bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less-invasive Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Fasciitis with Rapid Antigen Detection Test and Collagen/Gelatin Sponge
Authors: Tsuge Itaru , Matsui Miho , Takeda Takuma , Yamanaka Hiroki , Katsube Motoki , Sakamoto Michiharu , Morimoto Naoki
Published: November 2021

Patients with severe group A Streptococcus (GAS) induced necrotizing soft tissue infection sometimes develop Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition with an extremely high fatality rate. Obtaining survival is the most important goal; however, an early diagnosis for debridement surgery and quick granulation formation for skin grafting surgery can better preserve the extremity functions. The patient was a 47-year-old man with a history of atopic dermatitis who presented with GAS-induced necrotizing soft tissue infection in his left lower extremity. His vital signs indicated shock, and he was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Emergency surgery was performed with his body pressure maintained with noradrenaline. Intraoperatively, rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) were negative in the medial thigh and positive in the lower leg, which helped in decision-making regarding the area of aggressive debridement surgery. The wound culture results matched the intraoperative rapid antigen detection test results. A collagen/gelatin sponge with the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor was used as an artificial dermis before skin grafting. Excellent granulation was obtained, and skin grafting surgery was performed on the 11th day after collagen/gelatin sponge placement. He was discharged home on the 42nd day with normal lower extremity functions. First, an intraoperative diagnosis using GAS-rapid antigen detection tests with an appropriate sampling method from small incisions avoided excessive surgical debridement. Second, collagen/gelatin sponge with the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor promoted quick granulation tissue formation for wound bed preparation. These efforts resulted in the successful less-invasive treatment of a patient with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by GAS-induced necrotizing soft tissue infection.
Research Productivity among Plastic Surgeons in the State of Israel: h-index and M-quotient Assessment
Authors: Har-Shai Lior , Ofek Sar-El , Lavi Idit , Cohen Keren H. , Cohen Avi A. , Ad-El Dean D. , Shay Tamir
Published: November 2021

Background:

The h-index has been proven in the US and Canada to be a solid tool to assess the quality and impact of individual scientific work in the field of plastic surgery. M-quotient is an additional metric that mitigates the h-index’s inherent bias toward more seasoned researchers. The objective of this study was evaluating the relationship between h-index and M-quotient and research productivity among plastic surgeons in the state of Israel.

Methods:

A list of all Israeli board-certified plastic surgeons registered in the Israeli Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery was obtained from the organization’s website. Relevant demographic and academic factors of each surgeon were retrieved. The Scopus database was queried to determine each surgeon’s h-index and M-quotient, among other bibliometric parameters.

Results:

Our study included 173 plastic surgeons, 90% of whom were men. In total, 49.7% were working in academically affiliated hospitals; 14.4% of the surgeons had an academic rank. The mean h-index was 6.13; mean M-quotient was 0.27. Statistical analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between total number of publications (P < 0.0001), total number of citations (P < 0.0001), the surgeon’s seniority (P < 0.0001), academic rank (P = 0.007), appointed as past/present plastic surgery department director (P < 0.0001), and working in an academic affiliated hospital (P < 0.025). The same parameters were found to have a positive correlation with M-quotient.

Conclusions:

The h-index is an effective measure to compare plastic surgeons’ research productivity in Israel. M-quotient is an ancillary tool for the assessment of research productivity among plastic surgeons, with the advent of neutralizing the surgeon’s seniority.
Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss After Endocapsular and Supracapsular Phacoemulsification: The PERCEPOLIS Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Perone Jean-Marc , Ghetemme Cedric , Zevering Yinka , Zaidi Mohamed , Ouamara Nadia , Goetz Christophe , Lhuillier Louis
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Subluxation techniques are superior to divide-and-conquer in procedure duration, pain, and ultrasound quantity, but their safety in endothelial cell loss (ECL) is unclear. This randomized single-blind noninferiority clinical trial aimed to determine whether subluxation supracapsular phacoemulsification techniques are inferior to a reference endocapsular technique (divide-and-conquer) regarding postoperative corneal ECL.

Methods:

Patients (aged18 years or older) with greater than +0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best spectacle–corrected visual acuity and normal to severe density cataract were randomized to subluxation or divide-and-conquer phacoemulsification in 2015 to 2016. Follow-up with ophthalmic tests was conducted on day 4 and months 1, 3, and 12. The primary study outcome was ECL at all time points. Secondary study end points were operative variables, including effective phaco time and procedure duration. A clinically relevant noninferiority ECL limit was established on the basis of the literature.

Results:

In total, 292 patients (mean age, 73 yrs; 59% female) were randomized and underwent subluxation (n = 148) or divide-and-conquer (n = 144). Day 4 and month 1, 3, and 12 data were available for 243, 270, 275, and 198 patients, respectively. The unexpectedly high dropout at 12 months meant that the 12-month ECL data could only be assessed qualitatively. Surgery was successful in all patients. Subluxation was noninferior to divide-and-conquer in ECL. Effective phaco times were similar, but subluxation associated with shorter procedure duration.

Conclusions:

The subluxation technique was noninferior to divide-and-conquer regarding postoperative ECL, at least in the first 3 months, and associated with reduced intervention time. Subluxation techniques may be suitable alternatives to endocapsular techniques.

Clinical Trial Registration
—URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02535819.
Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zureigat Hadil , Alhusban Muna , Cobia Miles
Published: November 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to associate with increased risk of thromboembolic events. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has long been used to effectively manage those with large-vessel occlusive (LVO) stroke and has similarly been implemented in the management of stroke in COVID-19 patients.

Review Summary:

The COVID-19 pandemic took the health care sector by a storm. Thus, less is known about MT outcomes in this population and evidence suggesting poor outcomes postthrombectomy for COVID-19 patients is accumulating. We provide a narrative on some of the published studies on the outcomes of MT in COVID-19 patients with LVO between March 2020 and February 2021. A description of patient characteristics, risk factors, COVID-19 infection severity, stroke features and thrombectomy success in this population is also presented as data from several studies show that LVO in COVID-19 patients may have some distinguishing characteristics that make management more challenging.

Conclusions:

The effect of COVID-19 on the long-term prognosis of stroke patients after thrombectomy is yet to be determined. The accumulating evidence from current studies indicates a negative impact of COVID-19 on outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients who receive MT, irrespective of timely, successful angiographic recanalization. This review may help alert clinicians of some of the COVID-19-specific postthrombectomy challenges.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Dried Plasma Spot Specimens for HIV-1 Viral Load Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Fong Youyi , Markby Jessica , Andreotti Mauro , Beck Ingrid , Bourlet Thomas , Brambilla Don , Frenkel Lisa , Lira Rosalia , Nelson Julie A. E. , Pollakis Georgios , Reigadas Sandrine , Richman Douglas , Sawadogo Souleymane , Waters Laura , Yang Chunfu , Zeh Clement , Doherty Meg , Vojnov Lara
Published: November 2021

Background:

Dried plasma spot specimens may be a viable alternative to traditional liquid plasma in field settings, but the diagnostic accuracy is not well understood.

Methods:

Standard databases (PubMed and Medline), conferences, and gray literature were searched until January 2019. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Standards for Reporting Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 criteria. We used univariate and bivariate random effects models to determine misclassification, sensitivity, and specificity across multiple thresholds, overall and for each viral load technology, and to account for between-study variation.

Results:

We identified 23 studies for inclusion in the systematic review that compared the diagnostic accuracy of dried plasma spots with that of plasma. Primary data from 16 of the 23 studies were shared and included in the meta-analysis, representing 18 countries, totaling 1847 paired dried plasma spot:plasma data points. The mean bias of dried plasma spot specimens compared with that of plasma was 0.28 log10 copies/mL, whereas the difference in median viral load was 2.25 log10 copies/mL. More dried plasma spot values were undetectable compared with plasma values (43.6% vs. 29.8%). Analyzing all technologies together, the sensitivity and specificity of dried plasma spot specimens were >92% across all treatment failure thresholds compared and total misclassification <5.4% across all treatment failure thresholds compared. Some technologies had lower sensitivity or specificity; however, the results were typically consistent across treatment failure thresholds.

Discussion:

Overall, dried plasma spot specimens performed relatively well compared with plasma with sensitivity and specificity values greater than 90% and misclassification rates less than 10% across all treatment failure thresholds reviewed.
Pharmacokinetics of Atazanavir Boosted With Cobicistat in Pregnant and Postpartum Women With HIV
Authors: Momper Jeremiah D. , Wang Jiajia , Stek Alice , Shapiro David E. , Powis Kathleen M. , Paul Mary E. , Badell Martina L. , Browning Renee , Chakhtoura Nahida , Denson Kayla , Rungruengthanakit Kittipong , George Kathleen , Capparelli Edmund V. , Mirochnick Mark , Best Brookie M. ,   for the IMPAACT P1026s Protocol Team
Published: November 2021

Background:

This study evaluated atazanavir and cobicistat pharmacokinetics during pregnancy compared with postpartum and in infant washout samples.

Setting:

A nonrandomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter prospective study of atazanavir and cobicistat pharmacokinetics in pregnant women with HIV and their children.

Methods:

Intensive steady-state 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles were performed after administration of 300 mg of atazanavir and 150 mg of cobicistat orally in fixed-dose combination once daily during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum. Infant washout samples were collected after birth. Atazanavir and cobicistat were measured in plasma by validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assays, respectively. A 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.10) was used for paired within-participant comparisons.

Results:

A total of 11 pregnant women enrolled in the study. Compared with paired postpartum data, atazanavir AUC0
–24 was 26% lower in the second trimester [n = 5, P = 0.1875, geometric mean of ratio (GMR) = 0.739, 90% CI: 0.527 to 1.035] and 54% lower in the third trimester (n = 6, GMR = 0.459, P = 0.1563, 90% CI: 0.190 to 1.109), whereas cobicistat AUC0-24 was 35% lower in the second trimester (n = 5, P = 0.0625, GMR = 0.650, 90% CI: 0.493 to 0.858) and 52% lower in the third trimester (n = 7, P = 0.0156, GMR = 0.480, 90% CI: 0.299 to 0.772). The median (interquartile range) 24-hour atazanavir trough concentration was 0.21 μg/mL (0.16–0.28) in the second trimester, 0.21 μg/mL (0.11–0.56) in the third trimester, and 0.61 μg/mL (0.42–1.03) in postpartum. Placental transfer of atazanavir and cobicistat was limited.

Conclusions:

Standard atazanavir/cobicistat dosing during pregnancy results in lower exposure which may increase the risk of virologic failure and perinatal transmission.
Simulated attack reveals how lesions affect network properties in post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Medaglia John D. , Erickson Brian A. , Pustina Dorian , Kelkar Apoorva S. , DeMarco Andrew T. , Dickens J. Vivian , Turkeltaub Peter E.
Published: November 2021

Aphasia is one of the most prevalent cognitive syndromes caused by stroke. The rarity of premorbid imaging and heterogeneity of lesion size and extent obfuscates the links between the local effects of the lesion, global anatomical network organization, and aphasia symptoms. We applied a simulated attack approach to examine the effects of 39 stroke lesions on network topology by simulating their effects in a control sample of 36 healthy brain networks. We focused on measures of global network organization thought to support overall brain function and resilience in the whole brain and within the left hemisphere. After removing lesion volume from the network topology measures and behavioral scores (the Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient; WAB-AQ), four behavioral factor scores obtained from a neuropsychological battery, and a factor sum), we compared the behavioral variance accounted for by simulated post-stroke connectomes to that observed in the randomly permuted data. Overall, global measures of network topology in the whole brain and left hemisphere accounted for 10% variance or more of the WAB-AQ and the lexical factor score beyond lesion volume and null permutations. Streamline networks provided more reliable point estimates than FA networks. Edge weights and network efficiency were weighted most highly in predicting the WAB-AQ for FA networks. Overall, our results suggest that global network measures can provide modest statistical value predicting overall aphasia severity, but less value in predicting specific behaviors. Variability in estimates could be induced by premorbid ability, deafferentation and diaschisis, and neuroplasticity following stroke.
Massively parallel identification of functionally consequential noncoding genetic variants in undiagnosed rare disease patients
Authors: McQuerry Jasmine A. , Mclaird Merry , Hartin Samantha N. , Means John C. , Johnston Jeffrey , Pastinen Tomi , Younger Scott T.
Published: November 2021

Clinical whole genome sequencing has enabled the discovery of potentially pathogenic noncoding variants in the genomes of rare disease patients with a prior history of negative genetic testing. However, interpreting the functional consequences of noncoding variants and distinguishing those that contribute to disease etiology remains a challenge. Here we address this challenge by experimentally profiling the functional consequences of rare noncoding variants detected in a cohort of undiagnosed rare disease patients at scale using a massively parallel reporter assay. We demonstrate that this approach successfully identifies rare noncoding variants that alter the regulatory capacity of genomic sequences. In addition, we describe an integrative analysis that utilizes genomic features alongside patient clinical data to further prioritize candidate variants with an increased likelihood of pathogenicity. This work represents an important step towards establishing a framework for the functional interpretation of clinically detected noncoding variants.
A Comprehensive In Silico Study for the Identification of Therapeutic Target Against Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in humans
Authors: Bhowmik Sagar , Samrat Sheikh Mohiuddin , Paul Debneela
Published: November 2021

Background

VGF (non-acronymic) is a neuropeptide precursor or neuro-protein or neurosecretory protein which plays vital roles in the regulation of gastric contractility, mood regulation, and peripheral neuropathic pain and possibly, cancer.

Objective

VGF may be a potential target as it has a unique contribution to the development of neuropathic pain which is a target for Oxymatrine (OMTR).

Method

Based on this, we have endeavored to discover VGF inhibitors from the ChEMBL database of Oxymatrine (OMTR) analogues by employing homology modelling, molecular docking and pharmacophore analysis.

Result

Our in silico investigation reveals that 13-Methoxymatrine has desired characteristics for becoming a future formulation.

Conclusion

To confirm the efficacy of this compound, essential animal and clinical trials are needed to be performed. We believe that our present study will help to find an efficient and effective therapy for treating neuropathic pain in human which is modulated by VGF.
Protein loop modeling and refinement using deep learning models
Authors: Pan Feng , Zhang Yuan , Lo Chun-Chao , Mandal Arunima , Liu Xiuwen , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: November 2021

Loops in proteins play essential roles in protein functions and interactions. The structural characterization of loops is challenging because of their conformational flexibility and relatively poor conservation in multiple sequence alignments. Many experimental and computational approaches have been carried out during the last few decades for loop modeling. Although the latest AlphaFold2 achieved remarkable performance in protein structure predictions, the accuracy of loop regions for many proteins still needs to be improved for downstream applications such as protein function prediction and structure based drug design. In this paper, we proposed two novel deep learning architectures for loop modeling: one uses a combined convolutional neural network (CNN)-recursive neural network (RNN) structure (DeepMUSICS) and the other is based on refinement of histograms using a 2D CNN architecture (DeepHisto). In each of the methods, two types of models, conformation sampling model and energy scoring model, were trained and applied in the loop folding process. Both methods achieved promising results and worth further investigations. Since multiple sequence alignments (MSA) were not used in our architecture, the energy scoring models have less bias from MSA. We believe the methods may serve as good complements for refining AlphaFold2 predicted structures.
Metabolic heritage mapping: heterogenous pools of cytoplasmic nucleotide sugars are selectively utilized by various glycosyltransferases
Authors: Sosicka Paulina , Ng Bobby G. , Pepi Lauren E. , Shajahan Asif , Wong Maurice , Scott David A. , Matsumoto Kenjiroo , Xia Zhi-Jie , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Haltiwanger Robert S. , Azadi Parastoo , Freeze Hudson H.
Published: November 2021

Biosynthesis of macromolecules requires precursors such as sugars or amino acids, originating from exogenous/dietary sources, reutilization/salvage of degraded molecules or de novo synthesis. Since these sources are assumed to contribute to one homogenous pool, their individual contributions are often overlooked. Protein glycosylation uses monosaccharides from all the above sources to produce nucleotide sugars required to assemble hundreds of distinct glycans. Here we demonstrate that cells identify the origin/heritage of the monosaccharide, fucose, for glycosylation. We measured the contribution of GDP-fucose from each of these sources for glycan synthesis and found that different fucosyltransferases, individual glycoproteins, and linkage-specific fucose residues identify and select different GDP-fucose pools dependent on their heritage. This supports the hypothesis that GDP-fucose exists in multiple, distinct pools, not as a single homogenous pool. The selection is tightly regulated since the overall pool size remains constant. We present novel perspectives on monosaccharide metabolism, which may have general applicability.
The drivers of employee creativity and organizational innovation: a dynamic capability view
Authors: Chaubey Akriti , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the drivers of employee creativity and organizational innovation empirically. And to study how employee creativity significantly impacts organizational innovation in a highly competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is grounded in positivism philosophy. The theoretical model is grounded in the dynamic capability view (DCV) and further developed ten hypotheses and sub-hypotheses. To test our research hypotheses the authors utilized psychometric-based instruments. The authors obtained 575 responses from the automobile industry in India after multiple follow-ups. The data were utilized to check the construct validity and tested the authors’ research hypotheses using the co-variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) tool (IBM SPSS AMOS 20.0).

Findings

The results support the authors’ research hypotheses. The findings of this study conform to the previous findings of the scholars which is an important aspect of the study. In the past various scholars have made an attempt to reproduce the results in different contexts. In a way, it helps to build confidence in the scientific merit of the results. It may be considered as an incremental contribution to the literature but it helps establish confidence in the theory of creativity and innovation.

Practical implications

The results offer a nuanced understanding to the practitioners and policy makers to understand “what” and “how” to improve employee creativity that plays a significant role in organizational innovation.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to examine how the theory of creativity and innovation can be embraced by the Indian automobile industry.
Evaluating the effectiveness of drones in emergency situations: a hybrid multi-criteria approach
Authors: Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Srivastava Praveen Ranjan , Eachempati Prajwal
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to build a customized hybrid multi-criteria model to identify the top three utilities of drones at both personal and community levels for two use cases: firefighting in high-rise buildings and logistic support.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid multi-criterion model that integrates fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Best Worst, fuzzy analytical network process (ANP), fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is used to compute the criteria weights. The weights are validated by a novel ensemble ranking technique further whetted by experts at the community and personal levels to two use cases.

Findings

Drones' fire handling and disaster recovery utilities are the most important to fight fire in high-rise buildings at both personal and community levels. Similarly, drones' urban planning, municipal works and infrastructure inspection utilities are the most important for providing logistics support at personal and community levels.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel multi-criteria approach, i.e. ensemble ranking, by combining the criteria ranking of individual methods – fuzzy AHP, Best-Worst, fuzzy ANP and fuzzy DEMATEL – in the ratio of optimal weights to each technique to generate the consolidated ranking. Domain experts also validate this ranking for robustness. This paper demonstrates a viable methodology to quantify the utilities of drones and their capabilities. The proposed model can be recalibrated for different use case scenarios of drones.
Calendar anomalies in the stock markets: conventional vs Islamic stock indices
Authors: Hasan Md. Bokhtiar , Hassan M. Kabir , Rashid Md. Mamunur , Ali Md. Sumon , Hossain Md. Naiem
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In this study, the authors evaluate seven calendar anomalies’–the day of the week, weekend, the month of the year, January, the turn of the month (TOM), Ramadan and Eid festivals–effects in both the conventional and Islamic stock indices of Bangladesh. Also, the authors examine whether these anomalies differ between the two indices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors select the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Broad Index (DSEX) and the DSEX Shariah Index (DSES) of the DSE as representatives of the conventional and Islamic stock indices respectively. To carry out the investigation, the authors employ the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) typed models from January 25, 2011, to March 25, 2020.

Findings

The study’s results indicate the presence of all these calendar anomalies in either conventional or Islamic indices or both, except for the Ramadan effect. Some significant differences in the anomalies between the two indices (excluding the Ramadan effect) are detected in both return and volatility, with the differences being somewhat more pronounced in volatility. The existence of these calendar anomalies argues against the efficient market hypothesis of the stock markets of Bangladesh.

Practical implications

The study’s results can benefit investors and portfolio managers to comprehend different market anomalies and make investment strategies to beat the market for abnormal gains. Foreign investors can also be benefited from cross-border diversifications with DSE.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, first the calendar anomalies in the context of both conventional and Islamic stock indices for comparison purposes are evaluated, which is the novel contribution of this study. Unlike previous studies, the authors have explored seven calendar anomalies in the Bangladesh stock market's context with different indices and data sets. Importantly, no study in Bangladesh has analyzed calendar anomalies as comprehensively as the authors’.
Have your cake and eat it? Combining structure and agency in management research
Authors: Kennedy Aileen , O'Gorman Colm , Lee Kenneth
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an explanatory logic and an empirical illustration of how Stones’ strong structuration theory, specifically the methodological brackets of agent's conduct and agent's context analysis can be applied within case study research. The value of strong structuration theory, and the methodological bracketing tool, is its proximity to empirical research and the provision of robust guidelines which enable researchers to resolve the methodological challenges of combining structure and agency within research designs. We demonstrate the application of methodological bracketing as a tool for analysing structure and agency interactions within management research. The contribution of the paper is its explication of strong structuration theory as a credible, flexible, and evolving research approach which is suitable for a range of research questions in the management domain. The explanatory logic of the duality of structure will appeal to researchers interested in exploring and developing novel theoretical insights and fresh perspectives from case study data.
Development and validation of a probabilistic model for notch fatigue strength prediction of tool steels based on surface defects
Authors: Zanni Mattia , Morri Alessandro , Ceschini Lorella
Published: November 2021

A new model for the high cycle notch fatigue strength prediction of tool steels subjected to axial loading is proposed, based on previous literatures studies and experimental tests carried out on six different tool steels, including rotating bending fatigue tests on notched specimens, fractographic analyses, hardness, residual stress, and roughness measurements. The novelty is the assumption that surface defects are the main cause of notch fatigue failures of such steels. A probabilistic approach was implemented by modeling size distributions of defects, resulting in the prediction of normal distributions of fatigue strength. Like to other previous models, the effect of steel hardness, surface residual stress, notch severity, and specimen size was also taken into account. Model calibration and validation were performed using the data collected by the experimental activity. Model behavior was investigated by performing a sensitivity analysis, aiming to verify the response to variations of the considered input variables. Prediction errors of only 1.3% (on average) and 3.1% (maximum) resulted from the comparison between model‐predicted and experimental notch fatigue strength.
Low statistical power and overestimated anthropogenic impacts, exacerbated by publication bias, dominate field studies in global change biology
Authors: Yang Yefeng , Hillebrand Helmut , Lagisz Malgorzata , Cleasby Ian , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: November 2021

Field studies are essential to reliably quantify ecological responses to global change because they are exposed to realistic climate manipulations. Yet such studies are limited in replicates, resulting in less power and, therefore, potentially unreliable effect estimates. Furthermore, while manipulative field experiments are assumed to be more powerful than non‐manipulative observations, it has rarely been scrutinized using extensive data. Here, using 3847 field experiments that were designed to estimate the effect of environmental stressors on ecosystems, we systematically quantified their statistical power and magnitude (Type M) and sign (Type S) errors. Our investigations focused upon the reliability of field experiments to assess the effect of stressors on both ecosystem's response magnitude and variability. When controlling for publication bias, single experiments were underpowered to detect response magnitude (median power: 18%–38% depending on effect sizes). Single experiments also had much lower power to detect response variability (6%–12% depending on effect sizes) than response magnitude. Such underpowered studies could exaggerate estimates of response magnitude by 2–3 times (Type M errors) and variability by 4–10 times. Type S errors were comparatively rare. These observations indicate that low power, coupled with publication bias, inflates the estimates of anthropogenic impacts. Importantly, we found that meta‐analyses largely mitigated the issues of low power and exaggerated effect size estimates. Rather surprisingly, manipulative experiments and non‐manipulative observations had very similar results in terms of their power, Type M and S errors. Therefore, the previous assumption about the superiority of manipulative experiments in terms of power is overstated. These results call for highly powered field studies to reliably inform theory building and policymaking, via more collaboration and team science, and large‐scale ecosystem facilities. Future studies also require transparent reporting and open science practices to approach reproducible and reliable empirical work and evidence synthesis.
Nudging auditors' unconscious to improve performance on an accounting estimate task
Authors: Nolder Christine J. , Ratzinger‐Sakel Nicole V. S. , Theis Jochen C.
Published: November 2021

Auditing deficiencies related to accounting estimates continue to account for a significant percentage of auditing deficiencies identified during routine inspections. Regulators suggest that a lack of auditors' professional skepticism may be to blame. We test a skeptical language priming intervention to induce auditors into a skeptical mindset. Additionally, we posit that skeptical language embedded in a firm's decision aid will induce a skeptical attitude, which we measure in terms of auditors' beliefs and feelings (i.e., confidence and concern) associated with the reasonableness of management's estimate. We find that the skeptical language prime has a positive effect on the quality of auditors' cognitive processing and reasonableness judgments. We also find that the skeptical language keeps auditors' feelings of concern high as opposed to conventional language, which resulted in auditors feeling less concerned. Moreover, we found that auditors' negative feelings of concern were the primary driver of recommended testing both before and after introducing the firm's decision aid.
Proposal of a novel selective enrichment broth, NCT-mTSB, for isolation of Escherichia albertii from poultry samples
Authors: Wakabayashi Yuki , Seto Kazuko , Kanki Masashi , Harada Tetsuya , Kawatsu Kentaro
Published: November 2021

Aims

Escherichia albertii is an emerging diarrheagenic pathogen causing food- and water-borne infection in humans. However, no selective enrichment broths for E. albertii have ever been reported. In this study, we tested several basal media, selective supplements and culture conditions which enabled selective enrichment of E. albertii.

Methods and Results

We developed a selective enrichment broth, novobiocin–cefixime–tellurite supplemented modified tryptic soy broth (NCT-mTSB). NCT-mTSB supported the growth of 22 E. albertii strains, while inhibited growth of other Enterobacteriaceae at 37°C, except for Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. Enrichment of E. albertii was improved further by growth at 44°C, a temperature that suppresses growth of several strains of E. coli/Shigella. Combined use of NCT-mTSB with XR-DH-agar, xylose–rhamnose supplemented deoxycholate hydrogen sulphide agar, enabled isolation of E. albertii when at least 1 CFU of the bacterium was present per gram of chicken meat. This level of enrichment was superior to those obtained using buffered peptone water, modified-EC broth, or mTSB (with novobiocin).

Conclusions

Novobiocin–cefixime–tellurite supplemented modified tryptic soy broth enabled effective enrichment of E. albertii from poultry samples and was helpful for isolation of this bacterium.

Significance and Impact of Study

To our knowledge, this is the first report of selective enrichment of E. albertii from poultry samples.
How international is the International Prostate Symptom Score? A literature review of validated translations of the IPSS, the most widely used self‐administered patient questionnaire for male lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Yao Mark W. , Green James S. A.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) approaches its 30th anniversary. This ubiquitous clinical assessment tool is a standard in the assessment and research of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. The authors explore its history, development, and subsequent dissemination through validated translations across the world. An estimated global coverage is calculated and mapped according to language population.

Methods

Embase and Medline literature searches were performed, with further hand searches of grey literature and online resources. Twenty‐two abstracts and journal articles validating language translations of the IPSS were reviewed in full and tabulated. Language population data were gathered from an official database and mapped.

Results

The IPSS is available in 53 languages. Twenty‐seven languages have statistically or clinically validated translations for use in male patients. This corresponds to a conservative estimate of global population coverage of approximately 2.3 billion men, or 60% of the worldwide male population.

Translation methodology involves forward and back translation. Statistical validation is performed with control patients. Cronbach's alpha is used for internal consistency, and Spearman's coefficient (p) or Pearson's coefficient (r) for test–retest reliability.

Issues such as the emergence of altered versions deviating from original validated translations and translation difficulties due to cultural differences are observed. Further translational work is needed to validate versions of the IPSS in languages of the developing world.

Conclusions

The IPSS is the most prevalent patient‐administered questionnaire used in urology across the world. There is no other clinical tool seen to have similar coverage. This paper aims to provide a roadmap for future clinical tools to acquire a similar level of translation and dissemination.
Elution and Biomechanical Properties of Meropenem‐Loaded Bone Cement
Authors: Wang Li‐hong , Feng Ya‐dong , Zhang Xiao‐wei , Jin Long , Zhou Fang‐lun , Xu Guo‐hong
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the biomechanical and elution properties of meropenem‐loaded bone cement.

Methods

Bone cement (Palacos LV) with 5% (2 g/4 0g), 10% (4 g/40 g), and 15% (6 g/40 g) meropenem; 5% (2 g/40 g) and 10% (4 g/40 g) vancomycin; and blank bone cement were prepared in a total of six groups named A2, A4, A6, B2, B4, and A0 (antibiotic‐free). 36 cylinder specimens (6‐mm diameter and 12‐mm height) of all six groups were molded for a compression test. After the compression test, because of mechanical properties below the ISO standard requirements, groups B2, B4 were not subjected to a bending test. So a total of 24 rectangular strip specimens (10‐mm width, 75‐mm length, and 3.3‐mm thickness) for groups A2, A4, A6 and A0 were molded for the bending test. Between‐group differences of compressive strength, bending strength and bending modulus were analyzed. The meropenem standard was prepared as a series of standard solutions to calculate the standard curve. At a constant temperature of 37 °C, separately, meropenem‐loaded bone cement cylinder specimens (12 mm in diameter and 17 mm in length) of A2, A4 and A6 were serially immersed in saline solution without stirring. The eluent drug concentration at 24, 48, 72 h and 6, 12, 24 days was measured and the drug concentration‐time curve of meropenem was constructed.

Results

With the exception of groups B2 and B4, all cements compressive strength values were well above the minimum requirement of the ISO 5833 standard (70 MPa). The compressive strength and bending strength values of group A4 were higher than those of group A0 (P < 0.05), but no difference was found between the A0, A2 and A6 groups (P > 0.05). There were no intergroup differences of bending modulus between the A0, A2, A4 and A6 groups (P > 0.05). A standard curve of meropenem was obtained and a regression equation was constructed: Y = 15.0265 X + 13.5218, r = 1.00. At 37 °C, the release of meropenem was rapid during the first 48 h for all A2, A4, A6 samples, and subsequent release continued to decrease.

Conclusion

When adding up to 15% (6 g/40 g) meropenem to the bone cement, the biomechanical properties were not reduced, and bone cement with 10% (4 g/40 g) meropenem had the best performance. At a constant temperature of 37°C, meropenem can be released from bone cement for up to 24 days.
Effective horizon management in transnational administration: Bespoke and box‐ticking consultancies in anti‐money laundering
Authors: Tsingou Eleni
Published: November 2021

Efforts to combat global money laundering have established a transnational administrative regime that provides peer review mutual evaluations that are coordinated among national public administrations. Led by the Financial Action Task Force, this regime encourages compliance with anti‐money laundering (AML) standards to detect “effectiveness” in administrative capacity despite an absence of reliable data on money laundering activity. This article examines how national administrations engage different types of consultants in the preparation of mutual evaluations. I distinguish between the use of bespoke consultants who actively interpret effectiveness by wealthier countries, and “box‐ticking” consultants from global professional service firms which developing countries are more reliant on. As such, the transnational administration of AML governance and its links to consultants reflects and reinforces global power asymmetries. Wealthy countries can positively use consultants to manage their policy horizons, while developing countries are left with short‐term compliance that is not aimed at building administrative capacity.
Moral identity and empathy promote prosocial behavior only toward blameless AIDS patients
Authors: Guo Yakang , Guo Qingke , Liu Zhen , Liu Hui
Published: November 2021

Moral identity and empathy are two important contributors of charitable donation. But there are also inconsistent findings which suggest the existence of moderating variables. This research investigated their effects on charitable donation when the fictional recipients have or have not responsibility for HIV infection. Through four between‐subjects experiments, we respectively explored the effect of responsibility of AIDS patients (blameless vs. blameful; manipulated by different ways of HIV infection) on donation, and its interaction with trait moral identity (study 1a, n = 313, Mage = 19.37, 70% females), primed moral identity (study 1b, n = 392, Mage = 19.43, 72% females), trait empathy (study 2a, n = 310, Mage = 19.34, 67% females), and primed empathy (study 2b, n = 366, Mage = 19.39, 55% females). Measures of moral identity and empathy, and a priming technique with moral identity and empathy words as stimuli were used research tools. The results demonstrated that when AIDS patients were not responsible for their plight (blameless), moral identity and empathy (regardless of trait or activated) showed positive effects on donation. When AIDS patients were responsible for their plight (blameful), however, all positive effects disappeared. Trait moral identity even showed a negative effect on donation. These results indicated that the prosocial effects of moral identity and empathy are conditioned by characteristics of the beneficiaries.
Subatomic species transport through atomically thin membranes: Present and future applications
Authors: Kidambi Piran R. , Chaturvedi Pavan , Moehring Nicole K.
Published: November 2021

Selective subatomic separations

Membranes are thin materials used to selectively separate gases or liquids and are used on a range of scales from benchtop experiments to industrial processes. Challenges arise in separating materials with very similar sizes or chemical properties, particularly at the smallest scales. Kidambi
et al
. review advances in using atomically thin two-dimensional materials such as graphene or hexagonal boron nitride for the separation of subatomic species, including electrons, hydrogen isotopes, and gases. The authors explore the scope to scale up the sizes of these membranes and their potential use in applications relating to energy, microscopy, and electronics. —MSL
Supplemental Material: The Numidian sand event in the Burdigalian foreland basin system of the Rif, Morocco, in a source-to-sink perspective
Authors: Abbassi Anas , al. et
Published: November 2021

Figure S1: Accumulate thickness-age diagrams of the pre- and syn-orogenic deposits of the Tanger, Ketama, Beni Ider, Tisiren, and Predorsalian units; Figure S2: Sub-Numidian calcareous nannofossils marker species; Figure S3: Quantitative analyses of the calcareous nannofossils from the Supra-Numidian deposits; Figure S4: Plate of the calcareous nannofossils marker species; Figure S5: Quantitative analyses of the calcareous nannofossils from the Imâm Rhìt section; Figure S6: Calcareous nannofossils marker species from the Al Fahamine section; Figure S7: Stratigraphic panel showing the pre-orogenic substratum of the Burdigalian foreland basin system of the Rif Chain; Table S1: Nannofossils countings from the Supra-Numidian deposits; Tables S2: Nannofossils countings from the Imâm Rhìt section; Tables S3: Petrographic data of the Numidian, Mérinides, and Beliounis sandstones; Table S4: U-Th-Pb Laser Ablation- Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry dataset and calculated ages for zircons from the Numidian, Mérinides, and Beliounis sandstones; Table S5: Trace and REE elements of zircons from the Numidian, Mérinides, and Beliounis sandstones; Table S6: Decompaction values of the pre- and syn-orogenic deposits of the Burdigalian foreland basin system of the Rif Chain.
Investigating factors that set the lower elevational limit of Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Quarrell Nathaniel J. , Strickland Dan , Norris D. Ryan
Published: November 2021

The biotic and abiotic factors responsible for determining ranges of most species are poorly understood. The Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis (Linnaeus, 1766)) relies on perishable cached food for over-winter survival and late-winter breeding and the persistence of cached food could be a driver of range limits. We confirmed that the Canada Jay’s lower elevational limit on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, matches that of the subalpine zone (900 m) and then conducted simulated caching experiments to examine the influence of antimicrobial properties of subalpine tree species (biotic) and of temperature (abiotic) on the preservation of cached food. We found that two high-elevation species, yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) D.P. Little) and Amabilis fir (Abies amabilis Douglas ex J. Forbes), preserved cached blueberries and chicken flesh better than other trees, but they also occurred well below the lower limit of Canada Jays. The effect of temperature was similarly unclear; while food cached at 1150 m retained 17% more mass than food cached at 550 m, there was no difference in percent mass remaining of food placed 70 m above versus 120 m below the Canada Jay’s lower elevational limit. Thus, we were unable to provide definitive evidence that either of the proposed abiotic or biotic factors was responsible for setting thelower elevational limit of resident Canada Jays.
Corneal Cross-Linking as Treatment in Pediatric Keratoconus: Comparison of Two Protocols
Authors: Hed Shira , Matlov Kormas Ran , Shashar Sagi , Malyugin Boris E. , Boyko Matthew , Knyazer Boris
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease commonly treated by collagen cross-linking (CXL). Accelerated protocols have recently become common. This study sought to compare the outcomes of accelerated and standard CXL in terms of visual acuity, keratometry, and tomographic parameters in pediatric population. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the files of pediatric patients who underwent standard and accelerated CXL for keratoconus in our hospital, between October 2014 and March 2018. Changes in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), tomographic keratometry parameters (Kmax, Ksteep, Kflat, Kmean), and endothelial density count (EDC) were assessed before and at 6 and 12 months following treatment. The analysis included intergroup and intragroup comparisons. Results. This study included 53 eyes (44 patients). Fourteen eyes were treated with standard CXL (S-CXL, 3 mW/cm2, 30 min), while 39 underwent accelerated CXL (A-CXL, 9 mW/cm2, 10 min). Intergroup comparison found insignificant differences between groups, with the exception of better results for UCDVA in the S-CXL group after 12 months (

P

 = 0.03). In this study, there was no significant difference between the two protocols postoperatively in BCDVA, Kmax, Kmean, pachymetry, or corneal astigmatism. Conclusion. A-CXL is as safe and effective as S-CXL for stabilizing progressive keratoconus in pediatric population. Larger-sample-size studies with a longer follow-up time are required. Considering the long-term results of 9 mW A-CXL and its safety and efficacy profile, it should be preferred to S-CXL for reducing treatment time and improving patients’ comfort.