bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Websites Visits and Financial Performance for GCC Banks: The Moderating Role of Environmental, Social and Governance Performance
Authors: Al Amosh Hamzeh , Khatib Saleh F. A.
Published: July 2022

The volume of services provided through websites increases over time, particularly in the banking sector. It is challenging to develop banking services to achieve optimal financial performance. As a result, this article aims to investigate the impact of bank website visits on the financial performance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banking sector, taking into account the moderating role of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The article is based on an empirical analysis through a content analysis approach based on a sample of 64 GCC banks from 2014 to 2020. The findings showed that the frequency of website visits significantly affects the financial performance measures of banks, such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), market value (Tobin’s Q), net interest margin (NIM) and return on investment (ROI). In addition, the ESG performance of banks attracts more website visitors and enhances them with the idea of dealing with banks that enhances financial performance. The findings indicate that banking websites as a tool for public relations attract visitors and thus turn them into customers by changing the behavioural intention of individuals, which affects their decisions to engage in banking transactions and thus raises the level of financial performance of banks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the relationship between website visits and financial performance. Therefore, it bridges the research gap in this field and thus provides a roadmap for more potential research ideas in the future.
A Structural Model of Teacher Learning, Satisfaction, Attitude and Confidence in Faculty Development Programmes
Authors: Rama  , Bhola Jyoti , Yadav Ashutosh , Hazarika Ishan Kashyap , Rai Sourabh
Published: July 2022

Owing to the dynamic requirements of today’s teaching–learning environment, teachers’ training has emerged as an important policy question. The Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching is an important step taken by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in this direction. The current study seeks to analyse the interactions among different aspects of Faculty Development Programmes and the overall outcomes. Using data ( n = 375) from programmes conducted under the mission, the study employs structure equation modelling to find that relevance has a positive effect on the change in attitude, which subsequently has a positive effect on the satisfaction of the trainees. Satisfaction further positively affects the change in confidence of the trainees. However, once this positive effect is controlled for, satisfaction and change in confidence correlate negatively. The estimation of the structural relationships is a novelty of this study, paving the way for further exploration.
Understanding the Factors Influencing Repurchase Intention in Online Shopping: A Meta-analytic Review
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kashyap Anil Kumar
Published: July 2022

This study aims to test the relationship between repurchase intention and its influencing factors by applying a meta-analysis approach. Also, the moderating effect of culture on the relationship between repurchase intention and its influencing factors is examined. The relationship between repurchase intention and its influencing factors is identified using a systematic literature review. A total of 41 closely related empirical studies are employed to produce combined effects. From the results, trust, perceived shopping value, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, convenience and e-service quality are found the major influencing factors of online repurchase intention. Except for the perceived risk, all hypotheses have shown a significant positive relationship with repurchase intention. Further, the study presents a moderating effect of culture between the relations of repurchase intention with three influencing factors, i.e. trust, perceived shopping value and perceived usefulness.
Testing the Validity and Reliability of FCV-19 Scale in India: Validation Among Students in India
Authors: Tarab Sheema
Published: July 2022

The unprecedented novel coronavirus crisis is innately stressful and raises concerns for fear and low resilience. Amid lockdown, students witnessed a difficult time surviving fear by staying away from their campuses, friends and coping up. As the fear of COVID-19 pandemic was exclusive, it needed to be treated in a similar way. Earlier studies capturing fear pertaining to past epidemics resorted to different measures, but the unique nature of coronavirus demanded a pertinent instrument to measure it. Thus, Ahorsu et al. (2022, Mental Health and Addiction, 20, 1537–1545) developed a unidimensional brief scale to measure COVID-19 fear responses in the Iranian context. The psychometric properties of the scale have been reported in several other cultural context, but not yet in India. The present study aims to check the validity and reliability of the FCV-19 scale developed by Ahorsu et al. (2022) in the Indian context. The sample comprises 264 university students. The results of the Cronbach’s alpha test demonstrate a good internal consistency of the scale in the Indian context. Further, the discriminant validity of FCV-19S was well supported. A confirmatory factor analysis was also run that shows a moderate fit confirming its univariate structure. Therefore, the findings suggest psychometric robustness of FCV-19S among the Indian population.
Denosumab Therapy in Cherubism
Authors: Liles Steele I. , C. Hoppe Ian , Arnold Laura
Published: July 2022

Cherubism is a rare disorder characterized by proliferative fibro-osseous lesions that result in bilateral bony hyperplasia of the face. Management varies based on symptom severity and includes longitudinal follow-up, pharmacotherapy, and/or surgical debulking. Off-label treatment with denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody that binds RANKL and inhibits osteoclast function to reduce bone resorption, can be beneficial in suppressing the proliferation of bone to minimize the need for surgery and to control postoperative reproliferation. Close follow-up is needed to maintain appropriate electrolyte levels. The present case demonstrates the achievement of symptomatic control with denosumab in a child with severe refractory cherubism.
Spinal Cord fMRI: A New Window into the Central Nervous System
Authors: Kinany Nawal , Pirondini Elvira , Micera Silvestro , Van De Ville Dimitri
Published: July 2022

With the brain, the spinal cord forms the central nervous system. Initially considered a passive relay between the brain and the periphery, the spinal cord is now recognized as being active and plastic. Yet, it remains largely overlooked by the human neuroscience community, in stark contrast with the wealth of research investigating the brain. In this review, we argue that fMRI, traditionally used to image cerebral function, can be extended beyond the brain to help unravel spinal mechanisms involved in human behaviors. To this end, we first outline strategies that have been proposed to tackle the challenges inherent to spinal cord fMRI. Then, we discuss how they have been utilized to provide insights into the functional organization of spinal sensorimotor circuits, highlighting their potential to address fundamental and clinical questions. By summarizing guidelines and applications of spinal cord fMRI, we hope to stimulate and support further research into this promising yet underexplored field.
What Does Child Protective Services Investigate as Neglect? A Population-Based Study
Authors: Palmer Lindsey , Font Sarah , Eastman Andrea Lane , Guo Lillie , Putnam-Hornstein Emily
Published: July 2022

Most child protective services (CPS) investigations involve allegations of neglect. Broad and vague definitions have led to concerns that CPS-investigated neglect is driven by poverty-based material hardship. In a representative sample of 295 neglect investigations in California in 2017, structured data and narrative text fields were used to characterize the types of neglect and concurrent parental risk factors investigated by CPS and to assess the rate and nature of investigated physical neglect, defined as inadequate food, housing, or hygiene. The most common types of neglect were inadequate supervision (44%) and failure to protect (29%), followed by physical neglect (14%). Common risk factors identified in neglect investigations were parental substance use (41%), domestic violence (21%), mental illness (18%), and co-reported physical or sexual abuse (29%). Nearly all investigations of physical neglect (99%) included concerns related to substance use, domestic violence, mental illness, co-reported abuse or an additional neglect allegation (i.e., abandonment). Given concerns identified in neglect investigations, economic supports are likely insufficient without an array of behavioral-health supports.
School Challenges and Services Related to Executive Functioning for Fully Included Middle Schoolers With Autism
Authors: Duncan Amie , Risley Sydney , Combs Angela , Lacey Heather M. , Hamik Elizabeth , Fershtman Chaya , Kneeskern Ellen , Patel Meera , Crosby Lori , Hood Anna M. , Zoromski Allison K. , Tamm Leanne
Published: July 2022

The educational services available for fully included middle schoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the general education setting in the United States are not well known. Even less is known about how the executive functioning (EF) deficits of such youth are addressed in the classroom. The current study sought to identify the challenges, including EF, that middle schoolers with ASD face, determine the services that they receive on their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and also explore specific strategies used to build EF skills at school. A convenience data sample was obtained from focus groups with educational personnel ( n = 15), and qualitative analyses of IEPs were conducted in middle schoolers with ASD with EF deficits ( n = 23). Results confirmed that social communication and EF challenges are common. Multiple services and accommodations were identified, although EF challenges were rarely targeted on IEPs. Factors that may facilitate the success of EF strategies in the classroom are discussed.
Perceived Safety, Not Perceived Legality, Mediates the Relationship Between Cannabis Legalization and Drugged Driving
Authors: Dutra Lauren M. , Gourdet C. , Farrelly M. C. , Bradfield B.
Published: July 2022

Cannabis legalization has rapidly spread throughout the United States and is associated with multiple public health outcomes, including driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC). To improve understanding of the relationship between legalization and DUIC, we tested two potential mediators of this relationship: perceived safety and perceived legality of driving high. We analyzed data from 1,236 current (past 30-day) cannabis users who were recruited from states with recreational, medical only, or no legal cannabis between 2016 and 2017 using address-based and social media samples. Using a generalized linear model and adjusting for cannabis legalization, demographics, living in a state with a cannabis-specific drugged driving law, frequency of cannabis use, and weights, we found that perceived safety (risk ratio [RR] = 2.60, 95% CI [1.88, 3.58]), but not perceived legality (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.67, 1.37]), was significantly associated with DUIC. Perceived safety mediated the relationship between legalization and DUIC (Coeff: −0.12, 95% CI [−0.23, −0.01]). Models stratified by frequency of cannabis use yielded results consistent with those of pooled models except that, for frequent users, cannabis-specific driving laws were associated with a significantly lower risk of DUIC (RR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.44, 0.92]). Agencies developing cannabis-focused drugged driving educational campaigns should consider the potential role of perceived safety of driving high in DUIC campaigns.
A disproportionality analysis for the association of central nervous system demyelinating diseases with COVID-19 vaccination using the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Kim Jee-Eun , Park Jin , Song Tae-Jin
Published: July 2022

Background:

Limited information is available on associations between COVID-19 vaccines and central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases.

Objectives:

We investigated potential safety signals for CNS demyelinating diseases related to COVID-19 vaccines using the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database.

Methods:

Disproportionality analyses of CNS demyelinating disease following COVID-19 vaccination were performed by calculating the information component (IC) or the reporting odds ratio (ROR) compared with those for the entire database and for all other viral vaccines.

Results:

We identified 715 cases of optic neuritis, 515 of myelitis, 220 of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and 2840 total CNS demyelinating events adverse drug reactions from July 2020 through February 2022. For mRNA-based and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines, there were no potential safety signals of disproportionality for optic neuritis (IC025 = −0.93, ROR025 = 0.38; IC025 = −1.76, ROR025 = 0.26), myelitis (IC025 = −0.69, ROR025 = 0.50; IC025 = −0.63, ROR025 = 0.53), ADEM (IC025 = −1.05, ROR025 = 0.33; IC025 = −1.76, ROR025 = 0.20), or overall CNS demyelinating disease events (IC025 = −0.66, ROR025 = 0.52; IC025 = −1.31, ROR025 = 0.34) compared with other viral vaccines.

Conclusion:

As with other viral vaccines, our disproportionality analyses indicate that the risk of COVID-19 vaccine-associated CNS demyelinating disease was low.
Performance evaluation of Jensen–Shannon divergence-based incipient fault diagnosis: Theoretical proofs and validations
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Delpha Claude , Diallo Demba
Published: July 2022

Early fault detection and estimation in nowadays’ complex systems are mandatory to ensure prognosis operations, good conditional maintenance, and safety. Kullback–Leibler Divergence (KLD) and Jensen–Shannon Divergence (JSD) are two measures characterized by high sensitivity for the evaluation of minor differences between probability distributions. KLD has been widely used and shown good detection capability for incipient fault diagnosis, but is limited by environmental noise. Recently, new fault diagnosis schemes for incipient fault detection based on JSD were proposed to cope with the noise influence. Nevertheless, no theoretical study has proved this efficiency. In this paper, we propose to derive the theoretical proofs of performances either for fault detection and estimation. Afterward, this is validated through simulated and experimental data for crack diagnosis. We give the limits and prove that for incipient faults in high noise levels, JSD has a great benefit without major constraints.
Impact of Timing of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation on Pain and Opioid Intake Following Major Limb Amputation
Authors: Reid Risa T. , Johnson Christine C. , Gaston R. Glenn , Loeffler Bryan J.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has been shown to play an important role in managing neuromas. However, the impact of the timing of TMR on pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores or patient opioid use has not been thoroughly explored. We hypothesized that TMR performed acutely would lead to lower VAS scores and decreased opioid intake.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data from an amputation registry at a single institution were utilized to identify patients who underwent TMR. Acute TMR was defined as TMR performed within 1 month of the major limb amputation. Primary outcomes included VAS pain scores and patient-reported opioid consumption.

Results:

In all, 25 patients (26 limbs) were identified in the acute group, and 18 patients (18 limbs) were identified in the delayed group. At intermediate follow-up (between 4 and 8 months postoperatively) and at final follow-up, the average pain VAS score in the delayed TMR group was significantly higher than that in the acute group (5.2 vs. 1.9 at intermediate P = .01 and 6.2 vs. 1.9 at final P = .002). In all, 84% of the amputees overall were not consuming opioid medications at the time of final follow-up (79% acute, 88% delayed, P = .72). There were no statistically significant differences in opioid consumption between the acute and delayed group at intermediate follow-up ( P = .35) or at final follow-up ( P = .68).

Conclusions:

TMR is an effective procedure to reduce pain following major limb amputation. Patients with TMR performed acutely had significantly lower VAS pain scores at both intermediate and final follow-up than patients with TMR performed in a delayed setting.

Type of Study/Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic II.
An integrated practical placement programme for students with disability: A pilot study
Authors: Kiegaldie Debra , Shaw Louise , Hunter Stuart , Davis Jan , Siddel Helen , O’Brien Mike
Published: July 2022

Supported work internship programmes for young adults with disability are an evidence-based model, leading to greater employment outcomes. This mixed methods pilot study evaluated the experiences of students, supervisors and a project coordinator, who participated in an Integrated Practical Placement (IPP) programme for students with disability in Australia. Intervention students (n = 10) completed 3, 9-week rotations, and accessed personal placement support and employment coaches. Comparison students (n = 38) completed 3, 2-week placements without additional support. Intervention students perceived significantly greater initial changes in work skills ( p < 0.01) and work readiness ( p < 0.05). Intervention students reported development of communication and self-organisational skills and stressed the value of staff support. Post programme 70% of intervention students gained employment, compared with 15.4% of comparison students. The findings suggest an evidence-based supported employment programme emphasising personalised assessment and training, could provide individuals with disability the required skills to enable successful employment.
Animated Film and Socialist Realism in Poland, 1949–1955
Authors: Sitkiewicz Paweł
Published: July 2022

When the doctrine of socialist realism was proclaimed in Polish cinema in November 1949, the production of animated films was only taking its first steps after World War Two. The industry lacked human resources, equipment, buildings, celluloid sheets, distribution system and success. Animators were forced to achieve new goals that were often both ambitious and contradictory. In this new reality, cartoons and puppet films had to be realistic and subordinated to the dominant political doctrine. Addressed to children exclusively, they presented educational and didactic features and were focused on several contemporary topics such as the construction of communism or official propaganda. At the same time, they were supposed to be artistic, technically perfect, addressed to the millions and compatible with Soviet animation practice from Soyuzmultfilm (which was the most important animation studio in the Soviet Union). This article identifies how Polish filmmakers strived to achieve these goals, and discusses the problems faced by young and inexperienced animators under Stalinist culture’s political pressure. The author examines the films produced in that period, verifies them against their assigned political tasks, and shows the absurdities of socialist realism in animation that wanted to reconcile contradictions such as entertainment and education, realism and fairy tales, artistic values and propaganda. Finally, the article explains the impact of these films on the future of Polish animation.
Repeating beats: The return of rave, memories of joy and nostalgia between the afterglow and the hangover
Authors: Davidson Joe PL
Published: July 2022

The British rave scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s is widely remembered as a moment of elation and bliss. Contemporary cultural representations position the Second Summer of Love of 1989 – when thousands of young people attended illegal parties, experienced the hypnotic beats of house music and had their first brush with the drug ecstasy – as an object of nostalgia. I argue that rave nostalgia is suspended between two dispositions: the afterglow and the hangover. Whereas the former involves happiness, reversibility and continuity, the latter is defined by melancholia, irreversibility and discontinuity. On this basis, I consider two texts that creatively combine these dispositions in their evocation of rave: the music video for The Streets’s ‘Weak Become Heroes’ and Jeremy Deller’s documentary Everybody in the Place. Finally, I assess how the euphoria associated with rave nostalgia helps to augment and advance the recent turn to joy in memory studies.
The (de)tours of memory: Strategies and tactics of memory at Argentina’s Parque de la Memoria
Authors: James Daniel
Published: July 2022

In recent years, political leaders from around the world have been provided with a tour of Argentina’s Parque de la Memoria. What explains their detour from the affairs of state to a park that commemorates the victims of Argentina’s military dictatorship? How do these visits sit alongside other, everyday uses of the space? Borrowing from de Certeau, I interpret these practices as practices of memory. I analyse the ‘pedestrian speech acts’ through which key stakeholders attempt to divert these practices towards a particular construction of the memory space. The invitation to a global political elite can be read as a strategy to protect the symbolic order of the memory of the desaparecidos by performatively enacting a transnational community of memory in mourning. This leaves the park vulnerable to those who would mobilise these mourning rituals as a tactic to dismantle any politics that might take place at the park.
Constructing generalizable geographic natural experiments
Authors: Kuffuor Owura , Visconti Giancarlo , Young Kayla M
Published: July 2022

A natural experiment is a real-world situation that generates as-if random or haphazard assignment to treatment. Geographic or administrative boundaries can be exploited as natural experiments to construct treated and control groups. Previous research has demonstrated that matching can help enhance these designs by reducing imbalances on observed covariates. An important limitation of this empirical approach, however, is that the results are inherently local. While the treated and control groups may be quite similar to each other, they could be substantially different from the target population of interest (e.g., a country). We propose a simple design inspired by the idea of template matching to construct generalizable geographic natural experiments. By matching our treated and control groups to a template (i.e., the target population), we obtain groups that are similar to the target population of interest and to each other, which can increase both the internal and external validity of the study.
Comparison of the axillary lymph node between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with computed tomography
Authors: Fukuda Takeshi , Kayama Reina , Ogiwara Sho , Yonenaga Takenori , Ojiri Hiroya
Published: July 2022

Backgrounds

There is a lack of universally available biomarker to differentiate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Purpose

to see if the size of the axillary lymphnodes (ALNs) and the frequency of lymphadenopathy are useful biomarker to differentiate RA and PsA.

Material and Methods

Forty RA and 19 PsA patients without previous biologics usage were retrospectively included. Chest CT was assessed for the presence of lymphadenopathy and the size of the largest ALN. Frequency of lymphadenopathies was statistically compared between RA and PsA. The short axis and the long axis of the largest ALN were also compared and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Results

Frequency of axillary lymphadenopathy was significantly higher in RA than in PsA (80% vs 31.6%, p < .001). Number of lymphadenopathies in each patient was also significantly higher in RA than in PsA (3.0 vs 1.2 per patient, p = .005). Sensitivity and specificity for differentiating RA from PsA by the presence of at least one axillary lymphadenopathy were 0.8 and 0.68, respectively. The short axis of the largest ALNs in RA was significantly longer than in PsA (6.5 ± 1.6 mm vs 4.7 ± 1.7 mm, p < .001). ROC curve analysis of the short axis showed AUC of 0.75 ( p = .002) and the cutoff value of 5.1 mm with a sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.74, when differentiating RA and PsA.

Conclusion

Presence of ALN lymphadenopathy and the short axis of the largest ALN may have a potential utility in differentiating RA and PsA.
Death Acceptance Process in Thai Buddhist Patients With Life-Limiting Cancer: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Upasen Ratchaneekorn , Thanasilp Sureeporn , Akkayagorn Lanchasak , Chimluang Janya , Tantitrakul Wilailuck , Doutrich Dawn Liam , Saengpanya Weeraphol
Published: July 2022

Cancer patients with life-limiting illnesses have varied levels of death acceptance pervarious scales. Nevertheless, the process of developing death acceptance in patients with life-limiting cancer remains unclear. This study explores the death acceptance process among patients with life-limiting cancer. We used grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews of 13 patients with cancer in a palliative care setting, and researchers completed field notes. Data were analyzed using constant and comparative methods. Thai Buddhist patients with cancer in palliative care process death acceptance through three dynamic phases: engaging suffering, being open-minded about death, and adhering to Buddhist practices for increasing death consciousness. The death acceptance process described in this study could serve as a guideline to support death acceptance in Thai Buddhist patients with cancer, and other patients with cancer in palliative care, to improve peaceful life and attain good death.
Research Ethics, Urban Equality and the Role of University in Pandemic Times: Reflections from Havana
Authors: Cazanave-Macías Joiselén , Peña-Díaz Jorge , Cociña Camila , Padan Yael
Published: July 2022

Cuba’s capacity to confront challenging scenarios has been internationally recognised and its health system and ability to respond to complex contexts under an overall principle of equality acknowledged. During the pandemic, however, several crises have challenged Havana’s ambitions of equality. COVID-19 coincided with the exponential impacts of the United States blockade and the inequalities created by the processes of economic opening up during the last decade. Acknowledging that Cuban universities, as public institutions, have historically played a key role in engaging with social problems, this paper asks what the role of universities is in the context of COVID-19, what ethical considerations are inherent in this role, and how these can be navigated. Drawing on the experience of an interdisciplinary research project, KNOW-Havana, the article discusses several ethical ‘hotspots’ or challenges faced by the university while conducting research during the pandemic, around questions of redefining proximity, the politics of time, and the duties of care. We discuss principles to navigate these challenges such as rethinking benefits, risks, relationality, responsibility, commitment, trust, reciprocity, flexibility, and care ethics. These provide insights to rethink what knowledge co-production for equality means in Havana. We conclude by reflecting on their importance for universities in a post-pandemic future.
Research-to-Resource: Persistence and Recruitment in Elective Choral Music During the Pandemic Recovery
Authors: Rinn Thomas J.
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted music education worldwide with a particular impact on choral music. The purpose of this research-to-resource article is to provide music educators with research-based strategies for recruitment and persistence in choral music during the pandemic recovery. Using the theoretical frameworks of self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) and expectancy-value theory (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000), I identified the themes of (a) value, (b) competence, (c) relatedness, (d) autonomy, and (e) costs as contributing factors to participation and persistence in elective music. As we recover from the pandemic, choir teachers and those who support them may benefit from the use of student-centered instruction, inclusive teaching practices, and aligning choral program values with that of the community in which a program exists.
Tennantite-(Cd), Cu6(Cu4Cd2)As4S13, from the Berenguela mining district, Bolivia: the first Cd-member of the tetrahedrite group
Authors: Biagioni Cristian , Kasatkin Anatoly , Sejkora Jiří , Nestola Fabrizio , Škoda Radek
Published: July 2022

Tennantite-(Cd), Cu10Cd2As4S13, was approved as a new mineral species from the Berenguela mining district, Pacajes Province, La Paz, Bolivia. It occurs as black metallic anhedral grains, up to 1 mm across, associated with baryte, montmorillonite and secondary Cd-sulfates (aldridgeite, niedermayrite and voudourisite). In reflected light, tennantite-(Cd) is isotropic and grey with brownish tints. Reflectance data for the four COM wavelengths in air are [λ (nm): R (%)]: 470: 30.0; 546: 30.1; 589: 28.2; and 650: 25.8. Electron microprobe analysis gave (in wt.% – average of 11 spot analyses): Cu 40.56(32), Ag 0.05(5), Fe 0.04(1), Zn 1.91(63), Cd 11.32(1.09), Hg 0.04(7), As 19.04(43), S 26.78(30), total 99.74(53). On the basis of ΣMe = 16 atoms per formula unit (apfu), the empirical formula of tennantite-(Cd) is Cu9.98Ag0.01Cd1.57Zn0.46Fe0.01As3.97S13.05. Tennantite-(Cd) is cubic, I$\bar{4}$3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.3088(2) Å, V = 1095.53(6) Å3 and Z = 2. Its crystal structure was refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to a final R1 = 0.0152 on the basis of 359 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 22 refined parameters. Tennantite-(Cd) is isotypic with other tetrahedrite-group minerals. Its crystal-chemistry is discussed and previous findings of Cd-rich tetrahedrite-group minerals are briefly reviewed.
Beryllium incorporation in corundum
Authors: Jollands Michael C. , Balan Etienne
Published: July 2022

The structure of corundum is not amenable to accommodating beryllium, yet Be is commonly added to corundum for purposes of colour modification. Where the main sites in corundum are octahedrally coordinated, Be is tetrahedrally coordinated in all known Be minerals. To attempt to explain this discrepancy, the configurations of Be in the Be–Al–O±H system were determined using density functional theory (DFT). In the Be–Al–O system, the most likely Be configuration is in triangular coordination, replacing Al and bonded to three oxygen on the basal plane (large triangle) of the Al-vacant octahedral site. When H is added, OH groups form at the opposite face of the same octahedron, pointing either into or out of the site. Be–H (beryllium hydride) defects are also stable at the DFT level, with Be bonded to three O and one H. As some defects contain O–H or Be–H bonds, the DFT calculations can be corroborated by FTIR spectroscopy. Spectra recorded from 1000 corundum crystals with elevated Be confirm that bands centred at 3062 and 2490 cm–1correspond to Be-associated defects. Polarised spectra show that the band at 2490 cm–1resolves into two, one centred at 2491 cm–1, with a shoulder at 2523 cm–1, one of which is probably associated with a Be–H bond. The 3062 cm–1band resolves into at least three, including a major band at 3058 cm–1, a shoulder at 3140 cm–1and a small, sharp band at 3082 cm–1. Whilst there are caveats relating to curve fitting and baseline subtraction, the 3058 cm–1band can probably be attributed to the defect where H points into the Al-vacant octahedral site, and the 3140 cm–1band to the defect where the H points out. To our knowledge, this is the first occurrence of Be in triangular coordination proposed for a naturally occurring mineral. This substitution mechanism may also explain the high diffusivity of Be, as Be is effectively associated with its own Al vacancy.
Long-read PacBio genome sequencing of four environmental saprophytic Sporothrix species spanning the pathogenic clade
Authors: Du Weian , Giosa Domenico , Wei Junkang , Giuffrè Letterio , Shi Ge , El Aamri Lamya , D’Alessandro Enrico , Hafidi Majida , de Hoog Sybren , Romeo Orazio , Huang Huaiqiu
Published: July 2022

Background

The genus Sporothrix belongs to the order Ophiostomatales and contains mainly saprobic soil and plant fungi, although pathogenic species capable of causing human infections are also present. The whole-genomes of disease-causing species have already been sequenced and annotated but no comprehensive genomic resources for environmental Sporothrix species are available, thus limiting our understanding of the evolutionary origin of virulence-related genes and pathogenicity.

Result

The genome assembly of four environmental Sporothrix species resulted in genome size of ~ 30.9 Mbp in Sporothrix phasma, ~ 35 Mbp in S. curviconia, ~ 38.7 Mbp in S. protearum, and ~ 39 Mbp in S. variecibatus, with a variable gene content, ranging from 8142 (S. phasma) to 9502 (S. variecibatus). The analysis of mobile genetic elements showed significant differences in the content of transposable elements within the sequenced genomes, with the genome of S. phasma lacking several class I and class II transposons, compared to the other Sporothrix genomes investigated. Moreover, the comparative analysis of orthologous genes shared by clinical and environmental Sporothrix genomes revealed the presence of 3622 orthogroups shared by all species, whereas over 4200 genes were species-specific single-copy gene products. Carbohydrate-active enzyme analysis revealed a total of 2608 protein-coding genes containing single and/or multiple CAZy domains, resulting in no statistically significant differences among pathogenic and environmental species. Nevertheless, some families were not found in clinical species. Furthermore, for each sequenced Sporothrix species, the mitochondrial genomes was assembled in a single circular DNA molecule, ranging from 25,765 bp (S. variecibatus) to 58,395 bp (S. phasma).

Conclusion

In this study, we present four annotated genome assemblies generated using PacBio SMRT sequencing data from four environmental species: S. curviconia, S. phasma, S. protearum and S. variecibatus with the aim to provide a starting point for future comparative genome evolution studies addressing species diversification, ecological/host adaptation and origin of pathogenic lineages within the genus Sporothrix.
Heavy grazing reduced the spatial heterogeneity of Artemisia frigida in desert steppe
Authors: Wang Zihan , Lv Shijie , Han Guodong , Wang Zhongwu , Li Zhiguo , Ren Haiyan , Wang Jing , Sun Hailian , Zhang Guogang
Published: July 2022

Background

Grazing disturbance plays an important role in the desert steppe ecosystem in Inner Mongolia, China. Previous studies found that grazing affected the spatial distribution of species in a community, and showed patchiness characteristics of species under different grazing treatments.Artemisia frigidais the dominant species and semi-shrub in desert steppe, and whether grazing interference will affect the spatial distribution ofA. frigidais studied. In this study, geo-statistical methods were mainly used to study the spatial distribution characteristics ofA. frigidapopulation in desert steppe of Inner Mongolia at two scales (quadrat size 2.5 m × 2.5 m, 5 m × 5 m) and four stocking rates (control, CK, 0 sheep·ha–1·month–1; light grazing, LG, 0.15 sheep·ha–1·month–1, moderate grazing, MG, 0.30 sheep·ha–1·month–1, heavy grazing, HG, 0.45 sheep·ha–1·month–1).

Results

The results showed that the spatial distribution ofA. frigidatended to be simplified with the increase of stocking rate, and tended to be banded with increased spatial scale. The density and height ofA. frigidaincreased with increasing scale. With increased stocking rate, the density ofA. frigidapopulation decreased linearly, while its height decreased in a step-wise fashion. The spatial distribution ofA. frigidawas mainly affected by structural factors at different scales and stocking rate. The density ofA. frigidawas more sensitive to change in stocking rate, and the patchiness distribution ofA. frigidawas more obvious with increase in scale.

Conclusions

Stocking rate has a strong regulatory effect on the spatial pattern ofA. frigidapopulation in the desert steppe. Heavy grazing reduced the spatial heterogeneity ofA. frigidain the desert steppe. The smaller dominant populations are unfavourable for its survival in heavy grazing condition, and affects the stability and productivity of the grassland ecosystem.
Association of NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutation with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events
Authors: Luo Jun-Yi , Liu Fen , Zhang Tong , Tian Ting , Luo Fan , Li Xiao-Mei , Yang Yi-Ning
Published: July 2022

Background

Several studies have reported that NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to coronary heart disease in populations of different genetic backgrounds. To date, there have been no studies on the association between NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). The present study was to explore the relationship between NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism and MACCEs to investigate whether identifying NFKB1 gene polymorphism is beneficial to evaluating MACCE risks and patients’ prognoses.

Methods

We recruited 257 high-risk of cardiovascular disease patients with chest pain or precordial discomfort. The SNPscan™ were used to analyze the NFKB1 gene rs28362491 polymorphism. All patients were followed up in the clinic or by telephone interview for MACCEs.

Results

During the followed-up time (mean: 30.1 months) 49 patients had MACCEs (19.1%). Patients with the different genotypes of NFKB1 rs28362491 had different incidence rate of MACCE. The incidence of MACCE in patients carried II, ID and DD genotype was 16.5%, 15.9%, 32.6%, respectively. Log-rank analysis showed that the survival rate in patients with NFKB1 rs28362491 DD genotype was much lower than that in II or ID genotype carriers (P = 0.034). After excluding the influence of traditional risk factors of MACCEs, Cox regression showed that the DD genotype carriers had 2.294-fold relative risk of MACCEs comparing with patients carried II or ID genotype.

Conclusion

The NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutant was an independent predictor of worse long-term prognosis for MACCEs. Therefore, identifying NFKB1 gene rs28362491 mutant may be used as a good way for guiding the standardized management of patients with high-risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Factors contributing to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistance/Rifampicin-resistance in patients with tuberculosis: an epidemiological cross sectional and qualitative study from Khabarovsk krai region of Russia
Authors: Bykov Ilia , Dyachenko Olga , Ratmanov Pavel , Liu Huan , Liang Libo , Wu Qunhong
Published: July 2022

Background

Growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant/Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB; resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin/Isolated resistance to Rifampicin) is putting in jeopardy the WHO End TB strategy. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the high prevalence of MDR/RR-TB in Khabarovsk krai region of Russia.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, analyzing clinical, demographic, and drug susceptibility testing data on 1440 patients. As a source of raw data, the national electronic TB surveillance system was used. Anonymous data was collected on every patient diagnosed with TB in all healthcare facilities of the region from January 2018 to December 2019. Only patients with proven excretion of m. tuberculosis were included in the study. Factors associated with MDR/RR-TB were identified through logistic regression analysis, in conjunction with in-depth interviews with eight patients, five healthcare managers and five doctors.

Findings

2661 patients were identified with TB, 1440 were incorporated in the study based on inclusion criteria. Of these, 618 (42.9%) were identified with MDR/RR-TB. Patients with a history of imprisonment were 16.53 times (95% CI 5.37 to 50.88,) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB, whereas re-treatment patients were 2.82 times (95% CI 2.16 to 3.66) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB. Other influencing factors included presence of disability (AOR is 2.32, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.89), cavitary disease (AOR is 1.76, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.25), and retirement status (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98, p = 0.042). Poor patient knowledge and understanding of the disease, progressive weariness of prolonged TB treatment, and inability hospitalize infectious patients without their consent were perceived by the interviewees as major influencing factors.

Conclusions

Incarceration and treatment history, regardless of outcome, were identified as major factors influencing MDR/RR-TB prevalence. It is essential for the TB care system to eliminate legal loopholes, which deprive doctors of means to enforce quarantine procedures and epidemiological surveillance on infected patients, former and current inmates. Increasing people’s awareness of TB, early detection and appropriate treatment of patients with TB are needed for successfully combating MDR/RR-TB.
Soluble POSTN is a novel biomarker complementing CA153 and CEA for breast cancer diagnosis and metastasis prediction
Authors: Jia Li , Li Guanhua , Ma Na , Zhang Aimin , Zhou Yunli , Ren Li , Dong Dong
Published: July 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BCa) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and metastasis prediction are essential to improve the prognosis of BCa. This study aimed to evaluate serum periostin (POSTN) as a novel biomarker complementing CA153 (carbohydrate antigen 153) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) for BCa diagnosis and metastasis prediction.

Methods

To assess the potential of soluble POSTN as a circulating biomarker, 242 participants, including 173 patients with different stages of BCa and 69 healthy individuals, were enrolled in this study. Soluble POSTN, together with CA153 and CEA, were determined in serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or electrochemiluminescence immunoassays.

Results

Serum POSTN levels in locoregional BCa patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed that, to distinguish health controls from locoregional BCa, POSTN was observed with the highest AUC (area under curve) (AUCPOSTN = 0.72 [0.65 – 0.79], AUCCA153 = 0.57 [0.49 – 0.64], AUCCEA = 0.62 [0.55 – 0.69]), and both CA153 and CEA were observed with significantly improved AUCs by combination with POSTN (AUCPOSTN + CA153 = 0.74 [0.67 – 0.80], P < 0.001; AUCPOSTN + CEA = 0.77 [0.70 – 0.82], P < 0.001). Moreover, the performances of the POSTN were comparable with that of CA153 in predicting distant metastasis of BCa (AUCPOSTN = 0.78 [0.71 – 0.84], AUCCA153 = 0.82 [0.76 – 0.88]). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that elevated serum POSTN was associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival.

Conclusions

This study suggested that soluble POSTN is a promising potential biomarker for diagnosis and metastasis prediction of BCa.
Laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain in school children - the role of lifestyle behaviour and eye wear: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thorud Hanne-Mari Schiøtz , Mork Randi , Bjørset Cecilie Onshuus , Gilson Stuart J. , Hagen Lene A. , Langaas Trine , Pedersen Hilde R. , Svarverud Ellen , Vikesdal Gro Horgen , Baraas Rigmor C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Lifestyle behaviour in children and adolescents has become increasingly sedentary and occupied with digital work. Concurrently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of headache, neck- and low back pain, which are leading causes of disability globally. Extensive near work and use of digital devices are demanding for both the visual system and the upper body head-stabilizing musculature. Uncorrected vision problems are present in up to 40% of Nordic school children, and a lack of corrective eye wear may cause eyestrain, musculoskeletal pain and headache. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between laboured reading, musculoskeletal pain, uncorrected vision, and lifestyle behaviours in children and adolescents.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 192 Norwegian school children aged 10–11 and 15–16 years. As a part of a school vision testing program, the children completed an online questionnaire about general and ocular health, socioeconomic status, academic ambition, near work and related symptoms, upper body musculoskeletal pain, and physical and outdoor activities.

Results

The 15–16-year-olds had a more indoor, sedentary, digital-based lifestyle with higher academic demands, compared with the 10–11-year-olds. Concurrently, reading became more laboured and upper body musculoskeletal pain increased with age. Girls reported more symptoms, higher academic ambitions, and more time spent on schoolwork and reading, compared with boys. Non-compliance in wearing prescribed eye wear (glasses or contact lenses), increased use of near digital devices, and experiencing visual stress (glare) were positively associated with laboured reading and upper body musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusions

A screen-based lifestyle with high academic demands challenges the ability to sustain long hours of static, intensive near work. Extensive near work tires the visual system and upper body musculature and provokes laboured reading and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations in school children, and the need to raise awareness among children, parents, and school- and health personnel about the importance of optimal vision and visual environment for academic performance and health.
The perspectives of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer´s disease regarding advance care planning in China: a qualitative research
Authors: Chen Linghui , Yin Guo , Lin Siting , Li Yuanxia
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Advance care planning (ACP) enables people to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care. Despite universal recognition of the importance of ACP for people with Alzheimer´s disease (AD) internationally, there is little support for its implementation in China. The viewpoint of family caregivers is crucial in making clinical decisions about AD. Therefore, it’s critical to understand the family caregivers’ perspectives on ACP in order to promote its practice among people with AD in China.

Methods

Seventeen family caregivers of people with AD were purposively selected in three communities in Guangzhou. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data and the data were analyzed using the thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes were extracted: ①Attitudes toward ACP including positive and negative attitudes; ②Social pressure influencing ACP decision; ③Behavioral willingness of the implementation of ACP.

Conclusions

Attitudes, social pressure, and behavioral willingness characterized the behavioral intentions of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is recommended to strengthen efforts to publicity of advance care planning and promote legislation in China.