bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution genetic map and SNP chip for molecular breeding in Panax ginseng, a tetraploid medicinal plant
Authors: Cho Woohyeon , Jang Woojong , Shim Hyeonah , Kim Jiseok , Oh Youngju , Park Jee Young , Kim Young Chang , Lee Jung-Woo , Jo Ick-Hyun , Lee Misun , Gil Jinsu , Mascher Martin , Jayakodi Murukarthick , Liao Xuejiao , Xu Jiang , Dou Deqiang , Lee Yi , Yang Tae-Jin
Published: September 2024

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) renowned as the king of medicinal plants. Ginseng grows slowly under shade conditions, requiring at least 4 years to produce a limited number of seeds. Molecular breeding of ginseng faces challenges due to its the tetraploid genome and the absence of an efficient molecular marker system. To overcome these obstacles, we adopted genotyping-by-sequencing to delve into genetic mapping and survey genetic diversity. We constructed a comprehensive genetic map comprising 24 linkage groups, each corresponding to one of the 24 chromosomes in the ginseng genome, based on 1216 nonredundant SNPs obtained from an F2 mapping population. Additionally, 431 103 SNPs were identified from 119 diverse ginseng genotypes. From these, 192 informative subgenome-specific single copy SNPs were selected to develop a SNP chip. The SNP chip was used to genotype a large ginseng collection, encompassing registered cultivars, breeding lines, wild-simulated ginseng, and wild ginseng from various countries and regions. We evaluated the utility of the assay for molecular breeding with 919 ginseng genotypes. This breeder-friendly SNP chip promises versatility, enabling purity assessments of seeds and products, the authentication of species and cultivars, and the determination of homozygosity and homogeneity rates for breeding lines. Genotype data for 1200 ginseng genotypes are now stored in our database. This SNP chip lays the foundation for a molecular breeding in ginseng and will facilitate the breeding process in this medicinal crop.
Explaining populist securitization and Rodrigo Duterte's anti-establishment Philippine foreign policy
Authors: Magcamit Michael I , Arugay Aries A
Published: September 2024

To the surprise of many, populist leader Rodrigo Duterte instigated major shifts in Philippine foreign policy. His antagonism against the United States and European Union, fascination towards the revisionist Russia and China, and disdain for international law and institutions were viewed as significant departures from the nation's orthodox stances. Drawing on Moffitt and Tormey's conception of populism as a political style, and Buzan, Wæver and de Wilde's securitization theory, we develop and test the populist securitization framework in the context of Duterte's foreign policy-making. We argue that populist performances are securitizing acts comprised of distinctly populist performative repertoires used by political leaders to frame and execute an ‘anti-establishment’ foreign policy with sufficient level of audience consent. Using discursive interpretative analysis, we examine the impacts of Duterte's populist securitization of the liberal West as a threat to Philippine sovereignty. We find that while populist performances function as securitizing acts that can reorient established foreign policy positions and biases, such performances lead to uncertainty and erosion of credibility amid institutional fragmentation and domestic political distractions. Thus, the sustainability of populist performances on foreign policy depends on reconciling the tensions and overlaps between the populist leader's varying audiences and their mass constituencies.
On the Dimension of Limit Sets on ℙ(ℝ3) via Stationary Measures: Variational Principles and Applications
Authors: Jiao Yuxiang , Li Jialun , Pan Wenyu , Xu Disheng
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the (semi)group action of $\textrm{SL}_{n}({\mathbb R})$ on ${\mathbb P}({\mathbb R}^{n})$, a primary example of non-conformal, non-linear, and non-strictly contracting action. We establish variational principles of the affinity exponent for two main examples: the Borel Anosov representations and the Rauzy gasket. In [ 32], they obtain a dimension formula for the stationary measures on ${\mathbb P}({\mathbb R}^{3})$. Combined with our result, it allows us to study the Hausdorff dimension of limit sets of Anosov representations in $\textrm{SL}_{3}({\mathbb R})$ and the Rauzy gasket. It yields the equality between the Hausdorff dimensions and the affinity exponents in both settings, generalizing the classical Patterson–Sullivan formula. In the appendix, we improve the numerical lower bound of the Hausdorff dimension of Rauzy gasket to $1.5$.
The Ladder of Data Citizen Participation: A Sociotechnical Lens for Designing Democratic Digital Services in the Data Economy
Authors: Horn Viktoria , Draude Claude
Published: September 2024

In the data economy digital services of democratic value such as news platforms are embedded into unjust power imbalances and the intertwining of economic and civic objectives. The authors argue, to design proficient democratic digital services, power structures of the data economy and empowerment stages of data citizenship need to be made visible initially. To do so, a combination of Arnstein’s ‘Ladder of Citizen Participation’ and Rocha’s ‘Ladder of Empowerment’ is translated into the field of the data economy. A small interview study with niche actors from the field of online journalism is conducted to identify phenomena of their embedding into the sociotechnical landscape of the data economy. As a result, the Ladder of Data Citizen Participation is presented. Eventually, this article closes with implications for the sociotechnical design of democratic digital services and suggestions for future research.
Frequency of cefiderocol heteroresistance among patients treated with cefiderocol for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections
Authors: Shields Ryan K , Dorazio Ava J , Tiseo Giusy , Squires Kevin M , Leonildi Alessandro , Giordano Cesira , Kline Ellen G , Barnini Simona , Iovleva Alina , Griffith Marissa P , Van Tyne Daria , Doi Yohei , Falcone Marco
Published: September 2024

Background

Cefiderocol exhibits potent in vitro activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb), but this activity has not consistently translated to improved outcomes among patients. Cefiderocol heteroresistance, or the presence of a resistant subpopulation, has been proposed as one possible explanation. The objective of this study was to explore associations between heteroresistance and outcomes of patients with CRAb infections.

Methods

Baseline CRAb isolates were collected from 27 consecutive patients in the USA and Italy. Cefiderocol susceptibility was tested by broth microdilutions in triplicate. Heteroresistance was defined by population analysis profiling in duplicate. Resistance mechanisms and strain relatedness were evaluated through comparative genomic analysis.

Results

Overall, 59% of infecting CRAb isolates were identified as cefiderocol-heteroresistant; rates were higher among isolates from Italy (79%) than the USA (38%). The median Charlson Comorbidity and SOFA scores were 4 and 5, respectively; 44% of patients had pneumonia, which was the most common infection type. Rates of 28-day clinical success and survival were 30% and 73%, respectively. By broth microdilution, cefiderocol MICs ≥1 mg/L were associated with higher failure rates than MICs ≤0.5 mg/L (81% versus 55%). Rates of clinical failure were numerically higher among patients infected by cefiderocol-heteroresistant compared with susceptible CRAb (81% versus 55%). Whole-genome sequencing identified a premature stop codon in the TonB-dependent receptor gene piuA in six isolates, all of which were heteroresistant.

Conclusions

This pilot study supports the hypothesis that cefiderocol treatment failure may be associated with higher MICs and/or the presence of heteroresistance. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Variety is the spice of life: nongenetic variation in life histories influences population growth and evolvability
Authors: Forsythe Amy B , Otto Sarah P , Nelson William A , Day Troy
Published: September 2024

Individual vital rates, such as mortality and birth rates, are key determinants of lifetime reproductive success, and variability in these rates shapes population dynamics. Previous studies have found that this vital rate heterogeneity can influence demographic properties, including population growth rates. However, the explicit effects of the variation within and the covariance between vital rates that can also vary throughout the lifespan on population growth remain unknown. Here, we explore the analytical consequences of nongenetic heterogeneity on long-term population growth rates and rates of evolution by modifying traditional age-structured population projection matrices to incorporate variation among individual vital rates. The model allows vital rates to be permanent throughout life (“fixed condition”) or to change over the lifespan (“dynamic condition”). We reduce the complexity associated with adding individual heterogeneity to age-structured models through a novel application of matrix collapsing (“phenotypic collapsing”), showing how to collapse in a manner that preserves the asymptotic and transient dynamics of the original matrix. The main conclusion is that nongenetic individual heterogeneity can strongly impact the long-term growth rate and rates of evolution. The magnitude and sign of this impact depend heavily on how the heterogeneity covaries across the lifespan of an organism. Our results emphasize that nongenetic variation cannot simply be viewed as random noise, but rather that it has consistent, predictable effects on fitness and evolvability.
Divergent ornamentation within a single population of the barn swallow
Authors: Arai Emi , Hasegawa Masaru , Yoshimizu Chikage , Ishikawa Naoto F , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: September 2024

Differential migration strategies favour different sets of characteristics, including sexually selected ornamentation. Such phenotypic variation is particularly evident in a population with partial migration, where migrants and nonmigrants co-exist. Partial migration provides insights into the link among migration, local environment, and ornamentation, although empirical studies remain scarce. Here, we studied the plumage traits of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in southern Japan, where both winterings and migrants breed sympatrically. We further examined this relationship with multiple isotopes (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S), which provides insight into their moulting habitat. Among males, winterings and migrants differed in their morphological traits: wintering males had shorter wings, which suggests the high demand for flight apparatus in migratory birds. Moreover, wintering males had larger white tail spots and less colourful throat patches than migratory males, indicating ornament divergence between them. Wintering males had a significantly smaller isotopic space when examining the combinations of δ34S with the other isotopes compared to migratory males, which indicates a differential geographic range between them, perhaps because of the limited variation in the distance to the sea in wintering males. As in males, wintering females had a significantly smaller isotopic space than migrant females, but there were few morphological differences between migratory and wintering females. Instead, some morphological traits were related to isotope values in females. These results indicate sex-specific linkage among migration, local environment, and ornamentation.
The National Cancer Institute clinical trials planning meeting to address gaps in observational and intervention trials for cancer-related cognitive impairment
Authors: Janelsins Michelle C , Van Dyk Kathleen , Hartman Sheri J , Koll Thuy T , Cramer Christina K , Lesser Glenn J , Barton Debra L , Mustian Karen M , Wagner Lynne I , Ganz Patricia A , Cole Peter D , Bakos Alexis , Root James C , Hardy Kristina , Magnuson Allison , Ferguson Robert J , McDonald Brenna C , Saykin Andrew J , Gonzalez Brian D , Wefel Jeffrey S , Morilak David A , Dahiya Saurabh , Heijnen Cobi J , Conley Yvette P , Morgans Alicia K , Mabbott Donald , Monje Michelle , Rapp Stephen R , Gondi Vinai , Bender Catherine , Embry Leanne , McCaskill Stevens Worta , Hopkins Judith O , St. Germain Diane , Dorsey Susan G
Published: September 2024

Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a broad term encompassing subtle cognitive problems to more severe impairment. The severity of this impairment is influenced by host, disease, and treatment factors, and the impairment affects patients before, during, and following cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Symptom Management and Health-Related Quality of Life Steering Committee (SxQoL SC) convened a clinical trial planning meeting to review the state of the science on cancer-related cognitive impairment and develop phase II/III intervention trials aimed at improving cognitive function in cancer survivors with non–central nervous system disease and longitudinal studies to understand the trajectory of cognitive impairment and contributing factors. Participants included experts in the field of cancer-related cognitive impairment, members of the SxQoL SC, patient advocates, representatives from all 7 NCI Community Oncology Research Program research bases, and the NCI. Presentations focused on the following topics: measurement, lessons learned from pediatric and geriatric oncology, biomarker and mechanism endpoints, longitudinal study designs, and pharmacological and behavioral intervention trials. Panel discussions provided guidance on priority cognitive assessments, considerations for remote assessments, inclusion of relevant biomarkers, and strategies for ensuring broad inclusion criteria. Three clinical trial planning meeting working groups (longitudinal studies as well as pharmacological and behavioral intervention trials) convened for 1 year to discuss and report on top priorities and to design studies. The meeting experts concluded that sufficient data exist to advance phase II/III trials using selected pharmacological and behavioral interventions for the treatment of cancer-related cognitive impairment in the non–central nervous system setting, with recommendations included herein.
Architecture of Islamic Central Asia
Authors: McClary Richard
Published: September 2024

The architecture of Islamic Central Asia is a vast topic that encompasses the built environment from Eastern Iran to western China, and Southern Russia to the north of the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses the entirety of the post-Soviet republics of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as Afghanistan. The temporal span is equally vast, and covers from the tenth century to the present. The vast majority of the scholarly literature on the subject is in Russian, and dates from the early years of the twentieth century up to the 1990s, after which point more of the Turkic languages of the newly independent republics start to dominate. There are also a great deal of publications in French, German, and English, and a selection of these are included here. It is not possible to include even the major publications on all the key monuments but a selection of the ones addressing the most significant sites is given, along with some of the key foundational texts on the region and some more recent survey volumes. The region of Central Asia is a somewhat arbitrary concept, and many of the monuments were built in the same style as ones in Iran since much of the region was once part of the Persianate world; Merv, Samarkand and Herat were just as important as Isfahan, Rayy and Tabriz at various times. Therefore many of the books listed here also address material in Iran, but the majority of the titles listed are primarily concerned with Central Asia. Many of the more recent as well as older publications take a nationalist approach to the architecture of the region, using anachronistic national identities largely the product of the Soviet era, that do not address the unifying aspects of the architecture of the region that seamlessly crossed the lines drawn on more recent maps; on the other hand, the dynastic approach has dominated much of the scholarship published outside the region, and so a combination of these two albeit flawed approaches are used here in order to best navigate the key publications that deal with the Islamic architecture of Central Asia. The extensive losses to the corpus of buildings over time means that archaeological reports are a key resource. The attempted eradication of religion under the Soviet system led to extensive losses and a lack of new construction of Islamic monuments until the last decade of the twentieth century, and so the focus here is primarily on the buildings dating back to the period spanning the tenth to the sixteenth centuries.
Ancient Olympia
Authors: Pilz Oliver
Published: September 2024

Located in the western Peloponnese in the fertile valley of the river Alpheios, the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia was a major Panhellenic cult place. Cult activity can be traced back to the eleventh century bce. Its initial focus was an Early Helladic tumulus still visible at the end of the Bronze Age. “Black layers” of earth mixed with ash, charcoal, and abundant dedicatory material detected throughout the northwestern section of the Altis, the sacred precinct of Zeus, testify to the cult activity there during the Protogeometric, Geometric, and Early Archaic periods. The cult centered on an ash altar inside the Altis. At least until the Classical period, an oracle of Zeus operated at the ash altar. On the occasion of the great festival of Zeus, which took place every four years during summer, prestigious athletic and equestrian contests, the Olympic Games, were held. By the end of the seventh century bce, the sanctuary had developed into an important meeting place for visitors and athletes from the entire Greek world. Around 600 bce, the construction of the first temple, presumably dedicated to Hera, marked the beginning of the monumentalization of the sanctuary. At an unknown date in the Archaic period, probably during the sixth century bce, the Eleans seized direct control of Olympia and the surrounding region. The Temple of Zeus with its sculptural decoration was largely completed by 456 bce. In the 430s bce, Phidias created the cult image for the temple, a colossal chryselephantine statue of Zeus. The multitude of victory and other monuments erected by Greek poleis testifies to the Panhellenic importance of Olympia as a place of display. During the Late Classical and Hellenistic periods, the infrastructure of the sanctuary was improved by the construction of the Leonidaion, the South Stoa, the Palaestra, and the Gymnasium. Several bath complexes, partly superseding older thermal buildings, were added in the Roman imperial period. The last known Olympic victor is recorded for 385 ce, but both the cult of Zeus and the competitions may have lingered on in a more informal manner for some time. In the early fifth century ce, a Christian settlement was established in the area of the sanctuary and existed at least until around 600 ce. A Slavic cemetery existed in the area of the new Museum from the second quarter of the seventh century ce onward. The site of the sanctuary was gradually covered by thick layers of sediment and fell into oblivion.
Writing Practices
Authors: Lyons Martyn
Published: September 2024

The history of writing practices (or of scribal culture) brings together anthropologists, paleographers, cultural historians, literary specialists and sociohistorical linguists in the study of the function and purposes of writing in past societies. It takes as its starting point the advice of Armando Petrucci that the uneven distribution of literacy skills is a key to understanding the workings of any society, the inequalities which distinguish it, and the power relations which govern it. The importance of writing did not diminish with the advent of print, and in the nineteenth century writing became indispensable at every level of society. In the second half of the century, one important event caused a seismic revolution in the volume of writing produced by ordinary people: the mass emigration of millions of people from Britain and Europe to North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Many untutored and semiliterate writers were now compelled to become familiar with the act of writing, in order to maintain contact with home. This bibliography places particular emphasis on the writings of ‘ordinary’ people—that is to say, people of modest social origins and limited literacy competence, who usually (there are exceptions) wrote with no literary aspirations. A variety of genres is encompassed here: not only canonical genres such as autobiography and the private journal, but also other forms of what Dutch historians have called “ego-documents,” such as correspondence (of emigrants and paupers), love letters, postcards, commonplace books, petitions, handwritten newspapers, and writing on the body (prison tattoos). Unfortunately, not every form of vernacular writing can be included, because the scholarly literature has hitherto overlooked it or considered it unworthy of serious study. For example, scholars of graffiti in early modern Britain have not yet extended their attention to the modern period. Similarly, further study is needed of the Valentine card, which reached the height of popularity in Victorian Britain. The widespread importance of correspondence to the history of writing practices also demands study of the infrastructure of postal services that made the exchange of letters possible, and determined its cost and timing. The history of writing practices must attend to the changing nature of writing as a technology, and this bibliography accordingly offers a preliminary guide to works on writing instruments and materials, from the quill pen to the typewriter. Here, too, there are important lacunae—namely, lack of scholarly studies of ink and paper in Victorian Britain.
Incidence ofStaphylococcus aureusBacteremia in Patients Following Implantation of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Bengtsen Kasper Høtoft , Falkentoft Alexander Christian , Le Melanie Vuong , Haugan Ketil , Philbert Berit Thornvig , Johansen Jens Brock , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Riahi Sam , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Larroudé Charlotte , Petersen Andreas , Larsen Anders Rhod , Østergaard Lauge , Fosbøl Emil , Bruun Niels Eske , Ruwald Anne-Christine
Published: September 2024

Background

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a high-risk condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the presence of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), SAB may cause or clinically indicate device infection. We aimed to estimate the 10-year absolute risk of SAB in adult Danish first-time CIED carriers. Secondary aims included identification of risk factors associated with SAB.

Methods

A registry-based study utilizing Danish nationwide registers and including consecutive Danish patients undergoing first CIED implantation between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. The primary outcome was first-time SAB after CIED implantation.

Results

A total of 87 257 patients with first CIED implantation in the study period were identified (median age, 75 years; 62.6% were male; median follow-up, 3.8 years). Patients with pacemakers (PMs) were older and with more noncardiovascular comorbidities compared to patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with or without defibrillator capacity (CRTs). In total, 1366 patients (1.6%) developed SAB. The 10-year absolute risk (95% confidence interval) of SAB was 2.0% (1.9%–2.1%) for PM, 2.6% (2.2%–3.1%) for ICD, and 3.7% (3.0%–4.5%) for CRT. A multivariable Cox analysis identified hemodialysis (hazard ratio [HR], 8.51), SAB before CIED (HR, 2.76), liver disease (HR, 2.35), and carrying a CRT device (HR, 1.68) among the covariates associated with increased risk of SAB.

Conclusions

The absolute risk of SAB in Danish CIED carriers increased with more advanced CIED systems. The risk was highest within the first 3 months after CIED implantation and increased with the presence of certain covariates including renal dialysis, SAB before CIED, male sex, and advancing age.
Benefits of Repeated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Virus-induced Cross-neutralization Potential in Immunocompromised Transplant Patients and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Hauser David , Urda Lorena , Lang Christopher , Mittelholzer Christian , Otte Fabian , Kipfer Enja , Zhang Yuepeng , Lett Martin , Schebitz Christiane , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Klimkait Wilfried , Klimkait Thomas
Published: September 2024

Background

Current COVID-19 vaccines primarily target the Spike protein of defined virus variants, offering limited protection against emerging variants in immunocompetent individuals. Similarly, protective immunity following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection is variable and of short duration, raising concerns about immunocompromised individuals' vaccination strategies.

Methods

This prospective multicenter study examined 66 sera from 59 immunocompromised and 451 sera from 215 immunocompetent individuals from different pandemic periods. We establish and validate a live virus-based neutralization assay to determine the virus-inactivating potential against ancestral and current SARS-CoV-2 isolates.

Results

Our virus-based neutralization assay demonstrated superior performance over surrogate neutralization assays. We found strong but transient immunity after complete vaccination schemes, with single doses providing minimum neutralization, regardless of vaccine type. Combining vaccination-induced immunity with SARS-CoV-2 infection before or after vaccination yielded higher neutralizing titers than vaccination or infection alone, consistent across both study groups. Additional doses after a full vaccination course restored neutralization levels.

Conclusions

Potentially protective SARS-CoV-2 neutralization is reliably induced in immunocompromised individuals by prior attenuation of immunosuppression. First-generation vaccines protect against various SARS-CoV-2 variants in immunocompetent individuals, with effective cross-neutralization demonstrated up to the Delta variant but largely absent for later Omicron variants. Continuous vaccine updates are necessary to address emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The High Cost of Doing Good: Earnings in Social Assistance Jobs in the United States
Authors: Gautham Leila , Folbre Nancy
Published: September 2024

Workers in care occupations and industries in the United States earn less than counterparts with similar personal characteristics in other jobs. We document considerable gradation within care services, showing that workers employed in social assistance earn less than workers in other care industries such as education and healthcare. We posit that social assistance providers are particularly vulnerable to pay penalties because their clients suffer from low bargaining power, weak political voice, and cultural stigmatization. Institutional context matters—social assistance has witnessed a shift from public to private provision since the 1980s; unlike other care industries, private sector workers in social assistance (most of whom work in non-profits) earn less than their counterparts in the public sector. We suggest that public subcontracting to private firms is a cost-cutting strategy that has put downward pressure on the wages of social assistance providers.
Closed Reduction Followed by Percutaneous Fixation of Acute Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Michelitsch Christian , Jochum Benedikt , Baer Andrin , Haupt Samuel , Stillhard Philipp F. , Copp Jonathan , Sommer Christoph
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in young adults treated with a closed reduction technique because it pertains to reduction quality, rates of union, and risk factors for complication.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective cohort study with radiograph and electronic medical record review.

Setting:

Level 1 Swiss Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Between 2012 and 2021, young adults with isolated FNF (AO/OTA 31-B1) treated with percutaneous internal fixation were selected. Exclusion criteria were open reduction technique, age older than 65 years or younger than 16 years, pathologic fractures, and associated femoral head or shaft fractures.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Primary outcome was quality of reduction, as assessed by 3 experienced trauma surgeons' evaluation of intraoperative and/or first postoperative radiographs using the overall impression, the Garden alignment index, and Lowell criteria. In addition, clinical outcomes, conversion to arthroplasty, and complications after closed reduction and fixation of femoral neck fractures were reviewed.

RESULTS:

A total of 54 patients with a median interquartile range age of 57.5 (48–60) years were included. Among them, 22 (41%) were women and 32 (59%) were men. The closed reduction technique demonstrated satisfactory reduction results in up to 87% of cases. Major complications occurred in 19%, with 17% requiring conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Unacceptable or borderline acceptable reduction quality correlated significantly with the need for later conversion (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study supported the use of the closed reduction technique for acute FNF in patients younger than 65 years, achieving satisfactory reduction results in up to 87% of cases with comparable complication rates to treatment of young femoral neck fractures with open reduction. Furthermore, it underscored the significance of the surgeon's overall impression of reduction quality, alongside the established reduction criteria, the Garden alignment index, and Lowell criteria, in evaluating the quality of the reduction. In addition, risk of conversion to total hip arthroplasty was associated with worse closed reduction quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The 5T's of health disparities in multiple myeloma in Latin America
Authors: Martinez-Cordero Humberto , Fuentes-Lacouture Cynthia , von Glasenapp Alana , Peña Camila
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

Health disparities or inequities, which are defined as differences in the quality of medical and healthcare between populations among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, have been validated in numerous studies as determinants of survival and quality of life in different diseases, including cancer.

Compared to the improvement in overall survival in developed countries in relation to better diagnostic opportunity and novel therapeutic approaches, low and middle-income countries still have significant barriers in accessing these therapies.

The potential impact of overcoming these barriers is immense and offers hope for better outcomes.

Recent findings

There is great heterogeneity in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to multiple myeloma among different latitudes. Latin America has been characterized by important limitations in using the best technologies currently available in developed countries.

Overcoming health disparities in multiple myeloma in LMICs could help improve survival and quality of life outcomes. Likewise, it is necessary to increase the representation of the Latin population in clinical studies, primarily in our region.
Perioperative immunotherapy in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Renzhi , Zou Chun , Zeng Liang , Zhang Yongchang
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

To evaluate and summarize the current clinical efficacy, safety, treatment patterns, and potential biomarkers, to guide future treatment strategies for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), improve patient prognosis, and provide a scientific basis for personalized therapy.

Recent findings

In recent years, the class of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), with programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors at the helm, has catalyzed groundbreaking advancements within the perioperative treatment milieu for NSCLC. With the positive results of several phase III clinical trials, perioperative immunotherapy has been confirmed to significantly reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence in resectable NSCLC, becoming the new standard for perioperative treatment of stages II to III NSCLC. With the advent of the perioperative immunotherapy era, clinical issues such as the selection of the treatment population, the choice of regimen, the duration of treatment, whether patients with pCR need further adjuvant therapy, and the comprehensive management of patients throughout the perioperative period have attracted widespread attention.

The perioperative treatment of NSCLC has fully entered the era of immunotherapy. Multiple clinical studies have confirmed that perioperative immunotherapy can significantly improve the survival benefit of resectable stages II to III NSCLC, establishing a new standard for the perioperative treatment of stages II to III NSCLC.
Interaction between macrophages and ferroptosis: Metabolism, function, and diseases
Authors: Jiang Qiaoling , Wan Rongjun , Jiang Juan , Li Tiao , Li Yantong , Yu Steven , Zhao Bingrong , Li Yuanyuan
Published: September 2024

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed cell death process driven by reactive oxygen species-mediated lipid peroxidation, is regulated by several metabolic processes, including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox system. Macrophages are a group of innate immune cells that are widely distributed throughout the body, and play pivotal roles in maintaining metabolic balance by its phagocytic and efferocytotic effects. There is a profound association between the biological functions of macrophage and ferroptosis. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate three key aspects of the unique relationship between macrophages and ferroptosis, including macrophage metabolism and their regulation of cellular ferroptosis; ferroptotic stress that modulates functions of macrophage and promotion of inflammation; and the effects of macrophage ferroptosis and its role in diseases. Finally, we also summarize the possible mechanisms of macrophages in regulating the ferroptosis process at the global and local levels, as well as the role of ferroptosis in the macrophage-mediated inflammatory process, to provide new therapeutic insights for a variety of diseases.
Communication as Healing Art in Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's and Dementia
Authors: Hanna Kimberly Joyce , Jared Barbara , Langford Matthew , Rodoli Waldhys J.
Published: September 2024

Communication is an essential aspect of care for all patients but is especially important for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Nurses who care for persons living with dementia (PwD), as well as family members and caregivers, need understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques and approaches that are effective throughout the stages of dementia. Spiritual assessment and care also are critical. This article provides evidence-based and biblical examples for communication as a healing art in caring for PwD.
“A Time for Everything”
Authors: Hooten Phyllis , Knodt Diana R.
Published: September 2024

Nurses who anticipate and plan for retirement have multiple options and opportunities. Financial planning, healthcare insurance considerations, and productive use of time are significant components toward a satisfying post-career life. Wisdom from the Bible provides great insight for nurses considering retirement.
Covenantal Care
Authors: Wolfs Dorolen
Published: September 2024

With resources stretched thin and the growing risk of compassion fatigue, faith beliefs can offer enriching perspectives for nurses. Covenantal care is a nursing approach rooted in theological insights about humanity's inherent purpose to engage in relationship with God and actively participate in acts of love and justice. Based upon interpretations of Judeo-Christian teachings of imago Dei and God's covenant with humankind, this approach provides guidance for the nurse to care for self, patients, and the wider community. This exploration of theology-in-practice provides an orientating ethos for nurses that reflects the loving, restorative, and dignified care that is at the heart of the Christian faith.
What do Adjunct Nursing Instructors Want?
Authors: Michael Allie , Clark Terri A.
Published: September 2024

Adjunct nursing instructors (ANIs) are used to meet the needs of nursing education programs, but challenges of adjusting to unfamiliar academic settings often lead to poor job satisfaction and low retention of ANIs. The Adjunct Instructor Survey (Milliken & Jurgens, 2008) was used to query 25 ANIs regarding the importance and availability of support services pre-COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic. Mentoring was identified as most important pre- and post-pandemic, with a reported decrease in mentoring opportunities post-pandemic. Developing quality mentoring programs for ANIs needs to be a priority.
Answering the Call
Authors: Digges JeanMarie , Gutierrez de Blume Antonio P.
Published: September 2024

Global migration significantly impacts demographic patterns in the United States, intensifying the need for nurses to deliver culturally competent healthcare to refugees, immigrants, and migrants. By integrating global service-learning (GSL) into nursing curricula, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of GSL benefits in fostering effective intercultural communication, cultural humility, spiritual growth, and global health knowledge among nursing students. The findings suggest that GSL enhances the educational experience and equips nurses with the skills necessary to address the complex needs of a diverse patient population.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Hemophilia A: Greater Odds of Postoperative Bleeding and Thromboembolic Events but No Difference in 5-year Implant Survival
Authors: Gillinov Stephen M. , Modrak Maxwell , Park Nancy , Monahan Peter F. , Wilhelm Christopher V. , Lee Michael S. , Mahatme Ronak J. , Fong Scott , Moran Jay , Grauer Jonathan N. , Jimenez Andrew E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Patients with hemophilia A can develop joint hemarthroses, degenerative changes, and eventually undergo total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Few data exist concerning complications and prosthesis survival after TSA in this population.

Questions/purposes

(1) Is hemophilia A associated with more bleeding and thromboembolic adverse events after TSA relative to matched controls? (2) Is 5-year TSA prosthesis survival reduced in patients with hemophilia A compared with matched controls?

Methods

The 2010 to 2022 PearlDiver M161 database was used to identify patients who underwent primary anatomic or reverse TSA. Given that the X-linked recessive condition hemophilia A presents nearly exclusively in males, male patients with hemophilia A who underwent TSA were matched 1:10 with male patients without hemophilia who underwent TSA based on age and Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI). This yielded 73 patients with hemophilia A who underwent TSA who were matched 1:10 with 729 patients without hemophilia. Ninety-day adverse events were compared with multivariable analysis. Revision within 5 years was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Compared with the control cohort, patients with hemophilia had greater odds of bleeding issues (hematoma, OR 6.8 [95% CI 3.0 to 15.3]; p < 0.001; anemia, OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 4.2]; p < 0.001, transfusion, OR 5.0 [95% CI 2.4 to 10.3]; p < 0.001), venous thromboembolic events (VTE) (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.1]; p = 0.01), and prosthetic loosening (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.4 to 8.0]; p = 0.004). Based on available data, 5-year implant survival was not different in patients with hemophilia (97.3% [95% CI 93.6% to 100.0%]) relative to matched controls (95.2% [95% CI 93.4% to 97.2%]; p = 0.60).

Conclusion

The elevated risks of both 90-day bleeding complications (hematoma, anemia, and transfusion) and VTE (DVT and PE) in patients with hemophilia emphasize the special challenges of carefully balancing factor replacement and VTE prophylaxis pre-, intra-, and postoperatively on an individual patient basis with careful hematologist coordination. Further study on Factor VIII levels and targets as well as tranexamic acid and VTE prophylaxis in this population is necessary to provide further guidance. Furthermore, 5-year implant survival was not different between patients with hemophilia and matched controls (patients without hemophilia) based on available data, suggesting that TSA survivorship remains durable and may be offered to patients in this population as indicated.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.
755-nm Picosecond Laser With Diffractive Lens Array for Acne Scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI
Authors: Tao Joy , Hashemi David A. , Bajaj Shirin , Wang Jordan V. , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients commonly complain about the appearance of acne scars. While various lasers and energy-based devices can offer clinical improvement, many of them are limited in treating patients with skin of color. Concerns exist regarding efficacy and safety, including risks of scarring, prolonged dyspigmentation, necrosis, and burns.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of a 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array in improving the clinical appearance of acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective clinical study investigated this laser using up to 5 monthly treatments.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects were enrolled, while 17 subjects completed a 3-month follow-up. The mean age was 33.9 years, and 95.8% of the subjects were women. Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI were represented. Assessments compared baseline to 3-month follow-up. Two of the 3 blinded reviewers agreed on identifying pretreatment and post-treatment photographs for 82.4% of the cases. For physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, 100% of the subjects had clinical improvement. Overall, 94.1% of subjects were satisfied with their treatment. No serious or unanticipated adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

A 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array can safely and effectively improve acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.
Stretch-induced hepatic endothelial mechanocrine promotes hepatocyte proliferation
Authors: Wu Yi , Li Linda , Li Wang , Li Ning , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Lu , Zhong Shaoyu , Lü Shouqin , Shu Xinyu , Zhou Jin , Ai Ding , Gao Ming , Liu Sijin , Lü Dongyuan , Long Mian
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

Partial hepatectomy–induced liver regeneration causes the increase in relative blood flow rate within the liver, which dilates hepatic sinusoids and applies mechanical stretch on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is a crucial growth factor during liver regeneration. We aimed to investigate whether this sinusoidal dilation–induced stretch promotes HB-EGF secretion in LSECs and what the related molecular mechanism is.

Approach and Results:

In vivo partial hepatectomy, ex vivo liver perfusion, and in vitro LSEC mechanical stretch were applied to detect HB-EGF expression in LSECs and hepatocyte proliferation. Knockdown or inhibition of mechanosensitive proteins was used to unravel the molecular mechanism in response to stretch. This stretch triggers amplitude-dependent and duration-dependent HB-EGF upregulation in LSECs, which is mediated by Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear translocation and binding to TEA domain family. This YAP translocation is achieved in 2 ways: On one hand, F-actin polymerization–mediated expansion of nuclear pores promotes YAP entry into nucleus passively. On the other hand, F-actin polymerization upregulates the expression of BAG family molecular chaperone regulator 3, which binds with YAP to enter the nucleus cooperatively. In this process, β1-integrin serves as a target mechanosensory in stretch-induced signaling pathways. This HB-EGF secretion–promoted liver regeneration after 2/3 partial hepatectomy is attenuated in endothelial cell–specific Yap1-deficient mice.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that mechanical stretch–induced HB-EGF upregulation in LSECs through YAP translocation can promote hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration through a mechanocrine manner, which deepens the understanding of the mechanical-biological coupling in liver regeneration.
Efficacy and safety of infliximab in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Efe Cumali , Lytvyak Ellina , Eşkazan Tuğçe , Liberal Rodrigo , Androutsakos Theodoros , Turan Gökçe Dilara , Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli Benedetta , Janik Maciej , Bernsmeier Christine , Arvaniti Pinelopi , Milkiewicz Piotr , Batibay Ersin , Yüksekyayla Osman , Ergenç Ilkay , Arikan Çiğdem , Stättermayer Albert F. , Barutçu Sezgin , Cengiz Mustafa , Gül Özlem , Heurgue Alexandra , Heneghan Michael A. , Verma Sumita , Purnak Tuğrul , Törüner Murat , Akdogan Kayhan Meral , Hatemi Ibrahim , Zachou Kalliopi , Macedo Guilherme , Drenth Joost P. H. , Björnsson Einar , Montano-Loza Aldo J. , Wahlin Staffan , Higuera-de la Tijera Fatima
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

A limited number of drugs are used as standard or alternative therapies in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). No specific recommendations are available for patients failing to respond to these therapies. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of infliximab in patients with AIH.

Approach and Results:

We performed a retrospective study of 42 patients with AIH who received infliximab at 21 liver centers in 12 countries. Patients were categorized according to the reason for infliximab therapy. Patients in group 1 (n=20) had failed standard, second-line (mycophenolate mofetil and 6-mercaptopurine) or third-line (tacrolimus or cyclosporine) therapy. In group 2 (n=22), infliximab was given for treatment of concomitant extrahepatic autoimmune diseases. Patients received a median of 17 (range: 3–104) infliximab infusions. Complete biochemical response (CR) was achieved or maintained in 33 (78%) patients during infliximab therapy. In group 1, infliximab induced CR in 11 of 20 (55%) patients. In group 2, 16 patients with CR prior to infliximab maintained remission, and the remaining 6 patients with active AIH (5 on standard and 1 on both second-line and third-line therapy) showed CR following infliximab therapy. Infliximab led to CR in 75% (6/8) of nonresponders to second-line and in 46% (6/13) of failing third-line therapy. Overall, 65% (17/26) of the patients with active AIH achieved CR on infliximab. Infliximab was discontinued in 3 patients of group 1. One patient had a severe allergic reaction and 2 developed anti-infliximab autoantibodies.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that infliximab may be an effective and safe rescue therapy in AIH.