bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed epochal variations in X-ray lines from the O supergiant ζ Puppis do not require substantial changes in the wind mass flux
Authors: Gunderson Sean J , Gayley Kenneth G , Huenemoerder David P , Pradhan Pragati , Miller Nathan A
Published: February 2024

We fit the high-resolution Chandra X-ray spectra of the O supergiant ζ Puppis using the variable boundary condition (VBC) line model to test the stability of its mass-loss rate between two epochs of observation: 2000 March and 2018 July – 2019 August. At issue is whether the observed variations are induced by global changes in the cool (unshocked) wind itself or are isolated to the local pockets of hot gas (i.e. changes in the frequency and location of the shocks). Evidence in the literature favoured the possibility of a 40 per cent increase in the mass flux of the entire stellar wind, based on X-ray reabsorption from a line-deshadowing-instability-inspired parametrization, whereas our fit parameters are consistent with a constant mass flux with a change in the velocity variations that determine the locations where shocks form. Our results suggest the shocks in the more recent data are formed at somewhat larger radii, mimicking the enhanced blueshifts and increased line fluxes interpreted in the previous analysis as being due to increases in both the X-ray generation and reabsorption from an overall stronger wind.
Quantitatively rating galaxy simulations against real observations with anomaly detection
Authors: Jin Zehao , Macciò Andrea V , Faucher Nicholas , Pasquato Mario , Buck Tobias , Dixon Keri L , Arora Nikhil , Blank Marvin , Vulanovic Pavle
Published: February 2024

Cosmological galaxy formation simulations are powerful tools to understand the complex processes that govern the formation and evolution of galaxies. However, evaluating the realism of these simulations remains a challenge. The two common approaches for evaluating galaxy simulations is either through scaling relations based on a few key physical galaxy properties, or through a set of pre-defined morphological parameters based on galaxy images. This paper proposes a novel image-based method for evaluating the quality of galaxy simulations using unsupervised deep learning anomaly detection techniques. By comparing full galaxy images, our approach can identify and quantify discrepancies between simulated and observed galaxies. As a demonstration, we apply this method to SDSS imaging and NIHAO simulations with different physics models, parameters, and resolution. We further compare the metric of our method to scaling relations as well as morphological parameters. We show that anomaly detection is able to capture similarities and differences between real and simulated objects that scaling relations and morphological parameters are unable to cover, thus indeed providing a new point of view to validate and calibrate cosmological simulations against observed data.
Degeneration of the Olfactory System in a Murid Rodent that Evolved Diurnalism
Authors: Liao Ben-Yang , Weng Meng-Pin , Chang Ting-Yan , Chang Andrew Ying-Fei , Ching Yung-Hao , Wu Chia-Hwa
Published: February 2024

In mammalian research, it has been debated what can initiate an evolutionary tradeoff between different senses, and the phenomenon of sensory tradeoff in rodents, the most abundant mammalian clade, is not evident. The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), a murid rodent, recently adapted to a diurnal niche through an evolutionary acquisition of daylight vision with enhanced visual acuity. As such, this model provides an opportunity for a cross-species investigation where comparative morphological and multi-omic analyses of the Nile rat are made with its closely related nocturnal species, e.g. the mouse (Mus musculus) and the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Thus, morphological examinations were performed, and evolutionary reductions in relative sizes of turbinal bone surfaces, the cribriform plate, and the olfactory bulb were discovered in Nile rats. Subsequently, we compared multiple murid genomes, and profiled olfactory epithelium transcriptomes of mice and Nile rats at various ages with RNA sequencing. The results further demonstrate that, in comparison with mouse olfactory receptor (OR) genes, Nile rat OR genes have experienced less frequent gain, more frequent loss, and more frequent expression reduction during their evolution. Furthermore, functional degeneration of coding sequences in the Nile rat lineage was found in OR genes, yet not in other genes. Taken together, these results suggest that acquisition of improved vision in the Nile rat has been accompanied by degeneration of both olfaction-related anatomical structures and OR gene repertoires, consistent with the hypothesis of an olfaction-vision tradeoff initiated by the switch from a nocturnal to a diurnal lifestyle in mammals.
Employing bimodal representations to predict DNA bendability within a self-supervised pre-trained framework
Authors: Yang Minghao , Zhang Shichen , Zheng Zhihang , Zhang Pengfei , Liang Yan , Tang Shaojun
Published: February 2024

The bendability of genomic DNA, which measures the DNA looping rate, is crucial for numerous biological processes of DNA. Recently, an advanced high-throughput technique known as ‘loop-seq’ has made it possible to measure the inherent cyclizability of DNA fragments. However, quantifying the bendability of large-scale DNA is costly, laborious, and time-consuming. To close the gap between rapidly evolving large language models and expanding genomic sequence information, and to elucidate the DNA bendability’s impact on critical regulatory sequence motifs such as super-enhancers in the human genome, we introduce an innovative computational model, named MIXBend, to forecast the DNA bendability utilizing both nucleotide sequences and physicochemical properties. In MIXBend, a pre-trained language model DNABERT and convolutional neural network with attention mechanism are utilized to construct both sequence- and physicochemical-based extractors for the sophisticated refinement of DNA sequence representations. These bimodal DNA representations are then fed to a k-mer sequence-physicochemistry matching module to minimize the semantic gap between each modality. Lastly, a self-attention fusion layer is employed for the prediction of DNA bendability. In conclusion, the experimental results validate MIXBend’s superior performance relative to other state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, MIXBend reveals both novel and known motifs from the yeast. Moreover, MIXBend discovers significant bendability fluctuations within super-enhancer regions and transcription factors binding sites in the human genome.
The SMC5/6 complex: folding chromosomes back into shape when genomes take a break
Authors: Roy Shamayita , Adhikary Hemanta , D’Amours Damien
Published: February 2024

High-level folding of chromatin is a key determinant of the shape and functional state of chromosomes. During cell division, structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complexes such as condensin and cohesin ensure large-scale folding of chromatin into visible chromosomes. In contrast, the SMC5/6 complex plays more local and context-specific roles in the structural organization of interphase chromosomes with important implications for health and disease. Recent advances in single-molecule biophysics and cryo-electron microscopy revealed key insights into the architecture of the SMC5/6 complex and how interactions connecting the complex to chromatin components give rise to its unique repertoire of interphase functions. In this review, we provide an integrative view of the features that differentiates the SMC5/6 complex from other SMC enzymes and how these enable dramatic reorganization of DNA folding in space during DNA repair reactions and other genome transactions. Finally, we explore the mechanistic basis for the dynamic targeting of the SMC5/6 complex to damaged chromatin and its crucial role in human health.
Evolution of microRNAs in Amoebozoa and implications for the origin of multicellularity
Authors: Edelbroek Bart , Kjellin Jonas , Biryukova Inna , Liao Zhen , Lundberg Torgny , Noegel Angelika A , Eichinger Ludwig , Friedländer Marc R , Söderbom Fredrik
Published: February 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important and ubiquitous regulators of gene expression in both plants and animals. They are thought to have evolved convergently in these lineages and hypothesized to have played a role in the evolution of multicellularity. In line with this hypothesis, miRNAs have so far only been described in few unicellular eukaryotes. Here, we investigate the presence and evolution of miRNAs in Amoebozoa, focusing on species belonging to Acanthamoeba, Physarum and dictyostelid taxonomic groups, representing a range of unicellular and multicellular lifestyles. miRNAs that adhere to both the stringent plant and animal miRNA criteria were identified in all examined amoebae, expanding the total number of protists harbouring miRNAs from 7 to 15. We found conserved miRNAs between closely related species, but the majority of species feature only unique miRNAs. This shows rapid gain and/or loss of miRNAs in Amoebozoa, further illustrated by a detailed comparison between two evolutionary closely related dictyostelids. Additionally, loss of miRNAs in the Dictyostelium discoideum drnB mutant did not seem to affect multicellular development and, hence, demonstrates that the presence of miRNAs does not appear to be a strict requirement for the transition from uni- to multicellular life.
Exploring #MentholBan on TikTok: A Thematic and Semantic Network Analysis
Authors: Feng Miao , Binns Steven , Emery Sherry
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In April 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and cigars. Decades of research support the premise that a menthol ban will reduce initiation and disparities in tobacco-related disease among menthol smokers. The tobacco industry opposed such a policy and worked for decades to shape public opposition. Social media discourse can inform our understanding of public opinion about the proposed ban and guide communication strategies and policy implementation.

Aims and Methods

This research employed a mixed-methods design to explore TikTok posts discussing the announced menthol ban. Using a TikTok web scraper to extract all content in the #mentholban hashtag (n = 171), we coded for 11 themes, characterized content with descriptive statistics, and created a semantic network of co-occurring hashtags.

Results

We found primarily negative attitudes towards the U.S. ban announcement and a large volume of menthol “hacks” to circumvent the bans. Our semantic network analysis revealed strong co-occurrences between #mentholban and popularity-seeking hashtags. The metadata associated with each TikTok demonstrated that most posters in #mentholban are not “influencers” in the sense of having many followers, aside from a few niche organizations with multiple posts. We found that perceived political and racial motivations shaped posters’ assessments of the menthol ban. Furthermore, we uncovered how individuals and organizational actors shaped menthol ban content on TikTok.

Conclusions

Our study indicates targeted marketing from alternative menthol product companies and advocacy organizations. The latter of these organizations is more likely to saturate the TikTok landscape with multiple posts and strategic hashtags.

Implications

This study pursued an exploration of tobacco policy discussion on TikTok, specifically related to the FDA-proposed menthol ban. TikTok is a newer platform and our study provides early evidence of policy discussion emerging there, including the types of accounts creating the content and their valence toward the policy.
Molecular dissection of an intronic enhancer governing cold-induced expression of the vacuolar invertase gene in potato
Authors: Zhu Xiaobiao , Chen Airu , Butler Nathaniel M , Zeng Zixian , Xin Haoyang , Wang Lixia , Lv Zhaoyan , Eshel Dani , Douches David S , Jiang Jiming
Published: February 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third most important food crop in the world. Potato tubers must be stored at cold temperatures to minimize sprouting and losses due to disease. However, cold temperatures strongly induce the expression of the potato vacuolar invertase gene (VInv) and cause reducing sugar accumulation. This process, referred to as “cold-induced sweetening,” is a major postharvest problem for the potato industry. We discovered that the cold-induced expression of VInv is controlled by a 200 bp enhancer, VInvIn2En, located in its second intron. We identified several DNA motifs in VInvIn2En that bind transcription factors involved in the plant cold stress response. Mutation of these DNA motifs abolished VInvIn2En function as a transcriptional enhancer. We developed VInvIn2En deletion lines in both diploid and tetraploid potato using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene editing. VInv transcription in cold-stored tubers was significantly reduced in the deletion lines. Interestingly, the VInvIn2En sequence is highly conserved among distantly related Solanum species, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and other non-tuber-bearing species. We conclude that the VInv gene and the VInvIn2En enhancer have adopted distinct roles in the cold stress response in tubers of tuber-bearing Solanum species.
How persuasive is AI-generated propaganda?
Authors: Goldstein Josh A , Chao Jason , Grossman Shelby , Stamos Alex , Tomz Michael
Published: February 2024

Can large language models, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), generate persuasive propaganda? We conducted a preregistered survey experiment of US respondents to investigate the persuasiveness of news articles written by foreign propagandists compared to content generated by GPT-3 davinci (a large language model). We found that GPT-3 can create highly persuasive text as measured by participants’ agreement with propaganda theses. We further investigated whether a person fluent in English could improve propaganda persuasiveness. Editing the prompt fed to GPT-3 and/or curating GPT-3’s output made GPT-3 even more persuasive, and, under certain conditions, as persuasive as the original propaganda. Our findings suggest that propagandists could use AI to create convincing content with limited effort.
Paradigmatic stability, ideational robustness, and policy persistence: exploring the impact of policy ideas on policy-making
Authors: Migone Andrea , Howlett Michael , Howlett Alexander
Published: February 2024

In the policy world, the idea of ideational robustness deals with why and how policy elements can be maintained over time and the implications this has for government strategy and activity. Past approaches to ideas and their influence on public policy stressed the disparate roles of multiple policy mechanisms such as path dependency or the nature of policy networks in either driving policy change forward or ensuring persistence of a policy. Ideational robustness on the other hand allows for the possibility of some changes occurring in policy environments and components while motivating cognitive and normative policy ideas are adapted and retained. While ideational persistence has often been identified as a source of policy stability, the possibility that some ideas allow lesser or greater levels of change in policy components while basic policy content remains more or less intact (ideational robustness) is much less well understood. The article reviews the literature on policy change and stability which highlights the influence of different policy processes on overall policy dynamics and the role played by policy learning in promoting ideational robustness. Using evidence from military doctrines and procurement in Canada and Australia, the study finds that the two countries drew different defence policy lessons from the end of the Cold War which contributed heavily to the extent of robustness of their defence policy ideas. The case studies show that ideational robustness is important but also that its study must be combined with that of other policy mechanisms and processes in order to explain overall policy change patterns.
Labour supply reactions to basic income: Insights from 60 years of research
Authors: Francisco Cyrille , Otto Adeline , Van Lancker Wim
Published: February 2024

Basic income (BI) has lately re-emerged as a topic of debate, without having lost its explosiveness and contentiousness. Of particular interest in this debate is the labour supply effect of a BI, which holds significant implications for its societal desirability, economic sustainability and political feasibility. To shed light on this issue and facilitate more informed policy discussions, this article delves into six decades of research, encompassing negative income tax and BI experiments, lottery studies and unconditional cash transfers (UCTs). In an effort to advance existing knowledge, we not only review the labour supply outcomes of existing studies but also systematically examine their design features, implementation characteristics and analyses. Our examination reveals the presence of significant methodological shortcomings in much of the empirical research. Great caution is thus advised when making broader inferences about the impacts of a BI.
The Clandestine Hands of the State: Dissecting Police Collusion in the Drug Trade
Authors: Stitt Mary Ellen , Sobering Katherine , Auyero Javier
Published: February 2024

Police collusion with drug market organizations is widespread around the world, but the nature of this collaboration remains poorly understood. This article draws on a unique data source to dissect the inner workings of police collusion: transcripts of wiretapped conversations, embedded in thousands of pages of court cases in which state agents have been prosecuted for collaborating with drug market groups. We catalogue and analyze the wide range of social interactions that constitute police collaboration with drug market groups and show that those interactions are often embedded in trust networks constituted by residential, professional, friendship, and kinship ties. Our findings signal the importance of reciprocal social ties surrounding police corruption and cast light on what we refer to as the clandestine hands of the state.
The Stress of Injustice: Public Defenders and the Frontline of American Inequality
Authors: Baćak Valerio , Lageson Sarah Esther , Powell Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Fairness in the criminal legal system is unattainable without effective legal representation of indigent defendants, yet we know little about the experience of attorneys who do this critical work. Using semi-structured interviews, our study investigated occupational stress in a sample of 78 attorneys representing indigent clients across the United States. We show how the chronic stressors experienced at work culminate in what we define as the stress of injustice: the social and psychological demands of working in a punitive system with laws and practices that target and punish those who are the most disadvantaged. Respondents positioned their professional stress around structural, not individual, aspects of the American criminal legal system, specifically punitive excess, underfunding of indigent defense, and the criminalization of mental illness and substance use. Working within these interrelated structural constraints makes public defenders highly vulnerable to stress and attrition.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Geographic Availability of Buprenorphine
Authors: Drake Coleman , Nagy Dylan , Meiselbach Mark K. , Zhu Jane M. , Saloner Brendan , Stein Bradley D. , Polsky Daniel
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Overdose mortality has risen most rapidly among racial and ethnic minority groups while buprenorphine prescribing has increased disproportionately in predominantly non-Hispanic White urban areas. To identify whether buprenorphine availability equitably meets the needs of diverse populations, we examined the differential geographic availability of buprenorphine in areas with greater concentrations of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Methods

Using IQVIA longitudinal prescription data, IQVIA OneKey data, and Microsoft Bing Maps, we calculated 2 outcome measures across the continental United States: the number of buprenorphine prescribers per 1000 residents within a 30-minute drive of a ZIP code, and the number of buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed per capita at retail pharmacies among nearby buprenorphine prescribers. We then estimated differences in these outcomes by ZIP codes’ racial and ethnic minority composition and rurality with t tests.

Results

Buprenorphine prescribers per 1000 residents within a 30-minute drive decreased by 3.8 prescribers per 1000 residents in urban ZIP codes (95% confidence interval = −4.9 to −2.7) and 2.6 in rural ZIP codes (95% confidence interval = −3.0 to −2.2) whose populations consisted of ≥5% racial and ethnic minority groups. There were 45% to 55% fewer prescribers in urban areas and 62% to 79% fewer prescribers in rural areas as minority composition increased. Differences in dispensed buprenorphine per capita were similar but larger in magnitude.

Conclusions

Achieving more equitable buprenorphine access requires not only increasing the number of buprenorphine-prescribing clinicians; in urban areas with higher racial and ethnic minority group populations, it also requires efforts to promote greater buprenorphine prescribing among already prescribing clinicians.
Mismatch rate of empirical antimicrobial treatment in fracture-related infections
Authors: Jacobs Michelle MJ , Holla Micha , van Wageningen Bas , Hermans Erik , Veerman Karin
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the current standard of care regarding empirical antimicrobial therapy in fracture related infections (FRI),

METHODS:

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Level I Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Adult patients treated for FRI with surgical debridement and empirical antibiotics between September 1st 2014 and August 31st 2022. Patients were excluded if less than five tissue samples for culture were taken, culture results were negative or there was an antibiotic free window of less than three days before debridement.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

FRI microbial aetiology, antimicrobial resistance patterns (standardised antimicrobial panels were tested for each pathogen), the mismatch rate between empirical antimicrobial therapy and antibiotic resistance of causative microorganism(s), and mismatching risk factors.

RESULTS:

In total, 75 patients were included (79% (59/75) men, mean age 51 years). The most prevalent microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (52%, 39/75) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (41%, 31/75). The most frequently used empirical antibiotic was clindamycin (59%, 44/75), followed by combinations of gram-positive and gram-negative covering antibiotics (15%, 11/75). The overall mismatch rate was 51% (38/75) (95% CI: 0.39-0.62) and did not differ between extremities (upper: 31% (4/13) (95% CI: 0.09-0.61), lower: 55% (33/60) (95% CI: 0.42-0.68, p=0.11)). Mismatching empirical therapy occurred mostly in infections caused by S. epidermidis and gram-negative bacteria. Combination therapy of vancomycin with ceftazidime produced the lowest theoretical mismatch rate (8%, 6/71). Polymicrobial infections were an independent risk factor for mismatching (OR: 8.38, 95% CI: 2.53-27.75, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with fracture related infections, a mismatching of empirical antibiotic therapy occurred in half of patients, mainly due to lack of coverage for S. epidermidis, gram-negative bacteria, and polymicrobial infections. Empirical therapy with vancomycin and ceftazidime produced the lowest theoretical mismatch rates. This study showed the need for the consideration of gram-negative coverage in addition to standard broad gram-positive coverage. Future studies should investigate the effect of the proposed empirical therapy on long-term outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children
Authors: Hoffman Brett , Lee Anderson , DiGiacomo Dominique , Maag Serena , Liu Jiayong , Skie Martin
Published: February 2024

A systematic review of the operative techniques for treating cubitus varus deformity in children was performed using research databases including PubMed and Embase. Outcome measurements included mean angular correction of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle, complications, revisions and outcome scores. A total of 45 papers and 911 patients were included. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy (LCWO) (427 patients) was the most common procedure and 5.56% of these patients experienced lateral condylar prominence. This technique had the highest revision rate at 3%. The step-cut osteotomy (111 patients) yielded zero postoperative infections or loss of motion. Distraction osteogenesis (92 patients) was the least common technique. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 18% of patients and 88.04% of patients reported excellent results, the highest of any technique in this study. The infection rate of dome osteotomy (151 patients) was 9.45% and 4.72% of patients experienced loss of motion. 3D osteotomy (130 patients) had no infections, 87.78% of patients reported excellent outcomes, and 2.22% of patients reported poor outcomes, the lowest of all techniques. For unidimensional correction, LCWO provides a technically simple procedure and reasonable outcomes. Step-cut osteotomy has less lateral condylar prominence but is more complicated than LCWO. Distraction osteogenesis is a minimally invasive alternative to LCWO and step-cut osteotomy, but it has more superficial infections and can be bothersome to patients. For a multidimensional correction, 3D osteotomy is superior to dome osteotomy due to its lower infection rate and higher rate of functionally excellent outcomes.
Ray resection in pediatric population after trauma injuries
Authors: Marques João , Carvalho Marcos , Martínez Alvarez Sérgio , Monjardino Maria Pia , Cardoso Pedro , Ling Tah Pu , Alves Cristina
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the functional, emotional, and social adaptation of pediatric patients submitted to a hand ray resection to treat a traumatic hand injury. Retrospective study of pediatric patients undergoing hand ray resection, in the period 2013–2022, performed in two hospital institutions. Inclusion criteria: age less than 18 years, primary/secondary resection due to traumatic etiology and follow-up time of more than 1 year. Data concerning demographic information, lesion location, traumatic mechanism and surgical description were collected. Functional outcomes (QuickDASH Score), social and emotional integration (PEDSQL) and satisfaction were evaluated. Seven patients were included, with male predominance (n = 4) and the right side was the most affected (n = 5). Median age at the time of surgery was 10 years (2–15). Primary ray resection, without previous revascularization, was performed in three patients. Secondary ray resection was performed in four patients. Three patients with an unsuccessful revascularization procedure attempt another patient with a sequela with severe deformity. All patients presented a good adaptation to daily living activities, with good pinch and grip function. The median follow-up was 4 years (min:1; max:9). The scores were collected on six out of seven patients. Median QuickDASH score of 14 (min:11; max:22), and PEDSQL[physical] of 95.31 (min:78.13; max:100) and PEDSQL[social] of 93.47 (min:66.3; max:100). Hand ray resection is a rare procedure in pediatric age and usually difficult for patients and parents to accept. However, it is a useful and safe technique that allows for an improvement in overall hand function and psychosocial readaptation in specific and selected cases. Level of evidence: Level of evidence IV – case series.
Limited Improvement With Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Alone for Degenerative Scoliosis With Cobb Angle Over 20°
Authors: Asada Tomoyuki , Simon Chad Z. , Singh Nishtha , Tuma Olivia , Subramanian Tejas , Araghi Kasra , Lu Amy Z. , Mai Eric , Kim Yeo Eun , Allen Myles R.J. , Korsun Maximilian , Zhang Joshua , Kwas Cole , Singh Sumedha , Dowdell James , Sheha Evan D. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: February 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected multisurgeon registry.

Objective.

To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive (MI) decompression in patients with severe degenerative scoliosis (DS) and identify factors associated with poorer outcomes.

Summary of Background Context.

MI decompression has gained widespread acceptance as a treatment option for patients with lumbar canal stenosis and DS. However, there is a lack of research regarding the clinical outcomes and the impact of MI decompression location in patients with severe DS exhibiting a Cobb angle exceeding 20°.

Materials and Methods.

Patients who underwent MI decompression alone were included and categorized into the DS or control groups based on Cobb angle (>20°). Decompression location was labeled as “scoliosis-related” when the decompression levels were across or between end vertebrae and “outside” when the operative levels did not include the end vertebrae. The outcomes, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), were compared between the propensity score-matched groups for improvement and minimal clinical importance difference (MCID) achievement at ≥1 year postoperatively. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to the nonachievement of MCID in ODI of the DS group at the ≥1-year time point.

Results.

A total of 253 patients (41 DS) were included in the study. Following matching for age, sex, osteoporosis status, psoas muscle area, and preoperative ODI, the DS groups exhibited a significantly lower rate of MCID achievement in ODI (DS: 45.5% vs. control 69.0%, P=0.047). The “scoliosis-related” decompression (odds ratio: 9.9, P=0.028) was an independent factor of nonachievement of MCID in ODI within the DS group.

Conclusions.

In patients with a Cobb angle >20°, lumbar decompression surgery, even in the MI approach, may result in limited improvement of disability and physical function. Caution should be exercised when determining a surgical plan, especially when decompression involves the level between or across the end vertebrae.

Level of Evidence.

3.
Association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of colorectal cancer: a prospective study in China
Authors: Wang zhongge , Chen Ruirui , Zhang Lizhen , Chen Yarong , Li Jing , Li Siyu , Xu Lulu , Hu Yujia , Bai Yana
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) based on data from Jinchang Cohort.

Methods

This is a large prospective cohort study. Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 43 516 individuals from Jinchang Cohort were included for this study. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC according to MetS were calculated with the Cox proportional hazard models. The restricted cubic spine models with four knots were conducted to fit the dose-response relationships.

Results

MetS was associated with increased risk of CRC (n = 141; HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.15–2.33) after adjusting for confounding factors (age, sex, education level, family history of CRC, smoking index and alcohol index). Participants with hyperglycemia had a significantly higher risk of developing incident CRC (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.19–2.43). The positive association between MetS and CRC was observed in males (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.17–2.63), but not in females (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.59–2.64). Furthermore, linear dose-response relationship was found between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and CRC risk in males (P
overall < 0.05, P
non-linear = 0.35). When stratified by smoke and drink, MetS was found to increase the incidence of CRC only in the smoke (HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.35–3.18) and drink (HR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.51–5.69) groups.

Conclusion

MetS was associated with a higher risk of CRC incidence. Hyperglycemia lended strong support to the role of MetS in new-onset CRC, especially in males. Other components of MetS were not found to be associated with increased risk of CRC.
Incidence trend of neuroendocrine tumors and disparities by sex and race/ethnicity in adults from the United States, 2000–2020
Authors: Zhu Yong
Published: February 2024

Objective

The incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has been increasing globally for several decades. The objective of the study was to examine the most recent trend in the incidence of NET as well as disparities by sex and race/ethnicity in adults in the USA.

Methods

Patients with NET aged ≥20 years were identified from the SEER 22 Registries from 2000 to 2020. The age-adjusted incidence rate was calculated for overall NET and by primary site. The incidence trend was assessed by annual percent change. Disparities by sex and race/ethnicity were examined using the incidence rate ratio.

Results

Age-adjusted incidence rate of overall NET in adults was 9.39 per 100 000 in 2000–2020. The incidence rate increased from 2000 but reached a plateau with no significant change since 2015. The lung and bronchus, small intestine, and rectum were the most common primary sites. Sex and racial/ethnic disparities in NET incidence varied by primary sites. For example, there was a female excess in NET of the lung and bronchus, stomach, and appendix; and there was a male excess in the small intestine, pancreas, colon, rectum and other/unknown NET. Compared to non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black had higher incidences of stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, and other/unknown NET; they had lower incidences of lung and bronchus, and appendix NET than non-Hispanic white.

Conclusion

Age-adjusted incidence rate of overall NET has reached a plateau since 2015. However, there were sex and racial/ethnic disparities in such incidence, which varied depending on the primary site of NET.
Associations between breast cancer risk factors and mammographic breast density in a large cross-section of Korean women
Authors: Kim Soyeoun , Mai Tran Thi Xuan , Kim Mi Kyung , Chung Min Sung , Lee Eun Hye , Lee Woojoo , Park Boyoung
Published: February 2024

Background:

We investigated the association between established risk factors for breast cancer and mammographic breast density in Korean women.

Methods

This large cross-sectional study included 8 460 928 women aged >40 years, who were screened for breast cancer between 2009 and 2018. Breast density was assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. This study used multiple logistic regression analyses of age, BMI, age at menarche, menopausal status, menopausal age, parity, breastfeeding status, oral contraceptive use, family history of breast cancer, physical activity, smoking, drinking and hormone replacement therapy use to investigate their associations with mammographic breast density. Analyses were performed using SAS software.

Results

Of 8 460 928 women, 4 139 869 (48.9%) had nondense breasts and 4 321 059 (51.1%) had dense breasts. Factors associated with dense breasts were: earlier age at menarche [<15 vs. ≥15; adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–1.18], premenopausal status (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 2.00–2.02), later age at menopause (≥52 vs. <52; aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.22–1.23), nulliparity (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.63–1.65), never breastfed (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.23–1.24) and use of hormone replacement therapy (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.28–1.29). Women with a higher BMI and the use of oral contraceptives were more likely to have nondense breasts.

Conclusion

Lower BMI, reproductive health and behavioral factors were associated with dense breasts in Korean women. Additional research should investigate the relationship between mammographic breast density, breast cancer risk factors and breast cancer risk.
Systematic review and analysis of self-efficacy in sun protection measurement instruments
Authors: Ward Jeanne M. , Hardin-Fanning Frances
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was toidentify and appraise available sun protection self-efficacy instruments and synthesize information.

Data source

A systematic search of electronic databases from 2005 to 2023 included PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO.

Background

While instruments have been developed to evaluate sun-protective behaviors and self-efficacy separately, sun-protection self-efficacy instruments have yet to be widely studied. Self-efficacy is an essential antecedent to performing health-related behaviors or practices that can promote or hinder the health of individuals and groups.

Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

Studies randomized control trials or descriptive studies that used self-efficacy measurement tools to evaluate behaviors, intentions, and sun protection knowledge were included in this review. Sun protection surveys that targeted providers or parents and non-English articles were excluded.

Data extraction

Data were extracted by one independent researcher.

Data synthesis

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criterion and included 10 scales of self-efficacy in sun protection. Study design and purpose, and the instrument’s validity and reliability statistics, including Cronbach’s alphas, were extracted.

Results

The two-factor self-efficacy in sun protection scale was the most common measure for primary prevention, with acceptable reliability and validity. However, other instruments also showed reliable psychometric properties, especially measures of sunscreen self-efficacy.

Conclusion

More research in self-efficacy measurement is warranted to examine specific populations and determine the appropriate constructs of self-efficacy. It is crucial to design evidence-based interventions that affect self-efficacy, are measured by a reliable, valid instrument, and have the potential to increase sun-protective and screening behaviors.
Psoriasis Is a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infection After Primary TKA
Authors: Durst Caleb , Rajaee Lily , Chang Kenny , Lee Anderson , Rajaee Sean
Published: February 2024

Background

The relationship between psoriasis and complications after primary TKA is not well defined. Current studies are limited to small, single-center studies evaluating fewer than 150 patients with psoriasis, with some studies reporting an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and another reporting no associated risk. There is a need to reevaluate the risk of psoriasis and postoperative complications, including SSI, to better risk-stratify and guide practice in this patient population.

Questions/purposes

(1) Compared with patients without psoriasis, after accounting for potential confounders such as age, insurance, and comorbidities, do patients with psoriasis have a higher odds of superficial SSI after primary TKA? (2) Do patients with psoriasis have a higher odds of deep SSI after primary TKA?

Methods

Patients 18 years or older who underwent unilateral, primary TKA between 2015 and 2019 were identified in the PearlDiver database (n = 490,722). Patients with rheumatoid, septic, or posttraumatic arthritis were excluded, as well as patients with bone neoplasias (n = 188,557). Additionally, patients with less than 2 years of follow-up (n = 53,673) were excluded. In all, 248,492 patients were included in this study; 0.4% (1078) were in the psoriasis group and 99% (247,414) were in the control group. Overall 2-year superficial and deep SSI rates were stratified and compared between patients with psoriasis and a control group of patients who did not have psoriasis as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the odds of undergoing an aseptic revision or manipulation under anesthesia.

Results

In the multivariable analysis, which controlled for potential confounders such as age, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and liver disease, the odds of SSI—either superficial or deep—remained higher for patients with psoriasis (OR 1.74 [95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.96]; p = 0.04). When focusing on superficial infections in the multivariable analysis, patients with psoriasis had a higher odds of superficial SSI than those in the control group (OR 2.83 [95% CI 1.26 to 6.34]; p = 0.01). The odds of deep SSI were not different between the two cohorts in our multivariable analysis (OR 1.32 [95% CI 0.66 to 2.66]; p = 0.43). Patients with psoriasis did not have an increased odds of undergoing an aseptic revision (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.48 to 1.32]; p = 0.38) or manipulation under anesthesia (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.52 to 1.06]; p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Patients with psoriasis had higher overall rates of SSI at 2 years of follow-up than patients without psoriasis. Our findings suggest that psoriasis is a risk factor for superficial SSI after primary TKA and is an important comorbidity for surgeons to consider before surgery. Further research is needed to assess the role of adjunctive interventions in patients with psoriasis to mitigate the elevated odds of superficial SSI.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prognostic study.
Preschoolers' Self-Regulation and Behavior Problems in the Midst of Caregiver Depression and Chaos
Authors: Kowalski Alysse J. , Wang Yan , Armstrong Bridget , Trude Angela C. B. , Hager Erin , Black Maureen M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Preschoolers' self-regulation is partially developed through home and child care routines. COVID-19-related child care closures increased caregiver depressive symptoms, household chaos, and children's behavior problems. This longitudinal study examined how preschoolers' prepandemic self-regulation was related to behavior problems early in the pandemic, including buffering against the adverse effects of caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos.

Methods:

A sample of 264 caregivers of preschoolers reported on their children's self-regulation (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Preschool Version Inhibitory Self Control Index) before the pandemic and caregiver depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies), household chaos (Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale), and children's behavior problems (Behavior Rating Index for Children) during the pandemic. We used linear mixed models to examine predictors of children's behavior problems, including prepandemic self-regulation, and further examined moderation by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos.

Results:

Children were 64% non-Hispanic White and 24% non-Hispanic Black, with mean pandemic age 5.9 years. Prepandemic self-regulation significantly predicted early pandemic behavior problems (β = −0.38 [95% confidence interval, −0.69 to −0.07]). This association was moderated by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos; the protective association was maintained at high levels of caregiver depressive symptoms or household chaos, although the association diminished when these co-occurred.

Conclusion:

The protective association between prepandemic self-regulation and subsequent behavior problems suggests longitudinal benefits of preschoolers' inhibitory and emotional control. Despite reduced protection associated with co-occurring caregiver and household challenges, self-regulation continued to demonstrate protection against subsequent behavior problems, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Physical activity and menopausal symptoms: evaluating the contribution of obesity, fitness, and ambient air pollution status
Authors: Elavsky Steriani , Burda Michal , Cipryan Lukáš , Kutáč Petr , Bužga Marek , Jandačková Vera , Chow Sy-Miin , Jandačka Daniel
Published: February 2024

Objective

The menopausal transition is accompanied by transient symptoms that have been linked to subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD); CVD has also been linked to air pollution. Physical activity (PA) reduces CVD, improves body composition, and can reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the links between PA and menopausal symptoms and whether obesity, fitness, and air pollution status play a role in this relationship.

Methods

Women (40-60 y; N = 243; mean [SD] age, 47.8 [5.6] y) from areas with high versus low air pollution enrolled in the Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment Program 4 prospective cohort study completed psychological, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and menopausal status screening followed by a 14-day prospective assessment of menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale) using a mobile application. Daily PA was assessed objectively across 14 days via Fitbit Charge 3 monitor. General linear mixed models were conducted and controlled for age, menopausal status, day in the study, wear time, and neuroticism.

Results

Peri/postmenopausal women (β = 0.43, P < 0.001) and those residing in a high-air-pollution environment (β = 0.45, P < 0.05) reported more somatovegetative symptoms. Hot flashes alone were associated with peri/postmenopausal status (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and for women residing in a high-air-pollution environment, lower reporting of hot flashes was observed on days when a woman was more physically active than usual (β = −0.15, P < 0.001). No associations were found for cardiorespiratory fitness and visceral fat with any of the symptoms.

Conclusions

PA may enhance resilience to hot flashes, especially when residing in high-air-pollution environments where we also observed higher reporting of somatovegetative menopausal symptoms.
A cross-sectional study of the association between breastfeeding history and overweight/obesity in postmenopausal women
Authors: Ran Ting , Peng Nianchun , Zhang Miao , Hu Ying , Zhuang Huijun , Zhang Tian , He Juan , Shi Lixin , Zhang Qiao , Zheng Jing
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study endeavors to augment comprehension of the association between breastfeeding and maternal weight within Asian populations.

Methods

Data were obtained from the comprehensive 2011 research titled “Risk Evaluation of Cancers in Chinese Diabetic Individuals (REACTION): a longitudinal analysis,” focusing specifically on postmenopausal women residing in the metropolitan precincts of Guiyang. It presents a cross-sectional study involving 5,987 parous postmenopausal women, aged 60.1 ± 6.9 years, who underwent assessments of body mass index and waist-to-height ratio. The probability of excessive weight or obesity was evaluated in relation to the aggregate duration of breastfeeding, using single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Following multiple adjustments for different confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) demonstrated that women who had borne a single child and breastfed for more than 12 months exhibited an increased prevalence of excessive weight (body mass index ≥24 kg/m2) in contrast to those who abstained from breastfeeding (model I: OR, 1.481; 95% confidence interval, 1.124-1.952; P = 0.005; model II: OR, 1.471; 95% confidence interval, 1.113-1.944; P = 0.007). Conversely, among the subset of women who had given birth to two or more children, no noteworthy associations emerged between breastfeeding duration and the propensity for excessive weight or obesity (all models).

Conclusion

In the Asian population, the duration of breastfeeding does not appear to be necessarily linked to the prevalence of overweight or obesity in postmenopausal women.