bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subaru/IRCS L-band spectro-polarimetry of the HD 142527 disk scattered light
Authors: Honda Mitsuhiko , Tazaki Ryo , Murakawa Koji , Terada Hiroshi , Kudo Tomoyuki , Hattori Takashi , Hashimoto Jun , Tamura Motohide , Watanabe Makoto
Published: June 2022

Spatially resolved L-band spectro-polarimetric observations were carried out toward a protoplanetary disk around the Herbig Fe star HD 142527 using the polarimetry mode of the InfraRed Camera and Spectrometer on the 8.2 m Subaru Telescope. The 2.9–4.1 μm polarimetric spectra of the bright central source and the scattered light at a distance of ${0{^{\prime \prime}_{.}}78}$ from the center toward the PA ∼ 290° were obtained using the AO188 adaptive optics system. The polarization spectra of the central region show no significant evidence of the polarization which is expected with the (non-aligned) hot dust emission near the central star, while the disk scattered light spectra shows linear polarization of $\sim\!\! 10\%$, which is consistent with the nature of scattered light. In addition, the polarization PA of ∼20° is also geometrically consistent with the scattered light from the central region. We also derived the flux density spectra of each region and confirmed the 3 μm water-ice absorption feature in the scattered light spectra, which is consistent with the findings in Honda et al. (2009, ApJ, 690, L110). By comparing the model predictions by Tazaki et al. (2021b, ApJ, 921, 173), we estimated the grain properties of the extracted disk region. Assuming the power-law size distribution of silicate and ice, the maximum grain size amax of 3 μm and fractional ice abundance relative to Pollack et al. (1994, ApJ, 421, 615) (fice) of ∼0.1 is inferred, which is consistent with the finding by Tazaki et al. ( 2021b, ApJ, 921, 173).
Long-term survival of patients with advanced melanoma treated with BRAF-MEK inhibitors
Authors: Ismail Rawa K. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P.M. , de Boer Anthonius , van Dartel Maaike , Hilarius Doranne L. , Pasmooij A.M.G. , van Zeijl Michiel C.T. , Aarts Maureen J.B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W.P.J. , Blank Christian U. , Boers-Sonderen Marye J. , de Groot Jan W.B. , Haanen John B.A.G. , Hospers Geke A.P. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , van der Veldt Astrid A.M. , Vreugdenhil Art , Westgeest Hans , van den Eertwegh Alfons J. , Wouters Michel W.J.M.
Published: June 2022

Recent results of patients with advanced melanoma treated with first-line BRAF-MEK inhibitors in clinical trials showed 5-year survival in one-third of patients with a median overall survival (OS) of more than 2 years. This study aimed to investigate these patients’ real-world survival and identify the characteristics of long-term survivors.

The study population consisted of patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma with a BRAF-V600 mutated tumor who were treated with first-line BRAF-MEK inhibitors between 2013 and 2017. Long-term survival was defined as a minimum OS of 2 years from start therapy.

The median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) of real-world patients (n = 435) were respectively 8.0 (95% CI, 6.8–9.4) and 11.7 (95% CI, 10.3–13.5) months. Two-year survival was reached by 28% of the patients, 22% reached 3-year survival and 19% reached 4-year survival. Real-world patients often had brain metastases (41%), stage IV M1c disease (87%), ECOG PS ≥2 (21%), ≥3 organ sites (62%) and elevated LDH of ≥250 U/I (49%). Trial-eligible real-world patients had an mOS of 17.9 months. Patients surviving more than 2 years (n = 116) more often had an ECOG PS ≤1 (83%), normal LDH (60%), no brain metastases (60%), no liver metastases (63%) and <3 organ sites (60%).

Long-term survival of real-world patients treated with first-line BRAF-MEK inhibitors is significantly lower than that of trial patients, which is probably explained by poorer baseline characteristics of patients treated in daily practice. Long-term survivors generally had more favorable characteristics with regard to age, LDH level and metastatic sites, compared to patients not reaching long-term survival.
Child Protective Custody Placement for Children with Developmental Disorders
Authors: Lapin Jennifer E. , Beal Sarah J. , Adams Ryan E. , Ehrhardt Jennifer , Pedapati Ernest , Froehlich Tanya E.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether children with developmental disorders (DDs) in protective custody are more likely to experience specific placement types and stay in care longer than their typically developing peers. Furthermore, in the DD-only group, we examined whether the likelihood of each placement type differed by specific DD diagnosis.

Methods:

This observational retrospective study used child welfare administrative data linked to electronic health records in a large Ohio county. Participants were aged 5 to 20 years (N = 2787). DD diagnoses were determined using problem list and encounter diagnosis codes.

Results:

Children with versus without DD were less likely to be in kinship placement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–0.94) and more likely to be in congregate care (aOR, 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04–1.53) and nonrelative foster care (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI: 1.00–1.45). A likelihood of independent living placement did not differ for those with and without DD. Those with versus without DD had longer lengths of stay in protective custody (p ≤ 0.001), but the number of placement changes did not differ after accounting for length of stay. The pattern of results differed somewhat by individual DD diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Compared with their typically developing peers, children with DD are less likely to be in kinship care and tend to have longer lengths of stay in protective custody. If replicated, these findings suggest the need to identify and address mechanisms to support children with DD across placement settings and to better understand factors prolonging their protective custody stay.
Anemia and fibroblast growth factor 23 elevation in chronic kidney disease: homeostatic interactions and emerging therapeutics
Authors: Agoro Rafiou , White Kenneth E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that is associated with development of elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels and anemia. Here, we review recent literature that extends our current knowledge on the interactions between FGF23 and anemia in CKD and the impact of anemia-targeting therapeutics on FGF23 elevation in CKD.

Recent findings

The anemia of CKD is primarily driven by a lack of erythropoietin (EPO) and iron deficiency. In addition to EPO and iron replacement, novel drug classes to treat anemia have been approved or are in clinical development. A recent observational study provides supportive evidence for the hypothesis that FGF23 elevation in CKD mediates adverse effects of iron deficiency on the cardiovascular system in patients with CKD. Preclinical and clinical studies revealed that ferric citrate (FC), and hypoxia-induced factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) treatment may reduce elevated FGF23 levels in CKD, suggesting that correcting anemia in CKD could potentially lower FGF23 levels. However, as we describe, HIF-PHI have context-dependent effects. Moreover, whether a reduction in FGF23 will improve patient outcomes in patients with CKD remains to be determined.

With the emergence of novel therapeutics to treat oxygen and iron utilization deficits in CKD, studies have investigated the impact of these new drugs on FGF23. Several of these drugs, including FC and HIF-PHIs, alleviate iron homeostasis alterations in CKD and are associated with FGF23 reduction. Herein, we review the relationships between oxygen/iron sensing and FGF23 in CKD, recent findings which link FGF23 with cardiac dysfunction, as well as future translational and clinical avenues.
The science of xenotransplantation for nephrologists
Authors: Hansen-Estruch Christophe , Porrett Paige M. , Kumar Vineeta , Locke Jayme E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

The field of xenotransplantation has seen remarkable progress since its inception with recent preclinical trials in human recipients pushing kidney xenotransplantation one-step closer to clinical reality. In this review, we update practicing clinicians on recent advances in kidney xenotransplantation given the proximity of clinical trials in humans.

Recent findings

Early studies in the field established the physiologic basis of xenotransplantation and suggested that the pig kidney will support human physiology. Genetic engineering of source pigs has greatly reduced the immunogenicity of kidney grafts, and studies in nonhuman primates have demonstrated the viability of kidney xenotransplants for months after transplantation. Finally, a recent study in a novel preclinical human model demonstrated that key findings in NHP experiments are generalizable to humans, namely, the absence of hyperacute rejection.

Overall, it appears that critical physiologic, immunologic and technical barriers to implementation of clinical trials in humans have been overcome.
Differences in tumor-to-normal organ SUV ratios measured with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET compared with 177Lu-DOTATATE SPECT in patients with neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Wong Ka Kit , Frey Kirk A. , Niedbala Jeremy , Kaza Ravi K. , Worden Francis P. , Fitzpatrick Kellen J. , Dewaraja Yuni K.
Published: June 2022

Background

Our goal is to quantitatively compare radiotracer biodistributions within tumors and major normal organs on pretherapy 68Ga-DOTATATE PET to post-therapy 177Lu-DOTATATE single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients receiving peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Methods

PET/CT at ~ 60 min postinjection of Ga-68 DOTATATE and research 177Lu-SPECT/CT imaging ~ at 4 h (SPECT1) and ~ 24 h (SPECT2) post-cycle#1 were available. Manual contours of lesions on baseline CT or MRI were applied to co-registered SPECT/CT and PET/CT followed by deep learning-based CT auto-segmentation of organs. Tumor-to-normal organ ratios (TNR) were calculated from standardized uptake values (SUV)mean and SUVpeak for tumor, and SUVmean for non-tumoral liver (nliver), spleen and kidney.

Results

There were 90 lesons in 24 patients with progressive metastatic neuroendocrine tumor. The correlation between PET and SPECT SUV TNRs were poor/moderate: PET versus SPECT1 R2 = 0.19, 0.21, 0.29; PET versus SPECT2 R2 = 0.06, 0.16, 0.33 for TNRnliver,TNRspleen,TNRkidney, respectively. Across all patients, the average value of the TNR measured on PET was significantly lower than on SPECT at both time points (P < 0.001). Using SUVmean for tumor, average TNR values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were PET: TNRnliver = 3.5 [CI: 3.0-3.9], TNRspleen = 1.3 [CI, 1.2-1.5], TNRkidney = 1.7 [CI: 1.6-1.9]; SPECT1: TNRnliver = 10 [CI: 8.2-11.7], TNRspleen = 2.9 [CI: 2.5-3.4], TNRkidney = 2.8 [CI: 2.3-3.3]; SPECT2: TNRnliver = 16.9 [CI: 14-19.9], TNRspleen = 3.6 [CI: 3-4.2], TNRkidney = 3.6 [CI: 3.0-4.2]. Comparison of PET and SPECT results in a sphere phantom study demonstrated that these differences are not attributed to imaging modality.

Conclusions

Differences in TNR exist for the theranostic pair, with significantly higher SUV TNR on 177Lu SPECT compared with 68Ga PET. We postulate this phenomenon is due to temporal differences in DOTATATE uptake and internalization in tumor as compared to normal organs.
Supporting the Growth of Domestic HIV Implementation Research in the United States Through Coordination, Consultation, and Collaboration: How We Got Here and Where We Are Headed
Authors: Mustanski Brian , Smith Justin D. , Keiser Brennan , Li Dennis H. , Benbow Nanette
Published: June 2022

Background:

The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative sets a goal to virtually eliminate new HIV infections in the United States by 2030. The plan is predicated on the fact that tools exist for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, and the current scientific challenge is how to implement them effectively and with equity. Implementation research (IR) can help identify strategies that support effective implementation of HIV services.

Setting:

NIH funded the Implementation Science Coordination Initiative (ISCI) to support rigorous and actionable IR by providing technical assistance to NIH-funded projects and supporting local implementation knowledge becoming generalizable knowledge.

Methods:

We describe the formation of ISCI, the services it provided to the HIV field, and data it collected from 147 NIH-funded studies. We also provide an overview of this supplement issue as a dissemination strategy for HIV IR.

Conclusion:

Our ability to reach EHE 2030 goals is strengthened by the knowledge compiled in this supplement, the services of ISCI and connected hubs, and a myriad of investigators and implementation partners collaborating to better understand what is needed to effectively implement the many evidence-based HIV interventions at our disposal.
Five Common Myths Limiting Engagement in HIV-Related Implementation Research
Authors: Beres Laura K. , Schwartz Sheree , Mody Aaloke , Geng Elvin H. , Baral Stefan
Published: June 2022

HIV-related implementation research holds great promise in achieving the potential of efficacious prevention and treatment tools in reducing the incidence of HIV and improving HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV. From the perspectives of HIV-related implementation research training and academia and through consultations with funders and investigators new to implementation research, we identified 5 myths that act as barriers to engagement in implementation research among new investigators. Prevailing myths broadly include (1) one must rigidly apply all aspects of an implementation framework for it to be valid, (2) implementation research limits the type of designs available to researchers, (3) implementation strategies cannot be patient-level or client-level approaches, (4) only studies prioritizing implementation outcomes are “true” implementation research, and (5) if not explicitly labeled implementation research, it may have limited impact on implementation. We offer pragmatic approaches to negotiate these myths with the goal of encouraging dialog, ensuring high-quality research, and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic field of implementation research. Ultimately, the goal of dispelling these myths was to lower the perceived bar to engagement in HIV-related implementation research while still ensuring quality in the methods and measures used.
Implementation of an HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Strategy Into Abortion and Early Pregnancy Loss Care
Authors: Sonalkar Sarita , McAllister Arden , Kete Corinne , Fishman Jessica , Frarey Alhambra , Short William R. , Schreiber Courtney A. , Teitelman Anne
Published: June 2022

Background:

Family planning and abortion clinics routinely address sexual health. We sought to evaluate implementation outcomes of an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care strategy for patients seeking management of induced abortion and pregnancy loss.

Setting:

Single-center, urban, academic, hospital-based family planning service.

Methods:

We used a multifaceted implementation strategy directed toward family planning providers comprised of educational sessions, an electronic medical record-prompted verbal assessment of HIV risk, electronic medical record shortcuts for PrEP prescription, and support of a PrEP navigator. We assessed penetration of the intervention by calculating the penetration of a PrEP offer, measured as the proportion of encounters in which PrEP was offered to PrEP-eligible individuals. We evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the intervention using belief elicitation interviews with providers.

Results:

From November 2018 to April 2019, the proportion of PrEP eligible patients who were offered PrEP, was 87.9% (29/33). Providers found the intervention acceptable and appropriate, but reported barriers including time constraints, and disappointment if patients did not adhere to PrEP. Providers liked that PrEP provision in abortion care settings felt innovative, and that they could contribute to HIV prevention.

Conclusion:

Family planning providers in an academic center found HIV risk assessment and PrEP provision to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Further research should evaluate implementation outcomes of PrEP care strategies in additional abortion care contexts, including clinics offering reproductive health care outside of academia.
Identification of Determinants and Implementation Strategies to Increase PrEP Uptake Among Black Same Gender–Loving Men in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina: The PrEP-MECK Study
Authors: Corneli Amy , Perry Brian , Wilson Johnny , Reif Susan , Gulden Chelsea , Hanlen-Rosado Emily , Cooper Haley , Taylor Jamilah , Starling Summer , Thompson J. Wesley
Published: June 2022

Background:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is low among Black same gender–loving men (BSGLM) in Mecklenburg County, NC, an Ending the HIV Epidemic priority jurisdiction. We created PrEP-MECK—an investigator partnership among a community-based organization representative, a PrEP provider, and researchers—and conducted iterative preparation research to identify determinants of PrEP uptake and implementation strategies to address them.

Methods:

We first established the PrEP-MECK Coalition of community stakeholders. Next, informed by PrEP-MECK Coalition input and PRECEDE-PROCEED's educational/ecological assessment phase, we conducted focus group discussions with BSGLM not using PrEP and in-depth interviews with BSGLM who were currently or had previously taken PrEP to describe determinants and suggest implementation strategies. Based on interim findings, we partnered with clinics participating in the Mecklenburg County PrEP Initiative, which offers free PrEP services to uninsured individuals. We also conducted Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research–informed organizational assessments with community-based organizations and clinics to assess readiness to pilot the implementation strategies.

Results:

We conducted 4 focus group discussions, 17 in-depth interviews, and 6 assessments. BSGLM were aware of PrEP yet perceived that costs made it unattainable. Awareness of how to access PrEP and the Mecklenburg County PrEP Initiative was lacking, and clinic scheduling barriers and provider mistrust limited access. We identified client-level implementation strategies, primarily focusing on engaging the consumer, to increase comfort with and awareness of how to access PrEP, and clinic-level implementation strategies focusing on changing clinic infrastructure, to make PrEP access easier.

Conclusion:

We plan to evaluate implementation of these strategies once fully developed to determine their acceptability and other outcomes in future research.
Comparison of Wireless Localization Alternatives with Wire Localization for Nonpalpable Breast Lesions
Authors: Webster Alexandra J , Kelly Bridget N , McGugin Caroline , Coopey Suzanne B , Smith Barbara L , Gadd Michele A , Specht Michelle C
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Radiofrequency identification tag localization (TL) and magnetic seed localization (MSL) are alternatives to wire localization (WL) for excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. We sought to compare localization methods with respect to operative time, specimen volume, and re-excision rate.

STUDY DESIGN:

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on TL, MSL, and WL lumpectomies and excisional biopsies at a single institution. Association between localization method and operative time, specimen volume, and re-excision rate was assessed by multiple logistic regression using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS:

A total of 506 procedures were included: 147 TL (29.0%), 140 MSL (27.7%), and 219 WL (43.3%). On logistic regression analysis, MSL was associated with longer operative times than WL for excisional biopsies only (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.92 to 9.34, p < 0.001). Mean excisional biopsy time was 39.1 minutes for MSL and 33.0 minutes for WL. Specimen volume did not vary significantly across surgery types between localization methods. In an analysis of all lumpectomies with an indication of carcinoma, marker choice was not associated with rate of re-excision (TL vs WL OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.60, p = 0.342; MSL vs WL OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.49, p = 0.587; TL vs MSL OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.64, p = 0.359).

CONCLUSION:

TL, MSL, and WL are comparable in performance for excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. Although increased operative time associated with MSL vs WL excisional biopsies is statistically significant, clinical significance warrants additional study. With similar outcomes, physicians may choose the marker most appropriate for the patient and setting.
Robotic vs Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair with Intraperitoneal Mesh: 1-Year Exploratory Outcomes of the PROVE-IT Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Petro Clayton C , Thomas Jonah D , Tu Chao , Krpata David M , Beffa Lucas R , Rosen Michael J , Prabhu Ajita S
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic and robotic ventral hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh have been demonstrated previously to have comparable 30-day outcomes in the PROVE-IT randomized clinical trial. Here we report our 1-year follow-up of enrolled patients to examine exploratory outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN:

All patients enrolled in a previously published, registry-based, randomized trial investigating laparoscopic vs robotic ventral hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh were reviewed. Several exploratory secondary outcomes were assessed: pain intensity (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS 3a]), hernia-specific quality of life (Hernia-Specific Quality of Life Survey [HerQLes]), composite hernia recurrence, and reoperations.

RESULTS:

A total of 95% (71 of 75) follow-up was achieved: 33 laparoscopic repairs and 38 robotic repairs. Median follow-up time was 12 months [interquartile range 10 to 12 months]. Following regression analysis adjusting for baseline scores, there was no difference in postoperative pain intensity at 1 year (p = 0.94). However, HerQLes scores increased by 12.0 more points following robotic repairs compared to laparoscopic counterparts (95% CI 1.3 to 22.7, p = 0.03). Composite hernia recurrence was 6% (2 of 33) for the laparoscopic cohort and 24% (9 of 38) for the robotic group (p = 0.04). There was no difference in rates of reoperation (p = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our exploratory analyses have identified potential differences in quality of life and recurrence, favoring the robotic and laparoscopic approaches, respectively. These findings warrant further study with larger patient cohorts to verify their potential significance.
Evolving Metrics of Quality for Kidney Transplant Candidates: Transplant Center Variability in Delisting and 1-Year Mortality
Authors: Sokas Claire M , Husain S Ali , Xiang Lingwei , King Kristen , Mohan Sumit , Salim Ali , Rodrigue James R , Adler Joel T
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Management of patients on the kidney transplant waitlist lacks oversight, and transplant centers can delist candidates without consequence. To better understand between-center differences in waitlist management, we examined delisting rates and mortality after delisting within 3 years of removal from the kidney transplant waitlist.

STUDY DESIGN:

This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients of adults listed for deceased donor kidney transplant in 2015 and followed until the end of 2018. Patients of interest were those delisted for reasons other than transplant, death, or transfer. Centers were excluded if they had fewer than 20 waitlisted patients per year. We calculated probability of delisting and death after delisting using multivariable competing risk models.

RESULTS:

During follow-up, 14.2% of patients were delisted. The median probability of delisting within 3 years, adjusted for center-level variability, was 7.0% (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.9% to 10.6%). Median probability of death was 58.2% (IQR: 40% to 73.4%). There was no meaningful correlation between probability of delisting and death (τ = –0.05, p = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS:

There is significant variability in the rate of death after delisting across kidney transplant centers. Likelihood of transplant is extremely important to candidates, and improved data collection efforts are needed to inform whether current delisting practices are successfully removing patients who could not meaningfully benefit from transplant, or whether certain populations may benefit from remaining on the list and maintaining eligibility.
Reviewing Patient-Reported Outcomes 1 Year after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ahmed Ola , Lee Angela , Vachharajani Neeta , Chang Su-Hsin , Park Yikyung , Khan Adeel S , Chapman William C , Doyle MB Majella
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

With improved survivorship in liver transplantation (LT), there is an emerging focus on functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after surgery. The present study aimed to assess HRQoL after LT using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

STUDY DESIGN:

This was a prospective analysis of LT recipients between 2020 and 2021. A total of 238 patients were contacted by phone at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the PROMIS 29-Profile. Scores were recorded and computed using the HealthMeasures Scoring Service.

RESULTS:

PROMIS was available for 174 patients at 3 (n = 58), 6 (n = 57), and 12 months (n = 59). Overall, mean PROMIS scores were 47.6 ± 3, 47.6 ± 3, and 47.6 ± 3 at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Most domains improved postoperatively by 12 months except for anxiety and sleep disturbance measures. The lowest domain in the immediate postoperative period was physical functioning, but this had the closest return to normative population values. Pain interference was above the population reference during the initial postoperative period, improving by 12 months where they were below mean population values. Depression and fatigue scores improved by 6 months and appeared to stabilize by 12 months post-LT. Patients demonstrated increased social participation, and scores were remarkably higher than general population means at each timepoint.

CONCLUSION:

LT can impact physical, mental, and social health which, in this setting, remains largely unexplored using PROMIS instruments. We report that although overall patient well being can improve, some mental health domains require further consideration during the postoperative period.
Online dashboards for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater data need standard best practices: an environmental health communication agenda
Authors: Naughton Colleen C. , Holm Rochelle H. , James Brooklyn P. , Smith Ted
Published: June 2022

The rapid development of scientific communication approaches for environmental surveillance data with online information dashboards has been done in the absence of a global organizing body during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aim to make a case for standardization of dashboards presenting SARS-CoV-2 wastewater data. The list of dashboards was compiled as of March 31, 2022. The 127 dashboards reviewed represented 27 countries using a range of line/bar graphs, maps, and tables with symbol presentation. We identified 96 separate units of measure for the wastewater SARS-CoV-2 data. There was also inconsistency in using linear or log scale. Twenty-five percent of dashboards presented SARS-CoV-2 variant monitoring. Only 30% (38/125) of dashboards provided downloadable source data. There is great opportunity to improve scientific communication though the adoption of uniform data presentation conventions or standards for this field.
Using routinely collected hospital data to investigate healthcare worker mobility and patient contacts within a UK hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wilson-Aggarwal Jared K , Gotts Nick , Wong Wai Keong , Liddington Chris , Knight Simon , Spyer Moira J , Houlihan Catherine , Nastouli Eleni , Manley Ed
Published: June 2022

Movement and contacts are central to the transmission of infectious diseases and, within the hospital setting, healthcare worker (HCW) mobility and their contact with patients play an important role in the spread of nosocomial disease. Yet data relating to HCW behaviours associated with mobility and contacts in the healthcare environment are often limited. This paper proposes a framework for integrating several electronic data sources routinely-collected by modern hospitals, to enable the measurement of HCW behaviours relevant to the transmission of infections. Using data from a London teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrate how, at an aggregate level, electronic medical records (EMRs) and door access logs can be used to establish changes in HCW mobility and patient contacts. In addition, to show the utility of these data sources in supporting infection prevention and control (IPC), we investigate changes in the indirect connectivity of patients (resulting from shared contacts with HCWs) and spatial connectivity of floors (owing to the movements of HCWs). Average daily rates of patient contacts are computed and found to be higher throughout the pandemic compared to that pre-pandemic, while the average daily rates of HCW mobility remained stable until the second wave, where they surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The response of HCW behaviour to the pandemic was not equal between floors, whereby the highest increases in patient contacts and mobility were on floors handling the majority of COVID-19 patients. The first wave of COVID-19 patients resulted in changes to the flow of HCWs between floors, but the interconnectivity between COVID-19 and non COVID-19 wards was evident throughout the pandemic. Daily rates of indirect contact between patients provided evidence for reactive staff cohorting, whereby indirect contact rates between COVID-19 positive and negative patients were lowest during peaks in COVID-19 hospital admissions. We propose that IPC practitioners use these routinely collected data on HCW behaviour to support infection control activities and to help better protect hospital staff and patients from nosocomial outbreaks of communicable diseases.
Nuclear export inhibition jumbles epithelial-mesenchymal states and gives rise to migratory disorder in healthy epithelia
Authors: Krull Carly M. , Li Haiyi , Pathak Amit
Published: June 2022

Epithelial-mesenchymal (E-M) phenotypes govern collective cellular behaviors to facilitate diverse tissue functions, including embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion. Cellular E-M state is regulated by dynamic nucleocytoplasmic transport of corresponding E-M factors; yet, it remains unknown how concurrently trapping these factors affects epithelia at the macroscale. To explore this question, we performed nuclear export inhibition (NEI) via Leptomycin B treatment, which biases nuclear localization of CRM1- associated E-M factors. We examined changes in collective cell migration across a range of substrate stiffnesses. Our results show that NEI fosters an atypical E-M state wherein cells concurrently strengthen intercellular adhesions and develop mechanoactive characteristics. Following NEI, soft substrates elevate collective migration for up to 24 h, while stiffer substrates reduce migration at all timepoints. We demonstrate that excluding Yes-associated protein 1 from NEI shifts affected cells toward an epithelial phenotype. Meanwhile, removing α-catenin maintains NEI’s intercellular adhesion strengthening and mechanoactivation capabilities, but prevents mechanoactive characteristics from reaching collective behavior. Overall, our results show that NEI disrupts epithelial migration through competition between intercellular adhesions, mechanoactivation, and cell-cell coordination. Ultimately, these findings of mechanoactive NEI outcomes for healthy cells could warrant additional investigation in the context of NEI-centered cancer therapies.
Resolving the fate of trace metals during microbial remineralization of phytoplankton biomass in precursor banded iron formation sediments
Authors: Rico Kathryn , Schad Manuel , Picard Aude , Kappler Andreas , Konhauser Kurt , Mahmoudi Nagissa
Published: June 2022

Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) have long been considered a sedimentary record of seawater trace metal composition during the Precambrian. However, recent work has suggested that the trace metal composition of BIFs was derived from phytoplankton biomass, not seawater. In this model, phytoplankton biomass settles from the photic zone to the seafloor sediments, where it is then oxidized by heterotrophic microbes, such as dissimilatory Fe(III) reducing (DIR) bacteria, for energy generation. Remineralization of this biomass released the trace metals associated with organic molecules from phytoplankton (i.e., in metalloproteins), allowing these metals to be captured by Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and preserved in BIFs. While there is compelling evidence that the phytoplankton biomass served as a trace metal shuttle to precursor BIF sediments, it is unclear whether the degradation of biomass by DIR bacteria would liberate the biogenic trace metals as the model proposes. This work tests this hypothesis by using anoxic incubations of a model DIR bacterium (Shewanella oneidensis MR-1) with phytoplankton biomass as energy and carbon sources and ferrihydrite, a poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxide (Fe(OH)3), as electron acceptor. Our results show that while S. oneidensis MR-1 can consume some of the carbon substrates found in phytoplankton biomass, there is no evidence that S. oneidensis MR-1 degraded metalloproteins which would have liberated trace metals. In the context of the Precambrian, these data imply that other heterotrophic bacteria, such as fermenters, may have had a larger role in the liberation of trace metals from dead biomass during early BIF development.

Highlights

Phytoplankton are the proposed source of trace metals to banded iron formations

Iron reducers are hypothesized to release metals from phytoplankton biomass

Experiments show that iron reducers do not liberate metals when degrading biomass

Other microbial heterotrophs must have liberated the biogenic trace metals
Inositol phosphorlyceramide synthase null Leishmania major are viable and virulent in animal infections where salvage of host sphingomyelin predominates
Authors: Kuhlmann F. Matthew , Key Phillip N. , Hickerson Suzanne M. , Turk John , Hsu Fong-Fu , Beverley Stephen M.
Published: June 2022

Many pathogens synthesize inositolphosphorylceramide (IPC) as the major sphingolipid (SL), differing from the mammalian host where sphingomyelin (SM) or more complex SLs predominate, and the divergence between IPCS and mammalian sphingolipid synthases has prompted interest as a potential drug target. However, in the trypanosomatid protozoan Leishmania, cultured insect stage promastigotes lacking de novo sphingolipid synthesis (Δspt2-) and sphingolipids entirely survive and remain virulent, as infective amastigotes salvage host sphingolipids and continue to produce IPC. To further understand the role of IPC, we generated null IPCS mutants in L. major (Δipcs-). Unexpectedly and unlike fungi where IPCS is essential, Δipcs- was remarkably normal in culture and highly virulent in mouse infections. Both IPCS activity and IPC were absent in Δipcs- promastigotes and amastigotes, arguing against an alternative route of IPC synthesis. Notably, salvaged mammalian sphingomyelin (SM) was highly abundant in purified amastigotes from both WT and Δipcs-, and salvaged SLs could be further metabolized into IPC. SM was about 7-fold more abundant than IPC in WT amastigotes, establishing that SM is the dominant amastigote SL, thereby rendering IPC partially redundant. These data suggest that SM salvage likely plays key roles in the survival and virulence of both WT and Δipcs- parasites in the infected host, confirmation of which will require the development of methods or mutants deficient in host SL/SM uptake in the future. Our findings call into question the suitability of IPCS as a target for chemotherapy, instead suggesting that approaches targeting SM/SL uptake or catabolism may warrant further emphasis.
Structure–property relations of a unique and systematic dataset of 19 isostructural multicomponent apremilast forms
Authors: Jirát Jan , Babor Martin , Ridvan Luděk , Skořepová Eliška , Dušek Michal , Šoóš Miroslav
Published: June 2022

The structure–property relations are examined for apremilast cocrystals and solvates in this work. A unique and large dataset of multicomponent crystal forms is presented including 7 cocrystals and 12 solvates. In total, 15 of the presented multicomponent forms and their crystal structures are published here for the first time. This dataset is unique owing to the extreme crystal packing similarity of all 19 crystal forms. This fact makes the evaluation of structure–property relations significantly easier and more precise since the differences in the crystal lattice arrangement are close to negligible. Properties of the guest molecules used here can be directly correlated with the macroscopic properties of the corresponding multicomponent forms. Interestingly, a considerable correlation was found between the intrinsic dissolution rate of the multicomponent forms and their solubility, as well as the solubility of their guest molecules in the dissolution medium. The latter is of particular interest as it can aid in the design of multicomponent forms with tuned properties.
How substitute scarcity appeals effect on experiential gift’s purchase intention?
Authors: Chen Tser-Yieth , Yeh Tsai Lien , Lin Yen Ling
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the substitute scarcity appeals (unit scarcity or option scarcity) effect on experiential gift’s purchase intention, based on difference in gift attribute (hedonic or utilitarian gift) and difference in the types of givers (close or distant giver), which is a new consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with two experiments and examined four hypotheses in total. These hypotheses were examined using a 2 × 2 between-subjects designs, and a two-factorial covariance analysis was conducted.

Findings

Empirical results show that unit scarcity produces greater purchase intention than the option scarcity of close givers. For hedonic gifts, unit scarcity produced greater purchase intention than the option scarcity.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is to explore the substitute scarcity appeals effect on experiential gift’s purchase intention based on different types of givers and different types of gifts. The result serves as the gift marketing strategy of online platform operators and the future reference for marketers to create more value and purchase intention.
Using existing metadata standards and tools for a digital language archive: a balancing act
Authors: Burke Mary , Tarver Hannah , Phillips Mark Edward , Zavalina Oksana
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Building a digital language archive requires a number of steps to ensure collecting, describing, preserving and providing access to language data in effective and efficient ways. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Computational Resource for South Asian Languages (CoRSAL) group has partnered with the University of North Texas (UNT) Digital Library to build a series of interconnected digital collections that leverage existing UNT technical and metadata infrastructure to provide access to data from and for various language communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the reader to the background of this project and discusses some of the areas important for representing language materials where both University of North Texas Libraries (UNTL) metadata and CoRSAL metadata practices were adapted to better fit the needs of intended audiences.

Findings

We discuss a workflow for standardized language representation (the Language field), defining roles for persons related to the item (Creator and Contributor fields) and including subject representation for language materials (Subjects and Keywords fields).

Practical implications

Although further work is needed to improve language data representation in the CoRSAL digital language archive, the model adopted by the team and lessons learned could benefit others in the language archiving community.

Originality/value

This paper is a significantly extended version of the presentation made at the 1st International Workshop on Digital Language Archives in 2021.
Feasibility practices of types of property developers
Authors: Moorhead Matthew , Armitage Lynne , Skitmore Martin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the current relationships between developer characteristics in terms of dominant property type (residential, commercial, retail, industrial, tourism, “other”), ownership (publicly listed, publicly unlisted, private, government), organisational structure (speculative-trader, investor developers, development managers) and size (small, medium, large) in the frequency of use and required minimum value of hurdle rate metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of 225 Australian and New Zealand trader developers, development managers, investors, valuers, fund managers and government/charities/other relating to the feasibility practices of different types of Australia/New Zealand property development companies.

Findings

(1) Residential dominant developers are more likely to use margin on development cost (MDC) required to have a higher minimum internal rate of return (IRR) percentage; (2) investor developers are more likely to use the payback period as a hurdle rate, and specific hurdle rates as a part of a go/no-go decision; (3) trader developers adopt a higher percentage of IRR and deviate further from accepted financial theory in hurdle rate selection; and (4) national property development organisations in multiple geographic regions use qualitative frameworks more as a decision-making process and use MDC less as a hurdle rate.

Practical implications

The study is limited to a sample of property practitioners working in Australia/New Zealand at the time of data collection in 2016 and, further empirical research is needed spatially and temporally to determine the extent of the findings. Further research is also needed with small- to medium-sized development organisations' on the extent to which they should use different metrics in project selection and for an improved understanding of the technical and attitudinal difficulties facing their current adoption.

Originality/value

First study to examine the feasibility practices of different types of Australia/New Zealand property developers.
An innovative reliability-based design optimization method by combination of dual-stage adaptive kriging and genetic algorithm
Authors: Feng Kaixuan , Lu Zhenzhou
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose an efficient method for solving reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) problems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to search the global optimal solution of design parameters satisfying the reliability and deterministic constraints. The Kriging model based on U learning function is used as a classification tool to accurately and efficiently judge whether an individual solution in GA belongs to feasible region.

Findings

Compared with existing methods, the proposed method has two major advantages. The first one is that the GA is employed to construct the optimization framework, which is helpful to search the global optimum solutions of the RBDO problems. The other one is that the use of Kriging model is helpful to improve the computational efficiency in solving the RBDO problems.

Originality/value

Since the boundaries are concerned in two Kriging models, the size of the training set for constructing the convergent Kriging model is small, and the corresponding efficiency is high.
What has been studied in cultural intelligence? Intellectual structure and current research
Authors: Paraíso De Campos Serra Bernardo , Tomei Patricia Amelia , Serra Fernando , Guerrazzi Luiz Antonio de Camargo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine existing research in Cultural Intelligence (CI), in an attempt to understand the intellectual influences on current research and research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a bibliometric study of cocitation and bibliographic coupling, supported by factor and network analysis. From a sample of 219 articles, the authors examined selected articles (60 for bibliographic coupling) and the references (32 for citation and cocitation).

Findings

The results indicate that Earley and Ang (2003) is the basis for the current research. The intellectual structure of CI was concerned with three themes: the Concept of CI; CI and the Cultural Context; and Operationalization of the CI Concept. This initial research has influenced current research in the Operationalization of the Concept of CI when investigating the effect of CI on cultural diversity and individual skills and abilities. Another front recognizes the relationship between CI and the cultural context, being oriented toward understanding the performance and leadership of individuals.

Originality/value

The authors identified a new research front related to the effect of CI on cultural diversity. It indicates promising new fronts considering culture in a multifaceted and multilevel perspective, and also the possibility of evaluating the construct's cognitive components in the original perspective of Earley and Ang (2003) with neuroscientific methods. From the analysis, the authors suggest that future research presents methodological challenges and the connection of the CI construct and the level of analysis, and the Latin American context, which are explored at the end of this paper.
Social interaction and geographic diffusion of iron‐biofortified beans in Rwanda
Authors: Funes Jose , Sun Laixiang , Sedano Fernando , Baiocchi Giovanni , Benson Todd
Published: June 2022

This study analyzes smallholder farmers’ decisions to adopt beans with higher levels of dietary iron developed through a conventional breeding technique called biofortification. We approach this study by applying spatial econometric techniques to estimate neighborhood influence and to determine the factors driving the adoption of iron‐biofortified beans (IBB). We employ a cross‐sectional, nationally representative survey of bean producing households from 2015 bean growing season B in Rwanda, and present results for growers of both bush and climbing varieties of beans. The results show geographic diffusion of iron bean planting material occurs among neighboring farmers that exhibit interdependent decision‐making patterns, as well as similar characteristics relative to the group. Some policy implications can be drawn from the results. First, a differentiated geographical targeting strategy for bush and climbing bean varieties as a function of farmer and farm characteristics should increase iron bean adoption rates. Second, strengthening partnerships with delivery agents and extensionists should stimulate the adoption of IBB varieties. And finally, technology‐promotion programs that consider progressive farmers and strengthen social interactions and group activities among peer networks should increase the spread of information and diffusion of IBB.