bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics behavior of PE and PET oligomers in lipid bilayer simulations
Authors: Järvenpää Joni P. , Lahtela-Kakkonen Maija K.
Published: December 2023

In recent years many investigators have been concerned about the toxicity and potential health hazards of micro- and nanoplastics. However, we are still lacking a good understanding of the methods of their transport into the human body and subsequently within cells. This is especially true at the lower nanometer scale; these particles are potentially more dangerous than their micrometer counterparts due to their easier permeation into cells. In this study we used both unbiased molecular dynamics simulations and steered umbrella sampling simulations to explore the interactions of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) oligomers in phospholipid bilayers. Our simulations revealed that the bilayers did not represent significant energy barriers to the small oligomers; not only did they readily enter the cell membrane but they also became concentrated into specific parts of the membrane. The larger PET tetramers exhibited a strong aggregation in water but were the least likely to permeate through or into the membranes. It is possible that PE monomers and tetramers can become concentrated into membranes while PET monomers are more likely to pass through or concentrate just inside the membrane surface. Passive transport of microplastics into cells is, however, likely limited to particles of a few nanometers in diameter.
Utility of Tumor Mutational Burden as a Biomarker for Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in the VA Population
Authors: Scobie Micaela R. , Zhou Katherine I. , Ahmed Sara , Kelley Michael J.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used for an increasing number of indications across various tumor types, as well as several tumor-agnostic indications in patients with advanced cancer. Although many patients benefit from ICI therapy, others do not, highlighting a need for better predictive biomarkers. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) reflects the global number of mutations within a tumor and has been widely explored as a predictive biomarker of ICI response. The current tumor type–agnostic US Food and Drug Administration approval of pembrolizumab for metastatic solid tumors defines high TMB (TMB-H) as ≥10 mut/Mb as measured by FoundationOne CDx. This fixed cutoff may not be the ideal value across all solid tumors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the association of survival outcomes with TMB in patients treated with ICI for five major cancer types, using real-world data from the VA. Survival was measured from initiation of ICI, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer for patients with TMB-H versus TMB low tumors in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 1,593), head and neck (H&N) cancer (n = 222), and urothelial cancer (n = 332). OS was not significantly different based on TMB status in melanoma (n = 207) or esophageal/gastric cancer (n = 248).

CONCLUSION

Consistent with previous studies, a predictive value of TMB ≥10 mut/Mb for ICI response was found in NSCLC and H&N, but not in esophageal/gastric cancer. Although inconclusive in the literature, significant association was found in urothelial cancer. The predictive value of TMB in melanoma was inconclusive. Our analysis does not support the use of a fixed threshold for TMB as a standalone predictive biomarker for ICI across all solid tumors.
Comprehensive Long-Read Sequencing Analysis Discloses the Transcriptome Features of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yanqiang , Zou Binbin , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Jin , Li Shujing , Yu Bo , An Zhekun , Li Lei , Cui Siqian , Zhang Yutong , Yao Jiali , Shi Xiuzhi , Liu Jing
Published: December 2023

Context

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It has been shown that lymph node metastasis is associated with poor prognosis in patients with PTMC.

Objective

We aim to characterize the PTMC transcriptome landscape and identify the candidate transcripts that are associated with lateral neck lymph node metastasis of PTMC.

Methods

We performed full-length transcriptome sequencing in 64 PTMC samples. Standard bioinformatic pipelines were applied to characterize and annotate the full-length expression profiles of 2 PTMC subtypes. Functional open reading frame (ORF) annotation of the known and novel transcripts were predicted by HMMER, DeepLoc, and DeepTMHMM tools. Candidate transcripts associated with the pN1b subtype were identified after transcript quantification and differential gene expression analyses.

Results

We found that skipping exons accounted for the more than 27.82% of the alternative splicing events. At least 42.56% of the discovered transcripts were novel isoforms of annotated genes. A total of 39 193 ORFs in novel transcripts and 18 596 ORFs in known transcripts were identified. Distribution patterns of the characterized transcripts in functional domain, subcellular localization, and transmembrane structure were predicted. In total, 1033 and 1204 differentially expressed genes were identified in the pN0 and pN1b groups, respectively. Moreover, novel isoforms of FRMD3, NOD1, and SHROOM4 were highlighted for their association with pN1b subtype.

Conclusion

Our data provided the global transcriptome landscape of PTMC and also revealed the novel isoforms that associated with PTMC aggressiveness.
Elevated Norepinephrine Stimulates Adipocyte Hyperplasia in Ovine Fetuses With Placental Insufficiency and IUGR
Authors: Luna-Ramirez Rosa I , Kelly Amy C , Anderson Miranda J , Bidwell Christopher A , Goyal Ravi , Limesand Sean W
Published: December 2023

Prevailing hypoxemia and hypoglycemia in near-term fetuses with placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) chronically increases norepinephrine concentrations, which lower adrenergic sensitivity and lipid mobilization postnatally, indicating a predisposition for adiposity. To determine adrenergic-induced responses, we examined the perirenal adipose tissue transcriptome from IUGR fetuses with or without hypercatecholaminemia. IUGR was induced in sheep with maternal hyperthermia, and hypercatecholaminemia in IUGR was prevented with bilateral adrenal demedullation. Adipose tissue was collected from sham-operated control (CON) and IUGR fetuses and adrenal-demedullated control (CAD) and IUGR (IAD) fetuses. Norepinephrine concentrations were lower in IAD fetuses than in IUGR fetuses despite both being hypoxemic and hypoglycemic. In IUGR fetuses, perirenal adipose tissue mass relative to body mass was greater compared with the CON, adrenal-demedullated control, and IAD groups. Transcriptomic analysis identified 581 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CON vs IUGR adipose tissue and 193 DEGs in IUGR vs IAD adipose tissue. Integrated functional analysis of these 2 comparisons showed enrichment for proliferator-activated receptor signaling and metabolic pathways and identified adrenergic responsive genes. Within the adrenergic-regulated DEGs, we identified transcripts that regulate adipocyte proliferation and differentiation: adipogenesis regulatory factor, C/CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, and sterol carrier protein 2. DEGs associated with the metabolic pathway included pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-5 and IGFBP-7). Sex-specific expression differences were also found for adipogenesis regulatory factor, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, IGFBP5, and IGFBP7. These findings indicate that sustained adrenergic stimulation during IUGR leads to adipocyte hyperplasia with alterations in metabolism, proliferation, and preadipocyte differentiation pathways.
Anticorruption, Development, and the Indian State
Authors: Balasubramanian Aditya
Published: December 2023

This essay studies the evolution of India's anticorruption machinery and discourses of corruption from the 1940s to the 1960s as a tussle between the logics of bureaucracy and democracy playing out as part of decolonization. Anticorruption began as a way of safeguarding the British Government of India's war effort from wayward officials pilfering supplies. As the postcolonial government retooled coercive wartime laws and empowered an increasing number of bureaucrats to manage the economy for developmental purposes, anticorruption evolved into a key demonstration of accountability by the state to the Indian people. Meanwhile, discourses of corruption became increasingly politically potent as India's imperial subjects became voting citizens. These discourses created pressure for a reform of the anticorruption machinery. But the mechanisms resisted full democratization and continued to privilege the executive branch as they had in colonial times. Anticorruption mechanisms became used to subdue challenges to power that took place. They were themselves corrupted.
Asia in a Fragile World
Authors: Phongpaichit Pasuk
Published: December 2023

This keynote address offers an overview of Asia in an increasingly fragile world. Climate change is making the monsoon more erratic, bringing more drought and more flood, signaled by the devastating flood of Pakistan in August 2022. Extreme weather and rising sea levels are increasing the “human flow” of migrants, especially into Asia's megacities. Climate change reacts with other trends: the increased inequalities willed by a generation of neoliberal policies, the authoritarian turn in politics, and the return of geopolitical tensions resulting from China's spectacular rise. More dialogue between the sciences and the social sciences is needed to address these multiple fragilities.
Kingpins at Court
Authors: Kang Hyeok Hweon
Published: December 2023

In the mid-seventeenth century, the Chosŏn Korean (1392–1910) court ran a smuggling enterprise in Japan, using both formal diplomatic agents and private merchants to import military contraband. This royal enterprise caused the largest documented criminal investigation in early modern Japan, complicating diplomatic relations with both the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868) and the daimyos of its Tsushima domain. By examining this history of “contraband diplomacy,” this article intervenes in the study of early modern diplomacy and imperialism. Contrary to scholarly portrayals of East Asian polities as isolationist and uninterested in trade, it shows Korean kings and officials aggressively pursuing commerce. If previously misunderstood as “self-organized,” their efforts reveal a different aspect of state formation in the global early modern period. Without becoming imperial or mercantilist, some institutions, such as those of Chosŏn and Tsushima, spearheaded international criminal activities, and others—like the shogunate—exercised growing administrative intent and capacity to stymie them.
The centrosome – diverse functions in fertilization and development across species
Authors: Aljiboury Abrar , Hehnly Heidi
Published: December 2023

The centrosome is a non-membrane-bound organelle that is conserved across most animal cells and serves various functions throughout the cell cycle. In dividing cells, the centrosome is known as the spindle pole and nucleates a robust microtubule spindle to separate genetic material equally into two daughter cells. In non-dividing cells, the mother centriole, a substructure of the centrosome, matures into a basal body and nucleates cilia, which acts as a signal-transducing antenna. The functions of centrosomes and their substructures are important for embryonic development and have been studied extensively using in vitro mammalian cell culture or in vivo using invertebrate models. However, there are considerable differences in the composition and functions of centrosomes during different aspects of vertebrate development, and these are less studied. In this Review, we discuss the roles played by centrosomes, highlighting conserved and divergent features across species, particularly during fertilization and embryonic development.
Protocol for a systematic review and systems-based exploration of interventions to reduce medicines wastage
Authors: Harris Áine , Jayesinghe Ryan , Bonnici West Lorna , Stewart Derek , Grimes Tamasine , Redmond Patrick
Published: December 2023

Introduction A reduction in medicines wastage is an important objective in promoting appropriate use of finite resources. The objective of this systematic review is to both assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce medicines wastage, and apply a systems based exploration of the factors affecting implementation of interventions. Methods A systematic review will be conducted following PRISMA reporting guidelines. Searches will be performed in Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Citation Index, PsycInfo, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, grey literature, and trials registries. Data extraction and critical appraisal will be completed independently by two reviewers. If studies are sufficiently homogenous in terms of design and comparators, we will conduct a meta-analysis. Where this is not possible, we will provide a narrative synthesis of results grouping studies with similar interventions together. The barriers and enablers of the described interventions will then be analysed using the Systems Engineering Initiative in Patient Safety (SEIPS 101) model. Conclusions This review will describe the effectiveness of interventions to reduce medicines wastage and issues associated with their implementation in order to inform policy development and intervention implementation in the future. This will have the potential to reduce both the economic and environmental burden of medicines wastage on the health service. PROSPERO registration CRD42022335848 (12/06/2022)
Blimp-1 and c-Maf regulate Il10 and negatively regulate common and unique proinflammatory gene networks in IL-12 plus IL-27-driven T helper-1 cells
Authors: Cox Luke S. , Alvarez-Martinez Marisol , Wu Xuemei , Gabryšová Leona , Luisier Raphaëlle , Briscoe James , Luscombe Nicholas M. , O'Garra Anne
Published: December 2023

Background CD4+ Th1 cells producing IFN-γ are required to eradicate intracellular pathogens, however if uncontrolled these cells can cause immunopathology. The cytokine IL-10 is produced by multiple immune cells including Th1 cells during infection and regulates the immune response to minimise collateral host damage. In this study we aimed to elucidate the transcriptional network of genes controlling the expression of Il10 and proinflammatory cytokines, including Ifng in Th1 cells differentiated from mouse naive CD4+ T cells. Methods We applied computational analysis of gene regulation derived from temporal profiling of gene expression clusters obtained from bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of flow cytometry sorted naïve CD4+ T cells from mouse spleens differentiated in vitro into Th1 effector cells with IL-12 and IL-27 to produce Ifng and Il10, compared to IL-27 alone which express Il10 only, or IL-12 alone which express Ifng and no Il10, or medium control driven-CD4+ T cells which do not express effector cytokines. Data were integrated with analysis of active genomic regions from these T cells using an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC)-seq, integrated with literature derived-Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq data and the RNA-seq data, to elucidate the transcriptional network of genes controlling expression of Il10 and pro-inflammatory effector genes in Th1 cells. The co-dominant role for the transcription factors, Prdm1 (encoding Blimp-1) and Maf (encoding c-Maf) , in cytokine gene regulation in Th1 cells, was confirmed using T cells obtained from mice with T-cell specific deletion of these transcription factors. Results We show that the transcription factors Blimp-1 and c-Maf each have unique and common effects on cytokine gene regulation and not only co-operate to induce Il10 gene expression in IL-12 plus IL-27 differentiated mouse Th1 cells, but additionally directly negatively regulate key proinflammatory cytokines including Ifng, thus providing mechanisms for reinforcement of regulated Th1 cell responses. Conclusions These data show that Blimp-1 and c-Maf positively and negatively regulate a network of both unique and common anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory genes to reinforce a Th1 response in mice that will eradicate pathogens with minimum immunopathology.
The sharp bound of the third Hankel determinant of the kth-root transformation for bounded turning functions
Authors: Srivastava HARI MOHAN , Rath Biswajit , KARRI SANJAY KUMAR , D. VAMSHEE KRISHNA
Published: December 2023

The objective of this paper is to estimate the sharp bound of the third Hankel determinant for the kth-root transformation to the class of functions whose derivative has a positive real part satisfying the normalized conditions f(0) = 0 and f′(0) = 1 in the open unit disk D := {z ∈ C : |z| < 1}.
Implementation of Lean Service Approaches to Improve Customer Satisfaction and Sustainability of Health Equipment Procurement Process at Hospitals
Authors: Kurnia Hibarkah , Suhendra Suhendra , Manurung Hasiholan , Juliantoro Krisna Budi
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aims to identify the waste that occurs in the process of procuring medical equipment and provide suggestions for improvements to reduce waste in achieving customer satisfaction.
Methodology/Approach: This study uses a lean service approach with the value stream mapping (VSM) method which is in the refinement stage combined with the Kaizen method.
Findings: This research found waste that occurs in the process of procuring medical devices called creating a project and admin invoicing. Increased customer satisfaction with evidence of a decrease in the number of complaints by 44.5%. Meanwhile, the lead time for the procurement of medical devices decreased by 34.2%.
Research Limitation/implication: This research has several problem formulations that occur in the manufacturing industry in the process of procuring medical equipment. This research will identify the types of waste that occur in the process of procuring medical devices and find solutions to reduce waste in achieving customer satisfaction so that there will be continuity in the procurement of medical devices.
Originality/Value of paper: Shorten the time to procure medical devices by using a lean service approach combined with the FGD method with experts in the logistics and health fields. Besides that, it also uses several Kaizen methods such as Fishbone, FMEA, and 5W+1H, and its control uses SOP.
Category: A case study
Unlocking the Dynamics of Innovation Clusters Sectoral Impacts and Organisational Capabilities
Authors: Kovács Stefan
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This article provides insights into how innovation clusters operate, how sectoral factors and organisational capabilities influence them, and how they contribute to economic growth and innovation in specific regions and industries. It provides insights into how sectoral effects, organisational capabilities, and collaboration dynamics intersect within these clusters, offering valuable information for policymakers and businesses seeking to leverage the potential of innovation clusters for regional and industry-specific development.
Methodology/Approach: The research methodology involves a literature review, quantitative survey, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation analysis to explore the relationships between sectoral effects, organisational capabilities, and collaboration within innovation clusters.
Findings: The findings suggest that sector-specific effects influence cluster members' strategic and innovation capabilities. Technological complexity is predominant, impacting market orientation and product development capabilities. The article also identifies four distinct groups of organisations based on sectoral impacts and export activities within clusters.
Research Limitation/implication: While the methodology provides valuable insights, there is potential sampling bias as non-random sampling via cluster manager recommendations may introduce selection bias. The findings are specific to Hungarian innovation clusters and may not be generalised universally.
Originality/Value of paper: The uniqueness of this study lies in its holistic and data-driven exploration of innovation clusters, considering a wide range of factors and their practical implications for fostering collaboration and innovation in different industries.
Data Mining for Quality Prediction in Software-as-A-Service Concept: A Case Study in Offset Printing Company
Authors: Arif Fahmi , Ramadhan Fadillah , Sayf Wildan
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This research aims to design a model of quality prediction system using data mining methods in the software-as-a-service (Saas) environment in order to facilitate manufacturers to be able to analyse process and product quality without software investment.
Methodology/Approach: To develop the quality prediction model, this study utilized a data mining methodology to extract knowledge from historical data collected from the offset printing industry, focusing on manufacturing parameters. Four classification algorithms (Decision Tree, k-NN, Naive Bayes, Random Tree) were employed and compared to identify the most precise model specifically tailored for offset printing. Subsequently, the prediction model was integrated into a web-based system to enable quality prediction.
Findings: This study demonstrates practicality of integrating quality prediction into the SaaS framework, specifically for offset printing. This integration is designed to predict how manufacturing control parameters, such as printing slope angle, engine temperature, paper size, ink density, and roller speed, relate to the occurrence of product defects such as crumpled paper and imprecise printing.
Research Limitation/implication: Generalizability is constrained by its focus on the offset printing industry, and prediction accuracy relies on historical data, which can vary across manufacturing sectors, affecting model performance.
Originality/Value of paper: This article presents the concept and practical implementation of utilizing data mining in a SaaS environment to enhance the quality of manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on the offset printing sector.
End-of-life care in the patient's home
Authors: Manyimo Pretty , de Vries Kay
Published: December 2023

Background:

Providing end-of-life care in a patient's home is challenging, especially if the nurse is from a different ethnic background from the patient. Evidence shows that people from an ethnic minority background often experience poorer end-of-life care due to care providers not understanding their care needs.

Aim:

To explore the experiences of community nursing staff caring for patients with an ethnic minority background at the end of their life.

Method:

Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data was thematically analysed.

Finding:

Participants dealt with large tight-knit families, paternalism and controlling behaviours. There was a mistrust of Western palliative medicine. Language barriers and challenges were faced by the nursing staff, resulting in difficult conversations with the families. Different levels of the nursing staff's spiritual/cultural competencies were also identified. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the challenges.

Conclusion:

This research has shed light on the challenges of individualising end-of-life care in a culturally diverse community in the UK. The nursing staff's cultural/spiritual competencies were challenged.
In situ fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis carries a greater than 40% risk of later total hip arthroplasty during a long-term follow-up
Authors: Schlenzka Thomas , Serlo Joni , Viljakka Timo , Tallroth Kaj , Helenius Ilkka
Published: December 2023

Aims

We aimed to assess the cumulative risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from in situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after a follow-up of almost 50 years.

Methods

In this study, 138 patients with 172 affected hips treated with in situ fixation were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 97 patients (70%) were male and the mean age was 13.6 years (SD 2.1); 35 patients (25%) had a bilateral disease. The median follow-up time was 49 years (interquartile range 43 to 55). Basic demographic, stability, and surgical details were obtained from patient records. Preoperative radiographs (slip angle; SA) were measured, and data on THA was gathered from the Finnish National Arthroplasty Register.

Results

The preoperative SA was a mean of 39° (SD 19°). At follow-up, 56 of the patients had undergone THA for a hip previously fixed in situ for SCFE (41%) and 64 of all affected hips had been replaced (37%). Kaplan-Meier analysis gave a median prosthesis-free postoperative survival of 55 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 45 to 64) for the affected hips. In a multivariate analysis, female patients had a two-fold risk for THA (hazard ratio (HR) 2.42 (95% CI 1.16 to 5.07)) and a greater preoperative SA increased the risk of THA (HR 1.03 for every increment of 1° (95% CI 1.01 to 1.05)), while patient age at surgery, slip laterality, stability of slip, or diagnostic delay did not have a statistically significant effect on the risk of THA.

Conclusion

SCFE treated primarily with in situ fixation may lead to THA in more than 40% of affected hips at a near 50-year follow-up. This risk is approximately 15-times the reported lifetime risk in the Finnish general population. Female sex and increasing preoperative SA significantly predicted higher risk of THA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1321–1326.
Does brace treatment following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip improve acetabular coverage?
Authors: Morris William Z. , Kak Arnav , Mayfield Laura M. , Kang Michael S. , Jo Chan-Hee , Kim Harry K. W.
Published: December 2023

Aims

Abduction bracing is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) following closed reduction and spica casting, with little evidence to support or refute this practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of abduction bracing after closed reduction in improving acetabular index (AI) and reducing secondary surgery for residual hip dysplasia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients treated with closed reduction for DDH at a single tertiary referral centre. Demographic data were obtained including severity of dislocation based on the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) classification, age at reduction, and casting duration. Patients were prescribed no abduction bracing, part-time, or full-time wear post-reduction and casting. AI measurements were obtained immediately upon cast removal and from two- and four-year follow-up radiographs.

Results

A total of 243 hips underwent closed reduction and 82% (199/243) were treated with abduction bracing. There was no difference between those treated with or without bracing with regard to sex, age at reduction, severity of dislocation, spica duration, or immediate post-casting AI (all p > 0.05). There was no difference in hips treated with or without abduction brace with regard to AI at two years post-reduction (32.4° (SD 5.3°) vs 30.9° (SD 4.6°), respectively; p = 0.099) or at four years post-reduction (26.4° (SD 5.2°) vs 25.4° (SD 5.1°), respectively; p = 0.231). Multivariate analysis revealed only IHDI grade predicted AI at two years post-reduction (p = 0.004). There was no difference in overall rate of secondary surgery for residual dysplasia between hips treated with or without bracing (32% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.372). However, there was an increased risk of early secondary surgery (< two years post-reduction) in the non-braced group (11.4% vs 2.5%; p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Abduction bracing following closed reduction for DDH treatment is not associated with decreased residual dysplasia at two or four years post-reduction but may reduce rates of early secondary surgery. A prospective study is indicated to provide more definitive recommendations.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1327–1332.
High treatment failure rate in haematogenous compared to non-haematogenous periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Knoll Leonard , Steppacher Simon D. , Furrer Hansjakob , Thurnheer-Zürcher Maria C. , Renz Nora
Published: December 2023

Aims

A higher failure rate has been reported in haematogenous periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to non-haematogenous PJI. The reason for this difference is unknown. We investigated the outcome of haematogenous and non-haematogenous PJI to analyze the risk factors for failure in both groups of patients.

Methods

Episodes of knee or hip PJI (defined by the European Bone and Joint Infection Society criteria) treated at our institution between January 2015 and October 2020 were included in a retrospective PJI cohort. Episodes with a follow-up of > one year were stratified by route of infection into haematogenous and non-haematogenous PJI. Probability of failure-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared between groups using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis was applied to assess risk factors for failure.

Results

A total of 305 PJI episodes (174 hips, 131 knees) were allocated to the haematogenous (n = 146) or the non-haematogenous group (n = 159). Among monomicrobial infections, Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant pathogen in haematogenous PJI (76/140, 54%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci in non-haematogenous PJI (57/133, 43%). In both groups, multi-stage exchange (n = 55 (38%) in haematogenous and n = 73 (46%) in non-haematogenous PJI) and prosthesis retention (n = 70 (48%) in haematogenous and n = 48 (30%) in non-haematogenous PJI) were the most common surgical strategies. Median duration of antimicrobial treatment was 13.5 weeks (range, 0.5 to 218 weeks) and similar in both groups. After six years of follow-up, the probability of failure-free survival was significantly lower in haematogenous compared to non-haematogenous PJI (55% vs 74%; p = 0.021). Infection-related mortality was significantly higher in haematogenous than non-haematogenous PJI (7% vs 0% episodes; p = 0.001). Pathogenesis of failure was similar in both groups. Retention of the prosthesis was the only independent risk factor for failure in multivariate analysis in both groups.

Conclusion

Treatment failure was significantly higher in haematogenous compared to non-haematogenous PJI. Retention of the prosthesis was the only independent risk factor for failure in both groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1294–1302.
Clinical outcomes of anatomical versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with primary osteoarthritis, an intact rotator cuff, and limited forward elevation
Authors: Trammell Amy P. , Hao Kevin A. , Hones Keegan M. , Wright Jonathan O. , Wright Thomas W. , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Schoch Bradley S. , King Joseph J.
Published: December 2023

Aims

Both anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA and rTSA) provide functional improvements. A reported benefit of aTSA is better range of motion (ROM). However, it is not clear which procedure provides better outcomes in patients with limited foward elevation (FE). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of aTSA and rTSA in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), an intact rotator cuff, and limited FE.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of a single institution’s prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database for TSAs undertaken between 2007 and 2020. A total of 344 aTSAs and 163 rTSAs, which were performed in patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with a minimum follow-up of two years, were included. Using the definition of preoperative stiffness as passive FE ≤ 105°, three cohorts were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: stiff aTSAs (85) to non-stiff aTSAs (85); stiff rTSAs (74) to non-stiff rTSAs (74); and stiff rTSAs (64) to stiff aTSAs (64). We the compared ROMs, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates.

Results

Compared with non-stiff aTSAs, stiff aTSAs had poorer passive FE and active external rotation (ER), whereas there were no significant postoperative differences between stiff rTSAs and non-stiff rTSAs. There were no significant differences in preoperative function when comparing stiff aTSAs with stiff rTSAs. However, stiff rTSAs had significantly greater postoperative active and passive FE (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively), and active abduction (p = 0.001) compared with stiff aTSAs. The outcome scores were significantly more favourable in stiff rTSAs for the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California, Los Angeles score, and the Constant score, compared with stiff aTSAs. When comparing the proportion of stiff aTSAs versus stiff rTSAs that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit, stiff rTSAs achieved both at greater rates for all measurements except active ER. The complication rate did not significantly differ between stiff aTSAs and stiff rTSAs, but there was a significantly higher rate of revision surgery in stiff aTSAs (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Postoperative overhead ROM, outcome scores, and rates of revision surgery favour the use of a rTSA rather than aTSA in patients with glenohumeral OA, an intact rotator cuff and limited FE, with similar rotational ROM in these two groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1303–1313.
Oncological and functional outcomes after resection of malignant tumours of the scapula
Authors: Broida Samuel E. , Sullivan Mikaela H. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Morrey Mark , Scorianz Maurizio , Wagner Eric R. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: December 2023

Aims

The scapula is a rare site for a primary bone tumour. Only a small number of series have studied patient outcomes after treatment. Previous studies have shown a high rate of recurrence, with functional outcomes determined by the preservation of the glenohumeral joint and deltoid. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcome of patients who had undergone tumour resection that included the scapula.

Methods

We reviewed 61 patients (37 male, 24 female; mean age 42 years (SD 19)) who had undergone resection of the scapula. The most common resection was type 2 (n = 34) according to the Tikhoff-Linberg classification, or type S1A (n = 35) on the Enneking classification.

Results

The ten-year disease-specific survival was 76%. High tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; p = 0.016) and a total resection of the scapula (HR 3.84; p = 0.015) were associated with worse survival. The ten-year metastasis-free and local recurrence-free survivals were 82% and 86%, respectively. Total scapular resection (HR 6.29; p = 0.004) was associated with metastatic disease and positive margins were associated with local recurrence (HR 12.86; p = 0.001). At final follow-up, the mean shoulder forward elevation and external rotation were 79° (SD 62°) and 27° (SD 25°), respectively. The most recent functional outcomes evaluated included the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (76% (SD 17%)), the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (73% (SD 20%)), and the Simple Shoulder Test (7 (SD 3)). Preservation of the glenoid (p = 0.001) and scapular spine (p < 0.001) improved clinical outcomes; interestingly, preservation of the scapular spine without the glenoid improved outcomes (p < 0.001) compared to preservation of the glenoid alone (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Resection of the scapula is a major undertaking with an oncological outcome related to tumour grade, and a functional outcome associated with the status of the scapular spine and glenoid. Positive resection margins are associated with local recurrence.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1314–1320.
Outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty vs operative fixation for proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heo SM , Faulkner H , An VVG , Symes M , Nandapalan H , Sivakumar B
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Proximal humerus fractures are common in the older population. A consensus on the optimal management of complex fractures requiring surgery has yet to be reached. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes between reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Methods:

A systematic search of the literature was undertaken using the Medline®, PubMed, Embase™ and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Prospective and retrospective studies comparing clinical and patient reported results as primary outcome measures were included in this review, with secondary outcome measures including complications and revision surgery. A meta-analysis was conducted.

Results:

A total of 326 patients from 5 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Superior Constant–Murley scores (mean difference [MD]: 13.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2–20.6; p<0.001), Oxford shoulder scores (MD: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.2–7.4; p=0.007), simple shoulder test scores (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.01–1.89; p=0.05) and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores (MD: 5.1 [1 study], 95% CI: 2.1–8.1; p=0.034) were noted in patients receiving RTSA. Range of motion and revision surgery rates were also superior in this group.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that RTSA affords more favourable outcomes and lower revision rates than ORIF following proximal humerus fractures. Definitive conclusions are precluded, however, owing to small sample sizes and risk of bias in retrospective studies.
December 2023 Pulmonary Case of the Month: A Budding Pneumonia
Authors:   Albuquerque VA, Albuquerque, NM USA, Patel Ishan , Medrek Sarah , Reyes Michael , Raney Brannon
Published: December 2023

No abstract available. Manuscript truncated after 150 words. History of Present Illness A 70-year-old man with a history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis previously well controlled on hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and adalimumab was admitted to the hospital with 3 weeks of progressively worsening fatigue, night sweats, chills, and malaise. He did not describe new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or sputum production. On the day of admission, he had intense nausea and vomiting. PMH, SH, and FH Prior to this admission, he was followed in Pulmonary Clinic for asymptomatic mild basilar fibrosis thought to be related to his rheumatoid arthritis and paraseptal emphysema related to prior smoking which was largely stable and unchanged over the previous two years. Previously, he smoked cigarettes at ½ pack per day for about 30 years and quit about 15 years ago. He denied any recent travel and was retired from the last 15 years from being a meat butcher. FH is noncontributory. Physical …
Terahertz defect mode coupling in periodic planar waveguides
Authors: Li Jie , Ma Jing , Wang Xiang-Yu , Chen Wen , Liu Huan , Tao Zhi-Yong , Fan Ya-Xian
Published: December 2023

We experimentally and numerically investigate terahertz (THz) defect mode coupling in periodic planar waveguides. The periodicity provides a forbidden band, in which the propagation of THz waves is effectively suppressed. The introduced defects in periodic structures produce two defect modes that lead to two additional transmissions in the forbidden band due to the local resonance. We find that there is a strong coupling effect between the two defect modes. The coupling strength is closely related to the distance between defects. The closer the distance, the stronger the coupling, resulting in the center frequencies of the two transmission peaks being far away from each other. In contrast, an increase in distance between defects weakens the coupling effect, leading to two transmission peaks approaching each other and ultimately overlapping to form a broadband defect mode. Our findings on THz defect mode coupling provide a certain theoretical basis for tunable THz devices such as filters, modulators, and optical switches.
Flexible p-i-n perovskite solar cell with optimized performance by KBF4 additive
Authors: Li Feida , Liu Kangning , Dai Jun
Published: December 2023

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) prevail in the clean energy field for their light weight, easy fabrication and installation, but the power conversion efficiency of F-PSCs needs further improvement. In this work, we numerically simulate and experimentally demonstrate the effect of the perovskite trap defects density on the power conversion efficiency. The pseudo-halide KBF4 is employed as the additive to passivate the trap defects in the perovskite films. The high electrophilicity of BF4- group ensures its entering into perovskite lattice, optimizing crystallinity and improving the qualities of perovskite films, K+ ions can effectively passivate grain boundaries and inhibit halide anion migrations. After KBF4 passivation, trap defect density of the perovskite film was decreased from 8.0 × 1015cm−3 to 3.9 × 1015cm−3, and also the carrier lifetime increased from 108.52 ns to 234.72 ns. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the F-PSCs devices increased from 13.99% to 16.04%.
Innovative OPA-based optical chip for enhanced digital holography
Authors: Wang Zihao , Liu Linke , Jiang Ping , Liao Jiali , Xu Jiamu , Sun Yanlnig , Jin Li , Lu Zhenzhong , Feng Junbo , Cao Changqing
Published: December 2023

Digital holographic imaging has emerged as a transformative technology with significant implications for AR/VR devices. However, existing techniques often suffer from limitations such as restricted field of view (FOV), high power consumption, and contrast distortion. This paper introduces an innovative optical phased array (OPA)-based chip, integrating polarization, amplitude, and phase multiplexing for enhanced complex amplitude holographic imaging. A checkerboard-style staggered array is employed in the control strategy, substantially reducing power consumption and enabling the potential for large-scale array integration. To further enhance imaging quality, we introduce what we believe are two novel calibration strategies: one is to achieve super-resolution through block imaging methods, and the other is to image using sparse aperture methods. These advancements not only provide a robust foundation for high-quality holographic imaging, but also present a new paradigm for overcoming the inherent limitations of current active holographic imaging devices. Due to challenges in chip fabrication, the research is primarily simulation-based. Nevertheless, this work presents meaningful advancements in digital holographic imaging for AR/VR applications and provides a foundation for future experimental validations.
Absorption-invariant Focusing Efficiency for Wavefront-Shaping Controlled Reflection from Absorbing Disordered Media
Authors: Anderson Benjamin , Gunawidjaja Ray , Eilers Hergen
Published: December 2023

We numerically model the influence of absorption on wavefront-shaping controlled reflection from absorbing disordered media and provide experimental verification of our model. We find that absorption modifies: the reflection eigenvalue density, the average reflectance, and the reflection matrix element density. However, we also find that despite these effects, the efficiency of wavefront-shaping controlled reflection is invariant with absorption.
FakeStack: Hierarchical Tri-BERT-CNN-LSTM stacked model for effective fake news detection
Authors: Keya Ashfia Jannat , Shajeeb Hasibul Hossain , Rahman Md. Saifur , Mridha M. F.
Published: December 2023

False news articles pose a serious challenge in today’s information landscape, impacting public opinion and decision-making. Efforts to counter this issue have led to research in deep learning and machine learning methods. However, a gap exists in effectively using contextual cues and skip connections within models, limiting the development of comprehensive detection systems that harness contextual information and vital data propagation. Thus, we propose a model of deep learning, FakeStack, in order to identify bogus news accurately. The model combines the power of pre-trained Bidirectional Encoder Representation of Transformers (BERT) embeddings with a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) having skip convolution block and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The model has been trained and tested on English fake news dataset, and various performance metrics were employed to assess its effectiveness. The results showcase the exceptional performance of FakeStack, achieving an accuracy of 99.74%, precision of 99.67%, recall of 99.80%, and F1-score of 99.74%. Our model’s performance was extended to two additional datasets. For the LIAR dataset, our accuracy reached 75.58%, while the WELFake dataset showcased an impressive accuracy of 98.25%. Comparative analysis with other baseline models, including CNN, BERT-CNN, and BERT-LSTM, further highlights the superiority of FakeStack, surpassing all models evaluated. This study underscores the potential of advanced techniques in combating the spread of false news and ensuring the dissemination of reliable information.
Identification of subgroups within a Japanese older adult population for whom statin therapy is effective in reducing mortality
Authors: Funaki Daito , Kaneda Hideaki , Miyakoshi Akinori , Saito Kohei , Sasaki Hatoko , Nakatani Eiji
Published: December 2023

Use of statins for primary prevention can reduce all-cause mortality in Asian elderly populations, but their effect and the specific effective subgroups in the elderly Japanese population remain unclear. This study examined the relationship between statin therapy for primary prevention and mortality reduction in older Japanese adults, and investigated the effective subgroups. The cohort study was conducted using the Shizuoka Kokuho Database (SKDB). Data were compared between the statin-treated group and a non-statin-treated (control) group using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method. In the SKDB cohort aged ≥65 years, new statin use was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.48) after IPTW adjustment. The risk difference for mortality at 5 years in the statin-treated group compared with that in the control group was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.04–0.06), and the number needed to treat was 21.20 (95% CI, 18.10–24.70). In conclusion, statin use for primary prevention in older adults may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in the population without atherosclerotic disease. Furthermore, statin use for primary prevention is feasible in patients aged 75 to <85 years and in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, or dementia.
Mobilizing affect in Spanish film and screen media from the Great Recession to the present
Authors: Cameron Bryan
Published: December 2023

This issue examines a range of affects in film, television and other forms of screen media produced in Spain following the global financial crash of 2008. Contributors interrogate the emergence as well as the limitations of counter-hegemonic discourse in contemporary Spain, unveiling neo-liberal capitalism’s stranglehold on society. Tracing the intensification of political dissent in the aftermath of the Great Recession, the articles featured in this Special Issue wrestle with the mobilization of what Chantal Mouffe has characterized as the passions – or the antagonistic confrontation between distinct political ideologies – over the last decade and a half.