bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 inhibits inflammation and pyroptosis to alleviate sepsis injury
Authors: Zou Zhizhen , Deng Xiling , Zhang Jie , Dong Jiangtao , Xu Fang , Zhang Hui , Zhao Zhengyong , Liu Xiaoling , Liang Su , Wu Jiangdong , Zhang Le , Wu Fang , Zhang Wanjiang
Published: April 2024

Liver and lung tissue damage caused by sepsis is still one of the causes of death. B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) has a protective role in inflammation-related disease. However, whether Blimp-1 can regulate cell pyroptosis and affect disease progression in sepsis is still unclear. Animal and cell models were established by the cecal ligation and puncture method and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells, respectively, and the role of Blimp-1 in regulation inflammatory response and pyroptosis was verified. The changes of inflammation and pyroptosis in liver and lung tissues of septic mice were determined by the addition of TAK-242 (TLR4 inhibitor). Cell pyroptosis and the level of inflammation was detected after Blimp-1 knockdown and TAK-242 treatment in the cell model. The expression of Blimp-1 was continuously increased in a septic mice model. After treatment with TAK-242, the expression of Blimp-1, pyroptosis and inflammatory levels were reduced in mice. In the LPS-induced cell model, cell injury by knockout Blimp-1 was increased, and cell activity was restored after TAK-242 intervention. Overexpression of Blimp-1 relieved LPS-induced cellular inflammatory damage and pyroptosis. Our study had shown that Blimp-1 could improve septic damage by regulating the level of cellular inflammation and pyroptosis in sepsis.
Examining the Effects of Green Human Resource Management Practices, Green Psychological Climate, and Organizational Pride on Employees’ Voluntary Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Zafar Hina , Suseno Yuliani
Published: April 2024

Drawing on social exchange theory and social identity theory, we examined a sequential mediation process linking green human resource management practices and employees’ voluntary pro-environmental behavior. We also considered the aspects of green psychological climate and organizational pride in the relationship between green human resource management practices and voluntary pro-environmental behavior. Through the analysis of data from 459 employees and their 109 respective managers working in Pakistan’s textile industry, we found that a green psychological climate mediates the relationship between green human resource management practices and organizational pride. We also found that green psychological climate and organizational pride sequentially mediate the relationship between green human resource management practices and employees’ voluntary pro-environmental behavior. The findings of the study provide important implications for theory and practice, as they offer insights into how organizations can effectively implement green human resource management practices and encourage their employees to engage in voluntary pro-environmental behavior.
Retinal OCT biomarkers associated with reading performance in patients with persistent vs. resolved diabetic macular edema
Authors: Ricardi Federico , Reccalenda Ilaria , Boscia Giacomo , Gelormini Francesco , Cimorosi Francesca , Novarese Cristina , Marolo Paola , Parisi Guglielmo , Bandello Francesco , Borrelli Enrico , Reibaldi Michele
Published: April 2024

Background

Recent advancements in imaging technologies, particularly structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), have improved the understanding of diabetic macular edema (DME) pathophysiology and provided valuable biomarkers for disease progression and visual outcomes. This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between specific retinal biomarkers identified through OCT imaging and reading performance metrics in patients with previously treated persistent versus resolved DME and good visual acuity.

Methods

Forty-nine eyes from 35 patients with a history of DME were enrolled. Reading performance was assessed using the Radner reading charts, which include standardized sentences with geometrically progressing print sizes. Structural alterations in the inner and outer retina, as well as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), were graded based on OCT images.

Results

Reading performance, measured as maximum reading speed, was associated with specific retinal biomarkers. The disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the parafoveal region and the presence of disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL) in the parafovea were correlated with reduced reading speed. These associations were independent of the presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid.

Conclusions

Understanding the relationship between retinal biomarkers and reading performance could contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of visual function and quality of life in patients with DME, leading to better management strategies and treatment outcomes.
Camouflaging, not sensory processing or autistic identity, predicts eating disorder symptoms in autistic adults
Authors: Bradley Siofra , Moore Fhionna , Duffy Fiona , Clark Lili , Suratwala Tasha , Knightsmith Pooky , Gillespie-Smith Karri
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the role that Autistic identity, sensory processing and camouflaging behaviours have on eating disorder symptomology in Autistic adults. Previous research has focused on cognitive and sensory factors to explain the association between autism and eating disorders, but the roles of social identity and camouflaging are yet to be explored. Autistic participants ( N = 180) were recruited from NHS settings and community groups. The participants completed online questionnaires measuring autistic identity, camouflaging behaviours, sensory processing, autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. Multiple regression revealed that camouflaging significantly predicted eating disorder symptoms. Although sensory processing was related, it did not significantly predict eating disorder symptom severity. In addition, there was no significant relationship between autistic identity and eating disorder symptom severity. This study highlights the impact that camouflaging behaviours and sensory processing can have on eating disorder symptomatology in autism and may indicate important considerations for the treatment of eating disorders in Autistic people.

Lay Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of Autistic identity (i.e. feeling like you belong to the Autistic community), sensory profiles (e.g. being over or under responsive to sensations) and camouflaging behaviours (i.e. masking) on eating disorder symptoms in Autistic adults. 180 Autistic people were recruited from the community and NHS. The Autistic people completed online questionnaires measuring Autistic identity, sensory profiles, camouflaging behaviours, autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. The analysis showed that higher levels of camouflaging behaviour predicted higher levels of eating disorder symptoms. Sensory profiles were related to but did not predict eating disorder symptoms and there was no relationship between level of Autistic identity and eating disorder symptoms. This shows that camouflaging is the most important predictor of eating disorder symptoms in Autistic people, and warrants further exploration.
Viral sexualities, viral songs: Queer musical interventions in the AIDS crisis in Turkey
Authors: Altınay Rüstem Ertuğ
Published: April 2024

The AIDS crisis was a global phenomenon, but the ways individuals responded to the crisis reflected local histories and sociopolitical dynamics. This was particularly true for musical productions. Turkey’s first high-profile HIV patient Murtaza Elgin’s albums demonstrate how queer cultural producers and their allies used stigmatized popular music genres to intervene in the AIDS crisis. The albums show how such collaborative projects become a site for artists diagnosed with HIV to resist criminalization and abjection, build artistic, social, and economic solidarity, mobilize affect for sociopolitical change, and develop a broader critique of homophobia and transphobia.
Differentiating space invaders: Negotiating ‘the migrant’ through moving difference
Authors: Martins Junior Angelo
Published: April 2024

This article extends and applies the concept ‘space invaders’ to the intersections between processes of social differentiation and international migration. Drawing on empirical research in London that combined an 18-month ethnography in places of leisure with 33 in-depth interviews with Brazilians, it focuses on how different Brazilians try to value themselves within the political environment of the United Kingdom that degrades and stigmatises the racialised, classed and legal category of ‘the migrant’, or ‘the space invader’. The article argues that the concept ‘space invaders’ makes visible the ways in which differences, rooted in the colonial and postcolonial history of Brazil, are reconstituted in new processes of social differentiation and racialisation when Brazilians move to London. This allows us to frame migratory experiences beyond generalising and homogenising representations.
Unravelling the microplastic contamination: A comprehensive analysis of microplastics in indoor house dust
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Microplastics (MPs), measuring less than 5 mm, have been causing environmental concerns in aquatic ecosystems, and less work has been done in indoor environments, where humans spend most of their lives. This finding revealed a diverse range of MPs within indoor house dust samples. These MPs encompassed fibres, fragments, foams, pellets and films. Due to the ubiquity of textile-based items, fibres are the most common indoor MP. The MPs have different colours like black, red, blue, yellow, white and brown. The study revealed there were substantial differences in MP sizes across different households. The average size range was 178.87–3713.99 µm. One hundred eighteen particles were identified as MPs. The study identified 22 types of MPs, shedding light on these materials’ extensive sources and applications in everyday household items. MPs in indoor environments raise concerns about potential human exposure and underscore the need for further research into their health implications. The MPs found in most indoor house samples were low-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene and polystyrene. Carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, sodium, sulphur, potassium, calcium, zinc, oxygen and magnesium were the common elements in all indoor house dust samples. Compared with the active sampling, slightly more work has been done on the indoor house dust samples.
Sales of tobacco and nicotine replacement therapy products, especially nicotine pouches, increased in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aro Miia , Sandström Patrick , Ståhl Timo , Ollila Hanna , Ruokolainen Otto , Kurko Terhi , Keski-Kuha Teemu , Vasankari Tuula
Published: April 2024

Aim: Some previous studies suggest that the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products overall declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the results are mixed. We investigated tobacco and nicotine product sales in Finland, including the sales of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Our particular focus was on nicotine pouches used as NRT. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sales of tobacco and NRT products in 2020 by comparing the sales to the previous year. Methods: The data were derived from a large sales group (S group) in Finland, representing 46% of the market share in grocery trade in 2020. The gross weekly sales of tobacco (cigarettes, loose tobacco) and NRT (patches, inhalers, tablets, gum and “other”, consisting mainly of nicotine pouches) were retrieved from February to December 2020 from 1062 points of sale throughout the country and compared to the same period in 2019. Results: During this period, there was a significant increase in cigarette sales. Moreover, the sales of NRT were significantly higher throughout 2020 compared with 2019. Specifically, the sales of nicotine pouches sold as NRT increased, especially after the travel restrictions in Finland were initiated and the national boundaries closed in the spring of 2020. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland, the sales of cigarettes and NRT products increased, especially those of nicotine pouches sold as NRT. Our findings call for further research to reveal the factors leading to this increase and to determine whether the situation is long-standing.
The relationship between digital orientation, organizational ambidexterity, and growth strategies of rural SMEs in time of crisis
Authors: Joensuu-Salo Sanna , Viljamaa Anmari
Published: April 2024

The rapidly changing digital landscape presents a new context highlighting growth strategies and organizational ambidexterity. This research explores the interaction between growth strategies of rural SMEs, digital orientation, and organizational ambidexterity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey data comprised 204 responses from Finnish SME owner-managers in the rural region of South Ostrobothnia in October 2021. The results from the ordinal regression analysis demonstrate that organizational ambidexterity positively influences the utilization of all growth strategies, serving as a mediator in the relationship between digital orientation and these strategies. Digital orientation is positively associated with applying a product/service development strategy, market development strategy, diversification, and business model development but not with market penetration strategy. These findings suggest that a digital orientation enables SMEs to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation, allowing them to effectively pursue both. Furthermore, digitalization offers rural businesses opportunities to implement more demanding growth strategies. Therefore, to ensure the long-term vitality of rural areas, society and policymakers must collaborate in providing robust digital infrastructure.
The Role of microRNAs in Hepatocellular Cancer: A Narrative Review Focused on Tumor Microenvironment and Drug Resistance
Authors: Tavakoli Pirzaman Ali , Alishah Ali , Babajani Bahareh , Ebrahimi Pouyan , Sheikhi Seyyed Ali , Moosaei Farhad , Salarfar Amirhossein , Doostmohamadian Shahrbanoo , Kazemi Sohrab
Published: April 2024

Globally, hepatic cancer ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related mortality and is the sixth most frequent kind of cancer. Around 80% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which are the leading cause of cancer death. It is well known that HCC may develop resistance to the available chemotherapy treatments very fast. One of the biggest obstacles in providing cancer patients with appropriate care is drug resistance. According to reports, more than 90% of cancer-specific fatalities are caused by treatment resistance. By binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding RNAs which are around 17 to 25 nucleotides long, regulate target gene expression. Moreover, they play role in the control of signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and cell death. As a result, miRNAs play an important role in the microenvironment of HCC by changing immune phenotypes, hypoxic conditions, and acidification, as well as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, changes in miRNA levels in HCC can effectively resist cancer cells to chemotherapy by affecting various cellular processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and membrane transporter activity. In the current work, we narratively reviewed the role of miRNAs in HCC, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and drug resistance.
Leg Ulcers in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Successful Treatment With Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Gönüllü Öykü , Kahraman Filiz C. , Yıldırım Umut Mert
Published: April 2024

Among specific skin manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and vasculopathy, the development of leg ulcers is rare and frequently seen in patients with antiphospholipid antibody positivity. Here we report the rapid healing of a leg ulcer without antiphospholipid antibody positivity in a patient with lupus in response to anticoagulant therapy. As in our case, when immunosuppressive agents are inadequate in lupus patients who develop leg ulcers, it may be beneficial to support the treatment with anticoagulants.
A global survey exploring tackle training knowledge, attitudes and practices of women's rugby union coaches
Authors: Dane Kathryn , West Stephen W , Hendricks Sharief , Stodter Anna , Yeomans Caithriona , van Dyk Nicol , Griffin Steffan , Wilson Fiona
Published: April 2024

The coaching and performance context in women's rugby is not well understood, despite growing popularity worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and tackle training practices of women's rugby coaches in relation to tackle safety and performance. A globally distributed online survey exploring coaches’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards tackling women's rugby was completed by 357 coaches (mean age 41 ± 0.6 years) from 58 countries. The cross-sectional survey was distributed from March 2023 to June 2023. Survey development was guided by the Health Action Process Approach and informed by coaching experts, research evidence synthesis, and guidelines for international tackle safety programmes. Coaches believed that the risk of tackle injury in women's rugby is high and that proper tackle technique for safety is very important. More than 75% of coaches had never completed a tackle-specific training course, with only 39% aware of the availability of such courses. Time spent on controlled-contact and full-contact activities varied from 0 to 40+ min per week, averaging 10–20 min for both types of training. Barriers to the effectiveness of tackle training related to sociocultural factors, coach knowledge gaps, training environments, and player training considerations. Coach education, improved infrastructures, and physical development were ranked the highest priorities for improving tackle safety and performance. These findings inform future implementation strategies for tackle safety and performance in the context of women's rugby, highlighting the need to involve coaches in providing practical solutions, and the role of education and institutional/organisational support in facilitating such improvements.
Hemiarthroplasty or total elbow arthroplasty for unreconstructible distal humeral fractures in the elderly (hot elbow): A feasibility study
Authors: Burden Eleanor G , Batten Timothy John , Thomas William , Evans Jonathan P , Smith Christopher
Published: April 2024

This feasibility trial aims to assess the practicality of, and obtain preliminary data to inform, a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) versus distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (HA) in patients over the age of 65 years with unreconstructible distal humeral fractures (DHF). 17 patients met the inclusion criteria during the 18-month recruitment period from December 2020 until June 2022, and 15 (88%) consented to be randomised (recruitment rate: 0.7/month). Two patients withdrew from the study prior to surgery leaving 13 patients for analysis (retention rate: 87%). Seven patients were randomised to TEA and six patients to HA. 100% of patients were available for 12-month follow-up. A 10-point difference in favour of HA in DASH (44.5 vs. 54.2) and OES (31.6 vs. 21.3) was seen during 6-week follow-up, while no difference in patient-reported outcome measures was seen at 3- or 12-month follow-up. This study demonstrates feasibility of undertaking an RCT of TEA versus HA in patients over the age of 65 with unreconstructible DHF. Preliminary data corroborate with the ongoing clinical equipoise and support the requirement for a larger adequately powered RCT.

This trial is registered in the US Clinical Trials Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04646798?cond=distal%20humeral%20fracture&rank=6) Clinical Trial ID: NCT04646798.
Where did Hyper-Presidentialism Go? The Origin of Bills and Laws Passed in Chile, 1990–2022
Authors: Mimica Nicolás , Navia Patricio
Published: April 2024

While the success of the president's legislative agenda is measured by examining the rate of passage of presidential bills (the batting average), the dominance of the president over the legislative process can be better understood by considering the share of presidential bills among bills introduced and laws enacted. Studies on the success of the president's agenda outnumber those on the dominance of the president, but the latter more directly address the debate on the proactive legislative powers of the executive. Reviewing the 13,358 bills introduced and the 2603 laws enacted in the eight legislative terms in Chile between 1990 and 2022, we associate the constitutional changes in 2005 and the electoral reform of 2015 with a decline in the legislative dominance of the president. There was a progressive decline in presidential dominance in legislative inputs and outputs long before the 2019 social upheaval weakened the Piñera government.
Ureteroscopic treatment of urolithiasis: How do we measure and optimise outcomes?
Authors: Smith Daron , Rossi Sabrina Helena , Smith Yuko , Pietropaolo Amelia , Joshi Hrishi , Ratan Hari
Published: April 2024

Background:

Patients with urolithiasis have access to a wide range of efficacious therapeutic surgical options, including shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde ureteric or intrarenal surgery with semi-rigid and flexible ureteroscopes (URS or fURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In recent years, there have been many peer-reviewed publications evaluating new techniques and new equipment, such as pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG and thulium fibre lasers. However, when reviewing this extensive literature, it becomes apparent that there is no consensus on what constitutes a ‘successful’ stone treatment outcome.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to review the existing measures of ‘success’ after the ureteroscopic treatment of urolithiasis and to promote a standardised and holistic approach to reporting outcomes in clinical trials.

Methods:

Our narrative review focussed on studies examining measures of success in urolithiasis treatment published within the last 10 years.

Conclusions:

Due to markedly different reported outcome measures of treatments for urolithiasis, comparing results between studies can be difficult. In addition to measuring clinical outcomes, there is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in determining treatment success, and the need to consider the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of various treatments. We suggest that all future studies on this common urological condition should incorporate holistic and tranpsarent outcome measures.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable
The Treatment of Unflagged New Testament Code Switching in English Bible Translations
Authors: Bell David B.
Published: April 2024

The New Testament contains over 3,000 non-Greek words. Many of these are simply cases of loanwords, seen especially in the case of proper nouns and toponyms. However, others retain their foreign value in the text, illustrated especially by the addition of an in-text translation or explanation. These examples of flagged code switching point to further examples of unflagged code switching. After dealing with the function of code switching in the New Testament, this article analyzes the treatment of nine examples of unflagged code switching in forty-four passages. The results point to a clear distinction in the translational practice between traditional and modern Bible versions.
Isaiah 23.1-14 and the Failure of the Sea God
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin
Published: April 2024

In Isa 23, the ships of Tarshish, on their voyage home, howl to see the destruction of their home ports of Tyre and Sidon: “The sea says: ‘I am like one who has never borne children.’” Bible scholars struggle over the interpretation of this verse, wondering why a masculine voice speaks about writhing in labor and bearing children. To the mythic mind, however, this verse makes perfect sense, for the sea god, known in the Greek world as Poseidon, sired as many as 140 children, including two sons that are connected to places mentioned in this passage, Belus, an early king of Egypt, and Agenor, king of Tyre (with his son Phoenix = Phoenicia). Now that some of those places are destroyed, it is as if the Sea never fathered them. In contrast to the biblical God, the prophet states, the sea god has limited power and can only mourn the fate of his progeny. The use of the term מָעוֹז‎ “stronghold” in Isa 23 may refer to the protecting gods/avatars who lament over the destruction of the Phoenician nation-states, as the text gloats over their destruction.
Gender Differences in the Relationship between Coming Out as LGB to Family and Depression in South Korea
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Jeong Seong-Jo
Published: April 2024

Previous studies on the coming out and the mental health of sexual minorities have often overlooked experiences in non-Western societies and the various patterns of coming out within the immediate families. Using the most recent and comprehensive data on 2,381 LGB youths in South Korea, this study examined whether different patterns of coming out to family members are related to different levels of depression and whether these relationships differ between men (gay and bisexual man) and women (lesbian and bisexual woman). Contrary to the prevalent view of coming out as a universally liberating process, our findings indicate that coming out to family is related to increased depressive symptoms in South Korea. Moreover, this coming out stress shows a gendered pattern. Among sexual minority men, compared with those who did not come out, youths who came out to everyone, mother and father, and only siblings report a higher depression level. Being bisexual among men did not provide any protective effect. In contrast, there is no difference observed across coming out patterns among sexual minority women. These findings highlight the importance of considering to whom and in what cultural contexts one comes out to understand the mental health of sexual minorities.
Challenges in EFL Constructivist Classrooms From Teachers’ Perspectives: A Case Study in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Long Quoc , Le Ha Van
Published: April 2024

Educational reforms in many Asian countries, particularly in China and Vietnam, have highlighted the pivotal role of the constructivist approach. However, the implementation of constructivism into the classroom is still very challenging for teachers. Although there is a wealth of research on constructivism, few studies have focused on the difficulties teachers often encounter when organizing constructivist lessons, especially in the EFL context. To address this gap, this study employed a mixed-methods approach, including triangulated data (a questionnaire, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews) with the participation of 120 EFL teachers in a private university in Vietnam. The findings indicate that teachers faced a wide array of problems in their constructivist classes, including conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, political, and technological dilemmas. Furthermore, they did not comprehend constructivism as they believed, probably due to a superficial understanding of this approach or the effect of Confucian culture. Additionally, this study verifies and contributes to the framework of Windschitl regarding the four dilemmas teachers often confront in constructivist classrooms. Theoretical and practical implications for future researchers as well as for educational stakeholders and institutional leaders on what should be taken into careful consideration prior to the incorporation of constructivism, were also discussed in detail.
Comparison of Pain Scores and Functional Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair and Concomitant Capsular Repair or Plication Versus No Closure
Authors: Bindi Victoria E. , Hao Kevin A. , Freeman David A. , Olowofela Bankole O. , Moser Michael W. , Farmer Kevin W. , Pazik Marissa , Roach Ryan P.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The need for capsular closure during arthroscopic hip labral repair is debated.

Purpose:

To compare pain and functional outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip labral repair with concomitant repair or plication of the capsule versus no closure.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Methods:

Outcomes were compared between patients undergoing arthroscopic hip labral repair with concomitant repair or plication of the capsule versus no closure at up to 2 years postoperatively and with stratification by age and sex. Patients with lateral center-edge angle <20°, a history of instability, a history of prior arthroscopic surgery in the ipsilateral hip, or a history of labral debridement only were excluded. Subanalysis was performed between patients undergoing no capsular closure who were propensity score matched 1:1 with patients undergoing repair or plication based on age, sex, and preoperative Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). We compared patients who underwent T-capsulotomy with concomitant capsular closure matched 1:5 with patients who underwent an interportal capsulotomy with concomitant capsular repair based on age, sex, and preoperative MHHS.

Results:

Patients undergoing capsular closure (n = 1069), compared with the no-closure group (n = 230), were more often female (68.6% vs 53.0%, respectively; P < .001), were younger (36.4 ± 13.3 vs 47.9 ± 14.7 years; P < .001), and had superior MHHS scores at 2 years postoperatively (85.8 ± 14.5 vs 81.8 ± 18.4, respectively; P = .020). In the matched analysis, no difference was found in outcome measures between patients in the capsular closure group (n = 215) and the no-closure group (n = 215) at any follow-up timepoint. No significant difference was seen between the 2 closure techniques at any follow-up timepoint. Patients with closure of the capsule achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the 1-year MHHS at a similar rate as those without closure (MCID, 50.3% vs 44.9%, P = .288; PASS, 56.8% vs 51.1%, P = .287, respectively). Patients with T-capsulotomy achieved the MCID and the PASS for the 1-year MHHS at a similar rate compared with those with interportal capsulotomy (MCID, 50.1% vs 44.9%, P = .531; PASS, 65.7% vs 61.2%, P = .518, respectively).

Conclusion:

When sex, age, and preoperative MHHS were controlled, capsular closure and no capsular closure after arthroscopic hip labral repair were associated with similar pain and functional outcomes for patients up to 2 years postoperatively.
Inequalities in the potential movement of social groups: A network-based indicator
Authors: Maffini Ana Luisa , Gonçalves Gustavo Maciel , Maraschin Clarice , Gil Jorge
Published: April 2024

Accessibility and mobility are key concerns of sustainable cities, especially in the Global South, due to the strong social inequalities. This paper contributes to the literature on mobility segregation by focusing on the potential movement of social groups in the city. We conceptualize potential movement as a network centrality, acting as an indicator of population movement when performing daily activities (working, studying, shopping, etc.). This paper’s objectives are (a) to identify the inequalities in potential movement of different social groups performing their daily activities; (b) to propose a network-based method to enhance our understanding of mobility inequalities; and (c) to address the context of medium-sized Latin American cities. We adopt a modified Betweenness Centrality model (Potential Movement) on a directed and weighted network. Our results show a similar pattern for both cities, with the CBD concentrating the potential movement for all groups; however, several inequalities were found. The high-income and white groups show higher levels of potential movement in the CBD and the low-income and non-white groups have a more distributed potential movement pattern, implying longer journeys to reach jobs and services. Income and race have shown to play a crucial role in those inequalities.
Technology: Limited or Infinite?
Authors: Jai Ben-Ray , Shih Meng-Fen
Published: April 2024

With the advent of the internet, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the world of the internet is undergoing a tremendous technological revolution that is altering human society at a rate never seen before. P2P networking and computing have become so widespread that communities with close to 60 million members regularly engage. Due to the extensive influence of the internet on culture and society, it is imperative to adjust to the ever-evolving terrain. Kelly argues that technology growth follows a developmental curve independent of human or socioeconomic circumstances, drawing comparisons between it and biological evolution. Based on Moore's law, which claims that chip computer performance doubles every three years and increases exponentially, Ray Kurzweil's theory forecasts future technological growth. Calling this “the age of spiritual machines,” he projects that by 2029, machines will be more advanced than people. The rapid and powerful development of AI has led to the emergence of LLM models, allowing for the simulation and training of different areas of human cognition at high speeds. Human civilization, culture, and brain anatomy will change as a result of the introduction of new media and techniques. The rule of accelerating returns enables us to predict potential developments in the upcoming years since technology may free up human labor, and society ought to benefit from it rather than be constrained by it. The AI era is heading toward the emancipation of all limitations, even while it poses hazards like cybercrime, the digital gap, poverty, unemployment, energy crises, sustainability issues, and financial risks. We can anticipate a different and more optimistic world if we examine “what technology wants” and the law of accelerating returns.
Performance: Confirming, refining, and refuting theories
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Beltran Jose R. , Marshall Jason D.
Published: April 2024

Performance is a central concept in management because it is consistently a critical outcome of interest across levels of analysis and subfields. For example, organizational behavior and human resource management focus on individual performance, and strategic management centers on firm performance. Given the centrality of this construct, it is unsurprising that more than 200 theories of performance have been proposed. We used the CORE model of performance (i.e., Performance [P]  = Capacity [C]  + Opportunity [O]  + Relevant Exchanges [RE]) to offer specific suggestions to confirm, refine, and refute performance theories at the individual and firm levels of analysis. Specifically, we recommend conducting six types of studies: (a) constructive reproducibility studies, (b) literal and constructive replication studies, (c) generalizability studies, (d) tests of competing theories, (d) empirical explorations of theoretical assumptions underlying existing theories, and (e) tests of previously published untested theories or theoretical models. We hope our article will help the management field improve the understanding of one of its most central constructs, not by creating new theories that seemingly offer “novel contributions.” Instead, we suggest improving our understanding of performance more meaningfully by confirming, refining, and refuting already existing performance theories.
Standardized indolent systemic mastocytosis evaluations across a health care system: implications for screening accuracy
Authors: McMurray Jeremy C. , Pacheco Curtis S. , Schornack Brandon J. , Sun Xiaoping , Brunader Janet A. , Scott Alexis E. , Ariza Juan S. , Kou Chung-Ting J. , Costantino Ryan C. , Pittman Luke M. , Adams Karla E. , Waters Aubri M. , Pryor Eric M. , Lyons Jonathan J. , Metcalfe Dean D. , Maric Irina , Boggs Nathan A.
Published: April 2024

Timely diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) remains challenging because of care heterogeneity. We implemented a standardized approach for SM screening and diagnosis using a novel health care system–wide international screening registry. A retrospective analysis assessed rates of SM, cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), and molecular diagnoses before and 2 years after care standardization. The accuracy of individual and combined SM screening tests, basal serum tryptase (BST) ≥11.5 and ≥20.0 ng/mL, REMA ≥2, monomorphic maculopapular CM (MPCM), and elevated BST based upon tryptase genotype, was analyzed. Tryptase genotyping and high-sensitivity KIT p.D816V testing increased substantially 2 years after care standardization. SM diagnoses doubled from 47 to 94, and KIT p.D816V molecular diagnoses increased from 24 to 79. Mean BST and KIT p.D816V variant allele frequency values were significantly lower in patients diagnosed after standardization. Hereditary-alpha tryptasemia prevalence was increased in SM before care standardization (4/30 [13.3%]) but reflected the general population prevalence 2 years later at (5/76 [6.6%]). Elevated BST based upon genotype and BST ≥11.5 ng/mL had the highest sensitivities at 84.2% and 88.3%, respectively. The presence of monomorphic MPCM, elevated BST based upon tryptase genotype, and the combination of REMA ≥2 with elevated BST based upon tryptase genotype had specificities >90%. BST >20.0 ng/mL had low sensitivity and specificity and was not required to establish any indolent SM (ISM) diagnosis. Care standardization increased SM diagnosis rates, particularly in patients with low BSTs. Stratifying BST based upon genotype had the best overall sensitivity and specificity of any ISM screening test and improved the REMA score specificity.
Real-world and clinical trial outcomes in large B-cell lymphoma with axicabtagene ciloleucel across race and ethnicity
Authors: Locke Frederick L. , Siddiqi Tanya , Jacobson Caron A. , Ghobadi Armin , Ahmed Sairah , Miklos David B. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Munoz Javier , Fingrut Warren B. , Pennisi Martina , Gauthier Jordan , Shadman Mazyar , Gowda Lohith , Mirza Abu-Sayeef , Abid Muhammad Bilal , Hong Sanghee , Majhail Navneet S. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Khurana Arushi , Badar Talha , Lin Yi , Bennani N. Nora , Herr Megan M. , Hu Zhen-Huan , Wang Hai-Lin , Baer Anjani , Baro Elande , Miao Harry , Spooner Clare , Xu Hairong , Pasquini Marcelo C.
Published: April 2024

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy approved for relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Despite extensive data supporting its use, outcomes stratified by race and ethnicity groups are limited. Here, we report clinical outcomes with axi-cel in patients with R/R LBCL by race and ethnicity in both real-world and clinical trial settings. In the real-world setting, 1290 patients who received axi-cel between 2017 and 2020 were identified from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database; 106 and 169 patients were included from the ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7 trials, respectively. Overall survival was consistent across race/ethnicity groups. However, non-Hispanic (NH) Black patients had lower overall response rate (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.63) and lower complete response rate (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.97) than NH White patients. NH Black patients also had a shorter progression-free survival vs NH White (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.04-1.90) and NH Asian patients (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.08-2.59). NH Asian patients had a longer duration of response than NH White (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.94) and Hispanic patients (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30-0.97). There was no difference in cytokine release syndrome by race/ethnicity; however, higher rates of any-grade immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome were observed in NH White patients than in other patients. These results provide important context when treating patients with R/R LBCL with CAR T-cell therapy across different racial and ethnic groups. ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: #NCT02348216 and #NCT03391466, respectively) are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
An economic evaluation of eptinezumab for the preventive treatment of migraine in the UK, with consideration for natural history and work productivity
Authors: Griffin Edward , Shirley Gawain , Lee Xin Ying , Awad Susanne F. , Tyagi Alok , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disease with a substantial societal burden due to lost productivity. From a societal perspective, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of eptinezumab for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Methods

An individual patient simulation of discrete competing events was developed to evaluate eptinezumab cost-effectiveness compared to best supportive care for adults in the United Kingdom with ≥ 4 migraine days per month and prior failure of ≥ 3 preventive migraine treatments. Individuals with sampled baseline characteristics were created to represent this population, which comprised dedicated episodic and chronic migraine subpopulations. Clinical efficacy, utility, and work productivity inputs were based on results from the DELIVER randomised controlled trial (NCT04418765). Timing of natural history events and treatment holidays—informed by the literature—were simulated to unmask any natural improvement of the disease unrelated to treatment. The primary outcomes were monthly migraine days, migraine-associated costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and net monetary benefit, each evaluated over a 5-year time horizon from 2020. Secondary analyses explored a lifetime horizon and an alternative treatment stopping rule.

Results

Treatment with eptinezumab resulted in an average of 0.231 QALYs gained at a saving of £4,894 over 5 years, making eptinezumab dominant over best supportive care (i.e., better health outcomes and less costly). This result was confirmed by the probabilistic analysis and all alternative assumption scenarios under the same societal perspective. Univariate testing of inputs showed net monetary benefit was most sensitive to the number of days of productivity loss, and monthly salary.

Conclusions

This economic evaluation shows that from a societal perspective, eptinezumab is a cost-effective treatment in patients with ≥ 4 migraine days per month and for whom ≥ 3 other preventive migraine treatments have failed.

Trial registration

N/A.

Graphical Abstract
Functional and oncological outcomes of patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage
Authors: Sadek Wael Mohamed Safwat , Elshamly Ibrahim Khairy Fayed , Salem Moustafa Saladin Mohammed , AbouSenna Wessam Gamal , Ebeid Emad , Ebeid Walid Atef
Published: April 2024

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in skeletally immature patients. The proximal humerus is the third most common site of osteosarcoma. The literature shows a paucity of published data concerning the outcome of proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage. The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: (1) do patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy show good functional and oncological outcomes, and (2) are there any prognostic factors that are associated with better oncological and functional outcomes?

Materials and methods

The study was a retrospective case series study assessing the overall outcome of 34 patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma. Eighteen patients were males (53%) while 16 were females. Biological reconstruction was done in 15 patients (44%), while nonbiological reconstruction was done in 19 patients. Resections were mainly intraarticular (82%). Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, while oncological outcome was assessed based on local recurrence and development of chest metastasis. Comparisons between quantitative variables were done using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test. To compare categorical data, the chi-square (χ2) test was performed. The exact test was used instead when the expected frequency was less than 5. Correlations between quantitative variables were examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

The mean MSTS score was 25.5 (range 23–29). A younger age was statistically correlated with a poorer MSTS score (P = 0.0016). Six patients out of 34 (17.6%) had local recurrence and four of them (67%) were treated by forequarter amputation. 41% of patients developed chest metastasis, and the majority of them were treated by chemotherapy (71%). In comparison with patients with osteosarcoma at other sites who were also managed in our institution, proximal humerus osteosarcoma patients showed higher incidence rates of local recurrence and chest metastasis along with lower 5-year patient and limb survivorships compared to distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal femur osteosarcoma patients.

Conclusion

Treatment of osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus by limb salvage and chemotherapy yields a good functional outcome. The method of reconstruction does not impact the resultant function. The 5-year survivorship of these patients is 65%. Younger patients have a better oncological outcome and an inferior functional outcome.

Level of evidence

Level IV therapeutic study.
TrieDedup: a fast trie-based deduplication algorithm to handle ambiguous bases in high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Hu Jianqiao , Luo Sai , Tian Ming , Ye Adam Yongxin
Published: April 2024

Background

High-throughput sequencing is a powerful tool that is extensively applied in biological studies. However, sequencers may produce low-quality bases, leading to ambiguous bases, ‘N’s. PCR duplicates introduced in library preparation are conventionally removed in genomics studies, and several deduplication tools have been developed for this purpose. Two identical reads may appear different due to ambiguous bases and the existing tools cannot address ‘N’s correctly or efficiently.

Results

Here we proposed and implemented TrieDedup, which uses the trie (prefix tree) data structure to compare and store sequences. TrieDedup can handle ambiguous base ‘N’s, and efficiently deduplicate at the level of raw sequences. We also reduced its memory usage by approximately 20% by implementing restrictedDict in Python. We benchmarked the performance of the algorithm and showed that TrieDedup can deduplicate reads up to 270-fold faster than pairwise comparison at a cost of 32-fold higher memory usage.

Conclusions

The TrieDedup algorithm may facilitate PCR deduplication, barcode or UMI assignment, and repertoire diversity analysis of large-scale high-throughput sequencing datasets with its ultra-fast algorithm that can account for ambiguous bases due to sequencing errors.