate cancer and used to compare unadjusted progression-free survival among those who underwent adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy.

Results

A total of 83 (5%) of 1665 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy were diagnosed with pT3b prostate cancer between January 2012 and July 2020. Among these, 36 patients (44%) did not receive any radiotherapy during follow-up, compared with 26 patients (31%) who received adjuvant radiotherapy and 21 (25%) who received salvage radiotherapy. The median age of our cohort was 64 (SD, 6.4) years. Mean PSA at presentation was 12.7 μg/L. Positive margins were seen in 36 patients (43%); however, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups (p = 0.49). The median overall survival was 96%. There was no significant difference between the adjuvant and salvage groups in terms of biochemical progression-free survival (p = 0.66). Five-year biochemical progression-free survival was 94% for those in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 97% for those in the salvage radiotherapy group.

Conclusions

Our audit corroborates with the recently concluded RADICALS-RT study, although we had fewer patients with positive margins. Radiotherapy can be avoided in patients with T3b prostate cancer, even if margin is positive, until there is definitive evidence of PSA recurrence. In keeping with the conclusion of RADICALS-RT, salvage radiotherapy may be preferable to adjuvant radiotherapy.
Learning curve for magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy in detecting prostate cancer using cumulative sum analysis
Authors: Xu Linhan , Ye Nancy Yating , Lee Adrianna , Chopra Jasleen , Naslund Michael , Wong-You-Cheong Jade , Wnorowski Amelia , Siddiqui Mohummad Minhaj
Published: August 2022

Background

Targeted magnetic resonance (MR) with ultrasound (US) fusion–guided biopsy has been shown to improve detection of prostate cancer. The implementation of this approach requires integration of skills from radiologists and urologists. Objective methods for assessment of learning curves, such as cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, may be helpful in identifying the presence and duration of a learning curve. The aim of this study is to determine the learning curve for MR/US fusion–guided biopsy in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer using CUSUM analysis.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis was performed in this institutional review board–approved study. Two urologists implemented an MR/US fusion–guided prostate biopsy program between March 2015 and September 2017. The primary outcome measure was cancer detection rate (CDR) stratified by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores assigned on the MR imaging. Cumulative sum analysis quantified actual cancer detection versus a predetermined target satisfactory CDR of MR/US fusion biopsies in a sequential case-by-case basis. For this analysis, satisfactory performance was defined as >80% CDR in patients with PI-RADS 5, >50% in PI-RADS 4, and <20% in PI-RADS 1–3.

Results

Complete data were available for MR/US fusion–guided biopsies performed on 107 patients. The CUSUM learning curve analysis demonstrated intermittent underperformance until approximately 50 cases. After this inflection point, there was consistently good performance, evidence that no further learning curve was being encountered.

Conclusions

At a new center implementing MR/US fusion–guided prostate biopsy, the learning curve was approximately 50 cases before a consistently high performance for prostate cancer detection.
Isolated ventral congenital penile curvature treated by incisionless plication of tunica albuginea in adults: A prospective case series
Authors: Gadelkareem Rabea A. , Elgendy Mohammed A. , Kurkar Adel , El-Taher Ahmed M. , Abdelkawi Islam F.
Published: August 2022

Background

Numerous surgical techniques are available for the correction of isolated ventral congenital penile curvature (IVCPC). This study aimed to assess the outcomes and predictors of IVCPC treatment in adults using an incisionless plication technique.

Materials and methods

This prospective case series examined patients with IVCPC who were treated in our hospital between October 2017 and February 2020 using incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea (Essed-Schroeder technique) with a covering pair of absorbable sutures. The primary outcomes were successful correction (defined as a residual curvature ≤15 degrees) and patient satisfaction. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

A total of 23 patients were treated for IVCPC with a mean (range) age of 25.3 (18–31) years. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were single with cosmetic complaints, whereas the other 5 patients (21.7%) were married and presented with a difficult vaginal intromission. The mean (range) curvature, length, and operative time were 40 (30–50) degrees, 15 (10–19) cm, and 82 (65–100) minutes, respectively. Postoperative penile pain and numbness occurred in 13 patients (56.5 %) and 7 patients (30.4%) only within the first month, respectively. Palpable suture knots were reported in 15 patients (65.5%) without being bothersome up to 12 months. The postoperative means (ranges) of penile curvature and length were significantly different from that of the preoperative values at 3 (5 [0–20] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm), 6 (5 [0–20] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm), and 12 months (5 [0–30] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm; all p < 0.001). Age, preoperative penile curvature, penile length, postoperative pain, wound infections, and knot palpation insignificantly affected curvature recurrence. Seventeen patients (73.9%) were very satisfied with their surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

Incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea is effective and safe for the correction of IVCPC in adults with high success and patient satisfaction rates.
Development of a Care Pathway for Atrial Fibrillation Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Do Duc H. , Bernardes-Souza Breno , Merjanian Michael , Lombardo Brandan , Donaldson David M. , McCullough Lynnell B. , Boyle Noel G. , Cooper Richelle J.
Published: August 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and its prevalence is continuously increasing in the United States, leading to a progressive rise in the number of disease-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Although optimal long-term outpatient management for AF is well defined, the guidelines for optimal ED management of acute AF episodes is less clear. Studies have demonstrated that discharging patients with AF from the ED after acute stabilization is both safe and cost effective; however, the majority of these patients in the United States and in our institution are admitted to the hospital. To improve care of these patients, we established a multidisciplinary collaboration to develop an evidence-based systematic approach for the treatment and management of AF in the ED, that led to the creation of the University of California—Cardioversion, Anticoagulation, Rate Control, Expedited Follow-up/Education Atrial Fibrillation Pathway. Our pathway focuses on the acute stabilization of AF, adherence to best practices for anticoagulation, and reduction in unnecessary admissions through discharge from the ED with expedited outpatient follow-up whenever safe. A novel aspect of our pathway is that it is primarily driven by the ED physicians, while other published protocols primarily involve consulting cardiologists to guide management in the ED. Our protocol is very pertinent considering the current trend toward increased AF prevalence in the United States, coupled with a need for widespread implementation of strategies aimed at improving management of these patients while safely reducing hospital admissions and the economic burden of AF.
International Perspectives on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adherence to Prescribed Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Window Into Acute Cardiovascular Care
Authors: Pollack Charles V. , Steg P. Gabriel , James Stefan , Jolly Sanjit , Kosiborod Mikhail , Bonaca Marc P.
Published: August 2022

An international panel of expert clinicians and researchers in acute cardiac care was convened to review, describe, and contextualize their varied experiences delivering care and maintaining ongoing research during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. A proposed perspective from which care and outcomes could be viewed was the possibility that without routine follow-up and as-accustomed interactions with their care team, patients at risk of acute atherothrombotic events might be less adherent to prescribed antiplatelet medications. This might be manifested by more emergency coronary events or by an increased (and perhaps unidentifiable) incidence of out-of-hospital cardiovascular deaths related to patient anxiety about presenting to hospital during the pandemic. The experiences of the panel members were similar in many regards, which identified opportunities for improvement in cardiac care the next time there is a substantial disruption of usual practice. Regardless of geography or payor system, there was an identified need for better remote care platforms; but stronger infrastructure and consumer facility with remote care technology, improved provider-patient communication to help ensure adherence to primary and secondary prevention medications, and longer-term prescription fills and no-hassle refills on such medications. Profound disruptions in acute cardiovascular research highlighted the need for redundancy or back-up planning for teams engaged in time-sensitive research, to ensure both continuity of protocols and patient safety.
Comparison of Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Between Patients With and Without Concomitant COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Mohsenizadeh Seyed Abolfazl , Alidoosti Mohammad , Jalali Arash , Tofighi Saeed , Salarifar Mojtaba , Poorhosseini Hamidreza , Jenab Yaser , Ahmadian Tahere
Published: August 2022

Objective:

COVID-19 infection can involve the cardiovascular system and worsen the prognosis of the patients. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on angiographic and clinical outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-elevation MI and compare results with those patients without COVID-19 disease.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective observational cohort, in which patients presented with ST-elevation MI from February 2020 to April 2021, treated with primary PCI were divided into 2 groups based on the COVID-19 infection. Then, the procedural and angiographic indices and also clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 1150 patients were enrolled in the study. Those with established COVID-19 infection had worse baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade and also were at higher risk for worse procedural outcomes such as lower thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count, myocardial blush grade, and slow-flow coronary disease, after the primary PCI. Additionally, the presence of COVID-19 at the time of primary PCI was related to a significantly higher duration of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Given the potential impact of other factors on outcomes, analysis for all of the primary endpoints was done again after adjustment of these factors and the results were the same as before, suggesting the independent effect of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions:

The concomitant COVID-19 infection in the patients undergoing primary PCI is associated with significantly worse angiographic, procedural and clinical outcomes. Surprisingly, this finding is regardless of patients’ baseline risk factors and demographical characteristics.
Social determinants of recovery
Authors: Jain Snigdha , Hauschildt Katrina , Scheunemann Leslie P.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to examine evidence describing the influence of social determinants on recovery following hospitalization with critical illness. In addition, it is meant to provide insight into the several mechanisms through which social factors influence recovery as well as illuminate approaches to addressing these factors at various levels in research, clinical care, and policy.

Recent findings

Social determinants of health, ranging from individual factors like social support and socioeconomic status to contextual ones like neighborhood deprivation, are associated with disability, cognitive impairment, and mental health after critical illness. Furthermore, many social factors are reciprocally related to recovery wherein the consequences of critical illness such as financial toxicity and caregiver burden can put essential social needs under strain turning them into barriers to recovery.

Recovery after hospitalization for critical illness may be influenced by many social factors. These factors warrant attention by clinicians, health systems, and policymakers to enhance long-term outcomes of critical illness survivors.
Advancements in therapeutics for inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Turner Alicia , Glinton Kevin E. , Sutton V. Reid
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

To present new therapeutic modalities for inborn errors of metabolism that are in clinical trials or recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to improve pediatricians’ understanding of therapies their patients with inborn errors of metabolism receive.

Recent findings

New therapies that move beyond the old standard modalities of recombinant human enzyme therapies, diet and medications have been recently approved by the US FDA to include nonhuman enzyme therapies, gene therapy and chaperone therapies.

These new therapies offer more therapeutic options for individuals with inborn errors of metabolism. These new therapies have the potential to improve patient compliance and outcomes. Many other novel modalities are in the development pipeline, and are likely to transform the management of inborn errors of metabolism over the coming decade.
The Enduring Relevance of Magnet®
Authors: Lal M. Maureen
Published: August 2022

As nurse leaders across the country contend with critical challenges, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, tightening budgets, staff resignations, nurse burnout, and declining nurse engagement, some wonder whether the Magnet® framework is still relevant today. It has been nearly 40 years since the original Magnet research was published. How does it stand up in the wake of modern-day realities? Do the findings continue to hold true? This Magnet Perspectives column takes a closer look at the research that led to the program's creation, development of the Magnet Model, and the program's relevance in meeting the challenges of today's demanding healthcare environment. In addition, this month's JONA includes “The Business Case for Magnet® Designation: Using Data to Support Strategy” demonstrating the framework Magnet continues to provide cost savings and cost avoidance.
A Correlational Study Exploring Nurse Work Anxiety and Animal-Assisted Therapy
Authors: Coto Jeffrey A. , Ohlendorf Erika K. , Cinnamon Andrea E. , Ellis Teresa L. , Ondrey Margaret A. , Bartuch Paige
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform a correlational study to explore nurse work anxiety.

BACKGROUND

Nurses experience work anxiety with chronic stressful situations, high-acuity assignments, and rigorous patient care standards. The purpose of this study was to determine whether animal-assisted therapy during active worked hours would reduce nurse work-related anxiety.

METHODS

Animal-assisted therapy interventions were performed for both day and night shifts. Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) tool was used pre and post intervention. Each nurse interacted with the therapy dog for at least 10 minutes.

RESULTS

Pet-assisted therapy as an intervention for nurses during work reduced work-related anxiety (t = 5.878, P < 0.05). A Pearson's correlational study displayed a strong positive correlation between the animal-assisted therapy and reduction in BAI scores (r = 0.7717, R2
= 0.5955).

CONCLUSION

This prospective study has shown that nurse work anxiety significantly decreased during worked hours of active bedside care when the nurses actively engaged with a therapy dog.