bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteochondral autologous transplantation for large steroid-induced osteonecrosis lesion of the knee in a young patient yielding satisfactory results despite only partial coverage: a case report
Authors: Akai Shunsuke , Iseki Tomoya , Kanto Ryo , Iseki Takuya , Onishi Shintaro , Nakao Yoshitaka , Yoshiya Shinichi , Tachibana Toshiya , Nakayama Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) is one of the most common surgical options for osteochondral disorders of the knee. In cases where OAT is performed for steroid-induced osteonecrosis, there are several problems potentially affecting the surgical outcomes such as large chondral damage area and compromised host bone. In addition, steroid administration for a long period of time may lead to extensive lesion, which poses difficulty in obtaining sufficient donor tissue. Those factors affect the prognosis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis resulting in inferior treatment outcomes. We present a young female with a large steroid-induced osteonecrosis lesion repaired only with two osteochondral plugs harvested from the healthy area. The reported case indicates that only partial osteochondral grafting limiting to the weight-bearing area may yield satisfactory outcome when OAT is performed for large steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the knee.
Ring the yield: regulation of spike architecture by an E3 ubiquitin ligase in crops
Authors: Zhao Yusheng , Liu Zhiyong
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:

Zhang J, Li C, Li L, Xi Y, Wang J, Mao X, Jing R. 2023. RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase gene TaAIRP2-1B controls spike length in wheat. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5014–5025.
Genomic regions of durum wheat involved in water productivity
Authors: Zaïm Meryem , Sanchez-Garcia Miguel , Belkadi Bouchra , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim , Al Abdallat Ayed , Kehel Zakaria , Bassi Filippo M
Published: September 2023

Durum wheat is a staple food in the Mediterranean Basin, mostly cultivated under rainfed conditions. As such, the crop is often exposed to moisture stress. Therefore, the identification of genetic factors controlling the capacity of genotypes to convert moisture into grain yield (i.e., water productivity) is quintessential to stabilize production despite climatic variations. A global panel of 384 accessions was tested across 18 Mediterranean environments (in Morocco, Lebanon, and Jordan) representing a vast range of moisture levels. The accessions were assigned to water responsiveness classes, with genotypes ‘Responsive to Low Moisture’ reaching an average +1.5 kg ha–1 mm–1 yield advantage. Genome wide association studies revealed that six loci explained most of this variation. A second validation panel tested under moisture stress confirmed that carrying the positive allele at three loci on chromosomes 1B, 2A, and 7B generated an average water productivity gain of +2.2 kg ha–1 mm–1. These three loci were tagged by kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers, and these were used to screen a third independent validation panel composed of elites tested across moisture stressed sites. The three KASP combined predicted up to 10% of the variation for grain yield at 60% accuracy. These loci are now ready for molecular pyramiding and transfer across cultivars to improve the moisture conversion of durum wheat.
Characteristics of gamma-ray burst afterglows in the context of non-axisymmetric structured jets
Authors: Li Jin-Da , Gao He , Ai Shunke , Lei Wei-Hua
Published: September 2023

As the most energetic explosions in the Universe, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are commonly believed to be generated by relativistic jets. Recent observational evidence suggests that the jets producing GRBs are likely to have a structured nature. Some studies have suggested that non-axisymmetric structured jets may be formed through internal non-uniform magnetic dissipation processes or the precession of the central engine. In this study, we analyze the potential characteristics of GRB afterglows within the framework of non-axisymmetric structured jets. We simplify the profile of the asymmetric jet as a step function of the azimuth angle, dividing the entire jet into individual elements. By considering specific cases, we demonstrate that the velocity, energy, and line-of-sight direction of each jet element can greatly affect the behaviour of the overall light curve. The radiative contributions from multiple elements may lead to the appearance of multiple distinct peaks or plateaus in the light curve. Furthermore, fluctuations in the rising and declining segments of each peak can be observed. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for future investigations into the structural characteristics of GRBs by leveraging GRB afterglow data.
The dust enrichment of early galaxies in the JWST and ALMA era
Authors: Mauerhofer Valentin , Dayal Pratika
Published: September 2023

Recent observations with the JWST are yielding tantalizing hints of an early population of massive, bright galaxies at z > 10, with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations indicating significant dust masses as early as z ∼ 7. To understand the implications of these observations, we use the delphi semi-analytic model that jointly tracks the assembly of dark matter haloes and their baryons, including the key processes of dust enrichment. Our model employs only two redshift- and mass-independent free parameters (the maximum star formation efficiency and the fraction of supernova energy that couples to gas) that are tuned against all available galaxy data at z ∼ 5–9 before it is used to make predictions up to z ∼ 20. Our key results are: (i) the model underpredicts the observed ultraviolet luminosity function (UV LF) at z > 12, observations at z > 16 lie close to, or even above, a ‘maximal’ model where all available gas is turned into stars; (ii) UV selection would miss 34 per cent of the star formation rate density at z ∼ 5, decreasing to 17 per cent by z ∼ 10 for bright galaxies with ${M_{\rm UV}} \lt {-}19$; (iii) the dust mass (Md) evolves with the stellar mass (M*) and redshift as log (Md) = 1.194 log (M*) + 0.0975z − 5.433; (iv) the dust temperature increases with stellar mass, ranging between 30 and 33 K for M* ∼ 109–11 M⊙ galaxies at z ∼ 7. Finally, we predict the far-infrared LF at z ∼ 5–20, testable with ALMA observations, and caution that spectroscopic redshifts and dust masses must be pinned down before invoking unphysical extrema in galaxy formation models.
Model-agnostic cosmological constraints from the baryon acoustic oscillation feature in redshift space
Authors: Paranjape Aseem , Sheth Ravi K
Published: September 2023

We develop a framework for self-consistently extracting cosmological information from the clustering of tracers in redshift space, without relying on model-dependent templates to describe the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature. Our approach uses the recently proposed Laguerre reconstruction technique for the BAO feature and its linear point rLP, and substantially extends it to simultaneously model the multipoles ℓ = 0, 2, 4 of the anisotropic galaxy 2-point correlation function (2pcf). The approach is ‘model-agnostic’: it assumes that the nonlinear growth of structure smears the BAO feature by an approximately Gaussian kernel with a smearing scale σv, but does not assume any fiducial cosmology for describing the shape of the feature itself. Using mock observations for two realistic survey configurations assuming Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM), combined with Bayesian parameter inference, we show that the linear point rLP and smearing scale σv can be accurately recovered by our method in both existing and upcoming surveys. The precision of the recovery of rLP is always better than $1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, while σv can be recovered with $\lesssim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ uncertainty provided the linear galaxy bias b is separately constrained, e.g. using weak lensing observations. Our method is also sensitive to the linear growth rate f, albeit with larger uncertainties and systematic errors, especially for upcoming surveys such as DESI. We discuss how our model can be modified to improve the recovery of f, such that the resulting constraints on {f, σv, rLP} can potentially be used as a test of cosmological models including and beyond ΛCDM.
Evolution of fullerenes in circumstellar envelopes by carbon condensation: insights from reactive molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Meng Zhisen , Wang Zhao
Published: September 2023

Fullerenes, including C60 and C70, have been detected in various astronomical environments. Understanding how their structures evolve over time is essential for gaining insights into their life cycle and making further observations. To address this, we conducted reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the evolution of fullerenes in the circumstellar envelopes surrounding carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars. Our simulations employed a bottom-up chemistry scheme, wherein fullerenes grow by absorbing and condensing small carbon-based molecules. The results revealed the formation of different structures through heterogeneous reactions based on hydrogen concentration, leading to the emergence of onion-like nanostructures or single-layer fullerenes. To examine the impact of these structural changes on the infrared emission characteristics of fullerenes, we performed quantum chemical calculations. The results indicate that as fullerenes grow larger, additional emission features are introduced in the infrared spectrum. Moreover, two-layered fullerenes show noticeable blueshift or weakening effects on the bands associated with out-of-plane vibration modes.
Two mini-Neptunes transiting the adolescent K-star HIP 113103 confirmed with TESS and CHEOPS
Authors: Lowson N , Zhou G , Huang C X , Wright D J , Edwards B , Nabbie E , Venner A , Quinn S N , Collins K A , Gillen E , Battley M , Triaud A , Hellier C , Seager S , Winn J N , Jenkins J M , Wohler B , Shporer A , Schwarz R P , Murgas F , Pallé E , Anderson D R , West R G , Wittenmyer R A , Bowler B P , Horner J , Kane S R , Kielkopf J , Plavchan P , Zhang H , Fairnington T , Okumura J , Mengel M W , Addison B C
Published: September 2023

We report the discovery of two mini-Neptunes in near 2:1 resonance orbits (P = 7.610303 d for HIP 113103 b and P  = 14.245651 d for HIP 113103 c) around the adolescent K-star HIP 113103 (TIC 121490076). The planet system was first identified from the TESS mission, and was confirmed via additional photometric and spectroscopic observations, including a ∼17.5 h observation for the transits of both planets using ESA CHEOPS. We place ≤4.5 min and ≤2.5 min limits on the absence of transit timing variations over the 3 yr photometric baseline, allowing further constraints on the orbital eccentricities of the system beyond that available from the photometric transit duration alone. With a planetary radius of Rp  =  $1.829_{-0.067}^{+0.096}$ R⊕, HIP 113103 b resides within the radius gap, and this might provide invaluable information on the formation disparities between super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. Given the larger radius Rp  = $2.40_{-0.08}^{+0.10}$ R⊕ for HIP 113103 c, and close proximity of both planets to HIP 113103, it is likely that HIP 113103 b might have lost (or is still losing) its primordial atmosphere. We therefore present simulated atmospheric transmission spectra of both planets using JWST, HST, and Twinkle. It demonstrates a potential metallicity difference (due to differences in their evolution) would be a challenge to detect if the atmospheres are in chemical equilibrium. As one of the brightest multi sub-Neptune planet systems suitable for atmosphere follow up, HIP 113103 b and HIP 113103 c could provide insight on planetary evolution for the sub-Neptune K-star population.
Search for particle acceleration in two massive Wolf–Rayet stars using uGMRT observations
Authors: Saha Anindya , Tej Anandmayee , del Palacio Santiago , De Becker Michaël , Benaglia Paula , Ishwara-Chandra C H , Prajapati Prachi
Published: September 2023

Large wind kinetic power of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars make them ideal targets in low radio frequencies to search for non-thermal emission due to relativistic particle acceleration. In this paper, we present observations of two WR stars, WR 114 and WR 142, in Band 4 (550–950 MHz) and Band 5 (1050–1450 MHz) using the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope. Neither star is detected in the observed frequency bands, nor extended emission associated with them. The upper limit to the free–free radio emission from the stellar wind enables us to constrain the mass-loss rate of WR 114 to $\lesssim \rm 10^{-5}\, M_{ \odot }\, yr^{-1}$; this is a factor three smaller than previously estimated using spectroscopic modelling. If we further assume that the WR stars are binaries, the non-detection of synchrotron emission from the putative wind collision region implies that the stars are either in very wide binary systems away from periastron, or that the stars are in close binary systems with an orbital separation <70 AU for WR 114 and <20 AU for WR 142. The non-detection of low-frequency radio emission from these two systems thus provides evidence that narrows their nature, though it does not rule them out as bona fide particle-accelerating colliding-wind binaries.
The kinematics, metallicities, and orbits of six recently discovered Galactic star clusters with Magellan/M2FS spectroscopy
Authors: Pace Andrew B , Koposov Sergey E , Walker Matthew G , Caldwell Nelson , Mateo Mario , Olszewski Edward W , Roederer Ian U , Bailey John I , Belokurov Vasily , Kuehn Kyler , Li Ting S , Zucker Daniel B
Published: September 2023

We present Magellan/M2FS spectroscopy of four recently discovered Milky Way star clusters (Gran 3/Patchick 125, Gran 4, Garro 01, and LP 866) and two newly discovered open clusters (Gaia 9 and Gaia 10) at low Galactic latitudes. We measure line-of-sight velocities and stellar parameters ([Fe/H], log g, Teff, and [Mg/Fe]) from high-resolution spectroscopy centred on the Mg triplet and identify 20–80 members per star cluster. We determine the kinematics and chemical properties of each cluster and measure the systemic proper motion and orbital properties by utilizing Gaia astrometry. We find Gran 3 to be an old, metal-poor (mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = −1.83) globular cluster located in the Galactic bulge on a retrograde orbit. Gran 4 is an old, metal-poor ([Fe/H] = −1.84) globular cluster with a halo-like orbit that happens to be passing through the Galactic plane. The orbital properties of Gran 4 are consistent with the proposed LMS-1/Wukong and/or Helmi streams merger events. Garro 01 is metal-rich ([Fe/H] = −0.30) and on a near-circular orbit in the outer disc but its classification as an open cluster or globular cluster is ambiguous. Gaia 9 and Gaia 10 are among the most distant known open clusters at $R_{\mathrm{GC}}\sim 18,~21.2~\mathrm{\, kpc}$ and most metal-poor with [Fe/H] ∼−0.50, −0.34 for Gaia 9 and Gaia 10, respectively. LP 866 is a nearby, metal-rich open cluster ([Fe/H] = +0.10). The discovery and confirmation of multiple star clusters in the Galactic plane shows the power of Gaia astrometry and the star cluster census remains incomplete.
JWST/NIRSpec spectroscopy of z = 7–9 star-forming galaxies with CEERS: new insight into bright Lyα emitters in ionized bubbles
Authors: Tang Mengtao , Stark Daniel P , Chen Zuyi , Mason Charlotte , Topping Michael , Endsley Ryan , Senchyna Peter , Plat Adèle , Lu Ting-Yi , Whitler Lily , Robertson Brant , Charlot Stéphane
Published: September 2023

We describe new JWST/NIRSpec observations of galaxies at z ≳ 7 taken from the CEERS survey. Previous observations of this area have revealed associations of Lyα emitters at redshifts (z = 7.5, 7.7, and 8.7) where the intergalactic medium (IGM) is thought to be mostly neutral, leading to suggestions that these systems are situated in large ionized bubbles. We identify 21 z ≳ 7 galaxies with robust redshifts in the CEERS data set, including 10 in the Lyα associations. Their spectra are indicative of very highly ionized and metal poor gas, with line ratios (O32 = 17.84 and Ne3O2 = 0.89, linear scale) and metallicity ($12+\log {(\rm {O/H})}=7.84$) that are rarely seen at lower redshifts. We find that the most extreme spectral properties are found in the six z ≳ 7 Lyα emitters in the sample. Each has a hard ionizing spectrum indicating that their visibility is likely enhanced by efficient ionizing photon production. Lyα velocity offsets are found to be very large (≳300 km s−1), likely also contributing to their detectability. We find that Lyα in z ≳ 7 galaxies is 6–12 × weaker than in lower redshift samples with matched rest-optical spectral properties. If the bubbles around the Lyα emitters are relatively small (≲0.5–1 pMpc), we may expect such significant attenuation of Lyα in these ionized regions. We discuss several other effects that may contribute to weaker Lyα emission at z ≳ 7. Deep spectroscopy of fainter galaxies in the vicinity of the Lyα emitters will better characterize the physical scale of the ionized bubbles in this field.
Detectability of microlensed gravitational waves
Authors: Yeung Simon M C , Cheung Mark H Y , Seo Eungwang , Gais Joseph A J , Hannuksela Otto A , Li Tjonnie G F
Published: September 2023

Gravitational lensing describes the bending of the trajectories of light and gravitational waves due to the gravitational potential of a massive object. Strong lensing by galaxies can create multiple images with different overall amplifications, arrival times, and image types. If, furthermore, the gravitational wave encounters a star along its trajectory, microlensing will take place. Previously, it has been shown that the effects of microlenses on strongly-lensed type-I images could be negligible in practice, at least in the low magnification regime. In this work, we study the same effect on type-II strongly-lensed images by computing the microlensing amplification factor. As opposed to being magnified, type-II images are typically demagnified. Moreover, microlensing on top of type-II images induces larger mismatches with un-microlensed waveforms than type-I images. These results are broadly consistent with recent literature and serve to confirm the findings. In addition, we investigate the possibility of detecting and analysing microlensed signals through Bayesian parameter estimation with an isolated point mass lens template, which has been adopted in recent parameter estimation literature. In particular, we simulate gravitational waves microlensed by a microlens embedded in a galaxy potential near moderately magnified type-I and II macroimages, with variable lens masses, source parameters and macromagnifcations. Generally, an isolated point mass model could be used as an effective template to detect a type-II microlensed image but not for type-I images, demonstrating the necessity for more realistic microlensing search templates.
The impermanent fate of massive stars in AGN discs
Authors: Ali-Dib Mohamad , Lin Douglas N C
Published: September 2023

Stars are likely to form or to be captured in active galactic nucleus (AGN) discs. Their mass reaches an equilibrium when their rate of accretion is balanced by that of wind. If the exchanged gas is well mixed with the stellar core, this metabolic process would indefinitely sustain an ‘immortal’ state on the main sequence (MS) and pollute the disc with He byproducts. This theoretical extrapolation is inconsistent with the super-solar α element and Fe abundances inferred from the broad emission lines in AGNs with modest He concentration. We show this paradox can be resolved with a highly efficient retention of the He ashes or the suppression of chemical blending. The latter mechanism is robust in the geometrically thin dense sub-pc regions of the disc where the embedded-stars’ mass is limited by the gap-formation condition. These stars contain a radiative zone between their mass-exchange stellar surface and the nuclear-burning core. Insulation of the core lead to the gradual decrease of its H fuel and the stars’ equilibrium masses. These stars transition to their post-MS (PostMS) tracks on a chemical evolution time-scale of a few Myr. Subsequently, the triple-α and α-chain reactions generate α and Fe byproducts which are released into their natal discs. These PostMS stars also undergo core collapse, set off type II supernova, and leave behind a few solar-mass residual black holes or neutron stars.
Line profile of nuclear de-excitation gamma-ray emission from very hot plasma
Authors: Yoneda Hiroki , Aharonian Felix , Coppi Paolo , Siegert Thomas , Takahashi Tadayuki
Published: September 2023

De-excitation gamma-ray lines, produced by nuclei colliding with protons, provide information about astrophysical environments where particles have kinetic energies of 10–100 MeV per nucleon. In general, such environments can be categorized into two types: the interaction between non-thermal MeV cosmic rays and ambient gas, and the other is thermal plasma with a temperature above a few MeV. In this paper, we focus on the latter type and investigate the production of de-excitation gamma-ray lines in very hot thermal plasma, especially the dependence of the line profile on the plasma temperature. We have calculated the line profile of prompt gamma rays from 12C and 16O and found that when nuclei have a higher temperature than protons, gamma-ray line profiles can have a complex shape unique to each nucleus species. This is caused by anisotropic gamma-ray emission in the nucleus rest frame. We propose that the spectroscopy of nuclear de-excitation gamma-ray lines may enable to probe energy distribution in very hot astrophysical plasmas. This diagnostics can be a new and powerful technique to investigate the physical state of a two-temperature accretion flows onto a black hole, especially the energy distributions of the protons and nuclei, which are difficult to access for any other diagnostics.
Exploring the Bidirectional Causal Pathways Between Smoking Behaviors and Headache: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Lloyd Katherine , Harrison Sean , Sallis Hannah M , Davey Smith George , Munafò Marcus R , Wootton Robyn E
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Although observational data suggest a relationship between headache and smoking, there remain questions about causality. Smoking may increase headache risk, individuals may smoke to alleviate headaches, or smoking and headache may share common risk factors. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a method that uses genetic variants as instruments for making causal inferences about an exposure and an outcome.

Aims and Methods

First, we conducted logistic regression of observational data in UK Biobank assessing the association between smoking behaviors (smoking status, cigarettes per day amongst daily smokers, and lifetime smoking score) on the risk of self-reported headache (in the last month and for more than 3 months). Second, we used genetic instruments for smoking behaviors and headache (identified in independent genome-wide association studies [GWAS]) to perform bidirectional MR analysis.

Results

Observationally, there is a weak association between smoking behavior and experiencing headache, with increased cigarettes per day associated with increased headache risk. In the MR analysis, genetic liability to smoking initiation and lifetime smoking increased odds of headache in the last month but not odds of headaches lasting more than 3 months. In the opposite direction, there was weak evidence for higher genetic liability to headaches decreasing the chance of quitting.

Conclusions

There was weak evidence for a partially bidirectional causal relationship between smoking behaviors and headache in the last month. Given this relationship is distinct from smoking heaviness, it suggests headache and smoking may share common risk factors such as personality traits.

Implications

Using MR, this study addresses the uncertainty regarding the observed relationship between headache and smoking. There was evidence for weak causal effects of smoking initiation and lifetime smoking (but not smoking heaviness) on likelihood of experiencing headache in the last month, but not over a prolonged period of more than 3 months. Those with higher genetic liability to headaches were also less likely to successfully stop smoking. This partially bidirectional causal relationship distinct from smoking heaviness suggests that observed associations are unlikely due to biological effects of tobacco smoke exposure and may be explained by shared personality traits.
An easy-to-use high-throughput selection system for the discovery of recombinant protein binders from alternative scaffold libraries
Authors: Möller Marit , Jönsson Malin , Lundqvist Magnus , Hedin Blenda , Larsson Louise , Larsson Emma , Rockberg Johan , Uhlén Mathias , Lindbo Sarah , Tegel Hanna , Hober Sophia
Published: September 2023

Selection by phage display is a popular and widely used technique for the discovery of recombinant protein binders from large protein libraries for therapeutic use. The protein library is displayed on the surface of bacteriophages which are amplified using bacteria, preferably Escherichia coli, to enrich binders in several selection rounds. Traditionally, the so-called panning procedure during which the phages are incubated with the target protein, washed and eluted is done manually, limiting the throughput. High-throughput systems with automated panning already in use often require high-priced equipment. Moreover, the bottleneck of the selection process is usually the screening and characterization. Therefore, having a high-throughput panning procedure without a scaled screening platform does not necessarily increase the discovery rate. Here, we present an easy-to-use high-throughput selection system with automated panning using cost-efficient equipment integrated into a workflow with high-throughput sequencing and a tailored screening step using biolayer-interferometry. The workflow has been developed for selections using two recombinant libraries, ADAPT (Albumin-binding domain-derived affinity proteins) and CaRA (Calcium-regulated affinity) and has been evaluated for three new targets. The newly established semi-automated system drastically reduced the hands-on time and increased robustness while the selection outcome, when compared to manual handling, was very similar in deep sequencing analysis and generated binders in the nanomolar affinity range. The developed selection system has shown to be highly versatile and has the potential to be applied to other binding domains for the discovery of new protein binders.
Similarity in functional connectome architecture predicts teenage grit
Authors: Park Sujin , Park Daeun , Kim M Justin
Published: September 2023

Grit is a personality trait that encapsulates the tendency to persevere and maintain consistent interest for long-term goals. While prior studies found that grit predicts positive behavioral outcomes, there is a paucity of work providing explanatory evidence from a neurodevelopmental perspective. Based on previous research suggesting the utility of the functional connectome (FC) as a developmental measure, we tested the idea that individual differences in grit might be, in part, rooted in brain development in adolescence and emerging adulthood (N = 64, 11–19 years of age). Our analysis showed that grit was associated with connectome stability across conditions and connectome similarity across individuals. Notably, inter-subject representational similarity analysis revealed that teenagers who were grittier shared similar FC architecture with each other, more so than those with lower grit. Our findings suggest that individuals with high levels of grit are more likely to exhibit a converging pattern of whole-brain functional connectivity, which may underpin subsequent beneficial behavioral outcomes.
Mothers exhibit higher neural activity in gaining rewards for their children than for themselves
Authors: Zhang Yan , Rong Yachao , Wei Ping
Published: September 2023

Are people willing to exert greater effort to obtain rewards for their children than they are for themselves? Although previous studies have demonstrated that social distance influences neural responses to altruistic reward processing, the distinction between winning rewards for oneself and winning them for one’s child is unclear. In the present study, a group of 31 mothers performed a monetary incentive delay task in which cue-induced reward anticipations of winning a reward for themselves, their children and donation to a charity program were manipulated trial-wise, followed by performance-contingent feedback. Behaviorally, the anticipation of winning a reward for their children accelerated participants’ responses. Importantly, the electroencephalogram results revealed that across the reward anticipation and consumption phases, the child condition elicited comparable or higher brain responses of participants than the self condition did. The source localization results showed that participants’ reward anticipations for their children were associated with more activation in the social brain regions, compared to winning a reward for themselves or a charity donation. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of altruistic reward processing and suggest that the priority of winning a reward for one’s child may transcend the limits of the self-advantage effect in reward processing.
A Culture of White Violence: The Enduring Impact of Slavery on Contemporary Interracial Killings
Authors: Reid Jonathan C
Published: September 2023

While the literature has documented various factors influencing the geographic distribution of interracial homicide, little is known about the role of historical antecedents. This article deepens our understanding of interracial homicide by investigating the relationship between slavery and contemporary interracial killings in the American South. The study draws on historical accounts of race-making and Black dehumanization to argue that slavery provided a fertile backdrop for the emergence of a culture of White interracial violence. Slavery’s legacy in this regard is expected to influence contemporary rates of White interracial homicide but not impact other racial homicide outcomes. Findings from county-level negative binomial regression models support these predictions, revealing a significant association between the historical legacy of slavery and higher rates of White-on-Black Southern killings. Conversely, slavery does not influence other race-specific homicide patterns, including Black-on-White, White-on-White, and Black-on-Black homicide.
NANN Membership Recommendations
Authors: Vance Ashlee J. , Farmer Meredith L. , D'Agata Amy , Moore Tiffany , Esser Media , Fortney Christine A.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Neonatal care has advanced significantly in recent years, yet racial health inequities persist in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with infants from racial and ethnic minority groups less likely to receive recommended treatment. Healthcare providers acknowledge that there are steps that can be taken to increase knowledge and awareness regarding health inequities.

Purpose:

To better understand current health equity–related initiatives in the neonatal community and solicit feedback from National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) membership about advancing racial equity within the organization.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2021. The anonymous, onetime survey was distributed to active NANN members via SurveyMonkey and included questions related to racial equity initiatives, recommendations, and demographics. Data analysis was conducted using an exploratory approach using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis was used to summarize responses to open-ended questions.

Results:

There were 325 members who completed the full survey, of whom were White (83%), female (96%), staff nurses (42%), and those with more than 16 years of experience (69%), and most (69%) were familiar with NANN's racial equity position statement. Recommendations were summarized into the following themes: (1) research, (2) education, (3) workforce diversity, (4) communication, (5) scholarships, (6) resources, and (7) community outreach.

Implications for Practice and Research:

NANN members offered clear and actionable recommendations to advance health equity within the neonatal community and organization, which included offering more diversity, inclusion, and equity education at the annual conferences, in ANC articles, and newsletters, and the creation of scholarships or reduced membership fees to encourage diverse enrollment in the organization.
Abduction Bracing Following Anterior Open Reduction for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Does Not Improve Residual Dysplasia or Reduce Secondary Surgery
Authors: Kak Arnav , Morris William Z. , Mayfield Laura M. , Jo Chan-Hee , Kim Harry K.W.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Abduction bracing is commonly used following open reduction and spica casting of developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, there is little evidence to support or refute this practice that carries associated cost and burden for families. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of abduction bracing after open reduction in improving the acetabular dysplasia and reducing the rate of secondary surgery for residual dysplasia.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients treated with open reduction at a single tertiary referral center. Demographic data, severity of dislocation [International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) class], age at reduction, and casting duration were obtained. Patients were prescribed no bracing, part-time (≤18 h/d), or full-time (≥20 h/d) brace wear based on surgeon preference. Acetabular index (AI) measurements were obtained at cast removal and at 2- and 4-year follow-up.

Results:

A total of 146 hips underwent open reduction with 61% (89/146) of hips treated with abduction bracing. There was no difference between braced and nonbraced cohorts with regards to sex, age at time of reduction, dislocation severity, cast duration, immediate postcasting AI, or incidence of medial open reduction. There was no difference in hips treated with or without brace following open reduction with regards to AI at 2 years postreduction (31.8±6.7 vs. 30.4±6.1 degrees, P=0.27) or at 4 years postreduction (24.9±6.5 vs. 24.7±6.5 degrees, P=0.97). However, further analysis showed lower mean AI at 2-year follow-up for braced versus nonbraced patients following medial open reduction (30.0±5.7 vs. 34.5±7.0 degrees, P=0.02). This difference was no longer present at 4-year follow-up (26.6±6.8 vs. 24.2±6.6 degrees, P=0.44). However, 4/19 (21%) nonbraced hips underwent secondary surgery for residual dysplasia and were consequently excluded from the AI measurement at 4 years postreduction (compared with 4/39 [10%] braced hips within the same time period). There was no difference in the rate of secondary surgery between braced and nonbraced hips (30% vs. 33%, respectively, P=0.70). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that neither IHDI classification, bracing, nor age at reduction predicted residual dysplasia.

Conclusions:

Abduction bracing following anterior open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip is not associated with decreased residual dysplasia at 2/4 years postreduction or with decreased secondary surgery. These results suggest that abduction bracing following anterior open reduction may not provide clinical benefit. However, abduction bracing may be beneficial following medial open reduction. A prospective study is necessary to provide more definitive recommendations.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—therapeutic study.
Quantifying Typical Progression of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Labrom Fraser R. , Izatt Maree T. , Askin Geoffrey N. , Labrom Robert D. , Claus Andrew P. , Little J. Paige
Published: September 2023

Study Design.

A prospective cohort study.

Objective.

Detail typical three-dimensional segmental deformities and their rates of change that occur within developing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) spines over multiple timepoints.

Summary of Background Data.

AIS is a potentially progressive deforming condition that occurs in three dimensions of the scoliotic spine during periods of growth. However, there remains a gap for multiple timepoint segmental deformity analysis in AIS cohorts during development.

Materials and Methods.

Thirty-six female patients with Lenke 1 AIS curves underwent two to six sequential magnetic resonance images. Scans were reformatted to produce images in orthogonal dimensions. Wedging angles and rotatory values were measured for segmental elements within the major curve. Two-tailed, paired t tests compared morphologic differences between sequential scans. Rates of change were calculated for variables given the actual time between successive scans. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined for multidimensional deformity measurements.

Results.

Vertebral bodies were typically coronally convexly wedged, locally lordotic, convexly axially rotated, and demonstrated evidence of local mechanical torsion. Between the first and final scans, apical measures of coronal wedging and axial rotation were all greater in both vertebral and intervertebral disk morphology than nonapical regions (all reaching differences where P<0.05). No measures of sagittal deformity demonstrated a statistically significant change between scans. Cross-planar correlations were predominantly apparent between coronal and axial planes, with sagittal plane parameters rarely correlating across dimensions. Rates of segmental deformity changes between earlier scans were characterized by coronal plane convex wedging and convexly directed axial rotation. The major locally lordotic deformity changes that did occur in the sagittal plane were static between scans.

Conclusions.

This novel investigation documented a three-dimensional characterization of segmental elements of the growing AIS spine and reported these changes across multiple timepoints. Segmental elements are typically deformed from initial presentation, and subsequent changes occur in separate orthogonal planes at unique times.
Cellular responses after (neratinib plus pemetrexed) exposure in NSCLC cells
Authors: Booth Laurence , Poklepovic Andrew , Hancock John F. , Dent Paul
Published: September 2023

We previously demonstrated that neratinib interacted with pemetrexed to kill non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. From developing other drug combinations, we observed that several days following exposure, cells activated survival mechanisms to counteract drug toxicity. The present studies attempted to define mechanisms that evolve to reduce the efficacy of neratinib and pemetrexed. Neratinib and pemetrexed synergized to kill NSCLC cells expressing wild-type RAS proteins, mutant KRAS (G12S; Q61H; G12A and G12C) or mutant NRAS (Q61K) or mutant ERBB1 (L858R; L858R T790M and exon 19 deletion). Neratinib and pemetrexed interacted in a greater than additive fashion to kill after 24 h, and after a further 24 h culture in the absence of drugs. Mutant KRAS G12V was more cytoprotective than either activated MEK1 or activated AKT. Knockdown of mutant KRAS reduced drug combination killing at the 48 h timepoint. Despite culture for 24 h in the absence of the drugs, the expression and activities of ERBB1, ERBB2 and ERBB4 remained significantly lower as did the activities of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 and mTORC2. The drug combination reduced KRAS and NRAS levels for 24 h, however, in the absence of the drugs, RAS levels had normalized by 48 h. Expression of Beclin1 and ATG5 remained elevated and of MCL1 and BCL-XL lower. No evolutionary activations of survival signaling by ERBB3, c-KIT, c-MET or PDGFRβ or in intracellular signaling pathways were observed. These findings argue against the development of ‘early’ resistance mechanisms after neratinib and pemetrexed exposure. Future studies will be required to understand how NSCLC cells become resistant to neratinib and pemetrexed.
Resilience and its related factors among women with breast cancer
Authors: Ostadi-sefidan Hossein , Faroughi Farnaz , Fathnezhad-Kazemi Azita
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Breast cancer is the most challenging disease, and the level of resilience in patients determines their ability to cope with the arising stress. There is relatively limited information on the resilience of patients in clinical settings. Our study aims were to evaluate the extent of resilience and identify factors that predict resilience in women with breast cancer.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 218 women with breast cancer who were referred to the Oncology clinic in 2022. The participants completed three scales, namely the Conner-Davidson Resilience, Schneider’s Life Expectancy, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, along with sociodemographic information. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multiple linear regression were used to explore the predictors of resilience.

Result

The mean (SD) scores for resilience, social support, and hope were 59.22 (17.25), 38.53 (6.19), and 59.37 (16.68), respectively. Based on analysis 50.8% of the variations in resilience could be explained by 6 variables including social support, hope, women’s age, employment, and income status as well as the stage of illness (R2
adj = 0.508, P < 0.001). Employment status and disease stage did not show a significant relationship with resilience and social support was the factor with the highest impact on resilience (β = 0.516, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed social support, hope, age, and income level predict significant resilience in women with breast cancer. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering strong support networks, cultivating a hopeful mindset, embracing life’s transitions, and addressing financial considerations in the pursuit of enhanced resilience.
Individualised positive end-expiratory pressure titrated intra-operatively by electrical impedance tomography optimises pulmonary mechanics and reduces postoperative atelectasis
Authors: Ma Xiaojing , Fu Yunke , Piao Xiangmei , De Santis Santiago Roberta Ribeiro , Ma Libin , Guo Ying , Fu Qiang , Mi Weidong , Berra Lorenzo , Zhang Changsheng
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

A protective intra-operative lung ventilation strategy has been widely recommended for laparoscopic surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and its effects during pneumoperitoneum. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has recently been introduced as a bedside tool to monitor lung ventilation in real-time.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesised that individually titrated EIT-PEEP adjusted to the surgical intervention would improve respiratory mechanics during and after surgery.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing.

PATIENTS

Seventy-five patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery under general anaesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned 2 : 1 to individualised EIT-titrated PEEP (PEEPEIT; n = 50) or traditional PEEP 5 cmH2O (PEEP5 cmH2O; n = 25). The PEEPEIT group received individually titrated EIT-PEEP during pneumoperitoneum. The PEEP5 cmH2O group received PEEP of 5 cmH2O during pneumoperitoneum.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was respiratory system compliance during laparoscopic surgery. Secondary outcomes were individualised PEEP levels, oxygenation, respiratory and haemodynamic status, and occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) within 7 days.

RESULTS

Compared with PEEP5 cmH2O, patients who received PEEPEIT had higher respiratory system compliance (mean values during surgery of 44.3 ± 11.3 vs. 31.9 ± 6.6, ml cmH2O−1; P < 0.001), lower driving pressure (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 14.0 ± 2.4 cmH2O; P < 0.001), better oxygenation (mean P
aO2/FiO2 427.5 ± 28.6 vs. 366.8 ± 36.4; P = 0.003), and less postoperative atelectasis (19.4 ± 1.6 vs. 46.3 ± 14.8 g of lung tissue mass; P = 0.003). Haemodynamic values did not differ significantly between the groups. No adverse effects were observed during surgery.

CONCLUSION

Individualised PEEP by EIT may improve intra-operative pulmonary mechanics and oxygenation without impairing haemodynamic stability, and decrease postoperative atelectasis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) identifier: ChiCTR2100045166.
An Experimental Model Exhibiting Anterograde and Retrograde Vascular Occlusion of Facial Fillers to Avoid Vision Loss
Authors: Scott Gabriel , Khonda Meghana , Hsu Tammy , Rivkin Alexander , Frank Konstantin , Fezza John , Woodward Julie
Published: September 2023

Background:

Facial filler injection techniques that help decrease the risk of vascular occlusion are an important growing area of study. This study demonstrates a model of injecting fillers into a simulated bifurcated arterial system, using different sized needle gauges at a constant injection pressure.

Methods:

Three facial fillers were injected into a bifurcated intravenous tubing with continuous irrigation at a constant pressure to simulate a vascular system. Videography was used to observe for retrograde flow through the simulated supratrochlear artery to the bifurcation point, where the filler was redirected by anterograde flow into the branch representing the ophthalmic artery.

Results:

Filler injection with retrograde flow to the bifurcation occurred with all the 27G needle trials. In comparison, the 30G needle trials were only able to reach the bifurcation point in three of the nine trials. The average time to the bifurcation point with subsequent ophthalmic artery anterograde flow with the 27G and 30G needles were 8.44 (95% confidence interval ±2.06) and 33.33 (95% confidence interval ±16.56) seconds, respectively.

Conclusions:

Larger 27G needles consistently reached retrograde flow and the bifurcation point faster than 30G needles. This study suggests thinner needles may be less likely to cause retrograde occlusion.
Ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring for cardiovascular disease risk evaluation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Antza Christina , Kotsis Vasileios
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The aim of this work was to systematically review the level of evidence based on prospective cohort studies investigating the role of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction.

Methods:

Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The Der Simonian and Laird's random-effects model with standard error adjustment using the Knapp-Hartung method was used.

Results:

SBP from ABPM and HBPM was significantly and positively associated with CVD risk [combinedhazard ratio per 1-SD SBP, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.32, 1.19–1.45,I2 = 35.8%, and 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.49,I2 = 79.1%, respectively], after adjusting for office BP levels and other potential confounders. DBP from both ABPM and HBPM was positively associated with CVD risk (combinedhazard ratio per 1-SD DBP, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.01–1.29,I2 = 73.1% and 1.21, 1.05–1.37,I2 = 84.5%, respectively).

Conclusion:

BP either from ABPM or HBPM could predict CVD risk. As so, at least one of out-of-office BP measurements have to be taken into account during the evaluation of the hypertensive population.