bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as a bacterial lipopolysaccharide delivery system in an overzealous inflammatory cascade
Authors: Samsudin Firdaus , Raghuvamsi Palur , Petruk Ganna , Puthia Manoj , Petrlova Jitka , MacAry Paul , Anand Ganesh S. , Schmidtchen Artur , Bond Peter J.
Published: October 2021

Accumulating evidence indicates a potential role for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the overactivation of the immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. LPS is recognised by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in innate immunity. Here, we showed that LPS binds to multiple hydrophobic pockets spanning both the S1 and S2 subunits of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. LPS binds to the S2 pocket with a lower affinity compared to S1, suggesting its possible role as an intermediate in the TLR4 cascade. Congruently, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activationin vitrois strongly boosted by S2.In vivo, however, a boosting effect is observed for both S1 and S2, with the former potentially facilitated by proteolysis. Collectively, our study suggests the S protein may act as a delivery system for LPS in host innate immune pathways. The LPS binding pockets are highly conserved across different SARS-CoV-2 variants and therefore represent potential therapeutic targets.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface and frontier molecular orbital analysis of 9-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione
Authors: Suresh Babu N. , Sughanya V. , Praveenkumar D. , Sundararajan M. L.
Published: October 2021

In the fused ring system of the title compound, C24H27BrO5, the mean plane and maximum deviations of the central pyran ring are 0.0384 (2) and 0.0733 (2) Å, respectively. The cyclohexenone rings both adopt envelope conformations with the tetra-substituted C atoms as flap atoms, whereas the central pyran ring adopts a flattened boat conformation. The central pyran and phenyl substituent rings are almost perpendicular to each other, making a dihedral angle of 89.71 (2)°. In the crystal, pairs of molecules are linked via O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R
2
2(20) ring motif. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (50.6%), O...H/H...O (22.9%) and C...H/H...C (11.1%) contacts. Quantum chemical calculations for the frontier molecular orbitals were undertaken to determine the chemical reactivity of the title compound.
“I buy green products for my benefits or yours”: understanding consumers' intention to purchase green products
Authors: Sun Ying , Li Tieshan , Wang Shanyong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This research aims to conduct a comprehensive conceptual model and empirical validation of the integration of negative (ego-centric) and positive (altruistic and ego-centric) drivers of green buying based on social dilemma theory and psychological egoism theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire survey and analyzed with hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that moral obligations, green self-identity, environmental concern and social pressure are positively related to green purchase intention, while perceived cost of green purchasing and price sensitivity are negatively. Meanwhile, social pressure positively moderates the relationship between price sensitivity and consumers' green purchasing intention, but negatively moderates the relationship between perceived cost of green purchasing and consumers' green purchasing intention.

Originality/value

First, this study is a comprehensive model of the concept and empirical validation of the integration of negative (ego-centric) and positive (altruistic and ego-centric) drivers of green buying. Specially, this study emphasizes the neglected importance of positive ego-centric factors of green consumer behavior. Second, this study explicitly incorporated the moderating effect of social pressure in the context of China. Since green buying is a social dilemma, the changes in this social dilemma after being affected by social pressure under the Chinese collectivist culture are also worth noting. Third, little is known about what motivates green consumption in emerging economies, and this has been hampered by a lack of cultural knowledge, conceptual richness and behavioral research that critically analyses consumer behavior.
Welder learning curves behaviour: “focus on welding productivity with the TIG process of marine platforms stainless steel pipes”
Authors: Macedo Bruno Sobral , Ferreira Miguel Luiz Ribeiro
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to analyse the feasibility of using the potential and exponential curve models to assess the learning of a group of welders, when welding stainless steel piping with the tungsten inert gas process.

Design/methodology/approach

The welding productivity data grouped according to the requirements of the ASME SECTION IX code is organised into two groups: average productivity and baseline productivity. When processing the adjustment to the two models, the Excel software Solver tool was used. The criteria for assessing the quality of the fit were: least squared method, Spearman's correlation coefficient and graphical method. The impact of the variation coefficient on the average productivity and the amplitude (difference between the minimum and maximum productivity) was also evaluated on the baseline productivity.

Findings

The curves elaborated based on the average productivity presented better quality of adjustment than those constructed from the baseline productivity. The potential and exponential models presented similar adjustment conditions, with the second having a slightly superior performance. There were no productivity gains due to learning in the studied time interval. The grouping of the average daily productivity data based on the diameter range established in the ASME code section IX presented satisfactory results, enabling its use by the industry.

Originality/value

There is no news of work on piping welding with this focus. The proposal to group the productivity data according to the degree of difficulty of execution established by the ASME code section IX, widely used in the industry, is a significant contribution to monitoring the evolution of learning. In the same way, the results allow to adopt the average productivity determined from the first 20 days of realisation of a project, as a reasonable indicator to estimate the future performance of the work, helping to correct deadlines during the realisation of a project.
Psychosocial factors for safety performance of construction workers: taking stock and looking forward
Authors: Tong Ruipeng , Wang Lulu , Cao Lanxin , Zhang Boling , Yang Xiaoyi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Psychosocial factors have received increasing attention regarding significantly influencing safety in the construction industry. This research attempts to comprehensively summarize psychosocial factors related to safety performance of construction workers. In the context of coronavirus disease 2019, some typical psychosocial factors are selected to further analyze their influence mechanism of safety performance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a literature review process was conducted to identify and summarize relevant psychosocial factors. Then, considering the impact of the epidemic, hypotheses on the relationship between six selected psychosocial factors (i.e. work stress, role ambiguity, work–family conflict, autonomy, social support and interpersonal conflict) and safety performance were proposed, and a hypothetical model was developed based on job demands-resources theory. Finally, a meta-analysis was used to examine these hypotheses and the model.

Findings

The results showed these psychosocial factors indirectly influenced workers’ safety performance by impacting on their occupational psychology condition (i.e. burnout and engagement). Work stress, role ambiguity, work–family conflict and interpersonal conflict were negatively related to safety performance by promoting burnout and affecting engagement. Autonomy and social support were positively related to safety performance by improving work engagement and reducing burnout.

Originality/value

This research is the pioneer systematically describing the overall picture of psychosocial factors related to the safety performance of construction workers. Through deeply discussed the mechanism of psychosocial factors and safety performance, it could provide a reference for the theory and application of psychosocial factors in the field of construction safety management.
Employee perception of talent management practices and turnover intentions: a multiple mediator model
Authors: Boonbumroongsuk Boontip , Rungruang Parisa
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The study aims to investigate employees' overall justice perception and job stress as multiple mediators in the relationship between perceived talent management (TM) practices and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Covering various industries in Bangkok, Thailand, the sample of the study consists of 552 employees, including both talented employees and normal employees as defined by their organization. Online questionnaires were distributed internally by selected organizations, and structural equations modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicate that both overall justice perception and job stress mediate the relationship between perceived TM practices and turnover intention.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the lack of empirical evidence in TM literature and aids in the design of better TM strategies to deliver effective organizational investments in its people.
Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the Healthy Together program for immigrant and refugee families in Canada
Authors: Huisken Anne , Bottorff Joan L. , Nesmith Catherine
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Healthy Together (HT) is an innovative family education program focused on bringing families together to promote physical activity and healthy eating. The HT program was implemented in 10 community-based organizations across Canada offering services to immigrant and refugee families. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of HT when offered to these families.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, non-comparative design was used. Caregiver participants were invited to complete a survey at the end of 15, 30 or 24 HT sessions. Trained program facilitators and directors of community-based organizations also provided feedback on the program.

Findings

Among the 203 caregiver participants, 135 (64%) were born outside of Canada. These caregivers were more likely to attend 50% or more of the HT sessions than Canadian-born caregivers. Survey responses show that the HT program was acceptable to immigrant and refugee caregivers and held important benefits for families including positive changes in healthy eating and physical activity, strengthening social connections and learning about community services and resources. Areas for enhancing the HT program for immigrant and refugee families were identified by participant caregivers and community organizations delivering the program.

Practical implications

The HT program demonstrates the value of family-centered program models in supporting immigrant and refugee families in establishing healthy lifestyles and building social connections in ways that hold promise for long-term impact.

Originality/value

The HT program model demonstrates strong potential to fill gaps in community programming for immigrant and refugee families. Although focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, the program extends additional benefits that can positively influence resettlement trajectories. The findings contribute to the growing field of implementation studies that are focused on expanding the reach and impact of community health interventions in a real-world setting while reaching multiple target populations.
The role of performance measurement in aligning operations with strategy: sustaining cognitive processes of internal alignment
Authors: Bellisario Andrea , Pavlov Andrey , van der Steen Martijn Pieter
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to address an important theoretical shortcoming in the conceptualization of internal alignment by investigating the cognitive processes involved in aligning operations with strategy and the role of performance measurement (PM) in sustaining these processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A theory-building study investigates the process of using PM to drive the implementation of a new strategy in a large beer manufacturer in Italy. The study uses a sensemaking perspective to theorize the findings. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations and company documents.

Findings

This study develops a theoretical model suggesting that establishing and maintaining internal alignment occurs through seeking, assembling, adjusting and finalizing the meaning of how strategic priorities inform local action. PM plays a central role in this process by providing interpretive support.

Research limitations/implications

This article advances a cognition-centred view of internal alignment that complements the behavioural aspect of the phenomenon emphasized in prior literature.

Practical implications

Using PM for aligning operations with strategy is a complex and iterative process that requires time and effort and generates temporary stability. Managers may need to complement traditional approaches to alignment with providing space for sensemaking.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a view of internal alignment as an ongoing interpretive process that is sustained by PM. This process brings about the consistency of meanings that generates strategy-consistent behaviours.
The influence of direct-to-physician promotion towards physicians’ prescription behaviour in Malaysia
Authors: Kabir Sardar Md Humayun , Maulan Suharni , Manaf Noor Hazilah Abd , Nasir Zaireena Wan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of direct-to-physician promotion on physicians’ prescription behaviour. There were very few studies which have investigated to what extent the pharmaceutical promotion directed towards physicians influences physicians’ prescription behaviour in the Malaysian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework has been developed based on the buyer behaviour stimulus-response model. A survey method has been used to collect data from 154 medical practitioners from private health-care facilities located at Klang valley in Malaysia. IBM SPSS and SmartPLS statistical programs have been used to analyse the data and validate the model.

Findings

This study found that personal selling is the most significant promotional tool for physicians’ prescription behaviour, whereas advertising is the least significant one. Sales promotion and public relations are the second and third most significant promotional tools. Direct marketing is found to be not significant.

Practical implications

This paper will help the pharmaceutical companies develop more effective plans to gain a competitive advantage for their business by having a guideline for pharmaceutical marketers as an input to the more efficient allocation of their promotional budgets.

Originality/value

This study has introduced a comprehensive understanding of all the factors in the pharmaceutical promotion that influence physicians’ prescription behaviour in Malaysia and how these factors are interrelated, influencing physicians’ prescribing medicines for patients.
Determinants of personal social capital among Syrian refugees: comparison of inside and outside camps residence
Authors: Alduraidi Hamza , Hamaideh Shaher H. , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the status and determinants of personal social capital (PSC) in Syrian refugees in Jordan, comparing the inside and outside camp residents.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 151 Syrian refugees residing inside and outside the camp.

Findings

The overall PSC score was relatively low (M = 27.5 ± 7.15, 95% CI: 26.3–28.6). Scores were significantly associated with age group, marital status, educational level, income level and living place (p < 0.05). Two steps multiple hierarchal regressing showed that income and place of residence are the only significant predictors of PSC (p ≤ 0.05).

Originality/value

Social support programs are required among Syrian refugees residing outside the camp, specifically among families with older and poorly educated parents, single-parent families and low-income refugees.
Gender, malice, obligation and the state: Separated mothers’ experiences of administrative burdens with Australia's child support program
Authors: Cook Kay
Published: October 2021

This article provides an empirical account of Herd and Moynihan's theory of administrative burdens as they apply to Australian child support recipients. Interviews with 41 separated mothers revealed how they were compelled to engage in the child support system and then required to expend significant time and effort undertaking administrative work on behalf of the state, often for little financial benefit. Unlike the examples provided by Herd and Moynihan, in this study, it was found that child support system burdens could be used by aggrieved fathers to inflict financial and psychological harms on their ex‐partners. The state accepted fathers’ imposition of costs on mothers as they shared a financial interest in maintaining women's burdens. As a result, this paper provides three conceptual advancements on the existing theory, by articulating: how administrative burdens can be created and applied by non‐government third parties, in this case individual ex‐family members; how the state can acquiesce to the imposition of harms if these align with their interests; and how the state distributes obligations and autonomy along social lines, such as, in this case, along the lines of class and gender.
Searching for diagnostic certainty, governing risk: Patients' ambivalent experiences of medical testing
Authors: Pienaar Kiran , Petersen Alan
Published: October 2021

Diagnosis is pivotal to medicine's epistemic system: it serves to explain individual symptoms, classify them into recognizable conditions and determine their prognosis and treatment. Medical tests, or investigative procedures for detecting and monitoring disease, play a central role in diagnosis. While testing promises diagnostic certainty or a definitive risk assessment, it often produces uncertainties and new questions which call for yet further tests. In short, testing, regardless of its specific application, is imbued with meaning and emotionally fraught. In this article, we explore individuals' ambivalent experiences of testing as they search for diagnostic certainty, and the anxieties and frustrations of those for whom it remains elusive. Combining insights from sociological work on ambivalence and the biopolitics of health, and drawing on qualitative interviews with Australian healthcare recipients who have undergone testing in the context of clinical practice, we argue that these experiences are explicable in light of the contradictory impulses and tensions associated with what we term ‘bio‐subjectification’. We consider the implications of our analysis in light of the development of new tests that produce ever finer delineations between healthy and diseased populations, concluding that their use will likely multiply uncertainties and heighten rather than lessen anxieties.
Return predictability between industries and the stock market in China
Authors: Zhang Yanying , Tse Yiuman , Zhang Gaiyan
Published: October 2021

We examined the lead–lag relationship between industry portfolio returns and market returns in China, the largest emerging market, for the period 1993–2019. Using a bidirectional pairwise regression model, we found that the returns for banking and real estate not only predict market returns and returns for other industries but also predict industrial output growth. Since 2005, a shift in predictive ability from manufacturing to real estate has occurred, whereas banking has maintained consistent predictive power over the examined period. In the reverse direction, the stock market predicts the returns for mining and transportation. The predictive power of banking was amplified during the 2008 financial crisis; however, it decreased in 2015 due to turbulence in China's stock market. The market predictability of mining was enhanced in both periods. The in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests suggest that certain industry predictability patterns remain to be exploited by China's stock market participants.
Geophysical investigation for detecting buried human remains after eight years of burial in Owo, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Bawallah Adesola Musa , Ilugbo Stephen Olubusola , Adebo Babatunde A. , Kehinde Olawuyi Ayodele
Published: October 2021

A geophysical investigation for buried human remains after 8 years of burial involving the use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out at Owo, Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. This study was aimed at identifying the burial location of a corpse buried in a coffin about 8 years ago for exhumation and reburial in another location consequent upon litigations and controversies surrounding the land of the burial. The results obtained were used to generate 2D model and different resistivity maps which were able to identify suspected zone. Excavation of the suspected zone was carried out for the exhumed and relocation of the buried human remains. Electrical Resistivity has therefore been found useful in search for detecting human remains buried in a coffin with the key indicator being lower electrical resistivity relative to the surrounding area.
Antioxidant response to severe hypoxia in Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii
Authors: SHI Luye , CHEN Bojian , WANG Xinrui , HUANG Maolin , QIAO Congcong , WANG Jingou , WANG Zhenlong
Published: October 2021

The antioxidant defense system is essential for animals to cope with homeostasis disruption and overcome oxidative stress caused by adverse environmental conditions such as hypoxia. However, our understanding of how this system works in subterranean rodents remains limited. In this study, Brandt's vole Lasiopodomys brandtii was exposed to normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (mild or severe hypoxia: 10% or 5% O2) for 6 h. Changes in key enzymes of the classic enzymatic antioxidant system at both mRNA and enzyme activity levels, and tissue antioxidant levels of the low‐molecular‐weight antioxidant system were determined in brain, liver, and kidney. Transcript levels of the upstream regulator NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) were also measured. We found that the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzyme genes in L. brandtii were relatively conserved in response to hypoxia in most tissues and genes tested, except in the liver. Hepatic Nrf2, Cu/Zn SOD, GPx1, and GPx3 levels were significantly upregulated in response to mild hypoxia, whereas Mn SOD level decreased significantly in severe hypoxia. Unmatched with changes at the RNA level, constitutively high and relatively stable antioxidant enzyme activities were maintained throughout. For the low‐molecular‐weight antioxidant system, an abrupt increase of cerebral ascorbic acid (AA) levels in hypoxia indicated a tissue‐specific antioxidant response. Although hypoxia did not cause significant oxidative damage in most tissues tested, the significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (GPX and GR) and increase in lipid peroxidation in the kidney suggest that prolonged hypoxia may pose a critical threat to this species.
Predictive value of a novel Asian lung cancer screening nomogram based on artificial intelligence and epidemiological characteristics
Authors: Liu Dahai , Sun Xiao , Liu Ao , Li Lun , Li Shaoke , Li Jinmiao , Liu Xiaojun , Yang Yu , Wu Zhe , Leng Xiaoliang , Wo Yang , Huang Zhangfeng , Su Wenhao , Du Wenxing , Yuan Tianxiang , Jiao Wenjie
Published: October 2021

Background

To develop and validate a risk prediction nomogram based on a deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNN) model and epidemiological characteristics for lung cancer screening in patients with small pulmonary nodules (SPN).

Methods

This study included three data sets. First, a CNN model was developed and tested on data set 1. Then, a hybrid prediction model was developed on data set 2 by multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. We combined the CNN model score and the selected epidemiological risk factors, and a risk prediction nomogram was presented. An independent multicenter cohort was used for model external validation. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to its calibration and discrimination.

Results

The final hybrid model included the CNN model score and the screened risk factors included age, gender, smoking status and family history of cancer. The nomogram showed good discrimination and calibration with an area under the curve (AUC) of 91.6% (95% CI: 89.4%–93.5%), compare with the CNN model, the improvement was significance. The performance of the nomogram still showed good discrimination and good calibration in the multicenter validation cohort, with an AUC of 88.3% (95% CI: 83.1%–92.3%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that epidemiological characteristics should be considered in lung cancer screening, which can significantly improve the efficiency of the artificial intelligence (AI) model alone. We combined the CNN model score with Asian lung cancer epidemiological characteristics to develop a new nomogram to facilitate and accurately perform individualized lung cancer screening, especially for Asians.
Information asymmetry, regulatory inquiry, and company mergers and acquisitions: evidence from Shenzhen Stock Exchange comment letters
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Hu Ning , Zhao Xiangfang
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the governance effect of comment letters. Companies with severer information asymmetry are more likely to receive merger and acquisition (M&A) comment letters, which demonstrate a lower M&A success rate; however, such companies exhibit better long‐term M&A performance. Further analysis shows that the long‐term governance effects are stronger in cross‐industry and cross‐region samples and that the transmission channels are information disclosure and internal control quality of the inquired firms. This study enriches the literature on government regulation effectiveness, develops new evidence on the localisation of government regulation from developed economies, and provides policy implications for further regulation reform in transition economies.
Rural patients highly satisfied with gynaecological oncology care via telehealth
Authors: Arnold Joanna L. , Anderson Emma , Roeder Luisa
Published: October 2021

Background

Introduction of telehealth for gynaecological oncology consultations aims to improve access to specialised care for rural and remote Queensland women with gynaecological malignancies.

Aims

This survey examines patient satisfaction with gynaecological oncology consultations via telehealth after introduction of the service in Far North Queensland in 2017.

Materials and Methods

Patients who accessed the gynaecological oncology telehealth service at Cairns Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were invited to participate in the study. Demographic details and results of a satisfaction survey were investigated. The questionnaire included 16 statements measured on a five‐point Likert scale and three open‐ended questions, which were coded into related responses and predominant themes developed.

Results

Fifty‐three patients completed the study. The mean satisfaction score across all questions was 90.5% (standard deviation 8.7%). The lowest overall patient score was 77.5% and the highest was 100%. Themes emerging from the open questions were emotions experienced by women, communication, relationship building and acceptability of the service.

Conclusions

Patients were highly satisfied with the telehealth service. Our findings encourage further development and research into telehealth care models for surgical disciplines such as gynaecological oncology.
An integrated, multi‐level analysis of thermal effects on intertidal molluscs for understanding species distribution patterns
Authors: Dong Yun‐wei , Liao Ming‐ling , Han Guo‐dong , Somero George N.
Published: October 2021

Elucidating the physiological mechanisms that underlie thermal stress and discovering how species differ in capacities for phenotypic acclimatization and evolutionary adaptation to this stress is critical for understanding current latitudinal and vertical distribution patterns of species and for predicting their future state in a warming world. Such mechanistic analyses require careful choice of study systems (species and temperature‐sensitive traits) and design of laboratory experiments that reflect the complexities of in situ conditions. Here, we critically review a wide range of studies of intertidal molluscs that provide mechanistic accounts of thermal effects across all levels of biological organization – behavioural, organismal, organ level, cellular, molecular, and genomic – and show how temperature‐sensitive traits govern distribution patterns and capacities for coping with thermal stress. Comparisons of congeners from different thermal habitats are especially effective means for identifying adaptive variation. We employ these mechanistic analyses to illustrate how species differ in the severity of threats posed by rising temperature. Counterintuitively, we show that some of the most heat‐tolerant species may be most threatened by increases in temperatures because of their small thermal safety margins and minimal abilities to acclimatize to higher temperatures. We discuss recent molecular biological and genomic studies that provide critical foundations for understanding the types of evolutionary changes in protein structure, RNA secondary structure, genome content, and gene expression capacities that underlie adaptation to temperature. Duplication of stress‐related genes, as found in heat‐tolerant molluscs, may provide enhanced capacity for coping with higher temperatures. We propose that the anatomical, behavioural, physiological, and genomic diversity found among intertidal molluscs, which commonly are of critical importance and high abundance in these ecosystems, makes this group of animals a highly appropriate study system for addressing questions about the mechanistic determinants of current and future distribution patterns of intertidal organisms.
Unemployment, religious disintegration and suicide fluctuations in Alberta
Authors: Trovato Frank
Published: October 2021

This study looks at the relationship between unemployment, religious disintegration and suicide in Alberta during 1997–2015. Religious disintegration is operationalized as the percentage of population with no religious affiliation. Economic theory predicts suicides increase when unemployment rates are high and decline when unemployment rates are low. Sociological theory calls for suicides to vary inversely with the degree of religious integration in society. Multivariate analysis supports both economic and sociological interpretations. In Alberta, periods of rising unemployment (recessions) produce more suicides, and increased levels of religious disintegration are positively associated with the incidence of voluntary deaths.
Biopsy for molecular risk stratification in uveal melanoma: Yields and molecular characteristics in 119 patients
Authors: Lin Vivian , Chung In Young , Toumi Elsa , McKay Daniel , McKenzie John , McKelvie Penny , Zabih Farida , Hoffmeister Alexandra , Wright Dale , Ntzaferi Aphrodite , Wu Iris Junhong , Hesson Luke , Fung Adrian , Lim Li‐Anne , Wong Stephen , Field Andrew , Earls Peter , Giblin Michael , Conway Robert Max , Cherepanoff Svetlana
Published: October 2021

Background

Prognostic cytological and molecular features of uveal melanoma have been well researched and are essential in management. Samples can be obtained in vivo through fine needle aspirate biopsy, vitrector cutter, forceps or post‐enucleation for off‐site testing. This study aims to examine cytological and chromosome microarray yields of these samples.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of 119 uveal melanoma biopsies submitted to our laboratory. Samples included those taken in vivo (n = 57) and post‐enucleation (n = 62). Patient and tumour features were collected including age, sex, primary tumour location, basal diameter and tumour height. Prognostic outcomes measured include cell morphology, chromosomal status and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Post‐enucleation biopsies accounted for just over half of our samples (52%). Post‐enucleation samples had a more successful genetic yield than in vivo biopsies (77% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) though there was no difference for cytological yields. There was no difference in cytological or microarray yields between instruments. The vitrector biopsy group had the smallest tumour thickness (5 mm vs. 10 mm [fine‐needle aspirate biopsy], p = 0.003). There was a strong correlation between monosomy 3, BAP1 aberrancy and epithelioid cell type in post‐enucleation samples (Tb = 0.742, p = 0.005). However, epithelioid morphology was not associated with either monosomy 3 (p = 0.07) or BAP1 aberrancy (p = 0.24) for in vivo biopsies.

Conclusions

All three biopsy instruments provide similar cytological yields as post‐enucleation sampling, although post‐enucleation samples had a more successful chromosome microarray yield. Epithelioid cytomorphology alone is insufficient for prognostication in in vivo biopsies, immunohistochemistry would be a useful surrogate test.
Involvement of children and young people in care order decision‐making—A Danish perspective
Authors: Lausten Mette , Kloppenborg Hans Skov
Published: October 2021

Children and young people's right to participate in decisions affecting their lives has received considerable attention in recent years; however, there is no fixed definition of what their involvement means in practice and there is no consensus regarding how to determine the level of involvement. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the involvement of vulnerable young people in their own case processing. Based on quantitative measures of young people's relationships to their caseworkers, how well informed they feel and how much influence they seem to have, we analysed how involved young people feel in their own case processing and we show significant differences in involvement using a combination of survey and administrative data. We found considerable co‐existence of poor well‐being and poor involvement. By sampling a large proportion of the total group, and by receiving answers from 2334 young people, corresponding to one in five of all vulnerable young people in either out‐of‐home care or receiving in‐home preventive care, we are able to show significant differences in involvement. Consequently, we argue that questionnaire‐based surveys can help nuance the understanding of involvement challenges.
Gender quotas and company financial performance: A systematic review
Authors: Yu Jeong Jin , Madison Guy
Published: October 2021

Several countries have mandated sex quotas on corporate boards of directors. We systematically reviewed empirical studies that compared company profitability and financial performance before and after introducing legislated quotas. The search yielded 348 unique hits and nine studies were retained, including 20 effects. Four were null, 11 were negative, and five were positive, all of the latter for Italian and French companies. We conclude that quotas for women on corporate boards have mainly decreased company performance and that several moderating factors must be taken into account when assessing causal effects of quotas on company performance.
Left atrial volume index predicts adverse events in asymptomatic moderate or severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Rajani Ronak , Tadic Marijana , Parkin Denise , Chambers John B.
Published: October 2021

Objective

In aortic stenosis (AS), chronic pressure overload on left ventricle (LV) leads to LV hypertrophy, impaired relaxation, increased chamber stiffness, fibrosis and left atrial (LA) dilatation. An enlarged LA may be a marker of longstanding diastolic dysfunction (DD) and more advanced disease in AS. We aimed to assess the impact of LA volume index (LAVI) on events in patients with moderate or severe AS.

Methods

A total of 324 patients (mean age 69 ± 13 years, 61% men) were included. LA volume was measured by biplane Simpson's method using apical four‐ and two‐chamber views and indexed to body surface area. An increased LAVI was defined as > 34 ml/m2.

Results

The mean EF was 64 ± 8%, LAVI 35 ± 14 ml/m2 and flow rate 244 ± 70 ml/s. The number of total events was 275 (85%): 243 (75%) aortic valve replacement and 32 (10%) deaths. Mean follow‐up 23.7 ± 23.8 months (median 15.2 months). An increased LAVI (45% [n = 145]) was associated with adverse events (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.24–2.82, p = 0.003) independent of age, smoking, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, LV ejection fraction, LV mass, aortic valve area, and low flow rate (<200 ml/s). In the same multivariate model, when increased LAVI was replaced by E/e′ ratio ≥14 cm, no association was found between E/e’ ratio ≥14 cm and adverse events (HR 1.18; 95% CI .78–1.78, p = 0.430).

Conclusion

LAVI was an independent predictor of adverse events in patients with moderate or severe AS and preserved ejection fraction. Including LAVI in the risk assessment of AS patients may further improve risk stratification.
Carotid vascular strain predicts cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Chuan , Lee Wen‐Huang , Tsai Huey‐Ru , Huang Mu‐Shiang
Published: October 2021

Background: We aim to investigate prognostic effects of carotid strain (CS) and strain rate (CSR) in hypertension.

Methods: We prospectively recruited 120 patients being treated for hypertension (65.8 ± 11.8 years, 58% male) in this observational study. Peak circumferential CS and peak CSR after ejection were identified using two‐dimensional speckle tracking ultrasound. Major cardiovascular events were any admission for stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure.

Results: After a mean follow‐up period of 63.6 ± 14.5 months, 14 (12%) patients had cardiovascular events. Age (75.3 ± 9.2 vs 64.6 ± 11.6 years; p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (131.8 ± 15.5 vs 143.1 ± 16.6 mm Hg; p = 0.021), diastolic blood pressure (74.6 ±11.4 vs 82.1 ± 12.2 mm Hg; p = 0.039), use of diuretics (71 vs 92%; p = 0.014), carotid CS (2.17 ± 1.02 vs 3.28 ± 1.14 %; p = 0.001), and CSR (.28 ± .17 vs .51 ± .18 1/s; p < 0.001) were significantly different between the patients who did and did not reach the end‐points. Multivariate Cox regression analysis controlling for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and use of diuretics showed that CS (HR .425, 95%CI .223–.811, p = 0.009) and CSR (HR .001, 95%CI .000–.072, p = 0.001) were independent predictors for cardiovascular events.

Conclusion: In conclusions, decreased CS and CSR were associated with cardiovascular events in hypertension.
Is there a relation between long non‐coding RNA MALAT‐1 and miRNA‐9 in Egyptian patients with Vitiligo?
Authors: Raia Nesreen M. Abo , Shaker Olfat G. , Hassan Zeinab M. , Abd elrahim Talal A.
Published: October 2021

To conduct a clinical biochemical study that aids in investigation of some non‐coding RNA expressions and polymorphisms (including long non‐coding RNAs and miRNAs) namely, MALAT‐1 and miR‐9 in attempt to provide new diagnostic biomarkers in vitiligo patients for Egyptians. Twenty patients having vitiligo and other twenty apparently controls were included in this study. Serum and biopsy were taken where patients were classified into lesional and peri‐lesional groups. Laboratory and pathological investigations were assessed. Serum miR‐9 and long‐non coding MALAT‐1 were measured. Vitiligo patients had a mean age of 36.40±13.75. The mean serum miR‐9 level in patients group (4.28 ± 1.70) was significantly higher than in the control (1.05 ± 0.12) (p = 0.001). The MALAT‐1 level in vitiligo patients was (3.65 ± 1.30) significantly higher than control (1.45 ± 0.15) (p = 0.001). There was a positive association between the expression levels of MALAT‐1and miR‐9in serum and tissue as well where p‐value <0.05. miR‐9 as well as long non‐coding MALAT‐1 may be considered as biomarkers for vitiligo susceptibility which may provide a new direction for treatment.
Integrated assessment of the role of bioenergy within the EU energy transition targets to 2050
Authors: Mandley Steven , Wicke Birka , Junginger H. , van Vuuren Detlef , Daioglou Vassilis
Published: October 2021

Bioenergy is considered an important component within the European Union (EU) energy transition to meet mid‐century climate targets. Model assessments that have highlighted the role of bioenergy in decarbonising EU energy systems fail to account for the fact that mitigation strategies and bioenergy supply take place within a global decarbonisation effort. Thus, they do not account for inter‐regional competition for the resource base that Europe may face. This study shows how bioenergy can contribute to EU climate targets, highlighting its possible role within the energy system and developments required to facilitate its scale‐up. We use the global integrated assessment model IMAGE 3.2 to project bioenergy demand, sectoral deployment, feedstock, and inter‐regional import for Europe to 2050. Employing a global model allows for projections of EU decarbonisation strategies consistent with global climate targets and captures the effects of biomass production and consumption in other world regions. Bioenergy is projected to account for up to 27% of total primary energy demand, increasing from the current 5EJ to 18EJ/yr. To match this demand, the model projects imports of biomass to increase from 4% of its current supply to 60%. Bioenergy could provide up to 1GtCO2 or 40% of the overall mitigation needed by the EU in 2050. This is based on large‐scale use for power production, with the transport, industry and buildings sectors getting smaller shares. By 2050 it is projected that 55% of total EU bioenergy use is coupled with Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Bioenergy supply comes primarily for agricultural and forestry residues, as these sources have low upstream greenhouse gas emissions. However, as demand increases, energy crops are increasingly used, especially in the provision of advanced liquid fuels. The results show that one route for achieving an EU energy transition is based on rapid deployment of BECCS and the mobilisation of sustainable imports of second‐generation feedstocks.
The death of the author in place names: A Barthesian intervention into critical toponymy
Authors: Düzgün Doğuş
Published: October 2021

Over the past 2 decades, the critical toponymy literature reached a certain level, both qualitatively and quantitatively, that it is now both possible and necessary to subject the field itself to a critical evaluation. This study aims to make such a critical inquiry by arguing that although there has been important progress in critical toponymy studies, the field still has a tendency to approach place names on the basis of a hierarchy between ‘powerful hegemonic groups’ that control the official naming institutions and ‘weak masses’ who use place names in their everyday lives. This tendency, in turn, limits the critical toponymists by not allowing them to conceive what lies beyond the rejection and acceptance of hegemonic power. Although this article does not propose a clear‐cut solution to this problem, it assumes that critical toponymists may learn from Roland Barthes who attempted to solve similar problems in literature by declaring the death of the author and the birth of the reader.
A COMSOL‐PHREEQC Coupled Python Framework for Reactive Transport Modeling in Soil and Groundwater
Authors: Wei Yaqiang , Cao Xinde
Published: October 2021

The CPqPy framework coupling COMSOL and PHREEQC based on Python was developed. This framework can achieve the simulation of diversified situations including multi‐physics coupling and geochemical reactions of soil and groundwater. The multi‐physics coupling models are calculated in COMSOL, whereas PHREEQC was applied to calculate the geochemical models through the Phreeqpy library in Python. Feasibility and accuracy of CPqPy were verified and applied to two cases, including a solute transport model considering equilibrium reaction and ion exchange as well as a reactive transport model of a variable saturation soil considering kinetic reaction. The results show a high degree of credibility of CPqPy. The framework has the advantages of strong portability, and it can be further used in conjunction with multiple Python calculation libraries, which greatly extends the application of the reactive transport model.
Dental caries experience in primary school‐age children following "Students’ Oral Health Promotion Program," Iran
Authors: Shirahmadi Samane , Khazaei Salman , Meschi Marjaneh , Miresmaeili Amir Farhang , Barkhordar Shagaeg , Heidari Ali , Bashirian Saeid , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Dadae Neda , Farzian Shahnaz , Gafari Abdollah
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study aimed at determining the changes in dental caries experience in elementary school‐age children following 5 years of the Students’ Oral Health Promotion Program implementation.

Methods

In the present study, totally 2920 elementary school students participated and were selected by multistage cluster sampling. Based on the WHO Oral Health Survey Methods manual (4th edition), dental caries indices in primary and permanent teeth were assessed by clinical examination in schools. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics and dental factors were collected through interviews based on questionnaire. The logistic and linear regression was used for data analysis.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the elementary school children was 9.45 (1.71) years, and 1481 (50.7%) were boys. There was a significant difference between genders, age, dental pain experience and student's parent supervision with dmft, DMFT and their caries status. For 1‐year increase in age, 1.67 times increase in DMFT and 0.33 decrease in dmft were predicted. Girls had higher odds of DMFT. In contrast, the odds of dmft for girls were significantly lower compared with boys. Students with dental pain experience had significantly higher odds of DMFT and dmft. The Significant Caries Index (SiC) score for permanent dentition in 12‐year‐old children was 5.47. Sex was significantly correlated with SiC index. The odds of developing Sic was 0.98 times lower in girls than in boys.

Conclusions

Dental caries was identified as a major public health problem among the elementary school students despite the implementation of the national project for oral health promotion.