bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of Monkeypox virus: a genetic and structural analysis reveals mutations in proteins involved in host-pathogen interaction
Authors: Benvenuto Domenico , Vita Serena , Pascarella Stefano , Bianchi Martina , Giovanetti Marta , Cauda Roberto , Nicastri Emanuele , Cassone Antonio , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: June 2022

Background

Over the past few months, we have witnessed a new outbreak of a MPXV that has been detected without a clear link to Africa and has quickly spread globally.

Methods

In this article we investigate the mutational pattern of the MPXV and provide evidence for the presence of 6 new mutations that appear to characterize the current MPX-2022 outbreak. With the use of a number of chemical and physical parameters, we predict the stability of the mutated proteins, and propose an interpretation of the impact of these mutations on viral fitness).

Findings

Most mutations, particularly the Immunomodulator A46, TNFr and Large transcript constituent, affect proteins playing an important role in host response to MPVX infection and could also be relevant to the clinical features of the 2022 MPXV outbreak.

Interpretation

Although further, experimental work is necessary for a full understanding of the impact of the mutations here reported on virus replication pathways and host immunomodulation, our in-silico data suggest the importance of monitoring the emergence of new MPXV mutations for the prevention of future outbreaks potentially dangerous for public health.

Funding

No funding to declare
Natural resources and national productivity in Africa: are there differences in high and low globalized economies?
Authors: Nakouwo Solomon Nborkan , Ofori-Sasu Daniel , Kusi Baah Aye
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of natural resources on the national productivity of high and low globalized economies in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses two-step generalized method of moments dynamic panel data of 30 African economies between 2006 and 2016 to achieve the purpose of the study.

Findings

The results suggest that natural resources promote productivity within African economies regardless of the level of globalization. However, while natural resources have an overall enhancing effect on national productivity in both high and low globalized economies, the enhancing effect varies according to the forms of globalization. The findings of this study suggest that globalization can alter the nexus between natural resources and national productivity in Africa. The results imply that African Governments and their related policymakers can rely on globalization to promote the effect of natural resources on productivity of African economies.

Practical implications

This result is good and welcoming news, especially when natural resources in Africa have been described by prior studies as a curse to the continent. While globalization can be a tool for policymakers in Africa to deploy the positive effect of natural resources on national productivity, they might as well be careful as to which form of globalization they pursue, given that different forms and different levels or extent (high or low) of globalization yields different results on the nexus between natural resources and national productivity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine how natural resources affect national productivity in high and low globalized economies, especially in Africa.
Does online assessments support of students in higher education? The moderating role of IT experience
Authors: Devisakti A. , Muftahu Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The advancement of technology in the last decades transformed the education from mortar and brick into online teaching and learning. It also changed the assessments from paper-based to technology-supported assessments. This study aims to examine how technology support student's online assessments in higher education institutions from diverse background.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 411 undergraduates in both public and private universities in Malaysia and analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings implied that performance expectancy and resources-facilitating conditions have a positive significant relationship with behavioural intention. IT experience moderates the relationship between effort expectancy, social influence and behaviour intention to use online assessment.

Originality/value

This study offered new insights into the intention to use online assessment among diverse student's background.
Strategies to mitigate barriers to supply chain sustainability: an apparel manufacturing case study
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Maruf Hossan , Rahman Shams , Quaddus Mohammed A. , Shi Yangyan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This research aims to develop a decision support framework to determine the optimal strategies for mitigating supply chain sustainability (SCS) barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

To operationalize the research objectives, both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. The qualitative phase comprised a field study, while a quality function deployment approach and optimisation technique were used in the quantitative phase.

Findings

This study finds that a lack of support from top management and cost and utility supply problems are the primary barriers to SCS. This study also finds that incentives for suppliers to implement sustainability practices, awareness building among supply chain members and supplier development are the main strategies to mitigate the barriers.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will assist the supply chain managers in prioritizing sustainability barriers and implementing the optimal strategies to mitigate the barriers.

Originality/value

Founded on the stakeholder theory and dynamic capability view, this study developed a unique decision support framework to identify appropriate strategies for mitigating SCS barriers while optimizing the social, environmental and economic objectives of the supply chain.
Using social media information to predict the credit risk of listed enterprises in the supply chain
Authors: Yao Gang , Hu Xiaojian , Xu Liangcheng , Wu Zhening
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Social media data from financial websites contain information related to enterprise credit risk. Mining valuable new features in social media data helps to improve prediction performance. This paper proposes a credit risk prediction framework that integrates social media information to improve listed enterprise credit risk prediction in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The prediction framework includes four stages. First, social media information is obtained through web crawler technology. Second, text sentiment in social media information is mined through natural language processing. Third, text sentiment features are constructed. Finally, the new features are integrated with traditional features as input for models for credit risk prediction. This paper takes Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises as an example to test the prediction framework and obtain relevant management enlightenment.

Findings

The prediction framework can improve enterprise credit risk prediction performance. The prediction performance of text sentiment features in social media data is better than that of most traditional features. The time-weighted text sentiment feature has the best prediction performance in mining social media information.

Practical implications

The prediction framework is helpful for the credit decision-making of credit departments and the policy regulation of regulatory departments and is conducive to the sustainable development of enterprises.

Originality/value

The prediction framework can effectively mine social media information and obtain an excellent prediction effect of listed enterprise credit risk in the supply chain.
Matching explanations with regulatory focus
Authors: Salagrama Ramakrishna , Mattila Anna S. , Prashar Sanjeev , Tata Sai Vijay
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The present research examines the interaction between explanation type and regulatory focus on informational justice (IJ) and satisfaction with service recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two experiments with 538 respondents.

Findings

The findings imply that the effectiveness of the explanation type depends on the regulatory focus of the recipient and the severity of the failure. Specifically, with low severity failures, promotion-oriented respondents were sensitive to explanations about why failures happened. Conversely, their prevention-oriented counterparts were sensitive to explanations about how failures happened. With high severity failures, respondents were sensitive to how the failure happened irrespective of their regulatory focus orientation. Moreover, IJ is the psychological mechanism explaining such effects on satisfaction with service recovery.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the service recovery literature showing that explanations provided by the service providers should match the regulatory focus of the customers. The study provides new insights to the practicing managers to enhance the effectiveness of the explanations thus reducing recovery dissatisfaction.
How businesswomen engage customers on social media?
Authors: Fatima Nida , Ali Raza
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how businesswomen running micro and small enterprises (MSEs) use social media (SM) to engage customers. The study also investigates how SM (vs traditional media) and customer engagement improve business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is based on interviews with businesswomen.

Findings

Businesswomen use SM actively but not effectively. SM are used primarily for advertising and promotion. External factors, such as family and friends, are more influential in the decision of women to use SM in business. Women mostly use defensive rather than offensive strategies. Effective use of SM in conjunction with conventional marketing tools can improve customer engagement and increase business performance.

Practical implications

The research findings are valuable for marketing managers, women entrepreneurs and micro and small businesses in making decisions to effectively use SM.

Originality/value

This study investigates customer engagement from the owner/manager’s perspective in contrast to the general customer-centric approach. The study contributes analysing an important and scarcely explored area, which is the use of SM by women-run MSEs in less developed countries to engage consumers.
Re‐ordering Motherhood and Employment: Mobilizing ‘Mums Everywhere’ during Covid‐19
Authors: Ashman Rachel , Radcliffe Laura , Patterson Anthony , Gatrell Caroline
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the impact of the ‘mobilization’ of employed mothers by the UK government to home‐school and care for children while performing paid work at home, in order to limit Covid‐19 transmission. Drawing upon actor network theory (ANT), we extend John Law's (1994) concept ‘modes of ordering’ (or strategic shifts in response to change when power relations are unequal) to illuminate how employed mothers’ networks were re‐ordered. In this netnography, we observe how they re‐ordered personal and local networks to combine home‐working, home‐schooling and childcare. We learn how, when mothers’ usual networks broke down, they employed three novel modes of re‐ordering: retentive, retrogressive and reformative. These modes capture the complex relationships between work and family – an area of concern that has previously received limited attention in relation to actor networks. Our findings reveal the gendered nature of the mandatory imposition of home‐working during the pandemic. Through developing Law's modes of ordering, we demonstrate the potential of ANT to understand the impact on mothers of home‐working and highlight important practical contributions for organizations and governments.
Juvenile socio‐sexual experience determines lifetime sperm expenditure and adult survival in a polygamous moth, Ephestia kuehniella
Authors: Liu Junyan , He Xiong Z. , Zheng Xia‐Lin , Zhang Yujing , Wang Qiao
Published: June 2022

Male animals often adjust their sperm investment in response to sperm competition environment. To date, only a few studies have investigated how juvenile sociosexual settings affect sperm production before adulthood and sperm allocation during the first mating. Yet, it is unclear whether juvenile sociosexual experience (1) determines lifetime sperm production and allocation in any animal species; (2) alters the eupyrene : apyrene sperm ratio in lifetime ejaculates of any lepidopteran insects, and (3) influences lifetime ejaculation patterns, number of matings and adult longevity. Here we used a polygamous moth, Ephestia kuehniella, to address these questions. Upon male adult emergence from juveniles reared at different density and sex ratio, we paired each male with a virgin female daily until his death. We dissected each mated female to count the sperm transferred and recorded male longevity and lifetime number of matings. We demonstrate for the first time that males ejaculated significantly more eupyrenes and apyrenes in their lifetime after their young were exposed to juvenile rivals. Adult moths continued to produce eupyrene sperm, contradicting the previous predictions for lepidopterans. The eupyrene : apyrene ratio in the lifetime ejaculates remained unchanged in all treatments, suggesting that the sperm ratio is critical for reproductive success. Male juvenile exposure to other juveniles regardless of sex ratio caused significantly shorter adult longevity and faster decline in sperm ejaculation over successive matings. However, males from all treatments achieved similar number of matings in their lifetime. This study provides insight into adaptive resource allocation by males in response to juvenile sociosexual environment.
Using smart technology to enhance the employee well‐being of paramedics
Authors: Thynne Lara , Holland Peter , Vieceli Julian , Tham Tse Leng
Published: June 2022

This paper addresses the increasingly important issue of well‐being of Paramedics, the frontline of our health system, not least during a pandemic. Using e‐diaries, this research identifies the stress this workforce is under and the need to address these issues. We argue that the use of smart technologies is a critical advancement in helping identify well‐being issues in real time. In enabling this real‐time accumulation of data, the opportunity is created to immediately address and effectively respond to emerging issues. In doing this, human resources and management can negate potential burnout and turnover.
Food allergy, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment: Innovation through a multi‐targeted approach
Authors: Sindher Sayantani B. , Long Andrew , Chin Andrew R. , Hy Angela , Sampath Vanitha , Nadeau Kari C. , Chinthrajah R. Sharon
Published: June 2022

The incidence of food allergy (FA) has continued to rise over the last several decades, posing significant burdens on health and quality of life. Significant strides into the advancement of FA diagnosis, prevention, and treatment have been made in recent years. In an effort to lower reliance on resource‐intensive food challenges, the field has continued work toward the development of highly sensitive and specific assays capable of high‐throughput analysis to assist in the diagnosis FA. In looking toward early infancy as a critical period in the development of allergy or acquisition of tolerance, evidence has increasingly suggested that early intervention via the early introduction of food allergens and maintenance of skin barrier function may decrease the risk of FA. As such, large‐scale investigations are underway evaluating infant feeding and the impact of emollient and steroid use in infants with dry skin for the prevention of allergy. On the other end of the spectrum, the past few years have been witness to an explosive increase in clinical trials of novel and innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at the treatment of FA in those whom the disease has already manifested. A milestone in the field, 2020 marked the approval of the first drug, oral peanut allergen, for the indication of peanut allergy. With a foundation of promising data supporting the safety and efficacy of single‐ and multi‐allergen oral immunotherapy, current efforts have turned toward the use of probiotics, biologic agents, and modified allergens to optimize and improve upon existing paradigms. Through these advancements, the field hopes to gain footing in the ongoing battle against FA.
Maximizing the spread of conservation initiatives in social networks
Authors: Wineland Sean M. , Neeson Thomas M.
Published: June 2022

Conservation programs and policies can preserve biodiversity and boost ecosystem services, but only when widely adopted. While thousands of conservation initiatives exist globally, most fail to spread beyond a few initial adopters. Here, we use network science to (1) determine the topology and structure of two networks of conservation actors (one regional, one national), (2) identify influential individuals in those networks, and (3) test whether the adoption of a conservation initiative by influential individuals could increase the spread of that initiative across the network. We find that initial adoption by influential individuals results in sharp improvements in the total number of adopters of a conservation initiative network‐wide, particularly when a linear threshold diffusion model is used. Under an independent cascade diffusion model, the benefits of targeting influencers are smaller but still substantial. These benefits occurred in both networks despite very different network structures: the regional network resembles a random network comprised mostly of state agencies and local entities, while the national network has a scale‐free structure with highly influential hubs of federal agency and NGO entities. Given that many conservation programs fail to reach critical mass, our findings highlight the importance of strategically targeting influential individuals to boost the spread of conservation initiatives.
Intervenções para promover função física de crianças e jovens com paralisia cerebral: diretriz internacional de prática clínica
Authors: Jackman Michelle , Sakzewski Leanne , Morgan Catherine , Boyd Roslyn N. , Brennan Sue E. , Langdon Katherine , Toovey Rachel A. M. , Greaves Sue , Thorley Megan , Novak Iona
Published: June 2022

OBJETIVO

Fornecer recomendações de intervenções para promoção da função física de crianças e jovens com paralisia cerebral.

MÉTODO

Um painel de especialistas priorizou perguntas e desfechos importantes para o paciente. Usando o Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), o painel avaliou a certeza das evidências e fez recomendações, com consultoria de especialistas internacionais e consumidores.

RESULTADOS

A diretriz compreende 13 recomendações (informadas por três revisões sistemáticas, 30 estudos randomizados e cinco estudos pré‐pós). Para alcance de objetivos funcionais, recomenda‐se que a intervenção inclua objetivos escolhidos pelo cliente, prática completa da tarefa em ambientes da vida real, suporte para empoderar as famílias e uma abordagem em equipe. Idade, habilidade e preferências da criança/família precisam ser consideradas. Para melhora da habilidade da marcha, recomenda‐se marcha no solo, que pode ser complementada com treinamento em esteira. Várias abordagens podem facilitar os objetivos relacionados ao uso das mãos: terapia bimanual, terapia de contensão induzida, treino direcionado a objetivos e abordagens cognitivas. Para auto‐cuidado, prática da tarefa completa, combinada com recursos assistivos podem aumentar a independência e reduzir a sobrecarga do cuidador. A participação em objetivos de lazer pode combinar prática da tarefa completa com estratégias direcionadas para barreiras ambientais, pessoais e sociais.

INTERPRETAÇÃO

Intervenção para promoção da função de crianças e jovens com paralisia cerebral precisa incluir objetivos escolhidos pelo cliente e a prática da tarefa completa dos objetivos. Os clínicos devem considerar as preferências da criança/família, idade e habilidade ao selecionarem intervenções específicas.
Linking business strategies with upgrading pathways in global value chains: Insights from the Kenyan solar market
Authors: Hansen Ulrich Elmer , Bhamidipati Padmasai Lakshmi , Pedersen Mathilde Brix , Nygaard Ivan , Njoroge Hope Nyambura
Published: June 2022

Motivation

Research on global value chains (GVCs) has tended to overlook the agency of the local firm when it comes to processes of upgrading.

Purpose

We attend to this knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between the business strategies and upgrading pathways of 14 firms operating in the value chain for solar systems in Kenya.

Methods and approach

The article draws on in‐depth fieldwork carried out in Kenya, which included 30 semi‐structured interviews with firm representatives and industry informants.

Findings

We find that local firms pursue different upgrading pathways in order to be competitive and we show the underlying business strategies whereby firms pursue different upgrading pathways.

Policy implications

The article contributes to overcoming the prevailing black‐boxing in the GVC literature on local firms undergoing processes of upgrading.
Development and characterisation of packing, microstructural, physico‐ and phytochemical attributes of potential functional jamun (Syzygium cumini L.)pomace powder for direct compression: high antioxidant nutraceutical tablets
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Aggarwal Poonam
Published: June 2022

This study aimed at drying jamun pomace; a rich source of bioactive compounds and utilising it for development of phytonutrient and antioxidant‐rich nutraceutical tablets by mixing with ultrasonically extracted pomace extract. Packing, microstructural, physico‐ and phytochemical properties of the powders produced by freeze drying, hot air drying were evaluated. Freeze‐dried powder showed better flowability, lower Hausner ratio and less hygroscopicity. Phytochemicals of freeze‐dried powder were approximately 15% higher than cabinet dried powder, further confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, while producing more uniform particles as confirmed using SEM and particle size distribution. The freeze‐dried powder was further mixed with ultrasonically extracted pomace extract (using distilled water acidified with citric acid as solvent) in the ratio 1:1 (w/v) to increase phytonutritional profile and compressed to form tablets, which showed rapid disintegration and in vitro release of anthocyanins. Storage studies (at 25 ± 2 °C/50%–88% RH) revealed that the moisture and water activity significantly (P < 0.05) increased while approximately 76% phytochemicals and 81.20% antioxidant activities were retained at the end of four months. In the nutshell, the formulation of nutraceutical tablets with good bioavailability cannot only help in the effective utilisation of jamun waste but also provide nutraceutical product.
Low‐temperature synthesis of high‐entropy (Hf0.2Ti0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2)B2 powders combined with theoretical forecast of its elastic and thermal properties
Authors: Gao Yu , Huang Liang , Tong Zhaoming , Liu Jianghao , Zhang Qi , Zhang Haijun , Jia Quanli , Zhang Shaowei
Published: June 2022

A theoretical calculation combined with experiment was used to study high‐entropy (Hf0.2Ti0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2)B2 (HEB‐HfTiMoTaNb). The theoretical calculation suggested HEB‐HfTiMoTaNb could be stable over a wide temperature range. Then, a novel solvothermal/molten salt‐assisted borothermal reduction method was proposed to efficiently pre‐disperse transitional metal atoms in a precursor and synthesize (Hf0.2Ti0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2)B2 nanoscale powders at 1573 K for 6 h, which is nearly 300 K lower than previous reports. The characterization results indicated that the as‐synthesized nanoscale HEB‐HfTiMoTaNb powder was hexagonal single‐phase with homogeneous elements distribution and uniform size, and the oxygen content of the particles is 0.97 wt%. Simultaneously, the mechanical properties, anisotropic nature, and thermal properties of HEB‐HfTiMoTaNb were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The Cannikin's law was adopted to explain the improvement of comprehensive mechanical properties. In addition, a significant reduction of thermal conductivity was observed for HEB‐HfTiMoTaNb and it only was 1/15 of the value of HfB2. This work suggests a reliable technique for synthesis of nanosized HEB powders and discovery of high‐entropy materials under the guidance of first‐principle theory.
Clinical findings are not helpful in detecting lentigo maligna melanoma in patients with biopsy‐proven lentigo maligna
Authors: Zoutendijk J. , Koljenovic S. , Wakkee M. , Mooyaart A.L. , Nijsten T. , van den Bos R.R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Lentigo maligna (LM) based on biopsy material might be lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) after excision.

Objectives

Investigate whether clinical and dermoscopic mapping increases the detection rate of LMM when investigating staged excision specimens of biopsy proven LM.

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven LM planned for staged excision were included. Using clinical inspection and dermoscopy, spots suspicious for LMM were marked. After the excision, needles were placed at the marked spots. Histological examination using vertical sections was done at the needles followed by the standard amount of vertical sections.

Results

In 28 of the 58 biopsy‐proven LM, there was clinical suspicion of LMM, only 3 of these 28 cases were upgraded into LMM. These three cases showed LMM in other sections, whereas only 1 case showed LMM around the needle. Within the group without clinical suspicion of LMM, 2 cases were LMM. Biopsy‐proven LM were in fact LMM in 8.6% of the cases and were found without the clinical guidance of the dermatologist.

Conclusions

8.6% of the biopsy‐proven LM were LMM after complete histological examination. In this study, the dermatologist was not able to increase the detection rate of LMM by using clinical and dermoscopic mapping.
Dysbiosis of skin microbiota with increased fungal diversity is associated with severity of disease in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schmid B. , Künstner A. , Fähnrich A. , Bersuch E. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Busch H. , Glatz M. , Bosshard P.P.
Published: June 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease and an altered skin microbiota with an increase of Staphylococcus aureus has been reported. However, the role of fungi remains poorly investigated.

Objectives

We aimed to improve the understanding of the fungal skin microbiota, the mycobiota, in AD in relation to the bacterial colonization.

Methods

Skin swabs of 16 AD patients and 16 healthy controls (HC) from four different skin sites, that is antecubital crease, dorsal neck, glabella and vertex from multiple time points were analysed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) and 16S rRNA gene for fungi and bacteria, respectively.

Results

Malassezia spp. were the predominant fungi in all subjects but with a decreased dominance in severe AD patients in favour of non‐Malassezia fungi, for example Candida spp. For bacteria, a decrease of Cutibacterium spp. in AD patients in favour of Staphylococcus spp., particularly S. aureus, was observed. Further, both bacterial and fungal community compositions of severe AD patients significantly differed from mild‐to‐moderate AD patients and HC with the latter two having overall similar microbiota showing some distinctions in bacterial communities.

Conclusions

We conclude that severe AD is associated with a pronounced dysbiosis of the microbiota with increased fungal diversity. Potentially infectious agents, for example Staphylococcus and Candida, were increased in severe AD.
Factors affecting the willingness of mental health staff to get vaccinated against COVID‐19
Authors: Dahan Sagit , Bloemhof‐Bris Esther , Weizman Shira , Pesah Moran , Gorno Nadav , Abu Shah Mustafa , Levi Galit , Shelef Assaf
Published: June 2022

Rationale and Objective

At the beginning of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), information about the effects of the vaccine was not known and hesitancy was observed among the population. The mental health staff members in our center in Israel had to decide whether to get vaccinated or not. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in demographic characteristics of vaccinated and nonvaccinated mental health care workers (HCWs), and to identify their reasons for or against vaccination.

Method

Data on characteristics of 357 staff members at a mental health center (MHCS) in Israel and their attitudes regarding COVID‐19 vaccination, those who were nonvaccinated, were collected via anonymous questionnaires, from 1 January to 10 January 2021. The groups were then compared using χ2, Fisher's exact tests, t test or Mann–Whitney nonparametric test as appropriate. A logistic regression was then performed using the significant variables and odd ratios presented.

Results

Eighty‐one per cent of the sample received at least the first dose of the vaccine. Results indicated differences in seniority (p < 0.001), profession (p < 0.001), department (p < 0.001), risk groups (p < 0.05), religion (p < 0.001), religiosity (p < 0.001), previous care for COVID‐19 patients (p < 0.05) and level of interaction with patients (p < 0.01), between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated staff. The factor that was found to be most influential regarding vaccination and which convinced those originally against the vaccine to become vaccinated was the level of scientific knowledge about the vaccine.

Conclusion

Efforts and resources should focus on the dissemination of reliable scientific data about the vaccine, to increase vaccination rates among mental HCWs.
Traumatic disclosures in the life stories of older Vietnam era veterans
Authors: Sager Zachary , Nathan Susan , Doherty Kelly , Pless Kaiser Anica , King Katherine D. , Topor David R. , Morrison Nicholas R. , Moye Jennifer
Published: June 2022

Background

Eliciting life stories is an important component of person‐centered care that may aid in understanding how an individual's unique background and narrative impacts their health. Such life stories, especially when gathered from older military Veterans, may include traumatic events, raising the urgency that clinicians be prepared to provide care that is trauma‐informed and ensure Veteran's experiences are acknowledged and treated effectively.

Methods

We examined the prevalence and type of potentially traumatic and/or adverse life events spontaneously shared by 231 older Veterans participating in a life story intervention while receiving care within the U.S. Veterans Health Administration system. Veteran life stories were extracted from the electronic medical record and deductive qualitative content analysis was used to code potentially traumatic or adverse life experiences based on a codebook adapted from the Brief Trauma Questionnaire and Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire.

Results

A majority (71.0%) of Veterans described at least one traumatic disclosure in their life story. Among narratives with a disclosure of any type, more than half (53.0%) included descriptions of combat trauma, 21.5% noted a history of life‐threatening illness, and 9.5% reported having been in a serious accident. Fewer noted adverse childhood experiences (19.5%).

Conclusions

Elicitation of life stories among older Veterans may advance person‐centered care and life stories frequently include disclosure of potentially traumatic and/or adverse life events. These findings underscore the normative experience of traumatic events among older Veterans and highlight the importance of developing age‐sensitive trauma‐informed care competencies.
Financial Crises and Political Radicalization: How Failing Banks Paved Hitler's Path to Power
Authors: DOERR SEBASTIAN , GISSLER STEFAN , PEYDRÓ JOSÉ‐LUIS , VOTH HANS‐JOACHIM
Published: June 2022

Do financial crises radicalize voters? We study Germany's 1931 banking crisis, collecting new data on bank branches and firm‐bank connections. Exploiting cross‐sectional variation in precrisis exposure to the bank at the center of the crisis, we show that Nazi votes surged in locations more affected by its failure. Radicalization in response to the shock was exacerbated in cities with a history of anti‐Semitism. After the Nazis seized power, both pogroms and deportations were more frequent in places affected by the banking crisis. Our results suggest an important synergy between financial distress and cultural predispositions, with far‐reaching consequences.
White parents of adopted Black children in an era of racial reckoning: Challenges, tensions, and strategies
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , McCormick Nora , Kironde Emma , Virginia Haylie , Logan Maddie
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study explores White middle‐class adoptive parents' experiences with parenting Black children (Mage = 12.3), attending to how intersections of children's race, gender, and developmental stage informed and nuanced parents' approach to racial socialization.

Background

Scholarly debate regarding the adoption of Black children by White parents centers on parents' ability to facilitate positive racial identity development. Limited work has explored how White parents' approach to racial socialization is shaped by Black children's gender and developmental stage, particularly as children grow older and encounter intensified racialized stereotypes.

Method

Twenty‐five White parents (11 lesbian mothers, seven gay fathers, seven heterosexual mothers) were selected from a larger sample of 128 adoptive families because they adopted Black (including biracial/multiracial) children, and were interviewed as their children entered adolescence. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Results

A typology emerged that captured parents' racial awareness and racial socialization approach: Minimizing and Reluctant, Worried and Fumbling, Aware but Cautious, and Reflexive and Purposeful. Additional cross‐cutting themes centered on the role of the sociopolitical climate, gender, and developmental stage in racial socialization.

Conclusion

Contemporary adoptive parents of Black children are often constrained by their own White racial frame, but some parents, especially those who are younger or have monoracial children, are able to translate awareness of the complexities involved in raising adopted Black children into meaningful action and understanding.
Limited utility of structural MRI to identify the epileptogenic zone in young children with tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Nijman Maaike , Yang Edward , Jaimes Camilo , Prohl Anna K. , Sahin Mustafa , Krueger Darcy A. , Wu Joyce Y. , Northrup Hope , Stone Scellig S.D. , Madsen Joseph R. , Fallah Aria , Blount Jeffrey P. , Weiner Howard L. , Grayson Leslie , Bebin E. Martina , Porter Brenda E. , Warfield Simon K. , Prabhu Sanjay P. , Peters Jurriaan M. ,   the TACERN Study Group
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

The success of epilepsy surgery in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) hinges on identification of the epileptogenic zone (EZ). We studied structural MRI markers of epileptogenic lesions in young children with TSC.

Methods

We included 26 children with TSC who underwent epilepsy surgery before the age of 3 years at five sites, with 12 months or more follow‐up. Two neuroradiologists, blinded to surgical outcome data, reviewed 10 candidate lesions on preoperative MRI for characteristics of the tuber (large affected area, calcification, cyst‐like properties) and of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) features (cortical malformation, gray‐white matter junction blurring, transmantle sign). They selected lesions suspect for the EZ based on structural MRI, and reselected after unblinding to seizure onset location on electroencephalography (EEG).

Results

None of the tuber characteristics and FCD features were distinctive for the EZ, indicated by resected lesions in seizure‐free children. With structural MRI alone, the EZ was identified out of 10 lesions in 31%, and with addition of EEG data, this increased to 48%. However, rates of identification of resected lesions in non‐seizure‐free children were similar. Across 251 lesions, interrater agreement was moderate for large size (κ = .60), and fair (κ = .24) for all other features.

Conclusions

In young children with TSC, the utility of structural MRI features is limited in the identification of the epileptogenic tuber, but improves when combined with EEG data.
It is not Black and White: A spotlight on racial diversity in paediatrics
Authors: Chantiluke Kaylita , Yoshida Rie , Blow Ngaree , Hall Dani ,   Don't Forget the Bubbles
Published: June 2022

Now more than ever, there is a recognition that the existing racial inequality within healthcare systems around the world must be addressed. Preserving this momentum is vital and every profession and specialty must be held accountable for their own shortcomings. In this article, we place a spotlight on the paediatric medical workforce. We explore key areas of concern including differential attainment and the under‐representation of paediatricians from minoritised ethnic groups in leadership roles. We use the recent measures adopted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the United Kingdom as a framework for achieving inclusive work environments and equitable opportunities for all paediatricians.
Campo del Cielo modeling and comparison with observations: I. Atmospheric entry of the iron meteoroid
Authors: Schmalen A. , Luther R. , Artemieva N.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an attempt to reconstruct the Campo del Cielo (CdC) impact event, that is, to estimate the preatmospheric mass and velocity of the iron meteoroid and pre‐impact parameters of its fragments allowing formation of funnels and impact craters. The goal of this study is to improve the understanding of the effects small‐scale iron meteoroids can have on the Earth's surface. We model the meteoroid's atmospheric flight taking deceleration, ablation, and fragmentation into account, and then compare the results with available observations. We found that a fragment's velocity near the surface should be <1 km s−1 in order to form a funnel with an intact meteorite inside. The estimates of preatmospheric (at an altitude of 100 km) parameters of the CdC impact event are as follows: minimal mass of 7500–8500 t, which corresponds to a diameter range of 12.2–12.8 m; maximum entry angle above the atmosphere of ~16.5° and velocities of 14.5–18.4  km s−1, which is close to the one most frequently reached by Near‐Earth objects (NEOs). Near the surface, the largest fragments with a mass of 400–1500 t and velocities of 4–7 km s−1 form impact craters whereas fragments with a mass <31 t and velocities <1 km s−1 form funnels. Masses <3 t are not included in our simulations. Their total mass is 280–460 t at the point of disruption but <110 t on the Earth's surface. These numerous small fragments are dispersed over a large area and are very popular among meteorite hunters and dealers. In spite of all the observed crater location/size data and impactor velocity limits from the models, there are far more free parameters than constraints. As a result, any values for preatmospheric mass, velocity, and entry angle are merely representative or limitative as opposed to true values.
Sugar transporter TaSTP3 activation by TaWRKY19/61/82 enhances stripe rust susceptibility in wheat
Authors: Huai Baoyu , Yuan Pu , Ma Xiaoxuan , Zhang Xiurui , Jiang Lihua , Zheng Peijing , Yao Mohan , Chen Ziyu , Chen Liyang , Shen Qianhua , Kang Zhensheng , Liu Jie
Published: June 2022

Sugar efflux from host plants is essential for pathogen survival and proliferation. Sugar transporter‐mediated redistribution of host sugar contributes to the outcomes of plant–pathogen interactions. However, few studies have focused on how sugar translocation is strategically manipulated during host colonization.

To elucidate this question, the wheat sugar transport protein (STP) TaSTP3 responding to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) infection was characterized for sugar transport properties in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its potential role during Pst infection by RNA interference and overexpression in wheat. In addition, the transcription factors regulating TaSTP3 expression were further determined.

The results showed that TaSTP3 is localized to the plasma membrane and functions as a sugar transporter of hexose and sucrose. TaSTP3 confers enhanced wheat susceptibility to Pst, and overexpression of TaSTP3 resulted in increased sucrose accumulation and transcriptional suppression of defense‐related genes. Furthermore, TaWRKY19, TaWRKY61 and TaWRKY82 were identified as positive transcriptional regulators of TaSTP3 expression.

Our findings reveal that the Pst‐induced sugar transporter TaSTP3 is transcriptionally activated by TaWRKY19/61/82 and facilitates wheat susceptibility to stripe rust possibly through elevated sucrose concentration, and suggest TaSTP3 as a strong target for engineering wheat resistance to stripe rust.
Fragariamitogenomes evolve rapidly in structure but slowly in sequence and incur frequent multinucleotide mutations mediated by microinversions
Authors: Fan Weishu , Liu Fang , Jia Qiaoya , Du Haiyuan , Chen Wu , Ruan Jiwei , Lei Jiajun , Li De‐Zhu , Mower Jeffrey P. , Zhu Andan
Published: June 2022

Plant mitochondrial DNA has been described as evolving rapidly in structure but slowly in sequence. However, many of the noncoding portions of plant mitogenomes are not homologous among species, raising questions about the rate and spectrum of mutations in noncoding regions. Recent studies have suggested that the lack of homology in noncoding regions could be due to increased sequence divergence.

We compared 30 kb of coding and 200 kb of noncoding DNA from 13 sequencedFragariamitogenomes, followed by analysis of the rate of sequence divergence, microinversion events and structural variations.

Substitution rates in synonymous sites and nongenic sites are nearly identical, suggesting that the genome‐wide point mutation rate is generally consistent. A surprisingly high number of large multinucleotide substitutions were detected inFragariamitogenomes, which may have resulted from microinversion events and could affect phylogenetic signal and local rate estimates.Fragariamitogenomes preferentially accumulate deletions relative to insertions and substantial genomic arrangements, whereas mutation rates could positively associate with these sequence and structural changes among species.

Together, these observations suggest that plant mitogenomes exhibit low point mutations genome‐wide but exceptionally high structural variations, and our results favour a gain‐and‐loss model for the rapid loss of homology among plant mitogenomes.
Gesture–vocal coupling in Karnatak music performance: A neuro–bodily distributed aesthetic entanglement
Authors: Pearson Lara , Pouw Wim
Published: June 2022

In many musical styles, vocalists manually gesture while they sing. Coupling between gesture kinematics and vocalization has been examined in speech contexts, but it is an open question how these couple in music making. We examine this in a corpus of South Indian, Karnatak vocal music that includes motion‐capture data. Through peak magnitude analysis (linear mixed regression) and continuous time‐series analyses (generalized additive modeling), we assessed whether vocal trajectories around peaks in vertical velocity, speed, or acceleration were coupling with changes in vocal acoustics (namely, F0 and amplitude). Kinematic coupling was stronger for F0 change versus amplitude, pointing to F0's musical significance. Acceleration was the most predictive for F0 change and had the most reliable magnitude coupling, showing a one‐third power relation. That acceleration, rather than other kinematics, is maximally predictive for vocalization is interesting because acceleration entails force transfers onto the body. As a theoretical contribution, we argue that gesturing in musical contexts should be understood in relation to the physical connections between gesturing and vocal production that are brought into harmony with the vocalists’ (enculturated) performance goals. Gesture–vocal coupling should, therefore, be viewed as a neuro–bodily distributed aesthetic entanglement.
Comparison of machine learning approaches for structure–function modeling in glaucoma
Authors: Wong Damon , Chua Jacqueline , Bujor Inna , Chong Rachel S. , Nongpiur Monisha E. , Vithana Eranga N. , Husain Rahat , Aung Tin , Popa‐Cherecheanu Alina , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: June 2022

To evaluate machine learning (ML) approaches for structure–function modeling to estimate visual field (VF) loss in glaucoma, models from different ML approaches were trained on optical coherence tomography thickness measurements to estimate global VF mean deviation (VF MD) and focal VF loss from 24‐2 standard automated perimetry. The models were compared using mean absolute errors (MAEs). Baseline MAEs were obtained from the VF values and their means. Data of 832 eyes from 569 participants were included, with 537 Asian eyes for training, and 148 Asian and 111 Caucasian eyes set aside as the respective test sets. All ML models performed significantly better than baseline. Gradient‐boosted trees (XGB) achieved the lowest MAE of 3.01 (95% CI: 2.57, 3.48) dB and 3.04 (95% CI: 2.59, 3.99) dB for VF MD estimation in the Asian and Caucasian test sets, although difference between models was not significant. In focal VF estimation, XGB achieved median MAEs of 4.44 [IQR 3.45–5.17] dB and 3.87 [IQR 3.64–4.22] dB across the 24‐2 VF for the Asian and Caucasian test sets and was comparable to VF estimates from support vector regression (SVR) models. VF estimates from both XGB and SVR were significantly better than the other models. These results show that XGB and SVR could potentially be used for both global and focal structure–function modeling in glaucoma.
Interrupted Access to and Use of Family Planning Among Youth in a Community‐Based Service in Zimbabwe During the First Year of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Mavodza Constancia V. , Bernays Sarah , Mackworth‐Young Constance R.S. , Nyamwanza Rangarirayi , Nzombe Portia , Dauya Ethel , Dziva Chikwari Chido , Tembo Mandikudza , Apollo Tsitsi , Mugurungi Owen , Madzima Bernard , Kranzer Katharina , Abbas Ferrand Rashida , Busza Joanna
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had serious impacts on economic, social, and health systems, and fragile public health systems have become overburdened in many countries, exacerbating existing service delivery challenges. This study describes the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on family planning services within a community‐based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health intervention for youth aged 16–24 years being trialled in Zimbabwe (CHIEDZA). It examines the experiences of health providers and clients in relation to how the first year of the pandemic affected access to and use of contraceptives.