bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motivation sources and leadership styles among middle managers at a South African university
Authors: Chipunza Crispen , Matsumunyane Lerato L. 
Published: July 2018

Orientation: Leadership challenges have been evident in the South African higher education sector since 2004. Dealing with these challenges has focused more on external factors at top management level than on the possible contribution of intrinsic factors among other levels of institutional management.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship between motivation sources and the leadership styles of middle managers in a South African higher education institution.Motivation for the study: The ongoing leadership challenges in the higher education sector in South Africa require not only strategies to deal with them at a national level but also academic efforts that focus on previously neglected areas, such as sources of leadership motivation.Research design, approach and method: The population of the study consisted of 75 middle managers, comprising both academic and non-academic staff. A final sample size of 40, conveniently selected, was achieved. A quantitative research approach was employed using the case study method.Main findings: Results showed a positive relationship between transformational leadership and intrinsic process motivation, self-concept internal motivation and goal internalisation motivation. A negative correlation was found between instrumental motivation and transactional leadership style.Practical and managerial implications: Motivation sources could be used to explain leadership behaviour and assist in the selection and development of specific leadership styles for the different managerial levels within academic institutions through motivation profiling. Sources of motivation may provide one of many pieces of information to consider when making recruitment and leadership development decisions within institution.Contribution or value added: This is the first study of its kind to investigate the two variables within a higher education context. The study makes an invaluable contribution to the broadening of existing knowledge and a scholarly understanding of leadership motivation and behaviour.
Association of intercellular adhesion gene A with biofilm formation in staphylococci isolates from patients with conjunctivitis
Authors: Elkhashab Taghreed H. T. , Adel Lamiaa A. , Nour Mona Saad , Mahran Magda , Elkaffas Mai 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a great negative impact of biofilm-mediated infection on patient health which necessitates the use of reliable methods for detecting biofilm producers.
AIMS: This study was done to determine biofilm-producing ability and the presence of intercellular adhesion gene A in clinical staphylococcal isolates and to assess the reliability of two phenotypic methods used for biofilm detection.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty staphylococcal strains were isolated from 100 conjunctival swabs from patients attended the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology. Two phenotypic methods were used for detection of biofilm production; qualitative congo red agar (CRA); and quantitative microtiter plate. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the presence of icaA gene.
RESULTS: In Staph aureus, 60% were positive biofilm forming and 40% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming isolates were positive for icaA gene production. In coagulase negative staph, 50% were positive biofilm forming and 50% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming strains were positive for icaA gene. All negative cases by CRA and microtiter plate methods were negative for icaA gene except two isolates. All staphylococcal isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test to correlate biofilm formation with multidrug resistance in staph.
CONCLUSION: There is high significant correlation between icaA gene presence and biofilm forming ability; however, the biofilm-forming ability of some isolates in the absence of icaA gene highlights the importance of further genetic investigations of ica-independent biofilm formation mechanisms.
Systemic inflammatory response markers in preeclampsia
Authors: Çintesun Ersin , Çintesun Feyza Nur Incesu , Ezveci Huriye , Akyürek Fikret , Çelik Çetin 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet distribution width (PDW), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit (PCT) are known as systemic inflammatory response markers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in NLR, PLR, PDW, RDW, MPV, and PCT in preeclampsia (PE) and their use in predicting its severity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case–control study. The study comprised 64 control group (healthy pregnant females), 51 females with mild PE, and 13 with severe PE. These three groups were compared with demographic data and inflammation markers.
RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between healthy pregnant females and preeclaptic females in terms of median age, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet, NLR, PLR, PDV, RDW, MPV, PCT (P > 0.05). The control group has a higher number of gravity and parity than the PE group (P < 0.001). MPV value is a lower PE group than the control group (P < 0.001). Both gravity and parity were significantly higher in the patients with mild PE than in the control group (P < 0.001). MPV value was statistically higher in the control group compared both mild and severe PE (P < 0.001), however, no statistical difference between mild and severe PE (P = 0.305).
CONCLUSIONS: MPV may be clinically useful markers in the prediction of PE. Further, prospective multicenter studies are needed to reveal the association between these markers and PE.
Bloodstream infections and trends of antimicrobial sensitivity patterns at Port Blair
Authors: Banik Amit , Bhat Sanjeev H. , Kumar Abhay , Palit Agnijeet , Snehaa Kandregula 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia until fulminant septic shock with high mortality. Microorganisms present in circulating blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently are a threat to every organ in the body. Culture of blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help in rationalizing therapy.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood stream infections.
DESIGN: Retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2015 to February 2017 at a tertiary care hospital, Port Blair, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified using standard biochemical tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method. Data for the source of blood collection and duration of incubation were noted and compared.
RESULTS: A total of 270 (14.24%) pathogens were isolated from 1895 bacteremia suspect patient blood specimens. Contamination was observed at a rate of 1.63%. Gram-positive cocci (60.37%) were predominant organisms recovered followed by Gram-negative Bacilli (36.29%) and Yeasts (3.33%). Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, and Acinetobacter spp. were the primary pathogens isolated. Aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and glycopeptides were the most effective drugs for treating bacteremia.
CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies.
Mechanistic Studies of Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in Al-Mg Alloys under Atmospheric Exposure Conditions
Authors: Steiner P.J. , Burns J.T. 
Published: July 2018

The effect of atmospheric environments on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IG-SCC) behavior of AA5083-H131 and AA5456-H116 was investigated using fracture mechanics-based testing, high-fidelity monitoring of crack growth kinetics, and electrochemical potential measurements. The IG-SCC susceptibility was found to decrease in atmospheric environments as compared to full immersion at −0.8 VSCE. Critically, the decrease in IG-SCC susceptibility was most prevalent for higher levels of sensitization and the more susceptible AA5083-H131 alloy. These results are analyzed in the context of a coupled anodic dissolution and H-embrittlement mechanism, wherein the reduction in IG-SCC susceptibility in the atmospheric environments results from cathodic limitation of the governing IG-SCC mechanism, leading to a decrease in the dissolution at the crack tip, a less aggressive crack chemistry development, and thus lower levels of H production. A close correlation between the open circuit potential of the bulk surface and the crack growth kinetics was observed for environments without a set potential, and correlates well with known potential-dependent IG-SCC observations.
Reasons for non-attendance nutrition appointment among medically underserved community in Rural Mississippi
Authors: Alakaam Amir , Lemacks Jennifer , Parker Ashley 
Published: July 2018

Objective: This study sought to examine the reasons for nonattendance of nutrition appointments and explore the determinants that contribute to this phenomenon among medically underserved and uninsured individuals.Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with five sections questionnaires distributed at a healthcare clinic in a rural area in south Mississippi. Participants (n=346) were surveyed who had attended the clinic for a health appointment. Nutrition appointment attendance, reasons to miss a scheduled nutrition appointment, and effective appointment reminders were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were determined for the variables, Chi square and bivariate correlation tests were used to determine relationships between participants’ demographics, health conditions, and other variables.Results: About 87% of participants indicated that they had not attended a nutrition appointment and 26.8% indicated that they had missed a nutrition appointment. Most participants specified that forgetfulness (39%) and transportation problems (25%) were the most likely reasons to miss a nutrition appointment. Most indicated that a phone call would be the most effective appointment reminder. About half of participants believed the reason behind missing a nutrition appointment is that their physicians did not place importance on attending such appointment. No significant association or differences were found between the variables.Conclusion: Findings can be used to improve access to nutrition counseling among underserved patients, and to develop effective appointment reminders to decrease nonattendance rates. Future research is warranted to analyze the effect that nutrition appointments has on individual’s health.
Influência do zinco sobre o efeito do selênio na atividade da enzima δ-ALA-D de fígado, rim e cérebro de camundongos adultos in vitro
Authors: Barbosa Nilda Vargas , Rocha João Batista T. da 
Published: July 2018

Selenium is an essential dietary trace element and its deficiency can cause some pathologies such as cardiac diseases. However, investigations have evidencied the toxicologic effect of organic and inorganic selenium compounds in the organs and enzymes.The present work examined the toxic effect of selenium on δ-ALA-D an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of tetrapyrrol heme. A possible protective role of zinc on inhibitory effect of selenium was also evaluated. The organic selenium compound, (CH3)2C (Seφ) (0CH3) caused a dose dependent inhibition of renal, hepatic and cerebral δ-ALA-D (p< 0.01). Also was evidencied that the selenium and zinc interaction not was able to restore the δ-ALA-D activity inhibited by selenium but increasing the inhibitory effect from the compound on the renal and cerebral enzyme.
Racial Disparities in Genetic Detection Rates for Inherited Retinal Diseases
Authors: Abuzaitoun Rebhi O. , Branham Kari H. , Lacy Gabrielle D. , Hufnagel Robert B. , Kumar Meenakshi M. , Koskenvuo Juha W. , Tuupanen Sari , Durham Todd , Zhao Peter Y. , Abalem Maria Fernanda , Andrews Chris A. , Schlegel Dana , Khan Naheed W. , Fahim Abigail T. , Heckenlively John R. , Musch David C. , Jayasundera K. Thiran 
Published: November 2024

ImportanceThe association of race and detection of pathogenic variants using wide-panel genetic testing for inherited retinal diseases (IRD), to our knowledge, has not been studied previously.ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic detection rates of wide-panel testing in Black and non-Hispanic White patients with IRDs.Design, Setting, ParticipantsThis 2-group comparison used retrospective patient data that were collected at the University of Michigan (UM) and Blueprint Genetics (BG). At UM, inclusion criteria included having a clinical IRD diagnosis, wide-panel genetic testing, and both parents and the patient self-identifying as the same race (Black or non-Hispanic White). Logistic regression analysis was used; the dependent variable was genetic test result (positive or negative/inconclusive) and the independent variables were race, age, sex, phenotype, and number of genes tested. In the BG database, patients with wide-panel testing and self-reported race were included; detection rate comparison analysis based on race was performed using χ2 test of independence. These data were analyzed from October 30, 2013, through October 26, 2022.Main Outcome and MeasureGenetic test result was considered positive if pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were detected.ResultsA total of 572 patients were included in UM, 295 were males (51.6%). Mean age was 45 years. There were 54 Black patients (9.4%) and 518 White patients (90.6%). Black race (odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.14-0.46; P &amp;lt; .001) and age (OR per 10 years, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92; P &amp;lt; .001) were independently associated with decreased odds of a positive test. In the BG database, 142 of 320 of Black patients (44.4%) had a positive/likely positive test result, a proportion lower than White patients (1691 of 2931 [57.7%]) (χ2 = 18.65; df = 1; P &amp;lt; .001).Conclusions and RelevanceResults from this study highlight a lower genetic detection rate for Black patients than for White patients with IRDs. This supports a concern that the current development of IRD therapeutics is highly dependent on the ability to identify the genetic cause of disease. Patients with no known genetic diagnosis may be disadvantaged in terms of prognostication, inheritance counseling, reproductive decision-making, and eligibility for potential therapeutic options, including clinical trials. As future treatments become available, these findings suggest the need to examine the genetic detection rates across majority and minority subgroups alike.
Super Moisture‐Sorbent Sponge for Sustainable Atmospheric Water Harvesting and Power Generation
Authors: Guo Hanyu , Luo Qingliang , Liu Dong , Li Xiangyu , Zhang Chentian , He Xinyang , Miao Changling , Zhang Xueping , Qin Xiaohong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSorption‐based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) shows great promise to mitigate the worldwide water scarcity, especially in the arid regions. Salt‐based composite materials are the extensively used sorbents for SAWH, however, they suffer from complex preparation to avoid salt leakage. Furthermore, the significant amount of heat produced during water harvesting process is often neglected and wasted. Herein, an integrated strategy is developed to synthesis salt‐based stable super moisture‐sorbent sponge by using the chelation of LiCl and dopamine (DA), and the simultaneous polymerization of DA on melamine sponge (PMS). The as‐prepared LiCl/PMS/CNTs showed high water uptake, reaching 1.26 and 1.81 g g−1 at 15% and 30% RH, respectively, and no salt leakage is observed during the water absorption process. Remarkable daily water production of 3.47 kg kg−1 day−1 in an arid environment (30% RH) is achieved. Moreover, a dual‐function system is successfully constructed by combining the LiCl/PMS/CNTs with a thermoelectric module to fully utilize the heat generated from the SAWH process, which can realize the simultaneous production of fresh water and electricity. The maximum output power density is up to 35.4 and 454.4 mW m−2 during the water absorption and desorption process, respectively.
Advanced DNA–Gold Biointerface for PCR‐Free Molecular Detection of Leishmania infantum
Authors: Calorenni Paolo , Bella Giovanni , Nicolò Marco Sebastiano , Sciuto Emanuele Luigi , Balli Maria Vittoria , Valenti Giovanni , Gritti Tommaso , Varani Stefania , Prodi Luca , Conoci Sabrina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPCR‐free approaches are the most promising technologies for molecular point‐of‐care (PoC). In this context, the detection of not amplified genetic targets through electro‐optical transduction is successfully investigated. While PCR‐free approaches are widely studied, there are only a few studies investigating the factors that modulate both the kinetics and the effectiveness of target capture. Among these, the probes grafting density and the isoelectric properties of the biointerface are crucial since they conditionate the charge field around biomolecules during and after the target recognition. In this work, an experimental and theoretical study of a gold biointerface functionalized with oligonucleotide probes is presented for the direct detection by cooperative hybridization of the kinetoplast (k)DNA of Leishmania infantum(LI). The biointerface is characterized by surface free energy (SFE) analysis and contact angle (CA) to investigate the grafting of probes and the surface isoelectric properties upon the duplex formation with the genetic target. Experimental data are compared with a theoretical model, based on the prediction of adsorption energies, which effectively reflects the charge profile of the functionalized surface. Lastly, the biointerface is characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the sensing performances assess in the frame of its suitability for PoC applications.
Immune Checkpoints in B Cells: Unlocking New Potentials in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Shi Xiaoye , Cheng Xiangshu , Jiang Aimin , Shi Wenjie , Zhu Lingxuan , Mou Weiming , Glaviano Antonino , Liu Zaoqu , Cheng Quan , Lin Anqi , Wang Linhui , Luo Peng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractB cells are crucial component of humoral immunity, and their role in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) has garnered significant attention in recent years. These cells hold great potential and application prospects in the field of tumor immunotherapy. Research has demonstrated that the TME can remodel various B cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, antigen presentation, and antibody production, thereby invalidating the anti‐tumor effects of B cells. Concurrently, numerous immune checkpoints (ICs) on the surface of B cells are upregulated. Aberrant B‐cell IC signals not only impair the function of B cells themselves, but also modulate the tumor‐killing effects of other immune cells, ultimately fostering an immunosuppressive TME and facilitating tumor immune escape. Blocking ICs on B cells is beneficial for reversing the immunosuppressive TME and restoring anti‐tumor immune responses. In this paper, the intricate connection between B‐cell ICs and the TME is delved into, emphasizing the critical role of targeting B‐cell ICs in anti‐tumor immunity, which may provide valuable insights for the future development of tumor immunotherapy based on B cells.
Local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity drive leaf trait variation in the California endemic toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Authors: Thomas Laurel G. , Prunier Rachel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPremiseTo survive climate change and habitat loss, plants must rely on phenotypic changes in response to the environment, local adaptation, or migration. Understanding the drivers of intraspecific variation is critical to anticipate how plant species will respond to climate change and to inform conservation decisions. Here we explored the extent of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in Heteromeles arbutifolia, toyon, a species endemic to the California Floristic Province.MethodsWe collected leaves from 286 individuals across toyon's range and used seeds from 37 individuals to establish experimental gardens in the northern and southern parts of toyon's range. We measured leaf functional traits of the wild‐collected leaves and functional and fitness traits of the offspring grown in the experimental gardens. We then investigated the relationships between traits and source environment.ResultsMost traits we investigated responded plastically to the environment, and some traits in young seedlings were influenced by maternal effects. We found strong evidence that variation in leaf margins is a result of local adaptation to variation in temperature and temperature range. However, the source environment was not related to fitness traits or survival in the experimental gardens.ConclusionsOur findings reiterate the adaptive role of toothed leaf margins in colder and more seasonally variable environments. Additionally, we provide evidence that fitness of toyon is not dependent on where they are sourced, and thus toyon can be sourced across its range for restoration purposes.
Trajectory Analysis of the Four‐Year Changes in Body Composition and Bone Mineral Characteristics Among Highly Competitive Male University Long‐Distance Runners
Authors: Kinoshita Norimitsu , Tokita Masaya , Okuyama Kenta 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study examined long‐term changes in body composition and bone mineral characteristics among male long‐distance runners from a high‐profile university team, focusing on concerns about impaired musculoskeletal development due to extreme leanness and weight management practices in this population.MethodsTrajectory analyses were performed using multilevel modeling of 608 dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry datasets from 109 runners (mean age, height, and weight of 18.0 years, 171.4 cm, and 56.8 kg at baseline, respectively) collected biannually over 4 years.ResultsLinear increases in total and regional lean mass (LM) were observed on average, with the increase in leg LM being double that of arm LM (0.07 vs. 0.03 kg per occasion, respectively). Similarly, total bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) exhibited linear growth on average, with BMD accrual being greater in the legs than in the arms (0.004 vs. 0.001 g/cm2 per occasion, respectively). However, rib BMD and BMC were predicted to decrease. Individually predicted growth rates in total LM were significantly associated with those in total BMD (r = 0.347, p < 0.001) and BMC (r = 0.424, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results indicate site‐specific musculoskeletal adaptations to intensive long‐distance running training. Moreover, a random slope model accurately captured the trajectories of most dependent variables, highlighting the heterogeneity of training responses. The predictive models developed in this study offer practical strategies for identifying runners at risk of suboptimal physical development, thereby facilitating the development of personalized conditioning programs.