bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to stay high-performing: developing organizational grit
Authors: de Waal André , Burrell Jennifer , Drake Sarah , Sampa Chilufya , Mulimbika Tobias
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In the past decades, there has been much research into ways organizations canbecomehigh-performing. Research into ways organizations canstayhigh-performing, especially in challenging times, is much less prevalent. The purpose of this study is to look at ways that high-performance organizations (HPOs) use in practice to stay high-performing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this study consisted of a qualitative matching of the theoretical ways organizations can foster organizational grit – strengthen stamina and resilience of employees to keep achieving results and to persevere in the face of setbacks – with the empirical ways three case organizations in practice used to stay high-performing.

Findings

The literature review yielded 9 ways to foster organizational grit, while the empirical research provided 12 ways HPOs used to stay high-performing. What the literature highlighted was matched in such a way that these practical ways to stay high-performing can be understood as solutions/alternatives with which to foster grit in the organization in a practical manner.

Originality/value

HPOs are quite rare and being able to follow them closely for a prolonged period of time is even more unique. Therefore, this study can be seen as adding a unique piece to the puzzle of how to stay HPO and how organizational grit can be fostered and strengthened.
Assessing the quality of faculty-delivered individual academic advising
Authors: Springer Mark Christopher , Tyran Craig K.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe the development and validation of a student survey instrument to assess academic advising services. The instrument was based on the SERVQUAL scale, a well-known instrument for service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a survey instrument adapted from SERVQUAL. Survey responses were collected from 457 students at a large public university in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to validate and develop the assessment instrument.

Findings

A validated assessment scale for academic advising services was generated, which consists of three distinct advising service dimensions: information resources, reliability and empathy. For the study participants, information resources and empathy were found to significantly influence satisfaction with advising.

Practical implications

This study describes the development and validation of a concise nine-item survey instrument that may be used by practitioners to evaluate three distinct dimensions of advising service quality: information resources, reliability and empathy.

Originality/value

This research develops and validates a survey instrument to assess academic advising services based on the SERVQUAL scale using structural equation modeling.
Place of alcohol in the ‘wellness toolkits’ of midlife women in different social classes: A qualitative study in South Australia
Authors: Ward Paul R. , Foley Kristen , Meyer Samantha B. , Wilson Carlene , Warin Megan , Batchelor Samantha , Olver Ian N. , Thomas Jessica A. , Miller Emma , Lunnay Belinda
Published: February 2022

In this article, we explore how women in different social classes had differential access to resources and services to enhance their ‘wellness’—resulting in classed roles in alcohol consumption. We analyse data from a qualitative study on alcohol by midlife women in South Australia and employ the analogy of a ‘toolkit’ in order to understand the structural patterning of ‘wellness tools’. Bourdieu's relational model of class guides our exploration of women's inequitable opportunities for wellness. Higher social class women had ‘choices’ facilitated by bulging wellness toolkits, such as yoga, exercise and healthy eating regimens—alcohol consumption was not essential to promoting ‘wellness’ and did not have an important place in their toolkits. Middle‐class women had less well‐stocked toolkits and consumed alcohol in a ‘compensation approach’ with other wellness tools. Alcohol consumption received positive recognition and was a legitimised form of enjoyment, fun and socialising, which needed counterbalancing with healthy activities. Working‐class women had sparse toolkits—other than alcohol—which was a tool for dealing with life's difficulties. Their focus was less on ‘promoting wellness’ and more on ‘managing challenging circumstances’. Our social class‐based analysis is nestled within the sociology of consumption and sociological critiques of the wellness industry.
Who cares about antenatal care?
Authors: Paul Carolyn
Published: February 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Barbara Madaj et al., pp. 1546–1557 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17106.
Advantages of micro‐CT in the case of a complex dismemberment
Authors: Alsop Kirsty , Norman Danielle G. , Baier Waltraud , Colclough Jim , Williams Mark A.
Published: February 2022

This case study reports the advantages of micro‐CT to aid the investigative process in a complex dismemberment case. Micro‐CT was successfully implemented to scan all skeletal remains of a dismembered female. The digital models were utilized to (i) screen for any further injuries not related to the dismemberment, (ii) provide measurements from false starts non‐destructively, and (iii) visually represent the evidence in a structured format in court to improve the understanding of the forensic evidence by the jury. Acquiring high‐resolution scans in this manner improved the efficiency of the forensic investigation by screening the remains and provided complementary toolmark evidence to the investigating team and forensic pathologist. A total of 14 false starts were identified along with the directionality of each dismemberment cut. Furthermore, the visual 3D representation of the remains in court provided a powerful tool to communicate this important evidence to the jury and form a prosecution narrative. As a forensic radiological method, micro‐CT provided valuable information both in the investigation and the court presentation.
Information disclosure in dynamic research contests
Authors: Chen Bo , Chen Bo , Knyazev Dmitriy
Published: February 2022

We study information disclosure in a dynamic multi‐agent research contest, where each agent privately searches for innovations and submits his best to compete for a winner‐takes‐all prize (Taylor, 1995). Different disclosure policies on the agents' submissions induce different equilibrium behavior, making the design of disclosure a useful instrument for contest sponsors. We analyze and compare various information disclosure policies in the contest with finite or infinite horizons. With an endogenously chosen prize, the public disclosure policy, where submissions are revealed immediately, implements the sponsor's first‐best research plan and is an optimal policy in the infinite horizon.
Serum biomarkers of brain injury after uncomplicated cardiac surgery: Secondary analysis from a randomized trial
Authors: Barbu Mikael , Jónsson Kristján , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Kolsrud Oscar , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Dellgren Göran , Björk Kerstin , Jeppsson Anders
Published: February 2022

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery. Postoperative measurements of brain injury biomarkers may identify brain damage and predict cognitive dysfunction. We describe the release patterns of five brain injury markers in serum and plasma after uncomplicated cardiac surgery.

Methods

Sixty‐one elective cardiac surgery patients were randomized to undergo surgery with either a dextran‐based prime or a crystalloid prime. Blood samples were taken immediately before surgery, and 2 and 24 h after surgery. Concentrations of the brain injury biomarkers S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tau, neurofilament light (NfL) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE)) and the blood–brain barrier injury marker β‐trace protein were analyzed. Concentrations of brain injury biomarkers were correlated to patients’ age, operation time, and degree of hemolysis.

Results

No significant difference in brain injury biomarkers was observed between the prime groups. All brain injury biomarkers increased significantly after surgery (tau +456% (25th–75th percentile 327%−702%), NfL +57% (28%−87%), S100B +1145% (783%−2158%), GFAP +17% (−3%−43%), NSE +168% (106%−228%), while β‐trace protein was reduced (−11% (−17−3%). Tau, S100B, and NSE peaked at 2h, NfL and GFAP at 24 h. Postoperative concentrations of brain injury markers correlated to age, operation time, and/or hemolysis.

Conclusion

Uncomplicated cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with an increase in serum/plasma levels of all the studied injury markers, without signs of blood–brain barrier injury. The biomarkers differ markedly in their levels of release and time course. Further investigations are required to study associations between perioperative release of biomarkers, postoperative cognitive function and clinical outcome.
Development and validation of a multivariable prediction model in open abdomen patients for entero‐atmospheric fistula
Authors: Cristaudo Adam T. , Hitos Kerry , Gunnarsson Ronny , Decosta Alan
Published: February 2022

Background

Laparostomy or Open Abdomen (OA) has matured into an effective strategy in the management of abdominal catastrophe. Single prognostic factors have been identified in a previous systematic review regarding entero‐atmospheric fistula (EAF). Unfortunately, no prognostic multivariable model for EAF exist. The aim was to develop and validate a multivariable prediction model from a retrospective cohort study involving three hospital's databases.

Methods

Fifty‐seven variables were evaluated to develop a multivariable model. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for on a developmental data set from two hospitals. Receiver operator characteristics analysis with area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed on the developmental data set (internal validation) as well as on an additional validation data set from another hospital (external validation).

Results

Five‐hundred and forty‐eight patients managed with an OA. Two variables remained in the multivariable prediction model for EAF. The AUC for EAF on internal validation were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.58–0.86) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.67–0.92) on external validation.

Conclusions

A multivariable prediction model for EAF was externally validated and an easy‐to‐use probability nomogram was constructed using the two predictor variables.

Level of evidence: III; prognostic.
Informed consent: perceptions and practice of orthopaedic trainees
Authors: Atkin Jodie , Incoll Ian W. , Owen John , Conyard Chris
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of informed consent is to provide patients with adequate information about a proposed plan or intervention, including the benefits and risks, so that they can make an informed decision about their medical treatment. The literature suggests that trainees are often delegated the task of obtaining consent with inadequate knowledge, skill or experience.

The aim of this study is to determine the extent orthopaedic surgical trainees have been exposed to education about the informed consent, their perceived ability to obtain consent effectively and the frequency with which they routinely address elements of the process when consenting patients.

Methods

An eight‐item questionnaire assessing trainees' experience with informed consent was distributed to trainees undertaking Australian orthopaedic surgery training in 2019.

Results

Of the 239 trainees, 102 completed the questionnaire. Although 99% of trainees were confident that they can obtain valid consent from patients, when asked about aspects of the process, many trainees do not address them. Only 29% of trainees always ask patients about goals of care and 21% always advise the patient of who will be performing the procedure. Trainees who indicated that they had received education on informed consent during surgical training are significantly more likely to address key elements.

Conclusion

Trainees' perceptions of their knowledge and skill in relation to informed consent does not align with their reported practice. Although the majority of trainees had received some education on informed consent, greater emphasis on explicit teaching and formal assessment should be undertaken during surgical training, prior to trainees completing this activity independently.
Visual system and motor development in children: a systematic review
Authors: Sánchez‐González María Carmen , Palomo‐Carrión Rocío , De‐Hita‐Cantalejo Concepción , Romero‐Galisteo Rita Pilar , Gutiérrez‐Sánchez Estanislao , Pinero‐Pinto Elena
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to review the available scientific literature on the possible relationship between the visual system and motor development in children.

Methods

This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement recommendations. The review protocol is available in PROSPERO (CRD42021245341). Four different databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science, were assessed from April 2005 to February 2021. To determine the quality of the articles, we used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Quality Appraisal Scale, and a protocol was followed to define the levels of evidence on the basis of the Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The search strategy included terms describing motor development in children and adolescents with visual disorders.

Results

Among the identified studies, 23 were included in the study. All selected articles examined the relationship between the visual system and development in children. The quality of most of the studies was moderate–high, and they were between evidence levels 2 and 4.

Conclusions

Our systematic review revealed that all included studies established a relationship between the visual system and development in children. However, the methods for measuring the visual system and motor skills lacked uniformity.
Achieving an appropriate cesarean birth (CB) rate and analyzing the changes using the Robson Ten‐Group Classification System (TGCS): Lessons from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Italy
Authors: di Pasquo Elvira , Ricciardi Piera , Valenti Alissa , Fieni Stefania , Ghi Tullio , Frusca Tiziana
Published: February 2022

Background

To describe the interventions that were implemented at a Tertiary University Hospital and how they affected the rate of cesarean birth (CB) and main obstetrics and neonatal outcomes.

Study design

An analysis of the contemporaneously collected data from all deliveries that occurred from 2014 to 2018. Major obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed and grouped according to the Ten‐Group Classification System (TGCS).

Results

A significant decrease in CB rates, from 28.4% to 23.0% (P < 0.001), was found over the study period. Although the relative sizes of both nulliparous (groups 1 + 2) and multiparous (groups 3 + 4) women remained stable over the study period, a significantly higher incidence of CB was reported in 2014 for both groups, compared with 2018 (2.6% vs. 13.0%, P < 0.001 for nulliparous women and 7.5% vs. 3.3%, P < 0.001 for multiparous women). In contrast, the relative size of Group 5 was significantly lower in 2014 than in 2018 (9.9% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.003), but a 13.3% reduction in CB was also reported for this group. No significant differences were noted in the occurrence of major obstetrics and neonatal outcomes that were reported.

Conclusions

A reduction in CB rate may be safely achieved through implementing a multifaceted strategy.
Physiotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic low back pain: A mixed‐methods treatment fidelity evaluation
Authors: Galea Holmes Melissa N. , Wileman Vari , Hassan Shaira , Denning Julie , Critchley Duncan , Norton Sam , McCracken Lance M. , Godfrey Emma
Published: February 2022

Objectives

A randomized controlled trial of a new type of Physiotherapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT), found that it improved functioning in people with chronic low back pain compared to usual physiotherapy care. Fidelity evaluation is necessary to understand trial processes and outcomes. This study evaluated PACT treatment fidelity including delivery, receipt, and enactment.

Design

A mixed‐methods study nested within a randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Methods

A total of 72 (20% of total) PACT treatment audio files were independently assessed by two raters, according to a novel framework developed to measure PACT treatment content adherence, therapeutic alliance, ACT competence, and treatment enactment. Interview transcripts from 19 trial participants randomized to PACT were analysed thematically for evidence of treatment receipt and enactment.

Results

PACT physiotherapists delivered treatment as intended with high content adherence and satisfactory therapeutic alliance, but ACT competence was low. Qualitative findings indicated participant receipt of 11/17 and enactment of 3/17 components; 89% (n = 17) and 47% (n = 9) of participants reported treatment receipt and enactment of at least one component, respectively.

Conclusions

This mixed‐methods study of PACT treatment demonstrated high fidelity reflecting treatment content delivery and receipt, and therapeutic alliance. There was some evidence of treatment enactment in participants with chronic low back pain. Low ACT competence could be addressed through additional support and adaptations to therapeutic processes for delivery by physiotherapists.
The relationship between illness identity and the self‐management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Peters Louisa Anne , Brown Emma Marie
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The psychological impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be profound, leading to challenges with illness self‐management. One such impact can be an identity discrepancy, where illness identity is rejected as part of the self. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between illness identity and self‐management of IBD.

Design

A mixed‐methods approach was taken using an online survey with 167 participants living with IBD.

Methods

The Illness Identity Questionnaire and Patient Activation Measure were utilized to ascertain the correlational relationship between illness identity and self‐management, triangulated with a thematic analysis of two open‐ended questions on this topic.

Results

The results revealed a statistically significant relationship after controlling for possible confounders of age, illness duration, illness severity, and number of comorbidities. Positive illness identity types (acceptance and enrichment) had a moderate, positive correlation with self‐management. Negative identity types (rejection and engulfment) had a weak, negative correlation. This was supported by three main themes found from a thematic analysis and provided further insight into this relationship. Theme 1: negotiating with self as a process of acceptance; Theme 2: resigned acceptance that protects sense of self; and Theme 3: Self‐management expands from behavioural strategies to psychological processes through acceptance.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the more illness is accepted into a sense of self, the better an individual is able to self‐manage IBD as more psychological resources are activated. These findings provide individuals and clinicians alike insight into utilizing identity change to improve the overall self‐management of IBD.
Parathyroid carcinoma: Single centre experience
Authors: Cunha Clara , Pinheiro Sara Lomelino , Donato Sara , Tavares Bello Carlos , Simões Helder , Nunes Silva Tiago , Prazeres Susana , Doutel Delfim , Cavaco Branca M. , Leite Valeriano
Published: February 2022

Objective

Parathyroid Carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm, accounting for less than 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases. Parathyroid carcinomas are characterized by markedly elevated levels of PTH, severe hypercalcemia and established target organ damage. The authors report the experience of a single centre regarding the management and outcome of patients with parathyroid carcinomas and revise relevant literature.

Design

Retrospective review of all patients with parathyroid carcinoma evaluated at a tertiary oncologic centre from 1991 until 2021.

Results

Seventeen patients were identified (10 males), with a mean age at diagnosis of 53 ± 16 years and a median follow‐up of 16.5 years. Most patients presented with hypercalcemia (n = 15), with a mean serum calcium concentration of 13.5 mg/dl (9.6–16.5) and mean PTH of 1173 pg/ml (276–2500). Hyperparathyroidism‐mediated organ damage was observed in most patients (n = 16), with predominant renal (n = 12) and skeletal (n = 9) complications. En bloc surgical resection was performed in nine patients. Three patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Recurrence was observed in 8 cases (47.1%) after a median of 24 months following surgery and no independent predictors of recurrence were identified. The overall survival and disease specific survival at 5‐year was 88% and 94%, respectively. CDC73 mutations were present in 38.5% of analysed patients and one patient was diagnosed with MEN1.

Conclusion

Parathyroid carcinoma is associated with a significant rate of recurrence and limited effective treatment beyond initial complete surgical resection. Therefore, preoperatively high index of suspicion is paramount to optimize patient care. This is, to our knowledge, the largest Portuguese cohort published so far.
Guidelines, guidelines and more guidelines for haemorrhoid treatment: A review to sort the wheat from the chaff
Authors: Brown Steven , Girling Carla , Thapa Magar Haushala , Chaudry Adeeb , Bhatti Brian , Sayers Adele , Hind Daniel
Published: February 2022

Aim

Guidelines benefit patients and clinicians by distilling evidence into easy‐to‐read recommendations. The literature around the management of haemorrhoids is immense and guidelines are invaluable to improve treatment integrity and patient outcomes. We identified current haemorrhoid guidelines and assessed them for quality and consistency.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature from January 2011 to October 2021 was carried out. Guidelines identified were assessed for quality using the AGREE II instrument and for consistency in terms of tabulated treatment recommendations.

Results

During this period nine guidelines were identified worldwide. The general quality was poor with only one guideline considered of high enough quality for use. In general, expert selection criteria for guideline development groups were vaguely defined. There were inconsistencies in the interpretation of the published evidence leading to variation in treatment recommendations.

Discussion

Fewer, higher quality guidelines, with more consistent results, are needed. Particular attention should be given to defining the selection of experts involved.
Patient reported outcome measure‐haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM‐HISS): Development, reliability and construct validity
Authors: Kuiper Sara Z. , Kimman Merel L. , Van Tol Robin R. , Waardenburg Sophie F. , Van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Dirksen Carmen D. , Breukink Stéphanie O.
Published: February 2022

Aim

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequently occurring disorder with a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life. Here, we describe the development and validation of the Dutch patient reported outcome measure‐haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM‐HISS).

Methods

The development of the PROM‐HISS followed recommended guidelines. Face and content validity, structural properties, reliability and construct validity were evaluated in a HD population. Reliability was tested by assessing the test‐retest reliability, defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hypotheses testing.

Results

The PROM‐HISS consists of three domains: (1) HD symptoms (blood loss; pain; prolapse; soiling; itching), (2) impact of symptoms on daily activities, and (3) satisfaction with treatment. The PROM‐HISS showed good face and content validity. The PROM‐HISS was completed by 102 patients (65% male), with a mean age of 58 years (23–81 years). The ICCs of the different items in the domain HD symptoms ranged between 0.56 and 0.79 and were interpreted as good. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.80 and considered satisfactory. The CFA provided further evidence for construct validity with a good model fit. A high score on the symptoms of HD correlated with a high impact of HD on daily activities (Pearson's r = 0.632, p < 0.01) and a low degree of satisfaction (Pearson's r = 0.378, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The PROM‐HISS is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate symptoms of HD, impact on daily activities and satisfaction with treatment.
X‐ray video defaecography is superior to magnetic resonance defaecography in the imaging of defaecation disorders
Authors: Pääkkö Eija , Mäkelä‐Kaikkonen Johanna , Laukkanen Hannele , Ohtonen Pasi , Laitakari Kirsi , Rautio Tero , Oikarinen Heljä
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of this work was to study the technical success and diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance defaecography (MRD) compared with video defaecography (VD).

Method

Sixty four women with defaecation disorders underwent both MRD and x‐ray VD over 1 year. The assessment by two radiologists in consensus was retrospective and blinded. The technical success of straining and evacuation was evaluated subjectively. The presence of enterocele, intussusception, rectocele and dyssynergic defaecation was analysed according to established criteria, with VD as the standard of reference.

Results

It was found that 62/64 (96.9%) VD studies were technically fully diagnostic compared with 29/64 (45.3%) for MRD. The number of partially diagnostic studies was 1/64 (1.6%) for VD versus 21/64 (32.8%) for MRD, with 1/64 (1.6%) (VD) and 14/64 (21.9%) (MRD) being nondiagnostic. Thirty enteroceles were observed by VD compared with seven in MRD with moderate agreement (κ = 0.41). Altogether 53 intussusceptions were observed by VD compared with 27 by MRD with poor agreement (κ = −0.10 and κ = 0.02 in recto‐rectal and recto‐anal intussusception, respectively). Moderate agreement (κ = 0.47) was observed in diagnosing rectocele, with 47 cases by VD and 29 by MRD. Dyssynergic defaecation was observed in three patients by VD and in 11 patients by MRD, with slight agreement (κ = 0.14).

Conclusion

The technical success and diagnostic capabilities of VD are better than those of MRD. VD remains the method of choice in the imaging of defaecation disorders.
Risk assessment for marine ecosystem‐based management (EBM)
Authors: Clark Dana E. , Gladstone‐Gallagher Rebecca V. , Hewitt Judi E. , Stephenson Fabrice , Ellis Joanne I.
Published: February 2022

Ecosystem‐based management (EBM) is a holistic way to manage the marine environment, involving partnerships between people and the recognition of ecological complexity. As we progress towards EBM, risk assessments must move beyond an evaluation of the direct impacts of a single stressor on a species or habitat. Here, we propose 12 risk assessment criteria that explicitly reflect the principles of EBM. These criteria include the need to assess risk to multiple ecosystem components and values, evaluate place and time‐specific ecological complexity, evaluate recovery, accommodate different knowledge types and communicate uncertainty. Contemporary risk assessment approaches rarely meet all 12 criteria and whilst many approaches could be adapted to do so, some are more easily modified than others. Risk assessment approaches that meet our criteria have the greatest potential to support decision‐making in an EBM context and thereby safeguard our marine environments and their values for future generations.
Predicted expression of genes involved in the thiopurine metabolic pathway and azathioprine discontinuation due to myelotoxicity
Authors: Daniel Laura L. , Dickson Alyson L. , Zanussi Jacy T. , Miller‐Fleming Tyne W. , Straub Peter S. , Wei Wei‐Qi , Plummer W. Dale , Dupont William D. , Liu Ge , Anandi Prathima , Reese Tyler S. , Birdwell Kelly A. , Kawai Vivian K. , Hung Adriana M. , Cox Nancy J. , Feng QiPing , Stein C. Michael , Chung Cecilia P.
Published: February 2022

TPMT and NUDT15 variants explain less than 25% of azathioprine‐associated myelotoxicity. There are 25 additional genes in the thiopurine pathway that could also contribute to azathioprine myelotoxicity. We hypothesized that among TPMT and NUDT15 normal metabolizers, a score combining the genetically predicted expression of other proteins in the thiopurine pathway would be associated with a higher risk for azathioprine discontinuation due to myelotoxicity. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of new users of azathioprine who were normal TPMT and NUDT15 metabolizers. In 1201 White patients receiving azathioprine for an inflammatory disease, we used relaxed Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to select genes that built a score for discontinuing azathioprine due to myelotoxicity. The score incorporated the predicted expression of AOX1 and NME1. Patients in the highest score tertile had a higher risk of discontinuing azathioprine compared to those in the lowest tertile (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–4.19, p = 0.024). Results remained significant after adjusting for a propensity score, including sex, tertile of calendar year at initial dose, initial dose, age at baseline, indication, prior TPMT testing, and the first 10 principal components of the genetic data (HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.08–4.13, p = 0.030). We validated the results in a cohort (N = 517 non‐White patients and those receiving azathioprine to prevent transplant rejection) that included all other patients receiving azathioprine (HR = 2.00, (95% CI = 1.09–3.65, p = 0.024). In conclusion, among patients who were TPMT and NUDT15 normal metabolizers, a score combining the predicted expression of AOX1 and NME1 was associated with an increased risk for discontinuing azathioprine due to myelotoxicity.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the rectum with a novel anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion diagnosed on cytology: Not just another submucosal gastrointestinal stromal tumour!
Authors: Logaswari M , Lim Kiat Hon Tony , Tan Damien , Ong Chin‐Ann Johnny , Sittampalam Kesavan
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMT) are spindle cell neoplasms most commonly seen in the lungs, with a wide variety of less common extrapulmonary sites including the mesentery, omentum, and intrabdominal sites. On cytological evaluation, these tumours can be difficult to diagnose, given the morphological mimics of other submucosal spindle cell neoplasms, which may be compounded by the relatively small amount of tissue and the uncommon nature of the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining and molecular studies for the ALK gene can prove useful for diagnosing this tumour. We present the cytological features of an IMT occurring in the rectum, the differential diagnoses, useful immunohistochemical staining patterns, and the additional finding of a novel ALK‐fusion in this entity.
Climate and land‐use driven reorganisation of structure and function in river macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Mouton Théophile L. , Leprieur Fabien , Floury Mathieu , Stephenson Fabrice , Verburg Piet , Tonkin Jonathan D.
Published: February 2022

Understanding temporal changes in the composition of species communities over spatial and temporal scales relevant to conservation management is crucial for preventing further biodiversity declines. Here, we assessed patterns and potential drivers of taxonomic and functional temporal β diversity over 26 years (1991–2016) of 64 river macroinvertebrate communities, and the length of New Zealand (37°00'N, 46°00'S). We further examined changes in population size and range shifts of species pools, and related these to taxonomy and functional traits. We found increasing climate and land‐use driven differences in both the taxonomic and functional composition of communities over time, coupled with poleward species colonisations and increasing extirpations in northern locations. Increases in population and species range size were more prevalent than decreases in population and range size. Species shifted their ranges towards higher latitudes on average by 50 km per decade. Despite little to no relationship with taxonomy, we uncovered distinct relationships between functional traits and population trends and latitudinal species range shifts. Species with a high number of reproductive cycles per year and long‐life duration of adults tended to increase their population size, while larger size species with a high number of descendants per reproductive cycle tended to shift their range towards more southern latitudes. Our results suggest that the intensity of disturbances, the geographic location of individuals and communities, and species ecological and functional characteristics, are major determinants of riverine biodiversity reorganisation in the Anthropocene.
Evaluating Population Invariance of Test Equating During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Dongmei , Kapoor Shalini
Published: February 2022

Population invariance is a desirable property of test equating which might not hold when significant changes occur in the test population, such as those brought about by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This research aims to investigate whether equating functions are reasonably invariant when the test population is impacted by the pandemic. Based on pseudo‐test forms constructed from an operational form administered in the springs of 2019, 2020, and 2021, this study conducted preequating and postequating using different data collection designs and different sample sizes based on each year's data. Raw‐to‐scale score conversion tables from each equating and the group means after applying these conversions were compared with those from a criterion equating, that is, single group design postequating based on the 2019 data. Within each design and sample size condition, the magnitude of the differences between the 2021 equating and the criterion equating was mostly similar to the magnitude of differences between the 2020 equating and the criterion, indicating a reasonable extent of invariance in equating results. Nevertheless, some equating designs showed slightly less invariance than others.
Measuring Digital Literacy during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Experiences with Remote Assessment in Hong Kong
Authors: Pan Qianqian , Reichert Frank , de la Torre Jimmy , Law Nancy
Published: February 2022

Hong Kong was one of the first places hit with the COVID‐19 outbreak in January 2020 and has since responded with several periods of full or partial school suspension, during which teaching and learning often occurred remotely using digital means. During this time, collecting research data and testing students have become more difficult than before. In this article, we report on a large‐scale digital literacy (DL) performance assessment in Hong Kong that had to be conducted in a mix of modes—onsite, online supported, and online self‐directed—during the pandemic. We discuss the administrative and methodological challenges of assessing DL, and explore preliminary data on the associations between student performance and the assessment mode adopted. We further discuss potential implications, including for high‐stakes testing, and make recommendations for assessing DL remotely.
Unintended effects of regional planning in Germany
Authors: Eichhorn Sebastian , Pehlke David
Published: February 2022

Regional planning plays a central role in Germany's multi‐level system for managing regional and local land use, giving concrete shape to state planning specifications and providing municipalities with binding guidelines for urban land use planning. While planning proponents affirm the positive effects of regional planning such as reduced land consumption and less urban sprawl, representatives of neoclassical urban economic theory see regulation as the reason for lower economic growth. With the help of fixed effects panel models, we examine the impact of regional planning regulations on the housing market, migration and prices in Germany's growing labor market regions. We conclude that regional planning regulations reduce construction activity. However, this effect is relatively small and does not raise building land prices and rents. Nevertheless, results indicate that the lower level of construction activity—due to strict regional planning regulations—contributes to weaker overall population growth. Based on our results, we cannot confirm important predictions of neoclassical urban theory regarding the effects of regional planning regulations on labor migration patterns and downstream processes for Germany.
Present status and future directions: Canal shaping
Authors: Arias Ana , Peters Ove A.
Published: February 2022

This narrative review will focus on the evolution, present and future of engine‐driven root canal preparation. Root canal preparation changed drastically when Walia in 1988 introduced the use of nickel‐titanium (NiTi) alloys in Endodontics. In 2013, five generations of NiTi endodontic instruments had been established based on their metallurgical, mechanical properties and design features. Since then, manufacturers have been introducing further major changes in instrument design and characteristics that have not been translated in new recognized generations of instruments. In general, those changes have demonstrated enhanced instrument properties, but it is not clear yet if all those improvements are directly translated to an improvement in clinical success. This narrative review attempts to address the present status of engine‐driven instruments in terms of both evidence from laboratory‐based studies and clinical data, to identify potential further generations of instruments, and last to anticipate future directions for research and development.
Using tissue specific P450 expression in Drosophila melanogaster larvae to understand the spatial distribution of pesticide metabolism in feeding assays
Authors: Luong Hang Ngoc Bao , Kalogeridi Maria , Vontas John , Denecke Shane
Published: February 2022

Drug metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450s have often been implicated in influencing levels of pesticide toxicology and resistance. Consequently, a variety of different P450 genes and variants have been linked to pesticide metabolism. Substantially less is known in regards to which tissues these P450s contribute to pesticide metabolism. Here, we isolate the effect of different tissues in pesticide toxicology by driving the model P450 Cyp6g1 in specific tissues of Drosophila melanogaster. Fluorescent and luminescent assays were used to compare the strength of GAL4 lines specific to the midgut (Mex‐GAL4), Malpighian tubules (UO‐GAL4) and the fat body (LSP2‐GAL4) with the widely used HR‐GAL4 line which drives GAL4 expression in all three tissues simultaneously. These data suggested that GAL4 drivers specific for the midgut and fat body were of approximately equal strength to the HR‐GAL4 line, while the Malpighian tubule specific line was significantly weaker. Multiple toxicology assays using the pesticides bendiocarb, imidacloprid and malathion were then performed to assess which tissues provide the most chemoprotection. In the long‐term feeding assay, transgenic expression of Cyp6g1 specifically in the midgut accounted for the majority of the resistance caused by Cyp6g1 overexpression with the HR‐GAL4 driver. Real‐time toxicology assays on third instar larvae were also performed and showed variable contributions of tissues to acute toxicology response depending on which pesticide was used. These data suggest a strong influence of bioassay parameters such as life stage and dosing method on outcome but suggest a prominent role for the midgut in larval toxicology.
Expected mean return—standard deviation efficient frontier approximation with low‐cardinality portfolios in the presence of the risk‐free asset
Authors: Juszczuk Przemysław , Kaliszewski Ignacy , Miroforidis Janusz , Podkopaev Dmitry
Published: February 2022

In the expected mean return, standard deviation portfolio selection problem, the first step is usually to derive the set of efficient portfolios, which in the space of objective function values is represented by the efficient frontier. With modern methods and software, it is an easy task even for thousands of assets provided that the problem is continuous. However, investors often introduce the requirement to limit the number of assets in portfolios (portfolio cardinality). The resulting mixed‐integer quadratic formulations are computationally much more complex. In this work, we assume that besides risky assets, the risk‐free asset is available to the investor, and short selling is not allowed. Since in this case the efficient frontier cannot be directly derived by a quadratic solver, we propose a naive but intuitive heuristic to approximate the efficient frontier in the presence of the risk‐free asset. In contrast to the general‐purpose evolutionary heuristics, we exploit the underlying mechanism of portfolio composition. We show by numerical experiments that in large‐scale instances it works well, even compared to a state‐of‐the‐art evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm. Moreover, the heuristic produces portfolios of remarkably limited cardinalities.
Biodegradation of polystyrene by three bacterial strains isolated from the gut of Superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae)
Authors: Arunrattiyakorn Panarat , Ponprateep Sirikwan , Kaennonsang Nirawan , Charapok Yoktip , Punphuet Yotwadee , Krajangsang Sukhumaporn , Tangteerawatana Piyatida , Limtrakul Anirut
Published: February 2022

Aims

To isolate polystyrene-degrading bacteria from the gut of superworms and investigate their ability to degrade polystyrene (PS).

Methods and Results

Three PS-degrading bacteria identified as Pseudomonas sp. EDB1, Bacillus sp. EDA4 and Brevibacterium sp. EDX were successfully isolated from the gut of superworms (Zophobas atratus Larvae) that ingest PS. Incubating PS with each strain for 30-day led to the formation of biofilm on the PS film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed considerable damage (in terms of pits formation) on the surface of the PS films. FTIR analysis suggested the incorporation of carbonyl group into the carbon backbone of PS. Decreasing of WCA of microbial-treated PS film confirmed a chemical change from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity on the PS surface. Based on these results, we conclude that all isolates had the ability to degrade PS.

Conclusions

Brevibacterium sp. EDX (GenBank MZ32399) was isolated as the most efficient PS-degrading strain based on the most changing in both PS surface morphology (SEM and WCA analyses) and chemical modification (FTIR analysis) in its PS degradation process.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This was the first study to describe the PS degradation by Brevibacterium sp. EDX, and thus provided for its development in the plastic remediation process.
Dynamic structural equation modelling evaluating the progressively lowered stress threshold as an explanation for behavioural symptoms of dementia
Authors: Pickering Carolyn E. Z. , Yefimova Maria , Wang Danny , Maxwell Christopher D. , Jablonski Rita
Published: February 2022

Aim

To evaluate the progressively lowered stress threshold (PLST) conceptual model as an explanation for behavioural symptoms of dementia and test several of its hypothesized propositions. The PLST model suggests that due to impairments in coping, persons living with dementia have a reduced threshold for stress and respond with more behavioural symptoms of dementia as stress accumulates throughout the day.

Design

Intensive longitudinal design.

Methods

A sample of N = 165 family caregivers completed brief daily diary surveys for 21 days between the dates of 7/2019 and 8/2020, reporting on a total of 2841 days. Dynamic structural equation modelling was used as the analytic technique to examine the impact of caregiver and care recipient environmental stressors on the diversity of behavioural symptoms of dementia to account for the nested data structure and autoregressive relationships.

Findings

Results show direct relationships between environmental stressors and diversity of behavioural symptoms of dementia that same day and the following day.

Conclusion

Findings provide support for the PLST model propositions. Further, findings suggest an extension to the conceptual model is warranted given evidence of an exposure/recovery trajectory and the lagged effects of stress exposure on behavioural symptoms of dementia presentation.

Impact

This study tested whether a commonly used nursing model does in fact explain the occurrence of behavioural symptoms of dementia. The main findings support using the model as an intervention framework and suggest the model should be adapted to consider recovery trajectories. Since behavioural symptoms of dementia represent complex and dynamic temporal phenomena, traditional longitudinal assessments and analyses are an insufficient measurement modality for testing models. Findings inform the design of environmental‐modification type interventions for behavioural symptoms of dementia management and the methods to evaluate such interventions.
Surveillance Capitalism or Information Republic?
Authors: Williams Alexander , Raekstad Paul
Published: February 2022

Recent years have seen growing concerns about corporate surveillance. Critics of surveillance capitalism often use the language of domination and unfreedom to describe these new socio‐technological conditions. Yet there has been little sustained normative analysis that has diagnosed the new forms of domination introduced by surveillance capitalism or considered the remedies needed to remove them. That is what this article provides. We draw on the latest republican literature to argue that surveillance capitalism introduces new forms of domination that compel ordinary citizens to subject themselves to surveillance and allow corporations uncontrolled power to determine the terms of surveillance, while also subjecting corporations to new incentives of extraction. Traditional republican remedies for domination were not designed to address these new challenges. We therefore outline a vision of an Information Republic that can do so.
An unprecedented cause of cardiac resynchronization with defibrillator (CRT‐D) malfunction “A beheaded generator assembly”
Authors: Prasitlumkum Narut , Ding Kimberly , Doyle Kieran , Pai Ramdas G. , Lo Ronald
Published: February 2022

Cardiac resynchronization with defibrillator (CRT‐D) malfunction can be due to various reasons, including wire injury, insulation break, battery problems, or patient factors. Undesired outcomes can be dramatically elevated in those settings, prompting early detection and proper troubleshooting. To diagnose, clinical correlation and device interrogation are vital. However, it is not uncommon to find general troubleshooting options insufficient, as highlighted in this case report. Here, we presented an unusual “head assembly separation,” as the main reason for abnormal device parameters.