bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design principles for final answer assessment in linear algebra: implications for digital testing
Authors: Veale Alisa J , Craig Tracy S
Published: February 2022

Digital testing, such as multiple-choice questions and final answer items, offers many advantages in higher educational assessment practices. Well-designed digital grading is more reliable and faster than hand grading and is scalable to larger classes. The validity of digital grading is open to criticism, particularly in mathematics where much of mathematics is based on processes and reasoning and not on the final answer achieved. At a technical university in the Netherlands, we have been increasing our use of digital short answer testing in calculus and linear algebra for service mathematics. To assess the validity of this mode of assessment, we graded a linear algebra test in two ways: short answer grading (where answers were considered either correct or incorrect) and the so-called ‘hypothetical grading’, where we assigned a grade based on the fully worked solution. Certain types of items proved to be more suitable for short answer (and hence digital) testing than others. We concluded our analysis with a set of design principles for digital or short answer testing in linear algebra.
Unsuccessful mid-term results for distal humeral hemiepiphysiodesis to treat cubitus varus deformity in young children
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Diaz-Gallardo Paula , Cherqaoui Abdelmounim , Nguyen Trong-Quynh , Romero-Larrauri Pablo , Knorr Jorge
Published: February 2022

Cubitus varus is the most common complication following a pediatric humeral supracondylar fracture. No reports are available on the result of hemiepiphysiodesis to correct this deformity.

We report the use of a transphyseal crossed cannulated screw (Metaizeau technique) in five very young children (mean 3 years and 7 months). No correction was observed after a mean of 3 years and 10 months of follow-up. The low growing capacity of the distal humeral physis makes corrective osteotomy the procedure of choice for cubitus varus deformity correction in children.
Insurance Type is Associated with Baseline Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Patients with Lumbar Stenosis
Authors: Crawford Alexander M. , Xiong Grace X. , Lightsey Harry M. , Goh Brian C. , Smith Jeremy T. , Hershman Stuart H. , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Simpson Andrew K.
Published: February 2022

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

To determine if insurance type is associated with differences in baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary of Background Data.

PROMs are increasingly used as means to convey value. Prior research suggests that sociodemographic factors, including insurance type may influence these metrics, with patients who are more socioeconomi-cally disadvantaged reporting poorer baseline PROMs. Nonetheless, this association is yet to be evaluated among patients with spinal stenosis.

Methods.

Six-hundred-eight patients with LSS were identified within a major academic health system. Their baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for physical function, pain, anxiety and depression, and visual analogue scale for low back and leg pain were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank-sum testing and chi-squared testing were utilized for descriptive nonadjusted comparisons. Negative binomial regression modeling was performed with PROMs considered as dependent variables, insurance type as the primary predictor, and all other factors (e.g., Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, gender, race, ethnicity, language spoken, and median geospatial household income) considered as covariates.

Results.

The mean age of the cohort was 62.6 ± 14years with a female majority (50.7%). Patients with Medicaid insurance were younger, more likely to be Hispanic, and less likely to be English-speaking than those with commercial insurance or Medicare. Overall, patients with Medicaid insurance were found to have worse baseline PROMs across almost all domains, with the worst performance in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10 physical global (incidence rate ration 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.82–0.95) and mental function (incidence rate ration 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.80–0.92).

Conclusion.

LSS patients insured through Medicaid have systematically worse baseline PROMs across almost all domains as compared to those with commercial insurance and Medicare, even after adjusting for confounders. These findings have broad ranging implications for research and healthcare policy, especially when using PROMs as measures of value.
The value of bioactive adrenomedullin and dipeptidyl peptidase 3 to predict short-term unfavourable outcomes after cardiac surgery
Authors: van Lier Dirk , Beunders Remi , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a key regulator of endothelial barrier function and vascular tone. Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a protease involved in the degradation of several cardiovascular mediators. Increased levels of bioactive ADM (bio-ADM) and circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) were found to predict short-term outcome in cardiogenic shock patients.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the unknown temporal profiles of bio-ADM and cDPP3 and their association with short-term outcome following cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study of 203 adult cardiac surgery patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) postoperatively. Plasma bio-ADM and cDPP3 levels were measured at ICU admission (day 1) and on days 2 and 3.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Biomarker prediction of prolonged vasopressor dependency (>3 days), acute kidney injury (AKI) and prolonged ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) (>3 days).

RESULTS

bio-ADM and cDPP3 levels displayed distinct temporal profiles following cardiac surgery. cDPP3 levels were highest on day 1 and strongly correlated with surgical complexity and duration but subsequently normalised on day 2 in most patients. In contrast, bio-ADM levels on day 1 were within the normal range but subsequently increased. Day 2 bio-ADM levels were strongly associated with study outcomes: the area under the receiver-operating curves (AUROC) were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92) for prolonged vasopressor dependency, 0.87 (0.81 to 0.92) for AKI and 0.82 (0.75 to 0.90) for prolonged ICU-LOS (all P < 0.0001). cDPP3 levels on day 2 also predicted these outcomes, albeit to a lesser extent, with AUROCs of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.81) for prolonged vasopressor dependency, 0.69 (0.61 to 0.77) for AKI and 0.70 (0.62 to 0.79) for prolonged ICU-LOS (all P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Following cardiac surgery, increased bio-ADM levels are strongly associated with unfavourable short-term outcomes, whereas cDPP3 levels are mainly related to surgery complexity and duration. On the basis of these findings, ADM-modulating therapies may have beneficial effects in cardiac surgery patients whereas DPP3-targeted therapies should be reserved for patient categories with higher baseline disease severity.
Evaluation of a nurse practitioner–led transitional care program: The effects on 30-day Medicare readmission rates and patient satisfaction scores
Authors: Sherlock Patrick J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Data suggest that nurse practitioner (NP)-led transitional care models can reduce 30-day readmission rates. It remains unclear if transitional care has any impact on Press Ganey's Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Provider and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction scores.

Local Problem:

A transitional care encounter program (TCEP) was designed and implemented by an NP at an internal medicine private practice in response to an increase in Medicare 30-day readmission rates and lower HCAHPS results. A program evaluation was carried out to determine any impact on 30-day readmissions and HCAHPS.

Methods:

The evaluator used CDC's Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health for program evaluation. Quantitative retrospective data collection of Medicare 30-day readmission rates was obtained and compared preimplementation/postimplementation. HCAHPS results were collected from the data analytics department at Methodist Health System and compared preimplementation/postimplementation.

Interventions:

All Medicare patients followed by the private practice discharged from hospital to home had a TCEP visit within 7 days of discharge. The NP extensively reviewed the hospital records, medication reconciliation, education about current medications, diagnoses, and treatment plan with the patient.

Results:

Readmission rates and HCAHPS are tracked by physician name at discharge. The TCEP resulted in a 2.1% reduction in Medicare 30-day readmission rate. Physician A pre-/post-HCAHPS score was 74% increased to 81.3%. Physician B pre-/post-HCAHPS score was 75.8% increased to 78.6%.

Conclusion:

The TCEP model became an integral part of the clinic's daily operations. Transitional care has potential for decreasing Medicare 30-day readmission rate and improving HCAHPS.
Prediction of risk for bleeding, myocardial infarction and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Neumann Franz-Josef , Menichelli Maurizio , Richardt Gert , Cassese Salvatore , Xhepa Erion , Kufner Sebastian , Lahu Shqipdona , Aytekin Alp , Sager Hendrik B. , Joner Michael , Ibrahim Tareq , Müller Arne , Fusaro Massimiliano , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Kasel Markus
Published: February 2022

Background

Whether bleeding and myocardial infarction (MI) improve the performance of risk prediction models for mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown.

Methods

This study included 3377 patients with ACS who underwent PCI in the setting of the ISAR-REACT 5 trial. Patients with bleeding, MI or those dying at 1 year after PCI were characterized in terms of baseline characteristics, risk estimates and C-statistic of the risk prediction models for these outcomes.

Results

Major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3–5), MI and mortality occurred in 195 patients (5.8%), 143 patients (4.3%) and 143 patients (4.3%), respectively. After adjustment, bleeding [hazard ratio = 5.08; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.03–8.53; P < 0.001] and MI [hazard ratio = 5.90; 95% CI, (3.00–11.65); P < 0.001) remained independently associated with the risk for 1-year mortality. The C-statistic (with 95% CI) of the model for bleeding, MI and mortality was, 0.755 (0.722–0.786), 0.752 (0.717–0.789) and 0.868 (0.837–0.896), respectively. The inclusion of bleeding [C-statistic: 0.892 (0.867–0.913); delta C-statistic 0.024 (−0.014 to 0.065); P = 0.200] or MI [C-statistic: 0.878 (0.851–0.903); delta C-statistic 0.011 (−0.030 to 0.053); P = 0.635] in the risk prediction models for mortality alongside baseline demographical and clinical variables did not improve prediction for mortality.

Conclusions

In patients with ACS treated with PCI, mortality is the most accurately predicted outcome. Bleeding and MI did not improve risk discrimination for mortality when added in the risk prediction models for mortality suggesting that these outcomes do not provide incremental prognostic information on top of baseline demographical and clinical data.
Resting-state functional connectivity patterns are associated with worst pain duration in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Valdes-Hernandez Pedro A. , Montesino-Goicolea Soamy , Hoyos Lorraine , Porges Eric C. , Huo Zhiguang , Ebner Natalie C. , Woods Adam J. , Cohen Ronald , Riley Joseph L. , Fillingim Roger B. , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

An individual's chronic pain history is associated with brain morphometric alterations; but little is known about the association between pain history and brain function.

Objectives:

This cross-sectional study aimed at determining how worst musculoskeletal pain intensity (WPINT) moderated the association between worst musculoskeletal pain duration (WPDUR) and brain resting-state magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity (RSFC) in community-dwelling older adults (60–94 years, 75% females, 97% right-handed).

Methods:

Resting-state magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity between region of interests was linearly regressed on WPDUR and WPINT. Predictions were compared with a control group's average RSFC (61–85 years, 47% females, 95% right-handed).

Results:

Three significant patterns emerged: (1) the positive association between WPDUR and RSFC between the medial prefrontal cortex, in the anterior salience network (SN), and bilateral lateral Brodmann area 6, in the visuospatial network (VSN), in participants with more severe chronic pain, resulting in abnormally lower RSFC for shorter WPDUR; (2) the negative association between WPDUR and RSFC between right VSN occipitotemporal cortex (lateral BA37 and visual V5) and bilateral VSN lateral Brodmann area 6, independently of WPINT, resulting in abnormally higher and lower RSFC for shorter and longer WPDUR, respectively; and (3) the positive association between WPDUR and the left hemisphere's salience network-default mode network connectivity (between the hippocampus and both dorsal insula and ventral or opercular BA44), independently of WPINT, resulting in abnormally higher RSFC for longer WPDUR.

Conclusion:

Musculoskeletal effects on brain functional networks of general healthy individuals could accumulate until being observable at older ages. Results invite to examinations of these effects' impact on function and memory.
Failed Breast Conservation Therapy Predicts Higher Frequency of Revision Surgery following Mastectomy with Reconstruction
Authors: Rochlin Danielle H. , Sheckter Clifford C. , Momeni Arash
Published: February 2022

Background:

Breast conservation therapy remains the gold standard for women with localized breast cancer; however, some women may eventually undergo mastectomy with reconstruction. Little is understood regarding the risks of failed breast conservation therapy as they relate to postmastectomy reconstruction and whether this affects outcomes.

Methods:

Patients undergoing breast reconstruction were extracted from the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database from 2007 to 2016. Frequency of lumpectomy and radiation therapy were determined per reconstructive patient. Outcomes included inpatient complications and frequency of revision procedures. Regression models were adjusted for age, obesity, timing of reconstruction, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results:

Six thousand two hundred eighty-eight of 52,826 (11.9 percent) women underwent one or more breast mass excisions before mastectomy with reconstruction. Of those, the mean number of excisions per woman was 1.67 ± 0.90. There were 3334 lumpectomy patients (53.0 percent) who completed radiation therapy. The mean number of revisions with breast conservation therapy was 1.5 versus 1.3 in the general cohort. On multivariable analysis, excision of breast mass alone was not associated with increased odds of inpatient complications (OR, 1.07; p = 0.363), nor was radiation therapy (OR, 0.89; p = 0.153). However, radiation therapy with or without excision of breast mass before mastectomy was a significant predictor of more frequent revision operations (p = 0.032). Excision of breast mass alone was not associated with an increased frequency of revision (p = 0.173).

Conclusions:

History of radiation therapy in the setting of failed breast conservation therapy resulting in mastectomy with reconstruction was associated with an increased risk for revision. Patients should be counseled accordingly before breast conservation therapy in the event they may eventually undergo mastectomy with reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Friedman Daniel
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major contributor to premature mortality in people with epilepsy. This review provides an update on recent findings on the epidemiology of SUDEP, clinical risk factors and potential mechanisms.

Recent findings

The overall risk rate of SUDEP is approximately 1 per 1000 patients per year in the general epilepsy population and that children and older adults have a similar incidence. Generalized convulsive seizures (GCS), perhaps through their effects on brainstem cardiopulmonary networks, can cause significant postictal respiratory and autonomic dysfunction though other mechanisms likely exist as well. Work in animal models of SUDEP has identified multiple neurotransmitter systems, which may be future targets for pharmacological intervention. There are also chronic functional and structural changes in autonomic function in patients who subsequently die from SUDEP suggesting that some SUDEP risk is dynamic. Modifiable risks for SUDEP include GCS seizure frequency, medication adherence and nighttime supervision.

Current knowledge of SUDEP risk factors has identified multiple targets for SUDEP prevention today as we await more specific therapeutic targets that are emerging from translational research studies.
Implementing an evidence-based structured education and management program in an inpatient adult oncology setting to improve patients’ pain control
Authors: Tien Jeraine J.N. , Tan Hui Ching , Chua Chue Teng , Lee Yee Mei , Tho Poh Chi
Published: February 2022

Background and aims:

Cancer-related pain is prevalent across the cancer trajectory, and is probably one of the most feared of all cancer symptoms for patients and their families. Although there were guidelines and framework regarding the management of cancer pain, pain control among patients remain suboptimal. This best practice implementation project aimed to improve patients’ perception on cancer pain management and pain control through implementing structured patient and family education and patient information leaflet (PIL) on managing cancer pain.

Methods:

The current implementation project conducted in an adult oncology inpatient unit utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice module for promoting evidence-based health care.

Results:

A comparison between the preimplementation and postimplementation findings showed significant improvements for both audit criteria outcomes. The percentage of patients receiving verbal education rose from 0 to 69%, whereas the percentage of patients receiving PIL increased 0–100%. Patient compliance to analgesic regime increased from 0 to 100%. There was a significant improvement in patients’ pain levels (P < 0.001), with majority rate having none-mild pain post intervention.

Conclusion:

A structured educational program on cancer-related pain improved patients’ knowledge on cancer-related pain management and pain control. Despite the remarkable increase in the compliance rate, further interventions may still be required to achieve 100% compliance. Continuous audits will be held to guide follow-up interventions to ensure compliance and sustention of the project.
Visible blue light inactivates SARS-CoV-2 variants and inhibits Delta replication in differentiated human airway epithelia
Authors: Kocher Jacob , Arwood Leslee , Roberts Rachel C. , Henson Ibrahim , Annas Abigail , Emerson David , Stasko Nathan , Fulcher M. Leslie , Brotton Marisa , Randell Scott H. , Cockrell Adam S.
Published: February 2022

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that evade host immune responses has prolonged the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the development of an efficacious, variant-agnostic therapeutic for the treatment of early SARS-CoV-2 infection would help reduce global health and economic burdens. Visible light therapy has the potential to fill these gaps. In this study, visible blue light centered around 425 nm efficiently inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants in cell-free suspensions and in a translationally relevant well-differentiated tissue model of the human large airway. Specifically, 425 nm light inactivated cell-free SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, Lambda, and Omicron by up to 99.99% in a dose-dependent manner, while the monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab did not neutralize the Beta, Delta, and Gamma variants. Further, we observed that 425 nm light reduced virus binding to host ACE-2 receptor and limited viral entry to host cells in vitro. Further, the twice daily administration of 32 J/cm2 of 425 nm light for three days reduced infectious SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Delta variants by >99.99% in human airway models when dosing began during the early stages of infection. In more established infections, logarithmic reductions of infectious Beta and Delta titers were observed using the same dosing regimen. Finally, we demonstrated that the 425 nm dosing regimen was well-tolerated by the large airway tissue model. Our results indicate that blue light therapy has the potential to lead to a well-tolerated and variant-agnostic countermeasure against COVID-19.
Analysis of receptors responsible for the dysfunction of the human immune system by different viral infections
Authors: Ivanov Sergey M. , Tarasova Olga A. , Poroikov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2022

There are difficulties in creating direct anti-viral drugs for all viruses, including new, suddenly arising infections, such as COVID-19. Therefore, pathogenetic therapy is often used to treat severe viral infections. Despite significant distinctions in the etiopathogenesis of viral diseases, they are often associated with the substantial dysfunction of the immune system. To identify shared mechanisms of immune dysfunction during infection by nine different viruses (cytomegalovirus, Ebstein-Barr virus, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, Hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, Dengue virus, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2), we applied analysis of corresponding transcription profiles from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). As a result, we revealed common pathways, cellular processes, and master regulators for studied viral infections. We found that all nine viral infections cause immune activation, exhaustion, cell proliferation disruption, and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. An application of network analysis allowed us to identify receptors of PBMC that are the proteins at the top of signaling pathways, which may be responsible for the observed transcription changes. The identified relationships between some of them and virus-induced immune disfunction are new, with little or no information in the literature, e.g., receptors for autocrine motility factor, insulin, prolactin, angiotensin II, and immunoglobulin epsilon.
Fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and its subclasses in systemic lupus erythematosus patients are nuclear antigen reactive and this feature correlates with gut permeability marker levels
Authors: Gudi Radhika , Kamen Diane , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: February 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of anti-nuclear autoantibodies. Here, for the first time, we show that the abundances of gut permeability marker Zonulin and IgA1- and IgA2-subclasses are significantly higher in the fecal samples of SLE patients compared to HCs. Importantly, IgA-total, IgA1- and IgA2-subclasses from SLE patients showed higher nAg reactivity titers. Notably, we found that not only the nuclear antigen (nAg) reactive fecal IgA1:IgA2 ratio is higher in SLE patients, but also the abundance and nAg reactivity of fecal IgA and subclasses, IgA1 particularly, correlate with the fecal levels of Zonulin, which is produced primarily in the small intestine. These observations suggest that higher amounts of nAg-reactive IgA are produced, particularly, in the proximal gut as indicated by higher IgA1:IgA2 abundance and nAg reactivity ratios and correlation of these features with the Zonulin levels.
Skin epithelial cells change their mechanics and proliferation upon Snail-mediated EMT signalling
Authors: Hosseini Kamran , Trus Palina , Frenzel Annika , Werner Carsten , Fischer-Friedrich Elisabeth
Published: February 2022

Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the USA and Germany, and the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Snail-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was shown to initiate and promote skin cancer. Previous studies could show that EMT changes actin cortex regulation and cellular mechanics in epithelial cells of diverse tissue origin. However, in spite of its potentially high significance in the context of skin cancer, the effect of EMT on cellular mechanics, mitotic rounding and proliferation has not been studied in skin epithelial cells so far. In this work we show that TGF-β-induced partial EMT results in a transformation of the mechanical phenotype of skin epithelial cells in a cell-cycle dependent manner. Concomitantly, we looked at EMT-induced changes of cell proliferation. While EMT decreases proliferation in 2D culture, we observed an EMT-induced boost of cellular proliferation when culturing cells as mechanically confined aggregates of skin epithelial cells. This proliferation boost was accompanied by enhanced mitotic rounding and composition changes of the actin cortex. We give evidence that observed EMT-induced changes depend on the EMT-upregulated transcription factor Snail. Overall, our findings indicate that EMT-induced changes of cellular mechanics might play a currently unappreciated role in EMT-induced promotion of skin tumor proliferation.

Significance statement

This study describes how epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alters the actin cytoskeleton, cellular mechanics and proliferation in a benign tumor model of skin epithelial cells. We show that corresponding EMT-induced phenotypes depend on the signalling of the transcription factor Snail. Our findings suggest that EMT-induced changes of cellular mechanics and proliferation might play a currently under-appreciated role in EMT-induced promotion of skin tumors.
Imaging Structural and Functional Dynamics in Xenopus Neurons
Authors: Cline Hollis T.
Published: February 2022

In vivo time-lapse imaging has been a fruitful approach to identify structural and functional changes in the Xenopus nervous system in tadpoles and adult frogs. Structural imaging studies have identified fundamental aspects of brain connectivity, development, plasticity, and disease and have been instrumental in elucidating mechanisms regulating these events in vivo. Similarly, assessment of nervous system function using dynamic changes in calcium signals as a proxy for neuronal activity has demonstrated principles of neuron and circuit function and principles of information organization and transfer within the brain of living animals. Because of its many advantages as an experimental system, use of Xenopus has often been at the forefront of developing these imaging methods for in vivo applications. Protocols for in vivo structural and functional imaging—including cellular labeling strategies, image collection, and image analysis—will expand the use of Xenopus to understand brain development, function, and plasticity.
Studies on the success criteria and critical success factors for mega infrastructure construction projects: a literature review
Authors: Wang Ting , Xu Junyan , He Qinghua , Chan Albert P.C. , Owusu Emmanuel Kingsford
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study intends to review studies on the success criteria and critical success factors (CSFs) for mega infrastructure construction projects (MICPs) from journal articles between 2000 and 2018 to (1) identify the publication trend of success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; (2) explore distributions of selected papers, including the distribution of journals, authors’ origin/country and publications by country or region focus; and (3) summarize the findings of success criteria and CSFs studies of MICPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodical and systematic analysis of 38 selected journal articles was conducted using descriptive analysis to obtain the annual trend of publications, distributions of publication sources, contributors’ origin/country, regions/countries of research focus, methods involved in publications and thematic analysis to identify and categorize success criteria and CSFs for MICPs.

Findings

Australia, the USA, UK, China and Hong Kong had been the leading contributors for publications on success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; meanwhile, China, Australia and the UK have been the countries of focus for most studies on this specific topic. This review identified 20 success criteria grouped into 5 constructs and 36 CSFs grouped into 5 categories and, respectively, integrated them into two conceptual frameworks. The top five CSFs were adequate resource availability, partnering/relationships with key stakeholders, adequate communication and coordination among related parties, public support or acceptance and clear strategic vision. Three implications, namely, evaluation indicators, relationships between CSFs and the success of MICPs and human-related factors, are highlighted in future research.

Originality/value

The identified success criteria and CSFs provide a basis for evaluating the success possibility of MICPs and serve to identify areas for further improvement. Additionally, the CSFs checklist and framework have been established, which could help to conduct further empirical studies. Finally, the holistic analysis identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.
Functional differentiation and scalable production of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells in a dynamic culture system
Authors: Ngo Thao Thi Thanh , Rossbach Bella , Sébastien Isabelle , Neubauer Julia C. , Kurtz Andreas , Hariharan Krithika
Published: February 2022

Objective

To provide a standardized protocol for large‐scale production of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC).

Methods

The hPSC were expanded and differentiated into PTEC on matrix‐coated alginate beads in an automated levitating fluidic platform bioLevitator. Differentiation efficacy was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, ultrastructure visualized by electron microscopy. Active reabsorption by PTEC was investigated by glucose, albumin, organic anions and cations uptake assays. Finally, the response to cisplatin‐treatment was assessed to check the potential use of PTEC to model drug‐induced nephrotoxicity.

Results

hPSC expansion and PTEC differentiation could be performed directly on matrix‐coated alginate beads in suspension bioreactors. Renal precursors arose 4 days post hPSC differentiation and PTEC after 8 days with 80% efficiency, with a 10‐fold expansion from hPSC in 24 days. PTEC on beads, exhibited microvilli and clear apico‐basal localization of markers. Functionality of PTECs was confirmed by uptake of glucose, albumin, organic anions and cations and expression of KIM‐1 after Cisplatin treatment.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the efficient expansion of hPSC, controlled differentiation to renal progenitors and further specification to polarized tubular epithelial cells. This is the first report employing biolevitation and matrix‐coated beads in a completely defined medium for the scalable and potentially automatable production of functional human PTEC.
Angela Bains
Authors: Bains Angela
Published: February 2022

Evaluating ways of doing business, taking on projects that matter, and using more local suppliers—surprising positives from a time full of so much uncertainty.
Perpetual Motion, Time, and Power: Christoph Ransmayr'sCoxas Novel of the Anthropocene
Authors: Dawson Edward
Published: February 2022

Christoph Ransmayr's novels are known for complex interactions with time and the reimaging of historical events. This article considers the function of historical imagination inCox oder der Lauf der Zeit(2016). The novel's fictional transposition to China of an eighteenth‐century quest for perpetual motion serves to link the control of time to the unprecedented worldly power of the Chinese emperor, but also to the decline of that power vis‐à‐vis the rise of industrial capitalism. The novel layers together the histories of perpetual motion and renewable energy, connecting both to emergent human geological agency. By framing this agency as the expression of the power of a few individuals, the novel opens spaces in which we can imagine a kind of thinking that might confront the constraints placed upon all of humanity by the actions of small groups in the past.
Comparison of four mechanisms for request exchange in collaborative transportation
Authors: Nicola Daniel
Published: February 2022

This paper presents frameworks for auction‐based and posted price mechanisms for exchanging requests between carriers operating in the same geographical areas. Similar mechanisms have been studied before in a rather isolated manner. In this work, all mechanisms are tested within the same scenario and by comparing their results; the aim is to obtain insights regarding the efficiency gains they offer to the network and the required information for their application. Moreover, this comparison provides a clear idea of what is needed to implement each mechanism and the results to expect if one invests in the mentioned implementation, i.e., how much would the net profit be affected. The mechanisms' main objective is to give carriers the chance to improve their original sets of requests in order to increase their overall efficiency. Due to the nature of routing problems, requests usually have different costs for different carriers, depending on the location of the depots as well as on the requests that have to be serviced. The exchange mechanism should find a new allocation such that carriers obtain requests with higher value (i.e., lower cost) for them. Results obtained here show that individual auction‐based mechanisms provide similar results, on average, to centralized auction‐based mechanisms, both outperforming posted price mechanisms. Nevertheless, this improvement difference comes at the cost of providing more information (included in the carriers' bids). Readers can use the presented comparison and results to improve decisions taken prior to collaboration, specifically deciding which mechanism is the best option for a specific situation.
Exploring microbiome engineering as a strategy for improved thermal tolerance inExaiptasia diaphana
Authors: Dungan Ashley M. , Hartman Leon M. , Blackall Linda L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Fourteen percent of all living coral, equivalent to more than all the coral on the Great Barrier Reef, has died in the past decade as a result of climate change-driven bleaching. Inspired by the ‘oxidative stress theory of coral bleaching’, we investigated whether a bacterial consortium designed to scavenge free radicals could integrate into the host microbiome and improve thermal tolerance of the coral model, Exaiptasia diaphana.

Methods and Results

E. diaphana anemones were inoculated with a consortium of high free radical scavenging (FRS) bacteria, a consortium of congeneric low FRS bacteria, or sterile seawater as a control, then exposed to elevated temperature. Increases in the relative abundance of Labrenzia during the first 2 weeks following the last inoculation provided evidence for temporary inoculum integration into the E. diaphana microbiome. Initial uptake of other consortium members was inconsistent, and these bacteria did not persist either in E. diaphana’s microbiome over time. Given their non-integration into the host microbiome, the ability of the FRS consortium to mitigate thermal stress could not be assessed. Importantly, there were no physiological impacts (negative or positive) of the bacterial inoculations on the holobiont.

Conclusions

The introduced bacteria were not maintained in the anemone microbiome over time, thus, their protective effect is unknown. Achieving long-term integration of bacteria into cnidarian microbiomes remains a research priority.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Microbiome engineering strategies to mitigate coral bleaching may assist coral reefs in their persistence until climate change has been curbed. This study provides insights that will inform microbiome manipulation approaches in coral bleaching mitigation research.
Drying of garlic slices by electrohydrodynamic‐hot air method
Authors: Polat Ahmet , Izli Nazmi
Published: February 2022

In this study, garlic slices were dried with a new drying method, electrohydrodynamic‐hot air combined drying system, under different temperatures (55 and 60°C) and voltages (15, 20, 25, and 30 kV), and the effects of drying conditions on drying time, color parameters, rehydration capacity, energy values, and microstructure were investigated. In addition, experimental data were fitted into 10 different mathematical models that are widely used to select the appropriate model that could describe the drying behavior of garlic slices. The longest drying time required for constant moisture content was observed under 30 kV‐60°C treatment for 100 min, while the shortest drying time was observed under 15 kV‐55°C treatment for 160 min. Verma et al., Diffusion Approach, and Newton models were determined so as to find the most suitable model for the drying behavior of thin‐layer dried garlic samples at different temperatures and voltages. Increasing drying temperature caused a decrease in the a* and b* values of the garlic samples. The lowest energy consumption during the drying of the garlic slices was found at 30 kV‐55°C treatment combination. It was observed that the temperature and kV values have impact on the product microstructures.

Practical Application

Drying is the preservation process to extend the shelf life of products. The traditional method is the most used one in the drying industry. The low energy efficiency of this method and the loss of quality due to the high contact of the hot air with the product have led to the research of new methods. Therefore, the electrohydrodynamic method is used as a new approach that results in high energy efficiency and a high‐quality product. As a result, integrating the electrohydrodynamic system into the hot air drying method will reduce the contact of the hot air with the product, thus prevents the negative effect of temperature and provides better quality products. In addition, this system can increase the drying efficiency and energy economy by reducing the drying time and energy consumption in drying procedure of garlic samples.
Cellulite: Presentation and management
Authors: Arora Gulhima , Patil Anant , Hooshanginezhad Zahra , Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen , Kassir Martin , Goldman Mitchel P , Gold Michael H. , Adatto Maurice , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Background

Cellulite is a common dermatological condition with a female preponderance, affecting up to 90% post‐pubertal females. It is characterized with dimpling and denting of the skin surface, giving it a Peau d'orange appearance. Once considered to be a benign physiological isolated skin condition of only an esthetic concern, cellulite is now considered a pathological entity with systemic associations and a negative psychological impact on patients.

Aims

The objective of this article was to discuss etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cellulite.

Materials and methods

Literature was screened to retrieve articles from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar and related websites. Cross‐references from the relevant articles were also considered for review. Review articles, clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta‐analysis, and relevant information from selected websites were included.

Results

Several treatment options from lifestyle modifications and topical cosmetic therapies to energy‐based devices have been studied for its treatment. However, treatment remains a challenge despite many new modalities in the armamentarium. Laser and light therapies along with radiofrequency are useful treatment options with good safety profile. Acoustic wave therapy, subcision, and 1440‐nm Nd:YAG minimally invasive laser are beneficial in cellulite reduction.

Discussion

Methodological differences in the trials conducted make it difficult to compare different treatment modalities.

Conclusion

Overall, treatment needs to be individualized based on the patient characteristics and severity of the condition. A combination of treatments is often required in most patients for reducing cellulite.
Oil prices and Mexico’s exchange rates in North America
Authors: Baghestani Hamid , Chazi Abdelaziz , Khallaf Ashraf
Published: February 2022

Evidence indicates that since the early 2000s, the central bank in Mexico has been able to implement a solid and credible monetary policy, which has resulted in maintaining the purchasing power of the Mexican peso. Motivated by such evidence and the fact that Mexico (like Canada and the US) is a major oil‐producing country, we set out to examine the dynamic relationship among oil prices and Mexico‐Canada and Mexico‐US exchange rates for 2000–2020. Our findings indicate that (i) these series are co‐integrated and possess a long‐run equilibrium relationship, (ii) oil prices asymmetrically respond to eliminate disequilibrium and (iii) both Mexico‐Canada and Mexico‐US exchange rates are weakly exogenous. Such findings point to the success of the central bank in largely shielding Mexico’s exchange rates from oil price fluctuations in the NAFTA region.
Hijacking time: How Ophiocordyceps fungi could be using ant host clocks to manipulate behavior
Authors: de Bekker Charissa , Das Biplabendu
Published: February 2022

Abstracts

Ophiocordyceps fungi manipulate ant behaviour as a transmission strategy. Conspicuous changes in the daily timing of disease phenotypes suggest that Ophiocordyceps and other manipulators could be hijacking the host clock. We discuss the available data that support the notion that Ophiocordyceps fungi could be hijacking ant host clocks and consider how altering daily behavioural rhythms could benefit the fungal infection cycle. By reviewing time‐course transcriptomics data for the parasite and the host, we argue that Ophiocordyceps has a light‐entrainable clock that might drive daily expression of candidate manipulation genes. Moreover, ant rhythms are seemingly highly plastic and involved in behavioural division of labour, which could make them susceptible to parasite hijacking. To provisionally test whether the expression of ant behavioural plasticity and rhythmicity genes could be affected by fungal manipulation, we performed a gene co‐expression network analysis on ant time‐course data and linked it to available behavioural manipulation data. We found that behavioural plasticity genes reside in the same modules as those affected during fungal manipulation. These modules showed significant connectivity with rhythmic gene modules, suggesting that Ophiocordyceps could be indirectly affecting the expression of those genes as well.
Etiology, occurrence, and consequences of implant loss
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano , Derks Jan
Published: February 2022

Implant therapy aims at providing the patient with a functional and esthetically pleasing rehabilitation in a long‐term perspective. The loss of an implant constitutes a major complication, which may have an impact on the treatment plan and/or jeopardize the longevity of the restoration. Implant loss may occur during the phase of osseointegration (early) or at a later time when the previously achieved osseointegration is lost (late). The present work evaluates the evidence on the occurrence of both events and discusses etiology, risk factors, and consequences.
The Pivotal and Distributive Politics of Senate‐Confirmed Appointee Vacancies
Authors: Resh William G. , Napolio Nicholas G. , Lee Eli (Keunyoung)
Published: February 2022

We examine the influence of discretionary agency outlays on the relative length of Senate‐confirmed presidential appointee vacancies over time. We argue that key Senate pivots in the appointment process are more (or less) likely to extend a vacancy based on an agency's discretionary spending outlays to the Senator's state. We combine a uniquely thorough dataset on PAS vacancies with federal budget data by state and agency and show that co‐partisan Senate pivots in the confirmation process seem to reward presidents with shorter vacancies when a given agency is more generous in discretionary outlays. However, under divided government, vacancies lengthen in presidentially aligned agencies as status quo agency outlays increase to key pivots. Our work speaks to both the pivotal politics of the Senate and the extent to which presidents and Senators might value filled (vacant) PAS positions.
Recognizing key sedimentary facies and their distribution in mixed turbidite–contourite depositional systems: The case of the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Rodrigues Sara , Hernández‐Molina Francisco Javier , Hillenbrand Claus‐Dieter , Lucchi Renata G. , Rodríguez‐Tovar Francisco J. , Rebesco Michele , Larter Robert D.
Published: February 2022

Interplay of deep‐water sedimentary processes is responsible for building a myriad of features and deposits across mixed turbidite–contourite systems, from <5 cm beds to >200 km long sedimentary drifts. Investigations of the spatial and temporal variability of their sedimentary facies and facies associations is crucial to reveal the dynamics between along‐slope bottom currents and down‐slope turbidity currents, as well as their impact on drift construction and channel erosion. This study focuses on extensive modern mixed (turbidite–contourite) systems, developed across the continental rise of the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula. Nine sediment cores were sampled and analysed, through grain size and geochemical methods, to study the sedimentary facies at high‐resolution (ca 1 to 20 cm). Three main facies associations have been identified across distinct morphological features (i.e. mounded drifts and trunk channels), comprising intercalations of hemipelagites, bottom current reworked sands (which include fine to coarse‐grained contourites) and gravitational facies (turbidites and mass‐transport deposits). These facies associations reflect fluctuations of the background sedimentation, oscillations of the bottom‐current velocity and of the frequency of gravity‐driven currents. The sedimentary record features cyclic alternations during the Late Quaternary (>99 kyr), suggesting that variations between along‐slope bottom currents and down‐slope turbidity currents are strongly linked to glacial–interglacial cycles during Marine Isotope Stages 1 to 6. Sedimentary records affected by bottom currents on polar margins, such as those of the Antarctic Peninsula, are essential to decipher the facies and facies sequences of bottom‐current deposits, as the low degree of bioturbation throughout most of the sediments allows us to observe the original sedimentary structures, which are poorly preserved in similar deposits from other continental margins.