bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes by Race/Ethnicity and Sociodemographic Factors
Authors: Patel Shyam , Khalili Mandana , Singal Amit G. , Pinheiro Paulo S. , Jones Patricia D. , Kim Rebecca G. , Kode Vishwajit , Thiemann Anna , Zhang Wei , Cheung Ramsey , Wong Robert J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities. We evaluated the impact of income and geography on racial/ethnic disparities across the HCC care cascade in the United States.

Methods:
Using NCI registry data spanning 2000 to 2020, adults with HCC were evaluated to determine race/ethnicity-specific differences in tumor stage at diagnosis, delays and gaps in treatment, and survival. Adjusted regression models evaluated predictors of HCC outcomes.

Results:
Among 112,389 adults with HCC, cohort characteristics were as follows: 49.8% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 12.0% African American(AA), 20.5% Hispanic, 16.5% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 1.1% American Indian/Alaska Native. Compared with NHW patients, AA patients had lower odds of localized-stage HCC at diagnosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.84], lower odds of HCC treatment receipt (aOR, 0.77), greater odds of treatment delays (aOR, 1.12), and significantly greater risk of death [adjusted hazards ratio (aHR), 1.10]. Compared with NHW patients from large metro areas, AA patients from large metro areas had 8% higher mortality risk (aHR, 1.08), whereas AA patients from small–medium metro areas had 17% higher mortality risk (aHR, 1.17; all P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions:
Among a population-based cohort of US adults with HCC, significant race/ethnicity-specific disparities across the HCC care continuum were observed. Lower household income and more rural geography among racial/ethnic minorities are also associated with disparities in HCC outcomes, particularly among AA patients.

Impact:
Our study shows that lower income and less urban/more rural geography among racial/ethnic minorities are also associated with disparities in HCC outcomes, particularly among AA patients with HCC. This contextualizes the complex relationship between sociodemographic factors and HCC outcomes through an intersectional lens.
Preclinical Evaluation of an Anchored Immunotherapy Strategy with Aluminum Hydroxide–Tethered IL-12 in Dogs with Advanced Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Passos Barbosa Matheus Moreno , Kamerer Rebecca L. , Schmit Joanna , Lopez Angel J. , Uyehara Rachel , Tighe Robert , Battula Sailaja , Kaufman Howard L. , Fan Timothy M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive cancer in dogs involving skin and mucosa similar to humans. Anchored immunotherapeutics offer a novel approach to increase intratumoral retention of therapeutic payloads while decreasing systemic exposure, and this strategy can be critically evaluated through a comparative oncology approach. JEN-101 is an anchored canine IL-12 tethered to aluminum hydroxide administered by local injection. A phase I study was conducted to determine the tolerability, activity, and immune responses of JEN-101 in dogs with advanced melanoma. A 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used to evaluate intratumoral injection of JEN-101 at 1, 3, 10, or 20 μg/kg every 3 weeks for four cycles. A second course was allowable in the absence of disease progression or toxicity. Peripheral blood, serum, and tumor biopsies were collected at baseline and at prespecified timepoints for pharmacokinetic and immune analyses, which included serum cytokine assay, IHC, and gene expression assessment. JEN-101 was well tolerated with adverse events being fever, lethargy, and isolated elevated liver enzymes. Five dogs experienced grade 3 events, and no grade 4 events were observed. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a trend toward dose-related maximum serum concentration within 8 hours of injection. Responding dogs demonstrated increased systemic IFN-γ and IL-10 AUC levels and local recruitment of CD3+ T cells. Increased proinflammatory and antigen-processing gene expression was identified in responding lesions. JEN-101 was well tolerated with evidence of biological and therapeutic activities. Anchored IL-12 immunotherapy merits further investigation in dogs with melanoma, and our approach represents an immunocompetent model to inform human clinical trials.
Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and its Association with Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Events in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Tharani , Solar Vasconcelos Joao Paulo , Titmuss Emma , Vanner Robert J. , Schaeffer David F. , Karsan Aly , Lim Howard , Ho Cheryl , Gill Sharlene , Yip Stephen , Chia Stephen K. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Jonker Derek J. , Chen Eric X. , Renouf Daniel J. , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Loree Jonathan M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is the clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells from somatic mutations. It is a common incidental finding in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). We investigated the incidence of CHIP in cfDNA from patients with solid tumors and explored its association with treatment outcomes and adverse events. We reviewed cfDNA results from a local prospective solid tumor cohort (PREDiCT-l) and two randomized trials: Canadian Cancer Trials Group CO.26 [durvalumab + tremelimumab (D + T) or best supportive care in metastatic colorectal cancer] and Canadian Cancer Trials Group PA.7 (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel ± D + T in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma). CHIP+ was defined as any mutation in DNMT3A, TET2, or ASXL1 with a variant allele frequency ≥2%. Presumed germline variants (variant allele frequency &gt;40%) were removed. The first line of treatment after cfDNA was reviewed for grade ≥3 and dose-limiting toxicities. The prevalence of CHIP in the 465 included patients was 10% to 30%, and it was more common as age increased (P = 0.003). DNMT3A was the gene most frequently mutated in all cohorts. Patients with CHIP in PA.7 treated with immunotherapy showed an improved progression-free survival versus CHIP− [HR = 0.55 (0.28–1.07); P = 0.079, P-interaction = 0.098 (multivariable)]. However, patients with CHIP treated with chemotherapy in PREDiCT-l showed a trend toward worse progression-free survival [HR = 1.82 (0.98–3.38); P = 0.059]. There was no difference in adverse event rates between CHIP ± groups for those treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. CHIP is common in patients with solid tumors. Although not appearing to affect rates of adverse events, CHIP may affect outcomes from immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

Significance:
Liquid biopsy is increasingly being used in oncology for tumor molecular characterization. CHIP is a common incidental finding in cfDNA, and its prevalence increases with age. This study builds on growing evidence of common CHIP variants in patients with solid tumors. The results suggest a possible clinical impact of CHIP on treatment outcomes from immunotherapy or chemotherapy. This may have implications for treatment selection for patients with solid tumors.
Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 Interplay Through Mas and ET
B
Receptor Interaction Defines a Novel Vasoprotective Mechanism
Authors: Montezano Augusto C. , Kuriakose Jithin , Hood Katie Y. , Sin Yuan Yan , Camargo Livia L. , Namkung Yoon , Castro Carlos H. , Santos Robson A. , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Tejeda Gonzalo , Passaglia Patricia , Basheer Sehrish , Gallen Emily , Findlay Jane E. , Awan Fazli R. , Laporte Stéphane A. , MacLean Margaret R. , Baillie George S. , Touyz Rhian M. 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ang-(1-7) (angiotensin (1-7)) via MasR (Mas receptor) opposes vaso-injurious actions of Ang II (angiotensin II) as shown in models of pulmonary hypertension. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized cross talk between Ang-(1-7) and the protective arm of the ET-1 (endothelin-1) system involving MasR and ET
B
R (endothelin receptor type B).

METHODS:
To address this, we studied multiple models: in vivo, in a mouse model of ET-1–associated vascular injury (hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension); ex vivo, in isolated mouse arteries; and in vitro, in human endothelial cells.

RESULTS:

Pulmonary hypertension mice exhibited pulmonary vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and ET-1–induced hypercontractility. Ang-(1-7) treatment (14 days) ameliorated these effects and increased the expression of vascular ET
B
R. In human endothelial cells, Ang-(1-7)–induced activation of eNOS (endothelial NO synthase)/NO was attenuated by A779 (MasR antagonist) and BQ788 (ET
B
R antagonist). A779 inhibited ET-1–induced signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation and peptide array experiments demonstrated the interaction between MasR and ET
B
R. Binding sites for ET
B
R were mapped to MasR (amino acids 290–314). Binding sites for MasR on ET
B
R were identified (amino acids 176–200). Peptides that disrupt MasR:ET
B
R prevented Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 signaling. Using high-throughput screening, we identified compounds that enhance MasR:ET
B
R interaction, which we termed enhancers. Enhancers increased Ang-(1-7)–induced eNOS activity, NO production, and Ang-(1-7)–mediated vasorelaxation, and reduced contractile responses.

CONCLUSIONS:

We identify cross talk between Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 through MasR:ET
B
R interaction as a novel network that is vasoprotective. Promoting coactivity between these systems amplifies Ang-(1-7) signaling, increases ET-1/ET
B
R-mediated vascular actions, and attenuates the injurious effects of ET-1. Enhancing Ang-(1-7)/MasR:ET-1/ET
B
R signaling may have therapeutic potential in conditions associated with vascular damage.
Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations Among Stroke Survivors in the United States
Authors: Vemuri Ajith Kumar , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Sadr Alireza Vafaei , Zhou Shouhao , Decker Keith , Hakun Jonathan , Sciamanna Christopher , Abedi Vida , Zand Ramin 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
Physical activity is an effective modifiable behavior for preventing recurrent strokes. This study aims to determine the adherence to physical activity recommendations among stroke survivors in the United States. We further compared our findings with the adherence observed among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors and healthy adults, each assessed against distinct physical activity guidelines specific to their respective populations.

METHODS:
We utilized data from the 2011 to 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative survey. To establish benchmarks for stroke survivors, we referenced 3 different physical activity recommendations outlined in 2011, 2014, and 2021 American Heart Association stroke prevention guidelines. Similarly, for MI survivors and healthy adults, we used the 2011 guidelines for secondary prevention of coronary vascular diseases and the 2020 World Health Organization physical activity guidelines, respectively. Adherence to recommendations was determined by the respondents’ self-reported intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression compared adherence in stroke survivors, MI survivors, and healthy adults.

RESULTS:

Among 48 222 stroke survivors in the United States, the overall adherence rates to 2011, 2014, and 2021 physical activity guidelines were 75.4%, 40.2%, and 69.2%. For independently mobile stroke survivors, the adherence rates increased to 78.1%, 42.1%, and 69.9%. Among MI survivors and healthy adults, the adherence rates were 42.7% and 72%. When 2021 recommendations were used as a benchmark, older (aged ≥65 years) stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations than younger survivors (71.9% versus 62.3%;
P
<0.0001). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, non-Hispanic Black survivors were less likely to adhere to recommendations (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.7–0.94]), whereas older and higher educated stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations. Geographically, stroke belt and nonrural residents were less likely to adhere to recommendations ([63.5% versus 67.9%;
P
<0.0001]; [53.8% versus 58.7%;
P
<0.0001]). Stroke and MI survivors were less likely to adhere to the latest recommendations than healthy adults (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.69–0.8]; (adjusted odds ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.22–0.26]).

CONCLUSIONS:
A substantial number of stroke survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. Tailored interventions should be designed for at-risk populations, for example, non-Hispanic Black survivors and lower educated stroke survivors.
Penumbral Imaging to Guide Endovascular Treatment for M2 Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Authors: Broocks Gabriel , Mannoun Mahmoud , Bechstein Matthias , Kniep Helge , Winkelmeier Laurens , Schön Gerhard , Heitkamp Christian , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Kemmling Andre , Alfke Karsten , Fiehler Jens , Meyer Lukas 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
A potential benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with distal medium vessel occlusions is currently being investigated in randomized trials. Computed tomography perfusion imaging has not yet been tested as a method to guide mechanical thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions. The purpose of this study was to assess penumbral imaging as an imaging-based method for triaging patients with ischemic stroke and acute M2-middle cerebral artery occlusion.

METHODS:

This observational retrospective study of M2-middle cerebral artery patients with ischemic stroke triaged by multimodal computed tomography undergoing mechanical thrombectomy at a high-volume stroke center between January 2015 and January 2023. The effect of recanalization was analyzed according to computed tomography perfusion-derived lesion volumes (defined using relative cerebral blood flow <30% and
T
max
>6 seconds) using logistic regression analysis, and interaction terms between the independent variables and recanalization were tested. The primary end point was functional independence at day 90, defined using modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 2.

RESULTS:

A total of 140 patients with M2-middle cerebral artery occlusion were included. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, recanalization was not associated with better functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.85 [95% CI, 0.87–3.90];
P
=0.11). After including interaction terms, a significant treatment effect between recanalization and computed tomography perfusion-derived lesion volumes was observed in patients with >150 mL hypoperfusion volume (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00–1.03];
P
=0.007) or >125 mL penumbral volumes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.03];
P
=0.005), as well as for baseline ischemic core volume within the range of 15 to 40 mL (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01–1.22];
P
=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:
Penumbral imaging might serve as a useful tool for treatment decision-making in distal medium vessel occlusions, particularly in cases of suspected non- or codominant M2-middle cerebral artery vessel occlusions. A hypoperfusion volume threshold of >150 mL emphasizes the potential value of computed tomography perfusion as a standardized tool directly showing the volumetric relevance in distal medium vessel occlusion cases.
The Old Norse Toponym Grænland and its Tie to the Trade in Walrus Ivory
Authors: Sayers William 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The implausible medieval toponym Grænland ‘Greenland’ is traced to the walrus hunting station in the Disko Bay region of northwestern Greenland and to the dominant island proto-industry, tusk extraction and trade in ivory. Language substitution and related processes take a notional *tannland ‘tusk land’ (perhaps tabooed) through *granland ‘whisker land’ (a second dominant cranial feature of the animal) to grænland, variously ‘fresh, new land’, ‘land of hope’, and, lastly, ‘green land’. Norse trade as far as to central Asia in ivory and other luxury goods such as North American hardwoods is also reviewed.
Die Partnerwahl in den Mären „Die halbe Birne“ und „Das Häslein“
Authors: Schneidergruber Dietmar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The text compares two tales that deal with finding a partner. In the context of a legal gap after the IV. Lateran Council regarding the validity of marriage, two different cases are presented, in which the naive young woman in the tale Das Häslein regains her social honor. The king’s daughter in the tale Die halbe Birne goes into an uncertain future, her father the king loses control over his daughter. Both tales disqualify the woman’s lust, especially when she shows it or brags about it. In both cases the protection failed.
Endings -s and -st in the 2nd Person Singular Present Indicative in Old English
Authors: Afros Elena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The replacement of the ending -s with -st in the 2nd person singular present indicative is an often-discussed diachronic development in Old English. Whereas most accounts center on the origins of -st, the present study focuses on the competition between the two endings throughout the Old English period. The current examination of the witnesses dating between the ninth and eleventh centuries shows that the -s- and -st-forms did not contrast on the phonological and morphological features generally cited in the analyses of this change. The adjacency of the pronominal subject did not affect the choice of the inflection either. Instead, initially the -s-forms occurred in the SV and VS environments whereas the -st-forms were restricted to the SV environments. This distribution explains why the verbs ending in -stu, which appeared only in the VS environments, could not have triggered the change of -s to -st. As the ending -st spread to the VS environment as well, the ending -s was confined to the VS environments where it survived into the twelfth century.
Forum: The Self-Realising Soldier: Post-Heroic Reflections from Norwegian Afghanistan Veterans by Heidi Mogstad
Authors: Mogstad Heidi , Molendijk Tine , Kotilainen Noora , Hunniecutt Jeni , Mogstad Heidi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In western media and politics, Afghanistan is usually depicted as a place of scarcity and hardship. This article attends to a different western representation of the country, that is, Afghanistan, as a site of self-fulfilment and growth. In doing so, I outline a mode of soldiering that emerged from my ethnographic interviews with Norwegian Afghanistan veterans: the self-realising soldier seeking combat, adventure and personal development in a distant and failing war. While not entirely new, this mode of soldiering challenges dominant representations of western soldiers in the post-9/11 wars as driven by humanitarian values or socio-economic mobility. However, the soldiers’ narratives are not merely fragments of lived and embodied experience. Nor do I read them as duped by military recruitment campaigns or neoliberal discourses idealising self-investment. Instead, this article interprets their post-war reflections as confessional speech acts that constitute the Norwegian Afghanistan veterans as realistic and sincere vis-à-vis “dishonest” politicians and “naïve” civilians far removed from the battlefield. The self-realisation discourse has ambiguous political effects, as it both exposes and obscures the military’s core functions and simultaneously unsettles and reinforces imperialist images of Afghanistan. Moreover, the self-realising soldiers challenge us to consider alternative moralities of war and raise important questions about the ethics of contemporary western expeditionary warfare.
Predictors of the inclusion of people with disabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: van Berkel Rik 
Published: December 2024

Background During the last decades, studies addressing the persistently large labor-market participation gap of people with disabilities have increasingly focused attention to the role of employers and their organizations. Relatively little attention has been paid to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Objective The objective of this article is to deepen our understanding of predictors of the inclusion of people with disabilities in SMEs. Methods A survey was conducted among SMEs in the Netherlands. The survey focused on three groups of predictors of employing people with disabilities: general organizational characteristics, human resource practices, and capabilities, opportunities and motivations to employ people with disabilities. Results The most important positive predictors of employing people with disabilities in SMEs were size, capabilities and opportunities. HR recruitment and selection was negatively related to employing people with disabilities. Comparing small with larger enterprises we found that predictors for employing people with disabilities are not completely similar. Conclusion Given the role of SMEs as a resource of employment, and the notion that SMEs are not simply ‘small’ large organizations but have their own unique characteristics which may create specific challenges and opportunities for inclusion, future research of SMEs is recommended. Concerning HR practices our findings are inconclusive. The role of general versus disability-specific HR practices, the issue of inclusive versus exclusive effects of HR practices and the effects of individual versus bundles of HR practices are interesting topics for future research.
The variation in axial length in office hours causes a diopter change in the intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Nemeth Gabor , Revak Agnes , Vamosi Peter , Elekes Agnes , Modis Laszlo , Sohajda Zoltan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose To investigate whether diurnal changes in biometric parameters at different times of the day are visible and to analyze whether the variations could have clinical significance in the process of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. Methods Phakic eyes measured by IOLMaster 700 above the age of 16 were included, with the exclusion of previous surgery. Measurements were taken between 7:00 and 15:00 and data were treated in hourly groups within this range. Data such as age, sex and biometric parameters (axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, white-to-white distance, keratometry readings, lens thickness) were used besides the hour:minute time of the examination. Results Biometric data from 32,596 eyes were used (38.89% males). There were no statistically significant differences in age and biometric parameters between the office-hour groups (p > 0.05), excluding the AL. The AL at the end of the day was 0.198 mm longer for male and 0.197 mm longer for female compared to the beginning of the office day. Accordingly, the results of IOL power calculation varied between 21.0 and 20.0 D for male, and 21.5 D and 20.5 D for the female population. Conclusion The results suggest that the assessment of AL may be affected by the intraday time of the biometry. This variation is clinically significant and may have implications for the evaluation of AL.