bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamical influence of a central massive object on double-barred galaxies: self-destruction mechanism of secondary bars
Authors: Nakatsuno Naoki , Baba Junichi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Double-barred galaxies exhibit sub-kiloparsec secondary stellar bars that are crucial for channeling gases towards a central massive object (CMO) such as a supermassive black hole or a nuclear star cluster. Recent N-body simulations have uncovered a novel galaxy evolution scenario wherein the mass of the CMO increases owing to the secondary bar, resulting in the eventual destruction of the latter. Consequently, the CMO mass growth halts, thus suggesting a maximum CMO mass of ≈10−3 of the stellar mass of the galaxy. This study focuses on backbone orbit families, particularly double-frequency orbits, within double-barred galaxies. Consequently, the dynamic influence of a CMO on these orbits is investigated. The results of the study reveal the emergence of a new orbital resonance within the central region of the galaxy upon the introduction of a CMO. Orbits subjected to this resonance become chaotic and fail to support the secondary bar, ultimately resulting in the destruction of the entire structure. This is partly because of the inability of the secondary bar to obtain support from the newly generated orbit families following the appearance of resonance. Through the estimation of the condition of secondary bar destruction in realistic double-bar galaxies with varying pattern speeds, the results of the study establish that such destruction occurred when the CMO mass reached ≈10−3 of the galaxy mass. Furthermore, a physical explanation of the galaxy evolution scenario is provided, thereby elucidating the interaction between the CMO and the secondary bar. The understanding of the co-evolution of the secondary bar and the CMO, based on stellar orbital motion, is a crucial step towards future observational studies of stars within the bulge of the Milky Way.
Adaptive Estimation and Uniform Confidence Bands for Nonparametric Structural Functions and Elasticities
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Christensen Timothy , Kankanala Sid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We introduce two data-driven procedures for optimal estimation and inference in nonparametric models using instrumental variables. The first is a data-driven choice of sieve dimension for a popular class of sieve two-stage least-squares estimators. When implemented with this choice, estimators of both the structural function h0 and its derivatives (such as elasticities) converge at the fastest possible (i.e. minimax) rates in sup-norm. The second is for constructing uniform confidence bands (UCBs) for h0 and its derivatives. Our UCBs guarantee coverage over a generic class of data-generating processes and contract at the minimax rate, possibly up to a logarithmic factor. As such, our UCBs are asymptotically more efficient than UCBs based on the usual approach of undersmoothing. As an application, we estimate the elasticity of the intensive margin of firm exports in a monopolistic competition model of international trade. Simulations illustrate the good performance of our procedures in empirically calibrated designs. Our results provide evidence against common parameterizations of the distribution of unobserved firm heterogeneity.
Effects of the SEMA4B gene on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Qin Yao , Xu Huadong , Xi Yongyong , Feng Lingfang , Chen Junfei , Xu Biao , Dong Xiaowen , Li Yongxin , Jiang Zhaoqiang , Lou Jianlin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Our previous study identified the potential of SEMA4B methylation level as a biomarker for hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure. This study aimed to investigate the role of the SEMA4B gene in Cr(VI)-mediated malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. In our population survey of workers, the geometric mean [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of Cr in blood was 3.80 (0.42, 26.56) μg/L. Following treatment with various doses of Cr(VI), it was found that 0.5 μM had negligible effects on the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells. The expression of SEMA4B was observed to decrease in BEAS-2B cells after 7 days of treatment with 0.5 μM Cr(VI), and this downregulation continued with increasing passages of Cr(VI) treatment. Chronic exposure to 0.5 μM Cr(VI) enhanced the anchorage-independent growth ability of BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, the use of a methylation inhibitor suppressed the Cr(VI)-mediated anchorage-independent growth in BEAS-2B cells. Considering that Cr levels exceeding 0.5 μM can be found in human blood due to occupational exposure, the results suggested a potential carcinogenic risk associated with occupational Cr(VI) exposure through the promotion of malignant transformation. The in vitro study further demonstrated that Cr(VI) exposure might inhibit the expression of the SEMA4B gene to promote the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells.
Undergraduate Nursing Student Reflections on Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences With the Canadian Health Care System
Authors: Metersky Kateryna , Chandrasekaran Kaveenaa , Ezekiel Suzanne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

AIM
The aim of this study was to analyze nursing student level of knowledge and understanding of current experiences of Indigenous people within the Canadian health care system to identify curricular gaps that need to be addressed.

BACKGROUND
In response to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, nursing schools have begun incorporating Indigenous health content into curricula. However, few studies about the implementation and effectiveness of this education exist.

METHOD
Students wrote a reflection and engaged with colleagues’ reflections after watching a video from the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Fifteen reflections were selected using systematic, random sampling to undergo thematic analysis.

RESULTS
Two themes were identified: 1) students’ understanding of barriers Indigenous populations face when accessing the health care system and 2) students’ perceptions of strategies to ensure culturally safe care for Indigenous populations.

CONCLUSION
Analysis of students’ learning through a reflection activity can improve the Indigenous health content curriculum.
Hemiepiphysiodesis for Genu Valgum in Patients With Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Bram Joshua T. , Li Don T. , Tracey Olivia C. , Lijesen Emilie , Chipman Danielle E. , Widmann Roger F. , Dodwell Emily R. , Blanco John S. , Green Daniel W. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Genu valgum is a well-known feature of multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). Though prior reports have demonstrated successful treatment with hemiepiphysiodesis, details regarding the correction rate and comparison to an idiopathic population are lacking. This study aimed to detail our institution’s experience with guided growth of the knee in patients with MHE and compare this to an idiopathic population.

Methods:
All pediatric patients (age 18 and younger) with MHE who underwent lower extremity hemiepiphysiodesis at a tertiary care medical center between January 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA, the primary outcomes) were measured in addition to mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). Patients were 1:2 matched based on age, sex, and physes instrumented to a cohort with idiopathic genu valgum.

Results:
A total of 21 extremities in 16 patients with MHE underwent hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur, proximal tibia, and/or distal tibia. The mean age at surgery was 11.7±2.2 years. Mean MAD corrected from zone 1.9±0.7 to -0.3±1.5, while mLDFA corrected from 83.4±2.9 to 91.7±5.2 degrees and MPTA corrected from 95.3±3.6 to 90.5±4.0 degrees in distal femurs and proximal tibias undergoing guided growth, respectively. Three extremities (14.3%) experienced overcorrection ≥5 degrees managed with observation. There were no differences in correction rates per month for mLDFA (0.54±0.34 vs. 0.51±0.29 degrees, P=0.738) or MPTA (0.31±0.26 vs. 0.50±0.59 degrees, P=0.453) between MHE and idiopathic groups. For 11 extremities in the MHE group with open physes at hardware removal, they experienced a mean recurrence of HKA of 4.0±3.4 degrees at 19-month follow-up.

Conclusion:
Hemiepiphysiodesis corrects lower extremity malalignment in patients with MHE at a similar rate compared with an idiopathic coronal plane deformity population. Rebound deformity of 4 degrees at 19 months after hardware removal in patients with remaining open growth plates should make surgeons conscious of the remaining growth potential when planning deformity correction.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Disparities in Patient-reported Outcome Measure Completion Rates and Baseline Function in Newly Presenting Spine Patients
Authors: Johnson Andrea H. , Brennan Jane C. , Rana Parimal , Turcotte Justin J. , Patton Chad 
Published: March 2024

Study Design.
Retrospective review.

Objective.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate disparities in patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) completion rates and baseline function scores among newly presenting spine patients.

Summary of Background Data.
Prior studies have demonstrated that minority patients and those of low socioeconomic status may present with worse physical and mental health on PROMs. As PROMs are increasingly used in clinical care, research, and health policy, accurate assessment of health status among populations relies on the successful completion of PROM instruments.

Methods.
A retrospective review of 10,803 consecutive new patients presenting to a single multidisciplinary spine clinic from June 2020 to September 2022 was performed. Univariate statistics were performed to compare demographics between patients who did and did not complete PROMs. Multivariable analysis was used to compare PROM instrument completion rates by race, ethnicity, and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and baseline scores among responders.

Results.
A total of 68.4% of patients completed PROMs at the first clinic visit. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and diagnosis type, patients of non-White race (OR=0.661, 95% CI=0.599–0.729, P<0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (OR=0.569, 95% CI=0.448–0.721, P<0.001), and increased social vulnerability (OR=0.608, 95% CI=0.511–0.723, P<0.001) were less likely to complete PROMs. In the multivariable models, patients of non-White race reported lower levels of physical function (β=−6.5, 95% CI=−12.4 to −0.6, P=0.032) and higher levels of pain intensity (β=0.6, 95% CI=0.2–1.0, P=0.005). Hispanic ethnicity (β=1.5, 95% CI=0.5–2.5, P=0.004) and increased social vulnerability (β=1.1, 95% CI=0.4–1.8, P=0.002) were each associated with increased pain intensity.

Conclusions.
Among newly presenting spine patients, those of non-White race, Hispanic ethnicity, and with increased social vulnerability were less likely to complete PROMs. As these subpopulations also reported worse physical function or pain intensity, additional strategies are needed to better capture patient-reported health status to avoid bias in clinical care, outcomes research, and health policy.

Level of Evidence.
4.
A Rare Midfoot Injury Case Report: Complete Dislocation of the Navicular With Dislocation of the Cuboid
Authors: Beraún-Coronel Luis , Beraún-Coronel José , Chamorro-Robles Fredy 
Published: March 2024

Injuries of the midfoot are rare and they usually occur as a result of high-energy trauma. The navicular and cuboid, bones that belong to the midfoot, are fundamental structures in stabilizing the medial and lateral columns of the foot respectively, so they require an adequate treatment. We present a 26-year-old man with a complete tarsal navicular bone dislocation without associated navicular fracture, and a complete cuboid dislocation after sustaining a 4 meters fall, it was also accompanied by fracture of the lateral cuneiform and the base of the fourth metatarsal. The patient was treated successfully with open reduction and fixation with screw and Kirschner wires. At 18 months follow-up, we considered the patient’s outcome was good obtaining 90 (90/100) points in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Midfoot Score.

Level of Evidence:
Diagnostic Level V.
The Role of Psychiatry for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults
Authors: Beazer Maggie , Breiger Micah , Keuroghlian Alex S. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Since the inclusion of gender identity disorder in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), psychiatry and the broader medical field have made substantial alterations in their recognition of and respect for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) identities. As this recognition continues to expand, psychiatrists should be aware of both historical harm and current best care practices, especially in light of psychiatric morbidity in TGD populations relative to the general population. This article contextualizes the history of psychiatry’s engagement with TGD patients and presents the gender minority stress and resilience model to frame the mental health disparities experienced by TGD people. We envision a role for psychiatry that goes beyond gatekeeping gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgeries. Instead, we should invest in equitable care across the continuum of mental health needs. We provide an overview of existing literature to help characterize psychiatric epidemiology for this population, with the goal of offering guidance on how psychiatrists can deliver responsive and high-quality care for TGD people. Some key areas of proposed clinical improvement include culturally tailoring interventions for substance use disorders, reducing medical trauma in acute psychiatric care settings, and better understanding the interplay of psychopharmacology and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
PEMBROLIZUMAB-RELATED BILATERAL OCULAR HYPOTONY ASSOCIATED WITH CILIARY DETACHMENTS AND MACULA OEDEMA: A TREATMENT-RESISTANT SIDE EFFECT.
Authors: Bec Louise , Khouri Charles , Chiquet Christophe 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To report of a case of bilateral ocular hypotony associated with ciliary detachments and macula edema as an uncommon troublesome side-effect of pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) treatment.

Methods:
A 56-year-old man with a history of metastatic axillary melanoma (bone, lung, spleen and lymph node lesions) treated with pembrolizumab complained of visual deterioration at his first-year anti-PD1 follow-up visit. Visual acuity in both eyes was 20/32. The patient presented bilateral ocular hypotony (7 mmHg in the right eye, 3mmHg in the left eye), ciliary detachments and macula edema. Several treatments were sequentially tried including systemic steroid therapy, subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant, and leaving some cohesive viscoelastic agent during cataract surgery.

Results:
None of the treatments tried were effective in reducing the ocular hypotony and stopping pembrolizumab was not an option due to its efficacy in controlling the cancer.

Conclusion:
Pembrolizumab treatment carries a risk of ocular hypotony which can be bilateral, presenting a challenging risk – benefit dilemma, particularly if pembrolizumab is effective in controlling the cancer.
Digging deeper into pain: an ethological behavior assay correlating well-being in mice with human pain experience
Authors: Pattison Luke A. , Cloake Alexander , Chakrabarti Sampurna , Hilton Helen , Rickman Rebecca H. , Higham James P. , Meng Michelle Y. , Paine Luke W. , Dannawi Maya , Qiu Lanhui , Ritoux Anne , Bulmer David C. , Callejo Gerard , Smith Ewan St. John 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The pressing need for safer, more efficacious analgesics is felt worldwide. Preclinical tests in animal models of painful conditions represent one of the earliest checkpoints novel therapeutics must negotiate before consideration for human use. Traditionally, the pain status of laboratory animals has been inferred from evoked nociceptive assays that measure their responses to noxious stimuli. The disconnect between how pain is tested in laboratory animals and how it is experienced by humans may in part explain the shortcomings of current pain medications and highlights a need for refinement. Here, we survey human patients with chronic pain who assert that everyday aspects of life, such as cleaning and leaving the house, are affected by their ongoing level of pain. Accordingly, we test the impact of painful conditions on an ethological behavior of mice, digging. Stable digging behavior was observed over time in naive mice of both sexes. By contrast, deficits in digging were seen after acute knee inflammation. The analgesia conferred by meloxicam and gabapentin was compared in the monosodium iodoacetate knee osteoarthritis model, with meloxicam more effectively ameliorating digging deficits, in line with human patients finding meloxicam more effective. Finally, in a visceral pain model, the decrease in digging behavior correlated with the extent of disease. Ultimately, we make a case for adopting ethological assays, such as digging, in studies of pain in laboratory animals, which we believe to be more representative of the human experience of pain and thus valuable in assessing clinical potential of novel analgesics in animals.
Comparison of the mesodermal differentiation potential between embryonic stem cells and scalable induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Tsai En-Tung , Tseng Huan-Chin , Liu Yu-Hao , Wu You-Ren , Peng Shih-Yuan , Lai Wei-Yi , Lin Yi-Ying , Chen Shih-Pin , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Yang Yi-Ping , Chien Yueh 
Published: March 2024

Background:Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have promising potential in clinical application, whereas their limited amount and sources hinder their bioavailability. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become prominent options in regenerative medicine as both possess the ability to differentiate into MSCs.Methods:Recently, our research team has successfully developed human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-homozygous iPSC cell lines with high immune compatibility, covering 13.5% of the Taiwanese population. As we deepen our understanding of the differences between these ESCs and HLA-homozygous iPSCs, our study focused on morphological observations and flow cytometry analysis of specific surface marker proteins during the differentiation of ESCs and iPSCs into MSCs.Results:The results showed no significant differences between the two pluripotent stem cells, and both of them demonstrated the equivalent ability to further differentiate into adipose, cartilage, and bone cells.Conclusion:Our research revealed that these iPSCs with high immune compatibility exhibit the same differentiation potential as ESCs, enhancing the future applicability of highly immune-compatible iPSCs.
The evolution of antibiotic resistance islands occurs within the framework of plasmid lineages
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Dagan Tal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacterial pathogens carrying multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids are a major threat to human health. The acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in plasmids is often facilitated by mobile genetic elements that copy or translocate ARGs between DNA molecules. The agglomeration of mobile elements in plasmids generates resistance islands comprising multiple ARGs. However, whether the emergence of resistance islands is restricted to specific MDR plasmid lineages remains understudied. Here we show that the agglomeration of ARGs in resistance islands is biased towards specific large plasmid lineages. Analyzing 6,784 plasmids in 2,441Escherichia,Salmonella,andKlebsiellaisolates, we quantify that 84% of the ARGs in MDR plasmids are found in resistance islands. We furthermore observe rapid evolution of ARG combinations in resistance islands. Most regions identified as resistance islands are shared among closely related plasmids but rarely among distantly related plasmids. Our results suggest the presence of barriers for the dissemination of ARGs between plasmid lineages, which are related to plasmid genetic properties, host range and the plasmid evolutionary history. The agglomeration of ARGs in plasmids is attributed to the workings of mobile genetic elements that operate within the framework of existing plasmid lineages.
Living with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Victoria, Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Oliver Jane , Fualautoalasi-Lam Loudeen , Ferdinand Angeline , Tiatia Ramona , Jones Bryn , Engelman Daniel , Gibney Katherine B. , Steer Andrew C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Victoria, Australia, children with Pacific Islander (‘Pacific’) ethnicities are overrepresented in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). In June 2023, a Victorian RHD control program was initiated. To inform public health and clinical practice, we described young Pacific patients’ and their caregivers’ understandings and experiences of ARF/RHD, and identified possible ways to improve the delivery of clinical care.MethodsWe established a project reference group including local Pacific people to guide this research. Pacific patients who attended an ARF/RHD clinic at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, were invited to participate, as were their caregivers. A Samoan researcher conducted qualitative ‘talanoa’ (conversational) interviews with patients and caregivers. A second researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with treating clinicians and other stakeholders. Interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis guided by the Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Services Pacific Youth Wellbeing Framework.ResultsWe interviewed 27 participants. This included nine patients and nine caregivers, all of whom were Samoan. These 18 participants expressed a desire to learn more about ARF/RHD and connect with other affected people. While some shared their experiences of having well-liked and trusted healthcare providers, patients often struggled to have two-way clinical conversations. The need to support clinicians working with high-risk populations to improve their awareness of ARF was identified. Receiving treatment on time was a top priority for affected families, despite injection pain, inconvenience and financial costs. The need to support continuity of care for young adult patients was raised by participants.ConclusionsPacific people living with ARF/RHD and their families require additional support to receive high quality management in Victoria. Introducing a patient register and a specialist RHD nurse would enhance access to treatment, as would removing cost barriers, improving clinical awareness of ARF/RHD and creating Victoria-specific patient resources.