bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary investigation of parent-child attachment relationship in toddlers with autism traits
Authors: Cibralic Sara , Kohlhoff Jane , Morgan Susan , Wallace Nancy , Lieneman Corey , McMahon Catherine , Eapen Valsamma
Published: November 2024

Using a cross-sectional design, this study explored attachment insecurity and disorganization (assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure) in 90 toddlers (aged 14–24 months) with and without autism traits and assessed the associations between autism traits (severity and profiles) and both developmental level and attachment classification. Our findings showed no significant differences between the rates of attachment insecurity or attachment disorganisation among toddlers with, and toddlers without, autism traits. However, among the toddlers with autism traits, those with a disorganised attachment were more likely to have autism traits of greater severity. While greater autism trait severity was associated with attachment disorganisation, it remains unclear whether this association is the result of children with autism traits having higher rates of attachment disorganisation or whether autism traits are being misinterpreted as attachment disorganisation indices.
Circular RNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hematological Malignancies:Systematic Review
Authors: Gao Liyun , Fan Junfei , He Jiayin , Fan Wenyan , Che Xiangxin , Wang Xin , Han Chunhua
Published: November 2024

Objectives: While various serum and tissue biomarkers have been explored for tumor diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity have not yield optimal results. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are more stable, conserved, and tissue-specific than linear RNA. Recent reports indicate that circRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis or/and prognosis of tumors. In this study, we systematically examined the relationship between circRNA expression and diagnostic and prognostic outcomes in patients with hematological tumors. Methods: We searched several databases, including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Ovid-Medline, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and SinoMed, with a cutoff date of June 12, 2024. The study protocol was PROSPERO (CRD42020188627). Result: A total of 73 studies were included in our review, comprising 39 diagnostic studies and 65 prognostic studies. Clinical parameters were assessed based on pooled adds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. The pooled area under the curve was 0.86, indicating the potential to identify hematological tumor patients, with sensitivity and specificity of 79% each. The diagnostic score for circRNAs related to hematological malignancies was 2.12. Notably, different hematological malignancies subgroups displayed varying prognoses. Specifically, lymphoid leukemia circRNA showed a negative impacct on prognosis (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10-1.43, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings provide compelling evidence that circRNA may be serve as a promising alternative for the diagnosis and prognosis of hematological tumors.
A Review on the Approach to Herbal Medicine in Cuban Healthcare System
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , Sarvestani Mina Aghamaleki
Published: November 2024

Background:Cuban healthcare system, emphasizing a holistic approach with herbal medicine as a key component, has achieved significant advancements in a multitude of health indicators. The aim of this study was to investigate the approach of Cuban healthcare system to Herbal medicine. Methods: The study conducted a review in the year 2024 in accordance with the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Multiple databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews were searched and the quality of the studies was assessed using the AACODS checklist. Finally, a thematic analysis was conducted on the data. Results: 7 studies included within the study. The quality assessment scores presented high level of quality of the final studies with low level of bias. The thematic analysis resulted in six themes including: International collaboration, Universal coverage, Education and encouragement, Utilization, integration, and innovation, Efficiency and sustainability, and Prevention-focused and strategic approach. The Cuban healthcare system incorporates global herbal medicine knowledge, particularly from China, and provides free, regionalized services. It emphasizes the “Green Pharmacy” concept in each neighborhood and integrates herbal medicine into service delivery through a sustainable, prevention-focused policy. Conclusion: The Cuban healthcare system has implemented a multifaceted program on herbal medicine.
Translating Evidence into Practice: How Chaplains Used EBP to Improve the Spiritual and Emotional Well-being of Bedside Nurses
Authors: Michocki Sandra L. , Tribble Erin , Benfield Leslie , Mullane Kathryn Ault , Krenzischek Dina A. , MacDonald Ryan
Published: November 2024

The Pastoral Care department at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore embarked on an evidence-based practice (EBP) project to identify best practices for improving nurses’ well-being. This article describes the EBP model and its application. The project resulted in increased nurse awareness of the chaplain's role, nurses’ confidence in using chaplain services, and nurses’ well-being. The project's success indicates the value of chaplains learning an EBP model and incorporating it into their practice.
The Role and Impact of the Prison Chaplain: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Jarrett Manuela , Skinner James , Busulwa Ronalds , Dyson Judith , Brooke Joanne
Published: November 2024

While the relationship between crime, prisons and religion has been the subject of extensive research, the contemporary role and impact of prison chaplaincy remains a relatively under-explored area of study. This systematic literature review explored the role and impact of the prison chaplain. The role included pastoral and emotional support as well as religious, practical, and educational input. The impact included rehabilitation, creation of communities, calm, forgiveness and atonement.
Improving Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS): The Effect of a Patient-Centred Mobile Application and an Activity Tracker on Patient Engagement in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: van der Storm Sebastiaan L. , Jansen Marilou , Mulder Malou D. , Marsman Hendrik A. , Consten Esther C.J. , den Boer Frank C. , de Boer Hans D. , Bemelman Willem A. , Buskens Christianne J. , Schijven Marlies P. ,   on behalf of the ERAS APPtimize collaborative study group
Published: November 2024

Background

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol improved perioperative colorectal care. Although the protocol is firmly implemented across hospital settings, there are benefits to gain by actively involving patients in their recovery. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether compliance with selected items in the ERAS protocol could further improve by using a patient-centred mobile application.

Method

This multicentre, randomised controlled trial was conducted between October 2019 and September 2022. Patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective colorectal surgery, and in possession of a smartphone were included. The intervention group used a mobile application combined with an activity tracker to be guided and supported through the ERAS pathway. The control group received standard care and wore an activity tracker to monitor their daily activities. The primary outcome was overall compliance with selected active elements of the ERAS protocol.

Results

In total, 140 participants were randomised to either the intervention (n = 72) or control group (n = 68). The use of the ERAS App demonstrated a significant improvement in overall compliance by 10%, particularly in early solid food intake by 42% and early mobilization by 27%. Postoperative or patient reported outcomes did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

The smartphone application ‘ERAS App’ is able to improve adherence to the active elements of the ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery. This is an important step towards optimizing perioperative care for colorectal surgery patients and enabling patients to optimize being in control of their own recovery. Trial registration: ERAS APPtimize, NTR7314 ( https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL-OMON29410 ).
Late-Onset Familial Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Lupus Nephritis in an 82-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , Boukadida Raja , Sidina Emah , Zellama Dorsaf , Achour Abdellatif
Published: November 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rarely occurs in men of any age. Late-onset SLE (typically after the age of 50) presents special challenges. We report a case of SLE with renal involvement in a very old man. The patient, who was 82 years old, presented with acute kidney injury and a family history of SLE. He was diagnosed with lupus nephritis based on clinical criteria, although no renal biopsy was performed. After starting corticosteroid therapy, his condition improved markedly, with recovery of renal function and resolution of proteinuria and hematuria. The patient’s case is notable for its advanced age and familial context, with a milder form of lupus compared with his relatives. Despite the absence of severe kidney damage, the patient’s treatment with corticosteroids was effective, reflecting the unique and rare nature of this case.
3D thermodynamics and parameters analysis of the external combustion hot blast stove
Authors: Gan YuFeng , Lee Chichun , Wu Tiaoyuan , Chen Junjie , Gao Xiangdong
Published: November 2024

The external combustion hot blast stove is widely used in the steelmaking industry due to the advantage of providing a large amount of high-temperature and stable hot blast for blast furnaces. To research the thermal efficiency and stability of external combustion hot blast stoves, the non-equilibrium porous medium model coupled with transient thermal analysis is used to discuss the characteristics of two types of external combustion hot blast stoves during the cyclic operation process. In this paper, a comparison of the numerical data and in situ data during one cycle to ensure the accuracy of the calculation, which of the results showed that the temperature maximum relative error value is within 3%. The numerical results displayed that the velocity and temperature distribution of fluid are mainly affected by pressure, flow rate, cycle time, and geometric structure, where the hot blast temperature is affected by the cycle time but the distribution of velocity and relative pressure are affected by the height of hot blast branch. It can be concluded that the flow field and the structure of type A hot blast stove are more stable than that of type B by comparing the results of two types of hot blast stoves.
Confirming the Ladies’ Man: Brett Kavanaugh’s Performances of Masculinity
Authors: Dudas Mary J.
Published: November 2024

Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing occurred in the context of an increasingly partisan court deciding mega political questions. Kavanaugh’s private virtues, particularly his mentoring relationships with women and girls, were celebrated in a performance I call “the ladies’ man” to avoid rather than answer questions about a factional court. After Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations, Kavanaugh performed the aggrieved victim/hero, a performance of masculinity that paradoxically claimed to be within the law and justify vengeance outside the law. That the public performance of private gendered virtues was offered to foreclose questions about an attempt to govern through faction raises larger questions about the ostensible universality and neutrality of courts.
Anti-fracking protests and compliance with police: An examination of public opinion in the Anthropocene
Authors: Stretesky Paul , Short Damien , Martin Abigail
Published: November 2024

Few studies that investigate public views about compliance with police consider the environmental movement. The present study helps fill this gap in the literature by investigating attitudes about protester compliance with police at anti-fracking protests. Study data come from a representative sample of adults living in the United Kingdom ( n = 1051). Multivariate findings generated by ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and structural equation modelling show that the public is less likely to agree that anti-fracking protesters should obey police commands when they perceive that hydraulic fracturing is a risk. Moreover, views about hydraulic fracturing, the environment, protest and protesters all appear to influence perceptions that anti-fracking protest police act in ways that are procedurally (un)just. Procedural justice, in turn, is positively correlated with people’s attitudes that anti-fracking protesters should comply with police. These findings have important implications for future UK energy policy and state legitimacy.
User practices in dealing with trouble in interactions with virtual assistants in German: Repeating, altering and insisting
Authors: Reineke Silke , Helmer Henrike
Published: November 2024

Moments of trouble and miscommunication occur regularly when users interact with virtual assistants like smart speakers. To add to the understanding of how users treat moments of trouble in everyday interactions with a virtual assistant (VA) in German, this paper reports on a conversation analytic study of practices that users deploy after a request to a VA has failed. The repair sequences that we analyse show users orienting to different trouble sources and employing a range of practices to resolve trouble, including repeating, altering their formulations and formulating related (new) requests. Most often, troubles are resolved after one instance of repair. Other repair sequences include several instances of repair and show more complex and diverse practices being employed. In some of these sequences, users ‘insist’ on their initial goal and/or strategy and do not always observably orient to the VA’s local reactions. In these cases, the interactional history with the VA and previously successful requests seem to play a role as well in the users’ local conduct.
Real-world therapeutic performance of pirfenidone for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Yuan Xueting , Yu Chen , Liu Shengyun , Shu Qiang , Duan Xinwang , Tang Lin , Peng Liying , Zhou Shuang , Wu Chanyuan , Zhao Jiuliang , Xu Dong , Song Lan , Huang Hui , Li Mengtao , Wang Yanhong , Wang Qian , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: November 2024

Background:

Pirfenidone (PFD) is commonly applied for antifibrotic treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but has rarely been studied in cases with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILDs).

Objectives:

We aimed to examine the efficacy of PFD in patients with CTD-ILD based on real-world data.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study assessed the clinical features of CTD-ILD patients with or without a 6-month PFD treatment. A linear mixed effects model was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of PFD in alleviating lung function changes. Differences in response to PFD were analyzed based on CTD subtype, imaging classification, and pattern of pulmonary function at baseline.

Results:

A total of 289 patients with CTD-ILD were included, with 155 (53.6%) receiving PFD treatment and the remaining constituting the control group. Patients with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern were more likely to receive PFD treatment, and a relatively lower proportion of cases in the PFD group received immunosuppressive therapies compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, patients in the PFD group demonstrated a more significant improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (ΔFVC%: 2.9% vs 0.45%, p = 0.009; ΔDLCO%: 1.9% vs −1.1%, p = 0.004). In the linear mixed model analysis, there was a statistically significant group-time interaction between FVC% and DLCO% changes over time (FVC%: β = 4.52, p < 0.001; DLCO%: β = 4.13, p = 0.003). Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that pirfenidone may have superior therapeutic effects in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated ILD, non-UIP pattern, and restrictive pattern of lung function at baseline.

Conclusion:

This study provided real-world data demonstrating the effectiveness of PFD in terms of lung function improvement in patients with CTD-ILD.
Routes for GPs into clinical research
Authors: MacIver Ellen , Barry Eleanor
Published: November 2024

This article sets out to provide those considering speciality training in general practice, and those already established as GP trainees or GPs, with a framework to consider involvement in research. The world of academia can seem mysterious and inaccessible to the outsider, and this article aims to demystify the options for adding research to your career portfolio. Academic general practice can provide a complementary role to the busy, demanding challenges of clinical practice. Academic general practice brings something different to the day-to-day of clinical work, enabling us to think outside the confines of our consulting rooms, to engage with new ideas from a host of interdisciplinary perspectives, develop and contribute to change, shaping the context for future general practice.
Non-serious adverse events in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving etrasimod: an analysis of the phase II OASIS and phase III ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 clinical trials
Authors: Lees Charlie W. , Torres Joana , Leung Yvette , Vermeire Séverine , Fellmann Marc , Modesto Irene , McDonnell Aoibhinn , Lazin Krisztina , Keating Michael , Goetsch Martina , Wu Joseph , Loftus Edward V.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Etrasimod is an oral, once-daily (QD), selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)1,4,5 receptor modulator for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). It is known that non-serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) may not lead to UC drug discontinuation but can affect treatment tolerability.

Objectives:

This post hoc analysis evaluated the incidence of specific, common, non-serious TEAEs reported in the etrasimod UC clinical programme and the characteristics of affected patients.

Design:

Data included patients from the Placebo-controlled UC cohort (phase II OASIS, and phase III ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 trials) receiving QD etrasimod (2 or 1 mg) or placebo.

Methods:

Proportions and incidence rates (IRs; the number of patients with a TEAE divided by the total exposure in patient-years (PYs), per 100 PY) of Headache, Pyrexia, Nausea and Dizziness TEAEs were reported. Changes in heart rate among patients with Dizziness TEAEs were also evaluated.

Results:

Among 943 patients (etrasimod 2 mg, N = 577 (276.7 PY); etrasimod 1 mg, N = 52 (11.4 PY); placebo, N = 314 (115.1 PY)), 48, 34, 27 and 21 patients experienced events of Headache, Pyrexia, Nausea and Dizziness, respectively. All events were non-serious; one patient treated with etrasimod was discontinued due to a Pyrexia TEAE. Numerically, IRs of Headache and Dizziness TEAEs were higher, and Nausea slightly higher, with etrasimod versus placebo (13.45 vs 8.63 per 100 PY, 6.52 vs 1.69 and 7.18 vs 5.13 per 100 PY, respectively); IRs were similar for Pyrexia. The duration of most TEAEs was 1–10 days.

Conclusion:

In the etrasimod UC clinical programme, all Headache, Pyrexia, Nausea and Dizziness events were non-serious. Headache and Dizziness were more frequent, and Nausea slightly more frequent, among patients receiving etrasimod versus placebo. The post hoc nature of this analysis is a limitation. These results reiterate the favourable safety profile and tolerability of etrasimod.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02447302; NCT03945188; NCT03996369.
Hypothyroidism Predicts Fistula Development Following Salvage Oropharyngectomy
Authors: Prince Andrew D.P. , Huttinger Zachary M. , Heft-Neal Molly E. , Chinn Steven B. , Malloy Kelly M. , Stucken Chaz L. , Casper Keith A. , Prince Mark E.P. , Spector Matthew E. , Rosko Andrew J.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Previous work demonstrated postoperative hypothyroidism adversely affects wound healing in salvage laryngectomy. Currently, no studies have evaluated the association between wound healing and hypothyroidism in patients undergoing salvage oropharyngectomy.

Objective

The primary objective was studying hypothyroidism and other factors associated with oropharyngocutaneous fistula development and fistula requiring reoperation within 30 days after salvage oropharyngectomy.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Participants

All patients who underwent salvage oropharyngectomy for recurrent or second primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2001 and 2017 after radiation or chemoradiation. Patients with no preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values were excluded.

Exposures

Salvage oropharyngectomy for recurrent or second primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Main Outcomes Measures

The principle explanatory variable was postoperative hypothyroidism, defined as TSH greater than 5.5 mIU/L. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistical regression multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria, 37.7% of patients developed hypothyroidism, 18.9% developed a fistula, and 9.4% required an operation to manage the fistula. Postoperative fistula rate was 35% among hypothyroid patients, which was significantly greater than among euthyroid patients (9.1%; P = .03). A fistula requiring reoperation occurred in 20% of hypothyroid patients compared with that of euthyroid patients (3%; P = .061). In a multivariate analysis, postoperative hypothyroid patients were at a 9.5-fold increased risk of developing a fistula [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-57.0, P = .013]. Additionally, postoperative hypothyroid patients were at 13.6-fold increased risk for development of a fistula requiring reoperation (95% CI 1.2-160.5, P = .038).

Conclusions and Relevance

Postoperative hypothyroidism in patients who underwent salvage oropharyngectomy can predict fistula development and fistula requiring operative management. This study supports the treatment of hypothyroidism after surgery to reduce wound complications.
‘Assessing patients’ perception of the potential utility of visual function home monitoring app among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia’
Authors: Mofty Hanan Khalid , Abouammoh Marwan A , Al-Muqbil Hala A , AL-Zahrani Khaled S , AL-Ghasham Talhah M , Assiri Abdullah A , AL-Mnaizel Ahmad T , Mushcab Hayat S , Bokhary Kholoud A , Hogg Ruth E
Published: November 2024

Aims

To determine the acceptability and identify potential concerns and barriers of using a hypothetical smartphone application (app) for home monitoring (HM) of visual function among patients with diabetes.

Methods

Quantitative, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Patients diagnosed with diabetes aged between 20 and 70 years were included. The research was conducted across five regions in Saudi Arabia. The questions were adapted from a validated, published questionnaire and translated into Arabic. It focused on socio-demographic factors and barriers which associated with the acceptance of the hypothetical visual function HM app, using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 240 patients with diabetes participated in this study. About half of the participants (40.4%) ranged between 40 and 59 years; 42.5% were male, and most of the participants (93.8%) lived within 2 h of their healthcare facility. The rejection to the use of a hypothetical HM app was associated with increased age ( p = 0.025), lower education level ( p = 0.023), urbanicity ( p = 0.011), residing closer to health centres ( p = 0.021), and never experiencing telehealth services previously ( p = 0.025). Logistic regression revealed that accepting a hybrid clinic approach was more likely to be acceptable by younger patients (20–39 years: OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.82–13.82; p < 0.001; and 40–59 years: OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.084–5.00; p = 0.48), as well as patients who attended primary healthcare or specialised governmental clinics ( p = 0.038 and p = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusion

Factors that altered patients’ acceptance of the hypothetical app included their age, educational level, urbanicity, traveling distance, and telehealth experience. Therefore, careful consideration of acceptability and barriers is essential before implementing such an intervention.
Book review: Eswaran Sridharan, Elections, Parties, and Coalitions in India: Theory and Recent History
Authors: Borbora Abhinav Pankaj
Published: November 2024

Eswaran Sridharan, Elections, Parties, and Coalitions in India: Theory and Recent History. Permanent Black. 359 pages. ₹1095.
The Effect of C-Arm Position on Femoral Tunnel Placement in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Thürig Grégoire , Herbst Elmar , Deichsel Adrian , Peez Christian , Briese Thorben , Glasbrenner Johannes , Raschke Michael J. , Kittl Christoph
Published: November 2024

Background:

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a common treatment for patellar instability. Yet nearly 40% of revisions result from femoral tunnel misplacement. One reason may be the positioning of the C-arm relative to the knee.

Purpose:

To assess how the C-arm’s position affects femoral MPFL placement when the image receptor is positioned either contralateral or ipsilateral to the operated knee.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten human cadaveric knee specimens were dissected, and the femoral MPFL insertion site was identified and marked using a 10-mm eyelet. According to the possible clinical scenarios, true lateral radiographs in 2 different C-arm positions were taken. In the first scenario, the image receptor was on the ipsilateral side, being 5 cm away from the knee with the x-ray beam directed from medial to lateral (ML5). In the second scenario, the image receptor was on the contralateral side, being 25 cm away from the knee with the x-ray beam directed from lateral to medial (LM25). In each radiograph, the eyelet position was recorded and the distance (proximal-distal and anterior-posterior) from the optimal radiographic insertion point according to the literature was determined. Differences between the groups were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a P value of <.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The anatomic femoral MPFL insertion in the ML5-position was located a mean of 2.7 ± 2.4 mm proximal and 4.5 ± 5.5 mm anterior to the Schöttle point. This resulted in an absolute distance of 7.2 ± 3.0 mm. In the LM25-position, it was located a mean of –0.7 ± 1.8 mm distal and 3.0 ± 5.3 mm anterior, which resulted in an absolute distance of 5.4 ± 3.2 mm. The ML5 was located more anterior (1.5 ± 2.1 mm) and proximal (3.4 ± 2.4 mm) compared with the LM25 position. Measurements following methods described in the literature significantly differed in both axes in the LM25 view when compared with the ML5 view measurements ( P = .005).

Conclusion:

Compared with the ipsilateral C-arm position (ML5), the contralateral C-arm position (LM25) showed a smaller range with a lower standard deviation in identifying the femoral MPFL approach across all measurement methods.

Clinical Relevance:

When applying the method according to Schöttle et al to locate the femoral MPFL insertion point, it should be noted that in the proximal-distal orientation, the femoral MPFL insertion point is situated proximal to the Blumensaat line in the contralateral view (LM25). In contrast, when using the ipsilateral view (ML5), the femoral MPFL footprint is positioned just distal to the proximal edge of the medial condyle.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Versus Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chiu Si-Qi , Wong Chin-Chean , Chuang Andrew E.-Y. , Chen Chih-Hwa , Tan Cheng-Aun , Weng Pei-Wei
Published: November 2024

Background:

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) are treatment options for patients with medial spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK).

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes after UKA and HTO in patients with SONK.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 42 patients who had undergone Oxford UKA and 40 patients who had undergone opening-wedge HTO between 2014 and 2020. All patients were diagnosed with isolated medial SONK without subchondral collapse of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau. The patients were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated using the Lysholm knee scoring system, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and a numeric rating scale assessing patient satisfaction.

Results:

Patients in the UKA group were significantly older than those in the HTO group (median age, 71.5 years [IQR, 68.0-76.5 years] vs 65.0 years [IQR, 60.0-70.0 years], respectively; P < .001). The median follow-up time was 3.78 years (IQR, 2.45-4.53 years) for the UKA group and 3.87 years (IQR, 2.90-5.60 years) for the HTO group. Significant improvements in functional scores were observed in both the UKA and HTO groups ( P < .001 for all), with no significant between-group differences in scores at the final follow-up (≥2 years after surgery). The satisfaction rate was similar (80.95% for UKA and 75.0% for HTO).

Conclusion:

According to the study results, significant improvements in clinical outcomes were seen after opening-wedge HTO with microfracture for a younger group of patients with SONK without subchondral collapse, while Oxford UKA had a comparable effect on an older group of patients. Both UKA and HTO were found to be viable surgical approaches for SONK at short- to midterm follow-up.
Within-Respondent Alignment between Single-Choice and Mark-All-That-Apply Survey Measures for Sexual Identity
Authors: Pai Dashram , Zhu Yan Zhen , Pao Christina
Published: November 2024

With the rising disclosure of LGBTQ+ identities, there have been increasing efforts to capture inclusive sexual identity data. Commonly used survey measures are closed ended and single choice (i.e., “select one”) and may be restrictive for sexuality- and gender-diverse respondents. However, more expansive measures may be unwieldy to survey takers and analysts. In this data visualization, the authors compare single-choice and mark-all-that-apply measures for sexual identity. Using survey data ( n = 2,511) fielded in the United States and United Kingdom in 2022, the authors analyze within-respondent alignment of a single-choice measure and an expansive mark-all-that-apply measure for sexual identity. Responses were considered “aligned” when respondents provided identical information across both measures. Overall, alignment was 89 percent in the full sample, with the highest rate of alignment occurring among straight respondents. With the mark-all-that-apply measure, 3 percent of the sample selected multiple identities, and about 2 percent selected identities not found in the commonly used single-choice measure.
What are Juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis providers thoughts, experiences, and reasons for autologous stem cell transplant? Result of a multinational survey
Authors: Foeldvari Ivan , Branton Samantha , Li Suzanne C , Rosser Franziska J , Torok Kathryn S
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is a rare and life-threatening disease with no formal studies evaluating the indications for, access to, or benefits of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). As a first step toward understanding pediatric jSSc specialist thoughts and experiences with ASCT, we conducted a multinational survey.

Methods:

An electronic survey was developed and distributed in November 2023 to members of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES) and/or Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) pediatric scleroderma workgroups.

Results:

Twenty-nine (69%) jSSc specialists completed the survey. All participants have considered or would consider ASCT referral for a jSSc patient. Nearly all respondents indicated disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be trialed prior to ASCT referral, with most indicating two to four DMARDs. The most common reasons selected for referral were rapidly progressive disease (despite DMARD) (90%), followed by severe disease status (83%), and significant impact on quality of life (83%). All respondents selected pulmonary disease as an indication for referral, followed by cardiac (93%), gastrointestinal (72%), and skin disease (66%). While pulmonary and cardiac involvement were considered individually sufficient for referral for ASCT, only a minority considered musculoskeletal involvement (28%) sufficient on its own.

Conclusion:

This survey is the first explore thoughts and experience with ASCT for jSSc. Results indicate pediatric rheumatologists were aware of and would consider ASCT for their patients. Our results indicate there is likely some variability in clinical practice regarding who is referred for ASCT, and further research is needed to guide development of evidence-based clinical care guidelines.
The ‘Untouchable’ Communist and the Caste-Class Struggle in Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants
Authors: Beniwal Diksha , Chattopadhyay Sayan
Published: November 2024

This article analyses, through Sujatha Gidla’s memoir titled Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India (2017), whether the socio-economic subordination of dalits can be challenged by tackling class exploitation. Gidla’s book emphasises the Kambham family’s status as ‘untouchables’ in its very title by tracing the story of Gidla’s uncle K. G. Satyamurthy, who sought to combat class and caste exploitation with the ideology of Communism. The memoir highlights the intersectional functioning of the two oppressive structures, thus complicating the definition of subalternity, and one’s journey to emerge from it. This article probes the correlation between Satyam’s desire to fight class exploitation as a communist, his affinity with middle class political activism and his own desire for class mobility. Where does caste fit within the definition of class in terms of relations of production? Does contesting class exploitation automatically translate into battling caste? Where does social mobility fit within this complex of caste and class? Do these hierarchical structures run parallel or in tandem with one another to create an inescapable system of oppression? While analysing the complexity of dealing with caste and class, this article will examine whether Gidla’s uncle K. G. Satyamurthy’s polemics reconcile the two causes of fighting each of these structures.
Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Service Volume of Vitreoretinal Procedures: 2000 to 2021
Authors: Li Eric S. , Adelman Ron A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To characterize trends in service volume and inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement of vitreoretinal procedures over the past 2 decades. Methods: Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files were accessed to identify the number of allowed services for vitreoretinal procedures. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule was accessed to identify average annual national reimbursement rates. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate time trends for each procedure. All analyses were conducted using Prism 9.5.1 software with 2-sided significance testing and statistical significance set at P ≤ .05. Results: From 2000 to 2021, the 2-tailed Spearman correlation showed that 20 of 38 procedures had statistically significant decreases in service volume over time. Intravitreal injections increased more than 1000-fold, from 2922 in 2000 to 3 444 500 injections in 2021 (ρ = 0.997; P < .001). Panretinal photocoagulation treatments declined from 104 865 to 48 533 procedures (ρ = −0.966; P = .003). Scleral buckling declined from 6502 to 587 procedures (ρ = −0.999; P < .001). Pars plana vitrectomy–associated procedures increased from 71 039 to 95 429 (ρ = 0.691; P < .001). From 2000 to 2021, the 2-tailed Spearman correlation showed that 29 of 38 procedures had statistically significant decreases in reimbursement over time. No procedure had a significant increase in payment. Conclusions: Vitreoretinal practice patterns have changed dramatically over the past 2 decades, with significant declines in inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement for most procedures. Awareness of service volume and reimbursement trends is vital to assessing economic viability and patient coverage under the current Medicare payment policies.
Is blanqueamiento (whitening) an emerging concept in urban transformation?
Authors: Navarrete Escobedo David
Published: November 2024

The concept of “whitening” has emerged as a tool to describe processes of invisibilizing local social practices in favor of affluent, often white, foreign populations within Mexico City's central urban transformation. This article critically examines the relevance of whitening as an analytical framework compared to more established, albeit sometimes ambiguous, terms such as “gentrification”. The discussion focuses on three key areas: the impoverishment of urban vocabulary; the adaptation of foreign concepts in Latin America; and the limits of whitening as a concept. This comment argues that while whitening captures significant racial dynamics in urban transformations, its conceptual development is still nascent, making it insufficient to encompass the broader socioeconomic dimensions covered by gentrification. Unlike gentrification, which has been adapted to Latin American contexts to capture diverse forms of displacement and exclusion, whitening has yet to undergo such adaptation and remains limited in its geographic and temporal application. Additionally, the article discusses the risk of fragmenting urban discourse through the creation of neologisms that overlap with more established concepts. Whitening may offer valuable insights into racial aspects of urban change, but its application remains restricted compared to the more encompassing and versatile framework of gentrification, which addresses economic, demographic, and cultural changes in a comprehensive manner.
Microbial biopesticides are inhibited by honey bee royal jelly and in vitro larval diet
Authors: Schmehl Daniel R. , Larsen David , Gomez Camille , Ortego Lisa
Published: November 2024

The interest in and use of biological materials in crop production is increasing globally at a rapid pace. In many cases, testing methods for conventional chemicals are applied to microbial-based biopesticides because specific microbial test methods are lacking. However, not all methods are easily transferred to microbial-based products. An evaluation was conducted to determine if OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) Guidance Document No. 239 on honey bee larval toxicity could be adapted to microbial pesticides. In our study, five microbes, including B. pumilus, B. thuringiensis, B. velezensis, Paenibacillus larvae, and Ascophaera apis were grown on agar media and spotted with either honey bee in vitro larval diet or royal jelly. We observed that the honey bee larval bee diet and royal jelly did not inhibit the fungal honey bee pathogen Ascophaera apis, yet inhibited the growth of bacteria, including a known honey bee larval pathogen. This finding may make the test unreliable for certain biopesticides. The OECD is considering biopesticide-specific testing guidelines, and the EPA has indicated it to update itsbiopesticide bee test guidelines. However, additional research is needed to determine which options may be feasible and provide the best improvements.
Chromosome-scale assembly of apple mint (Mentha suaveolens)
Authors: Firl Alana , Lieberman Meric C. , Kippes Nestor , Tsai Helen , Dowd Eric , Comai Luca , Henry Isabelle M.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Mint oil is used in various commercial applications world-wide. Mint oil is typically harvested from commercial clones of peppermint or spearmints. Spearmints are the product of a cross between two diploid species: Mentha longifolia (horse mint) and Mentha suaveolens (apple mint). Peppermints are the product of an additional hybridization step between spearmint and an octoploid Mentha aquatica (water mint). Here, we present a chromosome-scale assembly of the genome of a clone of M. suaveolens. Together with the previously assembled genome of M. longifolia, these assemblies are instrumental in addressing questions regarding the origins of spearmint and peppermint oil and the genomic composition of commercial spearmints, and to start elaborating strategies for mint cultivar improvement.

Data description

A Falcon assembly of the genome of M. suaveolens was generated from 103X coverage of PacBio long reads. Additional scaffolding was conducted by Dovetail Genomics, using a Chicago library, and a HiC library. The resulting assembly had an N50 of 44.7 Mb, and 98.45% of the 536 Mb of the assembly were contained within 12 large superscaffolds. Finally, a genetic map was applied to correct persistent misjoins. Illumina RNA-Seq libraries from a variety of tissues were used to annotate the genome.
Assessing the impact of ecological, climatic, and socioeconomic factors on age-specific malaria incidence in India: a mixed-model approach using the Global Burden of Disease Study (2010–2019)
Authors: Padhi Bijaya K. , Gaidhane Abhay M. , Satapathy Prakasini , Bushi Ganesh , Ballal Suhas , Bansal Pooja , Tomar Balvir S. , Ashraf Ayash , Kumar M. Ravi , Rawat Pramod , Garout Mohammed , Aljebaly Fatimah S. , Sabour Amal A. , Alshiekheid Maha A. , Al Kaabi Nawal A. , Alrasheed Hayam A. , Al-Subaie Maha F. , Rabaan Ali A. , Saif Ahmed , Rustagi Sarvesh , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed , Shabil Muhammed
Published: November 2024

Background

Malaria continues to be a critical public health concern in India, predominantly driven by complex interplays of ecological, climatic, and socioeconomic factors.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the association between climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and malaria incidence across India from 2010 to 2019, utilizing data from the Global Historical Weather and Climate Data for climate metrics and the Global Burden of Disease Study for malaria incidence rates. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) with a Poisson distribution were employed to analyze the data, adjusting for socio-economic status, as indexed by the Human Development Index (HDI).

Results

The results indicated a declining trend in both the number of malaria cases and age-specific incidence rates (ASIR) over the study period. In 2010, India reported approximately 20.7 million cases with an ASIR of 1688.86 per 100,000 population, which significantly reduced to 9.8 million cases and an ASIR of 700.80 by 2019. High malaria incidence was consistently observed in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha, whereas Sikkim reported the lowest numbers. Statistical analysis identified significant associations between malaria incidence and both temperature deviations and precipitation levels, with variations also linked to HDI, suggesting better detection and reporting capabilities in more developed areas.

Conclusion

The study underscores the critical interactions between climatic variables and socio-economic factors in shaping the trends of malaria incidence across India. These findings highlight the necessity for adaptive, localized public health strategies that integrate environmental monitoring with socio-economic data to efficiently predict and manage malaria outbreaks.
Mapping normal faults on the outer slope of the western Kuril Trench based on recent seismic reflection and bathymetric data
Authors: No Tetsuo , Kodaira Shuichi , Imai Kentaro , Obana Koichiro , Fujie Gou , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Shiraishi Kazuya , Miura Ryo , Nakanishi Masao
Published: November 2024

To obtain novel information regarding normal faults that could cause tsunamis and large earthquakes on the outer slopes of the Kuril Trench, recently acquired multichannel seismic reflection (MCS) and bathymetric data are processed in this study to interpret the normal faults on the outer slope of the western Kuril Trench from near the Erimo Seamount to near the Nosappu Fracture Zone. This work also assesses the distribution and characteristics of the faults through comparisons with previous studies on the outer slope faults of the Japan Trench. The results of this study show that faulting starts approximately 100 km seaward of the trench axis, and a comparison with the normal fault distributions on the outer slope of the Japan Trench presented in previous studies reveals that the outer slope region of the Kuril Trench is narrower and more densely faulted than that of the Japan Trench. Additionally, the seismic and bathymetric data show that the Erimo and Takuyo-Daiichi Seamounts are deformed by normal faults. However, the number of faults in the seamount areas is lower than that in areas without them, which also affects the scale of the fault throws. The results of the MCS survey reveal that the thickness of the oceanic crust varies between 6 and 10 km due to the presence of these seamounts. Considering the positions of the outer swells presented in previous studies, the results suggest that the crustal and plate structures in the study area influence the distribution and formation of faults on the outer slope of the Kuril Trench.

Graphical Abstract
Organ-preserving embolization of a giant splenic hemangioma in an adult
Authors: Siderakis Manos , Dodoura Stamatia , Gkeneralis George , Kartsouni Viktoria , Gkeli Myrsini
Published: November 2024

Splenic hemangioma is a rare benign tumor, often found incidentally. Large hemangiomas bear a high risk of spontaneous rupture, an acute condition often life-threatening that requires immediate intervention. The spleen’s vital role in immunity and blood filtration mandates organ-preserving management of conditions such as hypersplenism or large lesions such as hemangiomas. A 51-year-old patient was referred to our department for abdominal pain due to a giant spleen hemangioma (6,6 × 6,3 × 5,6) cm in size. The patient was treated with hemangioma embolization through the splenic artery branches that fed the lesion, without any complications. Two years post-embolization the patient mentioned no symptoms and the hemangioma was measured (3 × 2) cm.

Background The patient was referred to our department due to the large size of the lesion and the patient’s preference to avoid surgery and maintain the spleen. Our case report aims to underline (a) the safety and feasibility of the protocol among interventional radiologists, surgeons, and patients, (b) the benefit of relieving symptoms without losing a vital organ, and (c) the lower complication rate and hospital days compared with surgery. There are few reported cases of embolization of large spleen hemangioma. While Choi et al. (BMC Pediatr. 2018 12;18(1):354) report a similar case in a child. This case report describes the procedure in a stable adult and provides a 2-year follow-up.

Graphical Abstract