bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The remodeling of ovarian function: targeted delivery strategies for mesenchymal stem cells and their derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Song Yinhua , Wu Jiachen , Liu Yang , Xu Na , Bai Hualin , Wang Lingjuan , Ai Jihui , Li Kezhen
Published: March 2024

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an essential cause of reduced fertility and quality of life in young women. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the ability to migrate to damaged tissues and are considered as promising therapeutic approaches for POI. However, the homing ability and therapeutic efficacy of MSCs administered in vivo are still insufficient, and their potential tumorigenicity and multi-differentiation potential also bring many doubts about their safety. The targeting ability and migration efficiency of MSCs can be improved by genetic engineering and surface modification, thereby maximizing their therapeutic efficacy. However, the use of viral vectors also has increased safety concerns. In addition, EVs, which seem to be the current therapeutic alternative to MSCs, are still poorly targeted for distribution, although they have improved in terms of safety. This paper reviews the comparative therapeutic effects of MSCs and their derived EVs on POI, their biodistribution after in vivo administration, and the most important possible ovarian targeting strategies. Difficulties such as homogeneity and yield before clinical application are also discussed. This article will provide new insights into precision therapy and targeted drug delivery for female ovarian diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Improved therapeutic consistency and efficacy of CD317+ MSCs through stabilizing TSG6 by PTX3
Authors: Shi Shaoquan , Chen Si , Liang Bowei , Li Yumeng , Ma Qi , Li Meiqi , Zhang Jingting , Yao Lan , Xu Jianyong
Published: March 2024

Background

Previously, we have demonstrated that the batch variations of human platelet lysate (conventional MSC expansion medium) induce MSC heterogeneity and therapeutic inconsistency. On the other hand, the MSCs expanded with chemical defined medium have improved therapeutic consistency.

Methods

In the current study, we studied the MSC subpopulation composition and variation in different types and batches of MSC expansion medium with scRNA-seq analysis.

Results

MSCs expanded with different batches of media have higher levels of heterogeneity from the perspective of cell subpopulation composition at transcriptome levels and therapeutic inconsistency. The CD317+ subpopulation has enhanced immune suppression activities. And the percentage of CD317+ MSCs within MSCs is tightly correlated with its immune suppression activities, and also contributes to the heterogeneity and therapeutic inconsistency of MSCs. the CD317+ MSCs have increased expression levels of PTX3, which might stabilize the TSG6 protein and improve the therapeutic effects

Conclusions

Thus, purifying CD317+ MSCs is one efficient strategy to reduce MSC heterogeneity and increase the therapeutic consistency of MSCs.
Early sevoflurane sedation in severe COVID-19-related lung injury patients. A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Schadde Erik , Pietsch Urs , Filipovic Miodrag , Dübendorfer-Dalbert Seraina , Fodor Patricia , Hübner Tobias , Schuepbach Reto , Steiger Peter , David Sascha , Krüger Bernard D. , Neff Thomas A. , Schläpfer Martin
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess a potential organ protective effect of volatile sedation in a scenario of severe inflammation with an early cytokine storm (in particular IL-6 elevation) in patients suffering from COVID-19-related lung injury with invasive mechanical ventilation and sedation.

Methods

This is a small-scale pilot multicenter randomized controlled trial from four tertiary hospitals in Switzerland, conducted between April 2020 and May 2021. 60 patients requiring mechanical ventilation due to severe COVID-19-related lung injury were included and randomized to 48-hour sedation with sevoflurane vs. continuous intravenous sedation (= control) within 24 h after intubation. The primary composite outcome was determined as mortality or persistent organ dysfunction (POD), defined as the need for mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, or renal replacement therapy at day 28. Secondary outcomes were the length of ICU and hospital stay, adverse events, routine laboratory parameters (creatinine, urea), and plasma inflammatory mediators.

Results

28 patients were randomized to sevoflurane, 32 to the control arm. The intention-to-treat analysis revealed no difference in the primary endpoint with 11 (39%) sevoflurane and 13 (41%) control patients (p = 0.916) reaching the primary outcome. Five patients died within 28 days in each group (16% vs. 18%, p = 0.817). Of the 28-day survivors, 6 (26%) and 8 (30%) presented with POD (p = 0.781). There was a significant difference regarding the need for vasopressors (1 (4%) patient in the sevoflurane arm, 7 (26%) in the control one (p = 0.028)). Length of ICU stay, hospital stay, and registered adverse events within 28 days were comparable, except for acute kidney injury (AKI), with 11 (39%) sevoflurane vs. 2 (6%) control patients (p = 0.001). The blood levels of IL-6 in the first few days after the onset of the lung injury were less distinctly elevated than expected.

Conclusions

No evident benefits were observed with short sevoflurane sedation on mortality and POD. Unexpectedly low blood levels of IL-6 might indicate a moderate injury with therefore limited improvement options of sevoflurane. Acute renal issues suggest caution in using sevoflurane for sedation in COVID-19.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04355962) on 2020/04/21.
Interfacial Shear Behavior of Composite Concrete Substrate to High-Performance Concrete Overly After Exposure to Elevated Temperature
Authors: Zalhaf Nagat M. , Fayed Sabry , Zakaria Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

Basically, the interface shear strength between two concrete layers of varying ages must be sufficient to withstand the applied actions on the structure, specifically fire attack, which may cause the complete collapse of the composite structure. Thus, interfacial shear behavior was investigated and analyzed in this paper under the influence of a set of parameters, including temperature (25, 200, 400, and 600 °C), time exposure (30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min), concrete type, and fibers type (polypropylene fiber (PPF), steel fiber (SF), and hybrid fiber) by employing a Z-shape push-off test. The test consists of two parts with different ages: normal strength concrete (NCS) and high-performance concrete (HPC). HPC includes high-strength concrete (HSC) and fly ash concrete (FAC). Initially, twenty-five Z-shaped push-off tests were made, four of which were cast as one unit (NSC/or concrete with hybrid (FSP)), and the rest were composite specimens. Furthermore, a 3D finite element model of a composite push-off specimen was developed to simulate and analyze the impact of various time and temperature exposures on the interfacial shear strength of composite specimen N-FSP. The results indicated that temperature degree and exposure time adversely affected the interfacial shear strength. Also, interfacial shear strength is significantly influenced by fiber types. Including combined fiber (SF + PPF) improved the interfacial shear strength by 114% compared to the composite specimen NSC-NSC after exposure to a temperature of 600 °C. In contrast, using PPF negatively affected the interfacial shear strength, recording only 84% of the composite specimen NSC-NSC. In addition, the inclusion of supplementary cementitious material enhanced the interfacial shear strength by 60.5% in the NSC-FAC composite specimen with 30% FA, compared to the NSC-NSC specimen. Finally, a finite element (FE) model was proposed with a satisfactory level of accuracy (0.95 to 1.03) in predicting the maximum shear strength. Additionally, the difference between the FE and experimental stiffness was between 0.92 and 1.07.
Corrosion prediction for preventive protection of aircraft heritage
Authors: Kuchař Michal , Oswald Cyril , Fišer Jaromír , Khol Miroslav , Simeunović Goran , Vyhlídal Tomáš , Guilminot Elodie , Echinard Jane
Published: March 2024

The paper presents a study on corrosion prediction for preventive aeronautical heritage protection, considering the aeronautical heritage stored or exhibited in an aviation museum. For the purpose of the study, the hangar with exhibited historical aircraft of significant cultural and societal value is located in the Aviation Museum Kbely, Prague, Czech Republic. Until now, such a preventive approach to protecting the aircraft heritage constituted from ancient aluminum alloys, in particular, has not been presented rigorously. Monitoring the hangar meteorological, pollution, and environmental data are acquired and interrelated with measured corrosion data to find a statistical model describing atmospheric corrosion in the hangar environment. The statistical model searched represents a Gaussian process based on a likelihood approach. As a result, the Gaussian process model is regressed to predict the corrosion of aluminum alloy-based artifacts in the monitored hangar with the marginal likelihood that is compared to machine learning-based prediction. Finally, it is shown that atmospheric corrosion is accurately predicted only when, among others, a synergistic effect of airborne pollutants and wind speed is considered.
Inflammation and acute cardiotoxicity in adult hematological patients treated with CAR-T cells: results from a pilot proof-of-concept study
Authors: Camilli Massimiliano , Viscovo Marcello , Felici Tamara , Maggio Luca , Ballacci Federico , Carella Giacomo , Bonanni Alice , Lamendola Priscilla , Tinti Lorenzo , Di Renzo Antonio , Coarelli Giulia , Galli Eugenio , Liuzzo Giovanna , Burzotta Francesco , Montone Rocco Antonio , Sorà Federica , Sica Simona , Hohaus Stefan , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Crea Filippo , Lombardo Antonella , Minotti Giorgio
Published: March 2024

Aims

Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T (CAR-T) cell infusion is a rapidly evolving antitumor therapy; however, cardiovascular (CV) complications, likely associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and systemic inflammation, have been reported to occur. The CARdio-Tox study aimed at elucidating incidence and determinants of cardiotoxicity related to CAR-T cell therapy.

Methods

Patients with blood malignancies candidate to CAR-T cells were prospectively evaluated by echocardiography at baseline and 7 and 30 days after infusion. The study endpoints were i) incidence of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), CTRCD were also balanced for any grade CRS, but CTRCD occurred of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology (decrements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or global longitudinal strain (GLS) and/or elevations of cardiac biomarkers (high sensitivity troponin I, natriuretic peptides) and ii), correlations of echocardiographic metrics with inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

Incidence of CTRCD was high at 7 days (59,3%), particularly in subjects with CRS. The integrated definition of CTRCD allowed the identification of the majority of cases (50%). Moreover, early LVEF and GLS decrements were inversely correlated with fibrinogen and interleukin-2 receptor levels (p always ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of early CTRCD in patients treated with CAR-T cells, and a link between CTRCD and inflammation can be demonstrated. Dedicated patient monitoring protocols are advised.

Graphical Abstract
Construct validity of EQ-5D-5L among patients with inflammatory bowel disease—a study based on real-world data from the Swedish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry
Authors: Latteur Jack , Ernstsson Olivia , Nilsson Evalill , Jäghult Susanna , Heintz Emelie
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The Swedish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry (SWIBREG) includes approximately 84% of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with immunomodulators, biologics or surgery in Sweden. Data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have been collected using EQ-5D-5L in the registry since 2012. Nevertheless, there are few studies assessing the validity of EQ-5D-5L in this patient population. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of EQ-5D-5L amongst patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease).

Methods

Individual-level data on EQ-5D-5L and other disease-specific measures were extracted from SWIBREG. Known-groups validity was assessed by analysing whether the EQ-5D-5L captured expected differences between patient groups with different activity levels of the disease. Convergent validity was assessed by analysing whether the reported problems in the dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, and the EQ-5D-5L index value correlated, as hypothesized, with the four dimensions in the Short Health Scale, a symptom index question, and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score.

Results

In total, 9769 patients with IBD were included in the study. Patients with active IBD reported more health problems in the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system than patients being in remission. The effect sizes for the differences in reported problems between patients with active and inactive disease were at least small (≥0.1) or medium (≥0.3) in all dimensions except self-care. Differences in the mean EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score between patients with active and inactive disease were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and larger than pre-defined cut-offs for minimally important differences (>0.08 for the index and >11.0 for EQ-VAS). The analysis of convergent validity showed that EQ-5D-5L results correlated as expected with the disease-specific measures in 16 of the 21 analyses. In total, 22 (79%) of the 28 hypotheses were supported.

Conclusion

The findings support the construct validity of EQ-5D-5L amongst patients with IBD and contribute to the scarce literature on the validity of the five-level version of EQ-5D in this patient population. These findings have important implications for the choice of HRQoL measure in routine health care registries like SWIBREG as well as for future clinical or health economic studies considering using EQ-5D-5L as a measure of HRQoL.
Review of fuel treatment effects on fuels, fire behavior and ecological resilience in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems in the Western U.S.
Authors: Chambers Jeanne C. , Strand Eva K. , Ellsworth Lisa M. , Tortorelli Claire M. , Urza Alexandra K. , Crist Michele R. , Miller Richard F. , Reeves Matthew C. , Short Karen C. , Williams Claire L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Sagebrush ecosystems are experiencing increases in wildfire extent and severity. Most research on vegetation treatments that reduce fuels and fire risk has been short term (2–3 years) and focused on ecological responses. We review causes of altered fire regimes and summarize literature on the longer-term effects of treatments that modify (1) shrub fuels, (2) pinyon and juniper canopy fuels, and (3) fine herbaceous fuels. We describe treatment effects on fuels, fire behavior, ecological resilience, and resistance to invasive annual grasses.

Results

Our review revealed tradeoffs in woody fuel treatments between reducing canopy fuels vs. increasing understory herbaceous vegetation (fuels) and fire behavior. In pinyon-juniper expansion areas, all treatments decreased crown fire risk. Prescribed fire and cut and broadcast burn treatments reduced woody fuels long-term but had higher risk of invasion. Mechanical treatments left understory vegetation intact and increased native perennial plants. However, cut and leave treatments increased downed woody fuel and high-intensity wildfire risk, while cut and pile burn and mastication caused localized disturbances and annual grass invasion. Ecological outcomes depended on ecological resilience; sites with warm and dry conditions or depleted perennial native herbaceous species experienced lower recovery and resistance to invasive annual grasses. In invasive annual grass dominated areas, high-intensity targeted grazing reduced fine fuels but required retreatment or seeding; in intact ecosystems with relatively low shrub cover, dormant season targeted grazing reduced fine fuel and thus fire spread. Preemergent herbicides reduced annual grasses with differing effects in warm and dry vs. cool and moist environments.

Conclusions

The information largely exists to make informed decisions on treatments to mitigate effects of wildfire and improve ecological resilience at local, project scales. Primary considerations are the short- vs long-term tradeoffs in fuels and fire behavior and thus fire severity and the likely ecological response.
Maximum flexion and lateral rollback revealed better patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tamaki M. , Ishibashi T. , Yamazaki T. , Konda S. , Kono K. , Okada S. , Tomita T.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Patient satisfaction is an important outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, we cannot predict how and why patients are satisfied or dissatisfied with TKA. The hypothesis of this study was that patient-reported outcomes (PROs) correlate with in vivo kinematics after TKA.

Materials and methods

One hundred knees were analyzed after TKA. The in vivo kinematics of deep knee bending motion were estimated from single-plane fluoroscopy using a two-to-three-dimensional registration technique. Active knee flexion, femoral rotation and rollback were evaluated. The PROs were obtained after surgery using the 2011 Knee Society Scoring System (KSS), and their relationship with in vivo kinematics was determined.

Results

The average minimum and maximum flexion were −2.4 ± 7.3° and 113.2 ± 13.6°, respectively. The average femoral rotation was 7.4 ± 3.4°, and the average medial and lateral rollback were 2.4 ± 4.8 mm and 7.2 ± 5.6 mm, respectively. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the maximum flexion angle significantly contributed to symptoms and satisfaction. In addition, lateral rollback was also a significant factor affecting patient satisfaction. Lateral rollback and lateral Anterior-Posterior (AP) position at maximum flexion were correlated with the maximum flexion angle, whereas femoral rotation did not correlate with flexion angles.

Conclusions

Maximum flexion and lateral rollback are important for better patient satisfaction after TKA. To obtain the maximum flexion angle, it was necessary to perform the normal kinematic pattern with a large amount of lateral rollback.
Is There a Special Role for Ovarian Hormones in the Pathogenesis of Lobular Carcinoma?
Authors: Flaherty Renée L , Sflomos George , Brisken Cathrin
Published: March 2024

Lobular carcinoma represent the most common special histological subtype of breast cancer, with the majority classed as hormone receptor positive. Rates of invasive lobular carcinoma in postmenopausal women have been seen to increase globally, while other hormone receptor–positive breast cancers proportionally have not followed the same trend. This has been linked to exposure to exogenous ovarian hormones such as hormone replacement therapy. Reproductive factors resulting in increased lifetime exposure to endogenous ovarian hormones have also been linked to an increased risk of lobular breast cancer, and taken together, these data make a case for the role of ovarian hormones in the genesis and progression of the disease. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the epidemiological associations between ovarian hormones and lobular breast cancer and highlight mechanistic links that may underpin the etiology and biology.
Squished Bugs
Authors: Stack Whitney Kaitlin , Whitney Kristoffer
Published: March 2024

Field guides have been a vital part of biology disciplines for centuries. This article focuses on recent pedagogical innovations in biological fieldwork, in fields such as entomology and ecology—specifically, the creation of informal field guide photographs that depict insects as ecologists-in-training are most likely to encounter them: dead and squished on cards, in nets, and on other types of insect traps. This article examines the training of ecology technicians to identify collected insects in the field and the laboratory. Technicians (whether students or volunteers) are trained to the squished reference images, with the goal of improving their insect identification skills and aid in ecological knowledge production. Using this empirical example, the article argues that squished bugs more importantly represent a pedagogical opportunity to instill an ethical reflexivity in field technicians operating well outside of academic environmental humanities circles. Drawing on multispecies studies’ (and its animal studies antecedents’) focus on environmental ethics, as well as the scant but growing attention to “unloved others” like invertebrates, squished bugs are used as a way of reckoning with the destruction and deformation of life for the sake of conservation knowledge and, as Donna Haraway has suggested, “staying with the trouble” of killing insects.
Roles for CEP170 in cilia function and dynein-2 assembly
Authors: Weijman Johannes F. , Vuolo Laura , Shak Caroline , Pugnetti Anna , Mukhopadhyay Aakash G. , Hodgson Lorna R. , Heesom Kate J. , Roberts Anthony J. , Stephens David J.
Published: March 2024

Primary cilia are essential eukaryotic organelles required for signalling and secretion. Dynein-2 is a microtubule-motor protein complex and is required for ciliogenesis via its role in facilitating retrograde intraflagellar transport (IFT) from the cilia tip to the cell body. Dynein-2 must be assembled and loaded onto IFT trains for entry into cilia for this process to occur, but how dynein-2 is assembled and how it is recycled back into a cilium remain poorly understood. Here, we identify centrosomal protein of 170 kDa (CEP170) as a dynein-2-interacting protein in mammalian cells. We show that loss of CEP170 perturbs intraflagellar transport and hedgehog signalling, and alters the stability of dynein-2 holoenzyme complex. Together, our data indicate a role for CEP170 in supporting cilia function and dynein-2 assembly.
Specific dynamic action: the energy cost of digestion or growth?
Authors: Goodrich Harriet R. , Wood Chris M. , Wilson Rod W. , Clark Timothy D. , Last Katja B. , Wang Tobias
Published: March 2024

The physiological processes underlying the post-prandial rise in metabolic rate, most commonly known as the ‘specific dynamic action’ (SDA), remain debated and controversial. This Commentary examines the SDA response from two opposing hypotheses: (i) the classic interpretation, where the SDA represents the energy cost of digestion, versus (ii) the alternative view that much of the SDA represents the energy cost of growth. The traditional viewpoint implies that individuals with a reduced SDA should grow faster given the same caloric intake, but experimental evidence for this effect remains scarce and inconclusive. Alternatively, we suggest that the SDA reflects an organism's efficacy in allocating the ingested food to growth, emphasising the role of post-absorptive processes, particularly protein synthesis. Although both viewpoints recognise the trade-offs in energy allocation and the dynamic nature of energy distribution among physiological processes, we argue that equating the SDA with ‘the energy cost of digestion’ oversimplifies the complexities of energy use in relation to the SDA and growth. In many instances, a reduced SDA may reflect diminished nutrient absorption (e.g. due to lower digestive efficiency) rather than increased ‘free’ energy available for somatic growth. Considering these perspectives, we summarise evidence both for and against the opposing hypotheses with a focus on ectothermic vertebrates. We conclude by presenting a number of future directions for experiments that may clarify what the SDA is, and what it is not.
Plant Protein Blend Ingestion Stimulates Postexercise Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates Equivalently to Whey in Resistance-Trained Adults
Authors: VAN DER HEIJDEN INO , MONTEYNE ALISTAIR J. , WEST SAM , MORTON JAMES P. , LANGAN-EVANS CARL , HEARRIS MARK A. , ABDELRAHMAN DOAA R. , MURTON ANDREW J. , STEPHENS FRANCIS B. , WALL BENJAMIN T.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Whey protein ingestion is typically considered an optimal dietary strategy to maximize myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) after resistance exercise. Although single-source plant protein ingestion is typically less effective, at least partly, due to less favorable amino acid profiles, this could theoretically be overcome by blending plant-based proteins with complementary amino acid profiles. We compared the postexercise MyoPS response after the ingestion of a novel plant-derived protein blend with an isonitrogenous bolus of whey protein.

Methods

Ten healthy, resistance-trained, young adults (male/female: 8/2; age: 26 ± 6 yr; BMI: 24 ± 3 kg·m−2) received a primed continuous infusion of L-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine and completed a bout of bilateral leg resistance exercise before ingesting 32 g protein from whey (WHEY) or a plant protein blend (BLEND; 39.5% pea, 39.5% brown rice, 21.0% canola) in a randomized, double-blind crossover fashion. Blood and muscle samples were collected at rest, and 2 and 4 h after exercise and protein ingestion, to assess plasma amino acid concentrations, and postabsorptive and postexercise MyoPS rates.

Results

Plasma essential amino acid availability over the 4 h postprandial postexercise period was ~44% higher in WHEY compared with BLEND (P = 0.04). From equivalent postabsorptive values (WHEY, 0.042 ± 0.020%·h−1; BLEND, 0.043 ± 0.015%·h−1) MyoPS rates increased after exercise and protein ingestion (time effect; P < 0.001) over a 0- to 2-h period (WHEY, 0.085 ± 0.037%·h−1; BLEND, 0.080 ± 0.037%·h−1) and 2- to 4-h period (WHEY, 0.085 ± 0.036%·h−1; BLEND, 0.086 ± 0.034%·h−1), with no differences between conditions during either period or throughout the entire (0–4 h) postprandial period (time–condition interactions; all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Ingestion of a novel plant-based protein blend stimulates postexercise MyoPS to an equivalent extent as whey protein, demonstrating the utility of plant protein blends to optimize postexercise skeletal muscle reconditioning.
The Short- and the Long-Run Impact of Gender-Biased Teachers
Authors: Lavy Victor , Megalokonomou Rigissa
Published: March 2024

We examine the persistence of teachers’ gender biases by following teachers over time in different classes. We find a very high correlation of gender biases for teachers across their classes. We find a substantial impact of gender bias on student performance in university admissions exams, choice of university field of study, and quality of the enrolled program. The effects on university choice outcomes are larger for girls, explaining some gender differences in STEM majors. Teachers with lower value-added are also more likely to be gender biased. (JEL I21, I23, J16, J24, J45)
The Employment Effects of Ethnic Politics
Authors: Amodio Francesco , Chiovelli Giorgio , Hohmann Sebastian
Published: March 2024

We study the labor market consequences of ethnic politics in African democracies. Using subnational georeferenced data from 15 countries from 1996 to 2017, we compare individuals from ethnicities linked to parties at the margin of electing a representative in the national parliament. Having a local ethnic party politician in parliament increases the likelihood of being employed by 2–3 percentage points. The effect is concentrated in the agricultural sector and mostly driven by self-employment, suggesting increased access to land as the main channel. We also show that religion and age are salient markers in African politics that trigger similar employment effects. (JEL D72, J15, J23, J43, O15, O17, Z12)
How the Internet Changed the Market for Print Media
Authors: Bhuller Manudeep , Havnes Tarjei , McCauley Jeremy , Mogstad Magne
Published: March 2024

Combining rich data from the Norwegian media market with exogenous variation in the availability and adoption of broadband internet, this paper provides causal evidence on how the internet affected traditional print media. Broadband internet adoption triggered large reductions in print readership and circulation and equally large increases in online news readership. Despite strong substitution from print to online news consumption, newspaper revenues fell dramatically. Newspapers responded to this adverse technology shock along multiple dimensions, including cutting costs by reducing labor inputs and the physical newspaper size and changing the print product available to customers by reducing tabloid content share. (JEL D24, L13, L25, L82, L86, O33)
Derivation and validation of a mortality risk prediction model in older adults needing home care: Updating the RESPECT (Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in their Communities Tool) algorithm for use with data from the interRAI Home Care Assessment System
Authors: Murmann Maya , Manuel Douglas G. , Tanuseputro Peter , Bennett Carol , Pugliese Michael , Li Wenshan , Roberts Rhiannon , Hsu Amy
Published: March 2024

Background Despite an increasing number of risk prediction models being developed within the healthcare space, few have been widely adopted and evaluated in clinical practice. RESPECT, a mortality risk communication tool powered by a prediction algorithm, has been implemented in the home care setting in Ontario, Canada, to support the identification of palliative care needs among older adults. We sought to re-estimate and validate the RESPECT algorithm in contemporary data. Methods The study and derivation cohort comprised adults living in Ontario aged 50 years and older with at least 1 interRAI Home Care (interRAI HC) record between April 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. Algorithm validation used 500 bootstrapped samples, each containing a 5% random selection from the total cohort. The primary outcome was mortality within 6 months following an interRAI HC assessment. We used proportional hazards regression with robust standard errors to account for clustering by the individual. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were estimated to derive the observed risk of death at 6 months for assessment of calibration and median survival. Finally, 61 risk groups were constructed based on incremental increases in the observed median survival. Results The study cohort included 247,377 adults and 35,497 deaths (14.3%). The mean predicted 6-month mortality risk was 18.0% and ranged from 1.5% (95% CI 1.0%–1.542%) in the lowest to 96.0 % (95% CI 95.8%–96.2%) in the highest risk group. Estimated median survival spanned from 36 days in the highest risk group to over 3.5 years in the lowest risk group. The algorithm had a c-statistic of 0.76 (95% CI 0.75-0.77) in our validation cohort. Conclusions RESPECT demonstrates good discrimination and calibration. The algorithm, which leverages routinely-collected information, may be useful in home care settings for earlier identification of individuals who might be nearing the end of life.
Improving vocational guidance through an expert system: Temporary decreasing and enhancing student self-awareness
Authors: Huayta-Gómez Julia , Pacheco Alex
Published: March 2024

Background The vocational guidance process in educational institutions faces important challenges in managing trials and errors in diagnoses. Technological tools are identified as an effective solution to address these problems. This research seeks to improve career guidance in educational institutions through the implementation of an expert system. The main objective is to reduce test processing time and achieve greater efficiency in students’ self-knowledge regarding their interests, based on the personalities of the Holland Test. Methods The development of the expert system followed a six-model approach. First, an organisational model was created to assess the scope and feasibility of the project. Next, a task and agent model was developed to investigate the impact and look for improvements. A knowledge model was then developed to analyse the relevant knowledge bases. A communication model was also developed to evaluate the communication interface of the system. Next, a design model was created to provide guidelines for the implementation of the system. Finally, the implementation of the knowledge system was carried out to ensure its correct functioning. Results The implementation of the expert system has shown significant improvements in the vocational guidance process. It was possible to reduce the time needed to apply the test, thus optimising the psychologist’s time and allowing a greater capacity for analysis. In addition, an improvement in the effectiveness of the students’ self-knowledge in relation to their vocational interests based on the personalities of the Holland Test was observed. Conclusions This study contributes to career guidance in educational institutions by introducing an innovative expert system. This technological solution optimizes the career guidance process, benefiting psychologists administering tests and students seeking self-knowledge about their career interests.
A research data management (RDM) community for ELIXIR
Authors: D'Anna Flora , Jareborg Niclas , Jetten Mijke , Ahokas Minna , Alper Pinar , Andrews Robert , Bösl Korbinian , D’Altri Teresa , Faria Daniel , Fatima Nazeefa , Fuchs Siiri , Garrard Clare , Gu Wei , Heil Katharina F. , Kallberg Yvonne , Licciulli Flavio , Lübke Nils-Christian , Melo Ana M. P. , Mičetić Ivan , Oliveira Jorge , Oulas Anastasis , Palagi Patricia M. , Poterlowicz Krzysztof , Perez-Sitja Xenia , Ruch Patrick , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Schnitzer Helena , van Gelder Celia , Vergoulis Thanasis , Wibberg Daniel , Wittig Ulrike , Leskošek Brane , Vondrasek Jiri , Andrabi Munazah
Published: March 2024

Research data management (RDM) is central to the implementation of the FAIR (Findable Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and Open Science principles. Recognising the importance of RDM, ELIXIR Platforms and Nodes have invested in RDM and launched various projects and initiatives to ensure good data management practices for scientific excellence. These projects have resulted in a rich set of tools and resources highly valuable for FAIR data management. However, these resources remain scattered across projects and ELIXIR structures, making their dissemination and application challenging. Therefore, it becomes imminent to coordinate these efforts for sustainable and harmonised RDM practices with dedicated forums for RDM professionals to exchange knowledge and share resources. The proposed ELIXIR RDM Community will bring together RDM experts to develop ELIXIR’s vision and coordinate its activities, taking advantage of the available assets. It aims to coordinate RDM best practices and illustrate how to use the existing ELIXIR RDM services. The Community will be built around three integral pillars, namely, a network of RDM professionals, RDM knowledge management and RDM training expertise and resources. It will also engage with external stakeholders to leverage benefits and provide a forum to RDM professionals for regular knowledge exchange, capacity building and development of harmonised RDM practices, keeping in line with the overall scope of the RDM Community. In the short term, the Community aims to build upon the existing resources and ensure that the content of these remain up to date and fit for purpose. In the long run, the Community will aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of its RDM professionals to support the emerging needs of the scientific community. The Community will also devise an effective strategy to engage with other ELIXIR structures and international stakeholders to influence and align with developments and solutions in the RDM field.
Using Health Claims to Teach Evidence-Based Practice to Healthcare Students: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Elvsaas Ida-Kristin Orjasaeter , Myrhaug Hilde Tinderholt , Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Kasper Jürgen , Dahlgren Astrid , Molin Marianne
Published: March 2024

Background A multifaceted and interactive teaching approach is recommended for achieving proficiency in evidence-based practice, with critical thinking considered vital for connecting theory and practice. In this context, we advocate the strategic use of health claims in media to promote critical thinking and provide an accessible entry point to evidence-based practice for early-stage university healthcare students. Method We conducted a convergent mixed methods study, including a cross-sectional survey with structured and open-ended questions as well as focus group interviews, at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants were bachelor’s students in bioengineering, physiotherapy, social education, and occupational therapy. We employed a blended learning approach, combining digital learning resources, teaching in critical assessment of health claims and evidence-based practice, and a concurrent group exam assignment centered around health news. The outcome measures included students’ experiences integrating health claims into evidence-based practice teaching and their experiences with teaching approaches, including the group exam. Results Out of 446 participants, 136 (30.5%) responded to the structured questions in the survey. In response to the open-ended questions within the survey, 109 (80.1%) of the respondents shared positive experiences about the course, while 98 (72%) suggested improvements. Additionally, 25 students participated in focus group interviews. Synthesizing the results, we found that students viewed the inclusion of health claim assessment as a useful entry point for learning evidence-based practice. In addition, both the blended learning design and the group exam were identified as contributors to a positive perception of learning outcomes from the course. Conclusions Integrating critical reflection on media health claims into evidence-based practice education, alongside a blended learning approach and a group exam, may be beneficial for educating bachelor’s healthcare students. However, further rigorous study designs are needed to assess the effect of the course on learning outcomes. Registration DOI 10.5281/zenodo.6985449
Case Report: Urethral Diverticulum after Distal Hypospadias Repair: An Uncommon Complication.
Authors: Kheyami Ammar , AlMuharraqi Abdulla , Abbas Mahmood , Singhal A.K
Published: March 2024

Abstract* Introduction A urethral diverticulum can be defined as a pocket that forms from the lining of the urethra and protrudes into the surrounding tissue, a condition which causes voiding dysfunction and may result as a rare complication of hypospadias repair surgery. Case report We report the case of a 2-year-old child who presented to us in 2019 complaining of a thin forceful stream, ballooning of the ventral aspect of the penis while voiding, and post-void dribbling. He has a history of undergoing a tabularised incised plate urethroplasty for distal penile hypospadias at 18-months-old. Ultrasound showed increased post-void residual volume and cystourethroscopy confirmed a urethral diverticulum extending from the subcorona to the base of the penis. The patient underwent partial excision of diverticulum, urethroplasty, and meatoplasty. He was followed-up 3 months later with complete resolution of his symptoms and a normal urinary stream with no urethral ballooning or dribbling. Conclusion Urethral diverticulum may present as a complication post hypospadias repair. Although it is rare, we believe that it is important for the patient’s parents to understand the possibility and know of the signs and symptoms in addition to attending regular outpatient clinic appointments in order to facilitate early management if needed. Furthermore, it is highly important for physicians to assess newborns for hypospadias before carrying out circumcision as it is a contraindication for the procedure.
The history of German literature at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries. Prose and poetry
Authors: Chugunov Dmitrii
Published: March 2024

The textbook contains theoretical, practical and reference material on the history of German literature of the late XX – early XXI century, including quotations from fiction and journalistic literature, shows the ideological and artistic transformations taking place in the literary process of Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, identifies the main themes and problems of modern literature of Germany. The manual includes materials and tasks for conducting practical classes, tasks for self-checking what has been passed.
The content of the manual meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is addressed to students studying in the fields of "Philology", "Linguistics", "Journalism", "Publishing", "Library and Information activities", as well as teachers of philology.
Steiner Cut Dominants
Authors: Conforti Michele , Kaibel Volker
Published: March 2024

For a subset T of nodes of an undirected graph G, a T-Steiner cut is a cut [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The T-Steiner cut dominant of G is the dominant [Formula: see text] of the convex hull of the incidence vectors of the T-Steiner cuts of G. For [Formula: see text], this is the well-understood s-t-cut dominant. Choosing T as the set of all nodes of G, we obtain the cut dominant for which an outer description in the space of the original variables is still not known. We prove that for each integer τ, there is a finite set of inequalities such that for every pair (G, T) with [Formula: see text], the nontrivial facet-defining inequalities of [Formula: see text] are the inequalities that can be obtained via iterated applications of two simple operations, starting from that set. In particular, the absolute values of the coefficients and of the right-hand sides in a description of [Formula: see text] by integral inequalities can be bounded from above by a function of [Formula: see text]. For all [Formula: see text], we provide descriptions of [Formula: see text] by facet-defining inequalities, extending the known descriptions of s-t-cut dominants.
The gender debate: is midwifery education ‘women's work’?
Authors: Chenery-Morris Sam , Divers Jo
Published: March 2024

This series of six articles is inspired by themes arising from the Royal College of Midwives State of Midwifery Education report. The series explores the current landscape and challenges in educating the future midwifery workforce, particularly those that pertain to the higher education workforce. This second article highlights some of the inequalities experienced by the majority female midwifery education workforce and their impact, exploring how these inequalities are symptomatic of many of the inequalities women experience more generally within patriarchal structures. The article examines if midwifery education is ‘women's work’, and how this can work to impede progression in leadership, research and scholarship for midwifery academics. How midwifery curricula can influence the future academic workforce in dismantling inequality is also considered.
Effect of Load on Sequential Imperfect Preventive Maintenance and Replacement Schedules of Mechanically Repairable Machines
Authors: Udoh Nse , Uko Iniobong , Bassey Kufre
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the impact of load on the operational time and maintenance cost of mechanically repairable machines. Three different levels of load with multiplicative impact on the hazard rate of the failure distribution were applied to the working of a cassava grinding machine using a two-parameter Weibull distribution with respective hazard and cumulative hazard functions. Their effect on the preventive maintenance (PM) and replacement schedules revealed that at above maximum load level, the length of the machine’s operational time decreased drastically compared to the decrease at maximum load level and relative decrease at the below maximum load level when compared to the machine’s operational time at the minimum load level. The application of load also results in frequent preventive maintenance actions and an increase in machine downtime for a given cost ratio. This implies that the influence of load on the PM and replacement maintenance schedule of mechanically repairable machines is essential to the design and operation of such machines. The results also provide maintenance engineers with an operational guide for PM and replacement maintenance actions in order to prevent failure maintenance and increase the machine’s availability for enhanced productivity.
The Energy of Spaces: Uses of Tension ( Tonos ) in the Theology of the Late Antique East
Authors: Samellas Antigone
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: In ancient Stoicism, tension ( tonos ) was a principle of psychosomatic unity, individual and collective cohesion, and a virtuous disposition. Orthodox theologians deployed the notion of weak tension to discredit theaters and stadia as spaces of transmission of listlessness and vice. At the same time, they applied the concept of tension to sanctify places of torture and imprisonment, as well as the religious edifices commemorating martyrdom. This article will assess both the emancipatory and repressive aspects of the theological discourse on tension in their philosophical and medical contexts. Works of Chrysostom, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, and Severus of Antioch will be examined in the light of hagiographic, epigraphic, and papyrological evidence.
Go Until Failure
Authors: Andrews Kayla Min
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This essay begins with a daughter who has found out her mother's cancer is terminal. In response, she decides to change her life to be strong enough to support her mother. The reader experiences the different waves of grief that encapsulates end-of-life care from the perspective of a loved one. The narrator explores the struggles and the fear that surrounds putting pen to paper. The story includes topics of solidarity, pent-up distress, and personal growth.
Thirty-Two Eulogies
Authors: Leach Dan
Published: March 2024

Abstract: A fun list-style essay examining a string of topics concerning multiple life experiences, literary concepts, conversational excerpts, and more. The narrator examines a timeline of their life, filling it with sexual innuendo. Some topics discussed by the narrator include; metaphor, echoes, submission, and the male gaze. While alone, each eulogy may seem random, however, the author expertly weaves the eulogies together to create a cohesive conclusion.
The Blackout in Stepford and the Shadow of Southern Horror
Authors: Richardson Riché
Published: March 2024

Abstract: In this essay, I reconsider Ira Levin’s 1972 novel The Step-ford Wives and place it in dialogue with its filmic adaptations, to reflect on how much the films based on Levin’s novel foreclose and marginalize black representation and embodiment that had been centered in the novel. I argue that shifts from the novel The Step-ford Wives to the first film, released in 1975 and directed by Bryan Forbes, erase the black female subjectivity that centrally shapes the novel. Similarly, by implication in the 2004 film The Stepford Wives directed by Frank Oz, blackness is associated with a decaying urban landscape and scapegoated as the corrupting force that would prevent the actualization of an ideal or peaceful home in a predominantly white suburban neighborhood, where escape from blackness and the pathologies associated with it, including crime, are idealized. Black people are the community’s hidden and unspoken fear, a fear that looms (ironically even more than the literal horrors carried out in the town among its white citizenry), linked to auras of blackness classically illustrated within gothic writing. Toni Morrison has famously discussed the Africanist presence that inflects early canonical American literature, even when black bodies are absent and black characters do not materialize within gothic narratives.